Sunday, May 31, 2009

Fallen soldier’s pooch gets a ticket out of Iraq


Maj. Steven Hutchison killed by bomb; his friends will give Laia home in U.S.

Somewhere in Iraq today, a little yellow dog named Laia (pictured)is starting the treacherous journey of a lifetime to the United States. She’s being saved thanks to Maj. Steven Hutchison, who adopted her, and SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups. But Hutchison himself won’t be part of the homecoming: He was killed by a roadside bomb May 10 outside Basra, just three months before he was supposed to return home to Scottsdale, Ariz. When she reaches the U.S., Laia will live with a friend's family instead.

Even among the heroic tales of sacrifice of the nearly 5,000 troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, Maj. Hutchison stands out. At 60, he was the oldest combat death in either conflict. He was a decorated Vietnam vet with a doctorate in psychology. The father of two grown daughters, he had wanted to rejoin the military after the Sept. 11 attacks, but listened to his wife, who didn’t want him to go. After she died of cancer in 2006, Hutchison re-enlisted, with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as an adviser to Iraqi forces.

Hutchison's unit found Laia at just 1 month old in Basra. The local vet said he would have to euthanize the dog unless they adopted her as a mascot. As policy, soldiers are not supposed to adopt strays, and Hutchison defied orders to get rid of the dog, even moving her from base to base, his friend, Sgt. Andrew Hunt, told the SPCA. "He ignored this request several times up until it began to move toward punishment," Sgt. Hunt said. "See, you couldn't ever tell the Major he couldn't do something, he [was] a stubborn old goat set in his ways. It was an endearing quality we loved about him."

Long tours in Iraq have led many soldiers to adopt animals, SPCA International spokeswoman Stephanie Scroggs told PEOPLE Pets. "As soon as soldiers adopt a dog or a cat, it just seems very transformative in many of their lives," she said. That seems to have been the case with Hutchison, who let Laia sleep in his bed and ride in his lap. "Whenever Laia was around, his demeanor and personality changed 1000 percent," Hunt told the SPCA. "He was never without a smile, he was so much happier in life, it was amazing."

Hunt helped arrange Laia's transport home and his family will temporarily take care of the dog until she moves to Michigan to live with her new family, including two kids.

But first, Laia must complete the most difficult part of her journey: traveling to the Baghdad airport in the care of a contractor hired by SPCA International. Although the trip is only about 300 miles, it will take two days. Then Laia, now just under 1 year old, will join three other dogs on a flight to the United States with Operation Baghdad Pups program manager Terri Crisp, making Laia the 147th pet saved by the group.

Leaving Iraq for a new life—and escaping mass government-sponsored exterminations—is not an easy option for many of the dogs that soldiers befriend, and that's where Operation Baghdad Pups comes in. Earlier this year, in a case that touched people around the world, Gwen Beberg worked with the program—and fought the Army—to get her dog Ratchet out of Iraq. Right now, 50 soldiers are on the waiting list to move their pets out of the war zone, and each rescue can cost up to $4,000.

The SPCA International is hoping for more donations to fund happy endings like Beberg's. Maj. Hutchison's brother, Sgt. Richard Hutchison, told the SPCA that his brother always loved dogs and often talked about Laia in his phone calls. The rescue of Laia means so much to the family that Richard will meet the dog at Washington Dulles International Airport for her June 1 arrival.

"Laia has brought so much joy and happiness into our lives, and we cannot express how much she has touched us all," Hutchison told the SPCA. "As a final act for our brother, we want to send his dog home."

Click here to visit the Baghdad Dogs Web site to learn more and make a donation

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Please Sign this Letter In Support of the Equine Cruelty Act


H.R. 503/S. 727—Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act

Sponsor(s): Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN); Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Senator John Ensign (R-NV)

ASPCA Position: Support

Action Needed: Write to your U.S. senators and representative today to urge them to cosponsor and support the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act.

