‘TRUE BLOOD’ STAR LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT CAPTIVE CHIMPANZEES

Kristin Bauer and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine launch campaign on Change.org asking U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend endangered species protections to captive chimpanzees.

WASHINGTON, DC – Actress Kristin Bauer, who plays Pam on HBO's True Blood, has launched a campaign on Change.org with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect captive chimpanzees.
Bauer’s online campaign asks the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to extend the endangered species protections currently given to wild chimpanzees to captive chimpanzees used in experiments and the entertainment industry and kept as pets in United States.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible intelligence and rich, complex social lives of chimpanzees,” said Bauer. “It would be shameful to see them go extinct in the wild as we continue to exploit them here in the U.S. in invasive experiments, entertainment and as pets.”
Bauer cites studies demonstrating that when people see chimpanzees used in commercials and interacting with humans in the media, they are more likely to believe that chimpanzees not only make good pets, but that they are not endangered in the wild.
“The Endangered Species Act should protect all chimpanzees, including those being used in laboratory experiments,” said John Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C., of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “No other developed countries allow invasive research on chimpanzees because of ethical and scientific problems with such experiments. The U.S. must do more to protect humankind’s closest genetic relatives.”
Bauer’s campaign is likely to draw national attention to the lack of protections for captive chimpanzees. The actress is encouraging True Blood fans to sign her online petition campaign on Change.org, the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change.
“It’s really impressive to see Kristin Bauer rally her fans around giving chimpanzees a voice,” said Change.org Director of Organizing Stephanie Feldstein. “Through her campaign on Change.org, Kristin’s fans can take action on a cause that’s important to them. Change.org empowers anyone, anywhere to start a campaign on issues that matter to them, and it’s been incredible to watch this campaign take off.”
A proposal to extend protections to captive chimpanzees is currently under consideration by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The public comment period for the proposal ends October 31.
Live signature totals from Kristin Bauer’s campaign:
http://www.change.org/petitions/us-fish-wildlife-service-protect-all-chimpanzees
Journalists interested in contacting U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should try:

For more information on Kristin Bauer’s group, please visit:
http://www.pcrm.org/
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.
For more information on Change.org, please visit:
http://www.change.org/about
Change.org is the world’s fastest-growing platform for social change — growing by more than 400,000 new members a month, and empowering millions of people to start, join, and win campaigns for social change in their community, city and country.

The Bag Kittens

This story is horrifying yet the outcome was amazing.  Their story needs to be told!  This is from the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue here in central Iowa.

Someone put 4 healthy, 3 week old kittens in an empty Meow Mix bag and threw them onto a Madison County road to be crushed by oncoming traffic. But for the nurturing instinct of a family dog, the horrific plan almost succeeded!

As a woman came home from work and pulled into her driveway, she noticed that her dog wasn’t acting normally, but was visibly upset and focused on what appeared to be a tattered bag of trash lying in the yard. No real surprise to her since the dog brings home "treasures" to her on a regular basis, welcome or not. But on this day, the dog’s refusal to move and an unfamiliar sound coming from what now could be identified as a discarded cat food bag triggered her to check out Reagan’s new "treasured" item. She soon discovered that the sound was the faint cries of a kitten. Without hesitation she reached down to look inside the bag, but was totally unprepared for what she was about to see.

The bag the kittens were placed in and tossed into the road!

Two tiny kittens, screaming and covered in the blood and gore of their crushed and maimed siblings, were thrashing about trying to get free from the viscera and out of the bag. Kelly quickly swooped up the two survivors and took them directly into her home to do what she could to provide some kind of care. As she bathed them, fed them and snuggled with them offering them comfort and reassurance that they were now safe, her empathy quickly turned to anger. Through her tears of rage, she struggled to find sense out of it all. 

What was painfully obvious to her was that these kittens were intentionally put in a bag and dumped on the road. It was also apparent that the bag had been run over and that at least two kittens, maybe more, had been crushed; and that her dog had retrieved the bag from the road and brought it up to the house for Kelly to find.  How two survived was the real mystery, but solving it was secondary to her natural nurturing instinct to feed, care for and love these two tiny remarkable survivors.

Over the next 12 hours, she maintained a constant vigil that included hourly examinations looking for any signs of internal injuries or complications and bottle feedings every 3-4 hours. Little did she know that while she was encouraged over the kittens’ progress, just how frustrated and disappointed she would become over what was about to occur.

 

Day Two...What kind of person...?

After an unsettled night with frequent feedings and worry, she faced the new day with little sleep and a yearning to understand how anyone could possibly do this to such innocent lives that were so precious and fragile. She also realized that her daily job was going to prevent her from feeding and caring for these babies on a frequent basis and so, she immediately began contacting shelters and rescues for assistance.

