Wild World

Feline Magick

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:34:00 +0000

Introduction to Feline Magick

What is it about the cat that we are so drawn to? This answer may vary depending upon whom you ask. For myself, it is many things about her that I am drawn to; her power, her gentleness, her aggressive, her eyes, the way she carries herself and all that she gives in her love.

I have owned many in my lives and in this lifetime, only a few. My first one came to me from a neighbor, she was black with bright green eyes, and was always there for me; even if I wasn’t for her. She was a powerful and wonderful cat. Her name was Black Widow, Widow for short. She was a Pisces, amazingly powerful and intuitive as to when I was home from my trips. She was a free spirited cat and one of my strongest familiars. I had her for many years until she fell ill and I had to put her down. That was the hardest time in my life. I felt like I had lost the one person who was always next to me. She slept with me, woke me up, took care of me when I was sick, made me laugh when I was sad; and did all the things a best friend would do. I would see visions of her, images would appear before me when I would just be in a trance. Then one day, she spoke. She told me that she was fine and would always be there, and yes would return to me one day. I have always to this day cherished her in my life and always will.

Eight years later, I was in the salon and one of the hairdressers had a carrier with a little 15 day old black kitten inside. Instantly, she leapt toward me and wanted me to pet her. Well, I went home and asked my boyfriend at the time, husband now, if I could bring her home. He agreed, and the following week I went and picked her up. Her name is Onyx, born on Aug 20, 2000. She is a Leo with a Virgo Moon Rising. She is very much a gem and a familiar.

Now, in the talking of my familiars in the past few years more have come and gone than I would have ever imagined. After Onyx came, then less than a year later another came to me on the Full Moon of Samhain. I had seen her around the house for a while, but on this particular night she made her presence known to me. The moon was at its’ fullest power and bright orange too. My stones were out in the front yard in the circle for cleansing and charging. She walked up to the door facing my office.She appeared and we chatted for some time through the door. She eventually became a permanent part of the house. On January 29, 2001 she was hit by a car. Her name was Agatha.

Upon that happening, I created a Spirit Call Spell for Felines, which will be included in the Feline Book of Shadows Lesson. In this lesson we will cover the history briefly. In the others, we will cover other futther areas of the Feline and her Magick.

The cat is an interesting being, as I have come to learn in my life. They are not possessed, they are very observant and watchful. When they choose the person they wish to be their friend, they will watch them for a time from afar. This is to see how they are, how they act, how they treat others; humans and animals, and how they respect their surroundings.

Upon doing this, they will choose whom they are to live with for the time that is needed. They are wonderful friends to have, and in them choosing you, they are telling you that you are being blessed with their presence. Cats are great hunters, and love to share trophies with their human counterparts. I can only say so much there. I have had more than my share and some not-so-good in appearance. They expect to be treated properly, pampered, spoiled and allowed to come and go as they wish. Now, in today’s society it is harder, as more do get hurt from ignorant drivers.

History of the Feline

It is common knowledge these days where the history begins, Egypt since around 2600 B.C.E.

In Egypt the cat is the most worshipped of all the animals. It is a punishment of death if anyone were to kill a cat. They worshipped the following deities: Bastet, Pasht, Ubastet, Sekhmet, Set, and Ra. All were with cat heads and human formed bodies. Set and Ra were with the male human body. Ra was the Sun god, Pasht was the aggressive side to Bastet, Sekhmet was the lion figured one and loved blood. Set, we know was known to have murdered his brother Osiris.

So what about the treatment of the feline and how they were revered? Well, they were sometimes considered more important than the human counterpart themselves. If a house was seen burning down, it was the fireman’s job to get the cat out first and then go back for the human. If a person was seen purposely harming a cat, they would be put to death. This was considered an act worse than murder. I some cases mobs would be seen ripping a person limb from limb if they witnessed this person harming a cat. This was a very common occurrence in Egypt cultures.

What of the meaning "nine lives?" Well, this simply meant that a cat could only live nine separate lives as a cat. Meaning it could reincarnate nine times to a cat form, and no more. When a cat completed this cycle it was a time of great mourning for the families involved. They would shave off their eyebrows, this was considered to be full mourning upon their death. Once this happened they could no longer incarnate into a cat. From this point on they would reincarnate into other life forms.

The funeral rites were very important to the Egyptians in how they buried their cats. They would be embalmed, with various herbs, oils, drugs, and spices. Depending on the families status they would then wrapped the cat in either plain or multi-colored linen. Following, paper mache or a sculptured wooden mask would be placed over the cat’s head, and then they would carefully cover this with either plain or multi-colored linen. Some would be painted and then decorated with the finest of gold, if the family could afford such luxuries. Once the mummification was completed, they would then be placed into a mummy case, along with the necessary afterlife objects and foods. If this was for a kitten of course the case would be smaller and the metal bronze instead of gold.

The Egyptian word for cat is ‘’Mau," likely based for the sound that cats made. However, the meaning of the word is light, this eluding to the Sun god Ra. In Sanskrit the word for cat is ‘’margaras," meaning hunter; in Hindu ‘’cleaner;" Aryan ‘’ghad:" Latin ‘’cattus;" French ‘’chat;" Italian ‘’gatto;" German ‘’katze;" and Arabic "kittah." Original origins for the cat are believed to have come from the Greek word ‘’catus," meaning acute.

In the occult cats are viewed as being all knowing, all seeing, and with great psychic abilities. It is even said that if a cat allows you too look into their eyes long enough, you will see the land of the fey and the underworld. This is a rare blessing if one allows this of their human counterpart. They are known for predicting all kinds of weather, natural disasters [prodigies], omens and portends. I usually know what kind of weather to expect, as Onyx is like a weather man, and she is always on target. She is observant and very powerful.

Later in history, the cat was associated with witchcraft, and causing harm at the wish of their human counterpart. This caused a great fear of the feline by many people. So much so, that they created a device that was a cat trap, called the “cat o gan." It was a musical instrument that was used to entrap as many as 20 cats at a time, their tails being pulled by a mechanism that made them meow in grave pain. The "cat o gan" remained in use for exactly 100 years. However, during the hunts some were lucky enough to have escaped the tortures of their organs being removed and races that were used to torture these beautiful beings. They escaped a most interesting way, by way of ship. They were a welcomed sight, as they kept the rodent population down and became then a favorite pet of the human. This was the time of the 1700s.

I will end this lesson here, as there is way too much in the history of the feline to put in just one lesson, so we shall continue forward in the other lessons. I hope that you will enjoy this class and that you will learn more of who your familiar really is and how much a part of our lives they really are.

The Little White Cat
[Folk song from the Gaelic]
18th Century
Anonymous—Translated by Mrs. Costello of Tuam

The little gray cat was walking prettily,
When she found her little son stretched dead
And ‘twas only a year since her family
Were cast out and drowned in a trench.
The little white cat, white, white, white,
The little white cat, Breed’s cat.
The little white cat, snowy white
That was drowned in a trench.

