So, for the Valentine’s Day Doggie Photo Contest — here are the entries (first round). ( See announcement post HERE.)

And, more importantly – here are the RULES for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest - please read carefully or you will not be qualified!

** CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST. The last entrants will be posted Feb 13th (evening) or Feb 14th; you are highly encouraged to get your cute dog pictures in early because voting ends February 18.

Winners will be announced the night of the 18th or on the 19th some time… Prizes will be coming from Spring Naturals, Stella and Chewy’s, Lickety Stik, PetSmart and more

♥ Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. ♥

♥ It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos  ♥

RULES:

1. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote or per name/email if you comment your vote in).

2. If you leave a fake email address on your comment to try to stuff comment voting, your vote will not be counted.

3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS and I will test the emails.

YOU MUST ENTER A DOG – BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR DOG - please see numbers 7 and 9 in this post and then tell me what YOU think of this rule...  At ThoughtsFurPaws.com, readers RULE; so it’s up to you guys. The Admins and I will also weigh in before the next post and leave a message after we get some COMMENT VOTES!!! (See next two points on voting please!)

4. No voting on Facebook — send your readers HERE to vote in comment. You can post this post on FB – but VOTES on FB won’t count because not everyone has an account there…

5. Remember: Readers can vote by emailing two votes per email address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com or by commenting on THIS POST or the ANNOUNCEMENT POST HERE

Please check out the pix below and the stories included therein – each cute dog picture has a number and a corresponding story

1. AVA

2. BAILEY

3. CHANCE

4. FENRIS

5. GEORGIA

6. JACKSON

7. JAKE

8. LIBBYLU and MAX

9. MARIA and TACO

1.AVA: Ava, the Italian Greyhound, is the ultimate snuggle bug and loves nothing more than to be burrowed under covers, sleeping. This picture nails her personality so perfectly. She pops her head out of her ‘nest’ every so often to make sure she approves of what is going on around the house, and then snuggles back in.

2. BAILEY: This is a favorite photo because the three teddy bears are Bailey’s cuddle mates & he seemed delighted to have them get dressed up for Valentine’s Day for photos with him. Bailey wishes everyone a happy holiday!

3.  CHANCE: Chance was tied to a train track and hit by a couple of trains, so he has some back end damage and has to wear a diaper. We were going to a Blessing of the Animals event and my friend Rod didn’t want Chance to be embarrassed so he dressed him up. (Which probably embarrassed him more but he looks so darned cute, who cares!)

10. CALVIN

4. FENRIS:  I love this picture of Fenris because he looks so happy. He is a true treasure and such a good dog. I think the cats would even agree that he is a good doggie… After all, he doesn’t chase them and he will even let them eat dry food out of his bowl. Surely you can’t fault him for being unwilling to share the canned dog food

5. GEORGIA: This pretty girl was a Father’s Day gift for my husband – AND SHE HAS ALREADY MADE THE COVER OF A MAGAZINE! (She was on XXX – see 2nd pic at bottom). Georgia’s Mom didn’t want her at first but realized after taking her friend to multiple 8-hour chemo sessions how wonderful animals are and how helpful they can be (Ahem, hello Sasha!)

5. GEORGIA on Country Roads Magazine

11. OLIVER

6. JACKSON:  Jackson, a Spaniel mix, is “my playful boy who loves nothing more than to be outside running around in the cold!” This picture was taken at the dog park on one of the coldest days of the year. I was in several layers of clothes and still freezing, and Jackson was totally in his element. I swear, he must be part Siberian Husky!

7. JAKE: Jake He 9-years-old and the “best dog I’ve ever seen.”  He is so pleasant and well-behaved.  He likes to sit outside but this day it was cold so his owner puts out a mattress, a pillow and a blanket for him.  He doesn’t even have a leash.  He does not go past the yard.  The entrant said she “just had to take a picture: so I don’t think Jake can win since the entrant doesn’t own a dog. However, Jake did just sit there and pose; and since he is so nice, if you would like to vote for him, we can send the prize to his neighbor and she can take his winnings to him. Let me know what you all think.

