Animal Abuse Rescue

I don't know how many of you heard the story of Lennox the dog, but if you Google: the real story of Lennox the dog; you'll find out. I guess I can explain it a little bit.

Well, Lennox was (I think) a 7-year old dog who was taken from his family in 2010 because he LOOKED like a pit-bull type. Pit-bull types have been banned in a lot of places, so because he LOOKED like one, he was taken. He was trapped in a small cage full of sawdust and feces for 2 years. His suffering finally ended in July of 2012 when he was put down. Since then, he has become an icon for animals' rights. 

So that's most of the details, but Google can explain it a bit better.

~I think this is absolutely disgusting and I don't know how any human can commit such a crime!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?!?! If this was a human, we all know that it'd be called racism! Like said on the home page, "You wouldn't do it to your child...!" I mean, think about pets being humans. You wouldn't just slaughter a human to fill your own cruel desires, so why do it to an animal?! (Don't even say anything about murderers because, yeah they do slaughter people out of cruelty, but to me, it's not the same thing!!) It's just so frustrating! I just can't understand why! Feel free to comment.

Four Reasons Not to Buy Fur

1.) All over the world, there are fur farms. These places are where a lot of animals spend their entire lives trapped in wire cages. Then, they are inhumanely killed with methods such as electrocution and neck-breaking. Some of the animals included in these places are racoons, dogs, cats, rabbits, fox, wolves, etc.

2.) In America and many other places, trapping is used to get wild-caught fur. These traps can accidently harm innocent pets, hunting dogs and endangered species. This causes grief and loss all over the world.

3.) Producing products that involve fur release chemicals into the environment. 

4.) There are alternatives. There are furs that look and feel real, but actually aren't AND are twice as cheap! This is better for us, the animals and the environment.

So next time someone you know has an urge to buy fur to keep out that winter chill, explain to them why it's wrong and give them alternatives. This is a simple way to help the environment and the animals.

Top Ten Holiday Foods That are Harmful to Pets

• Sage
• Chocolate
• Candy with Xylitol
• Bread dough
• Batter with raw eggs
• Onions and garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Raisins and grapes
• Rich or spicy foods

With recent disasters and natural devastations, our team has been thinking extra hard about ways to help your pets in the event of one:

Should you need to evacuate your home for any reason, be sure to take your pets (or any other animals in need of help) with you! They can't escape on their own if the house is falling down!! That's why it's important to have an emergency kit in a readily- available spot so you can grab your pet, the pack, your family, and just go.

Here's some tips on how to get one started:

• Pet first- aid kit (or supplies if you don't have a kit. you can also order one online.)
• About a week's worth of canned, or dry food (remember to switch out every month or so)
• Napkins or paper towels
• Plastic bags for waste clean up
• Feeding dishes
• Extra collar and/or leash
• Photocopies of medical records in a water-proof protector sheet
• Empty water bottle (or bottled water, just remember to change out every month or so)
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Blanket(s) and/or towel(s)
• Recent photos of pet(s)
• Toys

I know that wolves aren't house pets, but I feel I should say this. After all, they are animals too.

Wolves don't deserve to be killed just because us as people want their furs or meat. They are innocent animals whose attacks are rare. They attack when provoked or frightened; they won't kill a human out of cold-blood. They don't even like human flesh! Yet we kill them. Why? Why should a perfectly innocent breed of animal die? They are amazing creatures and if we don't take action to save them, they'll be extinct, just like the rest of the helpless animals we've killed. I mean, look at this face; does it look like a killer to you? Click on the link to see the photo!

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dark+brown+wolf+with+green+eyes&hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&rlz=1C1AFAB_enDE460DE460&biw=1440&bih=809&tbm=isch&tbnid=36xgezJfxq1KJM:&imgrefurl=http://wolf-kingdom1.webs.com/dawntribe.htm&docid=hEd_9xqDAQDhMM&imgurl=http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs16/f/2007/219/c/b/Wolf_by_Wilhelmine.jpg&w=846&h=646&ei=AIwAUfifIaLs0QHeqoCYAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&dur=237&sig=113698484323217655869&page=1&tbnh=146&tbnw=197&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0,i:108&tx=157&ty=57&vpx=4&vpy=277&hovh=196&hovw=257

Okay, so... I was on the ASPCA's site today reading about a dog fighting bust. The comments on the article brought my attention for two reasons.

One man claims that 18 years ago, he had some friends who were involved in dog fighting. He said that even at the risk of being beaten, stabbed, or shot, he still stood up for what he thought was right and turned in his friends. He could have been killed for helping those animals, but he did it anyway! He is certainly an angel for those dogs. He should be commended for his bravery and courage. I wish there were more people in this cruel world like him.

Secondly, I came across some comments about Pit Bulls and was utterly shocked. These people actually cared about the breed! They mentioned something really important which is the show on Animal Planet called, Pit Bulls and Parolees. I'll explain.

