Please watch this if you are thinking about breeding your pet for profit! PLEASE spay and neuter your pets. Let them be a family member, and not your source of income.

Brightlion | In Hope - English (http://brightlion.com/InHope/InHope_en.aspx)

I wasn't thinking about breeding our puppy and we're going to get her spayed in February, but I watched this anyway. How awful is that image of all the puppies and kittens in those barrels? Like they've just been thrown away... too sad...

That is when I had to look away also. All of the puppies piled in barrels. Just so inhumane, and sad. :( I hope the girl that wants to stud out her chihuahua watches this, and does some thinking.

Starby, the tears are still running down my face. I agree with the message and I'm glad I watched the video, even though it was very hard to watch. I wanted to run to that shelter and rescue all of them.

You know me, I'm the crazy animal lady. I've rescued so many animals, I don't have room for any more.

Even if everyone on this site rescued 2 animals this year, millions would still be put to death. There are just too many puppies, kitties, bunnies being born.

Until we humans do something about this, it will continue. We will be judged on what we do here on earth.

Just one person can make a difference. One person can change the world. All of us need to stand up and fight for these animals, not tomorrow, not next week, today!

I just thought I'd post this link for some more info on backyard breeders. If you are thinking of breeding your dog, please read this first.

Backyard Breeders (http://www.canadianyorkshireterrierrescue.com/byb.htm)

OMG that was so sad. Dumb people should not be permitted to own dogs!

All my pets over the years have been foundlings.

Many of you know that we recently got a new addition to our fur family. We just adopted a beagle puppy. Yes, we got him from a breeder, the first time I've ever bought a puppy instead of rescued one. Why you ask?

We've always had big dogs, we love them tremendously. This time we decided that we wanted a smaller dog, a dog that our kids could handle. We opted for a beagle. Beagles are very good with children and also get along well with other dogs.

At first I checked for beagle rescues in an around our area, I searched and searched for a beagle rescue, but found none in my area. We were even willing to drive a few hours, but we didn't want to adopt from somewhere that our new pup would have to be flown to us. I didn't like the idea of not being able to meet the dog before we adopted, or putting a dog on a plane.

After a long search, coming up empty, I checked the paper. I wanted to see if anyone had adopted a beagle and decided they couldn't handle it and therefore where giving it away. I only found one and the owner wanted $1000.00 for that dog. When I asked why they were selling the dog, he said "He's destroying my house, he refuses to learn, he's more dog than I can handle". Okay, I understand, a beagle is not for a first time pet owner, they are stubborn, pigheaded dogs, they need a firm, experienced owner. But, when he told me that he was getting another puppy after selling this one, I decided I wouldn't purchase the pup. Dogs are not cars, you don't sell one because you don't like the way it runs and then replace it with another. If they had done their research beforehand they would have realized that a beagle was not the right dog for them.

Long story shorter (ya right), we found a breeder, I called and asked her questions. The price of the puppies was very low, breeders usually charge a lot more for their pups. She and I talked for about an hour. She was more than willing to answer all my questions, she had info on every puppy born to her dogs. She was willing to give me the numbers of people who had bought puppies from her in the past. Everything was as it should be from a reputable breeder. So we drove almost 2 hours to get our new family member.

The pup came with his first set of shots, deworming and an information kit all about him. She gave us a free sample of food and a toy and ID tag. When I asked why she didn't screen us before hand, she told me that after talking on the phone with me, she felt good about giving us one of her pups, and then when we arrived and she saw how we handled the pups and how our kids handled the pups, she knew that the pup was going to a good home. I did have to sign a form saying that I'd neuter him at 6 months (which I would do anyway) and I send her updates every few weeks, she always writes back thanking me for keeping her informed on how the pup (Chewy) is doing. She is a good breeder and screens all her dogs before breeding them. She doesn't over breed. Once a female has had two litters, she's spayed and adopted out or kept as a pet. She gives the dam 1 year rest after weaning the pups before she has a second litter. If the dam has problems she doesn't breed her the second time. It's all about the dogs, not about the money.

There is nothing wrong with getting a dog from a reputable breeder, but you have to do your research. If you want a breed specific dog you can't just look in the paper, pick an ad and go get your puppy. There are so many backyard breeders out there. Also, did you know, that most pet stores that carry many different breeds of dogs, are getting those dogs from puppy mills? Think about it, no reputable breeder would sell her dogs to a pet store. Breeders want to know where their puppy's are going, that they'll be safe.

So, do your research. This should not be an impulse buy, because this pet will be with you for many, many years. For both your sake and your pets, do your homework before adopting.

Wow, another book by Alty. :)

Thanks for writing that Alty! I also want to add, that although it might seem like a wonderful Christmas gift, to give someone a cute little puppy as a surprise, it is most always a terrible mistake.

There are so many dogs that have been given as gifts, that have ended up in a shelter. A lot of people aren't prepared to care for a puppy. They aren't able to do the research needed for the particular breed. It is winter time, and in many places there are cold temperatures, which makes housebreaking, and other training difficult.

Curious pups will get into lots of things. They like to play and chew! C'mas trees and decorations, and cords from C'mas lights. They could knock a glass bulb off the tree and cut themselves, knock over a lit candle and burn themselves, get into C'mas treats like chocolate which is poisonous to dogs. They could chew on a poinsettia which is also poisonous when ingested. Young kids are over excited at C'mas, and could unintentionally hurt the dog. There are just so many reasons not to give a puppy as a C'mas gift.

Sure it's all cutsey when you put a big red bow around their neck, and present a big ball of fur to someone. But that big ball of fur doesn't stay so cutsey when it is peeing on your floor, crying all night long, or eating your leather couch. That cutsey little pup grows up too, and develops personality traits... some of which can be very difficult to deal with.

So please everyone, think of these things if you are planning on giving or getting a dog (or cat) for C'mas, or any other day for that matter. There are enough dogs in our shelters, and many have to die because people get their pet on a whim, and don't do their homework.

I don't want this thread to die along with the millions of dogs, so I thought I would bring it up for everyone to watch again. If the video offends you, well... it was meant to. We get so many questions from backyard breeders everyday.

They make excuses why they "needed" to breed their dogs or cats. Auntie Jean and Uncle Bob wanted a puppy, that looked just like ours! Little Amy wanted to learn responsibility, and see the miracle of birth! My friend just loves to play with my dog when she comes over, and wants one of her puppies!

There are so many reasons... or "excuses" why it's "okay" for them to breed their dog. They are never like those "other people," they LOVE their dog! They take wonderful care of their dog! They would "die" for their dog! But the truth is, that a dog had to DIE because they loved "their" cute little dog so much that they bred her anyway, while another was wondering why he was laying on a cold table, and a man with a great big needle and tears in his eyes was approaching him.

