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The Marley Effect
Its the blockbuster hit that brought in more than $37-million this past weekend. "Marley and Me" is the tale of a family and they’re beloved dog.
Around the country, pet adoptions are up. Experts say the holiday season and the hit movie might be why. "It’s such a nice warm and fuzzy feeling when you see a pet and when you see how sweet the pet is and how perfect it is on screen but what people don’t realize is that behind the scenes this is a dog, a regular dog doing doggie things.," says Trisha St. George of the Helen Woodward Animal Center.
History indicates we’ve seen this trend before. When the live action "101 Dalmatians" film was released, film goers purchased dalmatian puppies in herds.
That’s why St. George wants people adopting this season to be adopting for the right reasons so that pets don’t end up back in shelters after families realize they can’t keep them. St. George also mentions she hopes people go to shelters first, before pet stores.
“When you adopt from a shelter or a rescue group it has one goal and one goal in mind and that is to match the needs of the pet with the needs of a family,” says St. George.
22 labs portray Marley in "Marley and Me" at various ages throughout the movie, but the one lab that plays Marley the majority of the time, is a rescued dog.
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 "Marley & Me" 12/22/08Jennifer Aniston & Owen Wilson talk with Kelli Gillespie about their new film. |
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Obama Family to Adopt a Dog
While it didn’t seem like any animal would ever reach the same height of political fame as “Checkers,” the dog given to President Nixon’s daughters during his run for Vice President — and the title given to his infamous “Checkers” speech (click here to read more about the “Checkers” speech) — it seems that the soon to be “first dog” has indeed managed to usurp Checker’s place in political pet history.
The country was — and still is — abuzz, wondering what kind of puppy the Obama family will adopt. Would it be an expensive dog, one that would complement the expansive White House? Obama shocked the world by confirming that he and his family would adopt a dog from a shelter, even going so far as to say “a lot of the shelter dogs are mutts like me” (CNN.com)
We say good for him; we admire the example that he is setting for would-be dog adopters everywhere.
In fact, why not add another New Year’s resolution to your list: only adopt shelter animals from now on. If you would like to find out how you can adopt a shelter pet, please visit the Humane Society website to find out how you can adopt rescued pets in your area.
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Aiken County Animal Shelter In Need Of Adoptions
Animal troubles for Aiken County. As the economy goes down, the amount of cats and dogs being left to fend for themselves is going up. WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has more.
By Barclay Bishop Aiken, SC- Bobby Arthurs, Chief Officer, Aiken County Animal Control: “It’s been an increasing amount of animals being brought here to the shelter. And our officers are picking up more and more strays.“ These 4 skinny and bare Shitzu’s are just one example of that. Arthurs: “They were matted, the hair was long. They couldn’t even see their eyes, their toenails were in bad shape and so those animals there appeared to be abandoned or dropped off on the side of the road.“ Bobby Arthurs’ the Chief Officer for Aiken County’s Animal Control. He says at capacity, the shelter holds about 100 animals. But since September, those numbers have drastically changed. Arthurs: “Today we have over 125 or 130 animals here that we’re housing, and some of those animals may have to go outside to an overflow area.” Arthurs says with gas prices going up, more families simply can’t afford to take care of the animals. Leaving all the ones you see here, in need of a home. Arthurs: “Especially in September, October, November where the gas prices were over 3 dollars a gallon, some places 4 dollars a gallon.” There’s no telling when things will turn around for the economy, but one thing is for sure…these animals can help anyone get through the hard times we are all facing. Arthurs: “To me, the shelter dogs are the best pets in the world. They’re very friendly, very loving, very appreciative, and they show it. We do not want to see them euthanized.” To adopt any of the pets call Aiken County Animal Control at (803) 642-1537 or go to:
WJBF News Channel 6 reporter
Published: December 27, 2008
http://www.petfinder.com
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Shipment Shows Dark Side Of Foreign Puppy Mills
by Carrie Kahn
Animal welfare workers hold two foreign puppy mill survivors that were sold at auction recently in Los Angeles: a miniature Yorkshire terrier and a miniature Maltese.