The little mother stood upright,
When she found her little son dead;
She brought him in and made a bed for him,
And then began to lament him.
The little white cat, white, white, white,
The little white cat, Breed’s cat.
The little white cat, snowy white
That was drowned in a trench

Andrew, the blind, had some of her family,
And they came together to lament him,
I am sure if Barry hears it,
He will regret the death of the Breed’s cat.
The little white cat, white, white, white,

He broke no chest, nor lock of the neighbors,
Nor did he destroy the cows’ butter.
And you never heard such discourse,
As the mice had in telling it.
The little white cat, white, white, white

His eye was grey, his walk was pretty,
His step was light and active:
And I’d rather far be going to the clay
Than the province of Munster should hear of it.
The little white cat, white, white, white,

The little white cat would hump his back.
As big as a three pint jug.
Wasn’t he a fine show for the gentry to see,
Poll, Breed’s pretty little cat?
The little white cat, white, white, white,

Walter’s Martin will put a wooden coffin on him,
And it’s he that is able.
And were it not for the time at which he died
We should have every cause for lamenting
The little white cat, white, white, white,
The little white cat, Breed’s cat.
The little white cat, snowy white
That was drowned in a trench.

Bibliography for this section:

Along with my own person experiences are the following;

cover 1000 Years of Irish Poetry
Edited by Kathleen Hoagland, Intro by Malachy McCourt
cover Egyptian Magic
by E.A. Wallis Budge
cover Cat Magick
by Patricia Telesco
cover Your Magickal Cat: Feline Magick, Lore, and Worship
by Gerina Dunwich
cover The Mysterious Magickal Cat
by D.J. Conway

Animal Herbology

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:33:00 +0000

Introduction to Animal Herbology

Herbal medicine is gaining popularity in Western culture. Those of us who use herbal remedies in our own lives, are also apt to use natural remedies to enhance the health of their pets. Herbal medicine is a very useful adjunct to traditional veterinary medicine, however, it is not without its own risks. Herbs that help in humans do not necessarily have the same effect on animals. And more importantly, some herbs that are safe for human consumption may kill or injure our pets. Therefore, it is essential to seek qualified professional assistance from professionals well versed in animal herbology and dosages.

I can’t stress too strongly that use of herbs or any other medical procedures on your pets without clear knowledge of what you are doing puts the lives of your animal friends at risk. Herbal and vitamin supplements can be of remarkable assistance in a well managed therapeutic regime, but you MUST make certain that you inform your veterinarian of any herbs, vitamins, or other supplements that you have administered to your pets, AND you must know what you are doing. When in doubt, speak to your veterinarian.

A note about birds: If you have pet birds, you are likely already aware how careful you must be regarding what medications are administered to them. Sometimes, even licensed veterinarians are unaware of what substances can be fatal to birds. For your bird’s health, please seek a qualified AVIAN veterinarian for advice. For safety’s sake, do not use any of the following herbs in this lesson, unless they are specifically noted as safe for birds.

This lesson is meant to supplement knowledge you have already obtained through other appropriate studies. It is not meant to in any way be a complete guide to a subject as complex as herbology for animals, so it will definitely be necessary for you to do your own research as well.

Please also be aware that even though the following herbs are mentioned in this lesson as having been used in animals with therapeutic effect, natural does not necessarily mean “safe.” It is important to purchase your herbs from reputable sources with standardized strength. It is also necessary to understand that animals, like humans, can have unforeseen allergic reactions. Whenever you administer medications of any sort to your pet, it is necessary to watch them carefully afterwards for any symptoms.

Herbs That Should NOT Be Given To Pets

Certain herbs should never be given to your pets, as they are toxic. These include:

White Willow Bark (Salix alba) – Similar to asprin, toxic to cats.

MMUNE SYSTEM STIMULATION

One of the most common uses for herbal supplements in both animals and humans is to stimulate the immune system. Keep in mind that in certain cases, such as auto immune disorders in which the body essentially attacks itself, immune system stimulation is exactly the opposite of what you want to be doing. It is important to be certain of what the problem truly is before treating it.

If, after a proper diagnosis, you wish to assist the immune system of your pet, there are several supplements that can be used:

Shark Cartilage: Shark cartilage is a traditional Chinese remedy that contains mucopolysaccharides and carbohydrates that stimulate the immune system. It can also be used as an anti inflammatory that helps with issues such as arthritis or other types of joint injuries.

Echinacea: The purple coneflower, echinacea augustifolia, and echinacea purpurea are the species of echinacea most often used as a herbal remedy. Echinacea stimulates the immune system via several different methods, and is a highly useful herb that can be used in cats, dogs, and birds. It should generally be used in conjunction with drugs prescribed by a veterinarian. Be certain to inform the veterinarian if you are using echinacea for your pet, since it could be a concern during anesthesia and recovery. Echinacea should NOT be used if your pet is suffering from lupus, tuberculosis, connective tissue disorder, FeLV, FIV or FIP. Do not continue use beyond 6 to 8 weeks, as the immune stimulation actions fade over time. You can restart therapy after a “rest” of approximately 4 weeks.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa sprouts contain many vitamins and minerals, and is generally a nutritional herb, but is also said to stimulate the immune system. Alfalfa may be used in birds.

Brewer’s Yeast: Also said to stimulate the immune system.

Seaweeds: Certain types of seaweed, such as Kelp, Kombu, Nori, and Undaria protect against some bacterial agents, as they stimulate the immune system. They have been used in birds. Be aware that Kelp should not be used in animals with autoimmune thyroid disorders.

CYSTS, ABRASIONS AND ABCESSES

As always, serious injuries should be seen by your veterinarian. For minor wounds, you can use the following herbs:

Lavender Oil: After thoroughly cleaning the wound, one drop of lavender essential oil will assist in healing. Lavender oil can also help burns heal.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil can be used after thorough cleaning as an anti microbial agent. It can also be used to bring a cyst to a head. One drop is all that is necessary. After the cyst is brought up and drained, use a drop of lavender oil to aid healing.

Aloe: Fresh Aloe gel is very useful for all animals including parrots. An additional bonus is that Aloe gel can be used as an effective pain reliever for the owners of parrots who may occasionally receive a “love bit” that is overly enthusiastic.

Epsom salts: Soaking itchy paws and abscessed nail beds in 1/2 cup epsom salts per gallon of water for 10 minutes, 2x per day will help draw out infection and relieve itchy feet.

DIGESTIVE DIFFICULTIES

Peppermint: Digestive difficulties in dogs can be treated with peppermint (mentha piperita). It is necessary to make sure that there is no underlying problem such as accidental poisoning or eating something they shouldn’t have.

Catnip and Catmint: Getting peppermint down a cat might be a challenge, since they generally don’t like mint taste. Catnip and catmint are both useful for nausea in cats. Again, make sure that your cat hasn’t gotten into something she shouldn’t have.

Ginger: Ginger works in animals the same way it does in humans. It can be used to help with gas, diarrhea, and car sickness. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory. Ginger can be used with parrots.

Slippery Elm: Slippery Elm bark is a digestive aid for pets with nausea and constipation. It can also be used as a cough suppressant. Slippery Elm can be used with birds for coughing and vomiting, and in animals including birds externally for bites, boils, or abscesses. If a parrot is bitten or scratched by a mammal, even if it looks superficial, bring it to a veterinarian immediately, as a course of antibiotics will likely be necessary due to the parrot’s lack of natural defenses to pasturella bacteria.