I'm sure that dog was thinking of you and saying,. "but why did "I" have to die because you wanted more?" Wasn't I good enough for you? I would have greeted you happily every time you came home, and I would have even forgiven you if you yelled at me if I had an accident on your clean floor. I didn't mean to, but you didn't show me where you wanted me to go! I didn't mean to chew your favourite shoes!. I thought since you liked them so much, that they must have been tasty! I only went for a walk on my own when you weren't looking, because I waited for you but you didn't take me!

I wish everyone that wants to breed a dog without having any experience, would have to watch one being put to sleep. I would like them to look into their sad eyes and say... sorry, but my puppies will be cuter than you. You are not so cute anymore, so we have to kill you now... I hope you understand. But don't worry, some of my dogs puppies will be joining you soon. You will have lots of friends then.

Please stop all of this backyard breeding, and stop buying from pet stores that support and buy from the puppymill industry. That cute little toy that you buy from "Petland" only lines the pockets of the heartless puppymill breeders.

Don't forget to buy that bag of store brand dog food too! The puppymills need to make more money by selling puppy parts from the ones that have died, and the dog food industry adds puppy brains and bones, and a little road kill for flavouring, as filler! If you don't believe this, look it up!

Starby, I hope you don't mind if I post this, I've posted it before. If you can read this without crying then you should never get a dog.

It's written by Jim Willis, it's called "how could you?"

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent, and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter.

It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.

After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

The End

These puppies were from just ONE shelter, on one day, and I'm sure they didn't bring 1/8th of them! Who knows how many got homes. Hopefully all of these ones, because they were likely TV stars after their special national appearance, but what about the ones that weren't. You absolutely can't tell me that you can't find the breed you want at a shelter! Any shape and size! Do we need to kill these precious faces to make room for more, when people either become backyard breeders, or buy from them or petstores?

Okay... everyone get ready to go AWWWWWWW!!

YouTube - The ABC25 News Blooper Reel: Puppy 25! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S23e2WYbQIM&feature=related)

You absolutely can't tell me that you can't find the breed you want at a shelter!

We did try to find a beagle at a rescue, we didn't necessarily need to have a puppy. I have to say that some breeds are almost impossible to find in a shelter in certain areas. I found tons of beagle rescues in the states and in Ottawa, but none near me. I would even have been willing to drive a few hours, but I'm not willing to adopt a dog site unseen and have it flown to me.

The SPCA in Edmonton usually only has large breed dogs, it's very rare to find a smaller breed and even then they're usually 8years old plus. No problem, I would take an older dog, but most of them have so many restriction, I don't usually qualify. Things like, no kids, no other pets etc.

Sometimes I think the shelters make it too hard for someone to adopt a pet. Yes, they may think that the 2 year old lab shouldn't be place in a home with children under the age of 16, but not all kids are the same, not all breeds are the same. At 2 years of age most dogs can adapt to younger kids, especially a lab. It makes me angry sometimes. No wonder most people go to a pet store, no questions asked, just pay and go.

I think we have to start with the shelters, make it easier for people who want to take home a shelter dog.

Here's some examples of the dogs in the Edmonton Humane society.

15982
This is Joy a Lab/collie 3 1/2 years old
Joy needs a home with children 16 years or older.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption process.
Needs a home without other animals

15983
This is Violet a brindle lab 3 1/2 years old
Violet needs a home with children 16 years of age and older and with no other animals.

15984
This is Sneezy had to do it because of Sneezy, 2 month old Shepherd
No restriction because he's a puppy

15985
This is Bowtie Shepherd 3 years old
Bowtie needs a home with children 12 years or older.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match

Sneezy is so beautiful, it looks like there's some husky in there.

It sure does. He's a cutie. :)

There are lots of puppies in the Edmonton SPCA right now, many pitbull puppies which of course come with lots of restrictions, more so then the others. In Edmonton, in order to own a pitbull there are many hoops to jump through and a lot of money to pay out.

An update on dogs available at the Edmonton Humane society. OMG, they have a beagle, I can't believe it! I've never seen a beagle in their shelter, never! Darnit, I really want to go rescue him, but 4 dogs, that would be a bit much, don't you think?

Okay, here's a few of the dogs available right now and their restrictions.

16868

9 month old Labrador, male; Freddy is sweet, but may have difficulties understanding boundaries around small children. Freddy may get too excited, and may accidentally knock small children over or play too rough with them.

Based on these behaviors, we recommend that Freddy go to a home with children 7 years and older.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.


16869

Australian Shepard, age unknown, Male; This dog is highly aroused and showing controlling behaviors. He may have a difficult time understanding boundaries around small children, and may knock them over or play too rough with them.
Based on these behaviors, we recommend this dog go to a home with children 7 years and older.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.


16870

Labrador, 3 months old, female; Emerald is very playful, but may play too rough with small children. Emerald would be better suited in a home with older children.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.

16871

Beagle, 3 months old, male; Copper is playful, but is a little anxious and may take some time to adjust to his new family. He is well suited in a family with children of any age.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.


That's the update. I know, Awwwwww! :)

Awwww... I want Freddy or Emerald! Alty... stop making me look at more! :p :D

I'm just in shock that there's a beagle puppy in the SPCA, that's a first. Darnit, Starby, stop me, I really want to go get him, he looks so darn sad. Imagine how happy he would be here, he's only 2 months younger than Chewy, they'd have a blast. I can just picture Jasper and Indy's faces if I brough this little guy home, "Are you kidding? Another one? Are you crazy?" Ya, I know I can't, but boy do I want to. :(

I'm just in shock that there's a beagle puppy in the SPCA, that's a first. Darnit, Starby, stop me, I really want to go get him, he looks so darn sad. Imagine how happy he would be here, he's only 2 months younger than Chewy, they'd have a blast. I can just picture Jasper and Indy's faces if I brough this little guy home, "Are you kidding? Another one? Are you crazy?" Ya, I know I can't, but boy do I want to. :(

Your neighbours will kill you! You know that right? LOL! Poor itty witty bitty beagle puppy wuppy! Auntie Alty will make sure you get a home! She'll be checking everyday! I know she will!

Your neighbours will kill you! You know that right? LOL! Poor itty witty bitty beagle puppy wuppy! Auntie Alty will make sure you get a home! She'll be checking everyday! I know she will!

Darnit, you're right, I will be checking every day. Heck, I just sent an email to Wiggy's cousin, they adore Chewy, want a pup just like him, hopefully they'll adopt, they're great fur parents, have a 1 year old yellow lab, live on an acerage, he'd have a great life!

Darn laws, I need to live on a farm, I really do! Can you imagine how many fur babies I could adopt if I lived on a farm? Wow, the sky's the limit.

Okay, looking to buy a farm now, real estate pages here I come! I will have my zoo yet, you wait and see. ;)

Starby, I know this thread is about dogs but you know me, I looked on the Edmonton Humane society webpage and of course I checked out the bunny babies. I'm posting a few of them here, if you don't want me to let me know, I'll delete it, start a new thread. K?