Debbie Garringer of Claremont, Calif., holds one of the two dogs she won at the auction. Garringer paid $2,000 for this miniature Maltese.
Hundreds of people turned out to bid on 10 purebred puppies at L.A.’s East Valley Animal Shelter. The auction raised more than $20,000 — money that will go to the city’s animal shelters.
NPR.org, December 30, 2008 · Purebred dogs go for top dollar in pet stores around the country, but buyers of cute, cuddly puppies may not know that some come from unregulated breeding mills overseas. So-called puppy-mill dogs are showing up sick and dehydrated at major airports around the country.
In Los Angeles, one recent shipment of dead and ailing puppies from South Korea got the city’s attention. Twenty of the dogs in the shipment seized at Los Angeles International Airport either had died or had to be euthanized after the trip. The 10 survivors were turned over to the city’s shelter.
Five months later, those survivors — five miniature Maltese and five tiny Yorkshire terriers — were ready for adoption. Hundreds of animal lovers, many wrapped in blankets to keep warm, lined up on a chilly morning in front of L.A.’s East Valley Animal Shelter for a chance to bid on the dogs.
Ed Boks, the general manager of L.A. Animal Services, was thrilled at the turnout. City law requires him to hold an auction when more than one person wants an animal.
"I want to begin with a few facts that you won’t commonly Read more
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‘Marley & Me’ Raises Awareness of Shelter Adoptions
A Lab like Marley Could Be the Pet for You, But Do Your Research First and Consider Adopting from a Shelter, Urges the American Humane Association
DENVER, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The upcoming feature film for animal lovers, 20th Century Fox’s Marley & Me, hits theaters on Christmas Day. Recent history indicates the popularity of "Marley" will lead to an increase in Labrador retrievers being acquired. Unfortunately, many of them might soon be surrendered to shelters and breed-rescue groups nationwide as families find out this particular breed just wasn’t the right fit for their lifestyle. Similar upticks in animal acquisitions happened after films such as Beethoven, 101 Dalmatians and even the more recent Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
The American Humane Association and 20th Century Fox have launched a public-awareness campaign about the increased relinquishment of specific breeds of animals after they have been featured in blockbuster movies. Too many dogs are given up after reality sets in about how much responsibility or care they require, or that their needs are diametrically different than the person or families who acquired them.
American Humane and 20th Century Fox want people to know that when it comes to getting a pet, they should consider adopting from the millions of animals that end up in shelters each year.
"American Humane is working collaboratively with 20th Century Fox on vital animal issues and we’re particularly excited about our combined efforts to raise national awareness about the importance of adopting animals from shelters and breed-rescue groups," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane.
The main dog that plays "Marley" in the film is, himself, a dog from a rescue – proving that great dogs can be found at our nation’s shelters. In the movie, "Marley" chews, shreds and wreaks havoc, but his unconditional love inspires.
American Humane points out that the antics in the movie Marley & Me are not far from the truth for most puppies and young adult dogs.
"In the case of the dog in Marley & Me, what you see is what you might get," said Wheatley. "It’s important for potential pet owners to keep this in mind when deciding whether to adopt a dog."
When adopting an animal, American Humane suggests people research specific dog breeds to ensure the new pet will fit their lifestyle. Before adopting a Labrador, American Humane encourages people to determine whether a Lab is right for them.
Just the Lab Facts:
- Labs are the most popular breed in the U.S.
- They can develop slowly and continue puppy-like behavior even past age two.
- Labs can be wonderful companion dogs for active families.
- Many animal shelters and rescues have a large variety of Lab mixes available for adoption.
- Black Labs and Lab mixes tend to be adopted less often than other dogs.
- Labs are multi-talented and can excel in animal-assisted therapy, swimming, retrieving and much more.