Acidophilus: When antibiotics are used to treat your pet, they can kill “good bacteria” living in the gut, allowing “bad bacteria” to build up and cause problems such as gas or diarrhea. These good bacteria can also be killed by stress and illness. Acidophilus is a powdered form of the useful bacteria, lactobacillus.

ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMETISM

It is natural to get discouraged when your pet is in pain, and to attempt to use your own remedies, however, it is important to let your veterinarian know of your concerns, and let them know you are treating with natural remedies.

Dandelion: Useful in treatment of arthritis. Can be used with birds.

Perna Mussels: These muscles contain glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that assist in building cartilage and bringing down inflammation. The mussels also contain glucosamine, which is a precursor to GAG. The perna mussel also includes a type of Omega-3 fatty acid that reduce pain and help anti inflammatory action.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These products are useful for both humans and animals, however, it is necessary to be very careful with figuring the appropriate dosage for pets. They can take human grade pharmaceutical glucosamine and chondroitin, however not in the same quantities as humans do. Animal supplements often are augmented with absorbic acid to help with its uptake in dogs. Special animal dosages are available through your veterinarian, or over the Internet. These compounds help to heal cartilage and reduce pain in hip dysplasia. They also assist with the pain and joint damage of arthritis in both dogs and cats. If the dosage is too high, dogs may vomit or get diarrhea. It then becomes necessary to reduce the dosage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are safe for long term use, and can be used with other drugs and vitamins.

Yucca: The yucca plant can be used to reduce pain and soft tissue swelling with minimal gastric side effects. It works by increasing the circulation in the damaged tissue, so that waste build up is reduced.

NERVOUS AND BRAIN DISORDERS

Chamomile: Because its sedative power is mild, it is useful for birds in stressful situations.

St. John’s Wort: Yes, animals can suffer from the same types of nervous disorders as humans, including obsessive/compulsive behaviors, depression, and mood swings. St. John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) has been used to treat compulsive licking in dogs, aggression, separation anxiety, feather plucking in parrots, and neural disorders. Do not use St. John’s Wort with other antidepressant drugs. Also, do not use St. John’s Wort with animals who spend a lot of time in the sun, as large doses can cause photosensitivity.

Bach Rescue Remedy: Rescue Remedy is a combination of flower essences that can effectively be used to treat temporary anxiety, such as going to the vet. Be sure to let the vet know you’ve given this to your pet.

Ginkgo: Ginkgo is said to increase the blood flow to the brain. Humans have reported increased memory and brain function from use of Ginkgo. Animal herbalists have been using it to treat cognitive dysfunction in older animals.

EYE IRRITATION

Eyebright: As its name implies, eyebright tea can be used as a wash for eye irritation in all pets including birds.

EAR IRRITATION

Warm about one tablespoon of olive oil, and add two drops of tea tree, one drop of lavender, and one drop of chamomile. Drip into and around the ear. Do not use with parrots.

SINUS CONGESTION

Cayenne: Cayenne is the active ingredient in capsaicin. It is useful in all animals as a treatment for sinus congestion. Recommended for use in parrots as they love its taste.

DETOXIFICATION

Animals, like humans, can build up toxins in the colon and filtration organs. A mild course of detoxifying agents, such as those listed below, can be useful in treatment of other disorders.

Garlic: The anti-oxidant, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties of garlic are useful detoxifiers in all animals including birds. Garlic given to parrots should be fresh garlic, not powder. Do not use for long periods of time, as it could cause anemia.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a mild antifungal and anti-bacterial. It can be used on parrots.

Aloe Detox: Aloe Detox is a commercial product that is made by a company called Naturade. It has been credited with saving many parrots through detoxifying the liver.

Milk Thistle: Milk thistle seeds contain silymarin, an antioxidant that protects and is said to regenerate the liver. Very large dosages can cause loose stools.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Ginseng: Both Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius have been used to treat animals with extreme weight loss from chronic conditions such as cancer and leukemia, chronic infections, nerve disorders, and anorexia. It is said to enhance the release of insulin, so that the glucose levels in the blood decrease. Ginseng CAN cause increased blood pressure, may contribute to low blood sugar, and may pose a concern during anesthesia and recovery.

Essiac Tea: Essiac tea is said to be a natural cancer treatment, consisting of various herbs including burdock root, sheep sorrel, Turkish rhubarb root, red clover, slippery elm, and sometimes other herbs. There are several manufacturers of the product. It has been used for cats and dogs.

FURTHER WARNINGS REGARDING PARROTS

Use of non-stick cookware can be fatal to parrots. If the cookware is overheated, it can release polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE) gas that is rapid working and lethal. All species of birds can be affected. The only clinical sign of this poisoning generally occurs when the bird drops off its perch. Although this is not a herbal issue, it is an important safety consideration if you keep birds.

Herbal products to avoid use of with birds include:

Borage
Calamus
Chapparal
Coltsfoot
Comfrey
Ephedra
Germander
Licorice
Ma Huang
Life Root
Lobelia
Pokeroot
Sassafrass
Yohimbe

CONCLUSION:

We have a special obligation to our animal friends, to take as good care of them as is humanly possible. This includes proper veterinary care, as well as alternative medical care when warranted, in conjunction with medical professionals. Herbal remedies can be very useful, but you must do your homework. If in doubt, ask a professional.

Written by:
Rev. Mikki Barry
Master Herbalist
Global Institute For Alternative Medicine

Dogs Cloned For Drug Sniffing Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:49:00 +0000

These puppies are really sweet-looking, aren't they? According to the South Korean Customs Service, the seven Labs you see here are all very good-natured dogs, highly trainable, and exceptionally good at sniffing out drugs. They should be; they've been cloned from Korea's best drug sniffing dog.

Seoul National University scientists, if you remember, created what is believed to be the world's first cloned dog, an Afghan hound named Snuppy, in 2005. The same group of scientists was responsible

for this most recent cloning of the drug sniffing Labrador retrievers, who are now being trained by the Korea Customs Service. The cloned Labs, however, have not been named individually. I guess because they all look alike, they all have the same name - Toppy - the "to" from tomorrow and the "ppy" from puppy.

Although the Associated Press (AP) reports that it cost the Seoul National University about $100,000 to clone each of the seven Labs, the expense may be worth it if the dogs turn out to be better qualified than the un-cloned dogs. Un-cloned dogs are trained for the drug sniffing jobs at a cost of $40,000 per dog, even though only three of ten dogs are actually capable of doing the job after training concludes.

Cloning technologies are being refined rapidly. You can now clone the perfect show dog, the perfect jumper, the perfect pet, and the perfect working dog. Robots are replacing humans in so many industries. Will the good old natural-born dog soon be made redundant?

AP via National Geographic.com
If you would like to see the drug sniffers in action, visit this video .

Source: InventorSpot

Art, Examined

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Art, Examined

During the last month, I've received a torrent of email about Costa Rican artist Guillermo Vargas featuring a starving street dog as “art” in a Nicaraguan gallery. According to accounts we've received, Vargas picked up the poor creature and displayed him in the gallery—attempting to make the point that such an animal on the street would go unnoticed, but in a gallery setting would be a spectacle. A local animal welfare group says the dog escaped after a day in the gallery.

This and other widely circulated photos show the dog
purportedly used in the exhibit.

