Many of you remember the awful terrors of the High Caliber K9 Kennels story (in Youngstown, Ohio). Although it’s local to me, it DID make national news through several outlets (Google it and you will see for yourself…) Many posts on this blog (go to the Search bar on the bottom right and type in Steve Croley, High Kaliber K9 or HB 70 to get to those posts) discussed the story of what happened there and the terrible aftermath.

(What they had found was horrifying: “Bones, carcasses, decay, it was horrible, it was enough to make you gag and throw up and cry”, said Nikole Owen CEO of Animal Charity. As per the article, http://www.vindy.com/news/2008/oct/23/dogs-at-kennel-found-dead/)

Many people lost their beloved dogs to that horrible facility, and even more people collaborated and got together to urge the state of Ohio to do something about it, prompting House Bill 70, also known as Nitro’s Law (after one of the dogs who died there). Nitro’s picture is posted here thanks to Nitro’s website.

H.B. 70 (as amended 11/09) passed in the Ohio House by a vote of 59-38:

AS INTRODUCED TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE – To amend section 959.99 of the Revised Code to increase the penalty for violation of the prohibition against cruel treatment of a companion animal by the animal’s custodian or caretaker to a felony of the fifth degree.

AS AMENDED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE, 11/09 – To amend sections 959.131 and 959.99 of the Revised Code to specifically prohibit an owner of a kennel of dogs from committing cruel treatment of a companion animal by the animal’s custodian or caretaker and to give a prosecutor who prosecutes an owner of a kennel of dogs who commits cruel treatment of a companion animal discretion in prosecuting the owner for the offense.

Click here to view the live video stream of the vote – > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsUZ4lDCw34.

A very special thanks to Liz and Tom, proud guardians to the beloved Nitro, one of seven deceased canine companions found at High Caliber K-9, which served as the catalyst for this proposed legislation.

Liz and Tom have been incredible advocates to ensure the legacy of Nitro will not be forgotten. The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions and ThoughtsFurPaws.com applaud their bravery, unrelenting strength and dedication to serving as a strong voice for those animals who cannot speak for themselves.

To read more about Nitro’s story, please click here: http://www.nitrofoundation.com/index.html.

To read more about House Bill 70, click here.

Thanks to my friend and dedicated animal welfare advocate Mary O’Connor Shaver for alerting me and many others to this unfortunate set of circumstances. (Find Mary at ColumbusTopDogs and BanOhioDogAuctions.com.)

NJ puppy mill breeders Edith and Perry Buchko of Howell, NJ, who had
hundreds of Chihuahuas and Shar Peis, have now moved their business
to Ohio.

For more information of this couple, click here to read page 6 of the article, “Howell Twp. Puppy Mill Dogs Find Lifetime of Love in Carteret” – > http://www.ahscares.org/downloads/HN-February%202010.pdf.

When it was ascertained that Windsong Acre Kennels, owned by Edith
& Perry Buchko, were “unloading” some of the older dogs, the kennels were visited by authorities and the Buchkos were urged to surrender as many as possible. They had NO running water and there were problems with septic and sewage. The animals needed more resources than they were able and/or willing to give them.

It has been shared that these dogs lived at a horrendous breeding kennel; some sick, many unkempt. Most of the dogs needed immediate vital dental work, had
gum infections, cataracts, overgrown nails and some had heart murmurs.
Most of the Shar Peis had heavy infestation of heartworm – an easily
preventable disease, and sadly many were blind since no veterinary care
had been given to those that suffered from entropion eyelids.

Cages were stacked three feet high, with several dogs in each small crate. Edith Buchko admitted dropping dogs on their heads because she and her husband are obese and cannot bend down to put them down after they pick them up, so they just drop them. One of them had seizures due to being dropped (again this was by her own admission). She picks them up by the legs or whatever part of their body she can grab, as it has been described that they all cower from her.

After a November 24, 2008 inspection, the Buchkos had to clean up the rodent infestation, feces, and some of the other violations. Buchko was convicted of animal cruelty in 1991 and in 1996; her ability to sell with AKC papers was terminated. So the Buchkos created their own private dog registry called the Purebred Canine International Association where she pocketed “registration fees.”

