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Thursday, August 16, 2007
   A tribute to my beautiful friend's Maria and Lucky Dearest Maria (and Lucky),I am in tears. Tears of joy and sadness. Lucky is such a fitting name for your beautiful baby, he is so special, may he live many happy years with you.I feel you in every respect about fighting animal laws in not only Canada but the world. The SPCA is useless in general. I could tell you stories about the SPCA's in South Africa that would make your blood curdle! For future animal issues you can contact Earle Bingley, he is my contact and the President of the Canadian Voice for Animals Foundation. eheb@telus.net I want to share a story about another Lucky (really thats what we called him too:) He was rescued from an informal settlement. At the time of this rescue, he was tied with wire to a fence in the blazing sun (no shade nor water). The home made wire collar had been put on when he was a small puppy and as he grew, the collar did not and had penetrated about an inch into his skin all the was round his neck. He was also covered in mange, had no hair and gaping sores which he had bitten into his itching skin!I was given the task to comfort the poor baby while the rescue centre staff cut the wire from his neck. He was in incruciating pain and terrified. This poor baby had never experience anything but pain and fear from a humans touch but he looked at me with all this agony in his eyes and heart and flesh and licked my hand, as if to console me!Lucky was also a lucky one and was later adopted by a lovely family, let us prey we can reach more of the millions that desperately need us to.Keep up the good work Maria, you truly are an animal angel XXX [Posted by: Davina at 12:11 AM] Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Husky puppy murderer, Mr. Phillip Matthysen (31) was killed in a car wreck yesterday morning. Was this an accident, coincidence or justice from a higher power?
[Posted by: Davina at 3:53 AM] Friday, August 03, 2007 Wouldn't you like to sponsor a pet at the Irwin Animal Rescue Centre, or sponsor a garden for the animals who live here. There are 1257 domestic pets to sponsor and 458 gardens.......(Dogs and cats) To sponsor a pet and be a PETS PAL costs R25 a month and to sponsor a garden with a personal plaque stating 'This garden is sponsored by the Evans family' or a company plaque that would advertise a business or service e.g 'This garden is sponsored by the "Doggi Deli" Tel: 082 950 4368' or company's own board if preferred cost R60 a month. YOUR help would mean such a lot to our home and the animals who live here. They were born unwanted, they have been abused, neglected and abandoned. Today the Irwin Animal Rescue Centre provides a safe and secure home for them where they will no longer feel the pangs of hunger or the pain of mans abuse because they have been SAVED to LIVE and SAVED for LIFE. Our mission is hard but is well worth while. We are open from 10 am to 4pm every day (except Saturday, when we are raising funds for the animals), if you would like to visit the home or would like to come and pick a particular pet or garden to sponsor. The Irwin Animal Rescue Centre was founded in 1984 and registered in 1987 as a Section 21 Company not for Gain. Yours Sincerely, Anne Cronje Irwin Animal Rescue Centre P.O.Box 720, Henley on Klip, 1962 Tel: 016 5901255 or Cell: 082950 4368. For further details. Bank details: Standard Bank, Meyerton. Branch code 01 4537. Acct No: 021945756. Current account. Irwin Animal Rescue Centre [Posted by: Davina at 10:02 AM] Wednesday, June 27, 2007 This is worthwhile to know from future incidents. Kudo to eblockwatch for including animal safety into their network!! Peace Davina Eblockwatch connecting U 2 community power Dear Davina "Cutting off a husky puppy's head with a chainsaw...sounds like a horror flick, right? Not this time...someone in SA did it yesterday to his own dog. Help us get this lunatic punished and register as an eblockwatch animals animal crueltymember. To be part of eblockwatch animal cruelty network will means that if you hear or see any animals being abused you tell us and we will mobilise the community to react.If so sms Watershed (Watershed the well known South African Band is behind this UNITY Button) to 33930. This sms costs R3 and you will receive a community Button which links you to your community and 50,000 eblockwatch members.Funds from this commUNITY button helps fund Child line.Eblockwatch looks after you ,your family and your animals.Eblockwatch promises that we will mobise communities against any person who abuses children animals or your family.www.eblockwatch.co.zaHUSKY HORROR CASE – CLARITYThe National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is aware of the petition circulating by e-mail which states that signatures are required to ensure that “He gets the maximum of 3 years.” The NSPCA appreciates the public strength of feeling on this case and is heartened by it. We share the public’s outrage, horror and wish to be heard. The motivation of persons who initiated the petition and of those who signed it electronically are undoubted and we share their sentiments. We wish to stress that there are TWO accused in this case and the NSPCA wishes to see the full strength of the law come down heavily on both of them, Mr Sirate as well as Mr Matthysen. The SPCA movement has not involved itself in the e-mail petition primarily because we believe that in this instance, the authorities have acted faultlessly and deserve the highest praise. The accused were arrested swiftly. The case came to Court within a short period of time. The Prosecutor is doing a wonderful job. The Magistrate refused to accept a plea of guilt and an admission of guilt fine. The case will go to trial. The NSPCA brought this issue to the public attention. The SPCA in Springs has been assisting with the case. We need the public to be vocal and to express feelings when all issues of cruelty, neglect or abuse of animals occur: - we do mean abuse to any animal. Public pressure can indeed make meaningful change. The NSPCA and SPCAs country-wide handle literally hundreds of cases, each one shocking and each one deserving of public empathy. The end objective of the petition is not clear. If it is calling for stronger penalties in terms of the Animals Protection Act, we certainly agree. It has to be borne in mind that potential or maximum penalties in terms of any Act and what judges or magistrates hand down as sentences are not the same thing. If this petition is prescribing to the Magistrate what sentence should be handed down in this particular case before it has been heard, then we fear it may even jeopardise the case itself. It is the firm opinion of the SPCA movement that rather than calling for the “upping” of fines, it would be of greater value to establish Courts specific or dedicated to cases of cruelty to animals, that is, where animal-related cases are heard separately and exclusively. Kind RegardsThe eblockwatch team [Posted by: Davina at 11:24 AM] Tuesday, June 26, 2007 HUSKY JUSTICE >> Hi All, >> >> Sorry for the spam effect but I am trying to get 2500 signatures to >> submit to the prosecuting attorney who is handling a case in which a >> Delmas man cut off his pet husky's head with a chain-saw, because it >> bit his parrot and killed it. >> >> Please visit http://www.ecosystem.co.za/HuskyJustice.asp and sign >> your name >> - I will be delivering the petition to the prosecutor on the day >> before the court case is heard (24 July 2007). >> >> You can also check out the Husky Justice group at www.facebook.com. >> It's imperative you forward this email to friends and convince them >> to sign the petition - without public pressure this lunatic will walk >> free since it's his first offense. >> >> To those of you with pets of your own, can you imagine doing >> something like this to an animal which loves you like our pets do??? >> I can't, which is why with your help, I can help ensure he gets the >> maximum 3 years prison time. >> >> Remember, http://www.ecosystem.co.za/HuskyJustice.asp - it'll take 1 >> minute and your help will mean that poor husky did not die in vain! >> >> >> Thanks, >> >> -JONO- >> >> >> >> >> >> Jonathan Judelman Key Account Manager >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> >> tel: +2711 448 2122 mobile: +2782 824 8754 [Posted by: Davina at 10:22 AM] Thursday, June 21, 2007
Husky Justice
Jono Judelman is collecting signatures to petition our legal system to prosecute Phillip Matthysen under the full penalty of the law. He has the following to say about this petition: "Cutting off a husky puppy's head with a chainsaw...sounds like a horror flick, right? Not this time...someone in SA did it yesterday to his own dog. Help me get this lunatic punished and add your signature to this petition! THE WHAT... On Tuesday 19 June , Phillip Matthysen, a South African 'man' murdered his Husky puppy after it instinctively bit out at his parrot and killed it. This sicko proceeded to hold the dog down and cut its' head off with a chainsaw. Due to a lack of animal rights and protection in SA's legal system, this lunatic now stands to walk free after committing this crime - this cause exists to make sure that does NOT happen! On July 24th 2007, this man will appear in court to answer for what he has done. With your help, I want to ensure he receives maximum punishment - R20 000 fine and 3 years jail time. THE HOW... I have spoken to Mr. G Schultz, the prosecutor on this case, and arranged to meet him on July 23rd. I plan to give him a minimum of 2500 of our signatures, which he will present to the judge on the case to show him we are ALL watching and that an example must be made. PLEASE sign your name below and ask all your friends to do the same. If we sign this cause, we've all done a great thing and that poor husky did not die in vain! So please, sign on and encourage all your friends to get involved! I will keep everyone posted as to how many signatures we get... -JONO- Email: jono@mybeat.net" Please sign this petition, and let as many people as possible know about it. You could even print it out, and get your neighbours and colleagues to sign it, and we can organise a fax number for you to send them to. Every signature counts. Thank you. A complete list of petitioners is currently not available, but may be made available in the future. When you submit your details, an email is sent to Jono Judelman to add your name to the petition. You can also sign the petition on the group Husky Justice at FaceBook.com. Enter your details and your signature will be forwarded to Jono Judelman. (Items with a star "*" are optional. Please note your details will not be forwarded to any third parties, under any circumstances. We require your details purely for petition purposes." [Posted by: Davina at 2:09 AM] Monday, June 18, 2007
From The Sunday Times June 17, 2007 I’m down, man, it’s my personality type Roger Dobson and Will Iredale Next time your dog ignores his food bowl or stays hidden in the kennel, do not be too quick to scold him or call the vet. He may just be in need of a shrink. Researchers have used the techniques of human psychoanalysis to identify five key components which, they argue, can be used to explain many of the quirks of the canine ego. The traits, which the researchers argue are a unique combination for any species, range from neuroticism to extroversion, amicability, self-assurance and an ability to focus on training. They hope that, using a questionnaire, dog therapists will be able to rate pets under each heading and uncover the emotional roots of behaviour problems. The psychoanalytical technique may mean that puppies can one day be scientifically matched with potential owners who have similar personalities. It may also be possible to breed out psychological weaknesses which affect pedigree dogs in particular as a result of their small gene pools. “I can’t see them lying back on your couch telling you about their dreams but we are finding there are dogs out there with psychological problems who can be helped if we learn more about their personality,” said Pauleen Bennett, a lecturer in (human) psychology at Monash University in Victoria, Australia, and co-author of the paper. “Two of the aspects we found were neuroticism and extroversion which are similar to well-established personality traits in humans, while a dog which is strong and confident could be said to be one which has an ego.” Ben Fogle, the television presenter, who owns three labradors, said he had deliberately chosen that breed because it shows little sign of neurosis. “I grew up with golden retrievers which were timid and tended to be scared of things,” said Fogle. “Labradors are a mixture of sociability and confidence which translates as curiosity and for me the combination makes a really good mix.” The research by Bennett and two colleagues, to be published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, began by asking a group of experts – including vets and dog-owning human psychologists – what adjectives they would use to describe their pets’ characters. The words were whittled down to a list of 41 and were given to a group of more than 1,016 dog-owning members of the public. They were asked to rate their pets under each adjective on a scale of one to six. The words were then grouped together to form five components. Some have close parallels in humans, but others are unique to dogs. The first component represents the degree to which a dog is energetic and bouncy – it includes words ranging from “hyperactive” to “eager” to “quiet”. The authors of the study equate this to the human characteristic of extroversion. Another component containing words reflecting nervousness, sensitivity and caution, combined with curiosity, was labelled neuroticism. The researchers found this trait was similar but not identical to human neuroticism. Canine neurosis, unlike the human version which mainly consists of anxiety, may be related to that of hyenas. “Perhaps a combination of fearfulness and curiosity represents a single factor in the dog but contributes to two separate factors in humans . . . further research will be required to determine the exact components of ‘neuroticism’ in dogs,” says the study. The researchers found the remaining three components difficult to liken to human characteristics. They included amicability – how happy-go-lucky or gentle the animal is. The researchers conclude that this is different from friendliness in humans as it “lacked the altruism qualities commonly found in human studies.” Training focus covers characteristics selectively bred by humans, such as the ability to follow a scent or retrieve a bird. The final component – self-assurance – comprises a dog’s assertiveness, dominance and comfort in its surroundings. Brian Sewell, the art critic, who has four dogs, cautioned against trying too hard to apply human characteristics to dogs. “I think being able to treat a dog is pushing it rather and is a little anthropomorphic,” he said. “But dogs do have egos and expectations of elevation. I have had dogs who have very powerful emotions but I am not sure how much you can apply aspects of human behaviour to the way they act.” [Posted by: Davina at 10:40 AM] Wednesday, May 16, 2007
WORLD ANIMAL DAY c/o Naturewatch, 14 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 6AA Telephone: 01242 252871 e-mail: info@worldanimalday.org.uk Website: www.worldanimalday.org.uk WORLD ANIMAL DAY – 4TH OCTOBER 2007 – WHERE WILL YOU BE? Please help us make this year the best yet. Show the animals you care and be part of something special Dear Friends It’s wonderful that since the official World Animal Day website was launched in 2003, the number of events taking place throughout the world to heighten public awareness of animal issues has increased year upon year. The aim of the World Animal Day website is to ensure the trend continues by encouraging everybody interested in animals throughout the world to use this special day to commemorate their love and respect for animals and celebrate our special relationship with the animal kingdom. As your society is well respected, leading the way to improved animal welfare standards, we are calling on you to help unite the movement by getting involved in building the ‘World Animal Day’ initiative. You can make a start by visiting www.worldanimalday.org.uk now. You’ll find loads of ideas to inspire you and everything you need to help you organise a successful World Animal Day event. And I mean ‘everything you need’ – it’s all there waiting for you! Many of the ideas are relatively easy to organise, however, if you feel like being a bit more adventurous, you will also find ideas that require a little more time and effort - but with a few keen helpers on board anything is possible! If you already have plans to hold a fundraising or educational event close to 4th October then you can easily transform this into a World Animal Day event.