Vargas's supposition about the shock value of his exhibit was prophetic. But even more so than he could have imagined, or bargained for. The image of the plaintive dog, presumably left to languish and suffer in the presence of gallery visitors and Vargas himself, was too much to fathom for many people who learned about it on the Internet. There was a spontaneous outburst of online petitions and condemnations of the supposed artist—a not uncommon phenomenon in the Internet age when shocking information goes viral.

Two observations. First, this circumstance underscores that there must be some limits in artistic expression, even if they are self-imposed by the artists themselves. Free expression is itself a moral imperative, but it is not absolute. It's one thing to document cruelty, but another matter to play a part in it, to exploit the suffering of other creatures, and to fail to provide any social context for it. Art and other cultural forms can be powerful media for promoting awareness of animal suffering and abuse, and for celebrating animals as creatures who deserve our admiration and respect, but this was not one of those cases. Obviously, if Vargas had taken photographs of starving street animals and called attention to the problem, then his art or documentary would not have provoked any calumny.

This controversy comes on the heels of a similar debate that erupted last month over an exhibit at the San Francisco Art Institute by the Paris artist Adel Abdessemed titled "Don't Trust Me." According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "the show included a series of video loops of animals being bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer in front of a brick wall. The animals killed included a pig, goat, deer, ox, horse and sheep." An outcry ensued, and the Art Institute pulled the exhibit, and rightly so.

My other reaction is that we should rechannel our anguish and anger about Vargas and direct our energy to combat street dog problems in the developing world. Vargas is probably no more than a struggling artist, and we need not waste our time with further denunciations. But let's focus our energy on fighting the street dog problem and working to develop programs and infrastructure that can bring some relief to these creatures. This is a massive problem in the developing world, affecting hundreds of millions of animals, and our global affiliate Humane Society International has a Street Animal Welfare program to develop humane care, spay and neuter, and vaccination programs. Please do get involved with HSI. Get on our email list and get plugged in to our many international activities to help street dogs, to fight factory farming, and to stem the wildlife trade.

We cannot turn our gaze from this terrible problem throughout the world. And when we do focus on the problem, we must turn our anger into action, and select the right targets. Let's pivot from Vargas and focus on the ongoing cruelty, rather than seek retribution.

Source: Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

World Week for Animals in Laboratories is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:40:00 +0000

Today: Call-In Day: Urge NIH to End Cruel Animal Experiments

Many people find this hard to believe, but the U.S. government continues to sink millions of dollars each year into funding cruel and outdated experiments on animals to test the effects of nicotine and tobacco. Please join IDA during this week's observance of World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAIL) to call attention to this outrage and speak out in opposition.

IDA's Up in Smoke campaign highlights the futility and inhumanity of nicotine experiments on newborn and pregnant animals. These are some examples:

- Since 1992, Elliot Spindel at Oregon Health and Science University delivers steady doses of nicotine to pregnant monkeys through pumps implanted into their backs. The babies are cut out of their mothers' wombs in order to dissect their lungs.

- At Texas A&M University, Ursula Winzer-Serhan forces baby rats to consume nicotine mixed with baby formula at the equivalent of three packs of cigarettes a day. After about a week of being fed nicotine, the babies' heads are cut off and their brains are dissected.

- Researcher Kent Pinkerton at University of California, Davis, subjects pregnant rhesus monkeys to smoking chambers where they are forced to inhale cigarette smoke for six hours each day, five days a week. When the infants are ten weeks old, they are killed by lethal injection and their lungs are dissected for analysis.

Over the past five years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has given at least $16.5 million to this category of research. This appalling figure does not reflect the total cost of all nicotine research on animals, only that which focuses on nicotine's effect on fetal and newborn development.

Animal researchers staunchly defend these experiments as necessary for improving maternal and newborn health. But answers don't come from animal studies. After decades of animal studies, we still have not solved the problem of smoking during pregnancy. Only education, public health outreach, and prevention programs can address the human behaviors that lead to smoking.

Please call and/or email the following individuals today to politely urge the NIH to stop funding nicotine experiments on animals and instead redirect funds towards prevention, education and smoking cessation programs. Then follow up with a letter, fax and/or personal email:

Elias Zerhouni, M.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health
Building 1, Shannon Bldg RM 126
1 Center Drive, MSC 0148
Bethesda, MD 20892-0148
Email: ez26y@nih.gov
Tel: (301) 496-2433
Fax: (301) 402-2700

Norka Ruiz Bravo, Ph.D.
Deputy Director: Office of Extramural Research
1 Center Drive, MSC 0152 (Room 144)
Bethesda, MD 20892-0152
Email: ruizbran@od.nih.gov
Tel: (301) 496-1096
Fax: (301) 402-3469

Dolphin Song

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:24:00 +0000

The Widget above is from Wild Dolphin Foundation

Great gift idea: Adopt a Dolphin

Films Online:

Click Here to watch the film from Oceanic Preservation Society

Click Here to watch the film from Glumbert

Petitions:

Help Save Dolphins

No More Dolphin Capture

Keep Tuna Safe for our Families and Dolphins

End Dolphin Slaughter in Japan

Stop the Dolphin and Whale Killing in Taiji

Save Our Dolphins

Hero To Dolphins

Keep the Caribbean Dolphins Wild and Protected

Learn More:

Save the Dolphins Campaign

Blue Voice

The Dolphin Defender

HSUS: Global Dolphin Day

WWF: New Zealand Dolphins Under Threat

Sea Shepard Conservation Society

DOW: Dolphins

The Dolphin Institute

Seacology

Dolphin Research Center

Imaging Foundation

Act for Dolphins: Podcast

Act for Dolphins: Website

Dolphin World

ACS Online: Dolphins

Greenpeace Japan

Monarch Butterfly Migration Endangered by Deforestation in Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:43:00 +0000

April 2008. Intense deforestation in Mexico could ruin one of North America’s most celebrated natural wonders, the extraordinary 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly. According to a University of Kansas researcher, the astonishing migration may collapse rapidly without urgent action to end devastation of the butterfly’s vital sources of food and shelter.

‘To lose something like this migration is to diminish all of us,’ said Chip Taylor, KU professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. ‘It’s so truly spectacular, one of the awe-inspiring phenomena that nature presents to us. There is no way to describe the sight of 25 million butterflies per acre and the sensation of standing in a snowstorm of orange as the butterflies cascade off the fir trees.’
Taylor leads Monarch Watch, a program at KU dedicated to research and conservation of the butterfly. Since 1992, Monarch Watch has tracked populations at the Monarch Biosphere Reserve, a 217-square-mile area in central Mexico that is the winter home for millions of migrating butterflies from across the continent.

Nomads of the Wind - Special Reader Offer
Stunning new photographic study of the Monarch Butterfly migration, with photos by BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Ingo Arndt.

Details and images.

Illegal Logging
In spite of its protected status, the isolated reserve is suffering from illegal logging driven by soaring prices for lumber in Mexico. This logging, once sporadic, has increased in recent years and now is threatening the survival of the butterflies. Over the past two winters, millions of monarchs have died from exposure to wind and cold temperatures in clear-cut areas. Monarch Watch estimates half of the reserve needs reforestation.

