"Of all the animals on earth, few seem to express happiness and joy as well as a dog.
Patricia B. McConnell Ph.D
7 years ago
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Why we need to care about the welfare of animals
"The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous; it is indissolubly connected with the fate of men."
-Emile Zola
I have noticed over and over again that people who really love and care about animals also love and care about the people around them. I know instinctively that people, animals, and the environment are connected.
So let's see..if everyone loved and cared for a pet, would we have a need for war, prisons, womens shelters, and child protective services?
-Emile Zola
I have noticed over and over again that people who really love and care about animals also love and care about the people around them. I know instinctively that people, animals, and the environment are connected.
So let's see..if everyone loved and cared for a pet, would we have a need for war, prisons, womens shelters, and child protective services?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Some Big News from the ASPCA
I received my ASPCA e-mail newsletter this morning and it contained some information that I thought was worth sharing. If you do not currently receive the newsletter, you can find it here.
The first bit of news is the following article about Chloe's Bill, a piece of legislation just introduced in Illinois to fight puppy mills. It's truly wonderful to see legislators recognize the need for action. I can't help but believe that people who hurt animals are likely people who hurt (or will hurt) people. By creating legislation that imposes penalties for cruelty to animals in any of its many forms, the foundation is formed for a society that will not tolerate cruel behavior toward its weakest members, be them animals, children, or others who traditionally lack a voice.
The other piece of news that I wanted to share is the ASPCA's warning about giving your animal peanut butter. As I'm sure many of you know, there has been a recall on peanut butter due to a salmonella contamination issue. PLEASE avoid giving a possibly contaminated substance to your pets!
The first bit of news is the following article about Chloe's Bill, a piece of legislation just introduced in Illinois to fight puppy mills. It's truly wonderful to see legislators recognize the need for action. I can't help but believe that people who hurt animals are likely people who hurt (or will hurt) people. By creating legislation that imposes penalties for cruelty to animals in any of its many forms, the foundation is formed for a society that will not tolerate cruel behavior toward its weakest members, be them animals, children, or others who traditionally lack a voice.
The other piece of news that I wanted to share is the ASPCA's warning about giving your animal peanut butter. As I'm sure many of you know, there has been a recall on peanut butter due to a salmonella contamination issue. PLEASE avoid giving a possibly contaminated substance to your pets!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Pet Ten Commandments & Brutus
I received the following as a forwarded e-mail. I didn't take the time to "fact check" it because, well, I liked the story and didn't really want to know if it was made up or exaggerated! Regardless, my favorite part is the "Pet Ten Commandments"- I felt compelled to immediately kiss my animals (I assure you that they just love it when I cuddle them)! Let me know what you think!
"The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord. He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour inIraq. His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're OK, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats.
Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8 Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Take a moment today to be grateful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without them
Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!"
"The K9 above is Brutus, a military K9 at McChord. He's huge - part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff and tops the scales at 200 lbs. His handler took the picture. Brutus is running toward me because he knows I have some Milk Bone treats, so he's slobbering away! I had to duck around a tree just before he got to me in case he couldn't stop, but he did. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour inIraq. His handler and four other soldiers were taken hostage by insurgents. Brutus and his handler communicate by sign language and he gave Brutus the signal that meant 'go away but come back and find me'. The Iraqis paid no attention to Brutus. He came back later and quietly tore the throat out of one guard at one door and another guard at another door. He then jumped against one of the doors repeatedly (the guys were being held in an old warehouse) until it opened. He went in and untied his handler and they all escaped. He's the first K9 to receive this honor. If he knows you're OK, he's a big old lug and wants to sit in your lap. Enjoys the company of cats.
Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!
A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8 Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Take a moment today to be grateful for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without them
Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!"
Friday, January 9, 2009
Puggle? Labradoodle? What are these breeds?
I just stumbled across this older article by Jon Mooallem in the NY Times from February 2007, and it's just hilarious! He discusses the various new "designer" breeds and what differentiates (if anything) a "designer" breed from a "mutt" (other than price, of course!).
For my part, I've never met a dog that I didn't just adore, be it a "Schnoodle," bulldog, lab, or snickerdoodle...so the pictures alone make this article worth at least a quick look!
For my part, I've never met a dog that I didn't just adore, be it a "Schnoodle," bulldog, lab, or snickerdoodle...so the pictures alone make this article worth at least a quick look!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Take Note!
The extremely talented Maine dog photographer, Meredith Perdue, of & Unlimited Dogs, just noted on her blog that January 24th is "Change a Pet's Life Day" sponsored by Hill's Science Diet. To read her entire post or to find a participating shelter near you, click here.
If you haven't yet seen Meredith's work, or are interested in booking her to photograph your furry friend, be sure to check out her site!
If you haven't yet seen Meredith's work, or are interested in booking her to photograph your furry friend, be sure to check out her site!
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