Would you believe that that woman’s pleas for help were unanswered or ignored by no less than five local animal rescue organizations? About to lose faith in humanity and wondering if, after all the trauma these surviving kittens had endured was it even possible to find the help they needed to live a full life, She come across one organization that actually listened to her story and offered to help.

 

Why Rescuing an Animal is More Than just taking them … somewhere else.

At Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, (RVAS), her call for help was one of 18 we had already received that day. Obviously, her needs were immediate and lives were at stake. We know that the first 10-12 weeks of a kitten’s life is extremely precarious and their fragile life systems can go from apparently healthy and eating well to sudden death within a very short period of time. Anyone experienced in kitten care knows how heartbreaking it is to lose one of these precious lives...and many rescuers refuse to take on these cases because they can't deal with the heartbreak of losing a life.

However, we didn’t take the time to debate the issue. Moving into emergency mode, our director made a few phone calls that quickly produced a foster and back up experienced in neo-natal and infant kitten care. Unfortunately, many people, including those who think of themselves as rescuers would have the story end with the kittens just being transferred to a foster home and eventually, hopefully, adopted. We have a different outlook on animal rescue, and as they say on TV…’but wait, there’s more’…we believe there is more to rescue than moving animals from one place to another.

We asked her if she would help us help her and the kittens by taking them to our Veterinary Health providers for their assessment and any treatment they may deem necessary.  She readily agreed and told us how University West Pet Hospital's staff greeted her and assessed the kittens’ condition immediately. She complimented both the staff and Dr. Martz, DVM for the gentle and kind care to such precious cargo. She felt secure leaving them in their hands, and knew that RVAS personnel would be picking them up, and that these little guys (we believe) will start a new life!

That is just the beginning of their story.  Follow their progress here.

Look at them now!

 

All pictures are ©Racoon Valley Animal Shelter & Rescue

Aren’t they cute?  Mom wants to adopt both of them but she has some serious talking into to do with dad first.

Their siblings weren’t saved, but they were.  Through the cruelness of one human being, the word is getting out about these 2. 

Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue is a no kill shelter – our favorite kind!  Please think about donating to them to help out with the costs of these 2 beautiful kittens and to allow them to save other animals who need them.

You can also follow them on Facebook to keep up to date on these 2 little guys’ story.

See a list of all of their adoptable pets here.

Thank you Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue for all you do for those animals that need saved!

African Lions Are Disappearing

(Reposted from an email mom received from IFAW - International Fund for Animal Welfare)

African lions are disappearing.

Since 1980, the population of African lions has dropped by nearly 50%. They've been eliminated from 78% of their historic range. And they face extinction throughout much of their habitat.
There are several causes of their disappearance, including loss of habitat, loss of prey, and the impact of disease -- but one particular cause is one you can help us reverse.
The Lion as Trophy
Trophy hunting of lions has more than doubled in the past decade.
The United States is, by far, the largest importer of lions and lion parts. A staggering 64% of lion and lion parts are imported to the US - lion skulls that sit on mantles, lion skins that hang from walls, and lion rugs spread out across floors - all with no consideration of the cruelty and unsustainability of these "trophies."
Clearly, the disappearance of the African lion has reached crisis status. But there is hope - one simple and significant act that can immediately reverse this march towards extinction.
Help Lions Make the List
Listing the African lion as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act would generally ban the import of lions and lion parts into the US, and be crucial in helping reverse their steep and alarming decline.
IFAW has joined with several other leading non-profits to petition the US government to list the African lion as Endangered.
And now we need your help.
IFAW is collecting messages of support for this listing to be submitted to Secretary of the Interior, Kenneth Salazar.
Please send your message now (I have suggested some wording for you, but please feel free to add your personal and respectful comments).
Together we can end this disappearing act and restore this majestic species to savannas across Africa.

A Special Offer from Disney.
Save $8 when you buy African Cats, and any other Disneynature Blu-ray Combo Pack.
This offer is good through November 14, 2011. Valid only in the U.S. & Canada. Void where prohibited, and cannot be combined with any other offer.

SIGN THE PETITION

Fred O'Regan
IFAW President

p.s. You might think such a regal and charismatic species would be protected, but on the contrary, lions are only protected in 5% of their current range. Please act now to help us save Lions from cruel and unsustainable trophy hunting.

Animal News 10/5/12

Best Of Friends – Junie, Suki, and Damon

Let’s get going on some important stuff!  Animals that need saved, have been saved, or animals whose stories we can learn from!