‘It’s a remote area, and it’s difficult to police,’ Taylor said. ‘There are elements that are quite forceful in their logging. They carry guns. They overpower the local residents. They sneak in there at night, sometimes with 100 trucks, and clear out 2 or 3 hectares. And we’ve got the local residents contributing to this as well. Now that they’ve taken out most of the areas where the butterflies don’t occur, they’re going to be starting work on the areas where they do occur. This prospect is very ominous and is a serious threat to the over wintering population.’

Population Halved in Three Years
‘Since 2000, we’ve had the three lowest populations we’ve ever seen at these over wintering sites,’ said Taylor. ‘On the surface, it looks like the population is going down. Previously, the population occupied 9 hectares. Now, we’re only averaging about 6 hectares per year. This year the population was 4.61 hectares — the third-lowest population.’

The hazard to migrating monarch butterflies extends beyond Mexico. In the United States, sprawl consumes 9.4 square miles of natural habitat per day. And, Taylor says, use of ‘Roundup Ready’ soybeans and corn has reduced monarch habitat by at least 100 million acres since 1996.

‘We’re developing this country at a very rapid pace with very little attention to wildlife,’ Taylor said. ‘In addition, the widespread use of herbicides along roadsides, transgenic crops and expansion into biofuels is reducing habitats for wildlife. These sorts of losses have to be dealt with if we’re going to sustain this monarch population. We have to create new habitats and we have to protect the habitats we have.’

Forest Regeneration
To ease the deforestation crisis at the Monarch Biosphere Reserve in Mexico, Taylor has called for steps including better interdiction to halt illegal logging, increased planting of trees and employment of area residents as forest managers.

In the United States, the KU researcher has encouraged planting of milkweed plants essential to the survival of monarch butterflies by backyard gardeners, landowners, schools, institutions and departments of transportation. Information on creating habitat through the Monarch Waystation program is available on the Monarch Watch Web site.

‘The monarch migration is truly a wonder,’ Taylor said. ‘Here, you have a fragile insect weighing a half a gram, with a tiny brain, that comes out of Mexico in the spring, migrates up to the breeding areas where it has several generations, then migrates back again to an area that the year’s last generation has never been to. There are lessons for life in this butterfly and we need to protect it. If we don’t, we’re pretty lousy stewards of this planet and it bodes poorly for our future.’

Sourced From: WildLife Extra

If you would like to help the Monarch Butterfly for free please follow this Link: EcologyFund

There you can make daily free clicks to donate - one is to help plant trees for the Monarch Butterfly.

More information about the Monarchs:

MonarchButterfly.org

PG Museum

Butterfly Website

Insecta Inspecta World

Monarch Watch

Monarch Butterfly Website

Losing Your Home Doesn’t Have to Mean Losing Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 18:14:00 +0000

One lesser known victim of recent home foreclosures is the family pet. Shelters have seen an increase in pet surrenders due to families moving into apartments that prohibit animals. Worse yet, some pet owners are just leaving their pets behind with the house or turning them loose in rural areas. Even in a trying time, it is possible to keep the entire family together. Pet-owners finding themselves moving out of their homes and into apartments can use Pets911.com to find apartments in their neighborhood that accept pets.

Pets 911 is the national pet lost and found database and one of the top pet adoption portals. Its Pet Friendly Living section, in partnership with Apartments.com, provides a database of thousands of pet-friendly rental communities from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

An Apartments.com survey to current renters indicated that more than 84 percent own a pet and more than 34 percent stated that it was very difficult to find an apartment that allowed their pet. Because of this, one of the top reasons pets are surrendered to shelters is due to owner relocation.

"Financial situations may make it logical for people to rent instead of own, but pets shouldn't suffer," said Pets 911 Program Manager Tracyann Mains. "Pets 911 wants to make it as easy as possible for movers to bring along pets to their next apartment."

Source: Pets 911 MySpace Page

Animal Shelters: Hope for the Homeless

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:56:00 +0000

Take the Pledge: Pledge to End Animal Homelessness

Some animal shelters are wonderful places; others are hideous dumps. Their treatment of animals, purposes, and capacities vary greatly. They may be run by the government, local humane societies, or private individuals. Some are funded by donations alone, while others receive tax support. Sometimes tax money comes with a stipulation that some animals must be turned over to experimenters. Every effort should be made to eliminate this policy, which is known as “pound seizure.”

(See the “Pound Seizure” factsheet for more information.)

Some shelters take in only dogs or only cats, but most take in both, as well as smaller animals like rabbits, hamsters, and exotic birds. Some can properly handle wildlife; others refer wildlife emergencies to naturalists or wildlife rehabilitators. If a wildlife facility is nearby, it handles all incoming wildlife. Because of severe space limitations, most shelters kill animals who are old, seriously ill, or aggressive as well as those who remain unclaimed or unadopted after a certain number of days.

The Ideal Animal Shelter

The ideal shelter is a true safe haven for lost, injured, abused, and unwanted animals. It receives adequate funding from the jurisdiction that it serves, and no animal is ever knowingly given to a laboratory, guard dog company, or unqualified or cruel guardian. When euthanasia is necessary, it is painless rather than traumatic.

The ideal facility also has kind, attentive, knowledgeable staff members, cruelty investigators, spacious indoor/outdoor housing for dogs and cats, a pre-release spay-and-neuter program, pre-adoption screening and follow-up programs, and a comprehensive humane education program. The staff is supplemented by active volunteers. Animals are provided with veterinary care, and there are sick wards and rooms for isolating newcomers.

The ideal cat room has windowsills and various nooks and perches where cats can lounge, feel safe, or sleep. Cats are allowed to roam the room freely. They won’t fight because they know that no one cat “owns” this territory and because each adult is spayed or neutered before being introduced into the room. The ideal shelter also has areas for cats who must be confined because they need to be observed or because they feel more secure alone when they first arrive.

The public is made to feel welcome, and there is a quiet room where people can be alone with the animal they are considering adopting.

Through a strong publicity program, the public is made aware that the shelter is working to eliminate the companion animal overpopulation crisis, the primary cause of homelessness among animals, and that animals are available for adoption at the shelter. Sometimes, as a public service, local newspapers are willing to publish a notice or a list of animals who are available for adoption, along with the shelter’s public hours. They may also print a photo of one of the animals, which is a good way to attract attention. As a public service, local radio and television stations may also be willing to publicize the shelter. Notices and photos can also be posted in stores, animal hospitals, etc.

The ideal shelter is open for redemption and adoption of animals during hours that are convenient for working people. It is open at least several evenings a week and at least several hours each weekend.

When animals must be killed, a painless intravenous injection of sodium pentobarbital should be administered by gentle, caring staff members. (For animals who are feral, very small, or very young, an intraperitoneal—in the stomach cavity—injection may be acceptable.)

Remember: The programs and facilities above would be included in the ideal shelter, and with the help and persistence of dedicated volunteers, good shelters can become ideal shelters.

