Get To Know SOme "PIT BULL" Heroes...73 of them !

We've all read the horror stories, now read the hero stories! Jeff Theman and I have been keeping tabs on media reports of brave "pit bull" type dogs, and here are the stories we've found! We'll update this list as new stories come in. Enjoy!
(please note this is the temporary home for these stories; we will be moving the collection to our new advocacy site in the next few months!)
7/27/11 http://www.wzzm13.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=107779 - ASSAULT - Blitz saves woman from husband. (1)
7/27/11 http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp? S=12777922#.TjCekfrdUxM.facebook - FIRE - Thor alerts family of house fire . (2)
http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/indiana/pit-bull-saves-ind-family-from-fire - See above (not posted)
http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/98083109.html - see above (not posted)
7/27/11 http://www.newson6.com/story/10397551/protective-pit-bull-wins-dog-of-valor-award?redirected=true#.TjCfAYV7hhk.facebook - ATTEMPTED ROBBERY - DBoy takes 3 bullets from intruder, saves family, wins award. (3)
http://www.news9.com/story/9494086/family-dog-takes-bullet-to-save-family?redirected=true - See above (not posted)
7/27/11 http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Diamond-the-Hero-Dog-121291194.html - FIRE - Diamond alerts family of house fire, presented award. (4)
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/05/04/pit-bull-named-spcalas-hero-dog-of-the-year/ - See above...(not posted)
http://www.wbaltv.com/video/27798107/detail.html - See above...(not posted)
http://www.wlbz2.com/news/article/158379/108/Pit-bull-saves-family-from-fire-but-cant-find-new-home - See above (not posted)
http://www.ktvu.com/news/25986606/detail.html - see above...(not posted)
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8113149 - see above (not posted)
http://www.wbir.com/news/article/162028/141/Hero-dog-now-homeless-because-shes-a-pit-bull - see above (not posted)
7/28/11 http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=6625698 - LAW ENFORCEMENT - Elliot Ness helps Chicago (Cook County Sheriff's Office) in cadaver sniffing. (5)
http://cookcountysheriff.org/press_page/press_k9pressRelease_01_26_09.html - see above (posted press release)
7/28/11 http://www.king5.com/news/local/Pitbull-on-Patrol-88957032.html - LAW ENFORCEMENT - Neville helps Washington State Patrol in drug and bomb sniffing. (6)
7/28/11 http://www.ci.milwaukie.or.us/police/milwaukies-new-k-9-goes-prime-time - LAW ENFORCEMENT - Shaka introduced to Milwaukie, Oregon Police Department for drug sniffing (press release only). (7)
7/28/11 http://www.cbp.gov/xp/CustomsToday/2002/October/k9.xml - LAW ENFORCEMENT - Popsicle helps US Customs in drug sniffing (press release only). (8)
7/29/11 http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090710/BREAKING/907109958 - ATTEMPTED ROBBERY - (Unnamed Pit Bull dog) saves family. (10)
7/29/11 http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/19117029.html - ASSAULT - Lily saves owner from boyfriend. (11)
7/29/11 http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/item_EECJdu49NXvQGyUZd3D0WP#.TjN8FFff8ic - ASSAULT - Blue saves 7 year old girl from sexual assault by Perv. (12)
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2007/07/07/2007-07-07_pit_bull_saves_girl_from_perv.html - See above (not posted).
7/29/11 http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=6690057 - FIRE - Ace alerts family of fire. (13)
7/30/11 http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/08/pit-bull-saves.html - SAVES KITTENS - Angel saves a litter of kittens. (14)
7/30/11 http://www.katu.com/news/local/99553644.html - FIRE - Grizzly wakes family up and saves from fire. (15)
http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/99575089.html - see above (not posted)
7/30/11 http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_4095627 - SAVES BOY - Destiny saves boy from potential abducter. (16)
7/30/11 http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/24466747/detail.html - SAVES DOG - 2 unnamed Pit Bulls save Chihauhua from coyote attack. (17)
7/31/11 http://www.click2houston.com/news/11702190/detail.html - FIRE - Unnamed Pit Bull saves family of 6 from house fire. (18)
7/31/11 http://www.ksla.com/story/3538217/pit-bull-alerts-owner-to-house-fire? redirected=true - FIRE - Stormy alerts family of fire. (19)
7/31/11 http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100820owner_dog_was_my_hero_during_knife_attack/ - ASSAULT - Princess saves owner from boyfriend knife attack. (20)
7/31/11 http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Pit-Bull-Saves-Family-of-Five.html - FIRE - Jasmine saves family from house fire. (21)
8/1/11 http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/pit_bull_saves_owner_from_atta/nmG5/ - ASSAULT - Unnamed Pit Bull stops boyfriend from attacking woman. (22)
8/1/11 http://youtu.be/b0dtuW_BjgU - THERAPY - Grant the library dog, listens to kids read. (23)
8/2/11 http://www.cbs12.com/video/v/73356775001/wpec-localnews - ROBBERY - Victor scares off an alleged car jacker. (24)
8/3/11 http://www.cbs12.com/video/v/73356775001/wpec-localnews - SNIFFING DOG -Layla, the peanut sniffing Pit Bull (finds peanuts for life threatening allergy). (25)
8/4/11 http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-07-27/news/29836879_1_pit-bull -puppy-cheyenne-divine-intervention - SAVING SUICIDE - Cheyenne saves military vet from suicide. (26)
8/5/11 http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/Dogs_Bitten_Alert_Family_to_Rattlesnake_126814898.html#.Tjy7NgRV_6s - SAVES CHILD - Layla (Pit Bull) and Jackson (GSD) alert family of rattlesnake where 3 year old son was playing. (27)
8/6/11 http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=7453902&syndicate=syndicate§ion - FIRE - Baby saves owner and 2 dozen cats and dogs at humane society from fire. (28)
8/7/11 http://addins.kwwl.com/blogs/cubbietails/2010/08/pit-bull-saves-woman -and-child-from-attacker - ASSAULT - Unnamed Pit Bull saves woman and child from attacker. (29)
8/9/11 http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/02/19/Hero-dog-saves-11-from-burning/1235087866.html - FIRE - Chaos saves 11 people from house fire. He unfortunately died in it. (30)
8/10/11 http://www.wlbt.com/story/6602471/pit-bull-emerges-hero-in-house-fire#.TkMu18sZYMU - FIRE - Pepper saves family from fire and 4 other dogs too. (31)
8/11/11 http://www.12newsnow.com/story/13181115/family-dog-saves-family-as-home-burns-to-ground?redirected=true#.TkSSKG-UfjN - FIRE - Unnamed Pit Bull saves family from mobile home fire. He and another dog dies in it. (32)
8/12/11 http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/pit-bulls-go-to-work-as-therapy-dogs - THERAPY - Group of therapy Pit Bulls (Luv a Bull) visit children. (33)
8/12/11 http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/category/watch-listen/video-on-demand/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5129010&flvUri&partnerclipid - THERAPY - Leo (former Vick dog) visits cancer patients in hospitals. (34)
http://www.11alive.com/life/pets/story.aspx?storyid=117374 - see above (posted)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25214356/ns/health-pet_health/t/beaten-down-dog-vick-case-has-his-day/ - see above (posted)
8/13/11 http://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/pit-bull-visit-lifts-police-spirits/article_4046bece-8e1b-550e-8c1d-edb1b5f71929.html - THERAPY - Elle visits Police Officers to lift spirits. (35)
8/14/11 http://sdnews.com/bookmark/9096640/article-Rescued+Pit+Bull+Gives+Back+to+Community+as+Therapy+Dog#.TkhO39AhJIg - THERAPY - Cody, born deformed, gives back to community. (36)
8/15/11 http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=828240 - THERAPY - Ruby the therapy dog, battles cancer. She also has a book about her. (37)
8/16/11 http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/local_news/Pit-bull - THERAPY - Jasmine spreads joy at assisted living homes. (38)
8/17/11 http://articles.philly.com/1996-08-11/news/25644395_1_muffin-pet-therapy-pit-bull - THERAPY - Muffin the therapy dog. (39)
8/18/11 http://www.wtae.com/r/18337664/detail.html#.Tk2SIpDiB7I - THERAPY - Abby (owned by one of our interviews Maria Johnston) visits assisted living homes. (40)
8/19/11 http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2010/jul/23/pit-bull-joins-police-search-and-rescue-team-ar-162259/ - SAR - Unnamed Pit Bull search and rescue dog. (41)
8/20/11 http://www2.wjbf.com/lifestyles/2008/dec/06/investigators_pit_bull_stabbed_to_death_while_defe-ar-222176/ - ASSAULT - Maximus saves owner from an attack by brother in law. He was stabbed to death in the process. (42)
8/21/11 http://www.news4jax.com/news/18837417/detail.html - ATTEMPTED ROBERRY - Man (dogs name) scares off intruders during home invasion, gets shot, loses leg. (43)
8/22/11 http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=2872940 - FIRE - Otis saves family from fire. (44)
8/23/11 http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=6560000 - ATTEMPTED ROBBERY - Kola chases burgular, gets hurt. (45)
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=6560000 - see above (posted)
http://abcnews.go.com/US/AmazingAnimals/story?id=7587664&page=1#.TlROu9vgCfU - see above (posted)
8/24/11 http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Dog-is-best-friend-for-a-cat-in-trouble-917837.php - SAVE KITTENS - Phoebe saves a litter of kittens. (46)
8/25/11 http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/12/13/1197135649329.html - SAVES CHILD - Unnamed Pit Bull/Rottweiler mix saves boy from drowning. (47)
8/26/11 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150313035814124 - THERAPY - Rocco the therapy dog (video is only on facebook). (48)
8/27/11 http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,671301612001_2030797,00.html - SAVES OWNER FROM SUICIDE - Cheyene helps former military vet cope with PTSD. (49)
8/28/11 http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/family-dogs-saves-girl-fox-attack-12249930#.Tlro-pN3KJ8 - SAVES GIRL FROM FOX - Abby (Pit Bull) and Callie (Bassett Hound) save human sister from fox attack. (50)
8/29/11 http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/Dog-used-in-fights-becomes-therapy-helper-at-Berea-nursing-facility - THERAPY - Gremlin visits nursing homes. (51)
8/30/11 http://www.phil-islands.com/pit-bull-terrier-dog-saves-2-women-from- deadly-cobra - SAVES WOMEN FROM COBRA - Chief saves 2 women from cobra. (52)
8/31/11 http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Articles/HeroicPitties/CocotheHeroMay05.pdf - ATTEMPTED ROBBERY/ASSAULT - Coco chases intruder out of house. (53)
9/1/11 http://montclair.patch.com/articles/thankful-for-life-and-giving-back - THERAPY - Shelby teach kids about bullying. (54)
http://news.yahoo.com/students-talk-bullying-profiling-author-joe-dwyer-20110213-070100-428.html - see above (posted)
http://www.belladogmagazine.com/book-reviews/301-shelbys-grace-shelby-an-abused-pit-bull-finds-a-purpose-to-her-life-as-a-therapy-dog-after-being-rescued-from-a-shelter - see above (posted) (Pit Bull on cover of Bella Dog)
http://finance.bnet.com/bnet/news/read?GUID=16964650 - see above (posted)
9/2/11 http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9F01E0D7163EEE3ABC4F53DFB166838A639EDE - Stubby (pdf of newspaper article). (55)
9/8/11 http://www.woio.com/story/15414604/good-boy-dog-bites-attacker-helps-owner-get-away#.Tmlainf_iYE -ASSAULT - Cash fends off attacker. (56)
http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-dog-protects-pregnant-owner-from-attacker-elyria-txt,0,5995285.story - see above (posted)
9/10/11 http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7915616&syndicate=syndicate§ion - THERAPY - Sarge the therapy dog, also dog that inspired Elderbull name. (57)
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/02/03/free-spay-and-neuter-for-pit-bulls-and-pit-bull-mixes/ - see above (posted)
9/25/11 http://www.wtae.com/r/29297655/detail.html#.Tn_fGoLgm-w - SAVES ELDERLY WHO FELL DOWN - Cobain saves elderly woman who fell down hill. (58)
11/4/2011 http://www.khou.com/news/local/HFD-Pit-bull-credited-with-saving-family-from-burning-home-133231848.html - pit bull saves family from house fire (59)
11/14/2011 http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=8430744 - pit bull saves family from deadly carbon monoxide leak (60)
April, 2011 http://bslnews.org/2011/04/11/meet-gladys-another-pit-bull-hero/ (Gladys saves baby bunnies) (61)
11/18/2011 http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Pit-bull-saves-owner-from-fast-moving-fire/Ordn4wIIPEeWDqokgRrObQ.cspx?autoplay=1 (Bully Boy saves family from fire) (62)
11/23/2011 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11327/1191774-57-0.stm? cmpid=localstate.xml - Nola visits classrooms and helps children with their reading (63)
11/27/2011 http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Fire-damages-Louisville-home-- 134555673.html - dogs (at least one is a pit bull) alert man to a fire in his home. (64)
12/05/2011 http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/222998/ Casey a pit bull lab mix works as a therapy dog (65)
2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtAue-USGOc&feature=share (Rico, shot point blank to defend friends from a robber) (double check we don’t have this one) (66)
12/21/2011 http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-family-pitbull-helps-cops-put-car-thief-in-the-dog-house-20111220,0,1974295. story pit bull helps capture car thief (67)
12/22/2011 http://mobile.nola.com/advnola/pm_29227/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=RLPMwpZI (pit bull foils robbery) (68)
1/17/12 http://www.wtae.com/r/30221399/detail.html (Diamond woke her owner when a fire started in his apartment) (69)
2/3/2012 http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/breaking/Search-Under-Way-for-Missing-Canton-Girl-138605279.html (little girl wanders, pit bull credited with her safe return) (70)
2/7/2012 http://www.whiotv.com/news/news/local/pit-bull-saved-my-life-dayton-woman-says/nHXMm/ (Rella the pit bull took a bullet to protect her owner in a domestic dispute; incident happened in January, reported now) (71)
2/8/2012 http://www.cbs19.tv/story/16768688/2012/02/08/ web-exclusive (pit bull alerts family to fire) (72)
2/8/2012 http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-panola-co-grandfather-believes-family-pitbull-saved-his-grandson-20120208,0,6859883.story?track=rss (Sugar the pit bull keeps two year old Colby safe and leads rescuers to him) (73)

