I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
 
 

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May 3rd Broadway Barks Event in New York City

May 3, 2010

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Dylan’s Candy Bar

1011 3rd Avenue at 60th Street

Manhattan

Join Bernadette Peters on Monday, May 3rd at Dylan’s Candy Bar (1011 3rd Avenue at 60th Street) from 3 to 5 PM for a special celebration of her new children’s book, Stella Is A Star. Ms. Peters will read from the book, perform her original song called “Stella’s Song” and sign copies of the book. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book benefits Broadway Barks.

Win a chance to walk onstage with Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore at Broadway Barks on July 10, 2010!

From 3 to 5 PM, enter to win the opportunity to walk onstage with Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore as well as an adoptable pet at the 12th Annual Broadway Barks Adopt-a-thon in Shubert Alley on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Raffle tickets are $10 each with all proceeds benefitting Broadway Barks.

Following the book signing, Ms. Peters will select one lucky raffle entrant as the winner of the walk-on appearance at the 12th Annual Broadway Barks Adopt-a-thon. The selected winner need not be present at the time of the drawing to win.


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Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet Announces Site in Texas for Organization’s First Military & Veterans Pet Sanctuary

You may remember this story:
http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/2009/12/series-on-soldiers-and-dogs-part-one.html


Hot Springs, AR, April 26, 2010 – Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet announced today the official site for the establishment of the organization’s first "Military & Veterans Pet" (MVP) Sanctuary. The site consists of 13 acres west of Fort Hood in Gatesville, TX and will be the future home of a pet care facility, the organization’s National Office and room for events to support the troops, their families and their pets. Receiving word that the organization’s offer was accepted by the seller to buy the land marks a major milestone in Phase I of the MVP Sanctuary project.
"This is a big day for the organization and we are asking for everyone's continued support to get the word out,” said Linda Spurlin-Dominik, Founder/CEO of the organization. “We also want to extend an invitation to those who wish to make a donation so we can complete the second half of Phase I.”

According to Ms. Spurlin-Dominik, purchasing the property is a major milestone, but only half of Phase I for the overall project which was announced in February 2007. Donations can be made online at the MVP Sanctuary website via PayPal (www.mvpsanctuary.org) or by check/money order (payable to Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet; Memo Line: MVP Sanctuary) and mailed to:

Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet

Attn: MVP Sanctuary

167 Candleberry Circle

Hot Springs, AR 71913-2109

To learn more about the MVP Sanctuary project visit http://www.mvpsanctuary.org/  and for more information about Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet visit http://www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org/.

About Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet:

Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit Federal Tax Exempt public charity supporting the United States' military service members, veterans, and their beloved pets through programs aimed at reuniting pets with their owners following a deployment to harm's way (combat or peace-keeping or humanitarian mission) or an unforeseen emergency hardship.



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Having Courage

A few weeks ago the animal community was stunned at the news of a severly emaciated German Shepherd. His condition was reported in anonomously, but he was found tied to a tree with no food or water. It appears he had been left that way for a long while, some estimate 5 or 6 weeks, though I cannot believe he survived that long.

Here is a snipet from from the Examiner.com about German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (GSROC), the group that rescued the poor dog:

When GSROC found the dog, he was lying depleted on the ground too weak to physically lift his own head! At 37 pounds, he was literally skin and bones. A healthy German Shepherd his age normally weighs between 75-85 pounds. He bore the vacant gaze of an animal so overtaken by the war waged upon him that the ghost of his own death had long since been beckoning. In fact, to look at him one couldn’t even be certain he was still a living dog. His was the image of a creature who had all but given up mentally and physically. However, it was a sheer force of will that allowed this dog to survive for as long as he had. And for that he was aptly named “Courage.”

The GSROC rescuer raced against the clock trying to get Courage to the emergency care at the Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove. She feared he might not even make it to the hospital. Once there extensive emergency treatment was immediately enacted upon him including a thorough GI flush, blood, plasma, electrolyte and vitamin transfusions, antibiotics and fluids. Numerous tests were also conducted to determine organ functionality. This initial examination revealed that he, literally, would not have been able to survive one more day in those conditions. He’d held on as long as he could. When flushing out his intestinal tract to remove blockage found in the system, the vet learned it was full of dirt and rocks – Courage had been eating dirt and rocks to survive. Dirt and rocks.

