Angel Paw Animal Advocacy

Alabama Residents - The animals & AVRAL need you!

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:17:00 +0000

Alabama Residents - The animals & AVRAL need you! Many of the issues in AL are not unique to our state, but they are WRONG and changes need to be made. If you need a reason to join AVRAL, here's a short list:

1) State legislators refused to pass a single animal welfare bill in 2012:

· The cockfighting bill died thanks to filibusters

· Abuse/neglect reporting for animal welfare professionals (e.g. vets & ACOs) killed because the definition of abuse was thought to be "PETA extremist" by legislators.

· Bill to ban bestiality was "lost in the pipeline" of bills being rushed through at the end of the session.

2) Alabama's low-cost spay/neuter clinics are endangered:

· In 2011, the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (ASBVME) began trying to close down the Alabama Spay/Neuter clinics.

· In early 2012, HB 156 was introduced to protect the clinics and keep them open. The spay/neuter clinic protection bill died for one reason - Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (Lee County) refused to let it go to the floor for a vote. Had it gone to a vote, it would have passed.

· In October 2012, ASBVME met to vote on closing the clinics. Thanks to news coverage; a large attendance by citizens & media; email, letters & faxes; and those who spoke at the meeting, ASBVME members declined to vote. They will likely try again at some point.

3) Abuse and neglect are rampant - a few stories from 2012:

· Dog euthanized because of being driven insane by being chained 24/7. This dog's miserable past had wasted his body and destroyed his temperament. His life had been surrounded by the most cruel form of abuse - absolute neglect and isolation. And there is no law against it.

- News Article: http://ow.ly/hihjM | Picture: http://ow.ly/hihhz

· Animal advocates had to 'fight' behind the scenes for months for the Blountsville Police to open an investigation and the DA to bring the case to the Grand Jury for indictment. - http://ow.ly/hihuf (Note: article does not mention the work of the advocates; that info is from AVRAL)

· Over 200 starving animals (some dead) at Summerdale Purple Heart “Rescue” - http://ow.ly/hiiwI

· Animal cruelty at the Calhoun Co. Animal Control Facility - http://ow.ly/hiiH5

· Organized dog fighting in Walker County - http://ow.ly/hiiU6

· Countless dogs starve in plain view of Walker County, AL residents, officials - http://ow.ly/hijAX

· Prichard, AL: Abandoned, abused dog chained to tree in full sight for 3 weeks - http://ow.ly/hijHZ

4) There is NO Alabama agency that investigates or oversees substandard animal pounds/shelters.:

· Rotting corpses, Dog Pound dumpster; discarded pregnant Beagle begs for shelter - http://ow.ly/hijSA

· Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) killed 49 dogs - including those that had been recently adopted - because of 1 sick dog - http://ow.ly/hil4N

· MCAS does not quarantine or vaccinate upon intake - http://ow.ly/hikn1

5) Out of 50 states + 6 territories, Alabama ranks in the bottom tier at #43 according to the ALDF - http://ow.ly/hilV8

The 2013 legislative session starts soon. AVRAL will be presenting legislation and we expect some pushback from rather disappointing "groups." Without BIG NUMBERS, we can't help Alabama's animals.

Join Alabama Voters for Responsible Animal Legislation (AVRAL) if you are sick and tired of the way animals are treated in Alabama. We can change laws. We can elect people who care about animals. Join today - it's free and easy. Go to www.alabamavotesforanimals.org

Follow AVRAL on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AVRALvotes

Grow a Pair and Speak for the Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:06:00 +0000

On November 18, 2012, two severely emaciated American Pit Bull Terriers were surrendered to Detroit Bully Corps. Angel died of starvation, and Shiner is expected to make a complete recovery.

Their 18-year-old owner, Lisa Marie Precourt, pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty charges on January 2 after waiving her right to trial and right to counsel. She faces a maximum sentence of one year and 93 days in jail, plus fines and community service if she is convicted. It is expected that she will be sentenced to probation, pay restitution, and be barred from owning pets.

One of two articles about the case states:

[...] Michigan has some of the toughest animal abuse laws in the country, but getting cities to enforce them on the local level has been a challenge.

This problem is not unique to Michigan, no matter how good (or bad) the laws are. What it comes down to is cities not pursuing justice. I've seen many cases where the laws allow for a decent punishment and yet the judge hands out a soft slap on the wrist. I've also seen many cases where plea deals resulted in punishment far less than the defendant could – and should – have received. Thankfully this is not always the case – some judges do give the max, sometimes even stating they wish they could give them a harsher punishment. But …

What is the point of having these laws and their associated punishments when District Attorneys and judges don't or won't give the max? What kind of statement do the more lenient punishments make?

Yes, each and every case is unique, and sometimes there are facts/circumstances that need to be taken into consideration. Precourt’s case is one of those times. At age 18, she is living on her own, going to school, and working two jobs. She now admits that she never should have had the dogs in the first place. Only time will tell if she is being sincere, or if she’s blowing smoke. I truly hope it’s the former.

Precourt’s case aside, we have a serious problem with the justice system and the sentences handed down in cases of animal abuse, cruelty and/or neglect. In some states, the problem lies with the laws themselves – either the penalties are too lenient, or laws don’t even exist in the first place. It’s hard to sentence offenders to punishment when either a law and/or an appropriate penalty do not exist.

In states with appropriate laws and penalties, it’s the justice system at fault. District Attorneys cut plea deals. Judges give sentences so lenient that it’s nothing more than a joke. The taxpayers foot the bill for a case (investigation + trial (plus often the cost of incarceration of the offender)) that results in what amounts to a waste of time and money.

The bottom line: State legislatures need to put tough laws with tough penalties into place. Cities need to pursue true justice. Taxpayers need to let their elected officials know this is what they want – and be prepared to act (e.g. vote them out of office) when they don’t do it.

Come on everyone, grow a pair and speak for the animals.

Sources:

Sterling Heights woman pleads guilty to charges she starved her two dogs

Sterling Heights woman charged with animal cruelty for starving dog to death

What is the truth about Piglet – Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:31:00 +0000

Blossom (formerly Piglet) at the Riverside Shelter

Facebook has been acting wonky this week (and what else is new?) with posts disappearing from timelines. Many people were hoping and praying Piglet's life would be spared. Many contacted the shelter in support of Piglet going to rescue or sanctuary.

As noted in my note and blog postings concerning the truth about Piglet, there were more questions than answers. Rebecca McCullough and Mark Watson of The Heart of Leo Sanctuary (http://www.facebook.com/heartofleo) in Colorado went the extra mile in finding out the truth about Piglet's death. I don't want this truth to disappear because of a timeline/FB glitch (or idiocy, take your pick).

Rest in Peace and run free Blossom.

***

Posted by Justice for Lennox (http://www.facebook.com/JusticeForLennox)
Status link: http://www.facebook.com/JusticeForLennox/posts/128985370580003

on Friday, 9/24/12 at approximately 10pm Central.

Justice for Lennox

Piglet was killed.

First, I would like to say: The people (Piglet's owners) who posted all the petitions, deceitful and false details, and who collected money for a "legal defense" were the ones who brought Piglet into the shelter after she attacked the jogger. This was Piglet's second attack. They told the shelter from the beginning of her second bite offense that they wanted her to be destroyed. After they collected money from everyone, they shut down the pages and made a false announcement that she was dead.

Riverside County has NO BSL. The ordinance in regards to bites: 1st offense considered an accident, and is forgiven but the dog must be properly cared for and restrained from then on, and a potentially dangerous dog "restraining order" is placed upon the owners.2nd offense, the dog will be impounded and euthanized.

Piglet had attacked once. Her family neglected her a second time. Her second offense she hospitalized a jogger. The family WANTED Piglet to be euthanized, presumably because they wanted to keep the money they had collected. Executive Director Rob Miller decided that it wasn't fair. He put a "Do Not Euthanize" order on her kennel and into their Chameleon Database so he could fight it. If the family hadn't brought her in and TOLD them to kill her... If they had even TRIED to appeal it, there might have been a chance for her.

This director stepped to the plate for her anyway, mainly, because it was obvious that she had been abused. She had been trained to attack as well. He didn't feel she should die because of the abusive and neglectful actions of her owners.

:-(

They had her evaluated over the past three weeks 3 separate times. She was taken out of the shelter by a certified behaviorist for an out of shelter evaluation as well. The behaviorist said: "Not Good." She showed aggression to all other animals. She showed extreme food aggression. She was aggressive to humans too.

Still they fought for her.

Around the time I last heard from them, the director had ordered John Welsh to stop responding to emails and phone calls about her, because there were literally 1000's coming in every day. They had 400 other dogs in the shelter who needed to be networked out, and they needed his help coordinating transports and rescues. However, they did NOT give up on her.

He argued her case with the City of Riverside for 3 weeks to try to save her life. The city finally based their decision on the fact that they could not set a precedence. When other bad owners abuse, neglect and turn their dogs vicious, they have to be able to protect the public. By sparing Piglet, it would have effectively nullified their policy.

I would now like to say: Tracy Fry claimed to have been in contact with John Welsh. She claimed that she had a sanctuary lined up, and a full rescue proposal on his desk. John Welsh has never heard of Tracy Fry. Nor had he heard of Sienna Rose, or any of her friends.

There were only 2 organizations trying to save Piglet. One was a woman named Clarinda from "Smiling Dog Farms" in Nebraska. The other was myself, from The Heart of Leo Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. Believe me, HOL tried. From what John said, Clarinda was calling several times a day as well.

I am personally grateful to Riverside County. I am grateful to John Welsh and Rob Miller. They went above and beyond trying to save her, even though their policies said they shouldn't. Piglet (Piggy) was a victim of her owners. What they did was criminal in more ways than one. There were other liars involved in this as well. I don't know what they got out of it, but they certainly didn't help the situation.

John Welsh talked to Rebecca McCullough, our director, for over an hour today. I am still sad, and still believe that I could have helped her. However, I now know that they did EVERYTHING in their power, and it broke their hearts that it turned out this way.

The last thing I want to say: I was going to name her Blossom, because I know she would have blossomed into a wonderful dog with love, patience and proper training. To me, that is her name.

Run free Blossom.

What is the truth about Piglet – Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:51:00 +0000

Part 1 was done as a note on my Facebook page. Due to the nature and length of this update, I am posting Part 2 on my blog. Part 1 gives the basic background of Piglet’s story. As noted in Part 1, there have been NO official (from the shelter itself) updates on Piglet since August 7.

On August 7^th, Justice for Lennox posted he had spoken with the shelter’s public relations person on the 6^th. [posted as a comment on Piglet’s picture posted August 3^rd on Justice for Lennox]

Supporters of Piglet began contacting Mr. Welsh to express their appreciation of the shelter’s efforts to give Piglet a chance.

After this, there were no further updates. There were plenty of questions, especially ones asking if anyone had heard anything from the shelter. No one had.

On Wednesday, August 22, Sienna Rose posted a picture of Piglet on Save Wicca with the following caption:

To say some of us were stunned would be an understatement. The last we had heard, the shelter was open to options and accepting proposals from qualified rescues, sanctuaries and individuals. All proposals would be given consideration. A number of individuals, including Justice for Lennox – who runs The Heart of Leo Animal Sanctuary – had been trying unsuccessfully for two weeks to communicate with someone at the shelter by phone or email.

Some are wondering if there was a campaign of sorts to ensure Piglet’s death. One name kept popping up on posts that were copied/pasted from elsewhere. I know of only one (1) direct communication with a page by this person, which occurred on August 4:

The full size image is available at: http://www.heartofleo.org/fry1.jpg

On August 9, the following status was posted on Scooby’s Doghouse:

[from] Tracy Fry We have heard back from Riverside. Nothing is going to happen this week, presumably, I just wanted to keep you in the loop that there is still currently a “do NOT euthanize” order by the director. Please I ask you again, stop emailing them. They are still receiving mass emails everyday, and they are unable to effectively do their business having to sift through them all ♥

I did not think to take a screen shot at the time as I had no reason to do so, and it is not available on Scooby’s page at this moment (presumably a Facebook issue since her posts jump from August 21 to June 26 on her timeline), but I did copy/paste it on Piglet’s picture of August 3 on Justice for Lennox:

On August 17, yet another copy/paste of a Tracy Fry post appeared on Piglet’s picture:

No one was able to confirm the information given in this post. Once again, attempts to speak to someone at the shelter were unsuccessful.