American Humane is designated by the Screen Actors Guild as the only animal welfare organization with on-set jurisdiction. Throughout the filming of Marley & Me, an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative(TM) monitored the animal action. The movie’s safe use of animals has earned it American Humane’s "Monitored: Outstanding" rating and the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer.
Marley & Me stars Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. It was directed by David Frankel, from the screenplay by Scoot Frank and Don Roos, based upon the best-selling book by John Grogan. The producers are Karen Rosenfelt and Gil Netter.
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified(TM) farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. (www.thehumanetouch.org) American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
Contact: Kelley Weir (303) 925-9418 kelleyw@americanhumane.org
SOURCE American Humane Association
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Shelter dog inspires photographer
Kathy Toppins
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND — When Melissa Rawlings moved from an apartment to a house last year, she checked the Edmond Animal Welfare Web site for the large dog she had always wanted. Two days later, she adopted a Siberian husky mix that had been at the shelter for two months.
“I strongly believe in adopting shelter dogs instead of going to a breeder,” Rawlings said. “When I went to the shelter to meet Kyla, her eyes told me she needed a home.” Together in the get-acquainted room, the beautiful dog rolled over for a tummy rub. “I told her, ‘OK, you’re my girl,’” Rawlings said.
The husky mix became both her new companion and photography subject. As a photographer, Rawlings had displayed her fine art and nature photography at art festivals long before adopting and photographing her dog. When people saw photographs of the husky mix, though, news of Rawlings’ exceptional ability to photograph dogs spread by word of mouth.
“A new career blossomed,” Rawlings said. “I now take photographs of other people’s dogs in their homes or in parks, wherever they feel comfortable. I don’t pose dogs. People tell me I have an unusual Read more
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As economy falters, more people giving up pets
A growing number of Americans are giving up their dogs and cats to animal shelters as the emotional bonds between people and pets get tested by economic ones.
From the Malvern, Pa., man who turned his two dogs over in order to help pay for his mother’s cancer treatments, to the New York woman who euthanized her cat rather than keeping it alive with expensive medications, rising economic anxieties make it increasingly difficult for some pet owners to justify spending $1,000 a year or more on pet food, veterinary services and other costs.
The population growth at animal shelters in Connecticut, Nebraska, Texas, Utah and other states shows how the weak economy is also shrinking the pool of potential adopters. And it coincides with a drop-off in government funding and charitable donations.
The effect has been cramped quarters for dogs and cats, a faster rate of shelters euthanizing animals and some shelters turning away people looking to surrender pets, according to interviews with several shelters and animal advocates. Of the estimated 6 million to 8 million dogs and cats sent to animal shelters every year, half are euthanized and the rest adopted, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
"It’s definitely discouraging for us," said Adam Goldfarb, a Humane Society spokesman. "One of our major goals is to Read more
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Films ‘Marley & Me,’ and ‘Hotel for Dogs’ make push for pet adoption
BY PATRICK HUGuENIN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Sunday, December 21st 2008, 4:00 AM
This year’s cute-dog epic "Marley & Me" could make you crave your own Christmas puppy. But before you sniff out the pick of the litter, consider the message of another canine caper about to hit screens.
Starting Jan. 23, "Hotel for Dogs" spins the tale of two kids (Jake T. Austin and Emma Roberts) with a scheme to create the ultimate animal shelter. When asked to give up their own beloved pooch, named Friday, they transform an abandoned hotel into a high-tech permanent home for him and his motley menagerie of friends.
The film’s tag line states the kids’ business plan: "No stray turned away." The pooches are both young and old, fluffy and frumpy, one has only three legs. And off-screen, pet food brand Pedigree is donating $250,000 help shelter dogs. The message comes at a time when animal adoption faces a crisis: Dogs and cats need homes this holiday, and the cute puppies aren’t the animals most in need.