16872

Amigo was adopted, but then returned for biting when being held on someone's lap. This type of behaviour is common in young adolescent male rabbits. Rabbits tend to feel most comfortable when on the ground, and can be fearful when on laps, or when held. Amigo needs a home that is willing to interact with him only at his level on the floor. People should let this rabbit approach them and not force interactions. Because of Amigo's history, he may do better in a home with older teenage children, or adults only. See the house rabbit society website for additional information and special tips for dealing with rabbits that bite. House Rabbit Society Rabbit Care Guide (http://www.rabbit.org)

Please consider giving Amigo a second chance!

16873

Benjamin loves to dig and is very curious.


16874

Volunteer comment: Timmy is very shy and likes to cuddle with his head tucked into your arm. He loves to explore and is very curious.

16875

Hi, my name is Star and I have been here since October 20! I may seem a little nervous but I am a friendly little bunny who enjoys a good cuddle.

Rabbits are wonderful pets if you know how to care for them and handle them. Hopefully someone will give these little fur baby's a second chance at a forever home. I already have 4, trust me, if hubby would agree I'd be going there right now to adopt another, I'm thinking it would be Amigo, I know I could turn him around, I've dealt with tougher cases then him, Kilala and Thumper were both extremely difficult bunnies when we first adopted them, now they're both cuddle bunnies. :)

Are you kidding me? Of course you don't have to delete it! Who do you think you are talking to here girl? Bunny wunney cutsey wutsey! :D

I want Amigo, I really do. Wiggy's in school right now, so we don't have extra money, but, I talked to him. If Amigo is still there in a month, well, he's coming to live with me.

Am I crazy? Don't answer that. ;)

Back awaaayyy from the bunnies... slowly... slowly... nope don't look... no stop it... keep backing away! :p You know you will be kicked out of your neighbourhood right? ;) We need to get Alty a parental block on her computer! LOL!

Back awaaayyy from the bunnies...slowly...slowly....nope don't look...no stop it....keep backing away! :p You know you will be kicked out of your neighbourhood right? ;) We need to get Alty a parental block on her computer! LOL!

There's no limit on bunnies, I can own a whole herd of bunnies, as long as I keep them clean, well housed, healthy (which I do) I can have as many as I want. Okay, I realize that my house is cramped, I have too many "pets" already, but look at Amigo, he'll likely not get a second chance because now he's been labeled a "biter". I know I can give him a good home, love, a second chance, how can I walk away?

Darnit, why do I look at the adoptable animals? Why? I never learn. :(

Looking for cheap useed bunny cages, yup, you can't stop me! :)

Hey, idea. Starby, you only have 1 dog, why not adopt a little beagle puppy and a bunny? Come on, you know you want to! :)

I've got no room for bunny cages! :( But yes, you know I want to get a buddy for Nik. I'm trying not to look at the shelter pics for now, because I can't do it with my leg for at least another month for one thing. I also want to make sure I'm able to afford and take care of two after that's healed... and well... you know the other stuff. Lol If I could, I would gather them up and bring them all here to live with me! ;)

Oh my goodness! Amigo is an absolute doll! I love lops. The best rabbit I ever had was a lop. Her name was Serendipity, Sera for short. Good thing I'm not seeing him in person or else I'd of carted him off already! ;)

Oh my goodness! Amigo is an absolute doll! I love lops. The best rabbit I ever had was a lop. Her name was Serendipity, Sera for short. Good thing I'm not seeing him in person or else I'd of carted him off already! ;)

I could drive him over to you Silver, heck, I'll even litter train him first and get him used to humans. Just say the word, I'll zip off to the humane society right now. ;)

I've actually never had a lop eared. I have a rex, a lionhead dwarf, a lionhead/harlequin mix and a unknown breed aka Bunny rabbit. ;)

Lionhead dwarfs are extremely easy going, very tame, but I've had friends with lops that say that they're the easiest breed around.

I've never had a bunny that couldn't be "tamed". Our thumper was a troubled being when we got him, had been re-homed more times than most, had spent time on the streets fending for himself. The person that adopted him and then returned him did so because he fought with her other rabbit. He's a big love, my cuddle bunny, he just doesn't like other rabbits. He sits on my lap and watches TV with me. He likes to nibble on things so he has an old towel that's just his, he sits on that while he's on my lap, otherwise I wouldn't have any clothes without holes in them. He's a big sweetie. Want to see a picture? Okay, twist my rubber arm.

16879

That's my little "troublemaker" Thumper. He's in his forever home, happy as can be. :)

Aw, he's a doll. Our current rabbit Petri can be difficult himself. He kind of only likes me for some unknown reason. He's a mix breed , half dutch/half lop. When he as younger one ear was floppy.

Silver, Petri needs a friend, he really does. Petri and Amigo, that even sounds cute. Come on, do it, do it, do it!

I'm an instigator. ;)

Fyi, I have 4 bunny babies, you can do two. ;)

Just an update. The beagle puppy at the SPCA has been adopted. :)

I hope he went to a home that is aware of beagles and their behaviour, otherwise he'll be returned rather quickly. I hate not knowing where they end up. :(

Here's my little trouble maker Chewy, he ate my shoe yesterday, little stinker. :(

16895

As much as I'd like too I really can't. We already have more then enough fur babies and with the addition of the new kitten we just adopted I've got a full plate.

I am going all over the place to make room for the reps you all deserve, and I'm still falling behind! I'll keep on catching up, don't you worry.

so, alty, are you ready? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!! Seriously, could he be any cuter? And about those shoes... well, you did name him Chewy. ;)

starby, this is an excellent thread.

so... I have something that might be related. It's kind of weird and I don't know where else to share it. I just came across something online when following a link about art marketing, and the link is actually for puppy sellers. I randomly clicked on one of them, and this came up:

"[names removed for traceability] pups 5 weeks old ready to go must see in person ear cropping available check [name removed] out on YouTube just type [name removed] pups start at 800 & up very Bully little monsters"

5 weeks old ready to go? Am I reading this wrong?

anyway, here's the ad: [link removed for traceability]

I zoomed in on the pics of the puppies, and the inside of the place looks like a garbage house. It looks like they're being posed for the pictures by the aid of a shoelace.
here are three:
[links removed for traceability]
[links removed for traceability]
[links removed for traceability]

and they're AKC registered?

I have a bad, bad feeling about this. Is there anything I can do?


EDIT: by the way, this was the original link: [link removed for traceability]

and this is a link to his name and one of the videos on YouTube. His YouTube name appears to be [name removed for traceability].
[link removed for traceability]

I just found his second video. I just don't know. [link removed for traceability]

EDIT: while I'm very sorry to to it, I have decided to remove the names and links involved in this situation. I have filed a report, which could get back to them in some way. The original information has led me to what appears to be much more serious information, which has a high possibility of being gang related. For this reason, I'm instituting a little extra precaution, and I removed the names of the person/people involved so that this thread won't come up in an online search. I do have uncensored copies of this post, the pictures, the names, the links, etc. if you would like this information, you are welcome to send me a note via a private message. Thank you for understanding. Better safe than sorry. :P

Okay, update on some of the pets currently available for adoption in the Edmonton Humane Society.