Tracy Fry is an anomaly. Her personal profile only became active on August 15, 2012 -- at least by what Facebook is showing on her timeline. She joined Facebook on April 27, 2007. Her timeline show no posts before 2011: between April 4 and October 15, 2011 she answered 4 questions in polls, and on December 21, 2011 she updated her cover picture. In 2012, she changed her cover picture on 3 occasions (March 12, April 4, and June 29), and on July 11, she commented on a link concerning Lennox.

There is no information other than gender in her “about” tab. She does not like any pages, or has opted not to show them. In the posts showing on her timeline, not a single one contains a reference to the sanctuary she says she is a part of (see the Heart of Leo screenshot above). Very little of what is posted has anything to do with animal advocacy, and only from the broad perspective.

Sienna Rose, who posted the death notice of Piglet on Save Wicca, is also an anomaly. She joined Facebook on August 17, 2010, but her timeline shows even less than Tracy’s does. It shows no activity prior to June 4, 2012. While the pages she likes do show, none were liked prior to 2012, and none seem to be a sanctuary. She has made only two posts (both links) – July 28 and August 17.

There is discrepancy with Tracy’s communication with Heart of Leo concerns John Walsh of the Riverside shelter. First Tracy calls him the director:

When Mark Watson of Heart of Leo corrects her, she continues with the discrepancy:

Two independent sources name Robert Miller as the director. The first is a news article from 2010, which happens to mention both men: http://www.pe.com/local-news/politics/politics-headlines-index/20101112-riverside-county-animal-services-to-cut-15-employees.ece

The second is the Riverside County Community Health Agency page which lists all the county animal services information: http://www.rivcocha.org/svcsdir1.html

You may also notice in the screenshot above that Tracy declines to give any information at all about her sanctuary. Since this was a private communication with an administrator of a 501(c)(3) sanctuary who was trying to help Piglet, there was no reason why she could not have given her sanctuary’s name. Mark would have respected privacy wishes and not disclosed that information.

Between August 1 and the announcement of Piglet’s death, Tracy was posting frequently, especially to Save Wicca, for people to stop emailing the shelter.

I just checked all the posts by other people during the month of August on Save Wicca, and not a single one of Tracy’s posts are there. They have all been removed.

As near as anyone can tell, Tracy has not made a single post since mid-August. The last reference I know of is the screenshot above of a copy/paste of a Tracy Fry message on Piglet’s August 3 picture.

There are far too many questions about Tracy Fry for any of us to feel comfortable, and leaving us wondering if this was indeed a ploy to keep Piglet from being saved by a reputable rescue or sanctuary.

Who is Tracy Fry? What is the name of her so-called sanctuary? Why has she disappeared off of Facebook? Where is her proof of anything she posted? Why have all of her posts disappeared from Save Wicca?

Why, for two weeks, did anyone at the shelter not respond to emails and calls about Piglet – including those from an administrator of a 501(c)(3) sanctuary?

To be continued …

CALL TO ACTION: Trussville, AL Residents Only

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 13:36:00 +0000

FOR TRUSSVILLE, AL RESIDENTS ONLY

Mayor Melton has said he does not want to hear from non-residents. Please help us fight the proposed ordinance by respecting this.

The proposed ordinance to ban pit bulls in Trussville, AL is still on the table. It is not dead, so we can still defeat it.

ALL Trussville, AL residents who oppose breed specific legislation need to let Mayor Melton know this ordinance should not become law.

Please write polite and respectful letters or emails, or make a polite and respectful phone call. A sample letter is below. Feel free to use it when contacting Mayor Melton.

Tip from StopBSL.org - As you communicate, break any stereotypes associated with ownership of a targeted breed. Use proper English and good grammar, and be respectful and calm.

For additional tips, including what not to say, see:

http://stopbsl.org/take-action/contact-your-lawmakers/what-not-to-say/ AND

http://stopbsl.org/take-action/contact-your-lawmakers/write-letters/

If you write your own letter, keep it short. Elected officials get swamped with correspondence every day. They are less likely read an essay.

Please share this call to action with everyone you know in Trussville.

News Story: Proposed Pit Bull Ban in Trussville

Proposed Ordinance

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/p/trussville-al-proposed-pit-bull-ban.html

***

NOTE: Address the envelope and your letter as below

Honorable Eugene A. Melton

Mayor of Trussville

City Hall

131 Main Street

P. O. Box 159

Trussville, Alabama 35173

Dear Mayor Melton,

As a resident of Trussville, I am writing to let you know that I do not support any animal ordinance that targets a specific breed of dog. Numerous professional groups have written position statements against breed specific legislation. You can read them at http://stopbsl.org/bsloverview/the-lack-of-professional-support/ .

I live in the community and I share your concern for public safety. We can make the community safer through dog ordinances that all dog owners have to follow, no matter what their dog looks like.

Please make our community safer by supporting a dog ordinance that does not single out specific breeds.

Sincerely,

***

Additional Contact Information:

Telephone (205) 655-7478

Direct (205) 661-4052

Local cell 1-888-619-9997

E-Mail: Mayor@trussville.org

Contact Form: http://www.trussville.org/ct.asp

Fighting BSL – Assistance Needed

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:21:00 +0000

I have always stood against injustice, prejudice, ignorance, and the sheer stupidity that result in prejudice and injustice. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) certainly fills the bill. Thanks to ignorance about banned breeds and dog behavior, the proliferance of dog fighting, irresponsible owners, and media sensationalism, BSL has become a monster of epic proportions. From the mass extermination of pit bulls in Denver from 2005 to 2008, to the killing of Lennox, Wicca, Bear, and Kooda in 2012, thousands upon thousands of dogs and families have been affected by knee-jerk reaction laws and actions.

Dogs have been deemed dangerous just because of their breed and/or how they look no matter their behavior and history. Dogs have been ripped from their families’ arms and homes, and executed. Owners have been forced to buy excessively expensive insurance and follow other restrictive measures, and many forced to re-home their beloved pet to insure its safety.

To say I hate BSL would be an understatement. In honor of Lennox and all the other dogs who have died or are otherwise victims of BSL, I am doing two things.

First, as a part of my Facebook page, I want to create an album for the victims. I haven't decided on an album title yet, but it will be along the lines of "Why We Fight BSL - The Victims". I already have two BSL albums - Lennox and Pit Bulls - and this new one is intended to compliment them. The first entries will be Lennox, Wicca, Bear and Kooda, and Ace.

Second, as a member of AVRAL, I will be working against BSL in Alabama. We will be looking to stop proposed BSL laws, hopefully get BSL repealed where it already exists, and hopefully bring about the passage of a state law making BSL illegal in Alabama.

How You Can Help

1. Provide pictures and information about victims for inclusion in my new album. Links to pictures can be sent to me via message or posted to my wall. It is important that I have the link where you found the picture so that I have whatever information was with it, as well as photo credits. The type of information I'm looking for is:

* Dog's name

* City/State (e.g. Denver, CO) or City/Country (Montreal, Canada)

* Date killed

* Why/What - the "meat" of the issue - what happened (and why when known) that caused the dog to become a victim

* Facebook page (if the dog has one)

* Links to any relevant news articles (if they exist and you have them - I will also research)

2. If you live in Alabama, I need your help in staying on top of BSL. I will be researching everything sent to me, but the more info you can give me, the better because it's from the viewpoint of a resident. If I need to directly attribute anything to you (such as a quote), you will only be identified by initials unless you give me permission to use your name.

* If there is BSL in your city/town - where, when it was enacted, why it was enacted, any known results (is it being enforced, are dog bites/attacks down, are owners re-homing pets elsewhere)

* If BSL is being proposed in your city/town - where, why, and if known, the date of the next meeting of whichever government body is handling it

We can only fight BSL with your help. The more info you can provide, the better my group can work on this. We do not have members in every city and town in the state, so we need you to be our eyes and ears.

3. Support AVRAL. If you live in Alabama, and are not yet a member, please join. It doesn't cost anything, other than some time, to be a member. Even if your only participation is through email campaigns and voting, it will make a difference. No matter where you live, donating to AVRAL either through direct donation or by buying a tshirt, helps. We need funds for flyers, office supplies, and the many other things that are needed to effectively fight for the animals of Alabama.

In Conclusion

I have been working on this post for about 2 hours now, my hands shaking and tears in my eyes. This morning I heard that our efforts to save Wicca had failed, and she was killed yesterday. I am still outraged about Lennox, and then I hear of Wicca’s death – my emotions, both sadness and anger, are running high.

Ever since I became an animal advocate, I have been searching for my niche … the one area where I will devote a significant portion of my advocacy time and energy to. There are so many different areas that need to be addressed in resolving the problems with companion animals and shelters in this country (you might want to read my Stop the Killing series of posts for an idea of what I mean). It’s difficult to pick just one.

But today I made my decision, pushed over the brink by the execution of Wicca.

Today I pick up arms in the battle against BSL.

Update: The album, Why I Fight BSL - Remembering the Victims, has been created.

Vacation – Days 2, 3 & Home

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:14:00 +0000

I was going to write a daily post while we were away, but between a serious lack of sleep due to the extra extra firm bed, and having 2 adults and 3 dogs confined to a space smaller than our living room, the last time I actually had the quiet and ability to think was early Sunday morning after hubby went back to bed once the dogs had gone out to potty and had been fed. The dogs went back to sleep too. I was in too much pain from the bed to even think about sleeping.

The first night, we both slept on the bed, along with Angel and Merlin. The next two nights, hubby pulled out the sofa into a bed and slept there. Angel and Sassy slept with him, and Merlin slept with me. Merlin is a bed hog, and no matter how much room is in the bed, he has to sleep either immediately next to or on top of us. I spent all 3 nights ~~sleeping~~ tossing and turning on less than half the bed, and waking up tired and in pain.

The "You shall not sleep" torture device, also known as the RV bed.

Aside from the bit of Saturday rain, it was sunny while we were at the park. It was also blazing hot and muggy (someone who shall remain nameless decided we needed to take our trial trip in the middle of July even though we live in the south), so walks were limited to cooler morning and late afternoon hours. But we wanted to be able to have them outside and not strictly confined to inside the RV. Hubby came up with the idea of a “doggy yard”. It wasn’t very pretty, but it was functional and served the purpose. And just so you know, the white table with only 2 legs was placed over a fire ant mound to keep the dogs out of it.

The Schatz Pack Doggy Yard

All 3 dogs took turns lying on the sofa, but Sassy opted to spend a lot of time under the table (and on our feet) or laying on the bare floor nearby. Merlin decided the bed was his spot and he spent a lot of time there. If Angel beat Sassy under the table, she slept there for awhile, otherwise she was on the sofa. Monday morning we left the sofa bed pulled out, and all 3 were on it at the same time. We rarely see all 3 on the same piece of furniture at home. Alas, hubby’s claustrophobia set in and he put it back into sofa mode.

Pups on the sofa

At any rate, Sunday was a mostly quiet, sort of lazy day. Angel, our little scaredy dog, barked at the scary monsters (aka RVs) that passed our spot as they entered or left the park. She also barked at the various sounds the other campers made. Luckily, she stopped when we told her to, although it did sometimes take 2 or 3 tries. Sassy and Merlin barked mostly because Angel barked rather than starting it. The dogs quickly figured out they could see out the front windshield by standing on the center console. Sassy and Merlin also figured out they could jump up on the dashboard, which is huge compared to a car.