Full story:

http://www.examiner.com/x-40189-LA-Dog-Rescue-Examiner~y2010m4d15-German-Shepherd-Courage-victim-of-cruel-abuse

Today, and demonstrating that once again, with a little love and care and due in part to contributions from the public (I donated a little bit and I hope you will, too), another dog is given a new lease on life..

Thankfully, Courage now basks in the love and attention of his new foster family, GSROC volunteers and Community Veterinary Hospital staff, not to mention the whole of Southern California and beyond.

From Maria Dales of GSROC says:

“Physically,” she said, “it's so refreshing to see some meat on his bones, although he has a long way to go. If this is how he looks at 55 pounds, he needs to be an 85 pound dog easily, so he'll continue to eat the high quality diet that the vet has prescribed.” His vet is Dr. Bill Grant of Community Veterinary Hospital in Garden Grove. And thanks to Dr. Grant and his staff, the affable dog seems to be getting the right amount of medical attention and TLC required for a full recovery.

To donate or learn more about Courage, call this number: (714) 974.7762 at German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, a registered non-profit 501c(3) organization serving Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and more. Also keep updated on his progress on his web-page.

Courage's abuser, one Kimberly Nizato, faces up to five years in prison.

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Hero Dog Saves Owner From Fire - Goes and Gets the Police!

via the Examiner.com in NY:

Amazing video from the dashboard camera of an Alaska State Trooper's vehicle shows how a dog led the trooper through snowy roads to a fiery blaze that had erupted at his owner's property.

The raw video, distributed by the Associated Press, shows Buddy the German Shepherd dog waiting by the side of a main road on a dark and cold night. As soon as Buddy sees the trooper's headlights, the dog takes off running down a smaller road, leading the trooper's car down the right path at each fork in the road to where the fire is blazing.

The incident occurred on April 4. Buddy and his owner, 23-year-old Ben Heinrichs, were in the family workshop when a heater ignited chemicals and the workshop burst into flames, reports the AP.

"I just told him, 'We need to get help,' and then that's the last time I seen him," Heinrichs told the News-Tribune. "I didn't train him or nothing. He just took off and went and did what he did. ... He was just being a good dog."

...Heinrichs survived the fire with minor flash burns to his face, reports the AP. Buddy will receive a special award today from the Alaska State Troopers: an engraved silver-plated dog bowl.

Full story:

http://www.examiner.com/x-1028-Pet-News-Examiner~y2010m4d23-German-Shepherd-dog-leads-Alaska-State-Troopers-to-fire-Video



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New, Improved Crush Act Introduced -- Let's Get It Passed!

via ASPCA:

Dear Animal Advocates,


Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court declared an important federal anti-cruelty law known as the “Crush Act” (18 U.S. Code Section 48) unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. The Crush Act banned the creation, sale and possession of materials depicting genuine acts of animal cruelty where such acts are illegal. The Court made it clear that its major concern was the broadness of the law’s language, which could make the law applicable in many circumstances not intended by its authors.

While the ASPCA is disappointed with the Court’s decision, we are moving forward! Representative Elton Gallegly of California has acted quickly and introduced a bill to amend the law. H.R. 5092 will make the Crush Act’s language more specific and resolve the over-breadth concerns raised by the Supreme Court.

Passage of H.R. 5092 will help prevent a revitalization of the crush video industry. The original Crush Act was passed with little opposition—help us ensure that this revision passes, too.
What You Can Do

Please tell your U.S. representative that you support H.R. 5092 (which has more than 50 sponsors), and that he or she should co-sponsor the bill and help move it quickly through the legislative process.

See this link for ASPCA's Advocacy Center and find your representative's email address:  https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2695&JServSessionIdr004=7inu3ocwt2.app239b
 
Thank you for helping us fight animal suffering and exploitation.

 
The above link to ASPCA's Advocacy Center gives good background on the issue. Take a look.


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Through a Dog's Eyes

This documentary explores the relationships between people and their service dogs. On PBS. Premiered last night but they will be showing it at other times and you can view it at this link:

http://video.pbs.org/program/1430606654/


About the Film: (via PBS's website)


Through a Dog’s Eyes will change the way you feel about your own dog. The documentary follows a handful of people as they journey through the heartwarming and often challenging process of receiving their service dogs.