• 4 Face Animal Cruelty Charges In Upstate NY – 68 cats and dogs taken from the home
• Farm Owner Faces 133 Charges Of Animal Cruelty – 1 horse had to be put down, the others are recouping at rescues, thank God!
• Utah Rat Eater Has Animal Cruelty Charge Dismissed – It’s one thing if the rat was wild and eaten by an animal, no? Humans are disgusting sometimes.
• Animal Cruelty – Right on lady!
• Buckeye man accused in animal cruelty; 2 horses seized – They were saved!
• Stiffest sentence yet for animal cruelty – Put the boxer in a bag and dumped him in a skip.  You know, there are shelters and rescues for unwanted animals.  There is no need for that EVER.
• 39 counts of cruelty to animals filed against city man – Molested children AND abused animals.  Lock him up forever please.  We don’t need him loose on the streets.
• Puppy kennel owner pleads guilty to 104 counts of animal cruelty – Sane people would call this a puppy mill, not a kennel.
• Harsh penalties needed in animal cruelty – Harsher penalties EVERYWHERE needed for animal cruelty.
• Misdemeanor charge filed in parrot death case – Yes, we totally understand why stomping on a parrot and killing it is a misdemeanor.
• Woman charged with cat cruelty – Spay and neuter your pets people.
• Animal centre's owner hits out over internet abuse campaign – Opinions?
• Animal Abuse Leaves Horses Needing Good Homes – If you have room, there are lots of horses all over the place that need rescued.  I wish we could, but we aren’t zoned for horses.  Not to mention, our yard is just big enough for us.
• Shelter seeks ban on selling mill-bred pets – I wish every city would ban the sale of pets in pet stores.  Pet stores should just be for pet supplies.  Do not buy your pet from a store, you are supporting animal mills!
• Puppy Mills Petition Surpasses 10,000 Signatures – Just 10,000?  We can do better than that!!!!
• Puppy Mill Dogs Taken In by Local Humane Society – Here in Iowa.  Brings back memories of my life before my family let me adopt them.
• Calls for adoption flood in after puppy mill seizure – They were saved!
• Woofstock sheds light on puppy mills – Mom wishes she would have known about this!  She totally would have driven all of us to Woofstock!
• Dogs Rescued From Puppy Mills Finding New Home in Minn. – YAY!  more saved!
• Fighting for pets in Texas pays off – Good!

Junie says to check out: Dominion: The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy

Someone Tell Mom I cannot Type On My Own

Really I can’t. She has been so busy, first it was getting settled into our new place after the fire.  Then the kids started school, then soccer started.  Really, no excuse.

There are animals that need to be saved.

Awareness that needs to be made.

How am I supposed to do that if she isn’t helping me.

I peaked over her shoulder today when she was telling someone about my blog.  She said that she truly needed to get going on it again because as much as she loves her personal blog, my blog serves a greater purpose.

I take it that means we are back to work.  Working for animals.

It’s about time people.

She added another addition.

Strangest cat I have ever met.

Don’t let that innocent look fool you.

There was contemplation going on about how to get into the bird cages.

That my friends, was Elaina.

Why the past tense?  No, mom didn’t get rid of Elaina.

You see, mom went and picked out a kitty because she loves cats.  She specifically asked for a female cat.  She was worried about male cats spraying.  She had heard that is what they do.

That is what the little bundle of cuteness looked like when she came home.

Mom finally decided that Elaina needed spayed.  She thought she was surely in heat because she was acting so weird.

She took her over to the vet and dropped her off.  On the way back home her phone rang.  The vet just wanted to let mom know there wouldn’t be an extra charge for Elaina being in heat because …. get ready for it …..

Elaina was a boy.

6 months old and mom just now figures out Elaina is a boy.

Elaina got neutered.

Elaina is now Damon.

Mom loves the vampire diaries.

Poor little guy on the way home after finding out a) he’s a boy and b) mom has this thing about getting her pets spayed and obviously neutered.  

Sorry buddy, we don’t add to the pet population at this house.

Honestly, strange cat.  His best friends are 2 dogs (myself and Suki) and he LOVES showers.  Loves them.

If the water comes on, he’s jumping in with whoever is taking a shower.  He doesn’t care who, he just wants under the water.

And the vet said he hates other cats.

I think we’ll keep him.

Junie says to check out:

Wellness Kitten Health Cat Food
The only food mom will feed Damon.  I have to agree.

The difference in his coat since mom switched him over from Kitten Chow.

Amazing. He is the softest cat ever.

Ecco Bella Earth Day

Mom originally posted this on her blog, but wanted to share it over here again because EcoBella is fabulous!  They truly care about the environment, about animals, about you!

Our countdown to
Earth Day
has reached the halfway mark.
Help keep the
momentum
going to 5,000.

