[Alty]

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. :)

[linnealand]

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.

[Alty]

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. :)

[Silverfoxkit]

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!

[JudyKayTee]

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?

[JudyKayTee]

[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.

[Alty]

Darnit, Judy, had to spread the rep.

Love you tons! :)

[starbuck8]

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."

[starbuck8]

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

You betcha! :D

[JudyKayTee]

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.

[starbuck8]

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! ;)

[Silverfoxkit]

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.

[artlady]

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!!

[JudyKayTee]

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.

[Alty]

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

[linnealand]

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. ;)

[Silverfoxkit]

"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!

[Alty]

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

[starbuck8]

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



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

[simoneaugie]

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?