Don’t forget the website features an event listing facility to provide free publicity to any group or individual who is doing something special connected with animals on or around 4th October. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to anyone you know who might be interested in getting involved. You can also help support World Animal Day by including information in a newsletter (logo available in ‘Resources’) and/or by creating a website link (full instructions for a number of different styles of link are available in ‘Resources’. We look forward to hearing from you very soon and wish you continued success in your work to help the animals. Show you care this World Animal Day – Get Involved Kind regards Caroline BarkerProject Manager, World Animal DayTel: +44 (0)1242 252871 This initiative to raise public awareness of animal welfare issues throughout the worldis endorsed by World Animal Net A celebration of animals and their contribution to our livesWorld Animal Day website created by Naturewatch. All queries relating to www.worldanimalday.org.uk should be directed to: Naturewatch, 14 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6AA. E-mail : info@worldanimalday.org.uk Tel : 01242 252871Registered in England. Registration No. 2660946. A Company Limited By Guarantee. [Posted by: Davina at 9:31 AM] Thursday, May 10, 2007
Newlink for dog lovers [Posted by: Davina at 11:38 AM] Friday, March 30, 2007 Dear all, the folowing letter was sent to me by the ASPCA in the US, although the same thing happens right here in South Africa. Animals are stolen or aquired under false pretences from people advertising "Free to a good home" and used as untrained 'security dogs' in Africa. The purposes of these dogs is not to sniff out landmines, but detinate them! Please guys keep your animals safe, preferably indoors at night. In the unfortunate eventthat you can no longer take care of your baby, NEVER advertise try to rehome to peole you know or ask a Pro-Life shelter to assist you in doing so. Much love, always Davina Dear Animal Advocates, The federal Pet Safety and Protection Act, S. 714/H.R. 1280, would prohibit Class B Dealers and unlicensed individuals from selling dogs and cats to research laboratories. Class B Dealers are people who collect dogs and cats from random sources and sell them to the research industry. They sometimes obtain their animals through illegal or unethical means, such as by responding to “free to good home” ads in newspapers, falsifying records to keep the true origins of the animals unknown, and stealing pets kept outside in yards. The Pet Safety and Protection Act would provide a much-needed safety net to ensure beloved pets are not stolen or acquired under false pretenses and sold to research laboratories. What You Can Do Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to send a letter to your representative and senators urging them to support and cosponsor The Pet Safety and Protection Act. You may use the same link to read about this legislation in greater depth. Thank you for supporting the ASPCA. [Posted by: Davina at 10:20 AM] Monday, March 19, 2007 TOP 10 HAZARDS ENCOUNTERED BY PETS IN 2006 the ASPCA advises pet parents to stay alert to the possibility of poisoning from these common household items: 1. Human Medications: For several years now, this category has been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2006 was no exception. Last year, more than 78,000 calls involving common human drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements were managed by the Center—a 69 percent increase over 2005. “Pet parents should never give their pet any medication without the direction of a veterinarianjust one extra-strength acetaminophen can be deadly to a cat, and just four regular-strength ibuprofen can lead to serious kidney problems in a 10-pound dog,” says Dr. Hansen. To avoid inadvertent poisoning from medications, store them in a secure cabinet above the counter and out of the reach of pets. 2. Insecticides: The APCC handled more than 27,000 cases pertaining to products used to kill fleas, ticks and other insects in 2006, up more than 28 percent from 2005. According to Dr. Hansen, “A key factor in the safe use of products that eliminate fleas, ticks and other pesky bugs, is reading and following label instructions exactly. Some species of animals can be particularly sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you never use any product not specifically formulated for your pet.” It is also a good idea to consult with your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program. 3. Veterinary Medications: Surprising as it may seem, last year the APCC managed more than 12,000 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements—a 93 percent hike in volume. “Although these products are formulated for use in pets, it is very important to always read and follow label directions for use exactly,” says Dr. Hansen. “As with flea and tick preparations, many medications are intended for use in certain species only, and potentially serious problems could result if given to the wrong animal or at too high a dose.” 4. Plants: The number of cases involving plants also shot up by more than 111 percent in 2006 to more than 9,300. Some varieties that can be harmful to pets include lilies, azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera. ”Just one or two sago palm nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and even liver failure,” says Dr. Hansen. “Also, lilies are highly toxic to cats—even in small amounts they can produce life-threatening kidney failure.” While poisonous plants should certainly be kept away from pets, it is also a good idea to discourage animals from nibbling on any variety of plant, as even non-toxic plants can lead to minor stomach upset. 5. Rodenticides: Last year, approximately 8,800 calls about rat and mouse poisons were received by the APCC, representing an increase of more than 27 percent over 2005. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or even damage to the kidneys or other vital organs. “Should pet owners opt to use a rodenticide around their home, they should make sure that the bait is placed only in areas completely inaccessible to their animals,” says Dr. Hansen. 6. Household Cleaners: In 2006, approximately 7,200 calls pertaining to cleaning agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants were received—up 38 percent from the year before. Says Dr. Hansen, “Depending on the circumstances of exposure, some household cleaners can lead to gastrointestinal irritation or even severe oral burns for pets.” Additionally, irritation to the respiratory tract may be possible if a product is inhaled. “All household cleaners and other chemicals should be stored in a secure location well out of the reach of pets,” recommends Dr. Hansen, “and when cleaning your pet’s food and water bowls, crate or other habitat, a mild soap such as a hand dishwashing detergent along with hot water is a good choice over products containing potentially harsh chemicals.” 7. Chocolate: Always a common food-related call, more than 4,800 chocolate calls were received by the APCC last year, an 85 percent increase from 2005. Depending on the variety, chocolate can contain large amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, could potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity. In severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures have been noted—and it could even be fatal. “Typically, the darker the chocolate, the greater the potential for poisoning,” says Dr. Hansen. “Baking chocolate contains the highest amount of methylxanthines, and just two ounces could cause serious problems for a 10-pound dog.” 8. Chemical Hazards: A newcomer to the top 10 category, this includes such harmful items as volatile petroleum-based products, alcohols, acids, and gases. In 2006, the APCC received more than 4,100 calls related to chemical hazards—an astronomical jump in call volume of more than 300 percent. “Substances in this group can cause a wide variety of problems,” Dr. Hansen explains, “ranging from gastrointestinal upset and depression to respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.” Commonly-used chemicals you should keep your pets away from include ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals. 9. Physical Hazards: While not necessarily all toxic, items in this group consists of objects that could pose a choking hazard, risk for intestinal obstruction, or other physical injury, and in 2006, the number of physical hazard calls grew a staggering 460 percent to over 3,800. “We’ve managed cases involving the ingestion of several common objects—from pet collars and adhesive tape to bones, paper products and other similar items,” says Dr. Hansen. “It is important to make sure that items which could be easily knocked over, broken, chewed up or swallowed are kept out of the reach of curious pets.” 10. Home Improvement Products: In 2006, approximately 2,100 cases involving paint, solvents, expanding glues and other products commonly used in construction were managed by the APCC—up 17 percent from 2005. While the majority of water-based paints are low in toxic potential, they can still cause stomach upset, and artist paints sometimes contain heavy metals that could be poisonous if consumed in large quantities. In addition, solvents can be very irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, eyes and skin, and could also produce central nervous system depression if ingested, or pneumonia if inhaled. “Prevention is really key to avoiding problems from accidental exposures to these substances,” says Dr. Hansen. “Pet parents should keep pets out of areas where home improvement projects are taking place, and of course label directions should always be followed when using any product.” [Posted by: Davina at 8:51 AM] Thursday, March 08, 2007 A LADIES EVENING, NOT TO BE MISSED!! We deserve a night off to dress up, relax, wine, dine and experience a new art form with a best friend, or two. The art of Belly Dancing. On Saturday, 21st April 2007 from 19:00 we will be hosting a Middle Eastern LADIES ONLY evening. Bring along your ticket and a couple of friends, and come and enjoy the evening. Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets as soon as possible. NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR! Snacks will be provided and a cash bar is available. We will be entertained by the Oriental Belly Dance studio’s Instructor and students, and later in the evening, for those who want to join the fun, be given an opportunity to try some of the sensual and vibey moves. You may find a hidden talent that has never been explored! Tickets are available at R60,00 a head and proceeds will go to the “Wolmer Animal Project” to assist with sterilisation, inoculations and vets fees for the Wolmer community’s pets. TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS, DIARISE THIS DATE IMMEDIATELY AND BOOK YOUR TICKET!! Venue: Police Rondawel, Pretoria North Time: 19:00 till late (don’t rush off early - stay and dance the night away) Cost: R60,00 per ticket. Purchase your ticket as soon as possible limited seating. Dress: Middle Eastern, lots of colour, lots of jewellery and make up Tickets available from Cilla Trexler 083 339 1692, Desiré Read 083 652 5219, Natasha Kruger (Oriental Belly Dance Studio) 082 857 9715 or Kem de Beer Pharmacy, Ben Viljoen Street Pretoria North. LET’S DANCE!!! Dying to try, but always been too shy? Join us on the dance floor- snap and shimmy. [Posted by: Davina at 1:00 AM] Monday, February 26, 2007
Please support Animal Ambulance in this excellent drive. Maria's telephone number is at the bottom of this letter ... Hi All animal lovers This is an update on what’s happening with our sterilization count down. We have been able in the last 2 week to sterilize another 7 babies. Taking our total to 88 more to go to reach our target, these 7 babies were done in honor of investec that donated towards 21 sterilizations. This is true blessing as this means less unwanted puppies out there. Also 5 of our doggies have been given a true loving home this week thank you to those that came and adopted a special pet. But we are still in the red with 20 doggies here so please feel free to come and visit. The 6 puppies should also be available for adopting in 3 weeks time. Mommy will be sterilized once she has stopped feeding and will also be available for adoption. Shame this girl has truly had it hard out there. Having one littler after another so that a human can have his bad habits taken care of. Also the Animal Ambulance is seeking bigger premises so we are able to help more sick and abused animals in the poor area’s as the present premises does not allow us to hold more than 20 and sometimes we truly push it to the ultimate with 25 making it very difficult, and forcing us to turn some real sick ones away. We have addressed the bank with the problem but have been turned away due to the fact that we do not earn enough income to be able to purchase a plot. Anyone willing to help in this department even if it’s a property for rental please feel free to contact us as this is an urgent matter. We thank each person for their support Regards Maria Phelan Animal Ambulance 083 241 4452 [Posted by: Davina at 9:55 AM] Monday, February 19, 2007