Way To Go CAPS Group.......

CAPS group says it will keep on protesting pet store

By Jeff Vorva Tribune reporter
CAPS and community members, shown Feb. 4, have been protesting an area pet store since November. (photo submitted by CAPS)
Whether it’s freezing and snowy or hot and humid, Kristen Kaminski said she is not going away.

Kaminski and her group, the Companion Animal Protection Society, has been hosting demonstrations outside the Orland Park Happiness Is Pets store on the 15600 block of South 94th Avenue periodically on weekends since November.

Group officials say that dogs from the store’s chain come from “puppy mills,” which leave many dogs with health and behavioral problems. In recent weeks, the Humane Society of the United States reported confirmation of two cases of distemper in puppies purchased from Happiness Is Pets stores in Naperville and Downers Grove.

Kaminski, of Manteno, said she bought a toy poodle, Roxy, two years ago from the Orland Park store and is worried that because of genetics, her dog could develop illness or die. Her group plans to continue the weekend picketing – including a demonstration Saturday at 1 p.m. on the sidewalk off the store’s property.

“We’ve had eight or nine demonstrations,” she said. “And I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. It would be great if they went humane but from what I’ve seen, that doesn’t seem possible. So I’m not going to stop until they are gone.”

Happiness Is Pets owner Ronald Berning did not return a message left at the Orland Park store seeking comment.

CAPS members have also picketed stores in some of the chain’s other locations.
Kaminski said she has had anywhere from 10 to 25 people join her and, for the most part, the demonstrations have been peaceful.