Sunday dinner didn’t go quite as planned. Hubby was going to grill marinated chicken but experienced technical issues and ended up bringing them inside for me to cook on the stove top. Having learned our lesson about cooking on the stove the evening before, I opened the roof vent, turned on its fan, and opened the window in the “kitchen” before I even pulled out the skillet.

The Kitchen - You can't really see it, but the pantry is directly right of the refrigerator.

Monday morning he had to work (gotta love being able to work anywhere you have an internet connection), so after I finished with my morning computer stuff, I sort of puttered around until he was done so he could have more space on the table. I just couldn’t get into the puzzle book or any of the other non-computer stuff to do. I was probably just too tired to even try. Thankfully, hubby (mostly) fixed the technical issues with the grilling and he grilled a couple of rib eye steaks for dinner. They came out rather well, and he learned a couple of lessons. Now he just needs a charcoal grill to get some more practice.

Hubby spent a lot of time just sitting and looking out of the front window at the water … at least until the glaring afternoon sun hurt his eyes too much and forced us to pull the curtain closed. When we weren’t outside with the pups, and he wasn’t looking at the water, we played Phase 10 (the dice game version) or Scrabble. We also watched a few of the VCR movies we brought with us. The RV had a dual VCR/DVD player, but since we no longer have a working VCR, we opted to bring movies we don’t get to watch anymore.

After dinner, we took down the doggy yard, as well as packing unneeded items. Unfortunately, Merlin decided the dashboard was the place to go when daddy started packing stuff into the outside storage compartments. He was in a combination goofy-scared mood, and I spent a good 20 minutes getting him down because he kept jumping back up. He finally decided staying down was a good idea after I hit my head on the edge of the backup camera while getting him down for the umpteenth time. The spot is still quite tender and painful.

Tuesday morning, the dogs had us up early (again), but instead of going back to sleep, hubby decided to start getting stuff ready for us to leave. He said he wasn’t rushing me, but he turned off the water and dumped the tanks before I could brush my teeth or do any cleaning. We took the dogs for a last walk and threw out our trash, then pulled out of the park shortly after 7:00am.

The drive home was less eventful (no “oh s**t moments or turtles trying to cross the road). We did get stuck behind a slow poke county truck that couldn’t or wouldn’t go the speed limit. The worse part about this was that there are few stops along the road where an RV can easily pull in and out. I needed a bathroom break, and was fussing at the driver of the truck under my breath. He finally turned off just before a BP station that was big enough for the RV. Hubby was so excited to be rid of the slow poke that he accelerated past the BP. I whined and gave him a withering glare. He said “Oops”. So we continue down the road and end up behind another slow poke. More fussing under my breath. OMG, construction zone! Thankfully the workers were not stopping traffic, so we were able to keep driving, albeit at a slower speed. I spotted a gas station up ahead and told hubby he had better pull in there or else. Wouldn’t you know, the slow poke driver in front of us pulled in there too. Luckily for her, she didn’t need the restroom, which is a good thing since there was only one for both men and women. Once I had used the facility, hubby filled the gas tank, we let the dogs out for a break, and we started home again.

We arrived home about 10:45am. First order of business was getting the dogs into the backyard. As we headed into the living room to get to the back door, we screeched to a halt and stared at the mess our son left. After a few deep breaths and muttered expletives, we went out on the deck. There we discovered more stuff, including one of the water bowls from inside and some dog poop. WTH? Yeah, the kiddo was in doo-doo when he got home from school and work.

After the initial shock, we let the dogs back inside while we started the process of unloading and then cleaning the RV. We finished around 3:30, and the only thing left to do was to gather the towels left to collect the water after turning off the refrigerator and leaving it open – which we did this morning before hubby left for the office. Then we went out to eat since we hadn’t eaten all day. It was rather nice eating on real plates again with real glassware. After dinner, other than feeding the animals, we pretty much vegetated, too tired to do anything.

Today I get to wash 4 loads of laundry, and unpack and put away everything from the trip, along with a run to the store for some groceries so I can feed us and the dogs. By the time I’m done, I expect that I’ll be exhausted. I’m still tired from the lack of sleep in the RV, the unloading and cleaning of the RV, and being woken up at 2:30 this morning.

I think I need a vacation from my vacation. A housekeeper would work too.

Vacation – Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 11:40:00 +0000

Our view out of the windshield - the empty spot has been occupied since this was taken.

As is typical when we're planning on going somewhere, hubby says we're not in a hurry to leave this morning, he's not going to rush me (rushing me results in a panic attack), yadda yadda. He got up shortly after I finished feeding the dogs this morning. We're not supposed to leave until between 7 and 8. At 4am - while I'm still groggy and working on my first cup of coffee - he wants to load the refrigerated foods into the RV.

After some dirty looks and total disinterest from me, he decided to go upstairs to play on his computer for awhile. I had more coffee and did my normal postings to my Facebook page. Once I had about 3 cups of coffee in me and beginning to feel more civilized, I put together the refrigerated foods. Then I started gathering the last minute stuff – and of course I kept finding things that I had not yet packed. There was also a last minute, quick run to the grocery store for a couple of items hubby didn’t pick up last night. By the time we left … well within our target time frame at 7:40am I might add … I was a frazzled mess.

The drive to Florala State Park was uneventful, although the narrow 2 lane road that made up most of the last 2/3 of the trip gave us a few “oh s**t” moments. Hubby still needs to learn that when he looks right, he does not necessarily need to turn the wheel right. I spent a fair amount of time telling him “LEFT!” whenever he drifted right. The pack was well-behaved, although that could be due to the fact they were in their crates. It could also be due in part to the Benadryl we gave them before we left. We figured it would be easier on all of us if they were a tad sleepy. I think Sassy was the only one who actually went to sleep. Angel doesn’t like car rides, and Merlin typically rides co-pilot. I’m pretty sure he was wondering why he wasn’t in the passenger seat.

We arrived, found a spot, backed the RV in without a problem, and proceeded to set up. We didn’t’ do a whole lot, just some basic necessities such as electric hook up, the “landing gear” (I’m sure that’s not what they’re called, but it works for me), and putting the crates away. They’re those little things you need to do before you can do anything else. Then the dogs were fed, and I spent some time locating some things before we had lunch. Hubby had pretty much stuck everything somewhere with little rhyme or reason and absolutely no organization. The remainder of the afternoon was spent doing some organizing, taking the pack for walks, and generally just relaxing.

It has rained at least 3 times since we arrived. Clouds rolled in and out, there were a few thunder rumbles (although no lightening or boom-booms), and the rain was brief, belying the initial downpour. Sassy spent her time under either the ‘dinette table’ or the steering wheel. Angel huddled either on the sofa or the floor next to the table. Merlin laid on the couch or tried to climb into daddy’s lap (for attention, not because of the rain). Sassy and Merlin like to step onto the console between the driver and passenger seats to look out the windshield. Most of the time they just look, occasionally it results in barking at a passerby – especially if said passerby is walking a dog. We don’t think they’ve noticed the resident ducks yet.

Cooking in the RV for the first time was an experience, and one that I’m not sure I liked. The limited counter space is a challenge, as is the small cutting board and stove. The bok choy was longer than the cutting board, which made trimming and slicing an exercise in shuffling everything around as I went in order to get it done. Cutting the onions wasn’t bad except these were STRONG. Thank goodness there’s a vent right above the counter area. We opened that and the odor problem was solved. Cooking the rice was not an issue. Cooking the bok choy (stir fried with onions, garlic, ginger root, and Sweet Thai Chili Sauce) and the pork chops (marinated in Yoshida Sauce) was another matter.

We got the stove lit and I pre-heated the skillet on high, then turned it down a smidge. Added the oil, the onions, garlic and ginger. Apparently the fire/smoke alarm – which is situated on the ceiling less than 2 feet from the stove – is very sensitive. I did not see any smoke coming from the skillet, and I use a high smoke point oil. The alarm went off, scaring the bejeezus out of us as it pierced our ear drums (especially mine since I was at the stove). I turned off the burners and hubby opened the window. Everything was fine other than the skillet was cooling off and the rice was not bubbling. I assume the heat from the cooking, and maybe the fumes from the cooking onion, set it off. I started cooking again. Finished the stir fry, which took longer than it does at home and started the pork chops. The rice was finished cooking and set aside to steam until we were ready to eat. Despite using a stainless steel skillet, cooking the pork chops wasn’t as quick or as easy as it is at home. The flame on the RV stove has a small diameter, and trying to pre-heat your skillet so it’s screaming hot to make up for that sets off the smoke/fire alarm. But dinner was finally done, and other than needing to zap the pork chops in the microwave for 30 seconds, it came out rather well.

The park has satellite hook-ups, but sadly the number of channels is very limited. When we checked (over the course of about 20 minutes), all we found were The Weather Channel, an old movie channel, 4 sports channels, and 2 or 3 that we have no idea about since all we ever saw on them were commercials. I’m sure those channels show something other than commercials during the course of their broadcasting day, but I was tired of flipping channels. So we left it on TWC since it was running “specialty programs” such as hurricane hunters and true-life weather emergency stories. About 8:30, hubby decided he wanted to watch one of the movies we brought. Nope, didn’t happen. The DVD player wouldn’t work. While we brought a few VCR movies, and the VCR works, hubby decided we should just go to bed.

We went to bed, but I didn’t get a lot of sleep. While Angel and Sassy slept on the floor, Merlin insisted on sleeping in the bed with us. At home this is not a problem since we have a California King. The RV has a queen. The bedroom was either hot or cold, depending on whether the air conditioning had kicked on or not. The bed is quite firm (almost hard). Merlin is a bed hog. Needless to say, I’m not a very happy camper this morning. Thank goodness for the Keurig and coffee.

Lennox News from 12 July 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:29:00 +0000

from Victoria Stilwell

To all Lennox supporters and those against BSL. Please read this from my colleague Jim Crosby and share with as many people as you can. This is vitally important. When I was brought onto the case a year ago I received a copy of the BCC's 'expert's' report. This report was only supposed to be an evaluation of Lennox's measurements to determine whether Lennox was of pitbull type (which is laughable in itself.) The last paragraph of the report states that even though this expert knows that he has only been brought in to measure Lennox he still offers his opinion of Lennox's behavior, which he questions. That's it - one paragraph. I also have the behavioral evaluation reports from both David Ryan and Sarah Fisher - pages and pages of detailed, intelligent, unbiased and thorough investigations of Lennox's behavior. Yet the BCC stand by their 'expert' and so did the courts, discrediting the evidence of two qualified behavioral experts. Is that justice? Is that fair?

It is also public knowledge now, even though I have said nothing on this matter, but because it is already out there I will have to answer your questions truthfully, yes, the BCC's 'expert' did try to sue me for speaking out against him and questioning his credentials, and yes he did expect money from me to settle the dispute. He was not successful because all I did was speak the truth. But these are the kind of people that the family,myself and all those who have supported Lennox, have been up against. I will finish by saying that I do not approve of threats and intimidation being done to anyone on either side and would appeal to those who conduct themselves in such a way to stop - you are not helping matters. But also be aware that those of us who have supported Lennox and the family themselves have also received threats, some from the very people that BCC employ.

So onto Jim's report - this is a window into how it should be done:

Lennox: The gloves come off.

http://canineaggression.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/lennox-gloves-come-off.html

****

from Rourke the Dork

Honor Lennox by helping pets with donations of food, money, time, and items. Please click the blue "Join" button at the top of the page. Please share this event with family and friends.

http://www.facebook.com/events/348662408546849/

****

Found at Bully Molosser Mart

To honor & remember Lennox - 1/2" 'I AM LENNOX' VIVID Leather Bracelet that is also a fundraiser.

http://stores.molossermart.com/-strse-151/1-fdsh-2%22-%27I-AM-LENNOX%27/Detail.bok

****

Posted to Patrick’s Pantry

Don't email Belfast City Council, they will just delete the message. Use this address to write...EVERY LETTER THEY RECEIVE THEY WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR!!! Belfast City Council have a FREE POST address, meaning that any mail they receive, THEY have to pay for. That payment doubles when it's from INTERNATIONAL ....