Edith Buchko was back in court in 2006 and has not abided by the Farmingdale judge’s mandate. Finally, the kennel license was revoked, and the Buchkos were disbarred from the AKC, but she continued to operate while fighting the SPCA and going in and out of court.

(If you Google her name you will see the list of charges she’s faced going back many years.)

The Buchkos cannot pass the regulations to continue as a kennel, and
now with the newly changed kennel laws in their county, rather than
give up her dogs they have moved their operation to Ohio.

It has been confirmed that Edith is now living approximately one hour from Cleveland on 23 acres of land. It is said she currently has over 400 dogs living in two garages, and that one of the primary reasons that she will remain in Ohio is because our state “doesn’t have any zoning or number restrictions,” and she could continue her breeding business as usual.

When will Ohio finally pass a puppy mill bill… (don’t even get me started)

Now this is a controversy I can get into. I have argued back and forth for and against the HSUS many times with many of you who read this blog.

I am re-posting this from the Care2 site. (Thank you Care2 but I just couldn’t have written it better.)

***Let me know what you think about the CCF (total bull**it group if you ask me), the HSUS, and the investigation.

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) launched a watchdog project called HumaneWatch.org.  Their one goal is “to analyze the activities of the Humane Society of the United States,” an organization they say has “run off the rails.”

CCF thinks HSUS has gotten too big for their britches (do they still use that saying) and plans to bring them to their knees.  Through a blog by their Director of Research, David Martosko, a library and database they plan to scrutinize the group they refer to as “the animal rights industry’s most powerful player.”

HumaneWatch thinks the American public is being tricked by HSUS into believing their donations go primarily to local animal shelters to help individual cats and dogs, when most of the money actually goes toward legislative issues. 

Martosko said, “Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information.  Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year.  And most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.”

As a co-founder of a local animal welfare organization and someone who has worked in animal rescue for more than a decade, I wish HSUS spent more money and time helping individual shelters, rescue groups and animals.  But I also see the necessity for groups like HSUS that are powerful, national organizations with the financial capability to initiate laws to protect animals and go after industries that abuse them.  

The HSUS website doesn’t look like they are trying to hide anything from the public. It states their main goal is to create a “humane and sustainable world for animals” and it talks at great length about their advocacy programs.  It doesn’t promise to give funds to “humane societies that deal with the thankless task of sheltering unwanted pets” – as stated by HumaneWatch. 

People visiting the website can easily access information about the organization’s latest financial statements and tax returns, which clearly explain how donations are used.  The website also lists the accomplishments made by HSUS from years past through the present. 

In 2010 their influence has already been felt in these areas:

• They worked with Ohioans for Humane Farming on a ballot question in the state.
• They rebuilt an animal shelter in Louisiana with a $250,000 grant.
• They are working with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs to end puppy mills through measure on the November 2010 ballot.
• HSUS took a large department store to court for mislabeling clothing with fur.
• They raided cockfighting operations in Texas and Mississippi, along with local law enforcement agencies.
• HSUS sent a team of veterinarians to Haiti to help animals that were victimized in the earthquake.

It appears the HSUS is being targeted by HumaneWatch because their success has touched a nerve with the members of CCF.  This is especially true in the realm of humane legislation.  According to Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS the Center for Consumer Freedom represents factory farmers, the cattle industry, puppy mill operators and other corporations “working against public health.”

 In Pacelle’s blog he quotes a statement from Rick Berman of CCF the states the real reason behind the attack.  “With the passage of California’s Proposition 2, more people have come to realize the evolving threat of the power, influence, and growing wealth of the Humane Society of the United States.  Ballot initiatives and legislation similar to Prop. 2 will soon be introduced in more states.  HSUS’s massive budget, unwarranted positive public reputation, and deep-pocketed Hollywood friends will only become a greater threat to industry in a post –Proposition 2 business environment.  It is crucial that a key broad cross section of agriculture leaders start managing this nationwide threat now, before it is too late or too expensive to match HSUS dollar for dollar.”

 HSUS has been attacked before and come out the winner.  They will surely survive this bully tactic, as well. 

