Animal welfare film honored with Emmys – Temple Grandin Wins 7 Emmy Awards!

Temple Grandin Wins 7 Emmy Awards! We couldn’t be happier about Temple Grandin’s success at last night’s Emmy Awards Ceremony! The film was nominated for a whopping 15 Emmys, and walked away with seven — including the coveted Emmys for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. HBO’s outstanding biopic movie Temple Grandin is near and dear to our hearts at American Humane Association as the inspirational story of one of the world’s true animal welfare champions. We are honored that part of Temple Grandin’s life’s work includes serving on the Scientific Advisory Committee of American Humane Association’s farm animal welfare program, the force behind the ultra-successful American Humane® Certified label for humane farming practices. It’s also a movie that met our high standards for the treatment of animals on set. HBO looked to American Humane Association’s Film & Television Unit to oversee the “animal action” during the filming of Temple Grandin. We were pleased to reward the production with our famous “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer and our Monitored: Outstanding rating. Our congratulations go out to HBO, Claire Danes — who portrayed Temple Grandin in the film and won the Lead Actress Emmy — and everyone else affiliated with this magnificent film. Learn more about Temple Grandin, the American Humane Association’s Certified farm animal welfare program and our Film and Television Unit. “Temple Grandin’s remarkable talents and dedication have contributed immeasurably to the welfare of farm animals, and we deeply value her active involvement with American Humane Association’s farm animal welfare program. It was a thrill to see her receive the recognition she so richly deserves during last night’s broadcast, and our heartfelt congratulations go out to her and everyone who made this important film possible.”  –Dale Austin, CEO of American Humane Association’s farm animal welfare program TIME MAGAZINE NAMES SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER TEMPLE GRANDIN A HERO Honored as One of ‘The 2010 Time 100 People Who Most Affect Our World’ Temple Grandin, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the American Humane® Certified farm animal welfare program, was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 people “who most affect our world.” She was honored in the Heroes category for being an inspiration to people with autism, as well as her groundbreaking work designing livestock-handling systems that reduce stress on animals. Grandin has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in animal science and humane treatment of animals. As a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee for American Humane Certified, Grandin consults with program management to improve the program’s standards and methodologies and makes recommendations on animal welfare policy. American Humane Certified is the nation’s pre-eminent and fastest-growing monitoring, auditing and labeling program that attests to the humane care and handling of animals raised for food. Grandin is also the best-selling author of Thinking in Pictures,Animals in Translation and Humane Livestock Handling. She recently authored an article titled “The Importance of Farm Animal Welfare” forThe National Humane Review. MOVIE TELLS INSPIRATIONAL LIFE STORY OF AMERICAN HUMANE ADVISOR ‘Temple Grandin’ Premiered Feb. 6 on HBO HBO premiered an original film based on the inspirational, true story of Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes, on Feb. 6, 2010. The film was critically acclaimed, and received seven Emmy awards, including Outstanding Made For Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. Temple Grandin paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism. Grandin became a successful doctor in animal science through her unique connection to animals and is now a world-renowned consultant in the field. She is widely recognized within the animal welfare and livestock-handling industries as a pioneer in the ethical treatment of animals. In producing the film, HBO also engaged the services of American Humane’s Film & Television Unit, which is the exclusive monitoring and granting agency to award the coveted “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer. The production followed American Humane’s strict Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media, had an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ on set to ensure animal safety and welfare, and earned the famous assurance to viewers that “no animals were harmed” in the making of the movie. Learn more about American Humane’s Film & Television Unit. See film clip about this HBO original film here. Please Join and Support American Humane

Dogs Know

This really is a great story

Lucky Dog….

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You’ll like it even if you don’t and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky’s toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky’s other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box..

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease….in fact; she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.  The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her… what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary’s dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won’t understand that I didn’t want to leave him!  The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn’t even make it up the steps to her bedroom.  Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap..

Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn’t come to her when she called.  It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn’t understand what was wrong.  She couldn’t move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!  While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life.

He had covered her with his love.
Mary forgot about dying.  Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It’s been 12 years now, and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky, he still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure..

Remember… Live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget… the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.  They are the ones that care for us.  For those of us true pet lovers, our dogs and cats are people too; perhaps even better friends than our human friends and acquaintances.

Live simply… Love seriously. Care deeply.  Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

A small request
All you are asked to do is keep this sharing this, even if it is only to one more person, in memory of anyone you know that has been struck down by cancer or is still fighting their battle.