But things got heated Jan. 29 when Jonathan Berning of Lemont, owner Ronald Berning’s son, was arrested for simple assault after he allegedly confronted one of the protesters, Diana Arp.

He is scheduled to appear at the Bridgeview Courthouse Feb. 15.

Orland Park Police Cmdr. John Keating said an officer on the scene witnessed Berning run at the 46-year-old woman, point his finger inches from her face and yell at her in a “threatening and aggressive” manner.

Keating said the CAPS members were protesting peacefully – and legally – in the public right of way at the time. He said he had “no idea why” the younger Berning confronted Arp during the Orland Park Protest. “She was just one of the protesters,” he said.

Arp said protests have played a key role in shutting down a Happiness is Pets store in Oak Lawn and reducing profits at his other stores.

Kaminski said there were no incidents at a Feb. 4 demonstration.

According to the store’s website, the Better Business Bureau gives the Happiness Is Pets chain an A+. There is also a section on the website that features close to 100 testimonials about the store.

Orland Park Public Information Director Joe LaMargo said municipal electronic business records show the Orland Park Happiness Is Pets store has been operating since 1994.

– Dennis Sullivan contributed to this report

Pit Bull Protects Toddler Lost in Woods: MyFoxDFW.com

Blues Player Flies Plane 700 Miles To Rescue 3 Stray Dogs

Blues Player Flies Plane 700 Miles To Rescue 3 Stray Dogs

Have You Stopped By Your Local Shelter or Rescue Lately

BARK RESCUE Paw Festival Paws on Parade
Belleville Area Rescue of K-9's

The Teacup Puppy Phenomenon
BARK Store
As a rescue, we are amazed at so many people wanting to buy a so-called "Teacup" puppy. Thus the reason we are writing this piece concerning our views about the phenomenon of so many people wanting a "so-called teacup" puppy.

Puppies aren't toys; they are living breathing babies that need love and attention, not to spend half of their life in someone's HOT purse!

Please take the time to read this and educate yourself! The lives of many little dogs depend on you educating yourself, and others, not to buy into this phase.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

This is a topic that most assuredly needs to be brought to the attention of perspective puppy buyers.

Let's start out by saying "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "TEACUP" PUPPY".

With that in mind, let me say this; It seems as though there is a plethora of people who are insistent on buying tiny puppies in the 2 to 4 pound range. Also commonly referred to as a "Teacup puppy".

The word "Teacup" has been used to merely describe the size of a puppy, meaning it is very small and will probably be under the standard size which is 4 to 7 pounds for the Toy Group, Yorkshire Terrier breed. We cannot imagine anyone wanting anything smaller than that! Their bones are VERY fragile and can be broken by jumping off of a couch, falling off of a bed, being stepped on or worse.

Many breeders, while tacking a whooping price on a puppy, "claim" to breed so called "teacups" as if they were a breed all their own. Don't be fooled! They are NOT a breed of their own.

If a breeder says they specialize in "teacups" RUN, RUN, RUN for the hills! Most "TEACUP" puppies are in reality, a premature puppy.

Most females are bred on the ninth through the fifteenth day of their heat cycles. Eggs can be fertilized for up to 72 hours after any of these breeding's. Therefore, it is possible to have puppies conceived up to a week or so younger than the puppies first conceived in a litter. However, when the first puppies conceived are mature and ready to be born, labor starts and all the puppies will be born, no matter when they were fertilized.

Some of the problems that may be encountered are both genetic and congenital in these tiny babies and the list is a long one.

The risk of open fontanels (soft spot from the cranial bone not forming), portosystemic shunts (PSS- abnormal vessel that allows blood to bypass the liver. As a result the blood is not cleansed by one of the bodies filters: the liver.), hypoglycemia, cardiac problems, collapsing trachea, luxating patellas, Leggs Calves Perthes disease, seizures, hydroencephaly, blindness and digestive problems can be increased in these tiny babies.

Problems such as respiratory problems can remain or worsen throughout their lives. These babies frequently are so fragile that they do not live more than a few years. There have been several tiny Yorkies as adults who still had open fontanels and their owners had to carry nourishment with them all the time. Their vets have felt it unsafe to give a full dose of vaccine so the puppies had to get several injections to be on the safe side.

There is no such thing as a "tea cup" Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, or any other breed for that matter. They simply do not exist. "Tea-cup" is just a marketing ploy given by unethical and unscrupulous breeders to drive up the price of their puppies!


So called "Teacups" fetch anything from $1000 to $10,000! This is ridiculous and shameful! There are a lot of chronically, unhealthy puppies because unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills are inbreeding. Some poor darlings only live for a very, very short time!

They take the little teeny, tiny Yorkies and they breed 2 1/2 pounders with 3 pounders ... well, they’re playing with genetics. You should NEVER breed a female of any breed less than 5 pounds.

PLEASE educate yourselves before buying a tiny puppy whether it is a Yorkie or any other breed. You could be in for months or years of heartbreak not to mention staggering veterinarian bills!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! IF YOU WANT A HEALTHY PUPPY, DON'T FALL FOR THE TEACUP ACT!

I have a beautiful story I wanted to share with you all. It is a long
one, but worth the read. My purpose of sharing this story is to remind
everyone how working together and putting in a little effort, can be a
magical thing for the dogs we all try to save. This a touching tale of
2 different dogs, whose fate was remarkably changed by people coming
together for the sole purpose of saving their lives.
?
If you follow my emails, you will probably remember a little black pit
mix named Sugar. She was found as a stray, full of milk, babies
nowhere in sight. She ended up at a St. Louis area animal control
facility. There had been no offers on her, and when we were leaving
one day, we were informed that she as well as 2 others would be
euthanized in the morning due to lack of space. With only 15 minutes
to save their lives, I contacted a rescue friend who agreed to tag
them, and we would work something out for them by the morning. Later
that evening, a wonderful rescue group, Dont Bully My Breed, INC
posted her photo on their facebook page. A woman named Hannah from
Indianapolis, IN fell completely in love. Although she was reluctant
knowing the dog was rather far away, she pursued it anyway. She agreed
to be a foster to adopt, and passed the application process and home
visit with flying colors. Hannah waited patiently while Sugar
recovered from kennel cough and other minor health issues, and we made
arrangements for transport once Sugar had been spayed and vaccinated.
This past Thurs, a friend of mine and I traveled to Terre Haute, IN to
meet with Hannah so she could take Sugar home. Hannah and her friend
Leah drove off with a happy Sugar off to her new life. Sugar is doing
wonderful in their home with the 2 other dogs and couldn't be happier
in her new home! I have attached a picture of her in bed with her new
dog siblings!
?
Sugar's story is wonderful, but here is where a new story begins.
Saturday afternoon, I received an email from a local rescue friend
Tammi. A friend of hers in Indianapolis, IN runs a car dealrship. They
saw a young male pit mix, huddled in a corner outside, shivering. They
invited him in to the building, where he immediately came out of his
shell. He had some cuts around his neck from his chain, and was
missing the pads on his rear paws. This area is known for the extreme
gang activity, and there is also known pitbull fighting rings in the
area. It is a war zone, where on any given day, a dead body will
appear in an alley somewhere. The man knew he could not leave the dog
there, but had nowhere to take him. They would be leaving work in
about 3 hours, and without anywhere to go, the dog would be released
back onto the vicious streets, where he would likely die from freezing
to death, or picked up to be a bait dog. Knowing I had no rescue
contacts in Indiana, I contacted Dont Bully My Breed to see if they
had any contacts in the area. They were able to provide some contact
info, and I passed it along to Tammi. She contacted them and left a
message, but due to the urgency, we had to continue to work on it. It
was clear to me that I only knew one person in the whole state of
Indiana, who I had met for the first time on Thursday, Hannah, Sugar's
new mom. I thought it was worth a try and sent her a message asking if
any of her friends would be interested in keeping him safe until a
rescue could be found. Within minutes, Hannah called and said her
friend Leah who had come along for the ride on Thursday, was not only
interested in helping, but possibly adopting! They had been wanting to
adopt a rescue dog. I put Tammi and Leah in touch with each other, and
Tammi thoroughly explained that there was no history on this dog and
all precautionary measures that were needed to ensure her family's
safety as well as the dog's. Leah has 3 daughters ranging from 5 to 11
years old, and Tammi covered every aspect of making sure everyone was
protected. Within just a short time, Tammi had been in contact with a
rescue contact who picked the dog up, and began the 45 min journey to
Leah's house, not only for an introduction, but to evaluate the home
setting. As you will see, everything went better than planned. Leah
had immediately gone out and picked up a crate and everything she
needed to invite this dog into their home. This dog is now named
Bruno, and after a nice bath, he is spending this night cuddled up
next to his new parents in their warm, soft bed. Bruno will be getting
vetted next week, and he will now begin a new life of his own.
?
The moral of the story, is that even when things seem hopeless, reach
out and ask for help. Don't give up on these dogs, because you may be
their only link between life and death. When people work together and
focus their energy on each individual dog, you will see that so many
others will end up with a wonderful fate like these 2. If the rescue
had not posted Sugar on their facebook page, and Hannah seen her
picture, Bruno would not have stood a chance. It is a very small world
we are living in, and each positive action you take, may bring you
that much closer to helping another dog in need.
?
This was a good week, and I wanted you all to end your week with happy
and positive thoughts as well. Thanks to all of you who work so hard
to save dogs like these, in whatever way you do so. It is these
stories that keep us motivated to keep doing what we do! A special
thanks to Dont Bully My Breed, INC, Hannah, Leah, and Tammi for their
roles in saving these 2 precious babies.

