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.

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

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

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!!!

Since I have been so ill lately, my friends have kindly volunteered to write some posts for me. This is the first in a series, and its written by Denton Fowler from PetWellBeing.com.

———————————————————————————————–

Losing your pet is never easy, whether you’ve had them for a couple of months or a couple of years.  The impact can easily be compared to the loss of a child, even if people without pets probably can’t relate.  The grief can hit us in many different ways.

 I share with you the story of Fish, a puppy mill rescue who changed the lives of my family.  And although he blessed us with just 11 short months of joy, he will be forever remembered by everyone he came in contact with.   

 We lost Fish in early November, but we are reminded daily of the impact he had on our daily life.  His hair is STILL everywhere, no matter how often we vacuum.  His cage sits empty in the garage because selling it would be like saying aloud that he is really gone.  His favorite chew toys lie scattered about the cage, covering the polished water bowl I know is there somewhere.

 Fish was a German Shepherd mutt, mixed with a bit of this and a bit of that.  He was rescued from a puppy-mill by the SPCA and then adopted by my kids and I when he was just 3 months old.  Fish was the bundle of energy that caught our eye.  His body had scars from his ordeal, but we saw past them.  It was love at first sight. 

 He wasn’t the best trained dog but he knew his basic commands.  Unless, of course,  there was another dog around.  We were still working on that part.  Fish was a favorite at the dog park because he would play with any dog there.  He could rough house with the best and give as good as he got.  Or he would crawl on his stomach to let the smaller dogs climb all over him.  He just wanted to play.  With dogs or with people, he just wanted someone to play with him.

 Guilt was the biggest emotion I felt when he died.  And it’s not because of the way Fish died, because he died doing what he loved best.  We were down at the river down a gravel road just where the huge power lines cross over.  No one ever came there and he would chase after the ducks and squirrels to his heart’s content.  But he saw a dog in the distance and took off.  Anyway, when a running dog, a blind corner and a utility truck meet, the dog doesn’t win out…

 By the time the kids came home from school, I had already done the whole woulda-shoulda-coulda thing in my mind.  If I had left 2 minutes sooner.  Or got just one more red light.  Or thrown a stick for him to chase.  Or worked harder on his commands around other dogs.  Maybe, just maybe this wouldn’t have happened.

 It took my daughter to drag me out of that mood that night when she started doing it herself.  She lamented that if she hadn’t missed her bus, I wouldn’t have gone down to the river after driving her to school, and Fish would still be alive.  It was all her fault.

 To make her feel better, I gave her the list of all my could-haves to show her that it wasn’t the cause of one particular person or event.  I mean, what if had been raining?  I certainly wouldn’t have been there.  You just can’t blame the weather for your pet dying.

 I think that clarified things in her mind and my own.  It wasn’t her fault any more than is was mine.  It doesn’t make Fish’s absence any easier, it just reduces a certain amount of self-guilt that makes you point the finger at yourself.

 Now, when we find more of his hair on our blankets or clothes, there’s just this longing for something that was.  And memories of what we had.

 Denton Fowler wrote this article for PetWellbeing.com which offers prevention and treatment products for cancer in cats and Cushings Disease in dogs.

Concurrently with the December dog photo contest I was running the PetSmart Holiday Giveaway package. I asked people to let me know how they have helped animals this year and got some pretty amazing entries…it was tough to choose just one winner for the package. It’s so amazing to hear all that people do for animals day in and day out…
I finally decided on the winner being Lauren Egier for all her time and donations. This is what she wrote me:

“Hi, I’ve been busy this year trying to help out as much as possible. When my Bull Terrier passed away last year, we started searching for a rescue Bully to fill the void in our heart and home. We found the perfect Bull Terrier for our family and have been volunteering with Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (S.O.A.R.) ever since.

I baked thousands of homemade dog cookies to raise money at the All About Pets Show. I also baked a bunch for those dogs that haven’t found their forever home and for those that are sharing their homes with fosters.

I’ve volunteered my time at the annual Howl-o-ween Party and at the Christmas Pawty. The rescue group recently got involved with the Ontario Bingo halls and I’ve volunteered for 3-4 sessions.

Today was a very important day as I helped transport a young Lab X with a broken leg to her new foster home. Her new foster mom is a friend of ours that used to take care of our first Bull Terrier when we went away. We had emailed her hoping that she might know someone that could foster and she opened up her home to the dog.

My rescue Bully and I also partook in the Rescue Me Walk-a-thon at Woofstock in Toronto. This walk benefited many rescue groups and also raised awareness as to the types of dogs that can be found through rescue.

I am also a member of the Pig Dogs in the TDot group which gets together to walk our Bull Terriers. Each walk has a different benefactor and we have raised lots of money that goes directly to specific rescues.

Lastly, I’ve attended a couple of protests/rallies at Queens Park in Toronto to get rid of the “Pit Bull ban.”  These have been very powerful events and I have met some great people and their friendly dogs.

For any rescue group looking to make a decent amount of money, try finding a local bingo hall. We run about 3-4 sessions a month for 4-5 hours each and make a significant amount of money.”

Thank you Lauren for all that you do — and thanks to all who entered for everything that you do for animals. You all deserve to win:)

Jaime

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