I want to add, if anyone on this site is looking for a dog, bunny, cat, whatever, but can't find one in a shelter, let me know, I bet I can find you one, even if you have a specific breed in mind. :)

Here's a few for AW factor;

16926

Jack is 5 years old, Male, collie smooth; Jack is anxious, and may take some time to adjust to his new home. Jack is well suited in a home with children of any age.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match is made

16927

Milo is two years old, male, JRT; Milo is classed as a HIGH ENERGY dog who will require regular mental and physical exercise. When he is relaxing he likes to lie down with a toy or something good to chew on but is always on the alert and ready to go!
It is our reccomendation that Milo be placed in a home with children over the age of 16 years, with and an experienced owner and he does NOT wish to live with any cats!
All family members and dogs living in the home must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.

Must speak with behavior department before viewing.


16928

Peaches, 1 1/2 year old pointer/border cllie mix, female; Peaches is highly aroused, and may have a hard time understanding boundaries around small children. Peaches may not be tolerant of small children handling her.

Based on these behaviors, we recommend that Peaches go to a home with children 7 years and older.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.

Peaches appears to know sit and down.

16929

Sadie, 10 month old Rottie, female; Sadie is sweet, but may have a difficult time understanding boundaries around small children. Sadie may play too rough for small children, and may compete with them for resources such as food and attention.

Based on these behaviors, we recommend that Sadie go to a home with children 7 years and older.
All family members must attend adoption process to ensure best adoption match.

Anyone falling in love here? ;)

Linny, it looks like he's looped a rope around their necks to help them sit up. Many pups at 5 weeks of age still have trouble sitting on their own, especially larger breeds.

OMG! I don't know what to do, but I'm going to try to do something. This is definitely a backyard breeder, and one who doesn't even have the sense to wait until the puppies are weaned before selling them.

The only thing I can think of is emailing him, ask for info, then report him. The pictures alone are proof that he's not reputable.

This makes me so darn mad. When will people learn? Will people learn? Please tell me they will! :(

:'( omg! That is so sad WE HAVE TO PUT A STOP TO THIS!! How sad, I realllyyyyyyyy want to help every animal on the face of this earth be happy as we are helping them. They're all so innocent and voiceless of course we have to help! Tobby is one of my pups and my ex best friend from elementary brought it from columbia and then it peed too much and pooped around the house so before she took it to a shelter my family brought him in<3

He's so happy now imagine how misareable he could have been in a shelter! He loves to run around and play catch 24/7 he always lets the young ladies eat first and he is neutured and the other 3 girls are too. I think that's the best thing, lots of dogs suffer and die while having babies, I wouldn't resist that sadness in my life. I love my dogs, our first one destroyed my bed and me and my parents just laughed it off, obviously we told her it was wrong but we never harmed her because she's a PUP! That's what they do and we got her so she can live her life as the doggie she is! She's right next to me right now and she's snoring hehe its so cute.


BTW if any of you have seen marley and me, yeah that's the most beautiful movie I've seen in my life and yes I'm proud to say that I cried like a BIG BABY!

I would so help you alty, I'm down for anything as long as it's for helping an animal, even if its cleaning the poopie allllll around the farm :)

I'm pretty sure god will make your dreams come true because your making a huge change for something positive and soooooooo helpful and thoughtful<3

Just an update. The beagle puppy at the SPCA has been adopted. :)

I hope he went to a home that is aware of beagles and their behaviour, otherwise he'll be returned rather quickly. I hate not knowing where they end up. :(

Here's my little trouble maker Chewy, he ate my shoe yesterday, little stinker. :(

16895

Hahahah alty omgosh can I just eat him up!? He looks like the cutest thing on this earth mixed with a little trouble maker! Hehe he looks like he's looking for another shoe around the room! Lol my boyfriend wanted a beagle but I never found one, but I'm sure if he see's this one he's going to want to go all the way to canada to steal little chewy cause he's just so cute! Haha I love it :)

hahahah alty omgosh can i just eat him up!?!?! he looks like the cutest thing on this earth mixed with a little trouble maker! hehe he looks like he's looking for another shoe around the room! lol my boyfriend wanted a beagle but i never found one, but im sure if he see's this one he's going to want to go all the way to canada to steal little chewy cause he's just soo cute! haha i love it :)

Cute yes, trouble maker and then some, and yes, I think he found the other shoe, tis okay, it was no longer a pair anyway. ;)

Beagles are tough to deal with, very stubborn, very smart, but also one of the purest breeds out there. Not many beagle mixes, the bloodlines have been kept very pure, which is great but also means that the majority of beagles will need to be able to do the job they were raised to do in order to be well adjusted, well behaved dogs. Beagles are hunters, trackers, scent dogs, and if they aren't allowed to fulfill that side of their personality they can become aggressive, destructive and downright impossible to handle.

Chewy's in good hands though, he'll be starting agility training (something that will allow him to explore his beagle traits) when he's a year old. That's something I know he'll be good at, and will enjoy.

He's a love, adore him, and I have to say, even after eating my favorite shoe, all he had to do was look at me with those big brown eyes and I couldn't be mad. Heck, I think I passed him the other one, said "go ahead, it's okay". This could be trouble. ;)

He's the baby of the family. :)

It makes me so mad that people would sell a puppy that young and that there are also too many people stupid enough to buy a puppy at that age! One of the worse things I ever saw was an add for a puppymill for sale on Craiglist!! The guy showed pictures of his facility and while they cages might have been top of the line, they were still tiny and packed. I think he had over 200 dogs for sale!!

I am just sick! I'm just not sure what we can do about these poor dogs. I wonder who would listen? In the helicopter dog one, they are teaching that dog to fight, and not let go! I knew exactly what they were doing when I saw it. They could possibly have a fight ring, or take that dog to someplace else where there is one. So I believe we not only have a puppymill, but dogs that are being bred for fighting too. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I've been thinking about this all night. I have no idea what we can do. If this guy was in Canada it would be an easy decision for me, I'd go over with a few friends, big friends, and kindly convince him that what he's doing is wrong and he should stop, for the good of the dogs and his knee caps. Sadly he's not in Canada, so that's not an option.

There is a report button on that add, but all that will do is ban him from that site, it won't prevent him from doing what he's doing.

There has to be something we can do. If we can prove that he's breeding these dogs for fighting, or prove that he's running a puppymill, then we can report him to the authorities, but we need actual proof, not just our gut instincts.

Grrrr, I really want to take a bite out of this guy. Those poor dogs. :(

Okay, thanks to all of you for backing up the bad feeling I've had about this.

if you haven't done so already, please do not contact the site or the seller. i don't want them to take that information off of the site.

