Aide4Animals

Please donate to this worthy cause. Aide4Animals is helping medically needy dogs get out of shelters and become adoptable dogs. We need support to keep going.

http://aide4animals.rescuegroups.org/

Happy Ending - Farah's Adoption

Many of you may remember Farrah, the terrified Chow/Lab mix that came to OCAS on March 10. One day while volunteering at the shelter I met a woman named Marla who asked if we could help this dog. Farrah was cowered in the corner scared to death. Marla's heart went out to Farrah but she couldn't adopt her, so Will and I decided to work with her a bit to see if we could help. Eventually I asked ARF Shack Rescue if I could foster Farrah to see if it was possible to rehabilitate her to some extent, but we were all unsure of her future. She was petrified of EVERYONE, terrified to walk on a leash, afraid of cars, people, noises, leashes, almost anything. She would cower when you came near and flinched when you tried to pet her.

When I first got Farrah home I noticed an intense curiosity toward the other dogs. By the next day I decided to introduce her to the other dogs in my home in the hopes that it would help her confidence. She immediately developed a friendship with my largest dog, Abby, the Newfoundland. I heard that fearful dogs can be helped by other dogs to learn friendship, trust, companionship, and just how to be a dog. Over time, Farrah realized I was also a friend. I fed her, talked to her, pet her, and showed her kindness and love. Eventually she understood. And one day someone asked if he and his wife could adopt Farrah. We were excited for her and hoped this was a good home where her fears would be minimal.

The day before Farrah's big meet and greet with the adopters she was running and playing and feeling so happy. She plopped her paws in my lap and looked up at me. We looked directly at each other and I then asked her "are you ready to go?". At that moment we realized it was time. I took a deep breath, built up my strength to be able to let her go, even though she was so close to my heart and I would miss her dearly.

On September 6, 2010 Farrah went to her forever home with Bill and Cyndi in Palm Bay. They are a gentle loving couple who have a wonderful sweet dog for Farrah to play with and be a companion too, which is Farrah's best quality. There is no doubt in my mind that Farrah found the perfect home. Bill and Cyndi are experienced with fearful dogs and due to their calm demeanor, Farrah was not frightened, just cautious, like a "normal" dog would be.

Kudos to EVERYONE, Marla, Will, shelter staff, Janet, ARF Shack Rescue, and all the people who even considered adopting and extending your heart to an "underdog". Her chances of adoption at the shelter were next to none due to her extreme fears. I could go on and on about how wonderful this dog is, her incredible gentleness and the kind heart I found inside her. Every dog in my home new this about Farrah. She was very special. This is a testament to the realization that every dog is special and sometimes you just have to look for it inside them. They are inherently sentient beings with lives of their own and deserve a chance to live and be happy; each and every dog born to this world. We can't save them all, but we changed the world for this one dog and I can only imagine what this means to her.

Linda Rock
OCAS Senior Volunteer and Rescue Volunteer

Foster Mom Poem

To My Foster Mom

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.
- Author Unknown

Missouri Puppy Mills

Stop Puppy Mills in Missouri


https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&cmd=display&page=ActionAlertTakenPage&id=4661

Faith, Hope, Charity

God Bless you Faith, Hope & Charity!



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=144360&id=100001222719525&ref=notif¬if_t=photo_reply



Faith,Hope,Charity.jpg




My name is Charity. My life began about 6 months ago. I was one of a litter of several and knew nothing of the world or the people in it. I knew my mother and warmth and hunger.

I knew one day something was wrong when I was ripped from my mother with two of my sisters. We were hurt in ways we did not understand and could not make sense of what was wanted or expected of us. You see, we were born American Pit Bull Terriers and those who may not understand; we are a very loyal breed.

We want only to please those who feed and care for us. Ideally, we would be nurtured and our sharp instincts used for wonderful things, like rescuing small children who have wandered away from a campground, or tunneling through debris at a World Trade Center when bad men do horrid things.But I was born into a world that does not understand us. The most decorated Army dog ever was my kind, and now... well... now they want to kill us all I understand. I am not so sure what it is that makes people hate us so. But, basically, we will do what it is we are trained to do. If we are with a kind person, and we learn kindness from an early age, we can be the best friends ever.