Update—March 27, 2009: The Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act was introduced in the United States Senate yesterday. The email below will now be sent to your senators as well as to your representative.

Americans do not eat horse meat. However, every year, more than 100,000 American horses are cruelly slaughtered just over our borders to satisfy the markets for horsemeat in Europe and Asia. Since the last horse slaughter plants in the U.S. were closed in 2007, unwanted American horses have been shipped to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.

Overseas processing plants are not subject to U.S. oversight or regulation. Due to overcrowded transport conditions, many horses are injured even before reaching their final destination. Some are shipped for more than 24 hours at a time without food, water or rest, and the methods used to kill these horses once they arrive at the plant can be exceptionally inhumane. In Mexico, slaughterhouse workers commonly use small, thin “puntilla” knives to stab horses into a state of paralysis (by severing their spinal cords), and then slaughter them while still fully conscious.

Horses have been our trusted companions and are a historically significant part of American culture. They deserve a more dignified end to their lives than to be inhumanely slaughtered and served for dinner. H.R. 503/S. 727 would put an end to this practice by prohibiting the transport of America’s horses across state lines and international borders for slaughter. Please contact your representative and senators now and urge them to cosponsor and support H.R. 503/S. 727!

Click the link below to go to the official ASCPA Web site, complete a short form and your letter will be forwarded to the appropriate Congresspersons...

Equine Cruelty Act

THANKS!

Goldie


Goldie was dumped in the country in the middle of winter. One day she appeared on our patio; she was skin and bones, and freezing cold. We brought her in side, wraped her in a blanket and fed her. The next day we took her to the vet in town. He said with regular meals and rest she would be just fine. We took ads out in the paper and on the radio, but nobody claimed her. She was just a puppy then, needless to say we decided to keep her. She is quite the bundle of energy. Sometimes it gets her into trouble, two thanksgivings ago we had to fish her out of the middle of the stockdam. A little agravating sometimes, but we wouldn't trade her for anything.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Recession takes its toll on man’s best friend


The family dog is the latest casualty of rising foreclosures.

Posted May 28 2009, 10:13 AM by Catherine Holahan

As more families are forced to sell their homes, an increasing number of pets are being left behind in shelters or, worse, empty houses. Though it is difficult to put an exact figure on the number of abandoned pets, shelters across the country say they are seeing double-digit percentage increases in the number of animals left in their care. The Humane Society estimates that more than 3 million animals will be euthanized this year.This is unacceptable in a civilized country!

"The more foreclosures, the more abandoned pets," said Dawn Lauer, outreach coordinator with the Humane Society. "The majority of shelters we speak to have been seeing an increase in animals coming in. There are heartbroken families that are moving to rentals or in with family members and are unable to keep their pets."
Caring for a pet adds hundreds of dollars to the yearly bills. Pet food costs between $125 and $500-per-year, depending on the size of the pet, according to PetEducation.com. Vaccinations and standard veterinary bills often add another $100 to $500-a-year to the cost, depending on the age of the animal. Add the cost of regular medications, such as heartworm pills, chew toys, and the occasional trip to the groomers and it's not difficult to see why Americans spent a combined $32 billion on their pets last year.

"When somebody gets a pet, they should really be considering any kind of financial problems they could have and make sure that they are planning ahead," says Lauer, adding "if they are going to give the animal to a shelter, they need to call ahead because, unfortunately, there are a lot of people in similar situations."

Shelters across the country are taking steps to stop the influx of abandoned animals. In Richmond, Va., the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers to board pets until families get back on their feet. They also have pantries and clinics that provide free pet food and veterinary care to pet owners who don't want to give up their animals, but can't afford to care for them at the moment.
During the past several months, the Richmond SPCA has seen a 15% to 25% increase in the number of pet owners who come in and qualify for its free services.