     You are really amazing. Just two weeks into our Earth Day countdown and we’re already pushing 2,500 Likes on our Facebook page. Thanks so much to all you Intelligent Beauties, for showing how much you cherish our Mother Earth. Let’s keep the momentum going! Earth Day will be here before you know it, on April 22.

     As a champion of the environment, Ecco Bella would like to add more Earth-minded Intelligent Beauties to our Facebook page. As soon as we reach 5,000 Facebook "Likes", everyone on our mailing list will receive an email with a $10 Thank You coupon for Ecco Bella natural products. Just click on Facebook here and share us.
     Please also visit us at Ecco Bella. You'll discover some of nature’s best-kept beauty secrets.  And thank you for inspiring us to continue as an innovator in natural beauty, while looking out for you, animals and the planet.

From one Intelligent Beauty to another,
Sally Malanga, Founder

PS.  To help you get the most from natural products and your Ecco Bella experience, click here for your Free Beauty Consultation from our Natural Beauty Gurus. Or you can email us at producthelp@eccobella.com,  or call 877-696-2220 x 20. We love to talk!

I Am Back!

Junie Watching The Parade

Finally!  It's been a long time coming.  After the fire, mom had a laptop she was working from, but she hated working with the touch pad.  She didn't blog any more than the bare minimum.

All is better now.  Mom and Dad bought a mobile home that is over twice the size of the apartment we lived in and everyone is happy.  So happy, mom added a new addition.  She's a sucker for a little one who needs a home, but she said after this no more animals.  Someone is going to call animal hoarders. :)

She adopted Zuleica (who we call Suki).  Suki is a chihuahua mix and she's totally my BFF.  Love her!  We romp through the house with the greatest of ease.  We play all the time.  She's smaller than me and at first I was attempting to hump her to show her who was dominate, but she's not taking that so much anymore.  She kind of shows her teeth when I try to do it now.

Miss Suki - the regal one

Junie at the St Paddy's Day parade

Mom said she has lots of pictures of me to share but she'll only do one more today.  She said it's time to get back to animal awareness and I totally agree!  It's been way too long!  So, here is one last cute picture of me.

Junie in her new spot - under the budgies cage in the sun.

Now mom said she has to rewash the carpets.  Some of us are having problems holding it in our new house.  She gets out that noisy machine 3 or 4 times a day.  I'll blame the other 2 - even if she has caught me in the act.

Next post!  Animals who need our help!

Junie says to check out: 

Rescued Dog Best Friend Pets Dark T-Shirt
(Mom wants that shirt!)

We Lost Our Home

Junie's Mom, Heather, here.  I thought I'd post a quick update as to why there have been no blog posts.  Our apartment building was destroyed by fire.  We weren't there when it happened, but Junie and the lovebirds were.  My brother called and let us know that there was smoke rolling off of our building and we rushed back to save them. I was able to get Junie and 2 lovebirds out but they wouldn't let me in to save the budgies.  Afterwords, the fireman went in and got the budgies and it was a miracle they survived.  There was $1 million in damage to our building and it's inhabitable.  We are homeless but looking and staying with my brother right now.  You can read all updates on my blog.  That is where I will post them.  The latest update is here.  Junie's blog will not be updated regularly until I we have a place to live and our own computers working again.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time for our family. 

Cars Helping Pets

Mom was blog hopping earlier and found a post at Simply Stacie's blog that she thought was really cool and the site needed to be shared over here at They All Need Saved.

Do you have a car sitting around that either isn't running or you don't use?  You can donate that car (and will get a receipt for tax deductions) to Cars Helping Pets.

They pick up cars in all 50 states within 48 - 72 hours (and can expedite it for if you necessary).  They also will accept donations of boats, motorcycles, RVs and even real property.  You don't even have to be home, just let them know where you left the title and keys.  The tow truck driver will leave you confirmation that it was picked up and Cars Helping Pets will mail you your receipt for taxes.

By donating your car you will be supporting the ongoing effort to reduce animal suffering and cruelty as well as to create meaningful social change for animals. Your car donation will be used to help investigate animal cruelty and to enforce existing laws and advocating for stronger, more animal friendly public policies. 

Kind of a fabulous way to help out animals with something that you no longer have a need for, that has just been sitting in your driveway/yard, becoming a rust collector.

Cars Helping Pets. Facebook Twitter

Donate Your Car

Spay Day 2011 Online Pet Photo Contest

Junie has been entered in the Spay Day 2011 Online Pet Photo Contest! She would love it if you would vote for her. All of the proceeds from her votes will be donated to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.  Thank you so much!

Animal News January 26, 2011

Junie chilling in her morning spot

Like my hair?  I don't know if you can see it or not, but mom braided it to show dad that I am in serious need of some grooming again.  He didn't take the hint yet.  I actually don't mind the braid.  Much better than a pony tail sticking off the top of my head.  I mean seriously, why do that to a dog?  She says it's so I can see.  I say it's so they can laugh at me.