And also to use it as an encouragement to fight against animal abuse.  Please intercede on their behalf whenever you are needed, even if it is just a hunch.

Pet Therapy

Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

Just One More Pet

Our Poly the GreyCheek…

Birds make interesting pets and some varieties are better than others.  Greycheeks are fabulous companions… almost to their detriment.  They love to be full-time companions that often puts them in precarious situations.

Dog Philosophy

If you live by these dog rules, you will be a happier person!
There’s a lot we humans can learn from dogs. If you live your life by the same philosophy that dogs do, you will be much better off in life. In the wild, animals fight only for two things, not a fancy car, not clothes or jewelry, they just fight for food or a mate, everything else they get after that is just pure happiness.

Dog Philosophy:

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
3. When loved ones come home, always run and greet them.
4. When it’s in your best interest, always practice obedience.
5. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
6.Take naps and always stretch before rising.
7. Run, romp and play daily.
8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
9. Be loyal.
10. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
13. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.
14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
17. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
18. No matter how often you are criticized, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

Doggy Out or Doggy in?

Doggy Out or Doggy in?… Or Should It be Called:  Owner Dumb or Owner Smart?  or Owner Mean or Owner Kind?

Isn’t my dog happier living outside?

Only if you live outside with him! Dogs are pack animals they are used to living in groups, not by themselves. More than ten thousand years ago dogs were domesticated to live with humans, they long for our companionship and need it. Dogs that do not have constant human contact have more behavior problems.

The reason I put my dog outside is because he was destroying the house. I had no choice, what else could I do?

By putting your dog outside you will only increase his behavior problems.

Dogs that live outdoors are more likely to bark, dig, chew, jump the fence and bite. The reason for this is because they become lonely, bored and anxious. Dogs need constant human contact and interaction. You can have a well-behaved dog that lives indoors.

My dog started to jump the fence, so I had no choice but to chain him to a tree. Do you have any other suggestions?

One of the cruelest things you could do to a dog is to chain them for a prolonged period of time. It is cruel and inhumane! Dogs kept on chains, watch as the world goes by, imagine what life would be like.

Chained dogs suffer from psychological deprivation which results in listlessness, depression, frenzied barking and aggression. There is nothing positive about keeping any dog on a chain. If your dog is jumping the fence, he’s probably bored. Take him for lots of walks to alleviate his boredom and bring him inside with the family.

I wanted a barking dog to protect my property if intruders came by the house. How can he do that inside?

First of all, your dog will want to protect you and your home if he is bonded to you. If he is outside alone the bond probably isn’t very strong. Secondly, a barking dog is like a car alarm that goes off, nobody pays attention, because they hear it all the time. Besides how can your dog fight off any intruders if he’s in the yard? If you want a dog to protect you the best way is to love him, keep him inside and he’ll want to watch over you and the family.

If I have no choice but to keep my dog outside, what kind of shelter is necessary?

The law requires that your dog has access to “proper” shelter at all times! Just as you would not like to be exposed to the rain or hot sun neither does your dog! Be sure your dog has a comfortable, weather- resistant house to protect him from the elements.

Hat Tip:  DogWork.com  –    www.dogwork.com/feeling/

When I read articles like this or worse read about poor animals subject or selfish, ignorant, mean and inhumane owners I really have to stop myself from hyper-ventilating and then screaming at the top of my lungs.

Almost every person, and especially children, are better for having a pet, especially a dog… but it is the responsibility of the rest of us to make sure that these loyal creatures are saved from the worst among us… the inhumane, the ignorant the selfish and the cruel pet owners, who are almost always also the same types or parents, spouses and people in general.  Do not stand idly by!!

“Man truly is the cruelest animal on the Earth and compared to our actual brain capacity and what we do with it, probably the dumbest!!” … Just One More Pet

The importance of teaching your dog good manners

Whether they will admit it or not (whether THEY have good manners or not), almost everyone appreciates good manners, in adults, in children – and in dogs. A well-mannered dog is welcome almost anywhere, is a pleasure to spend time with and a source of pride. A dog who behaves without constant corrections, doesn’t jump up uninvited, doesn’t bark, whine, beg, demand attention, doesn’t pull at the leash and comes back when called is every owner’s dream dog

Unfortunately, too many dogs are very badly behaved (through no fault of their own) and too many owners are either unwilling or unable to teach their dog even the most basic good manners.
If you are a dog owner whose canine pal isn’t welcome anywhere, who has to be locked outside when company calls, and if you spend more time yelling at your dog than enjoying his company, it isn’t too late. And for your own benefit as well as for your dog’s well-being, here are five reasons why you should spend some time teaching your dog some good (or at least better) manners.