 However CCF has launched a massive PR campaign with Humane Watch and their press release made its way to hundreds of local newspapers, blogs and websites today.  If people only hear their point of view – innocent animals will be the ones to suffer. 

 Please help by setting the story straight. Research the background of CCF and speak out on behalf of animals.

*Graphic courtesy Care2 site as well. Thank you Care2.

After losing my precious tabby Theodore just one week ago, our dear white Golden Retriever Gibson crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Friday night, just five days after Theodore.

He died in the family room of our house of acute heart failure. After being rushed to the ER – the vets found CANCER ALL OVER HIS BODY, and once it hit his heart – he was gone. We had NO IDEA that he even had cancer – just like with Theodore. The cancer took Theodore in 13 days. Who knows how long Gibby had it.

Gibson came to us as a neglected and abused pup and therefore really appreciated the simple things in life: a nap on the cool fireplace, a frisky run in the park with Dad and brother Benson, chewing a stick on the fresh grass, laying in the sun for hours, a few pats on the ears…Gibson even tried to mimic our cats’ purring abilities when he was really happy by making this noise in his throat and nose. It is too cute to describe really…

He would have been a GREAT therapy dog, and several doctors and therapists told us so over the years. He was calm, cool and polite to everyone, loved to get his treats from Dad (his favorite person in the WHOLE WORLD was Dad because Dad rescued him from the awful breeder), and he cherished his favorite sleeping spot, the leather armchair in the family room next to the TV.

Gibby was a very special creature sent to us to teach us how to be patient, peaceful, forgiving, appreciative, and most of all, loving.

Please pray for him and my family as we are beyond devastated at this point.

Losing two precious kids in five days is like a nasty curse that I have no words nor thoughts to understand.

Thank you friends,

Jaime

We all know Valentine’s is for lovers – and this year, it’s for pet lovers, too. Your readers can celebrate the holiday by giving pets special Valentine’s Day gifts or helping a homeless pet find love during the PetSmart Charities Second Chance for Love National Adoption Weekend this February 12-14 in all 1,149 PetSmart stores in the United States and Canada.

With a goal of finding homes for 16,100 dogs, cats and small animals, PetSmart expects more than 2,000 animal-welfare agencies throughout North America to participate.

During the last 14 years, the PetSmart Charities Adoption Centers have found homes for more than 4 million pets. For every minute that the Adoption Centers are open, one pet’s life is saved. (Please see below for additional adoption details.)

Adopt a new pet and receive:

- Free 4-5 lb. bag of Science Diet® pet food*

- Coupon for $7 off Science Diet® dog and cat food

- The Guide for Lifelong Health (a $30 value)

- Valuable coupons and samples

If you already have a four-legged Valentine, make sure to show your loved one some extra attention. This Valentine’s, PetSmart is offering unique gifts such as Valentine tanks and plush and loofa dog toys featuring hearts and sweet messages.

ABOUT THE SECOND CHANCE FOR LOVE NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEKEND:
Prospective adopters are encouraged to visit the PetSmart Charities’ Adoption Center inside any PetSmart® store in the U.S. and Canada from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 14. Adoptions are handled by participating animal-welfare groups. Call a PetSmart® store near you to find out about a specific agency’s set-up time during the three-day event. To find the PetSmart Charities’ Adoption Center nearest you, visit www.PetSmart.com or call 1-877-473-8762.

***Re-posting this email info (with a tidbit from me) from Ann at Zoolatry…for your info ***

Romeo and his family & some friends have begun a new blog — called BlogPaws!
 
Here’s what he told us… “the pet community is a special one – supportive, friendly and bound together by a passion for the furry members of our families.”
 
And he also told us about the first-ever conference just for the online pet community: BlogPaws 2010.
 
This conference is for us – all of us – a weekend for pet bloggers who are passionate about their pets, who spend an [inordinate] *** amount of time with online blogging, Tweeting and networking with their pet loving friends.
 