"We recognize that families are struggling to get ongoing care for their pets," says Tamsen Kingry, Chief Operating Officer of the Richmond SPCA. Kingry estimates that the free programs helped keep between 300 and 400 animals in their homes last year.
Unfortunately, there are not enough grants and free programs to meet the needs of all the families and shelters asking for help. Earlier this month, the Humane Society of the United States temporarily suspended a grant program for rescue groups because demand exceeded funding.

Shelter owners say they are seeing more pets that have simply been abandoned in their former home.

"They assume that people will come into the home, but it can take a long time," says Lauer, "and the pet cannot survive on its own."

Aside from taking advantage of free services, where available, pet owners have other options to reduce costs. Dog food companies will often offer coupons and discounts to loyal customers that call and ask for them, says Cathy Bendzunas, a Virginia Beach resident with four dogs who writes the dog-lovers blog "bloggydoggies."
"You can email the customer service department and tell them how much you love their product and ask for coupons, and they will send you some," says Bendzunas. "I've done that, but you have to ask."

Another tip? Bendzunas says that pricier dog food can actually turn out to cheaper because the dogs seem to get full faster. "There's always a way to keep your pet," says Bendzunas, adding that if she ever finds herself without a home. "My dogs are coming with me."

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Lucky Penny

Truly, this is what its all about...LOOK AT THAT FACE!

"Penny, our silver dappled miniature dachshund, was listed on Petfinder.com as "teenie weenie" when she was rescued from a puppy mill that planned to "dispose of her" because she had a slight under bite.

A rescuer visited the Ohio mill to rescue older breeder dogs but saw Penny as she walked in. Even in the worst of conditions, Penny was excited to see her and wagged her tail in a cage so small that her bottom kept hitting the sides. The rescuer said she could not let this little girl's outlook on life be ruined and rescued her first puppy from a puppy mill.

True to form, Penny is the happiest little girl you will ever meet and brightens everyone around her, everyday. She may have been lucky to escape the mill, but we feel luckier to have her in our lives!"

Elizabeth
Farmington Hills, MI

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The baby of Lauren's Trio of Rescued Dogs


So here is our youngest and biggest baby! His name is Cisco and he will turn 2 on Halloween. He is a red nose Pitbull, but the biggest lover in the whole world! He was rescued from the humane society at only 6 weeks old!

Theo was rescued by Lauren also...


This is Theo, our littlest and toughest Alpha Male in the house! He is a Chihuahua terrier who also was rescued. He will be 3 on December 10th, and when it comes to keeping the other 2 boys in line, there is no one better!

Harley shows what rescue dogs can bring to a home


Now this is the best boy in the whole world! This is my Harley. He is very very special to me...I rescued him from a not so good home almost 4 years ago. He is very scared of people, but is the biggest lover you could ever meet! He will turn 4 on August 2nd, which just so happens to be my Pop-Pop's birthday as well...even makes him that much more special!

Posted by LaurenNave

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Phoebe Turns 7

Happy Birthday Phoebe!

Today is Phoebe Camille Gallo's 7th Birthday.....She wishes all of her doggie friends a good home and lots of love. xoxoxo From Naples, FL

Pepper gets rescued!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

The Rescue Dog Lover's Membership Site


Find a Solution for Any Negative Behavior Your Dog Exhibits...all for a One-time fee of $29.95 if You Act Now!

More than a dog training course. More than an interactive membership site. The Dog Lover's Membership Site is PEACE OF MIND for Rescue Dog Owners everywhere! And -- for a limited time – you get it all for a one-time membership fee of $29.95!

You'll have immediate mouse-click access to dozens of eBooks, articles, informative threads, and a live forum for you to pose questions – on any dog-related matter -- that will be answered by dog training experts! Have you priced expert dog trainer advice lately? I have. Trust me, this is a bargain beyond hyping.

So, if..


  • Your dog won't obey even your simplest commands

  • Housebreaking is causing you angst

  • Incessant barking is making you unpopular in the neighborhood

  • Walking on a leash requires you to wear gravity shoes

  • Aggression keeps friends and strangers at a distance

  • "Left alone" anxiety is destroying your favorite furniture

  • Nervous panting from car travel fogs your windows and dampens your car's upholstery

  • Constant running away has put your dog's face on milk cartons

  • Finicky eating is threatening your dog's health...