Less Than Ideal

“No-kill” shelters euthanize animals only under extreme circumstances, if at all. Because of this, they cannot accept all the animals who are in need of help. Some no-kill shelters only take in animals who are highly attractive, young, or purebred or those who come from the police stations of certain municipalities. Many of these shelters direct people with unadoptable, old, injured, or sick animals to facilities that have no choice but to kill the animals to make room for new arrivals. Each time such a referral is made, there is a greater chance that the animal will be abandoned instead of taken to a shelter. At some no-kill shelters, “unplaceable” animals end up confined to cages for years. They may become withdrawn, severely depressed, and “unhousebroken” or develop anti-social behaviors that further reduce their chances of being adopted. Well-meaning people who take on the huge physical and financial responsibilities of a no-kill shelter often find themselves overwhelmed very quickly, and too often, the animals suffer from lack of exercise, playtime, and individual care and attention, ending up warehoused in misery. Some “no-kill” shelters have been shut down by humane officials after gradual neglect turned into blatant cruelty.

Improving Your Local Shelter

Many shelters are in serious need of reform. Citizen involvement is essential if progress is to be made. You can be successful by organizing friends, neighbors, and other concerned individuals to take action:

At all times, maintain a positive attitude. For each problem that you encounter, offer a solution, along with assistance in implementing your suggestions.

Focus on specific problems. And don’t expect to get everything that you ask for all at once.

Document! Before you can launch a campaign to make changes at your local humane society or shelter, you must thoroughly document the abuses occurring there. Common problems include cruel killing methods, dirty conditions, lack of veterinary care, lack of adequate food and water, poor record-keeping that results in animals being “accidentally” destroyed, lack of spay/neuter requirements or programs, pound seizure policies, inadequate screening procedures for adoption applicants, and callous, untrained, or unthinking staff.

To effectively document abuses, volunteer at the facility or visit it frequently. Compile photographs, written statements, and observations about specific incidents and conditions. Record all pertinent information (date, time, people involved, weather conditions, etc.). Label each photo and get statements notarized. Have as many people as possible visit the shelter and document their experiences. Be sure to keep copies of all your documents and correspondence.

Organize a group. After you have collected concrete evidence indicating that there are poor conditions at the shelter, enlist others to work with you. Not only will you need help with your campaign, you’ll also find that public officials tend to be more receptive to groups than to individuals. You might want to run an advertisement—use an address with a post office box—in your local newspaper, asking people who have complaints about the shelter to write to you. For instance: “Do you think that our animal shelter needs improvement? If you have experienced problems with the shelter or want to get involved in efforts to improve it, write to ….” In your ad, be careful not to target any individual, such as the shelter director.

Organize a meeting with other interested people and set goals. Address the most serious problems first. Group members should be familiar with your state’s anti-cruelty statutes, local animal ordinances, and the specifics of animal behavior and care. Your efforts will be more productive if each member has clearly defined responsibilities.

Present your case. Depending on the problems that you have observed, you may want to start by meeting with the shelter director to discuss how you might help improve the facility. If this approach fails or is not feasible, request a hearing before the agency that oversees the shelter—the city council, board of county commissioners, or the humane society’s board of directors. Attend the hearing with members of your group and as many other supporters as possible. Present your documentation in an organized way, and be specific. To maintain a high profile in county politics, have several of your group’s members regularly attend these public meetings. This is essential to monitor progress and show officials that your group is serious about reaching its goals.

Launch letter-writing campaigns to contact local officials. Be sure to write letters of thanks when improvements are made. Develop media contacts so that the entire community gets up-to-date information. Local newspaper and TV reporters who are sympathetic to your concerns can be valuable allies.

Write letters to the editor. Keep the issue alive in the media by using this easy, free channel to educate the community!

Get involved in local politics. If there is an upcoming election, you may want to meet with one or more candidates. Schedule your meetings early in the race, dress professionally, and keep your presentations short and concise. Emphasize votes first, and if the candidate is sympathetic to your concern for animals, you may want to offer your group’s endorsement and active support. You will be in a good position to influence your candidate if you have helped get him or her into office.

For more information on improving conditions for animals at your local shelter, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

Polar Bears

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:04:00 +0000

Between Global Warming, Hunting and Big Oil Companies the polar bears are suffering. Polar bears are starving, drowning, being run out of their habitat, feeling the effects of global warming, and being hunted. Our government is doing very little to help protect this majestic species. Please, the polar bears need your help: Sign the petitions below to help them:

Ask ConocoPhillips not to Drill in Polar Bear Habitat

Put Polar Bears First

Tell the Bush Administration to Protect Polar Bears and Their Habitat

Save the Arctic Refuge

Help Save the Polar Bears from Global Warming

Tell Your Senators to Put Polar Bears First

Chill the Drills: Protect Alaska's Polar Bears

Chill The Drills: Save the Polar Bears

Please Act Now to Save the Polar Bears

Tell Congress to Protect the Polar Bears: The Polar Bear Seas

Help Save the Polar Bears

Save the Polar Bears from Oil and Gas Drilling

Pledge Your Love for the Polar Bears

Stop Polar Bear Hunting

Get the Facts:

Endangered Polar Bears

Polar Bears S.O.S

Polar Bears on Thin Ice

DOF: Polar Bears

WWF: Polar Bears

CBD: Polar Bears

Polar Bears in Danger

HSUS: Polar Bears

IABRM: Polar Bears

Videos:

Starving Polar Bear

On Thin Ice: Polar Bears and Global Warming

The Polar Bear

Flying Penguins

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:27:00 +0000

This come from Environmental Graffiti New Blog:

BBC camera crews discovered something absolutely incredible…

They were filming a colony of Adélie penguins on King Geoerge Island, around 750 miles south of the Falkland Islands, when the weather took a turn for the worse.

Instead of the penguins huddling together, as you’d normally expect, they did something absolutely fascinating. They took off and flew thousands of miles to the South American tropical rainforests to bask in the winter sun.

The program, part of the new BBC natural history series, Miracles of Evolution is being presented by ex-Monty Python star Terry Jones, who said:

The film reveals nature’s stunning glory in exciting and unexpected ways, so much so that it defies belief…Not only does it create a vivid and emotional experience for the viewer, it also illustrates just how bold and simple Darwin’s idea of natural selection was.

You can watch some amazing clips of this in action here:

*Happy April Fools Day!

Defenders: Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:54:00 +0000

Defenders of Wildlife is taking a survey: 2009 Defenders Calendar Vote

Help us choose the cover photo for our 2009 calendar, which will be sent to 1.5 million people... and seen by many more. The winning entry will appear in homes, doctor's offices, office cubicles and classrooms around the country.

A: Gray Wolf surveying the tundra, Denali National Park, Alaska

Photo (c) Thomas Mangelsen

B: Timber Wolf pup in forest undergrowth, Minnesota

Photo (c) Jim Brandenburg

C: Timber Wolf resting on the forest floor, Minnesota

Photo (c) Jim Brandenburg

Go to the Link Here to Cast Your Vote!

Ban Snares

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:27:00 +0000

Scotland Left Hanging

PLEASE Sign the Petition to BAN SNARES:

Ban Snares: Take Action

Photos:

Photos of the Victims Click Here

About Snares:

Common Q's & A's About Snares= Click Here

What are snares?

Inhumane.
Snares are thin lengths of wire that are used to trap wild animals perceived to be 'pests'. Although their purpose is to immobilise predators, snares have the potential to cause extreme suffering to animals and in some cases a painful, lingering death through disembowelment, decapitation
or even losing a limb.