*** we pets do not think it is an inordinate amount of time at all
 
Sorry, we did not mean to digress here…
 
The conference will be held April 9 and 10, in Columbus, Ohio (please take note all our O-HI-O friends, it may be right down the road from you and you could just paw over there). It’s a get together for fun, networking and education.  You’ll learn how to monetize your blog, increase traffic, understand SEO, do product reviews or publish a book — and much, much more.
 
Romeo knows the e-con-o-mee is kind of ruff ‘n tuff right now, so he offered a special discount of 20% off the registration fee of $129.00 if you’re a Zoolatry friend.  That’s a real deal we think.

If you want to know more about the conference, you can visit the BlogPaws site… or you can email Romeo’s Mom, Caroline… her email is below.

If you would be kind enough to support this site and this great event, grab the logo or 20% off (coupon graphics in this post) and put it in your post or on the sidebar of your blog, and include the site link. 
 
So… from Romeo, and Maggy & Zoey (at Zoolatry)… go, take part in BlogPaws2010… have a great time, and share lots of meows, bow wows and paws-up with all your friends.

** And now from ME, Jaime, and ThoughtsFurPaws.com, we have already signed up and received a special room rate at the Westin where the conference is being held of $99 per night! (GREAT deal for downtown Columbus, trust us, we’re Ohioans who frequent the area). We sincerely hope as many of our readers, fans and friends can make it to the conference so we can meet face to face. Imagine how much fun it will be!
 
Link for BlogPaws           http://www.blogpaws.com
To email Romeo             caroline@romeothecat.com

The new and improved FURminator is the coolest and most easy to use pet brush EVER. I was sent a sample for review and the updates the company made to the original make the product even better than it already was!

The FURminator deLuxe Collection features the same premium quality, stainless steel edge and adds a sleek, enhanced design, which make grooming sessions at home faster and easier.

The new model has an ergonomic handle, making it easier to grip, the fine-toothed deshedding edge, which is the biggest feature if you ask me because it reaches beneath the top coat and grabs loose undercoat hair, and finally, it also has a really neat “FURejector:” a button you push that releases the hair you’ve trapped in the brush (so you can avoid pulling all the hair out of the comb with your hands and getting it all over the place!!)

FURminator deLuxe Edition

I have always been a FURminator fan, and never use any other pet brush. But actually, even my vet told me just this week (since I’ve spent so much time there this week…) that his lucrative grooming business uses only the FURminator line of products on all dogs and cats.

The deLuxe model includes tools designed for small, medium and large long- and short-haired dogs AND cats, so you can pick which model works best depending on the size of your animals.

I think the best part about FURminator products is that my cats and dogs actually LOVE the way they feel on their skin. They will sit in front of me for hours being brushed – which is unusual considering how hyperactive our animals are. And it’s also funny because they have learned to recognize the FURminator — when I go into the laundry room and pull it out of the cabinet it’s like they line up in a row, waiting to be brushed:)

I would highly recommend this product to any pet owner – it REALLY IS THE BEST PET BRUSH EVER CREATED.

You can find the magical new FURminator at pet specialty retailers and vet clinics, as well as online at www.furminator.com.

PERCEPTION

By Jim Hughes
Kennel Spotlight Magazine, December 2009

* Thanks to Mary O’Conner Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs, a well-known and respected animal advocacy group, for sharing this article with us on Facebook. I recommend to everyone you join her Facebook Group, “Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions,” by clicking here or on the previous Facebook link. You can also Google both Mary and Jim’s names and find a wealth of articles, information, and education materials about everything from puppy mills to dog auctions and animal welfare legislation.*

*Please note that this is an article promoting responsible breeders. I know you readers are used to hearing me talk about rescue, but, bottom line, there ARE in fact good breeders out there…*

So here’s Jim’s article:

In the human physic, there are two realms, actual facts and perceived facts. The perceived facts can get so imbedded into the mind that all of the actual facts to the contrary will not change that perception, even when seen with one’s own eyes. Our dogs do not care if we paint the kennel or not. It makes no difference to them, either way. But, it certainly makes a huge difference to John Q. Public. And TV news commentators are a part of John Q. This magazine (Kennel Spotlight) has preached to the choir for five years now. I have preached to the choir for 50 years; dang it! if it don’t beat all, but the choir ain’t listening.