...don't throw in the towel. Don't despair. Instead, join me and become a member of the The Dog Lover's Membership Site.

Nothing you are experiencing is anything new to the world of dogdom. The solution for any doggie disobedience issue can be found on the The Dog Lover's Membership Site.

Join now and bring peace, harmony, tranquility and joy back into your home. But don't hesitate. The $29.95 cost is for a limited time. After that period, the price goes back up to $39.95.

Check it out and decide for yourself if having a continuous and dynamic source of guidance and expert advice on dog ownership is worth such a small one-time fee.

Click here The Dog Lover's Membership Site , get the details, and get on the right path to responsible dog ownership. You and your dog deserve nothing less.

Good things often come in three's!


Friday, May 22, 2009

Wisconsin Animal Sanctuary Raids Torture Ranch


ASPCA Rescues Over 300 Animals!
Can you help their cause?

On Tuesday morning, May 19, the ASPCA was on hand in Cazenovia, WI, to assist in the raid of an animal sanctuary, the Thyme and Sage Ranch. The ASPCA Forensic Cruelty Investigation and Disaster Response teams, as well as our Mobile Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit, are currently working alongside the Richland County Sheriff’s Department to collect evidence and evaluate the animals found at the site.

“We are just starting to scratch the surface of what appears to be a horrendous situation,” says ASPCA Disaster Response Team member Sandy Monterose.Since 2007, the ranch has held the animal control contract for Richland County, WI, and acted as the county’s animal shelter. The ASPCA became involved in the raid at the request of the Richland County District Attorney and Dane County Humane Society, which began investigating the Thyme and Sage Ranch because of public complaints.As of now, animals continue to be examined both on the scene and in the ASPCA Mobile CSI Unit.Unfortunately, our work is far from over.

While these animals are finally receiving the care they need and deserve, there are still countless others who need our help. Your support makes it possible for the ASPCA to travel the country and rescue animals from horrendous conditions like these. It is your generosity that allows our experts to assist national and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to build cases against and prosecute animal cruelty offenders.With your donation today, we can send a message to those who would harm animals: “We will stop you!”

Always remember to Make Pet Adoption Your First Option®!ASPCA 424 E. 92nd St New York, NY 10128 Visit the ASCPA website: aspca.org

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Report Animal Cruelty


Help the Helpless
Animal cruelty is not only wrong—it is against the law in every state in this country! Animal abuse can also be part of a pattern of other violent acts within families and society. Abuse of any kind should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.For additional information on recognizing and reporting cruelty, as well as how to talk to children about this important issues, please read our Reporting Cruelty FAQ.

Tips for Reporting Animal Cruelty
Once you have found out which law enforcement agent you should speak to, it’s important to provide him or her with a concise, written, factual statement of what you observed, giving dates and approximate times whenever possible. If at all feasible, try to photograph the abusive situation and date your pictures. It would also be helpful to get short, factual written statements from other witnesses.

When you call to report animal cruelty, always make sure to keep a careful record of exactly whom you contact, the date of the contacts and the content and outcome of your discussion. Never give away a document without making a copy for your file! Make it clear to the agent that you are very interested in pursuing the case, and that you are willing to lend whatever assistance you can.

Follow Up if Necessary
If you don’t receive a response from the officer assigned to your case within a reasonable length of time, don’t be afraid to present your information to his or her supervisor and, if necessary, to local government officials, such as the county commissioner, and ask them to act.