I was never aggressive. I never harmed anyone or anything... and neither did my two sisters, Faith and Hope. But because of what we are, bad people like to take us and make us do bad things. And those bad people make a lot of other humans hate us for what we are trained to do. But that is another story, sort of... though that story is the reason why things happened to us as they did. Our birth was brought about by one of those bad people with bad intentions. And the more people hate us, the more those bad people want us and the worse they treat us. And it is ok because we are just “Pit Bulls””. They do not seem to understand that we feel pain, we feel when someone hates us, and we do not want to be hurt. So ... that is the world we were born into, but we did not understand all of that then. We just understood we had been ripped from our mother; we could not eat because we had no teeth; and, worse ... the man who bred us had a teenage son that was doing really bad things to us. I later learned that it was called sexual molestation, sodomy, or bestiality. I just knew that it hurt and I could hear my sisters crying when he would hurt them. Faith was so small and I tried really hard to protect her. I cannot tell you how many times this happened, though it could not have been many or we would not have lived. But it was enough to hurt us. One day the boy was seen hurting us and his father saw what was happening too. He rushed us to this place called the County Animal Shelter. I think we were supposed to be killed there and no one would ever question what happened, because most “Pits” that go into a place like that do not come out alive. But this was a good place with people who did care. The man told them the big dog down the road had “gotten to us.” I guess they figured that is how we got all those bite marks all over our bodies where the other dogs were allowed to hurt us. But they noticed there that we were very, very still, huddled together ... and we would not eat. I was very worried about my sisters. And they seemed to look to me.

Then this woman and man came and got us and took us to a place called The Eagle’s Den. After that, things changed. They call it rescue, and I am glad we were rescued. I wish all of my kind could be, because it gives us a chance. But... anyway... we saw a vet and he sort of guessed at what had happened to us. But the man was not punished, nor his son. All I know is there is something called an investigation into all those bad people and they really want to catch them all. They should. And I hope one day there will be some justice for me and my sisters. But the people will have to work that out because well... we are just dogs. And our story has not ended. Well, mine has, at least there where it hurt every time I went to the bathroom, but where life was so good I did not let on that I was hurting. You see, one day I just felt funny and then I went to sleep. I can remember wet tears on my face as the man and woman held me and I knew they were going to try and save me again. But I was just so tired. After having been in pain for so long, and knowing my sisters were, I just went to sleep and came to a place called Rainbow Bridge. It is very nice here. I have a lot of friends here. There are all kinds of dogs and many of my kind, many that were hurt like I was, and killed. And I can watch over Faith and Hope here.

They have had surgery now to help them. After I came here everyone knew we were not alright. we were scared pups because of all we went through. All we really wanted was a friend and to play and be happy. I am rooting for Faith and Hope now and I watch over them from here. They had the surgery they needed to fix the pain. They may not understand the pain they are in right now, but it will get better now. There are a lot of people upset because of what happened to us. And I am very glad they are upset. If I could tell them anything that would help: make it stop; but not just this man. Make it all stop. Get the people who make laws to write some that will protect us. What happened to us is against the law. That is a fact. But there are no federal laws to help us, and they get away with it time and again. Anyone who wants to see how often this happens, just type the word Canine sexual molestation into your computers and look. But you only see the cases that get reported. And not much happens in those cases. Even when they kill us, not much happens. So if you want to help, if you want it to stop ... there is only one way. Make it illegal all over the United States. Make uniform laws so that all animal abuse carries mandatory sentences. Other countries protect their companion animals. If you guys who have prayed so hard and whose love I feel so strongly want to help ... make it stop. Make them hear you. They have never heard us. Faith’s surgery went really well, even though she was the sickest. Hope had hers today and she is doing ok now. Ironically, Hope may have already been here at Rainbow Bridge, but some of the abuse actually saved her. When they did her surgery, they found a piece of metal in her intestines, surrounded by flesh. It was blocking a tear. They had to cut off a lot more of her intestines than they did Faith’s, but she will be ok now ... I HOPE. That piece of metal stopped poison from spilling into her body at least, even though it did damage, it helped her to stay alive long enough to get the surgery to save her life. I am watching, and I am hoping this will make people wake up and realize what goes on with us when we are bred for all the wrong reasons.

I hope people will stop punishing our breed for what these people do and realize what we go through. I wish they all could be rescued. I wish there was no reason to rescue. There is one more thing I have seen since I came to Rainbow Bridge. All of you are very caring and good people. My sisters were able to have their surgery because people cared enough to help them live. They have a long way to go, but thank you for helping them.I’ll be watching... and one day I will see all of you here at the Bridge; because I am everyone’s dog who had a part in saving my sisters.

Thank You.


CHARITY


If you would like to contribute to help cover the cost of the surgery and aftercare... it would be greatly appreciated and no amount is too small. We appreciate all of your help and support:


http://eaglesdenrescue1.chipin.com/in-me

mory-of-charity



If you would like to help us care for the animals at Eagle's Den, all donations are appreciated, tax deductable and 100% goes to the care of the animals.


