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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
FEARING: Let’s not put the burden on Fido to fix California’s budget crisis
By JENNIFER FEARING
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.
Across California, municipal animal shelters and humane societies are reporting increases in pet relinquishments this year as high as 30 percent. Families losing their homes in the credit crisis or losing their jobs are dropping off their Fluffies and Fidos, adding moral and emotional insult to economic injury.
And California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has found a way to make matters worse. Included in his November budget proposal, but lost amid major political hot potatoes such as the vehicle license fee, was a plan to add a sales tax to veterinary services as part of the solution to the state’s multibillion-dollar budget shortfall. In other words, because state leaders failed in their basic responsibility to keep government functioning, pet owners may have to foot the bill, and pets themselves may pay the ultimate price.
Before anyone thinks pet owners are not a constituency to reckon with, consider this: California has the highest number of households of any state — 7.3 million households, or 57 percent — that own a pet, including an estimated 7 million dogs and nearly 9 million cats, according to the latest statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2006, Californians spent about $2.7 billion on veterinary services such as routine exams, vaccinations, prescription medications, surgery and emergency care.
This does not even include expenditures on veterinary services for the millions of animals that enter California animal shelters each year, the tens of millions of animals raised for food each year on California farms or the thousands of wild animals aided by local and state agencies every year.
Under Schwarzenegger’s proposal, these medical expenses now would be lumped into a proposed category of taxable services such as "appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair." Does the governor really think repairing dishwashers and Dodges is the same as "repairing" dogs? The state doesn’t tax cosmetic surgeries, so why should we tax an essential medical cost for animals?
We all know these are difficult times and that lawmakers are under the gun to close an $11 billion gap for this fiscal year alone. And those of us who can should be prepared to pitch in. But under the governor’s plan, many who are already making tough economic choices would be forced to add as much as 10.25 percent to the cost of veterinary care.
This new financial burden would not only result in less medical care for animals, it would almost certainly result in more dogs and cats being abandoned or relinquished to animal shelters. It is bad policy that would add to the taxpayers’ burden through higher animal-control and sheltering costs, increase the cost of caring for animals raised for food and be a step backward in the otherwise progressive trajectory toward our treatment of animals.
During a previous budget crisis, Schwarzenegger was dubbed the "pet terminator" for proposing to cut state-mandated funding for animal shelters. After an outcry from animal lovers across the state, he quickly scuttled the idea, crediting one of his daughters with pointing out the error of his ways.
Let’s hope the Schwarzenegger children are paying attention now.
Our state’s animals are counting on their wise and compassionate counsel once again.
Jennifer Fearing, based in Sacramento, is the chief economist for the Humane Society of the United States. From the Los Angeles Times.
Doomed dogs get a pawdon
By Mike Conley | The McDowell News
Published: December 7, 2008
Five dogs that were about to be euthanized last week at the county’s Animal Shelter will instead find a new home.
Angelia Earley, a local advocate for animals, said a representative of the Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina contacted her about the five dogs that were set to be euthanized Friday. The representative, who lives near Wilmington, told her his organization was interested in taking the dogs and finding them a new home.
The five dogs formerly belonged to Barbara Leonard of Marion. The canines, a mix of Chihuahuas and terriers, weigh between 15 and 20 pounds.
They were set to be euthanized because they are deemed to be "potentially dangerous," under state law. Leonard brought her dogs to the county’s animal shelter on Nov. 22 after she had been informed that they had attacked people and had to be turned over to Animal Control.
However, Earley and other animal welfare advocates said these dogs are not dangerous and should be saved from certain death. The county’s Animal Control officers said they couldn’t make an exception in this case and had to follow the state’s law.
The Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina’s representatives got in touch with County Manager Chuck Abernathy. The Humane Society signed an agreement with the county so they could take ownership of the dogs and save them from being euthanized. The dogs were picked up Saturday and are no longer in McDowell County. Leonard will not get the dogs back.
Sgt. Brian Walker of the county’s Animal Control said, even though these dogs are now in another location, the county could still be held liable if the dogs hurt someone.
"Our office had nothing to do with it," he added.
Earley said she has been told the dogs have already been adopted. She is glad that they will not be put to death and will instead have a new home.
"It was divine intervention," she said. "Those little dogs that came out of that pound, they knew they were being saved."
Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups Can Benefit from Portions of Author Royalties from Sale of Book, Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life
Authors’ goal is to donate portions of book proceeds from Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life, released in July, 2008 to animal rescue groups who are interested in partnering in book sales. It also lets those grieving from the loss of their pets know this book can offer them support in their time of grief.
Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups Can Benefit from Portions of Author Royalties from Sale of Book, Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life
Boulder, CO, December 06, 2008 –(PR.com)– “Animals are such gifts to us and the human-animal bond can be such a powerful part of our lives,” says Dawn Kairns, author of Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life. Dawn has donated portions of book proceeds to local humane societies (The Humane Society of Boulder Valley and The Denver Dumb Friends League) and to Mainline Animal Rescue (MLAR) in PA. MLAR is devoted to raising awareness of the conditions in puppy mills and rescuing their canine victims, a passionate cause the author shares. Kairns has also donated her books to numerous rescue group fund raisers, including MLAR. She is in the process of partnering with Table Mountain Animal Center so that a portion of her book proceeds sold through that shelter will benefit Table Mountain. Her goal is to continue to support animal rescue organizations by donating portions of her royalties from the sale of Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life by partnering in similar fashion with animal shelters and rescue groups.
Kairns’ hope is that the love from her deep bond with Maggie will speak to readers who connect with their dogs in the same way, and will offer support to those experiencing pet loss. Ann Johnson, LCSW of the Human Animal Bond Trust (the group of veterinarians and mental health professionals who run this Pet Loss Group) in Denver states, “I plan to share Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life with all members of the Human Animal Bond Trust, Inc. and to keep the book available at our Pet Loss Group meetings. As one of the three mental health professionals who have facilitated our Pet Loss Support Group for the past 20+ years, and a dog/animal person forever, I can only agree with everything you’ve included in your book and would wish everyone could read it.”
In Maggie: The Dog Who Changed My Life, the author’s black lab, Maggie, helps Kairns find her place in the world, both personally and professionally. Through her relationship with Maggie, who she calls her once-in-a-lifetime dog, Kairns learns that dogs are intelligent, emotional beings that can sense our thoughts. When Maggie’s health is compromised, Kairns takes readers on her journey to discover what’s really best for our pets when it come to pet food. The depth of their bond opens a surprising door for the author to trust her intuition over intellect, and to respect the messages communicated through her dreams. Pet guardians who have experienced the profound sense of loss that comes with losing their own cherished pets will find a kindred spirit in this book.
Author Bio
Dawn was born and raised in northwestern Indiana, but Colorado has been home for over 31 years. A lifelong animal lover, her passion for dogs led her to volunteer with local rescue organizations, including the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Front Range Labrador Rescue, and Freedom Service Dogs. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the author and her husband travelled to Mississippi to work with the Humane Society of the United States assisting the displaced Katrina dogs. Her own dog and cat are rescues. A family nurse practitioner turned writer, Dawn Kairns has also published in nursing journals, American Fitness magazine, The Daily Camera, and Real Travel Adventures Magazine.
Contact Dawn Kairns for more information or interviews:
Tel: 303-449-4624 or 303-579-0547
Fax: 303-449-4416
Website: http://www.dawnkairns.com/
Email: dawnkairns@yahoo.com
Black dog bias?
Shelter officials disagree on whether dark-colored pets are passed up for lighter-hued ones. Some shelters make darker canines more appealing to counter any misperceptions.
By Craig Nakano
December 6, 2008
For many dogs awaiting adoption, the speed with which they find a home may rest not on their breed, gender or age but on one trait that has no bearing on their personality or temperament.
Shelter officials have dubbed it black dog syndrome — the propensity of dark-coated animals to be passed over for adoption in favor of their lighter counterparts.
Skeptics say the syndrome is an urban legend, but shelter and rescue leaders insist the phenomenon is very, very real.
"It definitely exists," said Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. She cited many causes, not the least of which is a misperception that black dogs are mean. "It’s that old thing of light is good and dark is evil. The light-versus-dark thing is so ingrained in our consciousness in books and movies. It transfers subliminally in picking out a dog."
It doesn’t help that many would-be pet owners now start their search on shelter and rescue websites, where animals’ back stories are often written up like the treatment for some Lifetime heart-tugger, each bio accompanied with a canine glamour shot. The problem: Black dogs often don’t photograph well. Facial features disappear, and animals can appear less expressive.
"You can’t see their eyes very well, and people seem to connect with the eyes," said Ricky Whitman, spokeswoman for Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.
When prospective adopters do venture to a shelter, black dogs sometimes fade away into the kennel shadows. "They almost become invisible," Bernstein said.
Reliable quantitative studies on the problem are few, and Ed Boks, general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services department, said his data indicate black dog syndrome is a myth.
In the last 12 months, he said, 27% of the 30,046 dogs taken in by his department were predominantly or all black. Of those that were adopted, 28% were predominantly or all black, he said.
Whitman said the question isn’t whether a black dog will get adopted, but how long it will take. The average wait at her shelter is two weeks, she said. Black dogs may linger two months.
Karen Terpstra, who until recently was executive director of the Humane Society of Kent County in Michigan, said the problem is national. "We’d have a purebred black Lab, 2 or 3 years old, pretty much the perfect age, and it would sit there for weeks waiting to get adopted," said Terpstra, now chief operations officer for SPCA Cincinnati. "A tan Lab would go in days."
The lengthened stays create additional problems: Because black dogs are harder to place in homes, shelters often have a glut. "Then you have the problem of people thinking they’re ordinary and common, not unusual and interesting," Bernstein said.