Indiscriminate.
Snares are unselective. Any animal is at risk from a snare including protected species such as otters and badgers as well as deer, hare, livestock and even domestic cats and dogs.

In use.
Snares are used by some farmers to try to catch rabbits, and by gamekeepers on sporting estates to try to catch foxes in an attempt to protect game birds reared for shooting. A recent poll found that an overwhelming 75 per cent of people were opposed to their use and thought they should be banned. Despite such strong support for a ban on snares the Scottish Government has yet to prohibit them. But we believe a ban in Scotland can - and should - lead the way for the rest of the UK.

Learn More:

US Patent Office: Patent 5561940: Snare Traps for Animals

US Patent Office: Patent 4751790: Snare Traps

Pets and Traps: Trapping Case Report

Traps Pose Danger for Pets

Get the Facts: Types of Traps

[US] State Prohibitions on Leghold, Kill-type and Snare Traps

Ban Snares in Scotland

Below are videos of those in the US that are still using Snare Traps:

Snaring Rabbits

Coyote Snaring

PETA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:20:00 +0000

Please help the PETA by signing the petitions below:

Tell Gucci to Stop Clubbing Seals

Seals Massacred for Their Skin: Help Save Them

Kentucky Fried Cruelty

PetSmart Cruelty

Tyson's Workers Caught Torturing Birds and Urinating on Slaughter Line

Save The Sheep

Below are PETA's undercover videos: Warning Graphic

A Shocking Look Inside Chinese Fur Trade: Skinned Alive!

Pledge to go fur-free at PETA.org

Meat.org: The Website the Meat Industry Doesn't Want You To See

PetSmart Suppliers

Primates Tortured

Companies and Animal Testing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:43:00 +0000

Below are links to sites that list the companies that DO NOT test on animals:

Compassionate Shopper Guide

PETA Guide to Pet Food Companies

Ask Us Why Guide

Below are links that give you the guides to companies that DO and that DO NOT test on Animals:

Tag'n'Wag List

Caring Consumer

PW2: Bad Company

Get Some Facts:

Born Free Fact Sheet

Stop Animal Testing

Go Cruelty Free

Help the Primates

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:20:00 +0000

Petitions to Help Save Primates:

Project R&R: End Chimpanzee Research in the U.S. [US Only]

Project R&R: End Chimpanzee Research in the U.S. [Non-US Only]

Project R&R: End Chimpanzee Research in Canada

Declaration of the Great Apes

Urge Aflac to Pull Orangutan Ads

Tell KCI Airport that Chimpanzee Abuse Doesn't Fly

Stop Chimpanzee Research

Click Daily to Help the Chimpanzees:

Race for the Primates

Save the Chimps for Free

Rainforest Site

Race for the Rainforest

Ecology Fund

Learn More:

Save the Primates

Great Ape Project

Project R&R

Jane Goodall Institution

Primate Conservation Inc.

Friends of Washoe

Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage

No More Monkey Business

Wildlife Direct

Chimps Deserve Better

Animal Testing

Stop Animal Testing

Diaries of Despair

Video: Warning: Contains Graphic Footage [Animal Testing Video]
Bitter [I Was Alive]

End Primate Suffering: ADI Primate Suffering Commerical

Save the Wolves

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Help Save the Wolves

End Aerial Hunting of Wolves

Help protect our Wolves... Petitions and Learning Centers:

Stop Aerial Hunting: Protect the Gray Wolf

Support National Wolf Recovery Plan

Speak-Out Against the Delisting of Wolves

Protect the Gray Wolf From Hunting in the Northern Rockies

Support the PAW Act - End Alaska's Aerial Hunting

Urge Alaska's Governor to End the Aerial Hunting

Speak for Southwest Wolves

Gray Wolf Protections Prematurely Lifted

Learn more about the Wolves:

Defenders of Wildlife

International Wolf Center

Ralph Maughan's Wildlife News

Running With the Wolves

Wolf Lover

Jane Goodall Institution

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:47:00 +0000

Below is from the Jane Goodall Institution: Ways You Can Help:

Welcome to JGI’s action center! We’re going to expand this section in coming weeks, but in the meantime we offer a few ideas to help you take positive action for people, animals and the environment.

Note: We know making a positive impact – especially when it comes to the environment – can seem like an impossible job. For that reason we’ve included some meaningful actions that are, well, embarrassingly easy. They're marked with this badge

Live Greener

Shut off the water when brushing your teeth.
This is one of Jane Goodall’s most frequent suggestions to her audiences when she’s on the road. Did you know older faucets release 3 to 7 gallons of water per minute? That could add up to more than 5,000 gallons per year flowing down the drain while you brush!

Wash your clothes in cold or warm water, not hot.
If you wash two loads per week this way, the reduction in carbon dioxide is as high as 500 pounds per year, according to the Greenhouse Network.

Cut down on your meat-eating (or better yet become a vegetarian).
Even cutting out one meal of meat per week can have an impact!

Learn more about solar energy!
The earth receives more energy from the sun in just one hour than the world uses in a whole year, according to SolarBuzz. Here is a fun resource: http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/educational_resources.html#science

Join an online community for sustainable living!
This site links to forums on everything from hybrid cars to “tightwadding” to wind power.
http://www.ecoforums.com/

Make an organic flowerbed!
http://pennsylvania.sierraclub.org/northeastern/organic.pdf

For The More Adventurous

Landscape Sustainably!
Learn how to landscape your home to be “Fossil Fuel Free!”
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/greenacres/smithsonian.pdf
http://www.sustland.umn.edu/

Install a compost toilet!
Composting toilets have been an established technology for more than 30 years!
http://www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/comp.pdf

Shop Ethically

Buy fair-trade coffee and other “fair” food.
Fair-trade coffee protocols guarantee farmers a decent price so they can earn a living wage. According to US certifier Transfair, participating farmers can avoid cost-cutting practices that sacrifice quality. Global Exchange offers a list of retailers including Starbucks, Trader Joe’s and Safeway, plus a list of outlets by state (not all states included).

Make Your Voice Heard

Write that letter!
Don’t expect the government to take the lead. Even in sympathetic administrations, governments rarely take the lead. The most innovative and creative ideas come from we, the people. Finding your member of Congress’s contact information is easy. Just click here.

Help Chimpanzees

Spread the word
The number of humans born each day is greater than the number of chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos left in the world. Many people aren’t aware that great apes are endangered – so spreading the word is critically important. Tell people that without our intervention, today’s children could come of age in a world without chimpanzees and other great apes living in the wild. But it’s not too late to make a difference. Click here to support JGI’s work on behalf of the endangered chimpanzee.

Branch Out

Turn the tide
Join a remarkable program endorsed by Jane Goodall, “Turning the Tide.” It features nine personal actions to protect the environment -- complete with calculators that tally and track individual and collective impact right away! This program comes from the Center for a New American Dream.

Use RedJellyfish Long Distance

Our partnership with RedJellyfish Long Distance helps you put the environment first! RedJellyfish provides high quality long distance service at a low price, and RedJellyfish donates 8% of its profits every month to the Jane Goodall Institute.