This Is TO All THe Amazing People Who Go Out Of THeir Way To Help Animals and Others

Update On A Great Rescue Organization in St. Louis: ADOPT

Dear ADOPT Supporters,
I wanted send a quick note to keep all of you, our followers, up to date on the exciting things happening with ADOPT! We are doing well and our Board and volunteers have been very productive since we took over in April. We had a busy November and December. In November, we held our first trivia night and silent auction. A little over 300 people attended and we made over $10,000.00. Shortly there after, in early December, we were the featured charity at the Flyball event at Purina Farms. The event was both fun and successful!

ADOPT has been very busy helping Rescue groups rescue animals from JCAC (Jefferson County Animal Control). As a result of what the rescue groups and volunteers are doing, euthanasia has dropped to almost nothing at JCAC the past 4 weeks!!!

We have also been instrumental in helping JT set up a volunteer group to go out to JCAC and help walk dogs and clean kennels on weekends. It is a success getting adoptable dogs and cats more visibility to get rescued or adopted. We are always looking for volunteers to donate their time. Any help would be appreciated. Go to ShelterBuddies on facebook to see the good work these people are doing. We encourage and accept donations to help with costs for vetting, for rescues, boarding, and fosters.

The Jefferson Co. Pet Food Pantry is coordinated under ADOPT, and exists to help people who may be struggling financially with obtaining food for their pets. Debby Mikles is the President of that organization. Debby has been successful in helping many people who otherwise would not be able to afford food for their pets.

ADOPT helps to provide supplies to JCAC when needed. We are always looking for donations to assist us in the purchase of those items and help to offset their costs and provide items they otherwise can't get.

Last but not least, we are actively looking for property to get us on our way to opening a facility in Jefferson Co. We will keep you posted!

To keep up with what we are doing, go to www.adoptmo.com or visit our facebook page A.D.O.P.T. of Jefferson Co, Missouri. We are planning this year's fund raising events as we speak, and we have many fun things planned! We are in the process of firming up our dates and details, and we will send you our calender for the year very soon. We would love to see you (or to have your help!) at our events if you would like to assist us.

Thank you for your interest and let us know if you are interested in assisting us in any of our endeavors. We would gladly accept your help and/or donations with any of our projects. Our address is ADOPT P.O. Box 246 Arnold, Mo. 63010 for any donations and please contact us at info@adoptmo.com if you would like to volunteer.


Thank you,

Cherie B, ADOPT President

Smiling Dog Farms Is A Fabulous Organization....

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!

Ricky, Jay and all the many animals at Smiling Dog Farms thank you for your help!

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

Way To SPeak Up Jamie and Mark !!!

Gas Chambers Are Still Being Used To Kill Animals In Shelters

Despite public outcry over a Utah shelter cat who survived two attempts to euthanize by gassing, most states still allow animals to be put down in archaic, cruel gas chambers.
Click to automatically sign to protect shelter animals from this horror. »

When euthanasia by gassing works, it can take up to 25 minutes to end an animal's life. It is especially cruel to young, old, pregnant or sick animals -- the majority of most shelter populations.
Running gas chambers is more expensive than comparatively quick and painless euthanasia by injection, leaving less money in the shelter's budget for taking care of animals and maintaining the facility.

There is no excuse for this method of euthanasia to continue in any state.

God Bless Our Firefighters !!!

Women Sues To Prove Dogs Are 'Living Souls' not property

New York woman files lawsuit aiming to change a pet’s legal definition, recoup vet bills

By Scott Stump
TODAY.com contributor
When Elena Zakharova looks into the eyes of her puppy as it suffers from bad knees and achy hips, she does not see a defective product to be returned to the store for a refund.

The New York City resident believes Umka, her 1-year-old Brussels Griffon, is a living soul who feels pain and emotion. Now her attorney aims to prove it in court.

Zakharova has filed a civil suit in a New York court against the Upper East Side pet store that sold her a puppy who went on to develop numerous medical complications. The suit seeks to hold the store liable for the dog’s pain and suffering, as well as its medical bills, as if it were a person rather than an inanimate product.

Under New York law, pets are considered “property,’’ but the complaint is trying to change that definition. The ultimate goal is to help shut down the puppy mills, many of them based in the Midwest, that often mass-produce the animals sold in boutique pet stores like Raising Rover, where Umka was purchased.

Story: Larry, the Downing Street cat, is barred from private residence

“Don't call them property anymore,’’ Zakharova’s attorney, Susan Chana Lask, told TODAY.com. “They're not inanimate objects. They’re not tables. They’re not chairs. You don’t just throw them out.’’

“Umka is a living soul with a heart,’’ the suit reads. “She feels love and pain.’’
The ownership of Raising Rover has changed since Zakharova purchased Umka.

“I know nothing about the sale [of Umka]. The prior owner has all the records. We are very careful about where we get our puppies,” Raising Rover owner Ben Logan told the New York Daily News, which first reported the story of Zakharova’s unusual complaint. Logan declined to provide any information about the prior owner.

Zakharova is seeking compensation for past and upcoming surgeries and other medical treatment involved with Umka, which totals at least $8,000. She also wants a full return of the dog’s sale price plus interest since the date of purchase in February of last year. If Zakharova is awarded the money, she will donate it to an animal charity or animal-rights program, Lask said.
New York state currently has a “Puppy Lemon Law’’ that allows buyers to return a sick animal to a pet store within 14 days for a full refund. One objective of that law is to slow down puppy mills’ mass production of dogs that end up having heart conditions and other ailments. However, in a case like Umka’s, the medical issues did not become apparent for months after Zakharova purchased the dog. The suit claims Umka will never walk or run properly again after several surgeries.

“Umka suffers a disorder causing her pain, her legs hurt, she cries when she is in pain, she drags herself with her front paws, [and] she cannot run like other puppies,” the suit reads.

“The Puppy Lemon Law doesn't cut it,’’ Lask said.

If the definition of a pet is changed from that of property to an animate being with feelings, it could substantially change the amount of damages that could be awarded when an owner buys a defective dog born in a puppy mill, according to Lask. That could, in turn, have a chilling effect on pet stores buying animals from puppy mills out of fear of getting slammed with large payouts from lawsuits.

“It’s going to put a number on my dog’s broken hips that you created because you’re negligent, you’re greedy, and you’re mass-producing these puppies,’’ Lask said. “Right now, even if you return it, they just kill it, which is so inhumane.’’