Thank You, and thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cm

d=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CF7XNPKP9QF

WE



Vet:
Southeastern Veternary Hospital (Donation can be made in general or In Memory of Charity)


910-739-9411

To My Foster Mom

To My Foster Mom

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

- Author Unknown

WELCOME TO MY WORLD "THE PAIN & HEARTACHE OF RESCUE"

Heros and Angels BE A HERO.MOV

Punish the deed, NOT THE BREED

Spay and Neuter

Pet overpopulation causes needless pain and suffering. Homeless animals are forced to live in fear and scrounge for food and water, do not receive medical care, and almost always lead short, difficult lives. Our shelters are inundated with too many animals to place in homes, and our euthanasia rates are higher than any of us can imagine or tolerate. One of the solutions to this problem is spay and neuter all pets.

PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER AND PLEASE DO NOT ADD TO THE HOMELESS POPULATION BY BREEDING YOUR DOGS AND CATS.

PLEASE!

Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence

Tragically, 50% of domestic violence victims delay seeking help for fear that an abuser will harm a pet...


Animals are the silent victims of domestic violence. Most people treat pets as members of the family. Unfortunately, when it comes to domestic violence, pets are also deemed part of the family unit and forced to suffer in silence at the hands of abusers. Some studies estimate that:


* 50% of domestic violence victims delay seeking help out of concern that their pet may be harmed by the abuser.

* 88% of companion animals living in households where domestic violence occurs are routinely threatened, harmed or even killed.

The ASPCA witnesses firsthand the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence. Just last month, police in Little Falls, NY, arrested Mark Beacraft, Jr., for assaulting a four-year-old child. The suspect has a history of violence—including a guilty plea in 2007 for murdering a neighborhood cat. He was sentenced to one year in a county jail but was later released under house arrest.

Animal Suffering

Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.

~Albert Schweitzer

Treatment of Animals

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

~Mahatma Gandhi

All living creatures - Hippocrates

The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.

~Hippocrates

Animals in Captivity - Jacques Cousteau

“There is about as much educational benefit to be gained in studying dolphins in captivity as there would be studying mankind by only observing prisoners held in solitary confinement”

– Jacques Cousteau

Cruelty Customs

"The thinking [person] must oppose all cruel customs no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo. When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another..."

- Albert Schweitzer

Animal Cruelty

We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do… Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.

~Albert Schweitzer, The Philosophy of Civilization

Animal Cruelty Information

Animal Cruelty Information

So Many Shelter Dogs

Shelters are FILLED with Pit Bulls. They are not crazy dogs ready to attack. They are not mean dogs ready to fight other dogs. That's what many people think. And what are people doing? Breeding and selling thousands, upon thousands of these dogs. Why? For money. And thousands upon thousands are ending up in shelters and ultimately euthanized because people are afraid of them, or are not allowed to own them, and because it's impossible to find enough homes for them. I have walked through the kennels of a shelter now for almost a year, interacting with these Pits, looking into the eyes of hundreds of these so-called dangerous attack dogs, and I have found them to be loving, kind, extraordinary dogs that are NO DIFFERENT from any other loving, family pet. Look at their faces. Do you see a mean dangerous dog in these photos? All of these dogs were euthanized for no other reason than no home.

Animal Euthanization

The ASPCA and New York City’s animals reached a major milestone in 2009, when the city’s euthanasia rates dropped to 33 percent, down from a staggering 74 percent in 2002. But our work is far from over. The sad reality is 3 out of every 5 animals who enter animal shelters will be euthanized, the tragic victims of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

www.aspca.org

We know there are no “quick fixes.” We do know, however, that working together to reduce the unnecessary euthanasia of animals does work. None of this progress is possible without your steadfast support and commitment. Please consider making a gift to the ASPCA, in doing so, you will join us as we strive for a country where no healthy animal is euthanized simply because she lacks a home.

DOG NITRO'S STORY

NITRO - A Brave Rottie's Fight for Nitro's LAW - Off to the Senate
Share
Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 10:11pm

♥ Nitro ♥
UPDATE 3/31: We have listed at the bottom Ohio Senators FB addresses we need to deluge FB style. That means comments being left requesting them to support Nitro's Law. A very polite "Please support Nitro's Law - Ohio's dogs are depending on us." We must keep up the pressure of this media campaign to ensure Nitro's Law is passed through the Ohio Senate. Contacts at the bottom.

♥ Nitro ♥
UPDATE 2/25: Nitro, his kennel mates, and every animal who has fallen victim to man's heinous hands thanks us on this day. However, this battle is only half won, and we cannot afford to quit now when we have come this far. Nitro and his kennel mates need us to follow through. They're depending on us.

The Ohio House passed an animal cruelty bill "Nitro's Law" today that makes it a felony crime to torture, torment, beat, poison or commit any act of cruelty against a cat or dog. House Bill 70 was approved by a vote of 59 to 36, of the 36 "nays" all of them were republican. It requires Senate approval before it becomes law. The legislation was prompted by abuses reported in kennels "High Caliber K9" but the new restrictions and penalties also apply to pet owners’ homes and property.