RedJellyfish offers clear, easy to read, monthly statements that are printed on 100% recycled paper, or you can choose their tree-free electronic billing option. The RedJellyfish calling cards are made from recycled plastic, and the RedJellyfish website is completely powered by solar energy! You'll get great rates, friendly customer service, and crystal clear connections, while knowing you are supporting a company with progressive environmental business strategies! Click here to visit RedJellyfish Long Distance

Support JGI

Join Us! A monthly gift of $15 can start three international Roots & Shoots groups, giving them the tools to create positive change in their communities. A gift of $35 provides three days worth of food, shelter, and care for an orphaned chimp in one of our JGI sanctuaries. Click here for more information.

Help Sea Life

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:03:00 +0000

Petitions below to help save Ocean Life:

End Whaling in Japan

Save Deep Sea Wilderness

Push for an Ocean Treaty

Free the Dolphin Action

Shark Trust: Survival of Sharks and Rays

Whales Not Whaling

Save the Whales

Habitat Protection for Leatherback Sea Turtles

Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Stop Mercury Pollution from Chlorine Plants

Email Your Local Grocery Store

Make World Ocean Day Official

Protect Oceans from Climate Change

Help Save Endangered Sea Turtles

Protect Endangered Shark and Prevent Finning

Stop the Bush Administration: Save the Dolphins

Learn More:

Save the Bottlenose Dolphins

Save the Taiji Dolphins

Save Our Dolphins

Save the Whales

Save the Whales Again

Save Whales - Not Whaling

Save the Sea Turtle

Save the Sea

End Dog Cruelty

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:28:00 +0000

Animals Matter to Me: Make them Matter to the Government

Stop Dog Meat Trade

Demand Better Treatment for Breeding Puppies and Dogs

Toughen Dog Fighting Laws

Our Pets Deserves Safe Food

Support the Charitable Remainder Pet Trust Act

Support the Animal Welfare Accountability Act

Support 'Buck Bill's' - The Pet Safety and Protection Act

End Georgia Dog Fighting

It's Not Cool to be Cruel

Graphic Video Footages: Dog Cruelty

Dog Meat Trade

Dog Fighting

Will Smith: It's Time to End Dog Fighting

Petitons To Help Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:08:00 +0000

Various Petitions that are in need of being signed to help animals:

Urge the San Francisco Zoo to Close it's Tiger Exhibit

Tell TNT that Cruelty isn't Entertainment

Chickens and Turkeys Deserve Humane Treatment Too

Downed Farm Animals Need Your Help

Tell Allergan that Mice Do Not Need to Die for BOTOX

Unplug Internet Hunting: Canned Hunting

Choose Compassion as Your Fashion

Farm Animal Stewards for Federal Purchases

Protect Wildlife from Highly Toxic Chemicals

Support the Captive Primate Safety Act

The Circus

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:50:00 +0000

Former Ringling Brothers Circus Employee Speaks Out
Watch more videos at PETA.org.

Circus Tiger: This Will Make You Mad

Other Videos:

Carson and Barns Circus Cruelty

Whips, Lies and Videotape

Elephants in Circuses PSA

Petitions:

Sign Here to Stop Circus Cruelty

Stop Circus Cruelty

Help Remove Tonka and Luna from Traveling with Ringling

Urge AAA to Stop Corporate Promotions of Ringling Brothers

Tell TNT What You Really Think of It's Ringling Reality Show

Learn More:

Circus Tigers

Circuses.com

Mercy for Animals

ASPCA Circus Cruelty Outlaw Animal Circus

Fight the Circus

Animal Defense

Animals in the Circus: A Lifetime of Misery

Circus is No Place for Animals

IDA: Circuses

Bear Baiting

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:26:00 +0000

*Warning* this video contains very upsetting and graphic scenes of unnecessary animal abuse and cruelty and should be viewed with caution, viewer discretion is strongly advised.

This is a sad and shocking video produced by WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) exposing the disgusting, savage, and very cruel practice of bear baiting.

Bear baiting involves pitting an innocent bear (which has cruelly had it's teeth and claws removed) tying it to a post and pitting it against a frenzied onslaught by two dogs (pit bull terriers) where the innocent and helpless bear has to try and fend them off and fight for its survival.

Bears in this savage blood sport suffer horrible abuse, such as ripped noses, mouths and permanent scarring; after the event is finished, both the bear and the dogs are spared as they are too valuable and will be used for future illegal bear baiting events.

Bear baiting occurs in Pakistan and is illegal in that country, but it still goes in remote regions and awareness of it must continue, so if people see illegal bear baiting events they can report them to the authorities and prevent and stop them from going ahead and happening.

As you can see from this video, it's absolutely disgusting and unforgivable and such savage and horrible animal cruelty can't be justified out of tradition culture or entertainment.

WSPA prevented and shout down over 50 illegal bear baiting events in 2005 / 2006 and with the commitment of the Pakistani government will hopefully and likely shut down many more.

Please support WSPA's vital field campaign and political advocacy work to help remove this scourge from Pakistan.

This video was uploaded in conjunction with WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals)

Learn more about Bear Baiting and why it needs to end:

Bear Baiting

Local Networking Saves Bears from Cruel Contest

A Savage Blood Sport

End Bear Farming

Petitions/Pledges to Help End this 'Sport':

Bear Baiting Action

Save Pakistan Bears from Bear Baiting

Please Sign the Animals Matter to Me Pledge

HSUS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:09:00 +0000

HSUS MySpace Page | Take the Quiz!

I think the older I get the more I love and respect the HSUS [Humane Society of the United States]. Each year, they help bring us awareness to countless cruelties and help to prosecute horrible criminals. HSUS is in the field when disaster strikes to rescue stranded animals. They are always their when you need them. HSUS is helping to pass laws to protect our beloved pets and animals in the wild. And, let us not forget, HSUS also helps stop the factory farms from being cruel.

This isn't much of a blog post today, it's a 'plug' for the HSUS. Please support them by donating if you can. Other things you can do to help is signing petitions/pledges that is in great need of being signed:

Protect the Seals

Tell Wendy's to Warm up to Animal Welfare

Most Misrepresented Fur: Raccoon Dog

Dogs and Cats are Being Skinned Alive: Help Stop It

Take the Pledge to Help Stop Puppy Mills

Help Save Wild Horses and Burros

Help Stop Horse Slaughter

Stop Testing On Chimpanzees

Fur-Free Pledge

Other things to do: Learn more about pets and wildlife:

Urban Wildlife-Our Wild Neighbors

Pets for Life-Helping People and Their Pets

Chimps Deserve Better

Learn About Factory Farms

Animal Cruelty and Fighting

Fur-Free Campaign

Hunting: Get the Facts on Poaching, Canned Hunts and More

Puppy Mills

Seal Hunt

Horse Slaughter

Wildlife

Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Help The Tigers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:21:00 +0000

Below are a few petitions I have found to help save the Tigers. Please Read and Sign...Thank You

Act Now to Save India's Tigers

Save The Tiger Champaign

Save The Tigers Petitions

Petition The UN to Help the Tigers

Please Remember to Click Daily to Help the Big Cats:

Race for the Big Cats

Rainforest Site

Big Cat Rescue

Ecology Fund

Learn More about the Big Cats:

Indian Welfare Society

Tiger Foundation

Tiger Link

Save the Tiger Fund

21st Century Tiger

Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Sanctuary

Save China's Tigers

Wild Tiger Fund