To combat the problem, savvy shelters keep their black dogs in their best-lighted kennels. A bright bandanna around the neck helps a dark animal stand out, and colorful toys can lessen the fear factor.
Last year Terpstra’s former shelter in Michigan and the Austin Humane Society in Texas independently launched a Black Friday campaign on the day after Thanksgiving, reducing the adoption fee for any black animal. Mike Arms, president of the nonprofit Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, created a program to help black cats, which he said encounter the same challenges as black dogs. Arms’ campaign offers a free dark-haired feline with the adoption of any other cat. The program’s name: Me and My Shadow.
The Pasadena shelter goes a step further, training dogs to venture from the depths of the kennels to come sit in front as visitors walk by. "People are charmed," Whitman said, and the dogs have a better chance of making a connection. And when all else fails, Bernstein said, SPCA-LA staff encourages adults to bring their children to shelters. "Sometimes," she said, "kids don’t see color the way grown-ups do."
Nakano is a Times staff writer. craig.nakano@latimes.com
Meet The Shelter Dogs At Second Chance Animal Shelter
If you have read any part of this blog you know I work at the Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield, Ma.. Currently there are eight dogs residing at the shelter at the moment, and I’d like you to meet them.
1. Stevie : 9 month old, neutered, Black Lab. Stevie is very sweet & lovable. Being a pup He has lots & lots of energy. Stevie walks great on leash, and just loves to play.
2. Diesel : 6 month old Lab, neutered, Pitbull mix. Speaking of energy, Well…nuff said. This guy is very friendly and loves to go for walks. Very lovable guy.
3. Brooklyn : 6 month old white & tan male Pitbull. So lovable, and is walking great on leash. As with any puppy he has mucho energy, but he is the sweetest guy.
4. Dharma : 9 month old brindle Pitbull Terrier. One of the most sweetest & lovable pups you’ll ever meet. Energy abound though. Needs a family that is very active. No lap dog indeed!
5. Ronny : 2 yr. old Alaskan Husky. Very friendly, and its a pleasure walking him(he walks great on leash). Whoever is fortunate to adopt this guy will have a friend forever. Great Dog!
6. Logan : 7 yr. old male German Shepherd. Beautiful dog, and very friendly. Needs a lot of running room. At 7, still has plenty of energy & loves to go for walks. Good on leash.
7. Carmine : 4 yr. old Pug- Retriever mix. Very cute & friendly, and treasures his walks everyday. I love Carmine, and I know he’ll find a forever home soon.
8. Inky : I have few details on inky, as he just arrived a few days ago. He is a little shy, but I have spent some time with him, and he’s come around nicely. It’ll take some time, but I know he will make a great addition to someone’s home. Patience is the key with Inky. You can check out these beautiful dogs below. And also visit http://www.secondchanceanimals.org/ for more in depth information about these wonderful pets. Make sure to click the zootoo banner to help this shelter win a much needed makeover. Thanks, J. Foley
Animal Shelters : The Best Alternative To Pet Stores!
Animal shelters offer you a great place to get your next family pet. They are all different, but they do have common goals. Animal Shelters work hard to locate a permanent loving home for unwanted or misplaced cats and dogs. Many of these shelters rely on volunteers and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes.
When you begin looking for an animal shelter to work with, you will find that most of these groups do rely on their hard working volunteers and support from the local community to operate. You will also find a wide variety of animals available through these shelters.
Many animal shelters handle all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even older pets available for adoption. As you begin looking at pets available through animal shelters, keep in mind some of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that has just given birth. Their owners have relinquished many of the animals offered by rescue groups because they are moving or can no longer care for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the streets.
Some programs also offer spay and neuter release program for feral cats and dogs. Animal shelters do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. IF you find a pet offered through an animal shelter, you will be asked toMore… sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the pet long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey-it is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting.
Having the animal’s health history at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home. You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation.
If you are interested in adopting through one of the many animal shelters, it is easy to find one in your area. Your vet can give you the contact information for organizations near you. Most of the time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, children and time to get used to living in a home.
When you choose a pet from an animal shelter, be prepared to go through an interview and application process. The organization wants to know these pets will be well cared for the long term. You will probably be asked about other pets you may have, the age of your children, the size of your yard. This is to help match the pet with the right owner. Adoption fees vary by each shelter, but you can expect to pay $100-$250 for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the animal shelter. This adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying, and neutering.
Getting your next pet through an animal shelter is a responsible way to get your next family member. Also you can find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations. I personally work for the “Second Chance Animal Shelter” in East Brookfield Ma., and they are currently in the running for the one million dollar “Zootoo Makeover Contest” presently going on until the end of March. If you would, please go to http://www.secondchanceanimals.org/ and support the “Second Chance Animal Shelter”, and then spread the word to all your family and friends. This would be much appreciated, thank you.
You can read below all about the "Second Chance Animal Shelter"
Article Written By J. Foley
Stop Puppy Mills Now!
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