I have been researching online to find a way to make a report with the proper authorities. The information I have describes the sale of puppies in NY under 8 weeks of age as illegal (and the breeder seems to be coming out of NY). I'm hoping that will give enough cause to start an investigation. I do believe there is more going on, and I hope that this part of the story will allow them to look deeper into whatever else might be going on.

I have contacted a law enforcement group connected to the treatment of animals, and I'm just waiting for them to get back to me.

Alty, I love that you're posting those pictures with that information! I think it's a brilliant idea. I think it would be great if you started a running thread for what you're doing. I know that all of us want to help those dogs. We might not be able to adopt them ourselves, but I'm sure that exposure could only go in their favor.

Again, thanks guys.

Linny, I'd like to get Judy involved, she's great with research and knows the law. How do you feel about that?

I think the right people have been contacted. It's a law enforcement group connected to the ASPCA. Honestly, I think it would be potentially very dangerous to get involved in another way. This could very well be connected to pit bull fighting and/or be gang related. I have requested anonymity from the people I contacted. I do not want this to be drawn back to me.

I did a lot of searching around before deciding who to contact.

This is the link where I ultimately made my decision: Reporting Cruelty FAQ (http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/reporting-cruelty-faq.html#breeder)

Where does the ASPCA have jurisdiction to pursue allegations of animal cruelty?

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement officers are considered New York State peace officers. Therefore, they can investigate crimes against animals anywhere within the state of New York.

I agree Linny, that was my worry as well. I was going to write an email to them, asking some general questions, but decided against it for the very reasons you stated.

I hope that something is done about this. Bravo Linny, you should be very proud for taking a stand for these for dogs.

You may not get credit from anyone else, but I have to give credit where credit is due, and it's due my dear.

Big hug to you and your wonderful Linny heart, what would we do without you? Don't ever make us find out! :)

So, I'm still waiting to hear from them. I don't know how long it will take. However, if I don't hear anything by the end of today, I'll send another email to them.

If anyone has any suggestions, it can't hurt to post them. Alty, if you did want to notify Judy, I don't see a problem with that. I don't know what else she could do though, other than notify the same kinds of people. I just don't want the seller to get scared off and remove the "evidence." he must know that it's illegal to sell 5 week old puppies. This might not be the first time he's tried doing this.

The only other thing that comes to mind is that we might have a better chance of getting the seller investigated if there were to be more voices behind the complaint. I don't have experience doing this, so I don't know if that would help or just be a pain to the ASPCA. Hm.

I'll let Judy know, she's great with this kind of stuff and she would be extra careful.

I just wanted to mention. I heard something the other day that really disturbed me. I don't have rock solid proof, but in the Michael Vick case, I've heard that the HSUS advocated for all of Vicks dogs to be put down. They said it was the "humane" thing to do. Well a judge disagreed... thank God... and let some rehabilitation groups take the dogs in. Most of these dogs were not mean, they were just literally scared to death! They of course, were beaten, abused, lived in deplorable conditions, and left without food or water. They were given electric shocks, used as bait dogs, used as breeder dogs when they were so mangled that they were missing limbs, eyes, ears, chunks out of their bodies, and half a face!

These rehab groups took them in, got them medical treatment, and the ones that could be saved, were! It took many months of daily rehab, but you could just see in their eyes that they just needed someone to love them, and they just weren't mean at all! They were just conditioned and trained by evil people that were money hungry and heartless egomanical people, that couldn't see the hurt behind their eyes.

I don't know if anyone watches the show "Dog Town," (on the National Geo channel... it's on Sunday's here in Canada) but in some of their episodes it shows the rehabilitation of Scumbag Vicks dogs. I believe if I'm not mistaken, that all but one of these sweet dogs, were placed in loving homes.

Also, if anyone has a Facebook page, go to "causes," and there is a pledge to "Keep Michael Vick in Jail." Both Alty and I already belong. I'm not sure how much good it will do, but ANYTHING I can do to help keep him in there much longer, I will give it a try! We don't need him back out on the streets in July! No way! Then again, I wonder how the reception of him will be when he gets there? He sure won't be the sports "hero" that he thought he was, that's for sure.

I'm just happy that the HSUS did not get their way, if these allegations are true, and that these dogs are now in loving homes. They deserved a better life, after the abuse they endured.

I'll let Judy know, she's great with this kind of stuff and she would be extra careful.


I am told that the people breeding the dogs in question have no past records; also, it is not an uncommon practice to force the dogs into sitting/standing positions for photos. Not saying in any way that this is appropriate or humane but that's the word that's filtered down to me.

that was very kind of you, judy. Still, as I see it, the problem is not with the photos. The only thing the photos did was heighten my gut feeling.

one of the issues for me is the fact that the puppies are called "ready to go" at 5 weeks. From everything I've found, it's illegal to sell puppies under 8 weeks of age in the state of New York. Here's a link to a chart I found: Age to Sell Puppy Table (http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuspuppysaletable.htm)

so I did some more snooping around yesterday, and I found some more information on the seller. He has a second litter on the site. Here is the link: [link removed for traceability]

I'm honestly wondering your opinions on the ears. It looks like stitches, probably from cropping. By the way, I am looking for information to find out if it's legal to crop a dog's ears if you're not a vet (because I found a person in Brooklyn who offers this service in a very sketchy way, and he certainly hasn't supplied any info that would make me think that he is a vet).

the second ad:
[link removed for traceability]
[link removed for traceability]

the name he uses describes his dog activities is as a kennel. I don't know what that means.

I also found the seller's myspace page. As you can see, it's all about pits. Well, that's not illegal. He's certainly allowed to have a passion for the breed. By the way, all of the dogs look healthy and well cared for. [link removed for traceability] what strikes me as odd is that everyone seems to have their own pit bull kennel. You have to excuse me for saying so, but these do not look like the kinds of guys who sell pets to nice families. They look like very tough guys.

I decided to click on the first friend on his list. (the list is set to random on his page.) after that, I randomly clicked on a video on that page. I would like it if you would take a look at that video. [link removed for traceability] to see the video, scroll down on the right side of the page to where the friends comments are. You'll see a comment made on December 14th from "[name removed for traceability]." now play the video with the subtitle of "[name removed for traceability]." it's the one with two guys and a dog standing in front of some metal bars. I would very much appreciate it if you would tell me what you really think.

I've been looking at a ton of connected pages and videos, and this pit bull world is huge. HUGE. I don't know what to say or do about it, but what I do know is that dog fighting deals in a lot of money, and it's often connected to gangs. If you can honestly tell me that you don't suspect there's anything seriously suspicious going on, I really, really want to know.

last night, after awaiting their response, I called the people from the ASPCA and spoke to someone directly about all of it. They told me that they don't deal with breeders, and they told me to contact the US department of agriculture. That includes the part about the 5 week old puppies being sold prematurely.