Lask is an animal lover who owns a Chihuahua named Lincoln who was found to have a hole in his skull months after her purchase. That discovery led her to investigate the practices of shady puppy mills. She has waited six years to bring a case of this nature, fielding calls from other pet owners in the past, but felt Zakharova is the perfect client to help correct a larger issue.
The main issue will be proving to a judge that pets are living souls who experience feelings of pain and emotion.

“It’s a leap,’’ Lask said. “Human beings themselves have treated other humans as property in history before recognizing it was wrong. People will say this isn’t a human being, but they have a heart, so it’s not too much of a stretch to ask the courts to change the definition. Then we’ll see how quickly pet stores think twice before buying from puppy mills.
Story: To snag homes, shelter pets get glam makeovers

“It’s already a felony to abuse an animal. If I kick my Chihuahua and beat it, I’m getting arrested, so that animal has rights. If they have criminal rights, why not put rights on a damaged leg or a heart condition? If we’re not equating [an animal] to a human being, and we’re not equating it to a table, there has to be something in the middle.’’

Whether the suit is successful or not, it brings to light the practices of puppy mills and their damaging effects on animals and their human owners, animal rights advocates say.
Story: Deformed puppy, rescued from trash, learns to walk
“I don’t know where this case is going to go, but it’s good that it brings awareness that pets are not just a commodity and that we have to take this seriously,’’ said Sandra DeFeo, executive director of The Humane Society of New York. “We feel that animals are living, breathing beings, not a piece of furniture or inanimate object. People develop relationships and bonds with these animals, and you see how distraught they are when the animals pass away.’’

A 2011 investigation by The Humane Society of the United States revealed that Raising Rover, where Umka was purchased, was one of 11 upscale pet stores that purchased animals from Midwestern puppy mills with horrendous conditions.

Top Ten Reasons to Fix (SPAY OR NEUTER) Your Dog

1. You will save thousands of lives. Failing to spay or neuter is the biggest cause of pet overpopulation, suffering and euthanasia. Over 65,000 is the number of offspring one un-spayed/un-neutered dog and their mate intact can produce in about 6 years if none of their offspring are spayed or neutered.
2. There are not enough people to adopt all of the animals that are being created. Your unwanted litter will most likely end up in a shelter where it has a 50% chance to be euthanized.
3. Your dog will be better behaved, and less likely to roam, howl, spray and jump a fence.
4. Your dog will be healthier and happier. Fixed dogs have a longer expected lifespan and will have less chance of developing certain cancers and other life threatening illnesses.
5. You will save money. It is expensive to care for unwanted litters and the medial treatment associated with unfixed dogs have more medical problems. Rabies tag/ licensing fees are much lower in St. Louis City and County for fixed animals.
6. Your pet will be less likely to attract unwanted strays to your home or property.
7. You will eliminate female heat (menstrual) cycles and the inconvenience involved. Heat cycles can last up to four weeks.
8. Spayed and neutered pets are more adaptable to your home and family.
9. Spaying and neutering is a simple outpatient surgery with a quick recovery.
10. There are low cost spay and neutering programs available. Available ones in St. Louis:
Barc 314 435-1819 or barcspay@aol.com
Operation SPOT 314 995-8678 or www.opspot.org
HSMO 314 802-5700 or www.hsmo.org
St. Louis County Voucher Program 314 831-6500 or 314 726-6655

Groundbreaking Court RUling Takes Dogs Beyond "Property" Status....

Groundbreaking Court Ruling Takes Dogs Beyond “Property” Status; Major Pet Industry Groups Not Happy
A Texas appeals court ruling has given dogs increased status over other forms of property. The dog in this photo may actually be worth more than the table he is sitting on now.
A Texas appellate court has made the bold move of effectively taking dogs out of the “property” category and giving them increased legal status. It provides an updated reinterpretation of the law, which traditionally views pets as worth only their market value — like a table or a car.
The Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth overturned a lower court’s ruling that a couple whose dog was wrongfully euthanized was entitled to damages for only the dog’s monetary worth. The new ruling allows for a dog’s true worth to be considered.
“Dogs are unconditionally devoted to their owners. Today, we interpret timeworn supreme court law in light of subsequent court law to acknowledge that the special value of ‘man’s best friend’ should be protected,” the Court’s opinion stated.
With the ruling, the owners of the dog, Avery, could be entitled to damages for “sentimental” or “intrinsic” value. Avery escaped from his yard and was brought to an animal shelter. They went to claim him, but didn’t have enough money, so they made arrangements to return when they had it. Despite a “hold for owner” tag on Avery’s cage, a shelter employee euthanized him days before his number was up. When the couple came back to pay for Avery’s fee, they got the terrible news.

Ironically, in some instances dogs have not been given the same value even as some forms of property. If someone destroys family heirlooms that are of great sentimental value, even though the heirlooms may be nearly financially worthless, damages can be awarded because of their sentimental value. The new court ruling, for which the appellate justices cited a 120-year-old Texas Supreme Court decision as precedent, gives pets at least the same value as other items that are of negligible monetary value but great intrinsic worth.

“Because of the special position pets hold in the family, we see no reason why existing law should not be interpreted to allow recovery in the loss of a pet at least to the same extent as other personal property,” Justice Lee Gabriel wrote.

The shelter worker who ended Avery’s life will appeal the decision. She will be in some pretty powerful company. Surprisingly — at least at first glance — some of the top pet-industry organizations in the nation are adamantly opposed to the court’s decision. The American Veterinary Medical Association (whose well-done newsletter article is the main source for my post), American Kennel Club, the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Animal Health Institute, American Pet Products Association, and Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council are among those who filed briefs asking the justices to reconsider.

These groups say they fear that the liability from “pain and suffering” claims would cause pet service fees to have to increase greatly and make veterinary care unaffordable for many people with pets.

“If this becomes the law of the land, it will lead to higher costs to own a pet, disproportionally hurting middle-class and low-income pet owners. Who will pay for those higher damage awards? The rest of us pet owners, of course,” said Adrian Hochstadt, AVMA assistant director of state legislative and regulatory affairs. “The obvious consequences will include fewer people being able to own pets and, unfortunately, more animal abandonment.”
Opponents say the verdict “isolates the Second Court of Texas in American jurisprudence and … violated Texas Supreme Court law.” Legal experts say the case will likely end up in Texas Supreme Court. It will be interesting to watch this unfold. If the Supreme Court upholds the appeals court’s decision, what will the implications be across the nation and across animal law? Could it be the start of a sea change as to how dogs are considered and treated? Could it lead to stiffer punishments of those who abuse animals? Would it open the floodgates to frivolous lawsuits?
I was initially disillusioned when I learned that such major pet industry organizations were opposed to what seemed like something they’d support: that the value of a pet goes beyond its market worth. But they see this as opening the doors to all kinds of pricey lawsuits, so I guess I should not be surprised that they’ve come out swinging. I’m very interested in your thoughts on this, Dogsters. Also, if there are any legal experts out there who can weigh in, or who can offer some perspective on the case, I’d love to hear from you.

By: Maria Goodavage

What Is Skechers Thinking......???

It has come to our attention that Skechers has filmed a commercial at Tucson Greyhound Park showing greyhounds racing (and losing) against a smaller dog wearing the company’s shoes. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, appears in the ad -- which is intended to air during the Superbowl! Please sign this petition directed to Skechers, NBC and Mr. Cuban and ask them not to support the cruelty of dog racing.

At TGP, greyhounds are kept confined in small cages which are barely large
enough for them to stand up or turn around. They are fed raw 4-D meat, the meat of downed, diseased, disabled or dead livestock. This was documented in a recent video investigation and in news reports available on our web site at: http://grey2kusa.org/action/states/az.html

While racing, greyhounds face the risk of serious injury. According to the
Arizona Department of Racing, nearly 1,000 greyhound injuries occurred between
January 2007 and November 2009, the last year such records were made available to the public. To read more about injuries and Arizona greyhound racing in general, please see our 128-page report at http://grey2kusa.org/pdf/AZ2011.pdf

Ireland Rocks !!!!