Corporate Complaints

Belfast City Council

FREEPOST

BT1 5BR

****

A well-written note by an ACO here in the US regarding the execution of Lennox.

When a Good Dog is No More

http://www.facebook.com/notes/mark-kumpf/when-a-good-dog-is-no-more/10150913946611577

****

A must read article. As like many of us, Victoria Stilwell questions the date of Lennox’s death.

Lennox is gone, but questions and outrage remain

http://www.examiner.com/article/lennox-is-gone-but-questions-and-outrage-remain

****

Another must read article.

What we must do for Lennox

http://dogtime.com/what-we-must-do-for-lennox.html

Vacation Time (?!)

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:45:00 +0000

Starting tomorrow, we (me, hubby and our 3 dogs) will be at Florala State Park in a RV and will return home on Tuesday, 7/17. At least that’s the plan.

I have my reservations …

Will my back be able to handle it? (Ibuprofen and aspirin packed)
Will the dogs be able to handle it? (Calmplex, doggie Xanax & Benadryl packed)
Will I be able to handle it? (Stuff to do packed)
Will hubby drives me bonkers because he’s not handling it? (Nothing to help with this!)

This is our first RV trip. It’s something hubby’s wanted to do his entire life (so he says). As we all know, the reality often does not match the fantasy. Last month, he dragged me to a local RV dealer to look at the different types of RVs and talk about a trip. I told him about my reservations/doubts. We talked about a possible trip in September. He settled on a date in mid-July and made reservations for an RV. What happened to going in September? This is a mini, trial trip to see how we all handle it and if a longer trip (like 2 or 3 weeks) will be do-able.

So for the past few weeks, I’ve been looking at where to go and making the reservation; creating lists of things we need to take; packing things as I can and checking them off the list; and all the other stuff that goes with preparing for a trip.

The worst part is the food. Dogs are taken care of. Food for us is still up in the air. Having changed how and what I cook over the past couple of years, this is a challenge. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow (50%), so no grilling, and rain is possible (30 – 50%) for the remaining days of the trip. I’ve never cooked on a limited range and mini oven, never mind cooking in a RV. I no longer cook from boxes and cans – preferring fresh, frozen veggies when necessary, and limited canned goods (mostly tomatoes and beans).

So here I am, the day before we leave, and I still have no idea what to cook so I can buy the food we’ll need. I have no idea which pots/pans and ‘accessories’ to bring, although I know which utensils (I have a basic few that I use on a regular basis).

Another biggie is whether or not we’ll have internet access. The state park only has internet in their office. It’s a small park (only 28 spots), so maybe our modern and up-to-date technology will be able to pick up a signal. If not, the backup plan is to use hubby’s phone to connect (assuming cell coverage is decent).

I do plan on doing my regular postings in the morning and evening. Tomorrow morning is not an issue since the cats insist on waking Angel at o’dark thirty, which means I’ll do my morning posts as usual. After that, if you do not see any posts from me by Sunday morning, you can safely assume that we cannot access the internet.

In this event, I hope that one of my friends/fans will post the nightly lists from Pets on Death Row – Urgent Death Row Cats and Urgent Part 2 – Urgent Death Row Dogs on my wall.

I also hope that my friends/fans will post items of interest (news stories, blog posts, pics, etc) on my wall to fill in for me while I’m away. I urge everyone who reads my page to switch the page over to “Posts by Others” (the default viewing is “Highlights”, which are posts by me). This way you can see what’s been posted by those who regularly post to my wall as well as those who are filling in for me while I fume about a lack of internet access. J

Hopefully all will go as planned, the dogs will behave themselves, hubby won’t be bored, I won’t be bored, and my back won’t bother me too much.

Once we arrive at the park and get all set up, the remainder of the day (aside from cooking) is for chill-axation. I’ll need it after my panic attack today (yeah, pretty much all day) and probably tomorrow morning as I frantically try to make sure all the last minute stuff gets packed and on the RV (not to mention all the other stuff on my lists).

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be back to regular postings by the morning of Wednesday, 7/18.

A Message from Boycott Belfast until it frees Lennox and addresses its BSL failings

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:40:00 +0000

Boycott Belfast until it frees Lennox and addresses its BSL failings
posted on Facebook 11 July 2012

Today, we mourn for Lennox, a seven-years' old innocent who was killed by order of the belfast city council. What did he do? For five years, he lived peacefully with his family, knowing the warmth and love to be had there, being the "bestest friend in the world" to Brooke, only to be torn from them two years ago on the evidence of a tailor's measuring tape, a cheat-sheet, and the evidence of a warden whose evidence given in court has been contradicted by the photographs showing her and Lennox enjoying quiet time...peace...a little warmth from a concrete cell lined with straw and little else. Little did Lennox know that she, that warden, would be instrumental in the death verdict initially given by Judge Rodgers in 2011, and interestingly upheld by the self-same judge on initial appeal. Again the Barnes family appealed, with hope, with faith, and after presenting it to a panel of three judges on the Supreme Court, the Barnes family waited...and waited...and the judges waited, until the Olympic torch run had passed through belfast, and only then did they release their verdict, knowing of the many thousands of Lennox supporters that also waited, and their verdict? Death.

Every avenue open, was taken by the Barnes family; we, as individuals, coming together in a common cause -- Lennox -- gave them our support, our hope, our love. Lennox was our hope, and our love.

And today Lennox is dead. Did the Barnes family do anything wrong? No, they did not -- they fought with every fibre, every bit of scrap they had...Did we do anything wrong? No, we loved Lennox, raised him as a call to why BSL and DDA are wrong, and we fought for him...Lord, did we fight for him

Did Lennox do anything wrong? No, Lennox was a dog, a family pet, loved and held and kissed and cared for...

What did Lennox do wrong, belfast city council? What did Lennox do wrong, dog wardens of belfast? What did Lennox do wrong, judges of belfast?

What did Lennox do wrong, that his family could not re-home him safely away from belfast's lauded "Duty of Care?" What did Lennox do that he could not have the Barnes family, HIS FAMILY, with him as he died? What did Lennox do wrong that the Barnes family could not have his body back for respect and burial? What did Lennox do wrong that the Barnes family could not have Lennox's collar back, as a treasured keepsake and memorial?

What did Lennox do wrong, belfast city council?

Today we mourn Lennox, as a loved pet should be mourned; tomorrow, we march on belfast, with Lennox as our banner --

Who will mourn for you, belfast city council, as your city's reputation dies as you killed Lennox?

A Message from Animal Farm Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Animal Farm Foundation
posted on Facebook 11 July 2012

Our hearts go out to the family of Lennox, a family dog who was executed today by the Belfast City Council under the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. This law discriminates against "any dog of the type known as the pit bull terrier," a determination that is made by the court based on the dog's physical characteristics, not his behavior or, more important, the owner's behavior.

Wherever breed discriminatory legislation (BDL) has been tried -- abroad and in the US -- it has consistently failed to enhance public safety and protect the public from reckless owners. This paper from the National Canine Research Council outlines the worldwide failures of BDL: http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/uploaded_files/tinymce/World-wide%20Failure%20of%20BSL.pdf

BDL not only fails to meet its objective of public safety, it also wastes precious taxpayer dollars and resources that could otherwise be used to build better communities for people and pets alike. Imagine what could have been accomplished in the two years Belfast spent targeting Lennox? Imagine the improvements that could have been made to the Belfast community, had its leaders invested in effective dog laws instead of being guided by fear?

We hope everyone who advocated for Lennox will continue their efforts for dogs here in the US. Every day places like Denver, Miami-Dade County, Prince George's County (Maryland), and small towns across the country execute family pets like Lennox just because of the way they look. Every day US taxpayer dollars are wasted, US families are torn apart, and US communities fail to thrive because of needless hysteria and ineffective legislation. Every day there is a need -- and an opportunity -- to "Save Lennox."

But let us not lose sight of the significant progress being made. As of 2012, more communities are rejecting or repealing BDL than are passing it. The current industry standard is to evaulate dogs as individuals and hold humans accountable for their actions. Most animal shelters provide "pit bull" dogs with the same treatment and opportunity as other dogs, based on their individual behavior. The overwhelming majority of "pit bull" dog owners -- like all dog owners -- are responsible people who care deeply about public safety and their pet's well-being. And as a result, dog bites throughout the US are at historic lows and communities are safer than they've ever been, despite increases in both human and canine populations.

The story of Lennox came to a tragic and cruel end today. But together we can start a new chapter in the human-canine bond so that history stops repeating itself and the human-canine bond continues to thrive.

Lennox News from 11 July 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:07:00 +0000

A collection of news articles, tweets and comments after Lennox was executed in Belfast, Northern Ireland yesterday.

Victoria Stilwell debates Pat McCarthy of the BCC

http://positively.com/2012/07/11/victoria-debates-bcc-representative-on-the-radio/

Belfast authorities murder Lennox, allegedly for public safety

http://greenheritagenews.com/belfast-authorities-murder-lennox-allegedly-for-public-safety/

Outrage over Lennox: Dog put to sleep for looking like a pit bull in Northern Ireland

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/lennox-dog-put-sleep-belfast-145939624.html

Robinson brands Lennox death 'folly'

http://www.u.tv/News/Lennox-the-dog-put-to-sleep/d2d3cab2-15af-4c16-a630-efdae9b22da6

Kc Dog Blog - Lennox, the dog, is dead -- and the power of channeled passion

http://btoellner.typepad.com/kcdogblog/2012/07/lennox-the-dog-is-dead-and-the-power-of-channeled-passion.html

Stubby Dog - For Lennox

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7d5366dcbefcf8dbbd39b8788&id=96bd22ffd0&e=481e556907

Lennox, dog condemned as pitbull, is put to death in Belfast

http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/11/12682079-lennox-dog-condemned-as-pitbull-is-put-to-death-in-belfast?lite

Lennox the dog killed in N. Ireland

http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/07/11/lennox-dog-killed-n-ireland

TalkBack - Lennox the dog was killed by Belfast City Council today after a two year legal battle. Victoria Stillwell gave me her reaction

http://audioboo.fm/boos/880557-lennox-the-dog-was-killed-by-belfast-city-council-today-after-a-two-year-legal-battle-victoria-stillwell-gave-me-her-reaction

NYC Group Angry Over Case Of Lennox, ‘Dangerous’ Lab-Mix Killed In Belfast

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/07/11/protest-in-nyc-after-lennox-lab-mix-deemed-dangerous-killed-in-belfast

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fromTwitter

Peter Robinson ?@DUPleader

Destroying a dog that had no history of aggression is folly and shames society. ?#Lennox?

PaulineMM ‏@PaulineMM

@ItsMeOrTheDog Anti BSL peaceful protests on Saturday; London, Brighton, Southsea, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow Plse RThttp://endangereddogs.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/peacef …

Victoria Stilwell ‏@ItsMeOrTheDog

RT I am beyond enraged. The family heard about Lennox's death through me!! @belfastcc didn't even bother to tell them first. ‪#disgust

Lennox ‏@SaveLennox

Not only has @Belfastcc refused to return Lennox's body to family but now refuse to return his collar as a keep sake for the little girl.

Victoria Stilwell ‏@ItsMeOrTheDog

Pat McCarthy just said it on radio, ' pit bull type dogs are dangerous.' BSL breeds ignorance!

Read more retweets by me at https://twitter.com/angelpawaa

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Comments from around Facebook that I believe are worth sharing

“I have to say that I completely disagree with boycotting Belfast. Punishing many for the sins of few is EXACTLY what the law that allowed Lennox to be murdered is about. Don't forget, Lennox's family lives in Belfast and if you punish ALL of Belfast for what the Council did, you're going to punish them. Don't you think they've been through enough already? If you really want to make a difference, fight Breed Specific Legislation.”