On to some animals who need our awareness:

Missouri Woman Could Lose Dogs Due to Over-Crowding There are some thoughts on this subject in the comments.  I'll let you weigh in on it.
Animal hoarding uncovered Mom's definition of animal hoarding doesn't revolve around numbers but about around a person's ability to care for their animals.  She knows people have 20 big parrots who all receive excellent nutrition, care, exercise, love, etc and she knows of those who have only 2 cats and/or dogs and don't take care of them at all.  We have 7 birds and me and we all taken care of and loved immensely.
What Is An Animal Hoarder?  Good article.  They feel the same way mom does.
Bozrah woman faces animal cruelty charges I think this shows the definition of hoarding perfectly.  It's sad.  The city payed to have 3 tons of trash removed.  Feces, flea infested.  So sad.
Shelter owner pleads innocent to animal cruelty 4 were saved.  21 weren't. :(
Animal cruelty: S.C. woman tortures, hangs pit bull dog for chewing Bible It's a good thing she didn't have Twinkle.  Look at what she did to mom's book:

Mom saved the ballet book before it was destroyed. That's a special book.
That's not the first book Twinkle has destroyed.

In all seriousness though.  That is really really sad.
Foreclosure horror: home filled with dead pets 30 animals not saved
Ohio woman arrested after dog froze to death outside Another death that never should have happened. Mom takes me out for 2 minutes max in this weather.  I hate the cold.  I do my thing or I don't and I run to the door to go back in.  Why did she leave them outside?
Man Arrested For Allegedly Beating Puppy To Death It is hard to read these articles all the time but people need to know what is going on so that there are tougher laws, so that people fight for those who don't have a voice of their own.
Puppy Mill Dogs Up For Adoption They were saved.  Now they need families.
Effort to repeal Missouri dog breeding law begins Come on Missouri.  You just put a decent law in place for these dogs.  Are you really going to take a step backwards instead of forward?
Local Organizations Honor National Spay and Neuter Month in February I'm spayed!  Are your pets?
Caledon woman pleads guilty to animal cruelty  I hate that they had to go through what they did but it is so good to post another They Were Saved post!
Government blind to animal suffering Mom loves articles that say that parrots were saved.  She loves all They Were Saved articles, but you always hear about the dogs and the cats.  All animals are subject to situations like this including parrots.  She has seen some parrots at rescues that have come out of the most deplorable hoarding situations where they are missing wings, legs, eyes.  It is terrible for every animal.
Reward Offered For Information On Pitbull One was saved, one wasn't.
Schneider: Dead dog, Lansing-area cases of brutality shocking Some story as previous article with more details.
Tumbler Ridge man given 10-year ban on owning animals Whose side to you believe?
Virginia Gambriel, pet and human hoarder, charged with 75 counts of animal abuse And she just keeps doing it.
Former Warfordsburg man fined $2,500 for 832 pig deaths Somehow the punishment doesn't fit the crime here.
Colorado Legislators Consider Ban on Steer Tailing You know, I know rodeos are a huge part of western American history and mom has even enjoyed a few in her younger days but we would be glad to see the more inhumane parts of it go.
Puppy Slaughter: A Police Prerogative Mom loves all animals but she would do anything to protect her children or me.  Enough said.
Local rescue group takes in 16 puppies They were saved!
Casablanca Hotel Caught Trapping Miami Beach Cats, At Least Eight Euthanized Utah - Miami, what's next?
Undercover work brings down large puppy mill Totally agree with the author, puppy mills need to be brought down.
Puppy, Wishbone, Zafaria, Duke, and the Paula Malatesta Pack are our January 23, 2011 Pups of the Week I love Miss Paula.  She saves all she can.

Junie says to check out: Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster

Changing Of The Food Again

Junie avoiding the snow by standing on mom's feet.

If you follow my mom's blog, you might have seen her post a dog food question yesterday.

She is trying to help me with battling the yeast in my ears.  The ear drops the doctor gives me doesn't cure the problem.  The yeast seems to go away but when the ear drops are gone it comes right back.

She's been giving me probiotics to help battle it but she is trying to figure out WHY it is occuring.  The probiotics have had another positive affect.  When she got me every few days I would throw up stomach acid in the mornings.  She talked to the vet about it and the vet said that sometimes dogs, like humans just have upset stomachs.  If it continued or got worse in frequency/amount to bring me in for another examination.  Since she started me on the probiotics, I haven't thrown up at all.  She also has been using Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash & Dry in my ears, but if she goes a few days without it, I start showing symptoms of an ear infection again.