1) Quality of Life
There’s nothing worse, even for a dog lover, than spending time with a badly behaved dog. What starts out as “cute” behavior quickly turns to disruption and annoyance if you can turn it off. You won’t enjoy life if you’re constantly scolding your dog and worrying about their next mistake. Your dog won’t enjoy life if he’s always in the dog house. Your friends and neighbors won’t enjoy any of it.
On the other hand, your quality of life, your dog’s quality of life and the quality of life of everyone around you is much better when your dog is well-behaved. Knowing your dog will behave in most, if not every situation allows you both to relax and enjoy life, and others will look forward to spending time with you AND your dog.

2) Your Dog’s Safety
An unruly dog is a danger to himself, especially if their particular bad behaviors include escaping, raiding the rubbish or not coming when called.

A really unruly dog can injure a human, and if the injury is severe enough, your pet may be seized, suffer harsh treatment from officials or the victim – they may even be euthanized. Dogs who bark uncontrollably annoy the neighbors, and some neighbors may be willing to take the law into their own hands with a chunk of poisoned meat or even a gun.

On the other hand, a dog who has good basic manners won’t dash into traffic, will stay out of the trash and will stay at your side and come back to you when they’re called. Neighbors who don’t know you have a dog

(a sign that you’re doing something right) will have no cause for complaint. A well-mannered dog is a safe dog.

3) Everyone Else’s Safety
Dogs who jump or mouth in particular are potentially dangerous dogs. Even a healthy adult can be knocked down if a dog jumps without warning. Mouthing (a dog that even gently takes hold of hand, arm or leg) can bruise or even break the skin – and someone who isn’t familiar with this behavior may think they have actually been bitten.

Dogs who dash through traffic or who chase bicycles can cause accidents. Even a dog who’s unruly on-leash, especially on a retractable leash, can cause problems with everyone around them, pulling people over or creating a trip and/or tangling hazard.
Owning a badly mannered dog may also be dangerous to your financial safety. Too many people are willing to sue dog owners for even the most minor or innocent infractions, and unfortunately, the courts are rarely on the dog’s side, especially if they’re obviously badly behaved.

On the other hand, a dog with good manners can be trusted around just about everyone, young or old, healthy or not so healthy.

4) Conceptions and Misconceptions
Non-dog people have a number of ideas about dogs, and unfortunately, they are much more willing to accept the bad press as the truth about ALL dogs. Dogs bite, spread disease, attack without provocation and bark uncontrollably – all true about badly behaved dogs. Unfortunately, even dogs with good manners are painted with that same brush.

Landlords, often quite rightly, refuse to allow dogs into their rentals because of past ill-mannered tenants – owner and dog. Destruction, house soiling, excessive barking and aggressive tendencies will almost ensure that a landlord won’t allow pets in future.
On the other hand, a dog who quietly greets guests (especially the landlord), doesn’t jump or bark and takes treats politely can help to reeducate non-dog people. When your neighbors or your landlord remarks “I didn’t even realize you had a dog”, you’ve done a world of good to improve the general perception of dogs everywhere.

5) It’s Responsible
Abdicating responsibility seems to be the current fashion, especially where pets are concerned. Irresponsible dog owners allow all manner of bad manners, letting their dog wreak havoc with family and friends, neighbors and even random passersby.

On the other hand, taking responsibility for your dog’s actions by training them and enforcing rules is not only the responsible thing to do, it’s the moral thing to do too. Instilling good manners should be a condition of dog ownership.

When you become a dog owner – or a dog guardian, if you prefer – you take on the responsibility for your dog – for his well-being and for his impact on others. It is your responsibility – not your dog’s responsibility or the responsibilities of others – to ensure that your dog isn’t dangerous, isn’t a nuisance and has a good quality of life.
Good manners may not longer be in fashion, but for dogs and dog owners, they are essential. Make sure your dog has good basic manners, and you’ll not only have a good dog, you’ll have a happy dog – and you’ll be happier

Pat Gray

The purpose of a dog!

A  Dog’s Purpose? (from  a 6-year-old)

Get a tissue before reading…

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron , his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane , were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the  family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane  might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him.. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few  minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.  I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.  It has changed the way I try and live..