We have lost the war. This war we have been raging against the Humaniacs of the world has been lost. We know that the message being delivered to the newspaper and television media personnel are, in the most part, outright, vicious lies. But John Q. has heard it so often, and with no rebuttal from our side, that he now believes that all puppy breeders are bad, somewhat lower than a child molester. We must take our message to the public at school fairs, county fairs, church functions, political rallies, PTA meetings, etc. Anywhere that sells booth space. Business Expos are an excellent place to display your kennel. But people, we must have something to talk about. We must put our best foot
forward and that is not the old status quo.

If you plan to save this dog breeding business, you must:

1. Get legal. Get a license, ALL licenses, USDA, State, County business, tax number etc.

2. Paint your buildings, fix your pens, wash your windows, repair your equipment, fix your hair, paint your face, take a bath. Look the part of the professional image you must present to old John Q. Public.

3. You must groom your dogs. They must look professional also. And socialize them. Give them some attention. It will be hard for the H.S. to convince a judge that you are abusing a well groomed, well fed, healthy, friendly little ball of energy.

4. Invite your public officials to inspect your facilities. Get your Veterinarian to write you a clean bill of health. Publically display any clean inspection reports. Have your Sheriff stop in and make him aware of the harassment the H.S. is sending out to all breeders.

5. Post NO TRESPASSING signs at every entrance to your property.

6. Allow no strangers onto your property until you have identified them, but then make them feel welcome and that you have nothing to hide.

7. Make sure that you have a lawyer already aware that when you need him, it will be on a minutes notice. Pay him a retainer if he needs one.

8. Volunteer to help at your local humane shelter. Get to know those people and become friends with them. “Know thy enemy”. Many of these people don’t even know you are the enemy.

9. Join your local breeder club. If you do not have one, form one. We, here in the Midwest, have many, too many, but the east coast has almost none. Most of the kennel raids take place on unlicensed, unorganized, east coast breeders.

10. Re-educate yourself. Change your thinking. Imagine yourself as John Q. Public. You know nothing except what the Humane Society tells you. Accept the fact that the public now expects you to raise your dogs in scrumptiously clean, well lighted, good smelling conditions. Somewhat like a retail Pet Shop.

11. Post a bulletin board with pictures and letters from satisfied customers. Resolve, within reason, any customer complaints before they hit the courts or the media.

If you refuse to adjust to the new way of thinking that H$U$ has forced upon you, you either need to get out of the business or you will be forced out, either by raid and confiscation or by legislation. Senator Durbin is too busy right now selling Obama ideas to the public, but he has a new Pups Bill ready to spring on Congress. As soon as he gets the time, he will introduce it and fight for its passage. Just look what Ed Rendell has done to Pennsylvania. People in power can and will make your life miserable. Those of you who think you are immune to USDA inspections because you only sell through the internet will find that the new bill was written with YOU in mind.

My crystal ball tells me that this bill will pass, even though we will fight against it. It will then become the duty of USDA to inspect these new licensees, but because of lack of manpower, they will be unable to do the job. Because of our current economic distress, they will not be allowed to hire more inspectors SO, guess what, the H$U$ WILL VOLUNTEER TO DO IT FOR THEM.

Am I being overly pessimistic? Possibly! But I find that the concerns I am voicing today are the same ones that I was voicing 20 years ago. The difference is that the enemy has gotten stronger, more determined, and better financed over the years. Sure, we win a battle, but the threat of next year is always hanging over us. We wear out, and we are just trying to make a living but they have a CAUSE and the zeal to pursue it to completion.

Shape up breeders, big brother is watching you!!!

It seems more holiday pet tips are coming my way from all differnt directions, so I thought I’d post this one too. This one is about some great holiday pet gift ideas that are nice and easy. It’s from my good friend John at Guideposts.com.