She says that there has to be an underlying cause.

She started researching my food more.  From her blog:

I was reading this review here.

Black malted barley, however, is an unneccessary source of sugar and likely to contribute to yeast problems.

Now in any other dog this might not be a problem.  Junie though has reoccurring ear infections that are caused by yeast. 

Off to research more dog foods because obviously with my problems with yeast in my ears, Blue Buffalo is not the food for me.  She started going through all the dog foods that were rated 6 stars over there.  She ended up picking out a food by Orijen.  When she went to Iowa Pet Foods Plus, she talked to them about what is going on with me.  The lady just nodded her head in agreement over everything mom was saying regarding my food.  She told mom they don't even stock Blue Buffalo, not because it's a bad food, but because it has been recalled so many times.  She told mom that while the Orijen she had chosen was an excellent food, she would actually choose another recipe.  She said they only recommend the red meat recipes for working dogs.  Little dogs tend to get chubby on red meat dog foods.  She steered mom to this:

Orijen 6 Fresh Fish with Sea Vegetables

She also bought some Wellness Stews. She's going to start switching me over to these foods slowly so as not to upset my tummy.  The lady said that both choices were much better for a dog like me with the "specialty" things I deal with.

Mom said she doesn't think that they could ever own a large dog.  1 can of dog stew lasts me about 5 days mixed with my dry food.  One 5 lb bag of dry dog food lasts me about a month.  She can only imagine the cost of food for a St Bernard or Great Dane when you are giving them the high quality food.  :)

She was surprised that with it mixed I dug right into it today.  Usually I sniff around a new food for a couple of hours before I will even attempt to try it.  She said, maybe this will be easy for me to do.

The lady at Iowa Pet Foods Plus told her that it will take 6 weeks from the last date that I ate the old food to notice a difference.  She also told her that when I am done with my other glucosamine supplement that they have a high quality liquid one that is about the best you can get for a dog.

Mom loved the store.  They also are home to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa West.   They stopped back and looked at the cats and bunnies that were waiting for a new family.  She said they were expecting to have new dogs brought over within 20 minutes.

They got to meet Tigger, Killian, and Stormie who mom said were absolutely gorgeous cats that needed someone to love them.

Killian

Tigger

Stormie

Mom said that she would absolutely love it if they could find new homes.  She would adopt one of them in a heartbeat, but mom is allergic to cats.  Put her in the hospital for a breathing treatment allergic to cats.  ARL is not a no-kill shelter.  If you are in Iowa and you are interested in Tigger or Killian, you can contact the ARL-Iowa about them.  Like I said they are all at ARL west.  There are a whole bunch of animals awaiting new families at the ARL (all locations).  Besides dogs and cats, there are rabbits, rats, and even horses needing to be adopted.  Check out the pets here.  Everyone needs a home.  Remember, adopt don't shop.  They all need saved.

Junie says to check out: Rescue Matters: How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals: A Guide for Volunteers and Organizers

Urge the EPA to Ban Compound 1080

Wolf 314F under anesthesia after having her tracking collar put on

Mom and I get a lot of alerts in our email regarding animals and animal welfare.  This one broke mom's heart and she wanted to share it with you so that you too might sign the petition to urge a ban on the use of Compound 1080 to kill wolves.  Read how this wolf who was being tracked died.  Read about her finally moments.  Then tell me if that doesn't sound like a horrible case of animal cruelty.  Does anyone deserve to die like that?  Tell them to not use Compound 1080, something that has been categorized as a chemical weapon in many countries.

She had traveled to four states and logged more than 1,000 miles from her home in Montana. 

But a female wolf from the Mill Creek pack (known as 314F), met a horrific fate in Colorado -- illegally poisoned by the deadly Compound 1080. 

Take action now! Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide -- deadly toxins that can kill protected wildlife. 

Photo from the petition site

 314F's last moments must have been excruciating. Plagued with convulsions, dizziness and unbearable pain, her incredible journey ended in a terrible death on a lonely Colorado road. 

But sadly, she is not alone. Because it is one of the most lethal toxins known to humankind, Compound 1080 was once completely banned. Illicit stockpiles still remain -- and it has been used to illegally kill wolves. 

Compound 1080 -- so dangerous, it is classified as a chemical weapon in several countries -- is now legally used by the Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services to kill coyotes in nine states. 

Compound 1080 and other deadly toxins -- approved by EPA and used by Wildlife Services -- don't always reach their intended victims. Sodium cyanide -- another highly toxic poison -- kills hundreds of non-target animals each year. Protected wolves, rare swift foxes and even hundreds of pet dogs have been killed by baited traps that are left unattended.

EPA is currently deciding whether to continue to allow the use of Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide by Wildlife Services to kill native wildlife. And we need your help to ban these deadly chemicals.