If you have witnessed the cruel act yourself, you can go to your local police commissioner and ask to swear out a warrant to summon the accused person to court. Remember that expert witnesses are sometimes necessary in animal cruelty cases. A veterinarian, for example, can sign a statement that it is his or her “expert opinion” that a dog suffers when hit with a chain, is deprived of food, etc. Expert opinions will very often make or break a case, so if you happen to know a sympathetic veterinarian, you may wish to seek his or her assistance and tell the officer that you have expert support lined up for your case.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Heroes Help Save Canine Cruelty Victims

On April 23, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Staten Island resident Tyrone Walker for animal cruelty. Walker, 41, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and two counts of abandoning an animal. If convicted, he faces up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

On the afternoon of April 2, witnesses near Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan saw a man, later identified as Walker, take two dogs out of his car, tie the dogs to a park fence and drive away. Concerned passersby called the police and provided the car’s license plate number and descriptions of the man. When animal control arrived at the scene, they discovered that one of the dogs, an elderly male Rottweiler, was frothing at the mouth and unable to stand. Both dogs were rushed to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

The Rottweiler, named Shadow, was gravely ill with cancer and died soon after arrival. The other dog, an 8-year-old Belgian Shepherd named Savannah, was diagnosed with Lyme disease but was otherwise fairly healthy. She is currently progressing well, recovering with the help of ASPCA veterinarians and is not available for adoption at this time.

ASPCA Agents arrested Walker without incident. Although he initially denied ownership of the dogs, he later admitted that they had been given to him by a friend. This arrest was made possible through the involvement of concerned citizens who witnessed Walker’s alleged actions and decided to do something about it. We all are capable of this type of heroism—please use your voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and report abandonment, neglect and cruelty to animals.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Maybe Gibson and Faith (see post from April 29) can become a team!

Gibson, The World's Tallest Dog Loses Leg to Cancer

The world's tallest dog, and one of Northern California's most famous residents, is suffering from bone cancer.
Earlier this week, veterinarians had to amputate Gibson's right front leg, KCRA reported.The Guinness Book of World Records lists Gibson, a harlequin Great Dane, as the Tallest Living Dog at 42.2 inches tall, as measured in 2004.Gibson's owner, Sandy Hall, said the preeminent pooch is expected to return to his Grass Valley home later this week and she expects him to be back in the limelight in just a couple of months.
This canine is no stranger to celebrity. He's been on Oprah, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen and in numerous magazines including National Geographic, Dog Fancy and Life, just to name a few.The site K9 Grass also lists Gibson as a certified therapy dog.With such an impressive resume, there's no doubt Gibson will be standing tall in no time, despite his health issue.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Best Resource for Training Your Dog

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Monday, May 11, 2009

Gracie LaRue Finds a Home and Heals a Broken Heart

Gracie LaRue
- posted 05/10/2009

From Melissa of Lisbon, IL

I lost my sweet girl Ruby Dee in March of 2009 to cancer at the young age of 5. She was totally healthly until she suddenly started having seizures due to the cancer. In a matter of 48 hours I had to make the hardest decision of my life...with many tears and wonderful memories I said good bye. I immediately decided that I wanted another dog. I started to check the classifieds as well as Petfinder. After a few days I found the cutest little puppy face! Her name at the time was Queenie. I called Jil and asked about her..she was still available and being fostered in a town 20 minutes away. My boyfriend and I went to meet her. I instantly loved her...from the first tug on my shoelace. After taking a day to decide, I called Jill back and said we would take her. It was a few days before we could pick her up because she had to be spayed and micro-chipped. It's been fun and crazy. Things are now settling and training is getting much easier. Gracie has put a smile back on my face and I thank God, Petfinder and my Sweet Ruby Dee everyday for bringing Gracie LaRue into my life! Thanks to Jill and Homeless Animal Rescue Team as well!

Friday, May 8, 2009

What dogs will do to get back to their family...


SYDNEY (AFP) – A pet dog that fell overboard in rough seas off Australia has been reunited with its owners after surviving alone on an island for four months, reports said.
Sophie Tucker, apparently named after a late US entertainer, fell overboard as Jan Griffith and her family sailed through choppy waters off the northeast Queensland coast in November. The dog was believed to have drowned and Griffith said the family was devastated. But out of sight of the family, Sophie Tucker was swimming doggedly and finally made it to St Bees Island, five nautical miles away, and began the sort of life popularised by the TV reality show "Survivor."