8. “LIBBYLU” and MAX: Both rescued from Wisconsin shelters over three years ago… these Golden Retrievers are well-loved by their families and now enjoy the life of spoiled dogs  instead of being behind a cage…

9. MARIA and TACO: Maria, and her dog Taco Bell, are inseparable and go everywhere together. Maria is a professional Salsa dancer in Southwest Florida and Taco Bell has been the designated mascot for her dance troupe for 3 years now! In their spare time, Maria & Taco like to sunbathe in the hammock under palm trees and walk along Ft. Myers beaches.

10. CALVIN: This is my furry Valentine Calvin, the love of my life. He was born with a heart defect, but will soon undergo surgery to repair his tiny heart, so Valentine’s Day is special for us. There is no guarantee that he will survive the risky surgery, but without it he has no chance at all. I take many pics of Calvin but this is one of my favorites.  Calvin was a little cold at an outdoor event, so he wrapped himself up in his special blanket! His personality is just as it appears in the photo, sweet and innocent with a side of mischief.  I am thankful every day that this puppy came into my life.  He has taught me so much about unconditional love and never losing hope.

11. OLIVER: Introducing Oliver: he is a 5-year-old Wire-Haired Dachshund who is a natural “ham!” He is wonderful in every way. Children and adults alike are always smiling when He is around. Oliver is just a happy, charismatic pup, very much loved by his family!

REMEMBER READERS and VOTERS:

The RULES for the Valentine’s Day Dog Photo Contest  must be followed or you could be disqualified (I am accusing no one of anything illegal contest-wise , but people HAVE tried to take advantage in the past b/c ThoughtsFurPaws is inherently known for its CRAZY-GOOD prize packages:))

CONTEST RUNS NOW thru Feb. 13th, 6 pm EST.

♥ Please send a dog picture accompanied by a brief story about the dog, explaining why he/she should win, why you chose this particular photo, etc. It should obviously be one of your funnier/cuter dog photos  ♥

1. No more than two votes per person (per email address if you email your vote or per name/email if you comment your vote in).

2. If you leave a fake email address on your comment to try to stuff comment voting, your vote will not be counted.

3. No more than three persons PER IP ADDRESS – and we WILL be testing emails.

4. YOU MUST ENTER A DOG – BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE YOUR DOG - please see numbers 7 and 9 in this post and then tell me what YOU think of this rule...  At ThoughtsFurPaws.com, readers RULE; so it’s up to you guys but the Admins and I will also make a decision before the next post and leave a comment after we get some COMMENT VOTES!!! (See next two points on voting please!)

5. No voting on Facebook — send your readers HERE to vote in comment.

6. Readers can vote by emailing two votes per email address to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

See original Announcement post from a couple days ago here.

And get your entries in fast

  ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥  ♥ ♥   ♥ ♥

Current law defines a “vicious dog” as one that, without provocation, has seriously injured a person, has killed another dog, or is of the general breed known as “pit bull.” Among numerous other changes, the bill drops the reference to “pit bull” from that definition.

BUT THE SENATE has PASSED SUB-HB 14 –THEY’VE LISTENED TO US!

They’ve honored constituent wishes and REMOVED PIT BULLS from the VICIOUS DOG LAW!

Watch for yourself near the 45-minute mark here (!):

Courtesy Best Friends Animal Society: a Happy Pittie, as it SHOULD BE

The measure notes that the label doesn’t include a police dog that has injured a person or has killed another dog while assisting law enforcement officials.

- SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING ON SUB HB 14 -REPEAL OF BREED DISCRIMINATION

VICIOUS DOG (Sears, B.) To remove pit bulls from the definition of “vicious dog” in state law, to establish a process by which owners, keepers, or harborers of dogs that have been designated as nuisance, dangerous, or vicious may appeal that designation, to define a “nuisance dog,” to change the definitions of a “dangerous dog” and a “vicious dog,” to require the owner of a dangerous dog to obtain a dangerous dog registration certificate, to prohibit certain felons from owning dogs under certain conditions, and to change the penalties involving ownership of nuisance, dangerous, and vicious dogs. (REPORTED-AMENDED; 4th Hearing-All testimony-Possible amendments & vote)

The panel amended the bill before reporting it out of committee. The changes would:

–Waive the requirements relating to spaying and neutering dogs if the animals have a medical condition that would make doing so harmful to the dog.

  I will keep you posted everyone!

Cat Breeds:

Since most of these pets are also too large to travel in the cabin of a commercial aircraft, their only hope of flying at all is a chartered flight.

The holiday season is hectic enough without the additional worry of losing or injuring your beloved pet while trying to visit out-of-town family.

To avoid some of the headache of flying with a pet, private aviation provides a safer and more pleasant alternative to a jumbo jet full of passengers and luggage (and hassle). As any pet owner knows, pets are a part of the family. They deserve to spend the holidays with us and travel with us without being treated like cargo.

Source:

http://www.petsonthego.com/transairlineregs.html

About Avantair

This guest post was provided by Avantair, a pet-friendly provider of private aircraft ownership, leasing programs and flight hour cards. With a focus on safety, comfort and, customer service, Avantair’s fractional jet ownership program is the solution to your private travel needs. Fractional ownership provides all of the advantages of owning your own private aircraft without the expense and maintenance. Whether you are interested in jet ownership, jet leasing or jet cards, Avantair has a program that’s right for you!

*** This is my second official post on the fabulous and fantastic We Are Pet Nation. Please guys, come and check it out: awesome site, no bull**it, real news, funny stories, and lots of great animal welfare updates via, who else… ME?! *** Here goes….

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Animal welfare advocates should pick a passion when it comes to fighting for our favorite four-legged friends… I guess a better way of saying “pick a passion” is, “choose your battles.”

Yes, I mean battles– plural.

Fellow bloggers and I (on right) at BlogPaws, learning to advocate!

One step at a time, you can do it.

Whether you are waging a campaign to overturn BSL, are arguing with Council for stiffer animal cruelty penalties, or are going to a state /national level with a fight like the one I discussed about puppy mill legislation, you have to focus on one thing; it’s imperative to do this first. As much as we want to run out and change all the laws, save all the animals, get every pet “fixed,” and put every cat and dog into a home, we must take small steps if we want to change the world. (And I firmly believe that one person can change the world because I have seen it.)

Call me a believer; call me an optimist. But if you’re going out there to fight the “fat cats” (no pun intended), particularly ones with deep pockets, you should be, too. Otherwise, you may get knocked down the first week… So – hone in on one thing to achieve first. Also – set realistic goals, even if you take baby steps.

And remember – always, always believe in yourself. Do not yield. To anyone. To any statement made against you. To anything. Carry courage in conviction everywhere you go. Now read on and then you’re ready to roll…

To be successful in advocating for animals in your city or area:

1. Find supporters who are willing to walk the line… find some who are super-intelligent and can talk politics, some who have connections (and, if you’re indeed trying to pass/overturn legislation, find some who are willing to strongly voice opinions to ANY audience). You’ll need volunteers and campaign coordinators willing to stand in the snow carrying signs, getting signature on petitions, and some to “pester” locals by handing out brochures, getting more signatures on petitions, and approaching people who are attending pet shows, conferences, & gatherings or going into pet stores/malls.  (Please see number 4 before completing this.)

To read the other nine tips, and some more great information about animal welfare advocacy and how to achieve success in doing it locally where you live, check out this link.

On Friday, October 21st, after much prodding from not only animal welfare/animal rights groups, but from his own constituents, supporters and non-supporters, Ohio’s much contested Governor John Kasich signed an Exotic Pets Bill into law.