He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued, ”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember,  if a dog were the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never  pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Related:

• Pets and Heaven
• Meredith and Abbey… A Beautiful Soul at the Post Office
• Rainbow Bridge
• Sometimes “Rainbow Bridge” Prayers Are Answered
• Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Best Idea!
• Pet owners cut back on gifts… but not for their cuddly dogs and cats
• Is Your Pet a Voiceless Victim of the Tanking Economy?
• ‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’

Canada marijuana growers use wild bears to guard pot

Police said Wednesday they were astonished to find at least 14 wild black bears guarding an illegal marijuana growing operation after a recent raid on the property in westernmost Canada.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Fred Mansveld said police believe two growers arrested in the raid had used dog food to lure the animals onto the remote property in southeastern British Columbia, to deter marijuana thieves.

Police commonly find dogs, human guards or booby-traps on Canadian marijuana growing operations or “grow-ops.” In comparison, these bears did a very poor job as guard animals when five policemen arrived.

“They were tame, they just sat around watching… at one point one of the bears climbed onto the hood of a police car, sat there for a bit and then jumped off,” said Mansveld.

He said the officers involved in the July 30 raid were all familiar with wild animals, and while wary, were not afraid of the bears once they realized the animals were not aggressive.

Black bears are common throughout Canada, and except in the cases of mothers with cubs, usually live solitary lives in the wilderness. It is against provincial law to feed them.

By feeding them, said Dave Webster, a conservation officer with the provincial government who launched an investigation of the case on Wednesday, the marijuana growers delivered “a death sentence for the wild animals.”

Webster told AFP “tame” bears are dangerous, because once they?re fed they commonly seek out other people, frequently destroy property, and in very rare cases attack or even kill people.

“If a bear is deemed to be a safety risk and is habituated to human food and not able to feed itself in the wild, it will be destroyed,” he explained.

Police, citizens or conservation officers kill untold hundreds of so-called “nuisance” bears annually throughout Canada.

“It’s killing animals by kindness,” said Mansveld. “It?s terrible, a real shame.”

Mansfield said when police entered the house on the property, “we also found a pot belly pig and a little raccoon sleeping on the bed… it was friendly, it tried to climb one officer?s leg.”

Police are pictured with two of the 14 wild black bears that were guarding an illegal marijuana growing operation after July 30, 2010 raid on the property in the Christina Lake area of westernmost Canada

Source: Breitbart.com

Sun Valley pet resort pampers pooches

Trainer Valarie Aguilera teaches “Valentine” to surf at the new beach area at the Paradise Ranch Pet Resort in Sun Valley. o-owners Brian Kneier and Kristyn Goddard have created a water park for dogs. (Photo by David Crane/Staff Photographer)

Forget Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.

There’s a little bit of paradise at a water park in Sun Valley that offers dock-diving, surfing lessons, waterfalls, geysers and “Tahitian-themed” bungalows.

The only catch is, the Paradise Ranch Pet Resort is a dogs-only venue.

Nestled behind stands of trees on La Tuna Canyon Road, the 1.5-acre, cage-free kennel Tuesday will unveil its “Doggy Water Park and Bora Bora Beach Club.”

“A lot of dogs love water,” said resort co-owner Brian

Kneier, who designed what he claims is the nation’s first canine-only water park after watching dogs frolicking in a wading pool. “The dogs just love it. They run and romp in shallow water.”

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will include dock-diving demonstrations and surfing and boogie-board lessons.

There also will be tours of the $35-a-day resort, which features the Bora Bora Beach Club, a beach-entry style wading pool replete with dolphin fountains shooting streams of water and shady, over-the-water cabanas.

There’s also a spot for lessons in the increasingly popular sport of dock diving, with pooches competing in distance jumping after launching themselves off the dock.

Just those two attractions kept Brittany, a Jack Russell terrier, busy for at least an hour Monday. The dog, which was supposed to be learning to surf, couldn’t hold still long enough to be towed through the wading pool on a boogie board.

Instead, she splashed, leaped,

bit at the streams of water, and whined to be let into the pool before being allowed three dives.

Her more stoic companion, Valentine, an English bulldog, was more focused on the surfing lesson. After several wipeouts, she was able to balance her stocky legs on the foam board as manager Valarie Aguilera tugged her through the water.

“It’s so much fun for the dogs,” Aguilera said. “Honestly, they’re having a great time. And it’s fun for us, too. And it’s something that once they learn, they’re not going to forget it, and you can take them to the beach.”