Zeus's sad start to life... We have a very special appeal for this precious Husky... please only forward this email to those who really care Zeus is a beautiful cream Husky with one blue eye and one cream eye. He is 3 years old and is medium in size. He has not been neutered yet but this expense will be paid for in 6 weeks time. Please read on to find out more about this doggy's very sad story... From the age of 3 months, Zeus was tied to a chain heavy enough to pull a truck. All day, he lay in the hot sun with no shelter from our trecherous thunder storms. Cowering out of fear, he longed for the end of each day. He longed for someone to come and rescue him from this terrible fate... Only three years later, the word got out that this poor Husky was in need of help. His terrible owner decided to go away for a week and left him all on his own to fend for himself and find any scraps of food within his limited reach. As you can imagine, food was few and far between and Zeus slowly fell into a coma. At this stage, unbeknown to his neglectful owner, he had billiary too making the state of his condition truly serious. A wonderful lady from Husky Rescue called Joanne, had been trying to convince the owner to hand him over to which he refused saying that he was vicious and needed to stay on the chain. When she saw the state of this dear dog while he was away, she had the chance to take him off the property and rush him to an emergency vet. The vet was totally shocked by his condition and couldn't believe how this poor dog had even survived so long. After weeks in the vet and daily visits from Joanne, Zeus started to get stronger. He showed so much gratitude and love for what Joanne had done for him. Finally, Zeus was able to go to a foster home where he could run around in a garden and live the life of any normal dog. The day before he was due to go to a permanent home especially picked for him, somebody at the foster home left the gate open and Zeus ran out into the road where a car knocked him over. Poor Zeus now had 2 broken hips... Joanne was notified and once again rushed him to the vet. The vet told her that this operation would cost in excess of R4000. But why should we give up on this boy who had been through so much already and deserved a third chance in life!? So Joanne managed in one day to raise the money to cover the costs of the operation. Zeus has now been with Joanne for the past 3 weeks. He is starting to walk slowly and will obviously have a problem for the rest of his life. He is otherwise, a very healthy dog. Zeus does not have one vicious bone in his body. He is extremely gentle and loving. He is happy just sitting next to his owner all day. He asks for nothing more than love and affection... After all that this dog has been through over the past 3 years, we want to find him a VERY special home. He is fine with other female dogs and is great with kids! All he wants is a lap to put his head in and a hand to stroke his nose and tell him everything is going to be ok from this day onwards. Zeus has not yet been neutered due to his broken hips but he will be in 6 weeks time. Joanne will cover these costs. The one thing we wish for Zeus is a fabulous home. We need a family who understands animals, will be patient with him and will love and spoil him unconditionally. He needs to sleep inside in a comfy basket, eat the best food and live the most pampered life. If you can offer him this type of devotion, please call Joanne from Husky Rescue on 082 851 9576. The strictest of property checks will be done and only the best home will be considered. Please - no chancers what so ever! If you know of someone who could give Zeus the best home possible, please foward this email to them... [Posted by: Davina at 11:30 AM] Tuesday, February 13, 2007 Dear Friends. The Canadian Voice For Animals - Canada and CVFA - Argentina have been asked by concerned citizens of Greenland to help them stop the horror that happens to the Greenland Sled Dogs. We ask you to please sign this petition and send it to at least 10 or your friends and ask them to do the same. If you have a website, please post the petition link on your site and send us the page it is on, and we will add your organization to our sponsors group. The petition has been dated for February 13th, so you may have to wait until tomorrow to sign it, however you can still add the link to your sites and to the bottom of all e-mails you send out. We cam add your site to the petition at any time. We hope to get at least 50,000 signatures and then we will present it to the Danish and Greenland embassies. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/GreenlandSledDogs/ Thank you so very much for your help....let's make this a petition that will be remembered, and please forward this to any animal foundation you may be familiar with. Kindest regards, Earle [Posted by: Davina at 10:49 AM] Excerpts from a Dog's Diary* 8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing! 9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing! 9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing! 10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing! 12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing! 1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing! 3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing! 5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing! 7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing! 8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing! 11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing! * Excerpts from a Cat's Diary* Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are Fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards! There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now... [Posted by: Davina at 2:05 AM] Monday, February 05, 2007 Dear Welfare Organizations We have negotiated discounted prices for bulk orders of Puppy and Kitten milk and broad spectrum de-wormers from Kyron Laboratories. We will need to work together to coordinate quantities, discounts and logistics Please see the below email and lets here your ideas Warm regards Davina Thank you for your email. We are in favour of supplying animal welfare organisations directly, at reduced prices. We have a few provisos, though: Because we are a manufacturing concern, we don’t find it easy to supply small quantities to individual customers (we sell our products to wholesalers, who in turn sell to vets). Could the organisations you mention (Irwin’s, HAWS, etc) co-ordinate their requirements and form a single buying body to make their purchases? We have no delivery service and would expect you to collect any orders, which would be on a COD basis. If purchases were regular and reasonably sizeable we would consider opening an account for this single buying body. We cannot supply scheduled medicines on this basis. We can only supply veterinarians with such products. Any products sold to this purchasing body would be done so on the understanding that they were not to be resold. Besides KittyMilk and MilkoPup, we can offer animal welfare organisations a broad-spectrum dewormer (Antezole) packed in bulk (1000s), which makes them substantially cheaper. Please direct your response to Sonja Grobler, our General Manager, as I will be away for a few weeks David Goldkorn Director, Kyron Laboratories (Pty) Ltd [Posted by: Davina at 4:11 AM]
"Saved to live and saved for life" As is the case with every other animal welfare organisation in South Africa, Irwin's receives no financial backing from the government. It exists entirely on the charity of animal lovers and with proceeds from the sale of pet food, donated books, clothes and bric-a-brac that are sold from their stalls at De Deur market. It is a knife-edge battle for survival every month. With around eight hundred animals on the farm, basic running costs, which includes feed, amounts to around an incredibleR60 000 per month. The added expense of medicines and vet bills can push this much higher. A further strain on finances has been the ongoing campaign to improve the aesthetics of the farm.As mentioned, the success of any operation of this kind depends largely on the generosity of donors. Anne has devised a number of ways in which folk can contribute towards helping the animals. For instance, the sum of R25 per month will make you a Pet's Pal, R40 per month will sponsor a kennel and you can become a Garden Sponsor for R60. Although the vast majority of animals at the farm are dogs, there are also approximately one hundred cats and varying numbers of ponies, donkeys, pigs and birds. In fact, no animal in distress is turned away. If you feel you would like to find out more about the centre, you can. Every Sunday, excluding the last one of the month, is an open day at Irwin's. The public is encouraged, from 10am onwards, to come and visit the animals. This allows them to interact with humans and helps to restore some of the trust and faith that was so badly betrayed. Listening to Anne, it can be of great benefit to both parties. Tel: 016 590 1255 or 082 950 4368Cell: 082 950 4368e-mail: irwins@telkomsa.netP.O. Box 720 Henley on Klip, 1962 [Posted by: Davina at 4:04 AM] Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Dear Davina, It’s almost impossible to imagine the level of pain and cruelty that animals face today. Each year, baby seals as young as three weeks old are clubbed or shot without mercy for their fur. Six-week old kittens are doused with gasoline and set afire. Bear cubs are orphaned and left to die of starvation, their parents killed by hunters while they hibernate. For over 35 years, IFAW has defended animals like these from cruelty all over the world. We shelter baby elephants whose families have been slaughtered for their ivory. We fight for whales on the brink of extinction. We care for abused and abandoned dogs. And we rescue thousands of sea birds that fall victim to chronic oil spills each year. Without IFAW, these innocent animals have no voice. But with your help, IFAW can continue to speak out for and protect these animals. For only ZAR10 a month you can become a Champion for Animals and help save tortured and endangered wildlife. That’s ZAR5 a week to help end their suffering. Your small monthly contribution means that when the animals need us to save them from harm...protect them from cruelty...or rescue them from a desperate situation — then we can. Please click here right now to become an IFAW Champion for Animals. As a special thank you, we'll send you an adorable plush toy absolutely free. If you love animals, becoming a monthly Champion is the fastest way to help save more animals. \n\nThank you for making all this possible,\n\nFred O’Regan\nPresident, IFAW\n\nP.S. You can become a Champion for Animals — and get your FREE plush toy — simply by clicking here. Your monthly gift will not only help save individual animals ... but help preserve and protect entire species all over the world. Or, if you prefer to give a single gift at this time, please click here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIFAW © 2007\nThis message was sent to: davinahg@gmail.com\n\nAll gifts to IFAW represent a contribution to IFAW's entire mission. Donations will be used where they are most needed to help animals.\n\nWorried about Donating online?\nI used to be too ... so I made sure our online system is safe, secure, and state-of-the-art. It also eliminates check-processing costs, so more money goes directly to saving animals. But if you prefer to donate by phone or mail, simply click here for address information.\n\nNOTE: To make sure you continue to receive further emails from IFAW, please add fred@ifaw1.org to your email Address Book. If you use a spam filter program, please assign this address a status of “safe” or “trusted.” If you have an AOL, Hotmail, MSN or Yahoo email address, this is particularly important as we receive many “bounce backs” from these email addresses.",1] ); //--> Thank you for making all this possible, Fred O’ReganPresident, IFAW How Your Monthly Gift Can Help: ZAR20 a Month: Can pay one month’s salary for an anti-poaching elephant ranger ZAR40 a Month: Can pay for one day of videotaping the seal hunt to expose its cruelty ZAR80 a Month: Can buy vital gloves and equipment for cleaning birds in the event of an oil spill ZAR200 a Month: Can pay for one month of formula and milk for a rescued orphan bear cub Click Here to Become a \nChampion for Animals\n [Posted by: Davina at 12:00 AM] Monday, January 15, 2007
 SIBERIAN HUSKY RESCUE The holiday season has hit all welfare and rescue centre’s with a punch (especially due to the senseless barrage of fireworks that we have had to endure). Many dogs are in need of loving, caring homes. We have both males and females of all colours available to approved homes. Please note that we only re-home dogs to approved homes, sterlised and micro-chipped. If you feel you can offer a home to a beautiful Siberian Husky, please contact … Jo-Ann at Husky Rescue 0n 082 851 9576 [Posted by: Davina at 11:05 AM]
DONATE R10 TO F.O.R.A (Friend's of Rescued Animals) SMS"FORA" TO 38844
[Posted by: Davina at 12:15 AM] Thursday, November 02, 2006
 Dogs Ten Commandments 1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years - any separation from you will be very painful.2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well being.4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment...You have your work, your friends, your entertainment...I HAVE ONLY YOU!5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when you're speaking to me.6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hands but I choose NOT to bite YOU.8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long or my heart may be getting old and weak.9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember that I love you. [Posted by: Davina at 9:48 AM] Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Dear Friends It's C.A.R.E. Barnyard Time again ... Time for - HOT CHOCOLATE - Hot Chocolate is a spectacular show that delivers two hours of chartbusting hits that will sing your blues away, lift your spirit and get you rocking to music that is everlasting. ** Mowtown **Reggae ** Disco ** Pop ** Rock ** African ** The talented performers cover artists such as Louis Armstrong, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Seal, James Brown, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and more. Please join us for a great evening's entertainment and help support C.A.R.E. (Did you catch the insert on Carte Blanche last Sunday about our latest release ...?) What: HOT CHOCOLATE Where: Barnyard Broadacres When: 8pm - Wednesday 1st November 2006 Cost: R120 per person NEW!! Delicious fresh Pizzas and Platters now available direct from the Barnyard - ask us for details. Contact Karen for Bookings 082 452 0146 Your support is appreciated ______________________________________Karen PillingC.A.R.E.Centre for Animal Rehabilitation & EducationPO Box 986 Fourways 2055 South AfricaTel / Fax: +27 11 468 3553Mobile: +27 82 452 0146karenpilling@iafrica.comwww.primatecare.org.za [Posted by: Davina at 4:37 PM] Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The warehouse at the Hyperama (Norwood) is going to be pulled down at the beginning of September. There are currently over 100 cats in the warehouse. We have been working round the clock to capture them and their babies and take them to a place of safety.
