I got these funny dog pictures in an email this week and it made me laugh out loud literally. With all the bad news around the dog and cat blogosphere this week I thought it might cheer some of us up a little…
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[I believe these images are courtesy Fropki.com, as they all say that in the bottom corner.]

What’s your favorite funny dog picture?

Don’t forget about the February contest! It’s a pet holiday photo contest, so send me your best pet holiday pictures (any holiday). Winners will be announced in one week, next Thursday!First place gets a $50 gift card to Petco/PetSmart and second place gets a $25 gift card.

Here are some of the funny pet holiday photos I have gotten so far for the contest:

Benson is home and resting as of about 6:30 last night. He is on some serious pain medication and some antibiotics to stave off infection. He has a six-inch gash on his lower belly where they opened him up and his whole belly and right side is shaved so he’s half-naked. Benson was okay when he came home, happy to see everyone and be back to his leather couch. The pain medication really knocks him out so he slept quietly most of the night. He did have the energy to beg at the dinner table so that’s good. We should have the pathology report tomorrow so we will know exactly which type of cancer we are dealing with here.

On another note, please everyone send your prayers over to Spencer’s family. Spencer lost his battle with cancer yesterday and the family is obviously devastated. We know everyone has really rallied around us and Benson the last few days, (and we thank you kindly) but if you could go send Spencer some kind words now, that would be really nice. Spencer was our good Golden friend. He was a very talented therapy dog who helped a lot of people. Now he is over the Bridge. Please say prayers for Spencer’s family. Below is our favorite picture of Spencer…

All this talk of cancer makes us wonder if Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer. We lost a Golden to cancer in the 90’s, and Spencer’s family lost one to cancer, too. Does anyone know if Goldens are more prone to cancer?

Thanks everyone, Love Benson and Gibson

Well we got the news last night from the vet around 6:30. It is, in fact, a very rare type of cancer that Benson has.  Right now it’s in his intestine and hasn’t spread, which is great news. The pathology report won’t come back for three days so we don’t know exactly which type of cancer it is, but he does have something called Lymphangiectasia. He does have leaking lymph nodes. The only good news is that the Doctors think Benson’s cancer is treatable with medicine, and, as a last resort, chemotherapy.

We will post more updates as soon as we get them. And to everyone who has left such wonderful warm messages of hope, love and prayer for us, we thank you. We sincerely thank you for circling around us at this terrible time. We are so lucky to have friends and a support group like you. We have even gotten some care and concern ecards for Benny and the family!

Benny is a little fighter and we believe he will pull through this. He will get to come home from the vet tonight so I might have some pictures of his cuts tomorrow, we’ll see how sensitive he is.

Thanks to Mary O’Connor Shaver from Columbus Top Dogs and various other sources for these updates. These are important updates on efforts taking place across our country to raise awareness of puppy mills, dog auctions, pet stores and the entities that support and keep them in business.
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1. COLORADO
Legislation introduced on January 21 in Colorado that would have limited the number of dogs breeders could keep and mandate veterinary certification exams for commercially bred dogs has been set aside indefinitely. The Colorado House Agriculture Committee voted on January 28 to table H.B. 1172, and no further hearings are scheduled at this time. The puppy mill bill, if passed in its proposed form, would:

- Limit the number of adult, unaltered dogs a breeder can maintain
- Mandate annual veterinary exams
- Prohibit individuals convicted of animal cruelty of obtaining a breeder license

2. CONNECTICUT
Lawmakers this year will decide whether pet owners should get double their money back from stores that sell them puppies, kittens and other animals with chronic disease or disabilities. Groups such as the Westport Coalition Against Puppy Mills, whose members include G. Kenneth Bernhard, a lawyer and former state representative from Westport, believe that wronged pet owners need more recourse. They want to be able to claim back twice the purchase price of defective animals. Bernhard said that coalition members reviewing records, traced many puppies for sale in Connecticut pet stores to so-called puppy mills in Pennsylvania and points west. “Some had some horrific violations,” Bernhard said, adding that owners have been stuck with huge veterinary bills.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, “Pet ‘Lemon Law’ unleashed at hearing.”