The resort, built in 1997, is the brainchild of Kristyne Goddard, a pioneer in the cageless, home-environment boarding facility. Goddard, Kneier’s wife, started out with a traditional kennel in 1995 in Texas.

But the dogs crying inside their cages and clawing at the chain link fences tugged at her heartstrings.

“I could not stand how miserable the dogs were,” said Goddard, who began keeping the dogs at her home. “I thought that we should try to find a more humane way to board them, in a home environment, like they would be at home. And it just took off. People just loved it. They loved not having to put them in a cage.”

The ranch is divided into nine yards and is anchored by two homes, which boast bedrooms cozily furnished with beds, sofas, fake fireplaces and even flatscreen TVs – just for the dogs.

Owners can request a staff member to be their pet’s sleeping buddy and can access any of the 12 cameras in the rooms and throughout the resort to keep an eye on their pet.

“Normally when you take a dog to the kennel, you have to drag them in,” Kneier said. “Here, they’re dragging the people.”

Jim Lott of Glendale, an executive with the Hospital Association of Southern California, was picking up his Wheaten terrier, Rinkle, after a three-week vacation. The pampering Rinkle received during the stay, which costs about $49 a night, Lott said, is “what it’s all about.”

“I’m trying to figure out whether or not he’s even going to come home with me,” said Lott, who has boarded two dogs at the ranch. “It might be a little tough to get him out of here.”

For more information, visit www.paradiseranch.net or call 866-641-3647.

Posted:  Just One More Pet

Dogs of Distressed Gulf Families Land in NJ

August 15, 2010 – 1:43 PM | by: Peter Doocy

In the wake of the BP disaster in the gulf region, many people are being forced to give up their pets because they no longer have the resources to take care of them.  As a result, shelters in the area are overwhelmed, and are now sending dogs to other states in an effort to save their lives.  “Its kind of sad and our heart kind of breaks, because you can tell these people really love their pets,” said Charlotte Bass-Lilly with Animal Rescue New Orleans.  “It’s kind of shades of Katrina again.”

This week, the largest pet transport so far took place: 94 dogs to eight shelters in New Jersey.  Some of them landed at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey, and they are some of the Garden State’s most popular new residents.  “The community support and outpouring for them has just been incredible.  It was kind of like a bar on St. Patrick’s Day, and we had 20 in and 20 out, because we had so many people waiting to see them.”

Debbie and Andrew Silberstein brought their kids Zachary and Noah to St. Huberts today, where they adopted Sasha Bee, who just last week lived in a completely different part of the country.

Mom Debbie sympathizes with those forced to part ways with their pets.  “It’s very sad that these people had to do that and we feel sorry,” she said.  “But they should know that we’ll give this dog lots of love and attention and we’ll really love her like part of our family.”

The dogs here at St. Huberts have been through a lot since the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig.  One dog, Casper, was surrendered to a New Orleans shelter because his owner started working with BP to clean up oil, and no longer had the time to take care of him.  Another dog, Yoda, is here because his owner was forced to downsize to an apartment that did not accept animals.

The dogs were squeezed onto a big rig operated by the Humane Society, and with two drivers, made the trip from the bayou to a suburb of the Big Apple in 18 hours.

The most striking thing about seeing these canines up close is that they are all very good looking, and very well behaved.  These aren’t dogs from the street.  Until recently, they were members of families.  And anyone that rescues one of these dogs will be doing a great service to those distressed families in the gulf: ensuring that the pet they love finds a loving new owner.

If you are interested in rescuing one of these resilient animals, go to www.petfinder.com, or www.sthuberts.or

I am absolutely against government bailouts and the stimulus (I,II, or whatever number we are one now), but if we are going to spend this money and spend it on bridges to nowhere, an airport only used by one of our cheating U.S. Senators and send billions of our TARP money to European banks… there should never be a need or incident of another pet/animal being euthanized because “we” couldn’t wait to find them a home or take care of them.  Demand No More Killing of Pets… and some of that bailout money that lined the fat cats’ pockets to go to animals.  There should also never be a shortage of many of children’s homes and abused or abandoned children.  Let us stand up and stop the insanity!!  There is $421 billion dollars unaccounted for and leftover from the “crisis created” stimulus I Bill.  Now about some of that goes to homeless and abused children and pets/animals instead of politicians and International bankers?

Posted:  Just One More Pet