Pit Bulls and Parolees is a show where this amazing soul, Tia Maria Torres owns a Pit Bull sanctuary called, Villalobos. Almost every day, she goes out and rescues an abandoned or neglected Pit Bull with her employees; the parolees. She hires parolees because 1.) No one else will, and 2.) She believes that parolees are like Pit Bulls. They can be kind and they deserve a second chance. She rehibilitates Pit Bulls and the parolees. The dogs are adopted out and the parolees' lives change for the good because of her.

Villalobos used to be located in California, but they were forced out because her neighbors did not like the idea of Pit Bulls or parolees living next to them because they were "vicious monsters." Instead, they moved to New Orleans where Pit Bulls were in desperate need of help. She goes through such a fight to save these dogs' lives. I personally think she should be awarded a Medal of Honor or something! She is amazing! I would recommend watching the show and informing people who don't like Pit Bulls about the show. They'll really change their minds. 

Pit Bulls and Parolees is the perfect insight on... well, Pit Bulls and parolees! ALL legislatures should be forced to watch it before they even consider BSL. (If you don't know what that is, just Google it.)

ASPCA's Go Orange for Animals!

This month is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month- the all-time celebration of the people who are completely against the harming of animals in any nature! I am totally with people on this and am going to be celebrating this month for sure! How about you?

As well, the ASPCA is having a 20% discount on the Go Orange products in their store now through April 23.

How to Get to Rid of Fleas and Ticks

The warmth of spring means the arrival of pests. It's flea and tick season! Not only are they uncomfortable, but ticks can cause serious diseases. They can spread Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans. These pesky insects are very hard to get rid of, but fairly easy to prevent. Here are some ways you can help keep your pets flea and tick free:

1. Fleas and ticks love long grass and shady outdoor areas. If you want a pest-free lawn, mow regularly, remove tall weeds and make it inhabitable to common tick hosts, including rodents, by keeping garbage covered.
   
2. Talk to your vet and get the right, species-specific flea and tick treatment for your furry friend such as a topical, liquid insecticide applied to the back of their neck. PetArmor and Frontline are good options.
   
3. Never use products for dogs on cats, and vice versa.
   
4. Treat all of your pets for fleas, not just those who seem to have them.
   
5. During warmer months, check your pet for ticks. If you find one, take care when removing it to avoid spreading disease.

OK, so I just stumbled upon this post on a social networking site. It talked about this lady taking her 12-year-old dog to the groomers for a simple grooming session-- wash, brush, and trim hair, clip nails, etc. But when the dog and its pet parent got home, the lady noticed that the dog had a very large nick somewhere on its body. Apparently the groomer had "nicked" the dog with the clippers and stopped the bleeding with the blood-stop nail powder. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

As the woman stated in her post, "This is not a common 'groomer's nick'. This is a laceration caused by a negligent groomer. It is deplorable that she caused this level of damage to my 12-year-old dog in the first place... She applied the blood-stop nail powder to the wound and stuck the pieces together, my belief: to disguise it. I was NOT notified when the incident occured nor was I informed when I picked her up from the business. She even had the gall to say, "Princess was a pain." If they allow this type of damage there is no telling what other abuse they inflict on our voiceless FUR Babies!! No animal or Pet Parent should ever have to deal with this nor will I stand for it!!!"

I am speechless at this point. Just speechless. I mean, what is there to say about this?? This PET GROOMER who was trained specifically on how to groom PETS injured this elderly dog to such an extent and didn't even feel the need to apologize for her actions! I just... I don't know what to say. All I know is that if I was that dog's parent, someone would be getting hurt and possibly hearing from my lawyer.

...Just... WOW.

Summer has arrived, and with this glorious season also come extreme heat waves. Air conditioners are in use, lemonade stands are put up, pools are filled and frequently visited, sunglasses are worn, and everyone's more happy and active. But with the heat also come dangers. For instance, mosquitos. Mosquitos are blood-sucking pests who are highly capable of transferring diseases not only to people, but to animals. These diseases can and will kill. Two diseases in particular stand out: the West Nile virus and Heartworms. Of course, humans can't contract Heartworms, but their furry children can. Be sure your animals are properly protected against Heartworms, fleas & ticks, and mosquitos. Heartguard and Frontline are excellent brands to keep your pets healthy and safe this summer. Please don't let your pets suffer in the mosquitos' wrath. Keep them protected.

Another danger to your animals this summer is the heat itself. NEVER EVER leave your animals outside unsupervised for a long period of time without any shade or water. The heat WILL kill them. Also, if you're going to bring your pets somewhere with you in a car, be sure that once you leave the car they are with you! DO NOT leave them in your car! They will overheat and die. This has happened to many already; don't let your furry kids suffer the way they did. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK!!

As I type this, I feel downright sick to my stomach. I just don't know what to say anymore.. I just dont.