Here are 5 purr-fect budget friendly gift ideas for your pets:
http://www.guideposts.com/story/presents-pets-christmas
1. Buy a great toy: Check out the environmentally-friendly toys at your local pet store, or online. Or go even more simple. A bucket of old tennis balls makes Kelly happy. Try making a toy yourself. If you can sew, create a simple stuffed teddy bear for your pup. Tie a feather or pompon to the end of a string for your kitty. Get creative!
2. Cook  Something Yummy: Find a recipe for healthy dog treats. Try this dog carsomething yummy:rot cake recipe from Sharon Azar’s WOOF! blog or Editor-in-chief Edward Grinnan’s dog food recipe.
3. Frame a picture: For your animal-loving friends and family, frame a special picture of their pet, or create a small scrapbook or brag book. If you’re handy with the computer, print up stationary or note cards, with the pet’s picture in the corner.
4. Make pet books and calendars: Pet lovers will never grow tired of reading about their best friends, and there are so many great options: fiction, memoirs, how-to, and great true animal stories. (Check out Guideposts’ own Their Mysterious Ways) Page-a-day or monthly pet calendars make great gifts, too.

5. Give your time: What’s the best gift to give a pet? Your time! Get down on the floor and play, maybe even invent a new game with your dog or cat. Relish time to just cuddle. Kelly and I like to get wrapped up in a blanket. For your pet-owning friends, offer dog walking or pet-sitting. Or help more pets by donating time or money to a local animal shelter.

(Next one added by me, yours truly….I couldn’t help it)

6. Volunteer. I think that we should all get out and volunteer for an animal charity this holiday season, whether by being at adoption events, writing letters, or answering phones, go into your local pet charity and see how you can help this season!

 
Happy holidays!

This is a guest post written by my friend Rod Burkett from GoPetFriendly.com. If you are traveling with pets this holiday season, then it’s a must-read.

————————————————————————————————–

Millions of people will hit the road this holiday season to spend time with friends and family, and for many of us, spending the holidays away from our pets is inconceivable. Planning ahead and taking some precautions can help ensure that everyone – including the furry members of the family – has a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to make sure your trip is a merry one!

• Health and safety first. Before departing, have your pet checked by the vet to ensure he/she is fit to travel.  Consider scanning your pet’s medical records to a CD or thumb drive so you have a portable history.  Also, your pet should wear a suitable collar with identification attached.  A microchip is a good idea if your pet is prone to running away.

• Strongly consider traveling by car. The airlines are plagued with huge crowds and massive amounts of baggage during this time of the year. Delays and cancellations are the norm and could cause increased stress for your pet. While driving in the car, keep your pet crated or buckled up and no heads poking out the windows!

• Make certain your pet is welcome at your destination. Friends and relatives may not be comfortable with having your pet as a guest. Confirm in advance that your host will welcome your pets and discuss any restricted areas or rules that will need to be followed during your stay.

• Brush up on obedience. Our pets are introduced to new places, scents and people when we travel. Understanding what’s allowed in a new environment can be confusing for them, but a little training before you leave will allow them to showcase their manners. Simple commands like “Stay,” “Down,” and “Drop It” can keep a dog from bolting out an open door, greeting guests inappropriately, or ingesting something harmful.

• Give them a comfortable retreat. Many pets can become overwhelmed with holiday gatherings and would prefer a quiet spot away from the activity. Having their bed or crate and their favorite toy creates a welcome refuge where they can relax.

• Keep your pet’s normal schedule. As simple as it may seem, feeding and exercising your pet on their normal schedule can reduce their anxiety. Set an alarm to remind you of your pet’s feeding time and don’t skip their daily walks to drain excess energy!

• Avoid digestive disaster. It’s very tempting to spoil your pet during the holidays with foods and treats however it’s very important to stick to your pet’s normal diet while you’re traveling. Many foods like onions, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate and alcohol served at the holidays are toxic to your pet. Poultry bones splinter and can cause serious health issues. Just eating foods your pet is not used to can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Let other guests know that your pet is well-fed and anyone offering treats may be cleaning up after him later!

• The tree is off limits. Pets can be injured if they take tinsel or ornaments off the tree, and the water in the tree stand can have preservatives or bacteria that could harm your pet. Pets should not be allowed around the tree, and gates should be used if the tree is just too tempting.

• Monitor your emotions. Over-excitement, anxiety and stress are common emotions around the holidays. Remember that your pet will pick up on your feelings, so relax, stay calm and have fun!