The ASPCA estimates that the foreclosure crisis has put 3 million to 4 million pets at risk o Read more
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Adopt – Don’t Shop! Save A Stray For The Holidays
Found Animals Foundation and Healthy Spot team up to urge holidays shoppers to adopt a pet for the holidays. Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 15, 2008 — In the spirit of the holiday season, Found Animals Foundation (http://www.foundanimals.org) and the trendy "Healthy Spot" (www.healthyspotla.com) boutique in Santa Monica, CA, have teamed up to urge holiday shoppers to bring home a pet for the holidays. This year the foundation’s message is different – please "Adopt – Don’t Shop!" and "Save a Stray for the Holidays" – says Aimee Gilbreath, Found Animals Executive Director. "During the holiday season many parents feel the pressure to bring home a pet, but with the economy in the tank and the cost of purebred pet store pets on the rise – economically it doesn’t make sense," says Gilbreath. She explains, "…Holiday shoppers need to realize they have options. You’ll find purebred pets alongside the All-American mutts at local shelters – for much more reasonable prices too." At Los Angeles County shelters, a family can adopt a dog for $37, where a pet store puppy can range from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. "Amazing animals of all types, shapes, sizes, ages and colors are available at your local animal care facility. From puppies and kittens to seniors, from purebreds to mutts – a fantastic companion is waiting for you!" Gilbreath encourages, "According to the United States Humane Society, 25% of all shelter dogs are purebred." When you adopt from the shelter you save the life of a deserving animal and avoid supporting commercial puppy mills, where mother dogs are often kept in poor conditions and inbreeding can produce puppies with serious health issues. To help spread the message, Found Animals will do their take on the "that doggie in the window" with a Live Puppy Cam (http://www.foundanimals.org/component/content/article/56.html), allowing potential adopters to watch Los Angeles County shelter puppies frolicking in the Healthy Spot, Santa Monica storefront window. Rather than putting these animals up for sale, Found Animals is encouraging interested parties to enter their Holiday Adoption Contest, in order to find the best homes in the Los Angeles area for these deserving dogs. Come down to Healthy Spot, Santa Monica’s newest hot spot for socially conscious dog products, to get a peak and meet these adorably loveable dogs – Healthy Spot @ 1110 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90401
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Michael Vick dog now living in Utah to appear to Ellen Degeneres Show
By Mark Havnes The Salt Lake Tribune Updated: 12/13/2008 04:37:09 PM MST KANAB – A trainer from Best Friends Animal Society will appear Monday on the Ellen Degeneres Show with one of the Michael Vick’s rescued fighting dogs. John Garcia, from Fredonia, Ariz., will appear on the comedian’s national television show on Monday with Georgia, a pit bull rescued from Vick’s dog fighting operation in Virginia. In January, Best Friends, the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country, received 22 dogs at the shelter with the ultimate goal of adopting them out to proper homes. Vick, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his part in a dogfighting conspiracy. He and pit bull Georgia Pit bull Georgia. (Mark Havnes/The Salt Lake Tribune) three co-defendants raised and trained pit bulls for fighting. Poor-performing dogs were executed. John Polis, Best Friends spokesman, said Saturday that Degeneres is a supporter of the sanctuary and has been talking about featuring them on the show for a while. He said that Garcia and Georgia will be the main feature on the program that airs Monday at 4 p.m. on KTVX channel 4. "It’s always gratifying to see our work recognized by the general public," said Polis. "We say Michael Vick is the best thing that ever happened to pit bulls by bringing recognition to how the breed has been maligned and shines a light on the widespread problem of dogs trained for combat, something Best Friends continues to fight against." Polis said Georgia is a good example of progress made with the fighting dogs that each has its own particular set of problems trainers work to over come. On Thursday the first Vick pit bull will be released to a foster family for further training. Monday’s television appearance comes on the heels of a series of shows titled Dogtown, produced by the National Geographic Channel featuring the work the dog trainers at Best Friends are doing. Polis said five episodes have ran beginning last September and five more are scheduled to be produced in fall 2009. mhavnes@sltrib.com
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Stop Puppy Mills Now!
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