Jennifer Arnold, founder of Canine Assistants, discusses her teaching methods and the life-changing impact these dogs have on the recipients and their families. She gives us a glimpse of puppy-rearing and training, and takes us inside the intense and sometimes nerve-wracking experience of matching people with their dogs. Ádám Miklósi, Ph.D., one of the world’s foremost experts in dog cognition, also discusses the science behind Jennifer’s training philosophy.

You’ll also follow the families home and watch their relationships with their dogs unfold. Sometimes what began as love at first sight deepens. Occasionally the initial chemistry doesn’t last. Overall, it’s a bonding process that, as with any relationship, takes work and time.

These hopeful stories provide unique insights into the ways canine assistants improve people’s lives. What’s more, you’ll see your own dog in a whole new light.



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xoxo (Thanks, PBS -- funded largely by viewers like us).

This Is Too Bad

I don't pretend the fully appreciate all the counter points made to this proposed law, but I do know I'm not thrilled that such activity cannot be banned outright.  Just my opinion.

via the Fort Wayne, Indiana Journal Gazette:

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court struck down a federal law Tuesday aimed at banning videos that show graphic violence against animals, saying it violates the right to free speech.
The justices, voting 8-1, threw out the criminal conviction of Robert Stevens of Pittsville, Va., who was sentenced to three years in prison for videos he made about pit bull fights.

The law was enacted in 1999 to limit Internet sales of so-called crush videos, which appeal to a certain sexual fetish by showing women crushing to death small animals with their bare feet or high-heeled shoes.

The videos virtually disappeared once the measure became law, the government argued.

But Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said the law goes too far, suggesting that a measure limited to crush videos might be valid. Animal cruelty and dog fighting already are illegal throughout the country.

In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito said the harm animals suffer in dogfights is enough to sustain the law.


Alito said the ruling probably will spur new crush videos because it has “the practical effect of legalizing the sale of such videos.”

Animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and 26 states joined the Obama administration in support of the law. The government sought a ruling that treated videos showing animal cruelty like child pornography, not entitled to constitutional protection.

But Roberts said the law could be read to allow the prosecution of the producers of films about hunting. And he scoffed at the administration’s assurances that it would only apply the law to depictions of extreme cruelty. “But the First Amendment protects against the government,” Roberts said. “We would not uphold an unconstitutional statute merely because the government promised to use it responsibly.”

Stevens ran a business and Web site that sold videos of pit bull fights. He is among a handful of people prosecuted under the animal cruelty law. He noted in court papers that his sentence was 14 months longer than professional football player Michael Vick’s prison term for running a dogfighting ring.

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Update on Joey

Remember this story?

http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/2010/03/being-there-for-joey.html

(Joey, just rescued)(Joey, after a little TLC)

Well, take a look:

And video!...

From Picasso Veterinary Fund's site:

RuthAnn reports that Joey will remain in her care for the next few months until he is completely healthy and ready for adoption. "He's on a very healthy diet of home-cooked dog food, carrots, apples, and vitamins. His hair is starting to grow in and he is looking mightily handsome. He loves to lay out in the yard in the sun — it hasn't been that hot yet, but when it is, he will require sun block!"

As part of his treatment, RuthAnn bathes Joey every other day. "He really likes bath time. He has to be the best dog ever when it comes to bath — he jumps right in the tub!" she says. "I think it's because I massage him for about 15 minutes, massaging in the medicated shampoo. Either that or he's just a typical male — loves massages and attention!"


Joey is a playful pup, and so willing to please, says RuthAnn. He's completely housebroken, doing well learning basic commands, and he loves kisses! He was recently neutered and now is making friends with RuthAnn's other foster dogs. Next, she'll begin a search for a permanent home for Joey. "I want Joey to have a back yard and kids to play with," she says. "He is an overgrown baby himself!…the most loving puppy, considering what was done to him." Watch the Happy Joey Video RuthAnn made and see for yourself!

See, folks, all it takes is a little love. These guys give us everything in return.