“Rest in Peace Lennox. In your time on this Earth, you have touched the hearts of countless people. Your death will not be in vain, as you have opened the world's eyes when it comes to the horrors of BSL. Until we as humans can learn to overlook physical appearances and accept everyone, regardless of color, creed, or BREED, we have no right to call ourselves a "civilized" society. We will continue to fight to put an end to BSL everywhere until the day comes when no dog is judged based on his or her appearance. Stop the killing. End BSL- Tee, Proud Pit Bull Mama” - Whispering Woods Animal Rescue

“We fought two years to save Lennox´s life now we´ll fight the years to come to honour his memory and defend all the other Lennoxs around. In a world where animal abusers walk free and innocent dogs are killed for stupid laws like this one we shall stand together and strong to change it. The battle is far from over, it has just begun.”

“Ireland is divided into TWO countries, for those of you who aren't aware. There's the Republic of Ireland, which is in the south, and Northern Ireland, which is part of Great Britain. Great Britain has BSL; the Republic of Ireland does NOT. I am just as unhappy about this as everybody else, but spewing hatred and ignorance isn't going to change anything; it's only going to harden people's hearts to our cause.”

“It would be extremely narrow minded to start heaping insults on all Irish people. Remember that Lennox and his family are Irish too. This was the deed of a few imbeciles, not am entire nation. Starting a war with an entire country over this horrendous tragedy and act of evil would be a poor way of honoring Lennox's memory. Let's band together in sorrow and for a good cause instead. Let's ensure that Belfast CC's and the court's unspeakably cruel acts will lead to something positive. That is the only way a victory can be achieved, and the only way that goodness and love can conquer evil in the end.”

“Lennox lives on through all the people that care about him. In his honor adopt, foster, share animals in need on fb, and most of all EDUCATE!!!! People need to understand the facts and dispell the myths. We need to end BSL, pet stores, high kill shelters, dog fighting...it is a never ending list!!! Lennox lives.....through us!”

Posted on Boycott Belfast until it frees Lennox and addresses its BSL failings

Letter of complaint written to bcc by a supporter, thought it summed everything up..

"You killed an innocent animal to save face. Are your hearts so withered that you could show no compassion? Are your minds so small that you could not grasp reason? Are your egos so large that you could not listen to the voices around the world that called for justice?

You were offered many ways out of your predicament but you chose to destroy a beautiful animal. This speaks very poorly for your ability to run a large city. I understand that you are too proud to read the numerous letters and emails addressing this issue, but look inside your souls and ask yourself when you toss and turn in your beds at night if you really did the right thing for the people of Belfast, for the family, and for God's creation"

"I want to offer my thanks to Belfast City Council for:

1. Uniting the world against injustice.

2. Making us all cry..and I certainly needed a few good crying jags

3. making it clear to all that one dog's life (and death) can make a difference in this rotten world.

4. causing many of us to pray..especially me, cuz i should pray more.

5. making others who mistreat animals fear for the judgement coming upon them."

"R.I.P Lennox and all the other furbabies that will be killed today worldwide because of how they look. Understandably emotions are running high, but I was always taught never let hate and vengeance consume you, and it is something I still live by today. Because if you do, you will never have room in your heart for love, compassion and care, for those are the things that make us what we are and why we care so deeply. Plus those three things are what guide us through the darkest times in our lives and lead us out to the light, stronger and more determined to carry on to be the voice of those that have no voice! ~ Marie" - Rescue Cocoa

Lennox News – 7/9/12

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:19:00 +0000

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND—Peter Robinson, current First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has tweeted that he has spoken to the Lord Mayor of Belfast about Lennox, the dog scheduled to die by lethal injection because of how he looks, suggesting that the Belfast City Council and Mayor should seriously consider allowing the death row dog to be relocated to the United States.

“At 8:23 p.m.Belfast time, (3:23 pm EDT) Robinson tweeted” spoke to Lord Mayor aboutLennox. Suggested BCC should seriously look at re-homing option. Why exercise the order if there’s an alternative?”

The email for the Lord Mayor is lordmayorsoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk

***

Posted by Boycott Belfast until it frees Lennox and addresses its BSL failings
OFFICIAL.......no amnesty has been granted, this is completely fabricated, we await news from Mrs Oneil and the Queens office.....please keep the pressure on and don't give up

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Posted by Sasha Sabbeth on Boycott Belfast until it frees Lennox and addresses its BSL failings

Progress!!!!!! I called George Richardson back who is in the High Court of the judicial system. I told him about my conversation with Lisa in the Belfast Council. I told him that Lisa insisted that it was in the Court systems' hands and not the Council. I asked him if there was any way that he or someone in his offices could call Belfast Council, speak to Lisa, to find out if there is perhaps a breakdown in communication between their organization and the Belfast Council because there seems to be a perception on the Council's part that the High Court system has power at this stage of the process for Lennox. George said, that he was going to speak with his legal team to see what he can do. He explained that he has to be very careful because he can not be talking to a government agency telling them what to do. I explained that I fully agree. However, Belfast Council may in fact really believe that your agency is the only step in the process that exists. They may not realize that they are the ones that have the cards at this point to save Lennox. I reiterated that Victoria Stillwell is in Belfast ready to take Lennox and that the Council will not respond to her, see her, talk with her. I suggested that perhaps he could present in a non judgmental way that since there are rehoming options for Lennox outside of Ireland, that the Council does have the ability to present another application to the court and that he just wanted to make sure that they realized that since Belfast Council continues to direct callers back to his organization. He said that he would look into it because there needs to be a consistent message to tell people who are calling in so that both the High Court and Belfast Council are saying the same thing to callers. We must stay positive and visualize that Lennox will go free. We must. Our thoughts are critically important now. Please don't allow your thoughts to go into outrage, anger, negativity of any kind. Please let's visualize the miracle that we are looking for.

***

Protest this morning in NYC. Please join the event - attend the protest in person OR attend the event in spirit if you cannot be there. Click the link, click the button to attend, and leave a message of support on the event page. We need to stand united in this. Attend and show them the Lennox Army!

https://www.facebook.com/events/386467824745824/

***

MSNBC article on the efforts to save Lennox.

http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/07/12618552-protesters-in-new-york-belfast-try-to-save-lennox-condemned-dog

***

Article title says it all.

http://www.irishcentral.com/story/news/people_and_politics/lennox-the-dog-death-sentence-is-a-complete-farce----neither-rhyme-nor-reason-to-the-lord-chief-justices-decision-158850745.html

***

In an impassioned plea Sunday, the founder/president of CJN made yet another impassioned plea to the Belfast City Council to save the life of Lennox.

NOTE: The North Country Gazette is a subscription site. Unlimited free access is not available. One free read per visitor is allowed, after that, access is by subscription only.

http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2012/07/08/cji_letter/

***

URGENT - PLEASE READ & SHARE FOR LENNOX – LAST CHANCE EMAIL CAMPAIGN

The only people besides the Queen who have any authority to help Lennox at this point are the Northern Ireland Attorney General, John Larkin, and the Minister of Agriculture, Michelle O'Neil. The e-mail addresses for them are as follows:

NOTE: Email addresses for Michelle O'Neill and John Larkin have been shut down. Please email the Lord Mayor of Belfast: lordmayorsoffice@belfastcity.gov.uk

Minister of Agriculture, Michelle O'Neil:

Attorney General, John Larkin:

The e-mails needed are to request that these two support the plea for the Royal Prerogative of Mercy. This time, the letters need to all say the same thing. The wording requested by the Lennox Campaign members for these e-mails is as follows:

I am writing to you as one of over 182,500 people worldwide who have signed a petition to support and demand the release of Lennox who is currently held at an unknown location by Belfast City Council. Following a legal appeal heard by the Court of Appeal NI, Lennox has been sentenced to die and we urgently request a stay of execution of the dog Lennox by the power vested in you until the following has been clarified:

A request for clemency has been submitted to Her Majesty the Queen and to all senior politicians in Northern Ireland, requesting that Lennox be spared the death sentence and be allowed to be exported out of the UK to where safe sanctuary is waiting for him.

We believe there have been irregularities in the judicial handling of the case and there is worldwide anger and serious reservations concerning the treatment of the dog and that this may be a cover-up to hide the damage done to him while in the care of Belfast City Council

Failing clemency, with no permission to export, the right of the family to have a final visit with their dog and be allowed to receive his body (currently rumoured to be withheld by Belfast C.C) is surely a basic right for a family grieving for their family member.

A death penalty, issued to an innocent animal, is due to be executed by Tuesday 10th July. Lennox, a much loved family companion, was seized two years ago, by council officials in Belfast City Council as an alleged “pit bull type”, he has been ordered by the courts to be destroyed and this decision was tragically upheld by the Court of Appeal NI.

Lennox has never harmed anyone; he has been prosecuted based on his appearance-for looking the wrong shape and size under breed specific legislation in NI.

Her Majesty the Queen and all senior politicians are urgently requested to use the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, which we understand starts where the law finishes and applies where a conviction and sentence has been arrived at; Lennox’s family and thousands of supporters worldwide plead for mercy.

We understand that The Royal Prerogative has been applied in NI, being used in the past by the then Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson and that a Judicial Review IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND McGeough’s (Terence) Application [2012] NIQB 11 also examined this power as did a Judicial Review (EWHC 3102 Admin) on 17th Dec. 2008 in the case of Michael Shields before the High Courts of Justice in London. We understand that it should only be exercised where no other remedies exist and that the effect of a pardon is not to quash the conviction but releases the recipient from "all pains, penalties and punishments whatsoever that from the said conviction may ensure".

Please, we beg you, to intervene, order a stay of execution; whilst you investigate an application for clemency and any and all other legal routes to enable Lennox to be exported out of Northern Ireland. Failing that, please insist on a stay of execution so that a clear and transparent investigation is carried out in this case so that this dog is not wrongfully put to death and doubts regarding his current condition are set at rest.

Citizens from all over the world are asking you to restore faith in the judicial system on behalf of the citizens of Northern Ireland.

I beg you to intervene urgently, please order a stay of execution and have this case investigated urgently and any and all avenues to enable the export of Lennox fully reviewed.

Sincerely,

Name

****

Taken from:

One last push of urgent e-mails needed for a Lennox miracle

by Bonnie Snider

Animal Advocacy Examiner

July 8, 2012

http://www.examiner.com/article/one-last-push-of-urgent-e-mails-needed-for-a-lennox-miracle

Morning Roundup – 7/9/12

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:17:00 +0000

from Surf dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog!

“ WE DO NOT ENDORSE THIS BOOK!! PLEASE DO NOT BUY IT... proceeds DO NOT go to charity. This book was written & published without our consent & authorization. The info on me isn't even accurate. Mom tried to get them to stop, or to donate to my causes. But they didn't care that everything we do is for charity, and wouldn't agree to helping my causes. So, they're making money off me & other surf dogs... I don't even make money of me!!! The $25 bucks they're selling it for, could help a lot of charities. ***growl*** ”

http://books.google.com/books/about/Surf_Dog_Miracles.html?id=psituAAACAAJ

***

Get your pets microchipped. Even after such a long time, Macy's chip reunited her with her family.

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/07/stolen-dog-reunited-with-family-seven-years-later/

***

Hubby and I caught this commercial on tv for the first time last night. We both just sat there stunned and looking at each other. I know commercials for Skittles candies tend to be funky, wild, crazy, etc, but this one is over the top and not in a good way. Once the shock wore off a bit, I found the company contact info and sent them a polite earful.

If you think this commercial is wrong, consider contacting the manufacturer - Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company: http://www.wrigley.com/global/contact-us/contact-form.aspx

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/girl-makes-out-walrus-latest-crazy-skittles-ad-141557

***

Do you live in Washington state and need something fun to do in August? The Hounds on the Hill charity dog walk and street fair will be held in Puyallup, Wash. on August 25.

http://www.examiner.com/article/hounds-on-the-hill-comes-to-puyallup-washington

***

DNA ALERT - Please share this with rescues you are associated with.

http://blog.myletsadopt.com/2012/07/08/alert-canada-michelle-brew-dumps-her-foster-heidi-at-a-kill-shelter/

***

This is not a pretty story, but it's one of those that need to be told. I'll be trying to find out more info on which 'department' is supposed to have oversight of and regulate Alabama pounds and shelters.

http://www.examiner.com/article/rotting-corpses-dog-pound-dumpster-discarded-pregnant-beagle-begs-for-shelter

***

If what the family claims is true, how do you mistake a solid black dog with one that is black and white?