Dogs and dog-lovers alike had reason for celebration on New Year's day in Ireland.
The country, once considered the Puppy Farm of Europe, banned puppy "farming" - aka puppy mills.New legislation went into effect as 2012 rolled around thanks to the efforts of campaigners who had fought to ban the inhumane conditions typically associated with commerical puppy breeding operations.The new laws aim to crack down on breeders who fail to maintain humane conditions for the dogs within their care.
Thanks to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act and the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill, breeders will have strict rules to follow which should ensure that the inhumane conditions of yesteryear can become nothing more than a distant memory.

Way to go Ireland!

Right now in Animal News: Police search for individuals that ran down geese

Currently in German shepherd news: Texas K9 killed in the line of duty

Recently in the news:
•Felony animal abuser gets 5 days in jail after killing puppy
•Romeo and Juliet - abandoned at a tree
•California shelter achieves no-kill status

If you are interested in adopting, fostering, or rescuing one of the many dogs at Dent County, please contact Ali at afoley5@slu.edu Please forward to your contacts who may be interested also.

A rural no-kill rescue is in desperate need of immediate assistance. Dent County Animal Welfare Society (DCAWS) is located in Salem, Missouri and brings dogs to St. Louis for adoption events almost every weekend. http://www.dcaws.org/

Since 1993, DCAWS has been the sole animal shelter in rural Dent County, Missouri -- there is no humane society or APA or any other publically-funded shelter. There is an animal control, but there is no pound -- all animal control dogs come to DCAWS. In a rural county where dog dumping is rampant and puppy mills are all over the place, DCAWS has managed to make Dent County a no-kill county. Now, DCAWS desperately needs help to keep going. The physical shelter is getting old and at the point where it risks not passing inspection. We have land for a new shelter but need to raise at least $200,000 to build the new shelter. The more immediate need is to move about 20 dogs as soon as possible as the shelter is too crowded. We are begging for fosters in or around sSt. Louis for about 20 dog. As a last resort, at this point we are also looking at transferring some dogs to other rescues (all dogs are vetted). We know that most other rescues are full and needing donations as well and we have made it by for the last 19 years, but unfortunately, we are now at a breaking point and are begging for some serious help in order to keep going. Without DCAWS and its very few dedicated volunteers and weekly trips to St. Louis, the dogs (and cats) of Dent County face a dire future. Please help us find a place for 20 or so dogs in the next few days!! This is urgent!! We are seeking adopters, fosters in/around St. Louis, rescues willing to take transfers (all dogs are vetted), and donations!! We could also use some volunteers to make the trip to Salem (probably some weekend very soon) to work on sprucing up the shelter until we can raise the funds to build the new shelter.

The available dogs and cats can be found at: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?N=&No=0&Ns=shelter_name%7C%7Canimal_type%7C%7Cpet_breed_1%7C%7Cpet_breed_2%7C%7Cidentifier&Ntk=shelter_id%7Crecord_type%7Cstatus&Ntt=MO227%7Cpet%7CA&distance=0&location=63105

If you can help in any way, please contact Ali at afoley5@slu.edu immediately. Thank you.

Pitbulls Are So Full of Love & Bring Such Joy to Their families

This is one of my fellow friends who adores his family and loves to snuggle. Please consider adopting a Pitbull next time you are thinking of adding to your family !!!

Need Clarity of What A Puppy MIll Is......

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has defined Puppy Mills as:
Breeders who do one or more of the following:
a) Fail to follow acceptable standards of breeding
b) Fail to provide vet care and husbandry
c) Fail to provide socialization
d) Fail to provide safe housing
e) Fail to maintain sanitary facilities
f) Fail to transport in humane and safe manner, or
g) Knowingly breed adult dogs with hereditary or genetic defects

Getting A Pet For Someone Else

People are advertising pets as "the perfect gift". Please remember that more than half of those gifted pets will end up abandoned in shelters or on the streets a few
months after they are given. Don't believe me? Visit your local shelter in January and February, or just take the time to ask someone who works there about it. It's disheartening to start the New Year with a flood of new arrivals when you know most of them won’t leave that building again alive. Spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, and various relatives: PLEASE be sure that the person you're giving a pet to is sure they want it and are ready for the responsibility, time, and money it takes to care for an animal, especially a puppy or kitten. If anything, consider giving an older, trained animal another chance with a new family. PARENTS!!! When you buy your child who is under 18 and still completely dependent on you a pet, you are buying yourself a pet! Legally you are responsible for that animal, so
be ready to pick up the slack if your kids "get bored" with their new pet or
find out that cleaning up poop is gross. Ask yourself if YOU want a pet and if
YOU are able to spare the time a pet will need. Remember: The difference between
a toy animal and a real one is the ability to experience pleasure and suffering.
That cute little puppy or kitten with the bow on his head is a life, and
10-15 year commitment, if you, or your recipient is not prepared, do NOT get
one, as a pup they have some chance of finding a home. If you bring them home, or gift them, and the new "parent" is not ready, you will sign the dog/cat’s death warrant, they will keep them till they are out of the cute stage, then, off to the
shelter.
A pet is a great joy and giving
an animal a home is a deed that can benefit all parties, but only if everyone’s
ready for it. PLEASE don't add to the 6 million plus animals euthanized in
shelters annually by not thinking things through.

"I AM A FOREVER DOG, NOT AN 'UNTIL DOG.'

I'm not an "until you get bored with me" dog.
I'm not an "until you find a girlfriend" dog.
I'm not an "until you have a baby" dog.
I'm not an "until you have to move" dog.
I'm not an "until you have no time" dog.
I'm not an "until I get old" dog.
I'm a FOREVER DOG.

Dog Named ‘Lucky’ Looking For A Fresh Start « CBS Denver

Dog Named ‘Lucky’ Looking For A Fresh Start « CBS Denver

This is To All The Fabulous Rescuers Out There That Work So TIrelessly Helping Animals In Need....

It is said that when animals die they don’t go to heaven, they go to the Rainbow Bridge where they wait for their owners. The area around the Rainbow Bridge is sunny, warm but not too warm, flowers, grass and all the animals have been restored to a youthful healthy state.
On one particular day it was unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge , this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before.
But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.
It wasn’t long before an elderly dog came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.
He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again! As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.
But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge .
With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly. They weren’t playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.
One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn’t understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.
“You see, that poor animal was abandoned by his owners. He was turned into a shelter just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of the shelter and passed on. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge. ”
The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, “So what will happen now?”
As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted.
Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.
“Watch, and see” said the second animal.
A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge.
They all crossed The Bridge together.
“What happened?”
“That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn’t place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge. ”
“I think I like rescuers,” said the first animal.
“So does GOD,” was the reply.

Cops: Bloody paw prints lead police to woman abusing dog

Cops: Bloody paw prints lead police to woman abusing dog

Aflatoxin recall Iams dog food | The Daily Tail | Dog & Cat Stories

Aflatoxin recall Iams dog food The Daily Tail Dog & Cat Stories
Aflatoxin recall Iams dog food
by Daniela Caride,
Publisher on December 6,2011
A couple of weeks ago, we published a chart with the codes of Iams pet food
that, rumor said, was being recalled because of high levels of aflatoxin. Iams
denied the recall, which later was identified as a “product pull” that one of
the distributors mistakenly leaked to the outside world. (A product pull is, as
I understand, what a company does when it pulls the product from shelves before
it’s sold to the public.)
But now it’s official — The incident has become a recall. Procter &
Gamble announced today it is retrieving a lot of dry dog food due to aflatoxin
levels detected above the acceptable limit. According to the company, the Iams
ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog food has already been retrieved from store
shelves, and no illnesses have been reported in association with this production
lot to date. But you can have one of those bags at home. The affected product
lot was distributed to retailers in the eastern United States (AL, CT, DE, FL,
GA, LA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, SC, VA). So, please check the codes on
your bags if you buy Iams dog food.
Here are the details about the product affected by this
announcement:

Product Name
Version
Code Date
UPC Code
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy dry dog foodwith Use By or Expiration
Dates of February 5 or February 6, 2013
7.0 lb bag
12784177I6
1901402305
8.0 lb bag
12794177D2
12794177D3
1901410208
17.5 lb bag
12794177K1
12794177K2
1901401848
If you purchased the Iams Smart Puppy listed above, stop using the product
and discard it immediately. For more information or refund, contact P&G
toll-free at 866-908-1569 (Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST)
or http://www.iams.com/.
Aflatoxin occurs from the growth of Aspergillus flavus and can be
harmful to pets if consumed in significant quantities. Some of the symptoms your
pet can show from aflatoxin poisoning are…
sluggishness
lethargy
reluctance to eat
vomiting
yellowish tint to the eyes or gums
diarrhea
If your dog has any of those symptoms and is eating this food,
please take him to the vet immediately. Aflatoxin poisoning can be
deadly.