There are 16 kittens which will need to be rehomed in about 4 weeks time. They are at present tiny (2 weeks old) little creatures! The cats and kittens are being crushed on a daily basis by falling boxes. They are not cared for or fed and are in desperate need of help! Please, we ask you from the bottom of our hearts, help us to save them. We are in need of food, old blankets, cages and obviously funding. The cats and kittens are being taken to a struggling shelter in Broedestroom who has offered their support. The only problem is that they cannot afford to feed all of these animals. So what good are our efforts in the end? The Hyperama should be taking responsibility for all of these animals but have not yet promised to provide any form of assistance. Please could you help? The smallest of donation will be so gratefully appreciated. We will need to find homes for all of these cats If you can help in any way, please contact Felicity 0835345032 Renee 0116402192 Sarie 0119763775 Please forward this email to all animal lovers… [Posted by: Davina at 12:00 PM] Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Dying for Fur - Inside the Chinese Fur Trade [Posted by: Davina at 1:08 PM]
China launches another mass dog slaughter Christopher Bodeen Shanghai, China 04 August 2006 05:17 The dog days of summer are murder on China's canines.For the second time in days, a Chinese region has ordered a mass slaughter of dogs to curb a rabies outbreak, drawing criticism from animal lovers but also support from many who say such culls are the only sure way to contain a disease that kills more than 2 000 Chinese every year. Officials in the eastern city of Jining plan to kill all dogs within 5km of areas where rabies has been found, the official Xinhua News Agency said on Friday.The measure came in response to the deaths of 16 people from rabies in Jining in the past eight months, Xinhua said. It didn't say when the cull will begin or how the animals will be killed.It said the city has about 500 000 dogs .Rabies cases are on the rise in China, with 2 651 reported deaths from the disease in 2004, the last year for which data is available. Only 3% of the country's dogs are vaccinated against rabies. Such culls have outraged animal rights groups, who call them cruel and a sign of government incompetence in dealing with rabies, an often fatal disease that attacks the nervous system but which can be warded off with a series of injections."I think this is completely insane," said Zhang Luping, founder of the Beijing Human and Animal Environmental Education Centre."What's more, this really damages our national image and sets a really bad example to show how lazy and inconsiderate those local government officials are," Zhang said. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an activist group that partially represents an increasingly vocal lobby in the West and elsewhere, called such killings a "hideously cruel response", in a statement on its website. The group earlier in the week cancelled about $300 000 in orders for merchandise made in China and called for a boycott of all Chinese-made products to protest what it calls widespread cruelty to animals in the country.That was in direct response to the beating to death of 50 000 dogs on government orders by a county in south-western Yunnan province where three people died of rabies. The killings prompted unusually pointed criticism in state media, with many commentators saying it signalled how little capacity the local government had to deal with routine health issues.Other slaughters have been reported elsewhere in China this year, although the government says it has no standard policy of destroying dogs. Zhang, the founder of the Beijing education centre, said there are no laws under which citizens can stop the killings. However, she said she and other animal protection activists are reaching out through the media to try to change policy."I think this brutal and cold-blooded campaign should stop as soon as possible," Zhang said. People who answered the phone at Jining's city government and the epidemic-control centre refused to comment or said they weren't authorised to release information to media.The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not directly criticised the slaughters, but WHO experts have said they underscore a lack of coordination and other problems within China's health-care system. The killings have also prompted a slew of impassioned postings in online forums."Tens of thousands of people die in traffic accidents each year, but we don't ban cars. Dogs are simply easy to persecute," said one unsigned posting on Xinhua's electronic bulletin board."People opposed to killing dogs ought to think how they'd feel if they or a relative was infected with rabies. Are people's or dogs' lives more important?" said another, also unsigned. -- Sapa-AP ____________________________________________________________________ I am quite sure we all have something to say about this disgusting act of brutality!!! Please let your local Chinese High Commission here what you have to say... SWITCHBOARD 012 431 6500 FAX. 012 342 4154 PRESS OFFICER TEL 012 431 6525 FAX. 012 342 3950 EMAIL reception@chinese-embassy.org.za and sign this petition ... [Posted by: Davina at 12:44 PM]
http://www.furisdead.com/pledge-furfree.asp [Posted by: Davina at 12:16 PM] Monday, August 07, 2006
Dear readers,
Company Registration Number:2001/022321/08 Claremont 7735 South Africa
Fax +27 –(0)21- 671-7909 E-mail info@wolfsa.org.za DONATE TO US [Posted by: Davina at 3:39 PM] Thursday, August 03, 2006 FOUR PAWS NEWSLETTER Dear Sir/Madam News: Squattercamp projects: It was brought to our attention that there are already two other welfare organisations working in Diepsloot, so we decided to look for other squattercamps where help is needed. We are however going to Diepsloot whenever we are contacted for help. We started in Stop 12 - Choba, Spruit and Bapsfontein squatter camps; where we did dipping, de-worming, sterilisations, vaccinations and treatments of various wounds and infections. Diepsloot 3 puppies, unwanted-collected and taken to FORA Animal Shelter 1 puppy, found running on the road- taken to Wet Nose. 1 cat, abandoned-collected and still in our care Stop 12-Choba 4 dogs-sterilised & vaccinated 4 unwanted, sick puppies-taken to Puppy Haven for re-homing, underwent medical care, one died 2 dogs-sterilised & vaccinated(one dog was pregnant) Bapsfontein. Made a long running chain for a dog on a short chain We distributed some clothes and toys, donated to us, to the needy in Choba and Bapsfontein. Although animal welfare is our first priority, we are pleased to help people in need with clothing, etc donated to us. This also helps to build a relationship of trust with the communities where we work. Feral Cat Projects: Reading Golf Course 3 semi-feral kittens-collected; 1 re-homed , 2 taken to Kitty Haven Sandton 1 feral mother cat & four kittens-trapped, tamed; 1 re-homed, mother & 3 kittens taken to Kitty Haven Fourways Gardens 1 domestic cat, mistaken for a feral, sterilised and re-homed Melrose 1 feral cat-trapped, sterilised, released and injured eye removed Vaaldam 4 feral cats-trapped, sterilised, released Houghton 4 feral kittens-trapped, taken to Kitty Haven 1 feral cat-trapped, sterilised released Morningside 1 feral cat-trapped, sterilised, released The Castle Kyalami(ongoing project) 3 feral cats-trapped, sterilised,released Kempton Park 1 feral mother cat & 2 kittens-trapped; mother sterilised & released, kittens tamed & adopted by resident Roodepoort 5 feral cats-trapped and still in our care The above Roodepoort cats were being fed by an old lady, confined to a wheelchair, in her garden. Neighbours threatened to kill them and when she fell ill and ended up in hospital, we were asked to trap the cats and remove them. We trapped all five and they are currently in our care. As it is an almost impossible task to tame adult ferals, we cannot possibly take all ferals in trouble into our care. Most of the people asking our help with ferals, ask us to remove them. At Four Paws it is our policy to improve the quality of life of underprivileged animals; not to kill them. Removing them means to put them down. Ferals are very misunderstood. These cats are not pests, nor do they pose any threat to humans. FACT: Ferals keep the rat population under control, as rats are attracted to the same areas as ferals. FACT: Where ferals are removed, other ferals just move in. A sterilised feral colony will not allow other ferals to move in. FACT: Feeding ferals will not stop them from hunting rats, as it is a basic instinct to hunt. FACT: Ferals who are forced to live only on rats and mice, suffer from malnutrition and diseases, as this is not a balanced diet for them. Ferals must be trapped, sterilised, released and fed!! Something to chew on … Thousands of young and healthy animals are being euthanized countrywide each month because of the huge overpopulation. Back yard breeders, pet shops and people believing that their female pet must have at least one litter, are directly responsible for this tragic situation. Don’t breed or buy while the homeless die… Founder’s view People often say to me that people in squatter camps should not have animals. Whether they should or shouldn’t is not the point. They have animals and they always will. With very little money and no transport for their animals when they get sick or injured, animals suffer tremendously. With no ways of getting their pets sterilised, animals are multiplying and more animals suffer. With our basic health care and sterilisation programmes; and education on pet care, we improve the lives of many underprivileged animals. We need your support to continue our necessary work! “A life lived without compassion for the suffering in this world, is a life wasted…” Anonymous. Kind regards, Banking details: Four Paws Merinda Brits Nedbank: 168405, Acc nr: 1684110750, Fourways Mall FOURPAWS [Posted by: Davina at 1:39 PM] Friday, July 21, 2006
SA GUIDE DOG CHARITY DRIVE It’s only R10 an SMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To donate R10, SMS “seeme” to 38051. Proceeds to SAGA – for more info, see link above. July 21, 2006 [Posted by: Davina at 11:07 AM] Wednesday, June 14, 2006 KIND FOOD GUIDE Compassion in World Farming (SA) Thanks to the buying power of caring shoppers, more and more farm animals in SA are being given the opportunity to enjoy life’s basis gifts of sunshine, soil, fresh air and the freedom to exercise their basic behaviours. But the majority of farm animals still remain hidden in factory farms. As caring shoppers, we can hasten their release from mutilations and crammed confinement by the choices we make at the supermarket. For example, every time we buy a free range item we effectively open a cage door and set more animals free. Compassion in World Farming (South Africa) has produced this guide so that each of us can help farm animals lead lives worth living. We have included additional information that is not strictly related to farm animals but which helps other animals and the environment too. Our achievements so far include the following: 1991 – Free range eggs reintroduced into supermarkets after decades of absence 1997 – Exposé results in ostrich industry ban on live-plucking of ostriches before slaughter 2001 – Exposé results in a nation-wide ban of the Devil’s Fork in Kosher slaughter as well as the rotating slaughter box 2004 – Woolworths banns eggs from caged hens in all its stores nationwide 2004 – Free range broiler (meat) chickens become available in supermarkets countrywide 2004 - Woolworths directs its Ayrshire farmers to raise all male dairy calves humanely until 18 months old 2005 / 2006 – Western Cape Education Department includes our video / DVD Farm animals and us – a South African perspective in its Edumedia Resource Catalogue for schools nationally, under Natural Science, Intermediate and Senior phase. Goosie’s Story (about a battery hen who finds freedom) in included under Languages, Intermediate – Senior phase. Eggs Eggs that are not labeled “organic”, “free range” or “barn” are from caged hens. This means the hens have a space allowance that is less than this sheet of paper for LIFE! AVOID EGGS FROM CAGED CHICKENS! Organic eggs: Hens have access to the outdoors, can lay their eggs in nests and can exercise natural instincts such as scratching and pecking, dust-bathing and sun-bathing. Their feed is plant-based and organically grown. Sick chickens are treated with homeopathic remedies and antibiotics are used only as a last resort. Free range eggs: Hens have access tot eh outdoors, can lay their eggs in nests and can exercise natural instincts such as scratching and pecking, dust-bathing and sun-bathing. However, their feed is not necessarily organic and if sick, they are treated with conventional veterinary medicines that included antibiotics. Barn eggs: These hens are kept indoors up to 9 birds per square meter. There are some perches and litter on the floor. 