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/07/couple-arrested-for-refusing-to-give-up-dog/

***

The puppy was targeted after Hubbard flew into a rage because the puppy had made a mess which the child had failed to clean up.

http://www.examiner.com/article/oklahoma-man-accused-of-beating-child-and-beheading-puppy

***

Lil Bub is a very unique kitty thanks to several genetic mutations all showing up at the same time.

http://www.examiner.com/article/lil-bub-the-dwarf-feline-becomes-internet-sensation

***

Elsie is one lucky dog. Kudos to Brian Peterson for not only plucking her out of the river, but for working so hard to find her owners.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/18972991/bay-area-man-reunited-with-lost-dog-and-makes-new-friend

Vegan Dog Food : Just Plain Wrong

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +0000

On my Facebook page, I share various articles, blog posts, etc of interest to my fans. These include news, crime & punishment, action alerts, pet food warnings (such as the chicken treats made in China), pet food recalls, and more.

Recently I shared an article about Ellen DeGeneres’ new dog food. In the case of Halo pet food, not only is Ellen DeGeneres its celebrity endorser, she's also a co-owner. The problem with Halo is that it is VEGAN. Dogs are carnivores, and as such, they will not thrive on a vegan diet.

The reason for this post is the comments/questions posed by people who read the article title and my comment with the link, but maybe didn’t read the article itself.

I know dog are carnivores but couldn't they derive the protein from another source?

Not really. Carbohydrates from plant matter require more time to break down, which requires a more complex digestive system. Dogs’ intestinal tracts are much shorter than humans and plant-eating animals (such as cows), so they can’t process plant matter easily. This is why whole (or chunked) vegetables tend to look very much coming out like they did going in.

Their teeth are designed more to tear than to chew. Look at your dog’s teeth and compare them to yours, or those of a horse or cow. We (and other plant eaters) have flat molars that grind up vegetables and grains. Dogs don’t. Dogs also don’t produce the salivary and pancreas enzymes necessary for the breakdown of the carbohydrates and starches found in plants.

Also playing into this is the bioavailability of protein from plant sources. Only about 20% of the protein found in most of the vegetables and grains we might give to our dogs is available for biological use. Animal protein varies between 70 and 80% bioavailable, and the protein in eggs is 100% bioavailable.

What about tofu/soy protein? Unless it has been fermented, soy protein contains potent enzyme inhibitors that block the action of trypsin and other enzymes needed for protein digestion. This can create significant amounts of gas, in addition to promoting pathological conditions of the pancreas, including cancer. Soy is also high in allergens (some 28 different proteins present in soy have been found to bind to IgE antibodies). It's also worth noting that the more soy protein you eat, the more likely you are to develop allergies to it -- and the more severe those allergies are likely to become. Soy also blocks the absorption of important minerals such as calcium unless the phytates have been removed.

So while there is protein available in vegetables and grains, it’s not all that available (or good) in terms of nutrition.

I've read in many places that dogs are actually omnivores, like humans are.

Humans are true omnivores. Dogs are scavenging carnivores, meaning they can survive eating vegetables and grains, but they are not designed to utilize them properly or thrive on them.

There’s a BIG difference between surviving and thriving. Surviving means just getting by – getting just enough food and nutrients to not starve to death. Thriving means the complete opposite – not only getting enough, but getting enough of the RIGHT food and nutrients to be healthy, energetic, beautiful, and in great condition (appropriate waistline as well as fat to lean ratio).

Many people, including human and animal doctors, tend to view animals’ nutritional needs in terms of human physiology and needs. This is just plain wrong because animals do not have the same physiology or nutritional needs as we do. Mother Nature created all species to consume and utilize specific diets. This is why teeth, digestive systems, and nutrient utilization are different for all of them/us.

The bottom line is that feeding your dog a vegan diet will do more harm than good. Dogs need the protein, fat and essential amino acids from animal meat. Protein is a crucial component of every cell in your dog's body. Essential amino acids from high quality animal protein build healthy cells, organs, muscles, enzymes, and hormones. Dietary fat provides energy, essential vitamins and fatty acids. Fatty acids from animal sources are important for healing, normal cell membrane synthesis, reproduction and a healthy coat and skin.

I’m not saying you should feed your dog an all-meat diet. In today’s economy, doing so can be very expensive and more expensive than many of us can afford. What you should do is buy the best quality dog food you can afford, and be choosy about the ingredients in it. If you make your own food, like I do, you can include up to 20% (mine averages 15 to 16%) vegetables and grains without compromising your dog’s health. I do make sure these are ‘overcooked’ (to the stage of being mushy), and puree them to make them a bit more digestible. I also supplement with fish oil and a multi-vitamin made for dogs. In the almost 9 months since I started making my pack’s food, their health and condition have improved, their coats and skin have improved, and issues such as yeasty ears, itchiness, and cracked pads have disappeared. They also do not have any problems with fleas, ticks or other pests.

Most of us try to eat what is good for us to improve our health. We should do no less for our dogs. To do otherwise just does not make sense. One side benefit of feeding your dog right is lower vet costs. When your dog is healthier, they need to see the vet less. And feeding them an appropriate diet may prevent major illness and/or disease in the future. Food for thought!

Stop the Killing – Another Brick in NYC ACC’s Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:18:00 +0000

I make no attempt at hiding my dislike (to put it mildly) of New York City’s Animal Care & Control. I’ve written a number of posts concerning the problems there, as well as No Kill New York’s fight to bring change to the NYC ACC.

A few days ago, I learned about a new problem – one that earns the ACC, it’s director Julie Bank, the remainder of the Executive Staff, the Board of Directors, the Mayor’s Alliance, and the Mayor (they are ALL responsible for what goes on there), yet another brick in their Wall of Shame.

This is Gloria. I first heard her story at YesBiscuit! Gloria was abandoned at an ASPCA mobile clinic in Queens, presumably in late December 2011. The ASPCA brought her to the pound. She arrived at NYC ACC on 12-29-2011 and was examined (presumably by a veterinarian) on that day. She had a second veterinary exam on 1-15-12, when she was placed on the kill list for having a cold. After being rescued by Pets Alive, a vet exam revealed she had a severely broken leg that had to be amputated after being left untreated during her 3 week stay at NYC ACC.

As word spread, animal lovers and activists cried foul loud and clear. They demanded an investigation of ASPCA’s role in the incident. It was unthinkable they would have turned an injured animal over to the ACC without basic treatment or informing ACC of the problem.

On Friday, the Pets Alive Blog posted an update, including the news that the ASPCA investigated the incident, realized they had made a mistake by following the then current protocols to the letter, rewrote the protocols to insure this type of incident will not happen again, and apologized.

Here is the press statement that is being released by the ASPCA in response to Gloria:

The ASPCA has conducted an internal investigation into why Gloria, a stray cat with a broken leg who was abandoned in front of one of the ASPCA’s mobile spay/neuter vehicles, was transferred to NYC AC&C.

Our staff followed our regular procedure of sending stray animals left with us to NYC AC&C since that is where people who have lost their pets go to look for them. At the time Gloria was admitted to AC&C, we notified its staff that Gloria had a broken leg and needed treatment.

The bottom line is that we failed Gloria, and we are grateful that Pets Alive saved her. Our strict adherence to regular procedure was clearly contrary to our mission in this case, and we deeply regret that we did not alter protocol to treat Gloria immediately instead of relying on AC&C to do so. We are implementing new procedures to prevent this from happening again.

We thank Pets Alive for stepping up to provide Gloria with the surgery and care she needed. The ASPCA is awarding a grant to Pets Alive to fund the cost of Gloria’s surgery, medical care, and convalescence and to continue its work saving more animals.

Notice the sentence in bold and underlined (my emphasis). NYC ACC was told Gloria needed medical treatment, and they did absolutely nothing. Her broken leg was not noted during her TWO (2) medical evaluations. They let her suffer for 3 weeks, and then put her on the kill list after she caught a cold (very typical for any animal who spends more than a day or two at the ACC).

As John Sibley notes in his blog post, the ASPCA made a mistake (which they’ve since addressed) while the ACC demonstrated total incompetency. Like John, I have issues with the ASPCA, but appreciate their coming clean about what happened with Gloria. It’s encouraging to see there are still at least a few people there who care. Sadly, I doubt the ACC will investigate the incident, take any action, or even make any comments. That just isn’t their style.

The links below are other posts I’ve made about NYC ACC, as well as two other blogs that write about the ACC.

Please like and follow No Kill New York's page on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/NoKill.NY - to keep up with ongoing efforts to bring about change. Be sure to read their 44 days of action plans in the Notes Section. Some are informational, and give food for thought and/or links for reading. Some ask you to send an email, fax or letter. I have some letters you can copy/paste in the notes section on my Facebook page (just please be sure to do a quick edit to change state name and otherwise personalize it a bit).

If you are horrified and/or appalled by what is happening at NYC ACC, then please take action. It only takes a few minutes per action plan.

Stop the Killing – Wall of Shame: NYC ACC

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/09/stop-killing-wall-of-shame-nyc-acc.html

Stop the Killing – Why Everyone Should Join the Battle for No Kill New York

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/stop-killing-why-everyone-should-join.html

The Battle for No Kill New York Has Begun

http://www.facebook.com/notes/no-kill-new-york/the-battle-for-no-kill-new-york-has-begun/281504478534222

Stop the Killing – Speak Out

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/stop-killing-speak-out.html

Why I Am Fighting Against NYC ACC

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-i-am-fighting-against-nyc-acc.html

My Letters re: Reforming NYC ACC

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=169668866450381

In Dogs We Trust (John Sibley’s blog, which has articles about the ACC)

http://johnsibley.com/

Shelter Reform Action Committee (SRAC) Blog - Everything you ever wanted to know about the AC&C, but were afraid to ask.

http://shelterreform.org/blog1/

I Love New York(ers)
http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=8201

NYC reader Anne Davis recently exchanged pleasantries with the Mayor’s Alliance and shared in yesterday’s Open Thread [on the YesBiscuit blog]. I wanted to bring it up to make sure everyone sees it. I think it gives valuable insight into some of the reasons why the NYC pound needlessly kills healthy/treatable pets. Everything that follows is from Ms. Davis’ comment:

http://yesbiscuit.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/bringing-up-from-the-comments-6/

Stop the Killing – Why Everyone Should Join the Battle for No Kill New York

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:36:00 +0000

Today is Day 21 in the Battle for No Kill New York. I’ve been participating since Day 1. In addition to sending emails, I’ve been sharing each day’s action plan on my Facebook page. I continue to post each night’s kill lists, and give updates on the statuses of the dogs.

Last night while cooking dinner, a thought popped into my head. Everyone – and I mean everyone – should be participating. It doesn’t matter what state you live in. It doesn’t matter if you will never be able to visit New York City. It does matter whether or not you join the battle.

NYC ACC is probably the worst shelter in the country. The killing happens 7 days a week, 365 days a year. At least 10,000 companion animals are killed each year. That’s an average of 27 per day. The director, executive staff, and employees are uncaring. City officials and the ASPCA worked to defeat Oreo’s Law and pass Intro 655.

‎"How will things change unless we make waves? How will we end the killing? How will we stop the abuse unless we expose it?" - Nathan J. Winograd, Courage & Cowardice in the Fight for a No Kill Nation

If we all join together and fight to reform NYC ACC, we will make a huge wave. If you saw the movie Deep Impact, you probably remember the massive tidal wave washing over New York City (along with a sizeable portion of the east coast). This is what we need to accomplish, and it will take all of us to do it. We need to bury New York City and state officials under a massive wave of protests and demand for change.