She was returned to her family last week when Griffith contacted rangers who had captured a dog that had been living off feral goats on the largely uninhabited island, in the faint hope it might be their long-lost pet. When the Griffiths met the rangers' boat bringing the dog to the mainland they found that it was indeed Sophie Tucker on board. "We called the dog and she started whimpering and banging the cage and they let her out and she just about flattened us," Griffith told the national AAP news agency. "She wriggled around like a mad thing."

Griffith said that when the dog was first spotted on the island she had been in poor condition.

"And then all of a sudden she started to look good and it was when the rangers had found baby goat carcasses so she'd started eating baby goats," she said. Sophie Tucker, a member of the Australian cattle dog breed, had been quick to readjust to the comforts of home, complete with airconditioning, Griffiths said.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

OLDEST DOG'S A SENIOR WIENER


By ADAM NICHOLS
May 6, 2009 --
She's the world's oldest pooch, with 21 years under her collar, but she never learned how to beg.

"She's independent. If she didn't want to do something, she had a look she would give, and she usually got her way," Long Islander Denice Shaughnessy joked of her aging dachshund, Chanel, whose 147th birthday -- in people years -- is today. Chanel -- named the oldest dog by Guinness World Records last year -- is taking a rare trip from her Port Jefferson Station home to mingle with canine buddies invited to her Manhattan birthday party. The old girl's red hair faded to white a long time ago. Her cataracts force her to wear special doggie glasses and her bones feel the cold. Her home is kept at a constant 72 degrees. She eats boiled chicken with whole-wheat pasta, and a specially selected soft treat designed for her ancient teeth. And she spends her days relaxing at home, only taking walks in the summer. "She used to run three miles with me every day," said Shaughnessy, a high-school principal's secretary who adopted Chanel from a Virginia shelter as a 6-week-old pup. "She still enjoys a walk, but now she's carried for a lot of it." Chanel took the title as the oldest dog last spring when a 28-year-old beagle from Virginia died.
Additional reporting by Kieran Crowley

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Close encounters of the whale kind
A female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines.She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Faralon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her -- a very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, nudged them, and pushed gently, thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same. (Thanks to Helen and Terry for passing this story on to me for posting)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Help Rescue Pets and Win A Motorcycle

I'm sure out-of-towners need only contact Diane's Discount Pet Supplies & Adoption Center (contact info below) to purchase chances for this incredible prize.
Diane’s and Martin Motorsports Team
Up to Raffle Triumph Thruxton Motorcycle
for Pet Rescue Group