18 million laying hens are still confined to cages in SA! For more details on factory farming of laying hens, contact CIWF (SA) or see our Power Point presentation “Which comes first, the chicken or the egg” on our website. Milk Most cows in SA are injected with a synthetic hormone, rBST, to stimulate milk production. This often leads to cows having udders that are so huge, their hind legs are thrown out of balance and laminitis, an agonizing disease of the hoof, can set in. Look for organic milk, cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products. õ Woolworth’s Ayrshire dairy range has been rBST-hormone free since 2000. However, in March 2006, Woolworths extended this policy and became the first retailer in SA to guarantee that all its fresh milk and yoghurts are rBST-hormone free õ Pick & Pay also stocks rBST-free milk Calves Because they will never produce milk, baby bull calves in the dairy industry are regarded as surplus. They are removed from their mothers and often killed at birth, dumped at auctions or reared in tiny stalls for veal. In 2003, CIWF(SA) exposed the plight of bull calves in the dairy industry in a 14 minute documentary entitled “Saving baby Ubuntu”. As a result, Woolworths directed all its Ayrshire farmers to raise their bull calves humanely until 18 months old. In addition, the Milk Producer’s Organisation used its mouthpiece The Dairy Mail to appeal to farmers to give proper care to baby bull calves. Farmers were told: “Your responsibility does not end at the farm gate”. For more details, send for CIWF(SA)’s video / DVD “Saving baby Ubuntu”. Chicken When buying chicken, look for the free range label. This means that the chickens have been allowed to enjoy life’s basic gifts such as sunshine, soft green grass and the ability to move around. Look for the Free Range label when buying other meats as well! Pork Sadly, almost all pigs that supply the supermarket are still confined in factory farms in SA. MISLEADING ADVERTISING – DON’T BE FOOLED BY PRETTY PICTURES OF ANIMALS ROAMING IN THE MEADOWS. If the package does not say ORGANIC or FREE RANGE, it is not! Fish and seafood 75% of the world’s fish stocks are being exploited to their limits or are over fished. By-catch, meaning the unintentional catches of other than the targeted species, kills millions of animals such as albatrosses and turtles each year. The destruction of the seabed by bottom trawlers further increases the negative impacts of industrial fishing activities. If the seafood industry doesn’t change its practices we might soon run out of fish. Consumers can positively influence retailers by making purchasing decisions that favour sustainable seafood. When buying seafood, shoppers should avoid overexploited species and those that are caught by harmful gear. The South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) has published a shopping aide that fits in your pocket and lists endangered and recommended species. The international charity Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has developed a blue eco-label that can be found on 20 seafood products at Woolworths (19) and I&J (1). The eco-label identifies seafood that comes from sustainable fisheries. More info – www.wwf.org.za/sassi or www.msc.org Other symbols to look for are “Badger friendly honey” and “Dolphin friendly tuna”. Vegetarian – All ingredients of these products are suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians – people who don’t eat meat or fish, but do eat dairy products and eggs. Vegan – These products contain no ingredients of animal origin. Vegetarian and Vegan options help reduce animal suffering, are kinder to the environment and can be better for your health. To fin out why eating less meat is good for you AND our planet, please send for CIWF’s DVD / video “Eat less meat, it’s costing the earth”. Symbols we still urgently need are: õ Free range pork õ Calf-friendly milk õ Leopard-friendly lamb õ Seal-friendly fish To find out more about CIWF(SA) and hopefully support them, go to www.animal-voice.org (magazine) or Head office website www.ciwf.org Email – avoice@yebo.co.za [Posted by: Davina at 12:50 PM] Tuesday, May 30, 2006 Dear All I can recall many a story where a dog has given his own life to protect his master from danger, injury and the COLD. While many good hearted souls are involved in feeding and clothing the less fortunate but very few think about 'mans best friend' and other animals. As I mentioned before Irwin's animal rescue homes more than 1 100 formerly abused, neglected animal, are in dire straights especially with the cold months ahead. It actually got to the stage where there telephone line and therefore email was disconnected (so for all who tried to contact Anne, please try again) IRWIN'S ANIMAL RESCUE Tel: 016 590 1255 Cell: 082 950 4368 e-mail: irwins@telkomsa.net P.O. Box 720 Henley on Klip, 1962 We are going to Irwin's this Sunday 4 June 2005. Jane has miraculously arranged an 8 ton truck to take the kind donations we have already received and a special thanks to all who have so generously contributed. I can't stress enough how every donation makes a cold or hungry animal very happy. We are still in dire need of the following:- Food Blankets Baskets Any other bedding Kennels Cement Bricks Fencing Other building equipment Shade Net Trees Pots or bowls for food and water Jumble and Brick a Brack (no that does not mean your 12 year old NDS;-) Volunteers Dog and cat Dip Deworming and last but certainly not the least donations of money STD Bank Meyerton Branch Code: 014537 Acount holder: IRWIN'S Current Account # 021945756 Jane and I also need assistance with getting all donations to one or two central Drop off points before Saturday 3 June 2006. I am pleading on behalf of all these animals, please donate, every little bit counts Davina Hall-Green NEPAD Secretariat: Research and Policy, Market Access and Human Resource Development Units Tel: +27 11 313 3478 Fax: +27 11 206 3478 Mobile: +27 82 549 5177 email: DavinaH@nepad.orgwebsite: www.nepad.org [Posted by: Davina at 5:17 PM] Tuesday, May 02, 2006
 In Memory of Dingo ( Approx 1997 - 26 April 2006) My heart feels empty Bon Voyage, my sweet boy. May the Angels love you and protect you and keep their promises to you
XXX Mommy ....... Promises Kept (By Jim Willis) You run in different fields now. Effortless. You jump and play with wild abandon. Painless. Eternally young and carefree. Timeless. There is a shroud over my heart. Darkness. Days are longer and empty without you. Cheerless. I still keep your pillow next to my bed. Sleepless. The years march on. Ceaseless. The memories never wane. Impervious. I feel the moment of my fading, then...Brightness. We run in different fields now. Effortless. We jump and play with wild abandon. Painless. Together for all eternity. Glorious. [Posted by: Davina at 12:48 PM]
Irwins Animal Rescue Centre, is situated near Meyerton, South Africa. They are home to over a THOUSAND abandoned and abused animals They are desperate for donations and or the following, kindly email me should you find it in your heart to assist Kind regards Davina davinahg@gmail.com ... IRWIN ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE WISH LIST People often request a wish list from us so that they can promote our cause which ever way they can; so it is for this reason we include our wish list:- 1. With animals we always need food. 2. We always need kennels. 3. There will always be a need for new gardens,so we need fencing. 4. With building gardens we always need poles and gates. 5. Building materials are always needed. 6. There is never too much bedding for the animals. 7. We always need shampoo, dip, medication, de-worming, vaccinations, and veterinary treatment. 8. We need garden tools and equipment to keep the place nice. 9. We also need financial assistance to keep the Home going. 10. Roofing for the kennels is always needed. 11. We need pre-cast walling to block the noise of the dogs to keep our neighbours happy. (we would collect 2nd hand walling & paving for the gardens) 12. We need pots and pans for un-chewable food containers. 13. We need volunteers to spend some quality time with the animals. 14. We need paint to paint the walls, kennels, poles and gates. 15. We need jumble,bric-a-brac and books to sell. 16. We need more Pets Pals and Garden Sponsors for the animals. These are all things that we make every endeavour to do or get, as and when we can. We can’t do it alone, we need you and we really do need help [Posted by: Davina at 11:35 AM] Friday, April 28, 2006
Emergency Remedy for Swallowed Objects • What do you do if your puppy (or mischievous older dog) gets into your holiday decorations and eats some of the glass ornaments? This potentially lethal mishap can darken even the brightest holiday season. • THE PROCEDURE: BEFORE the holiday go to a pharmacy and buy a box of cotton balls. Be sure that you get COTTON balls...not the cosmetic puffs that are made from man-made fibers. Also, buy a quart of half-and-half coffee cream and put it in the freezer. Should your dog eat glass ornaments. Defrost the half-and-half and pour some in a bowl. Dip cotton balls into the cream and feed them to your dog. This can be subtituted for anything the dog will eat or enjoys. • Dogs under 10 lbs should eat 2 balls which you have first torn into smaller pieces. Dogs 10-50 lbs should eat 3-5 balls and larger dogs should eat 5-7. You may feed larger dogs an entire cotton ball at once. Dogs seem to really like these strange treats and eat them readily. As the cotton works its way through the digestive tract it will find all the glass pieces and wrap itself around them. Even the teeniest shards of glass will be caught and wrapped in the cotton fibers and the cotton will protect the intestines from damage by the glass. Your dog's stools will be really weird for a few days and you will have to be careful to check for fresh blood or a tarry appearance to the stool. If either of the latter symptoms appear you should rush your dog to the vet for a checkup but, in most cases, the dogs will be just fine. • An actual experience: "I can personally vouch for the cotton ball treatment. While I was at the vet waiting for him to return from lunch a terrified woman ran in with a litter of puppies who had demolished a wooden crate along with large open staples. The young vet had taken x-rays which did show each of the puppies had swallowed several open staples. He was preparing them for surgery when my wonderful vet came in and said no surgery. I watched him wet several cotton balls, squeeze out the water and pop them down their throats. Within 24 hours every staple was accounted for. This was a lesson I learned in the mid-1960s and have had to use several times on my brats. I wet the cotton balls and smear on some liverwurst and they bolt it down and ask for more. The cotton always comes out with the object safely embedded." • Copyright reserved to Sandy Brock. Permission is hereby granted for any nonprofit reproduction by any person or group. This tip came from Darlene at Dogma's World (Thanks!)This is something I will remember for emergency cases. I suppose it would be best to consult your vet first and evaluate how dire the situation is. This is advised for emergency or remote locations. [Posted by: Davina at 3:30 PM] Friday, March 03, 2006
These animals are desperate We often receive appeals for help at Health24. We can only publish a very selected few, but the following email from a Health24 user appealing for help for animals in distress was heartrending enough that we couldn’t let it pass us by. Health24 checked with the SPCA in Wellington – and everything in the email is indeed true. Their contact details appear below, as does the cellphone number of the person who wrote this very sad letter. Hallo My name is Liezel. I want to tell a gripping story and want people out there to realise what is going on in our society. I live and work in Wellington. I am just an ordinary citizen and happened to see what is going on at the SPCA. They are really struggling with money and they do not have enough funds to buy food for all the animals. The animals sleep in the cold at night and there are not enough blankets for all of them. Some don't even have bowls for their food. This is an appeal to animal lovers – please, you don't have to give money, just go to your nearest shop or Pet shop and buy a blanket, cat/dog food and a toy. If every person would just soften their hearts towards these homeless animals. All the animals that end up at the SPCA and that are not claimed are being put down and that is most of them. There are simply too many. Winter is around the corner and it gets freezing cold here in the Boland. Cats thrown from a car window Coleen at the SPCA Wellington told me that they were called out for help just outside Wellington somewhere the other day. Someone had thrown out litters of kittens from their car window and other vehicles were running them over. The few that did survive had to be put down. Then there is the gripping story of a pregnant dog. Her owner did not want her anymore so she was knocked over the head and thrown in a shallow mud pool where she lay for 4 days trying to survive. She had the puppies while lying there in pain, burning in the sun. A few puppies died and the others sat with their mother in the mud, hungry, waiting for her to wake up. When Coleen and the SPCA got there, they pulled her out of the mud. When they checked her, they found a heartbeat, and suddenly she came to and waved her tail to show how proud she was of her pups. The pups however were extremely weak and anaemic, because of all the ticks on them and of sitting in the boiling sun without their mother to nurture them. They all had to be put down, including the mother. Waiting in vain for a home Then I went to visit the SPCA for the first time. To me it looked like a squatter camp. The animals don't have enough space. They are cramped together in their cement cages. The SPCA only has sponsors to rely on. The cold cement cages with mesh wire are all they have to sleep in. It's very cold and very lonely and the winter is around the corner. I cried my eyes out when I saw the most beautiful medium-sized dog with white hair and brown spots, sitting in the corner with its face pressed against the mesh wire, waiting for its owner to collect him. It stood up, walked in a small circle and sat down again, doing this over and over again. In the same cage was a female dachshund; she was dropped there because she was on heat. My eye caught the most gorgeous Siberian Husky, with the thickest coat I have ever seen. Because of the extreme heat we have in Wellington of up to 39 degrees, he won't survive. There is no protection from the heat or any means for him to cool down. I saw no toys whatsoever. For one hour only, the animals get to come out their cages and run "free". But they don't, they mourn and grieve in a corner waiting for their owners and have no one to play with. It's a horrible thing to see. I went to the office with Coleen, the manager of Wellington SPCA. Sitting there, being attacked by flies, a friendly black Labrador lifted my right arm with his nose to be stroked. Without looking, I stroked him and felt something on his back. When I looked I almost fell off my chair in shock. He had a huge bloody scab on his back from his neck all the way down to his tail. Someone had thrown boiling water on him, for no reason. What you can do to help These animals desperately need warm blankets, toys, rawhide bones or hooves to chew on, more cages, bigger cages, more space to run and play and more shelter. When I left, all the animal's eyes lit up and they all got excited, because they thought I was going to take them with me. I cried for hours. The SPCA is in desperate need of an inspector, someone who reacts to a complaint regarding someone abusing an animal. The inspector needs a salary which the SPCA can't afford. Please make a contribution to our Wellington SPCA. I will help people who want to give something but can't get to the SPCA. I will fetch it or it can be posted to me. Thank you very much. Liezel Liezel’s cellphone number - 072 1860 560 Colleen (SPCA) Wellington (021) 864 3726 [Posted by: Davina at 2:12 PM] Monday, February 20, 2006