Act now! Urge federal officials to ban the use of Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide to kill wildlife -- and prevent the poisoning of animals struggling to survive. 

Wildlife Services continues to rely on poisons -- a heavy-handed approach to dealing with predation of livestock -- despite the fact that only a small percentage of sheep and cattle are killed by wild predators each year. 

Non-lethal alternatives like improved fencing, guard animals, range riders and other methods can safely and effectively keep predators away from domestic animals -- without the use of deadly poisons. 

Act now to end the use of Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide -- a terrible way for wildlife to die. 

It's too late for 314F. After traveling more than 1,000 miles from home, she met a grisly fate. 

But with your help, we can fight to end the use of the use of Compound 1080 and sodium cyanide -- and prevent the poisoning of wildlife struggling to survive.

Copied from an email we received from Defenders of Wildlife.

Read other articles on Wolf 314F here and here. 

Animal News January 23, 2011

Junie hanging in her favorite spot

That picture of me is me in my favorite spot.  It drives mom crazy.  She's worried I'll get burned on it.  She moves my bed farther away and I just get into the space between the radiator and my bed.  If she moves my bed against it, I move my bed away so I can get back in there and stay really warm.

Did you know that the Chinese royalty used to use Chinese Cresteds as their own personal heating pads? It's true.  Read a little bit about us here.  It is also claimed that we can be used to cure arthritis (by using us as a heating pad).  We have no problem with this as it gives us a chance to snuggle with our human.  There's nothing we like more than being with our human.  Mom looks at the rescued Chinese Crested sites sometimes (because she'd like to rescue a friend for me when they buy a house) and almost every description describes the dog as a shadow or Velcro dog.  Mom laughs because that's exactly what she calls me.  It's true.  I doubt there is another breed of dog that likes to be with their human more than we do.

Note:  Mom would like to disagree with that second link that claims that we don't like to bark loudly or often and that we don't make good guard dogs.  I bark loudly and often, especially when I hear the kids moving when they shouldn't be.  I may not be a huge guard dog, but I make an excellent watch dog.  I watch from under the bed while I'm barking.

On to some animal news:

US man spends month in lions’ den to raise cash Wouldn't catch me in there.  Do you agree it's exploitive?
Should UBC experiment on monkeys? Should they?
Shielo: Cruelty Free Hair Mom loves finding new products that are cruelty free.
Another Case of Animal Abuse in Lansing Poor pit.  Mom loves the saying at the top of that blog.
West Side Woman Charged With Animal Cruelty After being charged before, why does she own more animals?
450 Horses Near Death I wish we had the money to feed them all. :(
Investigators have good leads in dog-abuse case I hope they catch the person.
Reward Increased In Dead Dog Case Disgusting.
Thomas faces huge fine for animal cruelty 722 counts of animal cruelty.  Why do people not take care of that which they have made a commitment to by bringing them under their care?
31 dead animals found in Granite Falls home It's hard to read all of this stuff all the time, but awareness needs to be made so people will help those who can't help themselves.  It's so sad.
Dog Auctions Very good article.  Such sad pictures.
What to do about “hell-hole” puppy mills? Another good article.
Arrest made after dog survives shooting in parking lot Really?  Someone else's dog is in their truck and you shoot it?  Where is the common sense here?
Can you spot pet abuse? Good article
Peacock Killer Found Not Guilty of Cruelty Go ahead and do what you want to peacocks in Hawaii.  They won't convict you of animal cruelty.  Especially if you plan on eating it after you bludgeon it to death.
Police say student killed mice for an art project, charged with animal cruelty Label it art, I guess. Gross.
Shafter High School Students Say Animal Cruelty Happens Often This is from mom - next generation of serial killers coming right up.  You know they say most serial killers started out abusing animals than moved on to humans.
Rep. Curt Oda received threats over animal cruelty bill, police say To answer violence with violence is not the solution here.
Brooklyn Couple Allegedly Hoarded, Abused Dozens Of Cats I'm not a cat friendly type of dog but even I'm against abusing cats.
Is E-Bay selling Blood Pups? I agree.  I hate that Ebay classifieds allows people to sell animals.
We must outlaw roadside pet sellers. Will the world ever be a safe place for animals?
Ebay Classifieds Gives Puppy Mills a Platform Another Ebay Classifieds article.

Junie says to check out: Chinese Crested Dog Design Messenger Bag (only because mom wants it herself.)

Current News About Animals

Alyce and One of the Girls reading

I've been way too sporadic in posting.  Mom has decided that even on days that nothing is going on with me, she needs to help me post stories of animals around the world.