We still have the senate to get this through for it to be enacted into law, please note at the bottom are 33 Ohio Senators that we must appeal to in making sure they finish enacting this into law. We must send our warmest and sincerest regards to Representative Ron Gerberry (D) of District 59 of the Ohio House. All of our efforts would not have been possible without this man's support, and it's thanks to him that Nitro, Gillie, York, Havoc, Flynn, Quolla, Ben, Hannah, Jetta, Princess, Bo, Peanut, Sierra, ..and the nameless have been HEARD. Please take a moment to include a comment of thank you for Representative Gerberry's support to district59@ohr.state.oh.us; or include it here and we will pass it on.

We are so amazed and grateful for the tremendous support these dogs have received thus far, please let's finish what we started for them.

Actual House Vote 59-36 Live:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0BG1QswGjw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsUZ4lDCw34
____________________________________________________________

*Warning - Graphic pictures*
Some of you that have not been following please note this is another case of horrendous proportions in criminal animal cruelty and neglect. These dogs were starved to death in their kennels in a boarding & training facility owned and operated by Steve Croley. Owners paid fortunes to High Caliber K9 for training & boarding their canine family members, only to end up having them starved to death.


This was High Caliber K9 training facility, which portrayed a clean, well-kept K9 facility where
a family was assured their much-prized Rottweiler named "Nitro" would receive only the best in specialized K9 training.

Nitro was a highly intelligent dog, and excelled in mental and agility training and his owners were always seeking ways in which to improve his unusual abilities. He loved to 'work' and his family, Tom and Elizabeth Raab were first introduced to a professional K9 training approach through their breeders, where both of their Rotties, also siblings, Nitro and Bella, came from.

Everyone understood Nitro's above-average intelligence and in perfecting his special abilities they thought they had found a valuable resource in Steve Croley, owner of High Caliber K9, whom they had met and worked with 2.5 years prior. A friendship and trusting bond soon developed between them with Croley's training and interaction with Nitro during these 2.5 years. It proved to be a very effective and rewarding relationship for Nitro and the family as well. They had many successful interactions, and many numerous social gatherings with Croley, including his wife in dinners, social engagements, outings, forming a deep friendship and trusting alliance.

When a critical medical emergency and crisis of an elder family member left them in a difficult predicament, requiring them to be commuting to NJ frequently for unknown periods of time, this was putting a strain on their companion pets in their home. Nitro being the powerful and highly protective breed of dog that he was, to leave him for prolonged periods of time in the care of unknown family members was highly stressful for him, as well as potentially irresponsible.

So, at a difficult and chaotic time and considering their friendship, it seemed second nature to trust Croley with Nitro. Nitro had attended several 2-week boarding and training trips at the facility. When Croley offered a summer training program as a convenient means for Nitro to do what he loved doing best, and to keep him safe, easing his family's concern, it seemed the best and safest solution.

Croley often made remarks that he felt as if Nitro were 'one of his own' and always seemed to direct extra attention to him, and Nitro relished the attention and seemed to openly adore and thrive under Croley's tutelage. This only reinforced any reservation the family might have possibly had, for Nitro was very reserved, and very protective and not inclined to trust easily.

It was an 8-hour drive for Nitro's family to High Caliber but Mr. Croley lived on his training facility property and the family had visited it on so many occasions that they were always assured of the dogs safety and comfort. The dogs always seemed to be his top priority and the center of his life.

Considering their past successful relationship and continued trust and friendship, they were convinced their intelligent Nitro was in the best of possible care, where he would excel to his fullest potential.

Their beautiful, once healthy Nitro and how he looked when they took him out of his body-bag and before he was cremated.



Their beloved Nitro before he entered High Caliber K9 to be starved, left and forgotten to die with his 6 other kennel friends. Nitro was one of 19 companion animals who suffered unspeakable torture at the hands of their abuser.



This is Nitro and how the authorities found him - locked up with no water, no food, nothing, laying in his own feces. Mr. Croley closed the door off so he couldn't get inside, so he was forced to stay outside day and night. Nitro's mom said, "I know my boy and the reason he is towards the the back like this was because he was trying to get out of the sunlight, he was very smart and so healthy, he was 105 lbs when he went to Mr. Croley's facility. When authorities found him he weighed 50 lbs with no muscle left, the authorities thought he was a Doberman."



This is Gillie when she was a puppy. She was a very loved girl and only 1 years old when starved to death at Mr. Croley's facility.



This is Gillie after entering High Caliber K9 - only 1-year- old. This is how she was found with overturned bowls, searching for food, water, anything.



A little living puppy (a new boarder taken in for puppy training) placed by Steve Croley next to a dead Border collie.




This dog was dead the longest, a female Doberman, just left there, curled in a fetal position with empty food bowls, her eyes were gone, and her bones were showing through the skin.



A dead GSD locked inside with no way out, no food, no water, nothing, just trapped in this tiny space.