FEATURE So you want to adopt a puppy? Marchelle Hermanus Tue, 14 Feb 2006 Max and Mona — yes, they were named after the movie — were found, flea-ridden and half-starved, in a dumpster at the back of a school field. Kate bought them both from the SPCA when they were roughly eight weeks old — she didn't have the heart to split them up. She really had no idea how big they would get. Now, as they approach their first birthday, Max and Mona are already bigger than the Labrador next door. "It's lucky I live opposite a park," she said. "Or else I don't know what I would do." Kate also works from home, so she's had plenty of time to spend with her dogs. It's time that's ensured that Max and Mona have grown up loving and devoted pets — brilliant for her, because she lives alone. "They follow me everywhere and they're very protective," she said. "I've never known such loyalty before!" Why adopt? "The problem that we have is that people adopt pets as watchdogs or for breeding purposes," says Cher Poznanovich, fundraising manager for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. "We make sure that animals are going to the right homes for the right reasons." Many owners adopt because, at R300 per adoption, it's cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you adopt from the SPCA, you also get sterilisation, vaccinations, deworming and a microchip put in for free — normally this would cost about R1000. Despite common preconceptions, the low price does not mean that you’re getting "less" of a dog. Bringing up a rescued dog can be just as rewarding, if not more so, then raising a pedigree animal – if you train it and feed it correctly. As to what type of dog to go for, the possibilities are endless. "I think it’s a personal choice," says Cher. "Obviously each dog has a specific behaviour." She says she bought a mutt – a cross between a terrier and a poodle – and it's the perfect family pet. But adopting a pet means rescuing an unwanted animal that has either been abused or neglected, which could mean that the dog comes with social "issues". Animal behaviourist Christopher Brookin says the problem lies in potential owners not "reading" the dog when they first see it. He says that when choosing a dog it's important to look at it very carefully, spending time with the animal and taking note of how he behaves, before you commit yourself to taking it home. "You mustn’t choose the one that’s barking the most – if a dog’s barking, that means that he’ll ignore you when you call him," he says. "But if he’s barking the least, he’s scared or frightened." He believes that a family dog tends to be a middle-of-the-road kind that doesn’t bark too much and reacts to you if you call him. However, he also adds that if he’s hiding at the back of the kennel, he’s probably scared and will run away… or he could bite. Christopher says that a good indication of a sound dog is that he allows himself to be handled: "If he doesn't let you pick him up for any reason, leave him," he says. But this shouldn't deter you from adopting – rescue dogs are just as easy to train as pedigrees, Christopher says, who refuses to support the myth that adopted dogs are a handful when it comes to training. The interview process The SPCA has just implemented a new adoption policy, which Cher says has come under some criticism lately. "People feel that we are being too strict with the policy," says Cher. "But we’ve done an analysis of dogs that get adopted and then returned – it’s a big problem that we have." A deposit of R100 is payable on application. Afterwards an SPCA inspector will contact you to make an appointment to do the pre-placing check-up at your home. During the check the inspector will make sure that the property is fully enclosed, the size of your property and the state of the dog’s sleeping quarters. If you want to pass the test, do a mental check before the planned visit. Ask yourself whether the dog will have access to water, food and shelter. Also, go through your home beforehand and take note of possible problem areas that could be dangerous for puppies, then raise them with the inspector. What to have ready Making sure that your pooch gets food and water isn’t enough. He needs to get his fair share of exercise as well. By making sure that you have ample space for him to run around, he can keep himself occupied while you’re at work — and toys are important too. "A bored dog is going to start ripping up the garden", says Cher. "He needs to have toys as well." She recommends the Kong – a toy for animals to play with which keeps them occupied for hours on end. Pig's hooves and raw hide — which you can get cheaply from most vets — are brilliant for teething puppies (much better than your shoes!). For feeding, Dr Paul Bernhardi from the Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic in Cape Town says that you needn't be too picky. "Basically it just depends on what you can afford," he says. "I prefer the pellets, although there are some good balanced tin foods on the market." It’s never a good thing to feed Fido scraps from the dinner table, even though you think it may be a treat for him – it encourages begging and has been known to cause some breeds to go off their dog food in favour of your own. Feeding a dog chocolate is a no-no – one of the ingredients found in real chocolate could lead to a your dog suffering heart attack. When it comes to a sleeping place, Dr Bernhardi recommends a good kennel made either from plastic or wood for an outside dog, and a woven basket for your pooch if he’s going to be indoors. The first few nights When you bring your dog home, it's important to set boundaries from the start. Christopher recommends letting Fido sleep outside or in the kitchen on the first night – not in your bedroom — making sure that you leave a door open so that he can go do his business outside. If your puppy messes inside, take him to the mess and make sure he sees it, while you tell him a firm "No!". Never strike a puppy. Abused or neglected dogs should get the same treatment. "Don't treat him like a victim," says Christopher, "otherwise he'll live up to that label — just treat him like you would a normal dog." And the ongoing whimpering and crying? Christopher says that most dogs are comfortable in the kitchen, so it's best to keep him there for the first few nights, and soon he’ll stop crying. If your darling adopted dog is a fleabag (and many are), Dr Bernhardi recommends that you fumigate your house and treat your dog with flee sprays (available from your vet) every few months. Dipping is also an option, but you should send Fido for weekly dippings, and at R40 a treatment, this method could prove costly in the long run.Puppy socialization Socialising your puppy is very important – you can either book your pup into a formal class (your vet should have information on your closest trainer) or just make sure you take him to a park to play with other dogs regularly. Avoid long, strenuous walks until the puppy is at least eight months old. All dogs are pack animals and they need to have the time to be together for their social development and to burn off steam – outings are also a time when you can really start to enjoy your dog. Sterilization Sterilization is very important, especially with female dogs. It's recommended you do it between the ages of six to eight months, or as soon as they come on heat. Depending on the size of your dog, sterilization could cost up to R800, but if you adopt from the SPCA, the procedure is part of your once-off fee. In the case of males, sterilization is only recommended for overly aggressive males, or dogs that wander or who are sexually aggressive. If you've read all this and are still keen to adopt a puppy, chances are you are in for a big reward in the long run. "I would never think of getting a pedigree after having Max and Mona," says Kate. "Besides the fact that I have no more space, it's mainly because they're so much more loyal than any dog I've had." "It's like they know I rescued them and they're waiting to return the favour." [Posted by: Davina at 2:19 PM] Thursday, February 09, 2006 Ten Peeves that Dogs Have About Humans: 1. Blaming your farts on me... not funny... not funny at all !!! 2. Yelling at me for barking.. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG, YOU IDIOT! 3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway? 4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose... stop it! 5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home. 6. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain. 7. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back! 8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your\nguests. Sorry, but I haven\'t quite mastered that handshake thing yet. 9. Dog sweaters. Hello ???, Haven't you noticed the fur? 10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous. Now lay off me on some of these thing's, We both know who's boss here!!! You don't see me picking up your poop do you ???" [Posted by: Davina at 12:18 PM] Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Good Luck to Gabi and all the others, on Sunday, 28 January '06. I know for sure that many thoughts and prayers will be with you FREEDOM TO LIFE, FOR ALL!!!! From: gabi schmitt Subject: request for support: threatening massacre of wild animals Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2006 23:10:53 +0100 To: davinahg@magicmail.co.za Dear Davina, since you are engaged to help the animals and fight against animal abuse, we want to inform you about a threatening massacre of wild pigs on the land of "Gut Greussenheim", a project for animals and nature in the area of Würzburg, in Germany. A group of farmers and advocates for animal rights and nature conservation have come together to build a place where animals, nature and people can learn to co-exist in a peaceful setting, undisturbed by the fear generated in animals through exploitation and killing by people. Unfortunately, however, in Germany the hunters are allowed by law to go on private property to kill the number of animals they consider necessary "to protect nature and farming yields from the overpopulation of wild animals". .. If you wish, please read our press release and information how you can support the farmers in their fight for the animals and for the right to prevent hunting on their land, please turn to: www.donoteatus.org. Thank-you so much for your attention and consideration in this matter. We hope to hear from you. Greetings and best wishes, Gabi Schmitt, Hettstadt/ Würzburg, Germany P.S. On Saturday, January 28, there will be a big demonstration against hunting and all animal abuse in Würzburg. If you wish to support the demo with a greeting or short support note, this would be very welcomed and read at the finishing meeting of the demo! [Posted by: Davina at 12:34 PM] Friday, November 11, 2005 Hi everyone, the website has been updated again - please have a look and pass it on www.hartebeespoortdam.co.za/haws I mentioned in my last mail, Beulah & Ruben are taking a lot of strain in the kennel - please, lets try to find them a home! Also, Gordon and Freckles are still there - they so much deserve a good home! Thank you and have a great week! Gia Discipline Leader: German Department of Classics & Modern European Languages University of South Africa Tel: ++27 (12) 429 6223 Cell: 083 388 4711 Email: simoeg@unisa.ac.za The FORA shelter is a "NO KILL" shelter that caters for the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals in the Florida/ Roodepoort area. There are currently numerous dogs, puppies, cats and kittens waiting to be homed. Should you know of anyone wanting to adopt, you can find FORA on the cnr of Wilgespruit & Main Reef Rds just behind the Westgate Shopping Centre or you can contact Patti on 082 922 3820 for dogs or Verity 082 892 4015 for cats or email fora@mweb.co.za [Posted by: Davina at 3:37 PM] Monday, October 17, 2005
A truly worthwhile initiative - results/information on CLAW’s recent Spayathon posted on following website:- http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=153413 [Posted by: Davina at 12:22 PM] Saturday, October 01, 2005 This must be my favorite :) Dear Dogs and Cats, When I say to move, it means to go someplace else, not to switch positions with each other so there are still two of you in the way. The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run. I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm. For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years--canine or feline attendance is not mandatory. The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough! To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door: Rules for Non-Pet Owners Who Visit and Like to Complain About Our Pets: They live here. You don't. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. (That's why they call it "fur"niture.) I like my pets a lot better than most people. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly. Dogs and cats are better than kids .. they eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, usually come when called, never drive your car, don't hang out with drug-using friends, don't smoke or drink, don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions, don't wear your clothes, and don't need a gazillion dollars for college - and if they get pregnant, you can sell the children. Author unknown [Posted by: Davina at 5:03 PM] Thursday, September 22, 2005
NEED ADVISE? ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED? Wonder why Fluffy is coughing or Fido humps the pillow??