I am preparing an email now, specifying that a lot of what I'm sending them is based on speculation, but that I feel a moral obligation to at least pass what I believe are suspicious looking materials onto them, and that they can judge the situation for themselves. I'm not an expert in this, but I feel like I can't just ignore the feeling I have in my gut. At the very least, the 5 weeks/8 weeks issue looks to be illegal, and if it is, I wouldn't mind if it inspired a little more investigation into whatever else might or might not be going on. Obviously, I don't want to waste their time (or mine) either. If you think I should just drop it, or if you think I should or shouldn't be doing something here, say so. I'm not sending it yet. Honestly, I could use a little help here.

*links removed for traceability. i have kept a copy of the unedited post and the links. you can contact me if you would like further information.

I agree with you - I agree with everything you've said. The problem is proving it and, as I said, these "people" don't have criminal records.

I don't know if you realize it but my smaller dog is a rescue from a dog fight ring - she was a teaser dog. I know it's true, not urban legend, because a Police Officer friend of mine called me to say she had been seized, was I interested.

So, yes, these rings are all over. I run into them when I'm working, the dogs, the training equipment, the bloodstained rings. I walked into a house with a dead pit in a bedroom behind a closed glass storm door, starved to death. Half the litter was dead in the refrigerator; the other half in the freezer. I went outside and - no joke - vomited off the steps.

In NY you CAN sell puppies at 5 weeks. In fact, you could sell newborns if you wanted to. If that has been changed since the last time I did research, I'd like to know about it so if you find out, let me know.

Ear docking, I don't know, but I DO know non-Vets dock tails and crop ears, legal or not.

I know there are a lot of links to follow in my last post, but it's the only way I know to share the info I have.

This is the chart I included in my last post on the legal age puppies must reach in order to be sold according to each state. As far as information on the internet goes, it looks more reputable than other sites might be. It says 8 weeks in NY according to McKinney's Agriculture and Markets Law § 402. Link: http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuspuppysaletable.htm

If you don't follow any of the other links, just watch the video. I'm really, really looking for opinions. Do you think these guys are doing what I think they're doing?

The reason I think this instance is so worth reporting is especially because of the 5 week excuse. If the authorities suspect anything else, I assume that any excuse they can use to start an investigation could only help. What I don't understand is how this could be so big and go unrecognized. I do think this network is very, very big. Those myspace pages are FULL of these gangster looking (sorry, but it's true here) pit bull breeders and "kennel" owners. They're not sporting cockapoos.

Ugh, I wish people weren't capable of ever harming an innocent animal. Judy, your story was awful. I hope whomever was responsible is paying dearly for what they did. That's the kind of thing that makes a fire burning Hell sound like a good idea.

Please share your opinions with me. I want to send this letter. I think I just need a little moral support if what I'm doing is the right thing. If you think I'm making a mistake for whatever reason, please tell me why. I really want to know what you think, whatever it is.

§ 402. Records of purchase and sale

Each pet dealer shall keep and maintain records for each animal purchased, acquired, held, sold, or otherwise disposed of. The records shall include the following:

1. The name and address of the person from whom each animal was acquired. If the person from whom the animal was obtained is a dealer licensed by the United States department of agriculture, the person's name, address, and federal dealer identification number. In the case of cats, if a cat is placed in the custody or possession of the pet dealer and the source of origin is unknown, the pet dealer shall state the source of origin as unknown, accompanied by the date, time, and location of receipt. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, no pet dealer shall knowingly buy, sell, exhibit, transport, or offer for sale, exhibition, or transportation any stolen animal. No pet dealer shall knowingly sell any cat or dog younger than eight weeks of age.

...

(this is for another conversation, but it looks like you need a license to be a "pet dealer" in NY. I wonder what that means in terms of backyard breeding in general. Edit: this is also interesting. I know many people feed their dogs once a day (which I never thought was a good idea). Legally, you have to feed them at least twice a day in NY. "(b) Animals shall be adequately fed at intervals not to exceed twelve hours or at least twice in any twenty-four hour period in quantities appropriate for the animal species and age, unless determined otherwise by and under the direction of a duly licensed veterinarian." lots of things for another time.)

Something is definitely very wrong here and I'm behind you 100% linny! These poor babies deserve much more then what they are getting, and even if they aren't fighters the puppies still need someone to speak up on their behalves and say "hey, !" what harm will reporting them do? Either they aren't fighters just bad owners and breeders then so they'll get a headache, and if they are fighters then you will be helping to bust a fighting ring and saving those puppies from a blood soaked future and the dogs from an agonizing life.

Linny, unless Judy has a reason that you should not send that letter, in good conscience, I couldn't NOT send it! I can't think of a reason not to do it. If it saves even one dog, then it's well worth it to me!

You've done a hell of a good job looking up all of this info. and that is a wonderful thing for you to do! That must have taken a lot of your time, and I applaud you for doing the research, and caring so much about these helpless dogs, as we all do.

Thank you Linny for taking the time to try and protect these innocent dogs from these thugs. It's been proven that anyone that abuses animals to this extent, will also likely physically abuse people, which doesn't in some cases end well, as we all know. So this is a two fold thing. It could not only save the lives of dogs, but human lives also!

Edit:: Judy, your story had me sobbing! That is just... oh I don't even have a big enough words or a way to express myself! :(:mad::mad::mad:

We all know and realize this goes on and on and on. Dogs, puppies are abused, children are sexually abused as young as a year old and this is penetration sexual abuse and doesn't that get your mind working ! When that football player was caught with a ring, dogs (pit bulls, manchester terriers, whatever one wants to call them), breeding, dogs buried in pits, etc. and he got his computence. He thought he was invincible, made millions playing football ( don't follow football so forget his name). And now he is ruiined.

Why does all this happen in Virginia (where that football player had is home/dog commune/breeding ground/area of absolute hell) Is it because the farms are so remote that they are not easily spotted, or there rules are lax regarding this type of horrible procedure.

You guys are never going to be able to even scratch the surface and I know you would love to. You are only a splash in the pond, and maybe not even that.

Send all the letters you want, do all you want. There won't be any repercussions from anyone about this because they are too subversive to even care.They laugh at authority. This is just too little for the bigger issues going on.

Judy knows.

But Tickle, Michael Vic (the football player you were talking about) thought he was above the law. If everyone had sat back, done nothing, then would he be in jail?

It may just be a splash in the pond, but that splash sends ripples. Get enough splashes and you may make a wave.

I know what you're saying, but I for one cannot just sit back thinking that my voice won't make a difference, I have to speak out. Will any of us change the world? Probably not. Will puppymills and fighter rings be forever obliterated because of us? Probably not. Can we sit back, watch, but do nothing? Definitely not!

It may be in vain, nothing may come of it, but, in the end, at least we tried. You can't make a difference by just hoping, you have to act, let the chips fall where they may, hope for the best.

The world won't change unless everyone who feels a passion for something speaks out and acts.