This was York - he was found barely alive but supposedly so aggressive that the Mahoning County Animal Control officers euthanized him via/heart stick through the fence. They shot at him with what looked like a dart gun through the fence until they hit his heart, similar to target practice on a dart board. This is also how they administer euthanasia via/heart stick to dogs in their cages and kennels at various county funded animal control facilities throughout the United States. This is one of Youngstown Animal Control's method of euthanasia, the other is the gas chamber.




Ohio continues to rank at the bottom on animal protection legislation. The degradation of our Nation as a whole by the state of Ohio continues into the 21st century and only through legislation that allows for prosecution of animal cruelty with stronger penalties imposed on those found guilty, will Ohio be a just and compassionate State.
______________________________________________________________


Sentencing Hearing January 22, 2009. The plea agreement hearing, Steve Croley with his attorney's as pictured above. The defendant had no statement for the judge.

YOUNGSTOWN — The healthy barks of a police dog served as a backdrop for the sentencing of a kennel operator who allowed dogs to starve to death at High Caliber K-9.

Steve Croley, 38, after appearing 40 minutes late to municipal court Thursday, was sentenced to four months in jail on four counts of animal cruelty. Below Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr.’s third-floor courtroom, the barks of Detective Sgt. Frank Rutherford’s dog rose from the police parking lot as Croley and his lawyer stood in front of the judge. Rutherford was in municipal court on another matter, and the dog waited for him in their cruiser.

In addition to jail, Judge Douglas, who said he found it hard “to understand what happened, why it happened,” ordered that Croley pay restitution of $1,796 and serve three years’ probation, during which time he is not allowed to own or harbor any animal. He was also fined $1,000 and has six months to pay the fine and restitution.

Croley received credit for the 13 days he spent in jail until he posted bail. He will report to the Mahoning County jail at 6 p.m. Friday.

On Oct. 22, seven dead and 12 starving dogs were found at High Caliber K-9, 1516 Coitsville-Hubbard Road. Croley was arrested that day.

He reached a plea agreement in December and pleaded no contest to the animal-cruelty charges. Two housing violations related to the condition of the High Caliber K-9 property were dismissed.

Croley’s lawyer, Heidi Hanni, told the judge that her client is very sorry and remorseful, noting he lost his business. She said he made poor decisions, adding he had been in the process of a divorce.

For the “terrible atrocities with these animals” she said he is “very, very sorry.” Croley made no statement to the judge.

High Caliber K-9 Training Facility located in Youngstown, Ohio. The facility has since re-opened and is in operation by another company and supposedly not affiliated with Steve Croley.

We thank you so much for your support in our mission to change the laws so that these above dogs and Nitro did not die in vain. The Raabs appreciate all the continued support and efforts on affecting this much-needed change for animal welfare in the state of Ohio.
__________________________________________________________
Ohio Senators - Please send correspondence encouraging them to carry through enacting this law. Please click on Senator photos to enlarge and obtain a clearer view of individual contact information. You can also find their address information by clicking the below link.

http://www.ohiosenate.gov/directory.html

http://www.facebook.com/senatorshannonjones
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=86277751769
District 6: Jon Husted http://www.facebook.com/OhioRepublicans
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=37795017764
District 14: Tom Niehaus website: http://www.tomniehaus.com/ (no fb)
District 18: Tim Grendell http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-Grendell/50674801418
District 24: Tom Patton - website: http://pattonforsenate.com/ (no fb)
District 28: http://votetomsawyer.com/ (no fb)

_________________________________________________________
Memories~

The Nitro family suffers every minute of every day and will undoubtedly for the rest of their lives for what happened to their beloved Nitro. In Nitro's name a legacy is born and a far greater purpose in his tragic death is achieved. The passing of this bill into law honors Nitro and his other kennel mates in that their suffering and deaths were not in vain. Ohio is on the road to becoming a just and compassionate state for animal welfare, as it should be.


__________________________________________________________
To learn more about Nitro Foundation please visit: http://www.nitrofoundation.com

Please note, I am just the messenger in this extraordinary effort, and though the Raab's are dear friends, Nitro was not my dog, that honor belongs only to the Raab's. I was born and raised in this town where this took place, and it touched me deeply. I will continue my efforts to assist the Raab's and the animals of Ohio in passing Nitro's Law so that Nitro, Gillie, York, Havoc, Flynn, Quolla, Ben, Hannah, Jetta, Princess, Bo, Peanut, Sierra...and all of the nameless did not die in vain....for as long as it takes.
Copyright 2010/Shelley Bright



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Pit Bull Dog Fears and Facts

FEAR Pit Bulls have "locking jaws".

FACT We found that American Pit Bull Terriers did not have any unique mechanism that would allow these dogs to lock their jaws.

FEAR Pit Bulls have massive biting power measuring in 1,000s of pounds of pressure.