Find the answers on the following links : - CYBERVET - A specialist vet and team of caring, experienced regulars will answer your medical questions ... http://www.health24.com/experts/CyberVet/979-994,24438.asp Animal Behavioural Expert and dog trainer as well as a variety of dog enthusiasts, answer behaviour and almost any other dog related question... http://www.theworld.co.za/default.asp Educating ourselves and others about our animals is not only fascinating but of the utmost importance. Far too many animals AND people die, due to human ignorance. NB! These sites should not be used for emergencies. The experts on these forums work here for their love of animals and do so on a voluntary basis, they are not around 24/7. Consulting your own vet or behaviourist must always be first option. Our animals, like our children rely on us to take care of their health. [Posted by: Davina at 9:13 PM] Monday, September 19, 2005
Call to Vets to Join in De-sexing the City Contact: Christina Pretorius (IFAW) – S.A. Tel: +27 (21) 424 2086 or +27 (82) 330-2558; Email: cpretorius@ifaw.org (Johannesburg) A unique sterilisation drive aimed at raising awareness of the need to reduce pet overpopulation is seeking voluntary veterinary support in October. Called Desexing Da City, the intitiative by CLAW, a project of IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare – www.ifaw.org) in conjunction with AnimalTalk and VetsLife magazines, is hoping to sterilise at least 500 dogs over two days on October 8th and 9th and is looking for veterinary professionals to get involved. The event will be held in Rockville, Soweto, and is part of ongoing work by CLAW, an organisation which provides free primary healthcare services (including sterilisation, deworming, vaccination and parasite control) to companion animals in some of South Africa’s poorest communities. “Desexing Da City will be a high profile event to raise awareness among our communities that it is essential to keep pet populations under control, as a means to ending animal cruelty and improving the health of communities by preventing animal borne diseases to humans,” said Cora Bailey, founder of CLAW and IFAW Special Advisor on Community Led Animal Welfare. “We also hope to encourage veterinary professionals to consider donating their skills on a more regular basis to community service – helping us and other Community Led Animal Welfare projects to provide much needed help to the pets of people who are simply too poor to pay for such services.” The Desexing Da City initiative is looking for veterinary professionals to donate their services to help sterilise at least 500 dogs in a single weekend. “We have already enlisted the assistance of a number of veterinarians to help us with planning and logistics to ensure that vet volunteers can be absolutely assured of our commitment to providing a thoroughly efficient and professional environment from which to work,” said Bailey. Arrangements include waiting, surgery and recovery areas, as well as medicines and equipment. A park and ride system and refreshments will also be provided. CLAW was established in 1994 and, since then, has sterilised more than 30,000 dogs from townships and informal settlements in Gauteng, as well as providing free primary healthcare services. The organisation has received plaudits from around the world and last year was chosen as beneficiary for funds generated by the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science Rag events. Earlier this year it was voted one of Johannesburg’s favourite charities. CLAW’s work is highly commended by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, as well as the South African Veterinary Association. Veterinary professionals wishing to get involved should contact Lance Watson, on telephone (011) 475 2621; mobile 073 471 7657 and Email: kathyw@southcomm.co.za About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) Founded in 1969, IFAW is an international animal welfare and conservation organization that works to protect wild and domestic animals and to broker solutions that benefit both animals and people. With offices in 15 countries around the world, IFAW works to protect whales, elephants, great apes, big cats, dogs and cats, seals, and other animals. To learn how to help IFAW protect animals, please visit www.ifaw.org. [Posted by: Davina at 1:38 PM] Monday, September 12, 2005
Would you like to spend more time with stray, abandoned & neglected animals? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who cant speak for themselves? Volunteers needed in Pretoria, Centurion and surrounding areas Please contact Helene 012-6672037 / 0720707082 (all hours) for more info. You are NEEDED!!!!
[Posted by: Davina at 3:22 PM] Sunday, September 04, 2005
Funds raised for our Disaster Relief Fund will go to recovery efforts for shelters in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.
[Posted by: Davina at 12:48 PM] Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Meet Our Furry Friends If you are interested in sponsoring / adopting, pleasecontact: Ann Gmur (Kennel Manager) Cell: 082 713-6215 ... [Posted by: Davina at 4:05 PM] Friday, August 19, 2005
PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO SAVE THE FUR SEALS OF SOUTH AFRICA Also see video [Posted by: Davina at 1:19 PM] Saturday, July 02, 2005
They say memories are Golden Well, maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I missed you, A million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died. In life I lived you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place, No one could ever fill. If tears could build a stairway And hearthache made a lane I'd walk a path to Heaven And bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again
[Posted by: Davina at 2:04 PM] Thursday, June 09, 2005
Patricia Glyn's walk for the animals One Thousand Kilometers Walked, and One Thousand to Go. Patricia Glyn, well known South African celebrity and great-great neice of Richard and Robert Glyn, is walking in the footsteps of her ancestors across South Africa with her dog Tapiwa to help IFAW sterilise 2,000 dogs and cats. Patricia needs your help to reach her goal: R300,000.00 to sterilise one dog or cat for every kilometre walked. Help Patricia Glyn Sterilise a Dog or Cat [Posted by: Davina at 2:30 PM] Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Spayathon Planned for October
CLAW will be holding a Spayathon in October. We hope to spay a minimum of 500 pets during National Animal Week. CLAW will be appealing to local vets to come and volunteer their services to make the event a success. CLAW spays pets on a daily basis. The “Spayathon” will highlight the importance of sterilization and be of great benefit to the communities in the informal settlements as well as for the animals themselves. Vets and vet nurses who would like to volunteer can contact CLAW at (011) 672-7712. [Posted by: Davina at 10:07 AM] Thursday, May 26, 2005 Dogs rescued in Thembisa, South Africa - assistance needed please: Four sick dogs escaped a terrible fate when an animal ambulance service of Centurion rescued them in Tembisa. A resident of Tembisa called out Maria Conradie, owner of the animal ambulance, last week.Maria found four starving dogs at a shack. According to the neighbours, the residents of the shack left weeks ago without worrying about the animals. The dogs were very hungry and thirsty because they had no water or food.They were tied to a pole with chains that were only half a metre long. One dog was trapped inside an old drum.Maria says the dogs have a highly contagious disease called Sarcopies Scabei. The disease consists of mites that enter the skin and make victims extremely itchy. Many dogs with this disease die because they forget to eat while biting and scratching themselves constantly. However, the disease is curable with the necessary veterinary attention.All four dogs have the disease in such a bad way that they lost their hair and their bodies are covered with sores. They also are packed with ticks and fleas. Maria immediately took the dogs to a veterinarian in Centurion.Thereafter she took them to her house in Tamara Park, where she plans to nurse them until they are healthy. She named them Hope, Faith, Storm and Geronimo. "A whole day after they rescued the dogs, they were still starving of hunger."It will take three to four weeks for them to recover. Their hair will only grow back in six months."As soon as they are healthy, they will be available for free adoption to good homes," she says. Maria urgently needs donations of tinned food, flea and tick treatments and money for their treatment.She appeals to people to report cases of cruelty to animals to the authorities."You will find people who are cruel to animals everywhere. "I try to find homes for all the animals that I rescue because I believe that they deserve a second chance in life," she says.People with donations or who want to adopt the dogs, can phone Maria on +27 (0)83-241-4452 Physical address:
[Posted by: Davina at 3:08 PM] Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Please read the following post regarding a 24 hour Vet on Wheels and keep the number at hand ... Regards Davina Robbers poisoning pets to shut them up The Centurion area, including The Reeds and Rooihuiskraal, has become the latest killing field for dogs. More than a hundred dogs have been poisoned in the past month in this area. It appears that the animals are killed by housebreakers wanting to get the dogs out of the way before they target that particular house. About two weeks ago, 30 dogs were poisoned over one weekend in the area. A pet owner in Lyttelton lost all five of her dogs, including a six-week-old puppy, while another lost her eight dogs, due to poisoning. Things have now got so bad that pet lover Maria Conradie and her partner Grant Peel of The Reeds have started a service called Vet on Wheels. They will transport a poisoned animal free of charge to a designated vet in Centurion who is willing to attend to the animals 24 hours a day. "I lost one of my dogs last week and my other dog barely pulled through," Conradie said. She told the Pretoria News that her neighbour's dog was also poisoned at the same time, but managed to pull through. The poison that is being used is Aldicarb, an organo-phosphate used for agricultural purposes. It looks similar to small peppercorns or poppy seeds, but is deadly. Inspector Reinette Coetzee of Wierdabrug police station said they are aware that this particular poison is being used. It is available on the street - where it is commonly known as "two-step", because the dog usually takes only two steps before dying. Coetzee said the poison had been taken off the market, and anyone caught with it would be prosecuted. She confirmed that there have been recent cases in The Reeds/Rooihuiskraal area where people were caught with the poison in their possession. Aldicarb can be absorbed through the skin. "It is very dangerous, and people do not know what they are playing with," Coetzee warned. It is sold on the street as rat poison, but potential housebreakers hide it inside meat or a sausage and throw it over the wall for the dogs to eat. Conradie said this normally happens during the night, because pet owners discover only the next day that their dogs have been poisoned. Then it was usually too late to save the animal from a cruel death, she added. Coetzee said they have had a few cases, especially in The Reeds area, where owners had complained that their dogs had been poisoned. In many of the cases, a crime or an attempted crime, such as housebreaking or car theft, followed a few days later. She, however, could not confirm how many cases of dog poisoning there had been. "People normally do not contact us when their dogs are poisoned. We urge them to do this, because then we can know which areas are targeted," she said. Conradie said the poisoning had been so rife during the past month that she and her partner were up until the early hours of the morning last week to save some of the dogs. She believes crime is the motive, because two days after her Irish wolfhound was poisoned, her car alarm went off. Luckily her dog, who survived the poisoning, barked, Conradie said. Colleen Bennett of the Centurion SPCA also confirmed that dog poisoning in the Centurion area had taken on alarming proportions. Pet owners are cautioned to patrol around their fences for any suspicious-looking meat. It also helps to keep the animal in the back of the yard during the night, Bennett said. Anyone who wants to make use of the 24-hour Vet on Wheels service can phone Conradie on 083-241-4452. [Posted by: Davina at 10:45 AM] Monday, May 16, 2005
Punishing the Poor and their Pets The City of Johannesburg in South Africa is set to introduce new dog and cat bylaws that discriminate against poor pet owners, and which could see the wholesale confiscation and possible destruction of thousands of pets. IFAW says Johannesburg hasn't properly consulted with animal welfare groups and organisations such as CLAW, which work in these communities daily. Click Here to Sign our Petition and tell the City Council that discrimination against the poor is unacceptable Dear Friends Please find on the following link, the new draft by-laws regarding animals: - http://www.joburg-archive.co.za/bylaws/draft_animals1.pdf As always SPCA Councils Marcelle Meredith talks the talk, and as always I am 100% in agreement for the sterilisation laws, but certainly responsible ownership should not disclude number of animals we keep/rescue I would urge you to send any comments to the below contacts as well post them on this Blog Members of public are invited to voice their comments in writing to The Director: Legal Services, PO Box 1049, Johannesburg, 2000 or email their comments to tshidem@joburg.org.za or aidam@joburg.org.za. [Posted by: Davina at 8:30 PM] Tuesday, April 05, 2005 May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.  