NBC COCKER INTERVIEW WITH THERESA.AVI

If You Are Concerned About A Breeder or Pet Store ....

Contact the Puppy Mill Tip Hotline: 877- MILL TIP Dog Fighting Tip Hot Line: 877-TIP HSUS
Contact the Missouri Dept of Ag: Patti will answer the phone but Matt Rolled is the Lead Investigator 573-751-3076 matt.rold@mdz.mo.gov

(there is a form that you fill out and you will need the exact address where this place is)
Contact Tim Ricky with the A.S.P.C.A. - Tim has been great here in Missouri 646-599-2742 timr@aspca.org

It is so important you report sick puppies you have purchased or questionable breeders as Missouri is the # Puppy Mill State !!!

Take A Moment to Watch This Video....so important !!!

iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h5mEGU70LEI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Operation Spot

Operation SPOT has donated straw bedding to be distributed to St. Louis area pet shelters for dogs that must remain outdoors during the winter. The shelters will give the straw at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Among the shelters are St. Louis City Animal Control at 1520 Market St. in downtown St. Louis, and the St. Louis County Animal Shelter at 10521 Baur Blvd. in Olivette. Call the city shelter at 314-657-1500 or the county shelter at 314-615-0650.

A limited number of dog houses also will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. SPOT is seeking dog houses; to donate one, call Operation SPOT at 314-995-8678 or call one of the shelters.

SPOT is an acronym for Stop Pet Overpopulation Today.


Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/life/free-straw-bedding-available-for-dogs/article_e3ffe5ce-6b4b-5a22-a387-b0cca1074b89.html#ixzz1ffl8Pfx6

HSUS Update.....

As we approach the finish line for 2011, a year which has seen its share of highs and lows for Missouri animal welfare advocates, our December issue highlights two stories which run the gamut from deceit and greed to compassion and service. We start with a tale from the dark side...about an East Coast connection to Missouri puppy mills. Then, on a more uplifting note, you'll learn about recognition for all the hard work done by The HSUS team on behalf of animals nationwide.


NYC Area Pet Stores Dupe Puppy Buyers, Support MO Puppy Mills

Missouri puppy mills are in the news yet again, exposed recently on NBC for exporting their misery to upscale pet stores in the New York City area. An HSUS investigation found that more than 100 pet stores around NYC metro bought over 3,000 puppies from Missouri puppy mills over a four-month period. Knowing that many prospective puppy buyers these days are aware of abuses in puppy mills, these retailers told consumers that the dogs were from small "private breeders." On the list of suppliers to these stores are several breeders from HSUS' Dirty Dozen, the "worst of the worst" of Missouri breeders.

This story exposes the nationwide reach and impact of Missouri's puppy mill industry, which is now exporting its cruelty, heartache, and economic pain (due to often enormous vet bills) to pet-loving families coast to coast. An HSUS investigator, along with businessman Lorenzo Borghese from ABC's "The Bachelor," went undercover as "shoppers" and caught sales staff at 11 NYC-area pet stores making misleading claims about the origin of their puppies. Learn more about this investigation here, including the disturbing video, and please share it with your friends on Twitter and Facebook. This story further highlights the need to be an educated puppy buyer, and to always first consider adopting your new best friend from a known local shelter or rescue group.

HSUS Ranked #1 for Animal Protection by Philanthropedia

On a much-welcomed positive note, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was recently recognized by Philanthropedia, which ranks nonprofits in a variety of areas, as the Top Nonprofit for National Animal Welfare, Rights, and Protection for 2011. The ASPCA came in 2nd place, while the PetSmart Charities finished 3rd, and the Best Friends Animal Society came in 4th place. Read the full Philanthropedia report here.

There is a quote attributed to Mohandas Gandhi which goes: "The greatness of a nation, and its moral progress, can be judged by the way it treats its animals". It is heartening to know that countless staff and volunteers in numerous animal welfare organizations, such as those mentioned in this report, are working hard to keep the United States a great nation...at least as defined by the Mahatma.

We wish you and your family, both two-legged and four-legged, a very Happy Holidays!
Humane Society of the United States - Missouri PO Box 300176 St. Louis MO 63130

Please Remember Your Dogs Get Cold Too This TIme of Year !!!

Happy Thanksgiving From Noah's Village Animal Rescue

Help us .... "Spread the Spirit of the Ark!
Dear Friend,

There's so much to be thankful for ... wonders never cease! We do hope that your Thanksgiving Holiday is very special and you have time to reflect on all the things that you also are thankful for!


I'm so very thankful for our rescue partners who have helped us throughout the year finding the special forever homes for all of our pooches.... also a very special thanks to all of their volunteers and foster families who have shared their love and homes with our pooches until they are placed with their families. In the past year we've relocated just over 200 displaced pooches from Missouri to their new families from Florida to New York City, New Jersey to Billings Montana and Northern Illinois to Colorado.


A special thanks to those of you who have donated your time, gathered supplies for us and have given their financial and emotional support. Without you we could not have saved the lives of so many wonderful pooches.


We're looking forward to "2012" as we progress to engage in exciting programs for
the people and animals of Missouri .... BIG things are coming! Won't you join us and
help .... "Spread the Spirit of the Ark"?

Peace, blessings and joy!

Pat Arbuthnot
Director
Noah's Village Animal Rescue

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part IV

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part IV

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part III

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part III

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part III

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part III

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part II

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part II

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part II

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part II

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part II

Fox Files: The Animal Business. Part II

Fox Files: The Animal Business Part I

Fox Files: The Animal Business Part I

KATHY BAUCK’S LICENSE PERMANENTLY REVOKED

Small national non-profit helps to permanently shut down a large and inhumane puppy mill operation.

Kathy Bauck’s license was permanently revoked on September 14, 2011. The agreement – known as a consent decision – also permanently disqualified Bauck from obtaining an Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license or registration. This decision effectively prevents her from engaging in the commercial production and resale of dogs to pet shops and Internet sellers.

Members of her family – known to be involved in her many ventures – were also fined and permanently disqualified from licensing with the USDA. Her husband, Allan, was fined $100,000 (of which $5,000 was to be paid within 25 days of the order and $95,000 would be held in abeyance – in case of violation). Kathy’s daughter, Corinne Peters, and her sister, Janet Jesuit, were fined $50,000 each (payment of $5,000 with $45,000 held in abeyance as well).

They also agreed to a disbursement sale of most of the dogs under their custody or in their premises. They could only keep six dogs of which three may be unspayed females. All of the unsold dogs had to be donated to a shelter or rescue. On September 21, 2011 they had to file a notice with the hearing clerk corroborating their compliance with the ruling.

In 1997, CAPS began investigating Kathy Bauck, the owner and operator of Pick of the Litter in Minnesota. Bauck, one of the largest USDA-licensed dog brokers and breeders in the U.S, sold thousands of dogs to pet shops and Internet buyers across the country. A CAPS undercover employment investigation in the spring of 2008 revealed Bauck’s facility held 900 adults dogs and approximately 400 puppies. The undercover video shot by the CAPS investigator showed sick, wounded, emaciated and dying dogs.