So why should you join the fight?

If we can take down the very broken and out of control NYC ACC, then we can take down any other kill shelter in this country.

By participating, we gain experience.

By participating, we see what works and what doesn’t.

By participating, we gain a blueprint to use in other fights.

We should not look at this fight as being solely about New York. We should look at it as just one of the battles we will encounter in our fight to save the shelter animals of our nation.

To win the war, we all need to fight each and every battle.

The Battle for No Kill New York Has Begun

http://www.facebook.com/notes/no-kill-new-york/the-battle-for-no-kill-new-york-has-begun/281504478534222

Stop the Killing – Speak Out

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/stop-killing-speak-out.html

Why I Am Fighting Against NYC ACC

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-i-am-fighting-against-nyc-acc.html

Why I Am Fighting Against NYC ACC

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:06:00 +0000

I live in Alabama, about 900 miles away (as the crow flies) from New York City. So why in the heck do I care about what goes on in the ACC?

Pure and simple – it’s a slaughter by an uncaring director who lies, and uncaring, poorly trained employees. NYC ACC is one of, if not the, worst shelters in our nation. No one – not any one of us – should find it acceptable.

A few weeks ago, I began posting the To Be Destroyed album for dogs each evening. Then I added the one for cats, and finally I added status updates for the dogs to my postings.

I post the albums hoping my readers will share them. Once the kill lists come out, there is a window of 10 to 12 hours in which to find these cats and dogs adoption or rescue. It should not have to come down to this last ditch effort to save lives, but it does because ACC doesn’t market or advertise the animals to try and get them adopted.

I post the status updates to help show the number of kills versus the number of saves, as well as showing which animals did not die that night but are returned to the hellhole to await death on another night.

I post articles, as well as my own blog posts.

Now that The Battle for No Kill New York has begun, I post each day’s call to action.

The Battle for No Kill New York Has Begun

http://www.facebook.com/notes/no-kill-new-york/the-battle-for-no-kill-new-york-has-begun/281504478534222

The Battle for No Kill New York - Day 2 - Demand the Resignation of Julie Bank

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=282013205150016

The Battle for No Kill New York - Day 3 - Calling Out the Board of Mis-Directors

http://www.facebook.com/notes/no-kill-new-york/the-battle-for-no-kill-new-york-day-3-calling-out-the-board-of-mis-directors/282465618438108

I do all of this to raise awareness. I do it hoping it will make my readers angry enough to do something.

I joined the fight because I am horrified and disgusted by the deplorable conditions and happenings at ACC. I joined because I am angry. I joined because my voice, even from 900 miles away, is needed to help bring about reform.

I don’t have to live in NYC, or even New York State, to have an impact. I am a potential tourist who might spend money in the city for food, hotel, and more. But because of ACC, I’ll be damned if I will ever set foot in NYC while the slaughter continues. I will never visit NYC, or New York State, until there is reform.

No Kill New York needs you to join the fight too – the more people who protest, the more difficult it is for city officials to ignore us. It only takes a few minutes to write and send an email, slightly longer for a letter because of the envelope and needing to put it in the mailbox.

Please join the fight. EVERYONE is needed to make this happen. There are NO excuses. Everyone can take a few minutes to write a letter or email.

Links:

Petition: Reform the NYC ACC Now

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/reform-the-nyc-acc-now/

Sadness! Another Life Is Silenced before It Is Time!

http://www.bhrescue.com/?p=2614

Stop the Slaughter

http://stoptheslaughteratnycacc.yolasite.com/

Urgent Death Row Dogs

http://www.urgentdeathrowdogs.org

Stop the Killing – Wall of Shame: NYC ACC

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/09/stop-killing-wall-of-shame-nyc-acc.html

Stop the Killing – Speak Out

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/stop-killing-speak-out.html

Stop the Killing - Battle for No Kill New York Has Begun

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:03:00 +0000

I make no secret of how I feel about NYC ACC and what goes on there. I alternate between disgust, horror and sadness – and ultimately seethe with anger.

A week ago, I put the ACC on a “wall of shame”, outlining a list of problems as well as giving a list of informational links.

On October 4^th, No Kill New York launched their campaign to prepare for to prepare for 2012: The Year of No Kill New York. This plan is 90 days of action to influence anyone who has a say in how New York City manages its homeless, lost or injured animals.

I don’t know what all the actions will be, but I do know at least some of it is simply writing letters or emails to city officials.

If there is to be reform at the ACC, we need as many people as possible to join the fight. Even if you do not live in New York City or state, you can participate by helping to spread the word and by writing emails or letters.

The campaign kicked off with the explanatory note The Battle for No Kill New York Has Begun. It gives a brief overview of the plan, who will be targeted, and how to sign up for action alerts, as well as NKNY’s mission statement.

If you want to receive the alerts to know how you can help, email nokill-newyork@optonline.net

Please join the fight. EVERYONE is needed to make this happen. There are NO excuses. Everyone can take a few minutes to write a letter or email.

Links:

Petition: Reform the NYC ACC Now

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/reform-the-nyc-acc-now/

Sadness! Another Life Is Silenced before It Is Time!

http://www.bhrescue.com/?p=2614

Stop the Slaughter

http://stoptheslaughteratnycacc.yolasite.com/

Urgent Death Row Dogs

http://www.urgentdeathrowdogs.org

Stop the Killing – Wall of Shame: NYC ACC

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/09/stop-killing-wall-of-shame-nyc-acc.html

Stop the Killing – Speak Out

http://angelpawanimaladvocacy.blogspot.com/2011/10/stop-killing-speak-out.html

Stop the Killing – Speak Out

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:35:00 +0000

‎"How will things change unless we make waves? How will we end the killing? How will we stop the abuse unless we expose it?" - Nathan J. Winograd

In his most recent blog post, Courage & Cowardice in the Fight for a No Kill Nation, Winograd talks about his experiences with those who wish to remain anonymous.

While he did not put it into words, the underlying message is there - this is a war to reform our country’s shelter system and stop the killing of millions of companion animals, and, as unfortunate as it is, there will be casualties, primarily the animals we so desperately want to save. We will lose some in order to save millions more

I hate the thought of losing more animals because of petty retaliation by shelters. I hate that shelters use them as pawns to force people to shut up. I hate that shelters manipulate people by yanking on their heartstrings. But I hate the killing of millions of cats and dogs every year even more. In shelter reform, there are only two choices – remain silent and watch the killings continue, or speak out knowing some will be lost in the effort to reform our shelter system.

Either choice will weigh heavy on our hearts. Animals will die in shelters no matter which choice we make.

Throughout history, those who have protested injustice have had to make the choice to be silent or to speak out. They accepted the risks as the price of bringing justice and righting wrongs. Millions have died, been incarcerated, been ostracized, been attacked, been injured, had their homes destroyed … all because of speaking out.

These people accepted the consequences of the American Civil Rights Movement, the fight to end Apartheid in South Africa, the attempt to derail Hitler’s genocide of Jews, the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 where as many as 800 (perhaps more) protestors were killed in a single night, and many other social movements.

The difference here is that NO PERSON is in danger of being killed, jailed, etc because of speaking out against what is wrong at the shelters. Volunteers may be dismissed. Shelter employees may be fired. Rescues may be banned from pulling. Some may be called names or have their name dragged through the mud. All of which are favorite tactics by the opposition of social movements when people dare to speak. But these retaliations do not kill or physically harm us.

We need the people in the know – the volunteers, shelter employees and rescues – to speak out for the animals. Without this insider knowledge, protests against shelters become a he said – she said scenario. The proof provided by insiders is invaluable in bringing about change.

BUT …

Every person who is an animal lover, and/or cares about what goes on in our nation’s shelters, and/or hates all the killing, and/or is aware of animal welfare issues, needs to speak out too.

Every day in my Facebook newsfeed, I see comments on posts, articles, and pictures complaining about what is happening. Sometimes it’s about the shelters; sometimes it’s about abuse, neglect or cruelty. They complain or otherwise voice their opinion, but my questions to these people are …

Did YOU do something? Do you do ANYTHING?

Do you sign petitions? Do you write your state senator(s) and representative(s) about animal welfare issues? Do you write your city/town and county officials? Do you write letters to the editor of a newspaper? Do you speak out against the wrongs and speak up for the animals in any way?

How many of you who read my post Wall of Shame: NYC ACC used the link to the contact form to speak out against the shelter and for the animals? The link was right there – just click it to go to the form page. The form is set up to send to every official who needs to be aware of what is happening at the ACC – no need to find email addresses. You didn’t have to do the research into what is wrong – I provided a list and links. All you had to do was type a note.

If we remain silent, the animals will continue to be the ones who suffer and die. We must face the truth of what is going on in our country and speak out. We must bring awareness to those who have no idea what is happening. We must act and exercise our right to inform our local, state and national leaders that we want change. We must take every opportunity to speak out against injustice towards animals.

By not acting, we allow ‘the opposition’ to continue. By not speaking out or taking action, we give tacit approval of what they do. By remaining silent, we give them the power.

We must tell the truth and speak out no matter our fears, no matter how much it hurts.

Stop the Killing – Wall of Shame: NYC ACC

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Every day, 7 days a week, New York City Animal Care & Control creates a nightly "kill list". The only days a list is not created are those when the next day is a holiday, or because of major weather conditions, and the shelter will be closed.

In my watching of the kill lists, I've seen animals just days old and seniors of 12+ years. Animals killed because of a runny nose, a slight cough, a single sneeze. Animals killed because they didn't do well on their evaluation, mostly due to the stress and fear being in this shelter causes - especially those surrendered by the only family they've ever known.

NYCACC’s qualifications for the Wall of Shame:

· Phone number is not listed

· No one answers the phone – “keep trying” is the mantra

· Must be a local adopter to put a hold on an animal

· Must be a pre-approved New Hope rescue organization

· Fired a New Hope department employee because she cared too much

· Only about 20 percent of the dogs at AC&C are viewable for adoption at any given time

· Failure to take detailed information about animals from owner surrenders

· Rating system that gives ACC the power to deny an animal a chance at life

· A director who tries to cover her incompetence and the issues with smokescreens and lies

· Killing animals that have a rescue hold

· Deplorable conditions including dogs wallowing in their own waste; bed sheets soaked and soiled; cages caked with filth; cat food mixed with kitty litter

· Employees and volunteers threatened with termination if they make negative comments about the organization

· A breeding ground for disease – a cold or kennel cough is a death warrant

· Animals labeled as diseased or “bad” to justify killing them

· Perfectly healthy and adoptable animals are killed

· Failure to advertise and market animals for adoption

· Volunteers terminated for speaking out

· Suspended all new rescues that were recently approved

· Animals do not receive needed medical care or medicine

· Volunteers are asked to pay for the privilege and check their constitutional rights at the door

· Fired an extremely dedicated volunteer who gave more than 750 hours of his time to help scared dogs open up plus countless hours at home writing about and advocating for them

Need another reason? Take a look at this picture and read the note.

If you are as horrified, disgusted and angry as I am about NYCACC, use this contact form to send an email blast to the Mayor, NYC AC&C, City Council, etc.

Please keep your comments polite and respectful. Remember that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Not to mention that ‘impolite’ (to put it mildly) messages are often discarded and may actually cause them to not take us seriously.

Please help spread the word about NYCACC. Change will not happen without awareness, and it will not happen without our speaking out.

Links:

What really happens at NYCACC

Petition has expired, but provides good info and links

Why is one shelter trying so hard to shut out the public?

Posting of each night's kill list:

http://www.facebook.com/Urgentdeathrowdogs (dogs)

http://www.facebook.com/PetsOnDeathRow (cats)

Just HOW Hard Can We Make it to Save a Dog’s Life?

The S*** Has Hit the Fan for NYC’s ACC

Why remove the Mayor/DOH from control over the AC&C?