This was only days after the Zanesville, Ohio massacre (which made national news) of almost 60 wild animals, including rare big cats, bears, monkeys, and more.

Is it too late?

I say yes.

** Previous Governor Ted Strickland noted in an article that he had created legislation for the ban, but was quick to note that the new Governor had let it slide — not uncommon in Ohio, which ranks near last in the US for animal protection/animal welfare laws and legislation. **

Want to see the REAL track record of ALL of Ohio’s lawmakers in helping animals?

Check out this video from the amazing folks at Nitro’s Law… (grab a BOX of Kleenex first)

Parts of the new law are explained here:

ALL EXISTING NATIVE WILD ANIMAL PERMITS WILL BE REVIEWED: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulates ownership of dangerous wild animals native to Ohio. ODNR will review existing permits to ensure proper compliance and perform onsite inspections to the fullest extent possible with existing resources, and additional resource needs will be identified for future enforcement efforts.

WILD ANIMAL AUCTIONS WILL BE RESTRICTED AND ANY UNLICENSED AUCTIONS WILL BE SHUT DOWN: The Ohio Department of Agriculture will use its existing authority to regulate auctions to pursue agreements with auction houses that trade in dangerous wild animals to impose a temporary moratorium on their sale. Additionally, the Department will work with the US Department of Agriculture, local law enforcement, veterinarians and humane societies to enforce existing laws and to identify and shut down unlicensed auctions.

OHIO WILL WORK WITH ZOOS TO IDENTIFY SAFE PLACES TO KEEP CONFISCATED OR IMPOUNDED DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS: A safe and appropriate location to house confiscated or impounded dangerous wild animals is essential to enforcing existing animal cruelty and public health laws, as well as future Ohio laws regulating these animals. Ohio will work with zoos to identify their ability to accept animals that are confiscated or impounded and help meet their needs.

NEW LEGAL POWERS WILL BE PROPOSED BY NOVEMBER 30: A task force including representatives of the Humane Society of the United States, county prosecutors, and veterinarians—led by the Department of Natural Resources—has been crafting a new legal framework for the General Assembly’s consideration that would give Ohio the authority to regulate dangerous wild animals. That task force will complete its work and submit its report by November 30.

OHIO WILL WORK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Ohio will establish toll-free hotline and website and work with local law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, county humane societies, and other stakeholders to identify potential problem locations where dangerous wild animals are kept so that the appropriate authorities can ensure all existing laws and regulations are being followed and enforced.

A COPY OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDER CAN BE VIEWED HERE: http://governor.ohio.gov/Portals/0/pdf/executiveOrders/EO%202011-24K.pdf

I personally called the Governor’s office to voice my opinion (Ohio’s legislators are on my speed-dial I swear…) last Thursday and was told a solution was being “worked up.”

But while I had a secretary or office drone on the line, I did pose the question: “will this make the Governor more aware and hence, more apt to voice his support to law-makers on OTHER CRUCIAL pieces of animal welfare legislation for Ohio, i.e. Nitro’s Law (HB 108)?”

The worker bee replied with, “with who’s Law?”

THESE PEOPLE ARE UN- f-in-BELIEVABLE.

It took EVERY SINGLE OUNCE OF SANITY AND GRACE I have to not jump through the phone and strangle this person. Instead, I politely explained Nitro’s Law and was told that the Governor does support the passage of important laws to protect animals, but needs to “focus on unemployment and bringing jobs to Ohio right now.” Also, he “does not have the power necessary to PASS the actual law.” Is this guy a first-year intern or what??

This guy is so fired.

I quickly wrote up and fired off a personal letter — NOT an email — to the Governor. Please email me if you would like to follow suit. I will email you the Word document.

So what do you think? Are Ohio’s politicians playing ostrich when it comes to passing important animal welfare legistation?

Not only on Nitro’s Law, but a Puppy Mill Bill, Ban on Dog Auctions, etc?