3. ILLINOIS
On January 19, announcement of a Puppy Mill bill, sponsored by state Senators John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and Dan Kotowski (D-Mt. Prospect), was introduced into the Illinois state legislature. The Bill, called Chloe’s Bill, was named after a young female dog that was rescued from a filthy, unlicensed puppy mill in Downstate Macon County. The legislation, if passed in its proposed form, would:

- Create a Dog Breeder License Act, which would prevent breeders from having more than 20 unaltered (not neutered or not spayed) dogs.
- Prohibit people from obtaining a dog-breeding license if they have been convicted of a felony animal-cruelty crime, including dog fighting.
- Require dog breeders to keep dogs in buildings without wire flooring and with sufficient heating, cooling and ventilation.
- Require pet stores and breeders to provide potential pet buyers with the dog’s full medical history, information of spaying and neutering and information about any prior medical care.
- Establish penalties starting with fines and escalating to having animals seized and breeding operations shut down.

4. INDIANA
As of today, HB 1468 is scheduled to be read and discussed before the Indiana House on Thursday, February 19, then placed to a vote on Friday, February 20. The proposed legislation is (not surprisingly) receiving strong opposition by Amish commercial breeders, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the AKC. For more details on this bill, click here.

The Summary of the Puppy Mill Amendment includes:

A.) Anyone who during a 12-month period maintains at least 10 adult female dogs that have not been spayed and are over four months of age (exempts shelters, rescues and animal control organizations).

B.) Standards of care (ventilation, sanitary conditions, illumination, temperature, exercise and cage size requirements; no wire flooring).

C.) Vet Care – Every animal must receive a physical exam from a licensed veterinarian every year and the breeder must maintain veterinary records on each animal. Surgical procedures or euthanasia of any animal may not be performed by anyone other than a licensed veterinarian.

D.) Pet Store Disclosure – Requires any pet store to post name, city and state of each pup’s breeder as well as name, city and state of any broker. Pet stores must maintain veterinary records on each animal and make them available to purchasers or prospective purchasers.

E.) Lemon Language – Requires breeder to provide another dog or full refund if dog is found to be sick within 21 days of purchase. Or, if dog is found to have congenital problems within a year, the breeder must also reimburse the buyer for vet bills (not to exceed the purchase price of the dog).

F.) Cap Language – Maximum of 20 dogs that are (older than) one year and have not been altered at any address or location.

G.) Breeding limitation – dogs cannot be bred without annual certificate from vet, must be at least 18 months of age and less than eight years of age. Female dogs shall only be allowed to whelp one litter per year.

H.) Animal Cruelty Convictions – Individuals convicted of animal cruelty under Indiana code may not operate a commercial breeding facility. Additionally, commercial breeders may not hire staff who have been convicted of animal cruelty.

I.) Registration with the State Board of Animal Health – yearly registration of anyone who fits the above definition of a puppy mill. $50 yearly registration fee. Class C infraction for not registering as a commercial breeder.

5. MONTANA
A Ballantine woman’s animal cruelty case caught the attention of Montana lawmakers and has prompted several bills aimed at regulating dog breeders and animal hoarders.

In December, authorities seized 189 living dogs and numerous dead dogs from Linda Kapsa’s Shady Lane Kennels, triggering an animal cruelty case that prosecutors believe was the largest seizure of animals in the state. Animal rescue officials, on the scene during the seizure, described Kapsa as an animal hoarder and said her operation could be described as a puppy mill.

Sen. Mitch Tropila (D-Great Falls) introduced a bill that would add hoarding to the state’s list of animal cruelty offenses, and Rep. Dave McAlpin, D-Missoula, is introducing a bill that would require commercial breeders – those with 20 or more adult dogs – to register with the state and submit to annual surprise inspections. Registration would come with a $415 biannual fee to cover the cost of inspections.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, “Proposed legislation would place stricter regulations on breeders.”

6. OHIO
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is preparing for a face-to-face meeting with HSUS President Wayne Pacelle, a meeting initiated by HSUS. Ohio’s constitution does allow for ballot initiatives and as many of you are aware, Ohio voters and taxpayers aren’t bashful about putting initiatives on the ballot. Since the passage of Proposition 2 in California, there has been a lot of speculation as to what state might be next, Ohio has been one of the states mentioned.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, “Ohio Farm Bureau to meet with HSUS.”

7. OKLAHOMA
The Oklahoma Pet Quality Assurance and Protection Act, H.B. 1332, passed the House committee vote (11-2) yesterday and will be voted on in the full House in the very near future.

