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.

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.

Well it’s terribly bad news today, partially expected yet still totally shocking. Theodore has andeocarcinoma, a very rare type of cancer and the vet did not remove all of it when he took the tumor and gall bladder out.

Theodore went severely downhill this weekend and could barely move this morning when I found him hiding behind the toilet in the bathroom. His temp was below 98 degrees, his eyes were sunken in the back of his head, and he couldn’t walk on his own he was so weak.

The Dr said he could try a feeding tube and steroids but with the metastisizing cancer cells, there was only a 20 percent chance Theodore would make it.

So – around 3:20 p.m. this afternoon Theodore was humanely euthanized and will be FOREVER LOVED, MISSED, and HONORED by his mother and all who knew him.

There was no cat quite like Theodore. He enjoyed the outdoors so much, running freely through the woods in the wind, chasing chipmunks, playing on his cat post at home, and snuggling at night time with whoever had open arms. He also knew how to open the crunchie cabinet and did so quite frequently. He slept by my side every minute when I was sick over the last 3 months, never leaving me alone…

Please do say a prayer for him and me, his mom, as I am a total wreck. Theodore was with me through some of the worst parts of the last 11 years of my life (as well as the good parts). I have never been bestowed such a loving and joyful gift as him and he will never be forgotten.

I love you Theodore, and I can’t wait to see you again someday.

Love, Mom

***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.

My dear sweet Theodore, my 11-and-a-half year old Tabby/Maine Coone mix that I so often talk about is desperately ill right now.

He is currently undergoing exploratory surgery at the ER vet because the Dr thinks he may have cancer. He has lost two pounds in a month, has suffered severe vomiting and constipation, and this is his third vet visit in 6 days.

I will find out about 4 pm EST what they find — chances are its cancer though.

Please send all your love and prayers to my dear sweet baby who is suffering so badly right now…and to me – I am a WRECK.

Thank you friends,

Jaime

Okay, now for the continuation of the funny pet and animal pictures post from earlier this week, here we go! Enjoy:)

Hi everyone,

Well after battling pneomonia, mono, sinus infection and bronchitis, Mom is finally on the road to recovery and we are so excited to be posting again! We have missed all of you SO SO much!

Even though it’s not Fun Friday, Mom wanted to post these funny pet pictures to let you know how happy she is to be back (the rest we’ll post on Fun Friday!)

We can’t wait to visit everyone this week, and hope to hear from you soon:)

Thanks to dedicated reader Hayley Tarling for this email of cute pet pictures…

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!

Once again, this isn’t wordless, but I had to tell the story. The first kitty in these pictures is a stray who started showing up at my best friend’s house the very same night they had to relinquish their adopted dog to the shelter due to his destructive nature. (Long story but it was a totally legit relinquish) They nicknamed the stray “Coincidence” because they thought it was a sign from the dog that he will be okay and that he was sending another stray their way to take in.

The second pic is my friend’s two perma-kitties, Little and Jazzy. Enjoy

"Coincidence"

Jazzy and Little