I mean, Nitro’s has been around for three years, and a puppy mill bill has been in the works for even longer…

Why can’t they get it done? Is it laziness? Do they not care? Do they not have time? Do not enough Ohioans care? Do we need to throw money at the problem via a lobbyist or something?

Or do they simply not hear from US – their supporters – enough?

Organized, large-scale dogfighting operations have declined in recent years… however, street dogfighting is on the rise in urban areas (many of us are well-aware of this).

** Neighborhood Pit Bull owners seeking status or bragging rights, and gang-bangers looking to settle scores or move up the ladder, and even other, less than savory characters stage impromptu dog fights in back alleys or basements or backyards.

** In recent years, federal laws have been strengthened to combat dogfighting and cockfighting — updgrading the jail time, banning the sale of cockfighting weapons and the possession and training of fighting animals. We’ve (collectively) also passed dozens of new state laws to criminalize animal fighting and strengthen the enforcement of these laws.

And this new legislation is definitely working for the animals and helping to save lives…

JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO: A Grand Jury charged an Ohio man with three counts of felony dogfighting after a nine-month investigation and legal action by a local animal shelter. An Ohio attorney presented the case against Sherman Bell to the Jefferson County Grand Jury pursuant to a unique provision of Ohio law, which allow local humane societies to bring criminal charges directly against animal abusers. This is the first time Ohio’s special private prosecution statute has been applied to dogfighting.

During a 2010 raid, authorities found suspected dogfighting paraphernalia on Bell’s property and seized 200 dogs along with 300 other animals such as reptiles, chickens, roosters, boars and a variety of exotic birds in terrible condition. The animals were discovered by local officers when they arrived on Bell’s property to carry out an arrest warrant for drug and weapons charges. The animal shelter also plans to file 18 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals for the mistreatment of the dogs, reptiles and a cat found on the property. (YES, IN OHIO, ANIMAL CRUELTY IS STILL A MISDEMEANOR.. See Nitro’s Law for more info on that...)

Following the 2010 raid, all dogs were removed from the property and set up in an emergency shelter for care. The shelter’s rescue team also assisted in caring for other animals on site and placing them into foster care and permanent homes.

More than 150 dogs from the operation were placed with rescue groups and shelters across the country in several states all the way to California and New Jersey.

So why am I posting this??? Because this is happening in our backyards, my fellow Ohioans….

We NEED TO GET Nitro’s Law passed to get animal cruelty “upgraded” to a FELONY.

Yesterday, after much discussion in the days before, the Breed Bans Bill, Ohio House Bill 14, PASSED the House of Reps by a vote of 69 to 29.

Some of us are surprised. Some of us are elated. Some of use are pissed. Some of us knew we could depend on our Representatives at least to listen to their constituents, who have been calling and emailing relentlessy regarding this and many other important animal welfare issues and bills on the floor right now in the House.

(In Ohio, the House isn’t the problem… we’ll discuss that another time.

For now, let’s just celebrate. This makes it more sensible for cities and counties in Ohio to remove THEIR senseless breed bans — and oh boy, there are A LOT throughout the state.

H.B. 14 was proposed in hopes to remove the statewide classification of pit bulls (Pit Bulls or APBTs) as dangerous dogs. Ohio is the only state with such a law.

HB14 – in its current form – creates three different classifications for problem dogs based solely on the behavior of the dog (and owner) and is breed neutral.

The three classifications are:

1) Nuissance Dog — a dog that while off its owner’s property threatens, manaces or attempts to bite a person.

2) Dangerous Dog – one that has caused an injury to a person, killed another dog or had 3 violations as a nuissance dog. Once a dog is classified as dangerous, the owner must register the dog, purchase liability insurance, microchip the dog and afix a tag to its collar.

3) A Vicious Dog – is on that has caused serious injury to a person through a bite.