Ok, so I was on YouTube doing minor research for myself and I accidentally stumbled upon a video of a cop killing a dog. The cop was arresting a man for a slight casualty he'd caused and the dog was locked up in the car. The dog jumped out of the window to comfort its owner. The dog was absolutely no threat the cops- he didn't snarl, bark, bite; nothing- and the cop shoots him once in the head, right in front of the owner. The owner then begins to scream and cry out for his beloved dog. But of course, the dog isn't dead and instead is lying on the ground suffering, blood pouring from his wound. The dog thrashes and whines in the road while the man is cruelly thrown into the cop car. The man in the cop car screams for the police to leave his dog alone, but they just get closer to the dog. The man continues to put up a fight and tries to get himself out of the car to help his dog. The man cries and begs them to leave his innocent dog alone. The cop then raises his gun to the dog, and shoots it a second time- killing it.

~ OH.MY.GOSH!!!!!!!!! THE THE HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE!!!!??? I am literally shaking with rage as I type this. THAT DOG WAS INNOCENT AND THAT COP WAS SO SMUG ABOUT KILLING IT. THE COP WASN'T EVEN THREATENED AND HAD NO RIGHT TO DO THAT. I swear if that was my dog, I would get arrested for some severe violence to that cop. And I know others agree with me. What bothers me is that that police was armed with a gun and a badge. Obviously he can't retain his right to respect niether the gun nor the badge because he mis-used them both. THINK ABOUT THIS: WHAT HAS OUR WORLD COME TO IF WE GIVE PSYCHOS BADGES, GUNS, AND THE AUTHORITY TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT???!!!! IF WE WANT TO PROTECT OUR ANIMALS, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PUT UP A MAJOR FIGHT TO DO IT. LET'S DO IT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just today, I found out my friend's dog was hit by a car. I am hoping that the poor girl died instantly and suffered no pain. However, I do have to put my own opinion in this. Think about it: without cars, there would be less human and animal deaths. Without cars, there would be less pollution. Without cars, there would be more available resources. WITH cars, there is more transportation. WITH cars, there are more human and animal deaths. WITH cars, there is more deadly pollution. That's all I'm trying to get across.

On the other hand, people also need to watch what they do behind the wheel. Some people just speed through neighborhoods like there's no speed limit. They're doing 50 in a 30 zone. That's how people (and animals) die. Innocent beings, like my friend's poor dog, die because of irresponsible people who don't deserve a license. It makes me sad that an innocent dog died today at the wheels of the cars and the hands of the human. It makes me sad that my friend had to go through losing one of her best friends. 

That's all I had to say. Prayers out to you Sparky. May Suki sit by God's throne until you are ready to see her again..

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD!

EVERYONE NEEDS TO WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!!! If you'd cry if your dog died, YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS!!

Click here now, it could save your dog's life! ----->  http://www.healthy-k9.com/secure/vreport2.php?hop=ed222

I've just watched the video and I am SICKENED by how much DISRESPECT pet food companies have toward our dogs. I myself have 2 dogs, they are both around 5 years old, and I have been unknowingly feeding them these poisons all this time! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD PRODUCT AGAIN IN MY LIFETIME, NOR WILL I LET ANYONE I KNOW BUY THEM FOR THEIR DOGS!!! I am completely shocked by what I've been letting them eat all this time. This just.. completely sickens me. I actually feel like vomitting. (That's when you know it's serious.)

If you really truly love your dog, you HAVE to watch this video and learn the shocking truth about the pet food companies that you buy from to feed your furry family member every day. I am horrified, infuriated, shocked, disgusted, upset, angry, disappointed, sad, and all the other emotions like that in between. I just can't believe how long this has been going on. These pet food companies are so dirty and sly with their deceitful tricks. I don't think I can trust any of them ever again- even the ones deemed safe by experts and enthusiasts everywhere. I just can't..

Please, take approximately 20-30 minutes of your time and watch this video. It could save your beloved friend from a world of pain. You need to know the horrifying, shocking truth about what you're feeding your pet. After you've watched the video, do something about it. Follow the instructions inside to save your pet, and then share it everywhere with everyone to get the word across. I don't care where you share it, just please do it! You can copy and paste the link into Facebook, Twitter, whatever. You could help save millions of furry lives by just taking not even 5 minutes of your time to spread the word. 

PLEASE, DO SO NOW WHILE EVERYONE STILL HAS A PET'S LIFE TO SAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~I just read this and it was completely worth my time. READ IT.

A Letter From A Shelter Manager

I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will. First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know. That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into my shelter are purebred dogs. The most common excuses I hear are; "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a Great Dane would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog". Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are. If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment. Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down". First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves. When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right? I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work. I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter. Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes. My point to all of this DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE! Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I maybe changed one person's mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog. I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt". THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT. ~ Author unknown