FACT On average dogs bite with 320 lbs. of pressure. The bite pressure of a German Shepherd, Pit Bull and Rottweiler were tested. The Pit Bull Terrier had the least amount of bite pressure.

FEAR Pit Bulls attack without warning.

FACT Pit Bulls signal the same as other dogs.

FEAR Pit Bulls are ticking time bombs that turn on their owners.

FACT Attacks by family dogs of any breed or type are extremely rare. Resident dogs maintained outside on chains, kennels or yards or used for guarding, fighting, protection, or irresponsible breeding can exhibit more aggressive behavior than family dogs. THERE IS NO DOCUMENTED CASE OF A PIT BULL MAINTAINED AS A HOUSEHOLD PET, WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A FATALITY IN THE UNITED STATES.

FEAR While there are some Pit Bulls with good temperaments they are the exception not the rule.

FACT The American Temperament Test Society shows Pit Bulls consistently score above the average for all breeds tested, year in and year out.

www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

Dog Thrown!

This sweet soul was thrown out of a car window. Now in rescue.

WSPA - Cruelty and Neglect of Bears

https://www.wspa-usa.org/pages/3063_banner_ad_lp_bear_baiting.cfm

Rawhide Rescue In New Jersey - youtube story

Until Every Cage Is Empty

As animal rights activists and advocates, the words and concept of Regan's animal rights manifesto, is like the air we breath, the thoughts, words that fill our soul and color our spirit, and propel all action we take!
Until Every Cage is Empty!


The other animals humans eat, use in science, hunt, trap, and exploit in a variety of ways, have a life of their own that is of importance to them apart from their utility to us. They are not only in the world, they are aware of it. What happens to them matters to them. Each has a life that fares better or worse for the one whose life it is.

That life includes a variety of biological, individual, and social needs. The satisfaction of these needs is a source of pleasure, their frustration or abuse, a source of pain. In these fundamental ways, the nonhuman animals in labs and on farms, for example, are the same as human beings. And so it is that the ethics of our dealings with them, and with one another, must acknowledge the same fundamental moral principles.

At its deepest level, human ethics is based on the independent value of the individual: The moral worth of any one human being is not to be measured by how useful that person is in advancing the interest of other human beings. To treat human beings in ways that do not honor their independent value is to violate that most basic of human rights: the right of each person to be treated with respect.

The philosophy of animal rights demands only that logic be respected. For any argument that plausibly explains the independent value of human beings implies that other animals have this same value, and have it equally. And any argument that plausibly explains the right of humans to be treated with respect, also implies that these other animals have this same right, and have it equally, too.

It is true, therefore, that women do not exist to serve men, blacks to serve whites, the poor to serve the rich, or the weak to serve the strong. The philosophy of animal rights not only accepts these truths, it insists upon and justifies them.

But this philosophy goes further. By insisting upon and justifying the independent value and rights of other animals, it gives scientifically informed and morally impartial reasons for denying that these animals exist to serve us.

Once this truth is acknowledged, it is easy to understand why the philosophy of animal rights is uncompromising in its response to each and every injustice other animals are made to suffer.

It is not larger, cleaner cages that justice demands in the case of animals used in science, for example, but empty cages: not "traditional" animal agriculture, but a complete end to all commerce in the flesh of dead animals; not "more humane" hunting and trapping, but the total eradication of these barbarous practices.

For when an injustice is absolute, one must oppose it absolutely. It was not "reformed" slavery that justice demanded, not "reformed" child labor, not "reformed" subjugation of women. In each of these cases, abolition was the only moral answer. Merely to reform injustice is to prolong injustice.

The philosophy of animal rights demands this same answer—abolition—in response to the unjust exploitation of other animals. It is not the details of unjust exploitation that must be changed. It is the unjust exploitation itself that must be ended, whether on the farm, in the lab, or among the wild, for example. The philosophy of animal rights asks for nothing more, but neither will it be satisfied with anything less."
- Tom Regan

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Shelter Song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReODo7FD9Uo