Based on the evidence collected by the CAPS investigator, a jury convicted Bauck on March 24, 2009 of four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and torture. However, the judge sentenced her on only one of the counts; she received a 90-day sentence, reduced to 20 days of work release; a $500 fine, reduced from $1,000; 80 hours of community service and one year of probation.

On August 13, 2009, the USDA/APHIS filed a Motion for Summary Judgment requesting the termination of Bauck’s license. CAPS believes this judgment was due in part to our petition for rulemaking mandating automatic termination of license upon an animal cruelty conviction. Following Bauck’s appeal, APHIS’ response to her appeal, the Judicial Officer’s Order and Decision in December 2009 terminating Bauck’s license and a subsequent termination stay based on Bauck’s federal appeal, the USDA officially terminated Bauck’s license in June 2010, effective two months later.

CAPS turned over evidence to the USDA and dealt directly with the lawyers for the USDA’s Office of General Counsel who handled the Bauck investigation and case since 2008. The USDA filed a complaint on December 7, 2010 and an amended complaint on June 5, 2011 that incorporated the evidence provided by CAPS. The hearing in Fargo, ND was scheduled for the week of November 14.

Despite all the evidence against Bauck, her conviction and license termination, CAPS received complaints in 2010 and 2011 about sick puppies purchased at pet shops in Long Island. The complaints showed that Bauck sold puppies to pet shops after her USDA license cancellation on August 16, 2010. Interstate health certificates proved that Bauck, using her maiden name and a business name, sold dogs to various Long Island pet shops. Some of these certificates even listed a fabricated pet shop in New York City – Canine Culture Center – as a consignee.

With the help of a local Minnesota organization, CAPS kept Bauck under the spotlight. We tracked Bauck’s shipments for a number of years and uncovered that she sold nearly 1,400 puppies to locations in New York. CAPS own undercover investigations of these pet shops revealed stores that refused to disclose the source of their puppies – in violation of the New York pet shop lemon law – or provided limited information after putting down a deposit. Bauck told the investigator that she was “partnered with” and family friends with the owners of at least two of the pet shops. CAPS submitted their findings to the USDA and state agencies in New York, as formal complaints.

For more information, photos and video visit www.caps-web.org or click on the links below.

Missouri Debate Over Dog Breeding Continues...

Associated Press Posted: Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:48 am (2) Comments
Debate over Missouri's dog breeding industry and the regulations governing it has weaved through the ballot box, the floors of the state House and Senate and the state Department of Agriculture. And the discussion is not done yet.
Several humane groups have voiced concerns that increased costs for the state licenses of animal shelters could cause financial problems for those facilities. Shelters lost an exemption from the licensing fees under a law approved last year, and the license charges for shelters, commercial breeders, kennels and others was increased this year from a maximum of $500 to up to $2,500.

"It's horrible public policy," said Barbara Schmitz, the Missouri state director for the Humane Society of the United States. "Shelters and rescue groups are nonprofit organizations. They're performing a community service. They are taking in animals that have no homes."

Schmitz and other critics, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, call it a "tax" and warn that it could force some shelters to close. Schmitz said opponents are pursuing several options, including a lawsuit that they filed earlier this year in the Capitol's home of Cole County and changes through the Legislature.

Meanwhile, commercial breeders said many of the dogs cared for in shelters did not come from their industry and that the state's shelters should help licensed breeders bear the financial cost of Missouri's regulation efforts.

"We believe that it's only fair for those facilities to pay their fair share as well," said Karen Strange, the president of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners.

It is another example of the disagreement that has bubbled up from heightened attention paid to dogs during the past several years in Missouri.

Last year, voters approved a ballot measure that created new rules for the breeding industry, which included a limit of 50 breeding dogs and care requirements for the dogs. It passed with about 52 percent of the vote with supporters in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas outweighing opponents in rural areas and was backed by several organizations including the Humane Society of the United States. Opponents argued that the new rules would force the end of Missouri's dog breeding industry.

Before the new rules could take effect, state lawmakers stepped in and this year approved legislation first replacing much of the ballot measure and then implementing an agreement between state-based agriculture groups and animal welfare groups. The new state legislation included the higher licensing fee and required that the state Department of Agriculture update its regulations for dogs.

Breeders and welfare groups have quibbled with a few parts of those new rules. Organizations that include the Humane Society of the United State and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also have raised objections to portions of the final rules that deal with flooring, space, outdoor access and exercise requirements. The Missouri Federation of Animal Owners sought changes to how required veterinary examinations would be handled.

State agriculture officials said they held public meetings and reviewed thousands of comments in developing the final rules. The state agency said it was appointing a panel of veterinarians to monitor the effects of the new regulations and propose future changes.

"We take our role in animal care very seriously, and these rules are an integral part of ensuring that our licensed, professional breeders have the clear guidelines they need to move forward," Missouri Agriculture Department Director Jon Hagler said in a written statement that was released when the rules were finalized.

However, new state regulations do not mean no more discussion.

Fallout from the 2010 ballot measure on dog breeding could lead to a new initiative before voters next year. A couple groups that supported last year's measure joined a new organization that is pursuing a constitutional amendment in 2012 to require a three-quarters majority vote for the Legislature to amend or repeal voter-approved laws unless the changes are referred to the ballot for a vote or the initial ballot measure allowed lawmakers to make changes by a majority vote.

Dog breeders and others said they too are ready to continue the debate if necessary. Strange said they would "actively pursue the protection of agriculture." She said there were no specific proposals or plans for a possible encore but that all their options were under consideration.

Plenty of prospects for future disagreement remain. Nonetheless, there is some agreement that things have gotten at least a little better.

Strange: "We will see a greater improvement in the industry. I believe that when the public purchases a puppy from Missouri they can feel assured that they are getting a healthy, well-socialized, well-raised new member of their family. We now have in place rules and regulations that can be enforced. Plus, we have criminal penalties in place for those who operate outside the law or substandard facilities. We now have an assurance that our animals are the best in the nation."

Schmitz:: "We believe that progress has definitely been made. Improved veterinary care provisions is definitely a step forward. We are appreciative of that effort. There is still a lot of work to be done and we go forward."

And that could mean new discussions for Missourians to sort out.
EDITOR'S NOTE _ Chris Blank has covered state government and politics for The Associated Press since 2005.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/missouri-s-debate-over-dog-breeding-continues/article_002f1361-16e1-5abf-932b-5183cd5e80df.html#ixzz1dgbA0K8l

Pitbulls Make Fabulous Pets !!!

Love this and what dog owner can't relate to this.....

These adorable slippers can be purchased at Macy's and $10.00 of the cost goes to animal rescue !!!

American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards

The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ presented by Cesar Canine Cuisine celebrates the powerful relationship between dogs and people. Eight extraordinary canine finalists, selected in a nationwide online search, will be honored at this red-carpet star-studded award gala for their remarkable devotion, bravery, and companionship. Each of these incredible dogs represents one of the many categories of working dogs, including service, therapy, military, law enforcement and arson, hearing, guide, and search and rescue. Join host Carson Kressley, along with Betty White, Peter Fonda, Paula Abdul, Faith Ford, Olivia Munn and many more for this unique celebration of our four-legged heroes and the many ways they enrich and save our lives every day.

To find out about each of the Hero Dog Award categories, inluding Emerging Hero Dogs, click here.

On November 1, 2007 Tony La Russa was awarded the American Society for the Prevention ofals' (ASPCA®), prestigious Henry Bergh Founder's Award at the organization's annual Humane Awards Luncheon in New York, New York. In 1866, Henry Bergh founded the ASPCA®, the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere granted the authority to enforce local animal protection laws. Today, the ASPCA has over 1,000,000 members and donors nationwide, and continues to create national programs to prevent cruelty to animals. The Henry Bergh Founder's Award is presented annually to an individual who has worked most of their lives to improve the health and welfare of animals.

Tony La Russa makes his off-season home in Alamo, California with his wife, Elaine; their two daughters Bianca and Devon, one bunny, five dogs, five mice and 14 cats.
ARF - Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
www.arf.net
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