So HB14 confirmed that Pit Bulls be removed from this classification. WOO-HOO! This will make it not only more sensible, like I said earlier, but easier for cities and counties in Ohio with Pit Bull Bans to reverse them if the people make themselves heard and say WE WANT IT DONE.

Who’s with me??

Many of you ask me how to talk to representatives, senators, mayors, etc about how you feel about current and proposed animal welfare laws. Well here they are: the tips you’ve been waiting for. I also put an update in here at the top on which House Bills are going up for vote when, including Nitro’s Law, which is coming up soon.

SCHEDULED ON THE HOUSE CALENDAR FOR NEXT WEEK – EXPECTED VOTE ON HOUSE FLOOR

Sub. H. B. No. 108 - Nitro’s Law as Introduced — Representatives Ron Gerberry (D-59),  Robert Hagan (D-60)

Cosponsors: Representatives Hagan, R., Fedor, Yuko, Letson, Phillips

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 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.

SCHEDULED ON THE HOUSE CALENDAR FOR NEXT WEEK – POSSIBLE VOTE ON HOUSE FLOOR

Sub. H. B. No. 25 — Representative Courtney Combs (R-54)

Cosponsors: Representatives Derickson, Grossman, Patmon, Pillich, Beck, Stinziano, Dovilla, Maag, Blair, Stebelton, Rosenberger, Hackett, Ashford, Winburn, Garland, Williams, Weddington, Bubp, Blessing, Hayes, Slaby

To amend sections 959.99, 2152.19, 2903.213, 2903.214, 2919.26, 3113.31, 4732.141, and 4757.33 and to enact section 4731.284 of the Revised Code to revise the penalties and sentencing provisions regarding violations of the cruelty to animals statutes and to include the protection of companion animals in temporary protection orders, domestic violence protection orders, anti-stalking protection orders, and related protection orders. (Committee on Criminal Justice recommends substitute bill for passage, see House Journal, May 25, 2011, p. 684)

H. B. No. 112 — Representatives Cheryl Grossman (R-23), Tom Letson (D-64)

Cosponsors: Representatives Murray, Stinziano, Beck, Garland, Ruhl, Fedor, Antonio, Carey, Combs, Newbold, Stebelton, Fende

To enact section 2927.28 of the Revised Code to require the inclusion of a bittering agent in engine coolant and antifreeze. (Committee on Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security recommends passage, see House Journal, May 24, 2011, p. 672)

SCHEDULED ON THE HOUSE CALENDAR FOR NEXT WEEK – CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE HEARING (Wed., June 8 – 9:00 A.M. – Room 114)

H. B. No. 14 — Representative Barbara Sears (R-46)

To amend section 955.11 of the Revised Code to remove pit bulls from the definition of “vicious dog” in state law.

How to Lobby: Playing to Win

Tips from “Get Political for Animals and Win the Laws They Need” by Julie E. Lewin.

Available through www.nifaa.org

Don’t be shy. Say what you need to say and watch out for bluster. Politely try to keep the lawmaker on track. And don’t shrink from asking “May I count on your vote?” after you discuss each bill (see below).

Your rap. The lawmaker will spend only so much time with you, so try to guide the conversation forward. You are here to convince your lawmaker to commit his or her support for certain bills and to solicit information from the lawmaker to report back to the humane lobbyists.

Openly take notes on what the lawmaker says.

Your rap: “Rep_______?  I’m Julie Lewin, your constituent who lives at 1000 Long Hill Road in Guilford. It’s exciting to meet you in person!  I’m here to ask for your support for six bills.

ü  HB 14 would remove pit bulls from the definition of “vicious dog” in Ohio law.

ü  HB 25 would strengthen penalties and sentencing provisions regarding violations of cruelty to animals to include the protection of companion animals in temporary protection orders, domestic violence protection orders, anti-stalking protection orders, and related protection orders.

ü  HB 108 would 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.

ü  HB 138 would require a person to file proof of successful completion of training with the county recorder prior to being appointed as a humane society agent and to require the revocation of an appointment under certain circumstances.