This proposed legislation would set regulations for dog and cat breeders, and authorize a state agency to inspect kennels and facilities that sell more than 25 animals a year. The Pet Quality Assurance Enforcement Fund will be funded from fees, fines, etc. and will provide the necessary means to support enforcement.

For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, “OK House to Vote on Puppy Mill Bill.”

8. PENNSYLVANIA
With a vote of 192 for and 0 against, House Bill 39, amending Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code for animal cruelty and introduced by Representative Tom Caltagirone(D-Berks), passed in today’s session. The proposed legislation will impose criminal penalties for specific medical procedures if not performed by a licensed veterinarian including debarking, c-section births and tail docking. The act of ear cropping by anyone other than a vet is already prohibited in Pennsylvania.

The legislation now heads for the Senate.

9. TENNESSEE
State lawmakers are trying diligently to curb bad breeding operations by regulating breeders and creating an inspection process. State Sen. Doug Jackson is proposing legislation that he hopes will put an end to what many call puppy mills. The bill would require any breeder with more than 20 animals to pay a $500 licensing fee to the state. If you have more than 40, it goes up to $1,000. Commercial breeders would also be inspected yearly.

For more information, we invite you to view the article, “Senator Hopes Legislation Ends Puppy Mills.”

Also, a suspected puppy mill in Sparta, TN was raided Wednesday, February 11. The bust involved the rescue of over 275 dogs. Click here to read more.

10. WASHINGTON
In the wake of the recent seizures of hundreds of sick or neglected dogs from alleged puppy mill operations in Skagit and Snohomish counties, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would regulate breeders who own a large number of dogs. A Senate committee on Monday discussed the bill, which would provide “humanitarian requirements for certain dog breeding practices” by limiting breeders to keeping a maximum of 25 dogs at any one location and also by setting strict guidelines for the housing and care of the animals.

For more details concerning this legislation, we invite you to read the article, “Lawmakers Consider Bill Targeting Puppy Mills” http://www.komonews.com/news/39342082.html
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Like Mary said, let’s hope these small but important steps will help set the tone as a model for other cities, causing a ripple effect of positive change benefiting the animals.

Please everyone I need your warm thoughts and prayers for Benson today. Benny had some bad x-ray news last night, there is a growth between his stomach and intestines and there’s a chance that it’s cancer. He is going in first thing this morning for exploratory surgery and we will know by the end of the day what the real problem is. In the mean time, please leave your encouraging messages and prayers like you always do. Our family needs it right now so desperately.

Hooray, we got another award here at ThoughtsFurPaws. Our GR-eat friends at LabTails gave us the Honest Scrap Award.

Now here’s how this award works:

“When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real. Choose a minimum of seven (7) blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have seven (7) friends. Show the seven (7) random victims’ names and links and leave a comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, really, but they can keep the nifty icon. Next, in your blog, list at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!”

Similar to how Joan did it at LabTails, I am going to list ten honest things about the fur kids.

1. Benson and Gibson have the worst gas that I have ever smelled in my life. Seriously you have to leave the room.

2. Gibson knows how to smile on command. He lifts up his lips and shows you a big gummy smile and it is the sweetest thing in the whole wide world.

3. Benson does not have knees in his back legs, hence, the froggy dog position became his favorite as a pup.

4. Theodore often eats so fast that he throws up immediately after he’s finished.

5. Sasha, the teeny-tiny michevious black cat, often lays by the front window and growls at people who walk past the house with dogs.

6. Theodore, although he tries to be a big mean mancat, is like butter in your arms at night. We call him the “little boyfriend cat” because he has to be in someone’s arms or lap at night time. He circles around the family room numerous times before choosing which lap to cuddle up in.

7. Sasha has a second family that lives two houses down the street. She often spends the day at their house, nursing our friend Laura back to health (Laura is battling cancer, see the post I wrote about that months ago).

8. Sasha was catnapped on Halloween in 2001 when she was just a year old.

9. In the extended family, of my sister’s two Basset Hounds, one is nicknamed Peanut because he was in the shape of a peanut when he was a puppy.

10. My sister’s cats, Meeps and Lily, are nicknamed the “Thundercats” because of the noise they make when they romp around the house at night!

Now to pass this award on to other bloggers, we’re going to go at random and ping some other blogs that might not know us very well (some do, some don’t), but whom we very much admire.

1. BADRAP
2. PyschoKitty
3. Petopia
4. PetStrong
5. House of the Mostly Black Cats
6. Catitude, we love you Brandi!
7. William of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Thanks again to LabTails for giving us this award, we want to give it right back to you, too!