More interesting to hear about than how many times I use the girls room is my personal bathroom to avoid going out in the snow I would assume.  (Mom's kept a good eye on me and I didn't do it for a few days.  Then she took me outside this morning, I did my thing, then 5 minutes later she heard a shout from one of the girls, MOM! Junie pood in our room.

A dog's got to do what a dog's got to do right?  On to the news.

Justin Bieber Promotes Animal Adoption - The boy uses his name for good, just like Justin Bieber's nail polish line which I think the proceeds of which are going to charity.
Proposed Virginia Bill Amends Animal Welfare Code I know that some people actually need laws like this to get them to do what they should be doing already, but I think it's sad that a law is needed to make people do things like provide food and water for their animals that they CHOSE to have under their care.
Animal Welfare Under Resourced in Israel Animals face the same problems all over the world.  The releasing of pigeons into the wild concerns my mom.  If they have been raised by humans their whole lives, they have no idea how to survive in the wild.  I know our birds wouldn't begin to know what to do out there.  What's more humane though?  Wasting away in a cage when nobody wants you or flying off to try to make it out there in the big bad world that you've no experience with.  6 of one, half a dozen of the other.
IFAW Partners with PetFlow.com to Help Animals in Need I added this to the Companies who support Rescues page.
Parsing the new ‘humane’ food labels I'll agree, labels can be confusing.  The picture at the top makes me sad.
Animal cruelty trial continues for twins accused of burning pit bull - The picture will break your heart.
Lawyer in Hawaii says animal cruelty trial for peacock killing is 'ridiculous' Yes because if something makes a little noise that annoys you you should bludgeon it to death.  So ridiculous. People amaze me.
China Bans Animal Circuses, Issues New Warning To Zoos About Abuse I think this is the first time we have ever said this.  WOOT WOOT China for banning animal circuses.  The US needs to follow in their footsteps!
Utah Bill Declares Open Season on Feral Animals Way to take a few steps back in civility Utah.
Century Man Arrested On Six Animal Cruelty Charges The pictures will bring tears.  At least they did for me.
To buy or not to buy, that is the question Great article.  Gee, I'm from the third largest puppy mill state.  Not really a surprise since I spent the first few years of my life in one.
Police investigating after HSGB informed of decapitated dog [Warning: Graphic Images] Sickening.  Just sickening.
Almost 200 Dogs Rescued from Northwest Harris County Home If we had a house my mom would foster a couple of my Chinese Crested brothers/sisters.
Where To Look For Buying A Puppy Good tips

Now to stay caught up on all of the news articles.

Junie says to check out:  Chinese Crested: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)

Beauty and the Beast - A Rescue Story

Originally posted here on my mom's blog - Not Everyone's Mama.  We felt it was relevant over here also because it relates to helping animals.

Reposted from their newsletter with permission from Ecco Bella because I thought it was a neat way to start getting involved!

Meet Spike and Busby. Just a couple of happy-go-lucky Macaques, who loved sitting up in trees, munching on fruit and nuts, until a selfish research lab got hold of them. But in this case justice was served. The lab went bust and these guys and 23 of their fellow rescues went straight to a good home at Primarily Primates, the Friends of Animals sanctuary outside of San Antonio, Texas.

     As a board member of Friends of Animals, I sweat their financials and exalt in their successes. Several years ago, as Primarily Primates was struggling to stay afloat, FoA offered to share resources with them, effectively rescuing the sanctuary.

     Check out this heartwarming Macaques rescue video. And don’t miss the last few minutes. It’s a moving testament to the fantastic work the Primarily Primates staff is doing.

I know how deeply you care about the planet, and as a board member of FoA, I have arranged for you to become a friend of the sanctuary. With a $20 purchase, you’ll receive a free Ecco Bella Mascara, in black or brown (a value of $15.95,) plus a one year membership in both Primarily Primates and Friends of Animals (A total value of $65.95.) You’ll love it!

To help you get the most from your Ecco Bella experience, call or email us for yourFree Beauty Consultation from our Natural Beauty Gurus. Let us hear from you atproducthelp@eccobella.com
Or call 877-696-2220 x 20. We love to talk!

     Thank you for inspiring us to continue as an innovator in natural beauty for you, while looking out for animals and the planet.

From one Intelligent Beauty to another,
Sally Malanga
Founder, Ecco Bella + Chaz

I am definitely going to sign up for this offer and you can too here.

If you want to subscribe to Ecco Bella’s newsletter to see more opportunities like this you can subscribe here.

Ecco Bella’s Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

FTC (wo)Man: I received no compensation for this post.  In fact, I reached out to Ecco Bella to ask if I could repost their newsletter that I had received because I thought it was such a neat idea.  Ecco Bella did not ask me to nor did they provide me with anything for this post.  Thank you!