Also from their site:

We hope you'll join us in our efforts to create more happy endings by donating to the Picasso Veterinary Fund. Or consider providing a caring foster home for a cat or dog like Joey who needs a few weeks, or a few months, to get back in shape for adoption. Let us know if you'd like to help; you can e-mail us at picasso@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

Please consider adding Picasso Veterinary Fund to your list of worthy non-profit organizations, and those all need a few bucks here and there.

http://www.picassoveterinaryfund.org/donate.php


When I ask, I often have given myself to these groups (as is the case with the last two). Even smaller contributions help. Even if it's a nominal gift, it's encouraging for them to hear from people from all over the country and the world that you think their work is worthwhile.



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On Vacation

(Look! Some doggie sized hats for Halloween! Won't they be happy!)

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Cloud 9 Rescue Flights -- 19 Dogs Transported This Weekend

Having just adopted a dog from the rural south of these United States, where there literally are no spay/neuter programs, I know first hand how important it is for organizations like Cloud 9 Rescue Flights to get support from the public. While I did not utilize them, due to needing to get Mr. Wiggins up from Louisiana quickly so I could use my week off to get him acclimated, I see that they literally saves lives with their work.

Today 19 dogs will get safe passage form South Carolina to Manchester, NH. They will be saved from the gas chamber, a barbaric form of execution that takes more than 20 minutes, and often leaves the 20+ dogs in the chamber at one time sick and in need of a second gassing. I kid you not. There are forces that are working against the gas chamber usuage, but until they have their victory the best we can do is support safe passage out.

Take a minute, please, and give a few bucks to Cloud 9 Rescue Flights.

http://www.cloudninerescueflights.org/

From their site:

Cloud Nine is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing flights to those in need at no cost. Cloud Nine works with organizations that coordinate these flights, performing flights to transport children and adults for medical purposes, and also transporting animals for animal rescue flights.

Cloud Nine’s mission is to fulfill flight needs that are otherwise difficult to fill. We are unique in our ability to provide an extremely capable aircraft for long trips. Trips can exceed 700 miles one-way, costing upwards of $2,000 per flight. Being able to perform these trips in a single aircraft makes them less strenuous for those being transported, as well as greatly increasing the ability to complete a mission, by only having one pilot and aircraft required. In addition, our aircraft is larger and more capable than many aircraft frequently used for these types of flights, which allows us to complete flights that otherwise would not be possible.

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Moving On Up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frHvc9QRdYs&playnext_from=TL&videos=_JKXmLNamcQ&feature=grec


via ohmidog.com:

On April 30, the Postal Service will issue a 44–cent, Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamp series.

With the 10 stamp designs — five cats and five dogs — the U.S. Postal Service hopes to raise awareness of the need to adopt shelter pets.

Read their stories at Ohmidog! 

 Each one has a story and now, a happy ending!

http://www.ohmidog.com/2010/03/22/stamps-will-feature-once-homeless-pets/

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High Speed Pug Painting

via Dogster:

Be sure to watch it to the music!




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You Sure That Fur Is Fake, Part II

For background, see this:
http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/2010/01/you-sure-that-fur-is-fake.html

Kudos to the California State Assembly, for tackling this issue.

via The Associated Press:

Clothes that are made with animal fur would need special labels in California under legislation adopted Monday by the State Assembly. Lawmakers voted 46 to 7 to close a loophole in federal law that allows many fur products to go unlabeled. Current law requires labels only for garments that have $150 or more worth of animal fur. The bill now goes to the State Senate. ”I think there is an expectation that if clothing isn’t labeled as real fur it must be fake, but this isn’t always the case,” Fiona Ma, the author of the bill, said in a statement after the vote. ”People have a right to know if they are buying raccoon, dog or a polyester blend.”

Full story here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/06/us/06brfs-KNOWINGDIFFE_BRF.html?partner=TOPIXNEWS&ei=5099



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Rolling Dog Ranch - in Beautiful New Hampshire?

In the OMG category!

I'm sad for Montana and RDR's long time volunteers, but happy for all the reasons they list in their blog. Take a look-see.

http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/

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Have a Blessed Easter

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Good Friday

This photo would be more appropriate during Christmas probably, or another high holy day. But it has a dog and this is a mostly-dog blog. I took it at St. Dominic's Church in San Francisco when I was there last. Their 7:30am Mass was packed. It was a beautiful and reverent Mass, and of course I zeroed in on the dog in the statuary.

Have a blessed Passover and Easter, all.

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