Rescued Dog

RESCUED DOG
>
> Once I was a lonely dog,
> Just looking for a home.
> I had no place to go,
> No one to call my own.
> I wandered up and down the street,
> In rain in heat and snow.
> I ate what ever I could find,
> I was always on the go.
>
> My skin would itch, my feet were sore,
> My body ached with pain.
> And no one stopped to give a pat
> Or a gently say my name.
> I never saw a loving glance,
> I was always on the run.
> For people thought that hurting me
> Was really lots of fun.
>
> And then one day I heard a voice
> So gentle, kind and sweet,
> And arms so soft reached down to me
> And took me off my feet.
> “No one again will hurt you”
> Was whispered in my ear.
> “You’ll have a home to call your own
> Where you will know no fear.”
>
> “You will be dry, you will be warm,
> You’ll have enough to eat”
> “And rest assured that when you sleep,
> Your dreams will all be sweet.”
> I was afraid I must admit,
> I’ve lived so long in fear.
> I can’t remember when I let
> A human come so near.
>
> And as she tended to my wounds
> And bathed and brushed my fur
> She told me bout the Rescue Group
> And what it meant to her.
> She said, “We are a circle,
> A line that never ends.”
> “And in the center there is YOU
> Protected by new friends.”
>
> “And all around you are
> The ones that check the pounds,
> And those that share their home
> After you’ve been found.”
> “And all the other folk
> Are searching near and far.
> To find the perfect home for you,
> Where you can be a star.”
>
> She said, “There is a family,
> That’s waiting patiently,
> And pretty soon we’ll find them,
> Just you wait and see.”
> “And then they’ll join our circle
> They’ll help to make it grow,
> So there’ll be room for more like you,
> Who have no place to go.”
>
> I waited very patiently,
> The days they came and went.
> Today’s the day I thought,
> My family will be sent.
> Then just when I began to think
> It wasn’t meant to be,
> There were people standing there
> Just gazing down at me.
>
> I knew them in a heartbeat,
> I could tell they felt it too.
> They said, “We have been waiting
> For a special dog like you.”
> Now every night I say a prayer
> To all the gods that be.
> “Thank you for the life I live
> And all you’ve given me.
>
> But most of all protect the dogs
> In the pound and on the street.
> And send a Rescue Person
> To lift them off their feet”
>
> --
> Jan Nickerson
> Gulf Coast Sheltie & Collie Rescue, Inc
> www.petfinder.com/shelters/FL384.html

Puppy Mills - written by a teenager

Puppy Mills are one of the worst forms of animal cruelty in our world. It is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where dogs and other animals are sold to make a profit under very unsanitary and crowded conditions. Unlike responsible breeders, these people treat their animals with no care and it is extremely unhealthy for the animals that live there. Considering there is an outrageous amount of dogs being bred in puppy mills, they are partially responsible for the overpopulation of dogs in this country. There are about four to six million new sheltered animals every single year. Because not all of them will be able to find a home, half of these animals are euthanized.
Typically, when a puppy turns the age five to eight weeks old, they will be sold to a broker. A broker, or middleman, will buy the puppies from commercial kennels and sell them to any retail outlet that will take their product. The only way someone can become a broker or middleman, they have to be licensed by the USDA. The USDA licenses more than 4,500 animal dealers, most of them breeding cats and dogs. This makes it much easier and more convenient to make a profit off all these dogs. Usually, the animal will travel to the pet store after they are sold either by air or truck in hot or cold and uncomfortable conditions. The lineage records of the puppy mill dog are normally falsified. More often, the puppy with the falsified record is usually because the puppy does not meet the requirements to be sold to a pet store legally. If the puppy becomes sick or is born with any kind of physical condition, they are often killed considering pet stores and most others will not want to buy it. When something like this happens, operators get rid of the sick or hurt animal in the most cheapest and convenient way possible. Only a responsible breeder will want to meet you before selling anybody one of their “prize pups”, making sure that they will go to a great home. However, the mother and father of that cute puppy you will see in the pet store’s window are unlikely to survive and are living horrible lives.
Puppy Mills were first introduced to the public after WWll. Many farmers felt it very difficult to make a living after WWll ended and found selling chickens and cows do not make a bigger profit then selling puppies. The U.S. department of agriculture began breeding purebred puppies as a “fool proof cash crop”. Sadly, only an estimated ¼ of dogs are purebred in shelters do due inbreeding in Puppy Mills. Brokers set up seminars to teach farmers how to operate breeding facilities. Thirty years later in Lancaster County, PA made the highest amount of Puppy Mills in any county in the entire nation. Pennsylvania earned their infamous nickname as the “Puppy Mill Capital of the East”. Today Missouri is considered the Puppy Mill state in the country. Puppy Mills then began to spread the most in Pennsylvania and then throughout the rest of the country. Because the USDA has been severely criticized for the lack of aggression against animal abuse and neglecting to take care of all these Puppy Mills, millions of letters were sent from many pet lovers out there. Pennsylvania’s legislators eventually passed the H.B 2525 in 2008. This provides all the basic laws that are appropriate enough for a Puppy Mill. It bans wire flooring and the stacking of cages, plus dogs must have free access to outdoor exercise two times the size of the primary enclosure, and vet exams for all dogs once a year. Since then, Pennsylvania’s Puppy Mills have been much better at taking care of their animals.