We got this cool new award from our friend Brandi at Catitude. Isn’t it neat? Thanks so much Brandi Here’s the rules:

“LOVE YA” award-winner… These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Wow! So 8 is hard to do because we have so many friends to give this to, but here goes:

- Dog Rescuer’s Life
- 4 the Love of Animals
- Daisy the Curly Cat (and Harley)
- Kitty Limericks
- The Creek Cats and Maggie May
- Jan’s Funny Farm
- Mr. Hendrix (not Bendrix)
- The Adventures of Spencer – Spencer needs all the purr-rayers he can get right now as he is sick with a really bad form of Cancer. Please think happy thoughts for this sweet woofie!

Finally, someone is making a big deal out of Ohio’s inadequate penalties for animal cruelty. Thanks to vindy.com for this article…
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YOUNGSTOWN — The mayor and city prosecutor have asked two state representatives to introduce legislation that would elevate certain acts of animal cruelty to a felony charge.

In a letter to Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, and Ronald V. Gerberry of Austintown, D-59th, Mayor Jay Williams and City Prosecutor Jay Macejko cite the need for legislation to bring Ohio in line with 45 other states that define certain acts of animal cruelty as a felony or provide felony-level penalties even though an offense is not specifically defined as a felony.

“Sadly, Ohio is in the minority that only provides misdemeanor penalties regardless of the extent of the cruelty,” Macejko said in the letter. He said the goal of bringing Ohio in line with the vast majority of the country could be accomplished by amending the penalty section of the current law.

The letter gives a synopsis of what happened at High Caliber K-9, a kennel that operated on Coitsville-Hubbard Road until October when seven dead and 12 starving dogs were found on the property. Steve Croley, the operator, reached a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and began serving a four-month jail sentence Jan. 23.

Macejko noted in the letter that Croley did not face 19 counts due to legal missteps on the part of Animal Charity humane agents. He said the agents who entered the property took the necessary moral, but not the necessary legal, action.

“To be blunt, misdemeanor penalties are not enough for what happened here, regardless of the number of offenses,” Macejko wrote. “The macabre suffering that happened at High Caliber in late October is almost beyond comprehension.”

He said limiting the felony charge to situations where animals die and to businesses that provide kenneling of animals would provide prosecutors “the tools necessary to punish these nefarious deeds.”

The penalty now for first-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty is up to six months in jail. If a fifth-degree felony is added to the law, the penalty would be six months to one year in prison.

Gerberry said he met with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, the drafting arm for legislation, this past week to discuss amending the existing animal cruelty law to include a fifth-degree felony. He said he should have a draft of the legislation in the next week or two and will ask Macejko to review it and see if it meets his and the mayor’s criteria.

Service commission staff reviews all bills before their introduction in the General Assembly to make certain that each bill is drafted in conformity with required technical standards. The staff also monitors all legislation moving through the General Assembly and attempts to minimize the possibility of technical conflict that could occur if two bills amending the same section of law are enacted during the same session.

Gerberry said the judge should have a little more latitude when it comes to sentencing.

“I don’t want to tie him up where he can’t dispense the penalty that meets the crime,” the state representative said. “I want to give the judge an opportunity to look at a specific case and say maybe it doesn’t meet the level of a felony or it does.”

Gerberry said it was “terrible, unbelievable” what happened to the dogs at High Caliber K-9. “You wonder what he was thinking, I just don’t understand.”

Hopefully, the legislation has a good chance of passing, he said.

The possibility of having Youngstown police cross-trained to deal with humane agent calls is being discussed. Macejko said this past week he remains hopeful that a small number of officers could be cross-trained.

“It appears that the number of such calls is on the increase and, unfortunately, the severity of the offenses appears to be increasing,” the prosecutor said. “At this point, the city is almost entirely dependent upon outside agencies to provide humane services, and the last thing we want to do is overwhelm the existing network.”

Hagan could not be reached.

“It’s about time Ohio says ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’ When someone kills an animal they need to be in the [prison] system,” said Dave Nelson, assistant Mahoning County dog warden. “I think it should get support — who would oppose? I know it’s been tried before, but the crimes are more violent now.”

He said if the law passes it will be a win-win situation, another tool to use to punish deliberately cruel acts. There have been countless times, he said, when animals died and the felony punishment would have applied.