Proceeds to Benefit Nonprofit that Rescues Animals from “Gassing” Shelters

Pottstown, PA – May 5, 2009 – If you’ve ever dreamed of being on the open road on your own motorcycle – now’s your chance – and for a good cause. A Shelter Friend, Inc., a nonprofit organization, is offering chances to win a 2009 Triumph Thruxton motorcycle, valued at more than $8,500, to raise money for their animal rescue efforts. The motorcycle was donated by Boyertown’s Martin Motorsports and will be raffled on September 5th with the help of Pottstown’s Diane’s Discount Pet Supplies & Adoption Center, which places animals the group rescues. “A Shelter Friend sends daily e-mail messages for pets in shelters whose time is running out. If no one commits to rescue the pets, then they are destroyed in a gas chamber, which is a very cruel method of euthanasia.” says Diane Dietch, owner of Diane’s. “We take in as many pets as we can, often meeting the transport van in other states and many times in the middle of the night so we can find homes for these pets in Pennsylvania.” In 2008 A Shelter Friend facilitated the rescue of more than 1,000 pets and hopes to increase that number by raising awareness and funds for their cause. With the support of businesses like Diane’s and Martin Motorsports, they are getting closer to their goal. “Many of our customers, staff, as well as my wife and I are animal lovers,” says Dennis Martin of Martin Motorsports. “After talking with Diane about this issue and how she and her staff are involved, we felt that raffling a motorcycle would be a great way to raise money for a worthy cause.” The new Thruxton features low-rise bars, a sporting riding position, spoked wheels, and megaphone style silencers on the iconic Bonneville chassis. Those interested in seeing the motorcycle or buying a ticket can visit Martin Motorsports at 1037 Unger Lane in Boyertown, PA, or http://www.martinmoto.com/. Tickets, which may also be purchased at Diane’s in Pottstown, are $10 each or three for $20. The drawing will be held at Martin Motorsports.
About A Shelter Friend, Inc.
A Shelter Friend, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Elizabethtown, NC, that acts as a liaison between shelters and rescue groups nationwide to facilitate pet adoptions by coordinating rescue efforts and assisting with the logistics, including obtaining health certificates and arranging transportation. For information e-mail
http://us.mc379.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=asf@intrstar.net or visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC464.html.
About Diane’s Discount Pet Supplies & Adoption Center
Diane’s Discount Pet Supplies & Adoption Center is a full-service pet supply store and adoption center. For information call (610) 970-7500 or visit
http://www.ddpets.com/.
About Martin Motorsports
Martin Motorsports is a full-service motorcycle dealer featuring new and used motorcycles, clothing, parts, accessories and service. For information call (610) 369-3120 or visit
http://www.martinmoto.com/.
###
Contacts:
Diane Dietch
Diane’s Discount Pet Supplies & Adoption Center
(610) 970-7500
http://us.mc379.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=diane@ddpets.com

Dennis Martin
Martin Motorsports
Phone: (610) 369-3120
http://us.mc379.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Dennis@martinmoto.com

Phoebe n Maggie again


This is one of my favorite Phoebe (r) and Maggie photos.

Monday, May 4, 2009




Maggie (black) and Phoebe Pose on the Beach

These sisters are truly two of the most entertaining dogs I've ever had the pleasure to have in my home. Linda and Steve are kind enough to allow us to babysit them when they are away overnight on occasion. Thanks Steve for posting this picture. BobH




Sunday, May 3, 2009

A Greyhound Mother

In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused. In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary known as a willing haven for animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need. Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims: to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved. They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home. The dog had other ideas. No-one remembers now how it began, but Jasmine started welcoming all animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, probably, a rhinoceros, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick. Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them. "But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings. "She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose. "Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted in her fur.

"They are inseparable," says Geoff. "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary. It's a real treat to see them."Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next orphan or victim of abuse.
Pictured above right (from left) Toby, a stray Lakeland dog; Bramble, an orphaned roe deer; Buster,a stray Jack Russell; a dumped rabbit; Sky, an injured barn owl; and Jasmine.


Friday, May 1, 2009

Welcome to my world...
Mary's (see two preceding posts) Weimaraner Glacier, who, you can bet, lives quite the good life, welcomed to his happy world Belle, a rescue dog that Mary opened her home to.
Is there a lesson to be learned here?
(From Mary...see post below) "Here's Jack, a rescued guinea pig from a household with seriously mis/un-informed parents who thought he would be a good pet for their kids and teach them responsibility. Sadly, the parents didn't take the responsbilities any more seriously than the kids. Jack's playmate died and he ended up losing an eye from malnourishment. He also developed quite serious neurologic problems too. He lived the good life with us and her family for about 8 months before he succumed to a belly tumor. He was a very sweet little guy."
Frankie Finds a Home

This little guy lucked out twice. First, he found his way to Mary's garage, a true animal lover; and second, well I'll let Mary tell you..."He's doing great and has found a forever home, which he will join in about 5-6 weeks. He's currently living with 2 other orphaned kitties so he's got lots of snuggle buddies."