::clunk:: getting off my soapbox now. ;)

Alty, you have a good soapbox. Keep it up. But I stand by what I wrote. If you want me to make a splash from here, sobeit, let me know. I WILL SPLASH! I MAKE BIG SPLASHES!! Heck, and I can swim too ! Luvya, girl.

Tick

alty, you have a good soapbox. Keep it up. But I stand by what I wrote. If you want me to make a splash from here, sobeit, let me know. I WILL SPLASH !! I MAKE BIG SPLASHES !!! Heck, and I can swim too ! luvya, girl.

tick

Right back at you Tickle, luvya to bits. :)

Silverfox, I think you hit the nail right on the head. That's EXACTLY what I needed to hear. THANK YOU. You're totally right. I am really impressed with your posts on these boards. I recently told Starby the same thing, and it's absolutely true. Starby, your points are all well taken. THANK YOU. And Judy, thanks for looking into those guys. You have become my troops in the pit bull puppy crusade. *wink

Okay, that's honestly all I needed. It might sound like nothing, but I've been drowning myself with searches into these people. My fingers are sore and my head is spinning. I just needed that confirmation, and I trust your judgment, too. Thanks so much for doing that for me! I'm going to finish my letter up and send it off. One more big THANK YOU!

EDIT: I just reloaded the page and found the two new posts. Silverfox's post just renewed my vigor.

Tickle, there's not much that i can do, other than to send information that I find is illegal or suspicious to the organizations that do handle these things all the time. That's what they're there for. Your post saddened me. It sounded so hopeless. If everyone thought that there's nothing that can be done, those places wouldn't exist. The first people I contacted are from the law enforcement group at the ASPCA. I wrote and spoke with them twice yesterday, and they have asked me to forward my concerns to the US Department of Agriculture. They're not a lollipop factory; it's a serious part of the United States government, and they mean business. If you look at the link I provided with the NY state laws regarding the health and safety of cats and dogs, they're not playing around.

As far as my letter goes, it does start with a "small" crime. I don't know if you followed all of the links I included, but there are a LOT of very scary looking people in this. Someone has to do something. If those people are ever investigated, and if even one of them goes to jail because of it, well... there aren't dogs in jail for them to hurt. Even taking one person out of the picture for 3 months has got to mean something.

I haven't been able to seen the tape on the Michael Vick case (I don't get the same television shows as you do in North America), but I do know that this isn't a story limited to Virginia. In the US, it's happening from California to Florida and New York. I assume Vick got away with it as long as he did because he had enough money that he could own a very large and private property. It's not easy to catch someone doing such things in a rural or upper class suburban area where your neighbors can't see in.

I hope for your sake your perspective on the world changes a little. It can't feel good to look at things that way. I don't know how anyone with that kind of pessimistic world view manages to get out of bed in the morning.

Relative to the big picture, I'm doing something little. At least I'm trying.

By the way, this is how the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement began to close their letter: "We at the ASPCA share your sense of concern about all instances of animal abuse." that's all instances. I've also found more and more info from these groups, and they've specified that they clearly can't unearth every case of inhumane treatment of animals, so they rely heavily on civilian reports. That makes sense to me. As of now, bravery is winning its battle against my doubts. I'm going with Silverfox. There is no sense in not trying. Word to the wise.

Thanks again, guys.

Linnykins, you are the bomb.

I'm spent the last hour or so looking at the info you posted. I've looked through the website these "breeders" have erected. I'm trying to look for anything that rings a bell, and there's lots.

I say go with your gut, my gut is saying the same.

They may not have any arrests records, but that doesn't mean they aren't doing something illegal, just that they have yet to be caught.

If you need any help, email me, PM me, call me, whatever! I'm doing some research too, I'll post what I find, if anything, here on this thread.

If you send me the email, address or phone number of the people you've talked to I'll add my two cents, send a letter of my own. If enough of us voice our concerns then hopefully they'll dig deeper.

One person can change the world, but not if they sit on their butt! :)

Bravo Linny, bravo. Big hug to you sweetie. :)

No problem at all! You're the real hero here. You are the one that found that awful site, and you're the one working so hard to find justice for those poor babies. It saddens my heart so much to know what they are going through. Those poor babies have probably never received a moments love in their lives! The cut ears, the way their strung up like puppets, its sick. All that these... care about is money. There is no telling what else they may be involved in. People of this character and attitude are often neck deep in drugs to! Who knows? You may even bust a drug cartel! There is a chance you might not be able to make a difference if you try, but you are guaranteed not to if you don't! Too many people complain, maybe even cry but still do nothing. If more people were proactive like you then we would see a real change in the world!

I don't want any misunderstanding about MY "take" on this. I tilt at windmills all the time. Sometimes even if you KNOW you won't make a difference you have to TRY. I have to be able to look at myself in a mirror and know I did my best. The various animal rights groups are totally overwhelmed. Maybe one letter won't make a difference. Maybe ten letters won't make a difference. But what if that one or those ten do make a difference. You don't know until you try. And if you can save ONE dog from a terrible fate, well, then you've changed the World for that ONE dog. I think you have to do what you have to do.

It took YEARS of petitions and protests and marching around with signs before my local SPCA stopped "selling" lost/abandoned dogs for medical research but we kept petitioning and protesting and marching and the law changed. Medical research is a whole different subject BUT family pets were not good test subjects to begin with.

So - I think we all go with what's in our hearts and, yes, I think one letter can hit the right desk and make a difference.

And as someone said, maybe these people aren't breeding fighting dogs. Maybe they are. The "no record" means they simply haven't been caught if they are. So maybe one letter -

Am I rambling?

[QUOTE=Comments on this post
linnealand agrees: Thanks, Judy. I can understand your cynicsm, but I'm glad to hear you haven't given up hope. Bless you for fighting for those dogs.?[/QUOTE]



Standing right there with you.

Darnit, Judy, had to spread the rep.

Love you tons! :)

JUST A DOG


From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
Or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog,"
But I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
And in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand
Phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust,
And pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
The fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away
From myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog",
But the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being
"just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog"
Just smile...
Because they "just don't understand."

Shazamataz agrees: Can I save that? That was really sweet

You betcha! :D

shazamataz agrees: Can I save that? that was really sweet

You betcha!! :D



I had to smile - I woke up this morning with a head cold, cough and "feel sorry for myself" all over attitude.

I am watching TV in my bedroom right now, on my laptop, with my two "just a dog(s)" nurses sprawled on the bed with me, watching TV. So far we've had a round of ice cream (self prescribed for the sore throat) and soup (something warm for the sinuses) and we are settling in for an afternoon of boring talk shows.

I watch TV. They watch me.

Just dogs - right.