ü  HB 570 would establish standards of care for commercial dog breeding kennels and to establish requirements governing the sale of dogs. (Waiting to be reintroduced in 2011!)

ü  2012 Ballot Initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) would ban puppy mill dog auctions and raffles in Ohio. (Waiting to be introduced in January 2012!)

“May I count on your vote? No? What problems do you have with it or questions about it?” Listen carefully. Read back to the lawmaker what you’ve written. “I’ll let our lobbyist know your concerns and have her get back to you.”

“May I count on your vote?” After you’ve described a bill you must ask May I count on your vote? That’s the ONLY way you know if the lawmaker has made a commitment! Don’t be impressed by lawmakers who talk about how much they love dogs, etc. Many of them want to vote against us. Without answering the essential question, they’ve made no commitment and know they can mislead you.

One bill at a time! Discuss each bill separately. Ask “May I count on your vote?” after you’ve described each bill.

Report back to your lobbyist, even when the lawmaker “hasn’t really said anything.” Even that is essential information for the lobbyist.

Lobbyists for each bill:

ü  HB 14 and HB 25: Jean Keating (Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates) canineadvocate1@yahoo.com

ü  2012 Ballot Initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act): Mary O’Connor-Shaver (Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions)  info@BanOhioDogAuctions.com (my personal hero and a total rockstar – everyone thank Mary for what she does every day…!)

ü  HB 108:  Liz Raab (Nitro Foundation)  interappl@aol.com

ü  HB 138: Sharon Harvey (Cleveland APL)  sharvey@clevelandapl.org

ü  HB 570: Zaron Van Meter (SK9 Scottish Terrier Rescue) artloar@aol.com

Lobby Day is the beginning, not the end! When you get home- Contact as many of your state senator’s and state representative’s animal-friendly constituents as possible. Instruct them to email or phone these lawmakers to support each bill—and give them the contact information.

Our power is in numbers, coming from the ground up! Keep turning up new constituents to contact your lawmakers to support the bills!

Each bill must survive several steps in the lawmaking process to become law! Contact your lawmaker again at each important step—as directed by the lobbyist—and urge other constituents to do so.

It isn’t every day that we hear about people doing amazing things for the community, but Tia Torres, director of the Villa Lobos Rescue Center in Southern California, definitely deserves a closer look. Tia’s has started a program where she dedicates her time to stopping the cycle of violence by creating a partnership between ex-convicts and abused dogs. Tia is restoring hope and changing the image of both pit bulls and ex-cons through this successful program.

Here is the story, borrowed from Guideposts.

“I looked at all the caged animals—the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry.
“God,” I said, “this is terrible! Why don’t you do something?”
God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly.
“I have done something…I created you.”
—Jim Willis, author of The Animal’s Savior and How Could You?

Tia Torres knows what it’s like to be unwanted. Coming from a broken home, as a child she longed for a forever family. As a young teenager, Tia created her own family by helping people and animals who were lonely, lost and in need.

Tia Torres’s long journey has led her to become the director of the Villa Lobos Rescue Center in Southern California. With her “Underdawgs” program, Torres opens the gates of hope to ex-convicts and pit bulls alike. She is dedicated to stopping the cycle of violence that happens in angry youths by creating a partnership between these guys and abused dogs.

Torres believes that these men and dogs understand each other. Both know what it’s like to be locked up; both know the feeling of being an outsider in society. The parolees who come to work for her have thus far known only crime as their mode of survival.

The ex-cons do everything for the pit bulls: feeding, walking, training, caring for the grounds, cleaning their kennels. What they get in return is unconditional love, loyalty and a sense of purpose, all of which add to their self-esteem, strengthening their resolve and peeling away the layers of anger. What’s more, the cost of keeping a man incarcerated in California is $40,00 a year, while it costs a mere $16,000 a year to employ the same man in her organization.

Thanks to Guideposts for this article.

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