THE HIDDEN DOGS OF THE NYC ACC

Cashing In, Killing More, and Erasing Laws - Response To This Weeks Press Release

Urgent's Response to ACC's New Placement Process

ACC Warning About Social Media... Should We be Honored Or Offended?!??!

New York City pound neglects, kills animals

NYCACC to Volunteers: Pay Up & Shut Up

Doggie death row - Insiders condemn shelter

Shelter Reform Action Committee's analysis on the 2011 audit of ACC

Why Am I Here and What Am I Going to Do About It - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:58:00 +0000

An email I received last week has caused me to do some thinking.

What is my mission?

This is the biggie. Without a mission, I can end up running in circles and drifting aimlessly. I can't do it all - no one can - and I shouldn't try.

The header of my blog states: Education - Information - Awareness

These 3 things are my mission - to bring awareness of issues regarding companion animals; to provide information; and to educate.

In addition to sharing news articles, various blogs, and Facebook postings, I want to really make people aware of what is happening with companion animals. The Stop the Killing series on my blog is a part of that. It's unfortunate, but sometimes you have to smack people upside the head with graphic pictures and facts that are horrifying.

Information covers a lot of territory, ranging from awareness to local resources to contacting officials and more. I want to have and make available a wide range of information for people who need or want it.

Education, well, that's another large territory. So much of what I post is educational in some way. When you make someone aware of something, you are, in effect, educating them about it. But that's not all I want to do. If you read parts 2 and 3 (Causes and Solutions) of my blog series, you know I listed a number of educational issues. This is the type of education I want to do.

While working on my most recent blog post, I realized outreach programs are part of what I want to do. Not necessarily starting or running them myself, but to advocate for them and try to help them come into being.

Reading through what I have written so far, I realize it's all extremely broad in scope, perhaps too much for one person. I started this note yesterday morning, saved it, went about my day, came back to it, edited a little bit, saved and went about my day, went back to it and saved, went to bed, and now here I am back at it again this morning.

Why? Looking through my newsfeed throughout the day, I am bombarded with pictures and stories of Pit Bulls in shelters, in rescue, in foster, in the temporary care of a Good Samaritan, who were shot, cities considering BSL against them, over 2 dozen killed in Memphis in a single day, the poor bait dogs like Sissy, dog fighting busts involving them, the inhumanely starved like Rocco and Patrick, and even one killed by his owner because she apparently decided to not work to re-home him. These pictures and stories flow through my newsfeed like a bleeding wound that cannot be stopped on a daily basis.

My heart aches to see them posted by pages like Urgent Part 2, or by crossposters. My heart aches when I read their stories of abuse or neglect, or being bounced around and never knowing what a loving home is like. My heart aches when I read about bait dogs like Sissy. I have to constantly remind myself that I can't take them - the Cocoa's, Deja's, Monte's, China Doll's, Angel's, Axle's, and too many more to remember and list – because I can’t take them, not even one, at this time.

Don't get me wrong, I shed tears and say prayers for all the other animals too. But the Pit Bulls really touch me in a way I can't explain. Perhaps it’s because I’ve always been against prejudice and racism in all its forms, and Pit Bulls are certainly on the receiving end of this in our society. In Sister Act II, Whoopi's character told one of her students "If you wake up in the morning, and you can't think anything but singing, then you should be a singer, girl."

I am always thinking about Pit Bulls, so it follows that this is where my focus should lay. It doesn't mean I will ignore all the others, because I won't. A lot of what I want to do applies to all companion animals. A lot of the information, both for awareness and education, applies to all. So it won't matter if I'm talking in general or specific terms, you can apply it to your pets, the animals you work with or rescue, and/or the animals you share and crosspost.

For months now, I’ve had a dream of a sanctuary where the Pit Bulls found on the streets or are in a shelter can live while they wait for their forever homes. I am not a non-profit (at least not yet – I am seriously considering it) and I cannot swing it financially on my own, but it’s something that a single day does not go by without me thinking about it.

Sometimes you have to follow your heart. I’ve started slowly, even hesitantly, taking “baby steps” as I waded into the world of animal advocacy. As I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’ve kept following my heart to try to help companion animals in some way. Since early June when I met Simba, my heart has cried out for the Pit Bulls more and more, louder and louder. I can’t ignore it any longer.

So now I need to research; write out ideas, plans and drafts; to work out my “battle plan” for what I want to accomplish. If I want to make my dream a reality, I will have to do even more planning and work, including becoming a non-profit.

In the meantime, I will continue to post on APAA as I always have. I plan on sharing my “journey” as is appropriate. I hope you understand and will continue to support me.

Thank you to all the advocates who like APAA, and to those who simply visit, read and share. Each of you help the animals in your own way, and it takes all of us together to make a difference.

Stop the Killing – Solutions Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:09:00 +0000

In Stop the Killing – Part 3: Solutions, I listed a number of things that can help reduce the kill rate at our nation’s shelters.

Part of the solution is one that is very simple in concept, but more difficult in doing … keep the animals from entering shelters in the first place. If dogs and cats are not going to shelters, they’re not being killed.

And like the problem and solutions I already wrote about, this one is multi-faceted. I covered education in Part 3. Educating current, soon-to-be, and potential pet owners can help reduce the number of companion animals in shelters. But that’s only a part of it. We must also help pet owners KEEP their pets rather than surrendering or dumping them.

While no exact figures exist, we know owner surrendered animals make up a healthy chunk of the shelter animal population. Those of us who advocate for animals on Facebook see this term far too often.

Cases where the reason just really wasn’t valid, or where there was no reason, makes us angry. Some people just dump their pets and leave. There have been cases of boxes of puppies left at the door in the middle of the night. There has even been one case of a dog tossed out of a moving car in the driveway of a shelter. There are cases where the anger comes from an invalid excuse – “We’re moving” (could you not look for a place that allows pets?) or “She’s old/sick/pregnant” (seriously?).

There are the cases that cause empathy and sadness. Owners who tearfully surrender their beloved pets due to illness, personal crisis, unemployment, homelessness, limited income, or just not being able to afford vet care. They don’t want to give up their pet, but feel they have no other choice. Often our military personnel are transferred to an area or country where they cannot bring their pets. If they don’t find a new home, the pet can end up in a shelter.

Our nation’s current economic situation is contributing to the problem. More pets than ever before are being dumped or surrendered because people cannot afford them or their proper care.

Outreach programs can help reduce the number of companion animals entering shelters by providing assistance that allows people to keep their pets.

Pet Food Assistance

There have always been those who have not been able to afford enough or proper food for their pet. The current economic situation has dramatically increased the number of people in this situation.

There are some programs across the country, but not nearly enough. Some are run through shelters, such as Casper’s Cupboard in Tampa. Some are state organizations, such as Save Our Pets Foodbank in Georgia. Others, such as Autumn’s Harvest, are private initiatives.

Some of the programs allow qualified people to pick up food at one or more distribution points. Some programs deliver food to those who are housebound.

Whatever form the program takes, however the food is collected and distributed, we need these programs.

Vet Care Assistance

Medical care for pets can be expensive. Those on limited incomes have difficulty providing even the most basic care, such as vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and spay/neuter. Sometimes a pet becomes seriously ill or is injured. Such medical care is expensive, and some owners bring their pets to a shelter believing it will be given the care it needs.

Many areas already have low cost vaccination and/or spay neuter clinics. These need to be expanded so they are available everywhere. I believe they should also offer free “wellness checks” for their clients. Catching a problem early can reduce the cost of medical treatment. Many retail stores offer these monthly clinics for people. Why should companion animals not have them too?

Veterinarians need to establish reduced cost services for those who qualify. They also need to set up a payment plan system for those who can make monthly payments but are not able to pay large, upfront, lump sum fees.

Veterinarians should also provide free or low cost heartworm preventative to those who qualify. Heartworm, a condition that can be prevented with a monthly pill that costs $10 or less, is expensive to treat, especially severe cases. Keeping the pets healthy costs less. Low cost clinics should also offer this to their clients.

Going hand-in-hand with the low cost clinics is government and state veterinary boards allowing them to continue helping people and their pets get the care they need. The low cost spay/neuter clinics in Alabama are under attack. Some have been closed, others are still fighting.

Crisis Assistance

Imagine your house burning down … or having to be hospitalized for an extended period … or any one of many personal crises that can occur at any time. What will happen to your beloved pet in this circumstance?

A crisis assistance program would allow people to keep their pets while they deal with emergency situations. This should include low cost (including free or subsidized for qualified people) boarding or temporary fostering. Imagine the peace of mind knowing your pet will be cared for while you get your life back together or recover from illness or surgery.

Helping Military Members

When a service member is going to a war zone, a pet must be left behind. When a service is transferred to a new duty station, sometimes they just cannot bring their pets. In times like these, service members need and deserve help with the re-homing or fostering of their pets.

There are a few private organizations, as well as some shelters will temporarily foster or board a service member’s pet. But there’s not nearly enough. Every state needs such an organization since our service members come from all 50 states.

Helping service members keep their pets is the least we can do for those who serve.

New York City has a program that should be copied in other cities. Pets for Life is a broad program with the goal of keeping pets with their owners. In addition to food, veterinary, and life crisis assistance, it also a number of other services such as behavioral training and information.

“Pets for Life” is a concept that we must advocate for, educate about, and assist when necessary. We need these outreach programs in every county in every state. If we keep pets with their owners, we keep them out of the shelters. If we keep them out of the shelters, we reduce the kill rate.

The Irony of Gassing Shelter Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Angel Paw Animal Advocacy) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:59:00 +0000

What is a shelter? If you look at the definition, it is a safe haven or refuge; an establishment that gives basic care (food, shelter, medical) to homeless animals. Animal shelters, no matter their official name, do this … to a point. Some do it more or better than others, perhaps due to funding and donations (monetary and supplies), staffing and volunteers, and/or following their mission statement.

When people hear “animal shelter” they presume it means what it implies. They believe it is a safe place for animals until they can be re-homed or reunited with owners. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Of all the animals that enter shelters each year, at least 50% do not make it out alive. For some ‘shelters’, the number is as high as 90%.

Shelters that kill animals, whatever the reason, do so by one of three methods – heartstick, lethal injection or by gassing. Lethal injection is the more humane method as it is quick, although not without pain. Heartstick is exactly what the name implies - the needle of a poison-filled syringe is inserted directly into the heart. It is not painless and it is not humane. Gassing is extremly painful. It burns the delicate and sensitive mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. It slowly chokes and suffocates the animals, taking as long as 40 minutes, perhaps more.

During World War II, Nazi Germany killed 4 million Jews in an effort to exterminate the “race”. While exact numbers are not known, anywhere from one-third to one-half (perhaps more) of these deaths were in the gas chambers. Gender and age did not matter. The civilized world as a whole abhorred this horrible event.

From 1922 to 1992, the gas chamber was a preferred method of execution of our country’s worst criminals. The use of gas chambers as a means of execution was banned as being too painful, causing extreme suffering, and inhumane.

The gas is visible to the condemned, and he/she is advised to take several deep breaths to speed unconsciousness in order to prevent unnecessary suffering. Accordingly, execution by gas chamber is especially unpleasant for the witnesses to the execution due to the physical responses exhibited by the condemned during the process of dying. These responses can be violent, and can include convulsions and excessive drooling. The longest time of suffering recorded during an execution was 11 minutes.

So why do we, as a nation, allow the use of gas chambers to kill animals? If it was too inhumane for murderers, rapists, etc, why is it humane enough for cats and dogs? The animals are neither advised to breathe deeply to speed unconsciousness, nor are given any sort of sedative to ease their suffering. They cry in terror and pain. They desperately try to escape. They futilely gasp for breath as the gas fills their lungs. They suffer for well over 11 minutes.

While I abhor the thought and practice of killing shelter animals, I find the use of gas chambers especially repugnant. As a nation, we have failed these animals. Let us at least let them die humanely and without fear and pain.

Video: The Kill Box