Awwww, sorry you're not feeling well Judy! But the babes will take care of you! :D

I've got 'just my dog' laying by Momma's feet as usual, fast asleep and having a puppy dream. She's chasing something I think! ;)

http://www.postsmile.com/img/dogs/59.gif (http://www.postsmile.com/)

My two "just dogs" are obsessed with my "just a kitten", even though he's been here for near a week! They won't get more then a few feet from him. They both think here's their baby.

I applaud all of you for your efforts... if we don't speak for these beautiful creatures,who will?

Keep on fighting the good fight!!

My two "just dogs" are obsessed with my "just a kitten", even though he's been here for near a week! They won't get more then a few feet from him. They both think here's their baby.


Mine do take occasional breaks to look in on the "just a cockatiels" who take great joy in trying to peck their eyes out.

My "just bunnies" love my "just dogs" and the "just a cockatiel" finds them all extremely amusing. But, that's just my family. ;)

Hello again! I'm coming back to post an update. It took a lot of phone calls and a whole lot of searching around, but I think I found the right people to look over the concerns that have arisen regarding the 5 week old puppies and a number of parties who might be involved in pit bull fighting and the breeding of pit bulls for that purpose. I sent off a very detailed four and a half page letter earlier today. Because I requested anonymity, there's a good chance that I won't be able to receive any updated information on these reports. However, I feel so much better knowing that I've at least tried to get this information to the people who might be able to do something about it. I really want to thank you for taking the time to look over some of the materials and for being so amazingly supportive. I can't tell you how much it helped. I have to trust my gut, and my gut wouldn't let those puppies and those people out of the back of my mind. As silverfox wrote, maybe these guys will wind up with a little headache; but if there is a chance of saving even one dog from a fate that surpasses nightmares, well, it was certainly worth the time it took to write a letter of concern. If it turns out that no one can do anything about it, at least I know I did what I thought was the right thing, and I can sleep better knowing that. Many, many thanks to all of you.

Starby, that was a great post. I loved reading about your furry (and feathery) families. Judy, ice cream, soup and a couple of nurse dogs sound like the perfect medicine.

"just my dog" was washed and groomed last night, and he's as clean, cuddly, shiny and sweet as ever. He has been bringing his teddy bear (which I'll swear he named "harry da bear") to bed with him lately, which is just as cute as can be. I know my pets have always stood "just by my side," and "just my life" could not be the same without them. They've "just been my teachers" of some of the most important lessons I've ever "just had the luck" to learn. ;)

"just my dog" was washed and groomed last night

Ah, if only my "just dogs" would realize it was "just a bath!" As far as they are concerned there is nothing just about a bath, any meaning of the word.

Bravo Linny for all your hard work!! Thanks for the update, I really hope to hear that these criminals end up in the dog house themselves, and if they do it will be all because of you!

Bath is a word that's whispered around here, as well as walk, treat and car ride.

Linny, your hard work and dedication will help, I just know it will! Positive thinking right?

http://www.postsmile.com/img/dogs/64.gif (http://www.postsmile.com/)

Linny, Niki has her "bear" too! Her fave toy and he's "misser bear" (that's how we say it ;)) But she also has a few other faves, which include "squeaky beer" (a purple squeaky that looks like a beer can, lol) and we have "Rodney", who's her stuffy!. and of course her bouncy balls. She knows the name of them all. Niki's a dog that is not a "chewer" at all, so I don't have to worry about her ripping them apart and swollowing anything. She just runs around and flips them into the air, and can keep herself occupied playing just all by herself. But, of course she loves to have Mommy throw them for her. Snow go AWAY!. Niki wants to PLAY! :D

I may have missed another reference to this in this thread. But, I had to share.

I very recently read that much of dog and cat food is made from "meal." The protein part of dry kibble is made by boiling down bodies of those very dogs and cats we saw euthanized and put in barrels, including their flea collars, regular collars and tags. Vet euthanized bodies are sometimes handled the same, sent to a rendering plant. Zoos send in bodies too. We won't get into road kill...

If that doesn't freak you out, consider that the chemical used in euthanizing animals is not broken down by the rendering process. Much of store bought dry kibble is not "complete" as it only has to say complete for certain nutrients. The rules for human food are much stricter.

I am considering making my own dog and cat food from now on. Is all of what I read true?

Simone, I really don't know, I'd have to do some more research on that.

I know that not all store bought pet foods are good for your pets, but dog parts, road kill, collars and cats?

I'll ask around, do some research and get back to you with my findings. It may take a few days so bear with me, okay? :)

I may have missed another reference to this in this thread. But, I had to share.

I very recently read that much of dog and cat food is made from "meal." The protein part of dry kibble is made by boiling down bodies of those very dogs and cats we saw euthanized and put in barrels, including their flea collars, regular collars and tags. Vet euthanized bodies are sometimes handled the same, sent to a rendering plant. Zoos send in bodies too. We won't get into road kill...

If that doesn't freak you out, consider that the chemical used in euthanizing animals is not broken down by the rendering process. Much of store bought dry kibble is not "complete" as it only has to say complete for certain nutrients. The rules for human food are much stricter.

I am considering making my own dog and cat food from now on. Is all of what I read true?

I definitely know about this Simone, and it is likely that you heard this in this or another thread from me, and likely from others also. Although it's definitely not all kibble, they are some low end brands that practise this. Although I haven't heard about the collars and such, I have heard about the road kill and the use of dog parts used.

In the research I've read, and reports I've seen on TV, there was no one particular brand(s) that were named. I just know that I will not buy my dog food from a supermarket anymore, and I even question some that are in the pet stores. I'm sure there are many that are quality brands, but I've chosen to feed my dog an all natural holistic and organic brand from a company that provides info on everything that goes into the making of their food.

I have made my own homemade treats and meals for Niki, but now I mostly stick to making the treats sometimes, with ingredients that I've made sure are safe. It's often a tough call, because as we all know, unless you buy organic meats and vegetables, which is very expensive, even the meats, poultry, and vegetables in the supermarkets that we eat, have been shot up with hormones, among other things, and all of the pesticides and fertilizers that are in the foods that we all buy. It's not necessarily good for us either, but that's a totally different discussion.

My point is, is that you find a good and nutritional dog food that is geared to the particular digestive and healthful needs of your dogs. People food is not always the answer, unless an extensive amout of research is done to find out what is good and what's not for your dog. There are many good dog foods out there, it's just a matter of finding a good one so you are not feeding your dog road kill or parts of another dog!

[QUOTE=Comments on this post
ZoeMarie agrees: ice cream is GREAT for sore throats! lol. that's what I do. =).[/QUOTE]




Make it maple walnut. I'll leave the front door unlocked. Put it next to the bottle of whiskey that I've asked "Alty" to bring over. Bring your own spoon. And glass.

Make it maple walnut. I'll leave the front door unlocked. Put it next to the bottle of whiskey that I've asked "Alty" to bring over. Bring your own spoon. And glass.

It's a plan! Lol

I scream... I scream... I scream for ice cream! :p Can I have chocolate chunk, and some grand marnier? Yuummmo! :D