A Puppy Mill is not exactly some place anybody would want to live in. Some facilities are completely filled with trash, piles of animal waste, tiny coops filled with ants, roaches, and rats that share dirty food bowls and dry dishes. Wired cages are piled on top of each other to minimize cleaning with absolutely no concerns of waste disposals below each cage. Food in water is often contaminated by fesses and the unsanitary conditions around. The food that is given to dogs has very little nutritional value in it, but that is even if the dog gets any of the food at all. A Puppy Mills “breeding stock” is where all the dogs are kept. They spend their entire lives in wired cages, boxes, animal carriers, shopping carts, or anything convenient. Dogs are overcrowded in unsanitary conditions with no veterinary care, very little water, no socialization with humans and will have no interactions with toys, going out for walks, exercise, and any type of basic grooming. Most dogs are crammed inside filthy areas where they will never get to experience the warm sun on their faces, the smell of fresh air, or get to feel the soft grass. Some dogs are exposed to all outdoor elements their whole lives. They often suffer from extreme heat in the summer or freeze in the winter due to lack of shelter. The wired cages cause injuries to their paws and legs and can cause agonizing pain. The breeding conditions lead to massive amount of litters every single year and more than half are killed or never find a home. When a Puppy Mill is no longer operating, breeding stocks are either abandoned; dogs are killed, or sold off to another Mill where abuse starts all over again.
Puppies that are often killed when their born usually have some type of physical condition or it was because they had became sick. Pet stores do not want any of those dogs.

Each female dog is bred at every single opportunity given with little or no time to recover between each litter. Once the breeding females are done and no longer able to breed, operators kill them. Dog fights also occur in these cages crammed with dogs leaving many of them hurt and injured with no veterinary care waiting for them. Once a puppy is born they stay with their mother until from about six to eight weeks of age and are ready to be sold to make a profit. These puppies often get lack of nutrition from leaving their mothers earlier than recommended.
Dogs are prone to all kinds of diseases from their living environment. Some of the miner sicknesses these dogs receive are runny noses and oozing sores. Some problems are faced with these dogs such as illness, diseases, fearful behavior and lack of socialization with both humans and other animals. The most common diseases animals come home from the pet stores with are Guardia, Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, Pneumonia, Mange, Fleas, Ticks, Intestinal Parasites, Heartworm, and Chronic Diarrhea. Many other dogs go through much more pain and become a lot sicker. Congenital and hereditary conditions are also very common due to inbreeding of all types of dogs. Many end up with conditions like Epilepsy, Heart Disease, musculoskeletal disorders from crammed cages, endocrine Disorders, blood disorders, deafness, eye problems, and even respiratory disorders. Operators fail to separate each sick dog from all the healthy dogs in their breeding pools. This causes dogs and puppies to become much more prone to all these types of diseases.

There are many ways to fight to ban Puppy Mills to help stop animal cruelty. The biggest concern is buying from pet stores or any place without seeing the entire facility and meet the breeder to assure there was no Puppy Mill involved. Make adoption the first option! Not only will you be saving a life but the money spent will not be supporting Puppy Mills. If someone is unable to find a specific breed from a shelter, buy a dog from a breed rescue by searching on the internet for a breed-specific rescue organization. Also, recognize a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder should screen the buyer as much as the buyer screens them to make sure each dog goes to a good home. Responsible breeders take into consideration of what each individual dog likes. Always ask to see their breeding facility to see where all the dogs are born and bred. If they happen to say no, that is one sign that it could be a Puppy Mill. Another thing you can do is to ask for an adoption contract explaining all responsibilities, wealth guarantee, and the return policy. Even more important, spread the word and speak out. Inform the state and the federal legislators about how and why Puppy Mills should be made illegal. Spread the word to many friends about the things you know about Puppy Mills and ways that you can help stop them. Puppies are just as healthy in a shelter, if not healthier then at a pet store. So when that cute little puppy is in the window of a pet store, just remember all those dogs that need people’s help and resist buying from any commercial breeding facilities to prevent supporting animal abuse.

Saving One Dog

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it will surely change the world for that one dog".
..... Richard C. Call




Please don't buy while millions of dogs die.
LAWS ANIMAL RESCUE

Rescued Pit Bulls

These two Pit Bulls named Tiny Tim and Vixen were severely emaciated and confiscated from someone's home in December 2009. After loving care from Pit Stop Bullys Rescue this is how they look now.





http://pitstopbullys.com/default.aspx

Photos by Lisa of Little Pet Project

Heartworm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty2PB0O-XaY

Pet Stores

Ninety-nine percent of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. The puppies are expensive, many are in-bred, low quality pure-breds, and the consumer runs a high risk of purchasing an animal with severe health problems that can cost many thousands of dollars in vet care. You will notice that Petco and PetSmart do not sell puppies. These establishments sponsor dog and cat adoptions by rescue groups.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE. VOW NOT TO STEP FOOT IN A PET STORE THAT SELLS PUPPIES OF ANY KIND.

Adopt from your local animal shelter or rescue. Thank you!!!
LAWS ANIMAL RESCUE