ROYD ALEXANDER WALDECK 1971-2005 My First Love Casey's Beloved Dad [Posted by: Davina at 6:47 AM] Tuesday, January 25, 2005 "Where's Daddy's Baby?" - A Tribute to My Lost Children [January 25, 2004] Copyright Jim Willis 2005 http://www.crean.com/jimwillis jimwillis@peoplepc.com You had come from everywhere, on two continents, and you had come from every circumstance: neglect, abuse, apathy, human boredom and irresponsibility, human "inconvenience" (e.g., "we're moving; a new baby; career changes"), medical issues, elderly, handicapped, blind, deaf, psychic pain and behavioral problems. Almost none of you could have been described as "well-behaved" and I counted myself lucky if you happened to arrive housetrained and without aggression. You cost me a small fortune and I had started with far less than a small fortune.I knew from the beginning that you would become the "too many" and that I would be subjected to some criticism, especially from those who do too little, too late, or from the "theorists" who never provide a practical application. I hadn't been "schooled" in how to rescue animals - almost nobody is - so it was a lot of "learn as you go." I did learn, over three decades, and you became my best teachers. I accumulated some academic accolades that should have proven that I knew what I was doing, but you were always the first to embarrass me in public and prove to the world that I didn't know how to proceed. My only "house-rules" were that you were allowed to destroy furniture and carpets - which you did gleefully - and that you weren't allowed to harm each other, which you complied with admirably. Hundreds of you went on to wonderful lives and permanent homes with compassionate people. Some of you stayed behind with me, even after my human mate of many years abandoned us, because in most human opinions, you were the "unadoptable." The truth is, I never could have endured parting with you.Parting with fourteen of you on the afternoon of January 25, 2004 was forced upon me when our home burned to the ground and took you away from me. Not a day has gone by since that I haven't thought of you, what you meant to me, and how much I miss you.how much I learned from you. I could write a chapter on each of you and how you had thrived with love and good care, a homemade diet, maybe a little bit of tough love and positive-reinforcement training that added some stability to your lives and set some parameters you could depend on. It had become my mantra that I would never betray your trust and that you could always depend on me. I rarely left you for longer than an hour per day, but as the fire marshal told me the evening of the fire, if I had been home, I wouldn't be here now. I have no doubt that is true, because my first impulse would have been to try and save you as I'd once saved you. I will live with that regret forever, and the evening of the fire, I didn't want to be in this world any longer if I couldn't be with you. However, a half dozen of your brothers and sisters survived, and I had to continue on for them and for whatever reasons our Creator decided I should remain behind.You were feline and canine and lupine, but you were never less worthy than me and never less than my children. Despite the respective tragedies and disappointments of our lives, and our emotional baggage, we somehow formed a family. I remember and still miss dispensing vanilla wafers at bedtime and rolling around with you in the snow, and having my eyeglasses slurped off my face.cleaning cat vomit out of my computer keyboard. I always knew that you had done far more for me than I had ever done for you.People, even religious people of different faiths, often ask me if I equate animal life with human life. What a silly question. Do we not all bleed the same red blood, suffer the same pain and fears, and breathe the same air? Aren't we all looking for the same safe environment and companionship we can trust? Are we not all marvels of Creation and biology? Have most humans ever, personally, visited a slaughterhouse, or their local "kill-shelter's" euthanasia room? What an utterly silly question with such obvious answers.Humans, who I like to call the "blind species," need to be forgiven, especially by those of us who have achieved enlightenment as a benefit of sharing our lives with you and your kin. Most of us consider it one of the blessings of our human lives and we all need to help educate other humans while helping to save more animals. To lose one furred, feathered, or scaled companion who has shown us nothing but unconditional love is heart wrenching; to have lost fourteen such in one day has approached the unbearable at times for me. But God and you have shown fit to have blessed me with wonderful friends, human and furred, to make sure that I do go on, especially to go on and speak for those of you who have no voice.If you'll allow me to single out one of you, it will be "Cleo," the American Staffordshire Terrier who arrived at seven months old, starved, abused, a product of a Pit Bull fighting dog breeder, and who was deranged and uncontrollable from her experiences. She was biting inanimate objects to the point that she knocked out two of her bottom teeth. For the first three days, I wondered if I would have to finally, after all the years, violate my own ethics and beliefs and have a dog euthanized for behavior, for being "unredeemable," when I continue to insist that even biting is natural behavior and a form of communication for a dog. I held to my beliefs, Cleo settled down and then blossomed into one of the most beautiful and well-behaved dogs of her breed I've ever met. We were smitten with each other. As she ran around the yard, swam in her pool, and took numerous foster dogs under her wing and showed them the ropes, I was amazed at how much a "crazy" dog can teach a "crazy" human. In fact, she seemed to gravitate to the most down-and-out "basket cases" I took in, and she managed to give them the gumption and assurance that I, the fallible human, could not. Every evening, before your dinner, I would call, "Where's Daddy's baby?" and Cleo would come tearing across the yard and jump into my arms, all 65 pounds of her (and one time she nearly broke my nose). Old habits die hard and to this day, whenever I feed your current brothers and sisters, or the foster animals who have passed through our new home, I whisper - but now it is, "Where's Daddy's babies?" Plural.Of course, I know where you are, and while it may be customary to wish that you rest in peace, that wouldn't be fitting. You never allowed me to "rest in peace," and I sincerely doubt that, despite your obvious charms, you have added much to the peace of Heaven.On the anniversary of the tragedy that took you from my good home to your new great one, I want to tell you, Otto, Pongo, Cleo, Tina, Gaston, Gabriel, Amadeus, Danny, Danube, Tara, Tawny, Lucinda, Lakota, and Willow, that you are not forgotten, that you are remembered daily and missed, and until we see each other again, you always will be.Love and more thanks than I can adequately express,Your human dad, Jim, and all your furred brothers and sisters [Our new address: P.O. Box 99, Langeloth, PA, 15054, USA]P.S. To everyone who sent messages of sympathy and support, and donations over the past year, you have our most sincere gratitude. [Posted by: Davina at 10:39 AM] Thursday, January 20, 2005 Dogs, cats and other animals who survived the tsunami are now in desperate need of clean water, food and veterinary care. The World Society for the Protection of Animals is engaged in a special relief effort. Please consider making an http://mail.magicmail.co.za/Redirect/www.care2.com/go/z/20577today, and thank you for caring!
Dear Friends, The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) urgently needs your help to care for animals in the tsunami zone. As a new year begins, the world is united in its shock and sadness at the terrible human tragedy following the disaster. In the face of such overwhelming human adversity, it is all too easy to forget the animal victims of the crisis... but not for the people of WSPA. With over 50 years in global animal care, WSPA's Animal Rescue Team is hard at work for the animals who lost so much. Every penny donated to this appeal will be spent on improving the lives of animals in the tsunami affected region.
Your gift of $30, $50, $100, $1,000 or more will mean the world to the animals whose normal lives have been so devastated by the tsunami. Please give what you can. Won't you please donate today? Thank you so very much.
Laura Simpson
[Posted by: Davina at 8:41 PM] Friday, December 10, 2004
has been chosen as a benerficiary of the THE CELLARS ARTS AND WINE APPRECIATION FESTIVAL IN NOORDHOEK So please take a drive out to beautiful Noordhoek and support us! From the 15th to the 19th of December 2004, The Cellars Arts & Wine Centre, in Noordhoek will be hosting their first Arts & Wine Appreciation Festival. A handful of SA's top up and coming artists, including the likes of the legendary Eatwell family, Francois Viglietti, Pam Cooper and Peter Jander, will be displaying their finest works to date.The theme of the exhibition hopes to capture the essence of the new centre and its surroundings, embodying the tranquil spirit of Noordhoek.Manuka Fine Wines Boutique will be showcasing their top local brands for the duration of the festival, proving once and for all that fine wines and fine arts definitely go hand in hand.For more information call the Eatwell Gallery on 021 789 2767, or visit the Cellars Arts & Wine Centre at the corner of Main Road & Village Lane in Noordhoek.
Please forward this to eveyone on your address list to drum up more support for our working horses! [Posted by: Davina at 2:06 PM] Friday, October 29, 2004 THIS POEM IS CALLED GOOD NIGHT HEILA Good Night, sweet Earth Mother, Who eased much pain and despair, Good Night, kind Protector, Who fought for Those who fear. Good Night, kind Defender, Who never would back down, Good Night Queen of the Voiceless, Who can ever wear Your crown? Good Night cherished Angel, In Heaven you?ll know the Score The Punished are not hungry, Cold or frightened anymore. Davina Hall-Green ______________________________________________________ In the early hours of yesterday, 27 October 2004, this world said goodbye Heila Hitchcock, the founder of Punished Paws and a true hero in the fight for animal rights. Heila, watch over the animals and may we all make you proud and carry on the fight. I, like many will miss you dearly. This world has lost an angel, and I, a mentor. Chris, her husband has asked that instead of sending flowers; please make a donation to Punished Paws so that her work may continue. Nedbank Milnerton Account name: Punished Paws Account Number: 1093060298 Branch Code: 109309 Punished Paws is registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non Profit Organization no 034-322-NPO To view the regisration certificate, go to http://www.pawtal.co.za [Posted by: Davina at 1:18 AM] Tuesday, October 05, 2004
In memory of any dog This is not for you, beautiful specimen, showing your shiny fur in dog food commercials. This is not for you, gorgeous felt puppy, which everybody likes. This is for you, bunch of bones, dog without owner skitish, walking across the tracks of my country, Spain. This is for you, hunting dog,already old, lost your sense of smell, your owner decided not to share with him your useless old age, your life ended with a good shot. You were not so lucky, they did not want to waste a cartridge, were abandoned in the open country, your agony was long, painful, a trap trapped you. This is for you, shepherd dog, fellow in a thousand of suns and stars, maybe the happiest. This is for you, involuntary kamikaze, blown up in pieces, victim and innocent accomplice of the wickedness of man against man. This is for you, my friend, that in your endless goodness move your tail to the one who inoculates youwith a lethal virus or cuts off a limb in the experimentation bench of a hospital. This is for you, poor abandoned dog, from door to door, begging for some food, your insistent tenderness bothered someone, so you appeared one chilly morning with your body riddled with bullets. This is for you, shelter dogs, piled up waiting for an adoption, without pedigree,the human vanity does not want you. This is for you, already just a skin smashed on the road. For you all, my heart cries! [Posted by: Davina at 10:01 AM] Friday, October 01, 2004 What is Responsible Dog Ownership? From Krista Mifflin, What is Responsible Dog Ownership?Responsible Dog Ownership means being the best owner/caregiver to your dog that you can be. Much more than "food, water, and shelter", Responsible Dog Ownership is the obligation dog owners have to incorporate their dogs into the community, being a good neighbour, and providing for the needs of their dogs, however varied those needs may be. Responsible Dog Ownership Means: • Realizing that a pet is for LIFE, and dedicating yourself to the life of your dog • Putting the effort into proper care of your puppy (proper veterinary care, vaccinations, de-worming, proper feeding) • Learning all you can about proper feeding, making healthy choices• Investing in proper health care throughout your dog's life • Training your dog through gentle means to be a good canine citizen • Training your dog not be a nuisance, and helping him achieve that goal • Teaching your children to respect animals and not abuse them through play (this is also Responsible Parenting) • Obeying the laws set for your protection and the protection of others, even when your dog "doesn't need a leash". By not obeying the laws, you are only ruining it for everyone else • Not breeding your dog because he is "so cute" • Coming to terms with the fact that not everybody likes dogs, and asking yourself, what can you do to ensure that your dog is likable, even to them? Practicing the answer • Doing your part to help the pet overpopulation problem and keeping your intact dog at home and away from other intact animals, or neutering him or her to prevent future health issues • Teaching other humans how to interact with your dog • Providing your dog with a family and a home, not just food and shelter. Dogs are very social, and isolation from the family will result in an unhappy, and ultimately, unhealthy dog • Holding yourself, as the dog owner, liable for whatever damage your dog does, and taking steps to rectify it In a world where dogs are increasingly seen as "evil" and "vicious", Responsible Dog Ownership is the only thing that will keep Man's Best Friend where he should be: at our sides. [Posted by: Davina at 1:16 AM]
WHY SPAY AND NEUTER? One unspayed dog and her offspring can produce 67 000 puppies in six years! Many of these puppies are abandoned, allowed to roam the streets to continue the breeding cycle. Others are left at already overcrowded shelters. In South Africa, approximately 1 000 000 companion animals (dogs and cats) are euthanized each year. Spaying/neutering is a vital step in combating the issue of animal overpopulation and euthanasia. There are other good reasons for spaying or neutering your animals 1) Prevents prostate and testicular cancer in your male dog. 2)Reduces the rate of uterine and breast cancer (in bitches) when done before the first or second estrus cycle. 3) Prevents Pyometra, a potentially fatal infection of the uterus in female dogs. 4) Reduces inter-male aggression. 5) Reduces dominance aggression towards people. 6) Corrects many behaviour problems i.e. Spraying tom cats 7) Reduces roaming, resulting in pets straying, getting into fights and being killed by cars. 8) Reduces “mounting” behaviour and sexual frustration. [Posted by: Davina at 1:08 AM] Seven Reasons Dogs don't Use Computers 1. Can't help attacking the screen when they hear "You've Got Mail!" 2. Can't stick their heads out of Windows 2000 3. Three words: Carpal Paw Syndrome. 4. Too difficult to "mark" every Web site they visit. 5. Saliva-coated mouse gets mighty difficult to maneuver. 6. Too hard to read the screen with head cocked to one side. 7. 'Cause dogs aren't GEEKS! [Posted by: Davina at 12:22 AM] Friday, August 20, 2004 A Dog's Prayer By Beth Norman Harris Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.When it is cold and wet, please take me inside...for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements..and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth...though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land...for you are my God...and I am your beloved worshipper.Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands [Posted by: Davina at 10:20 AM] Sunday, August 15, 2004 A tribute to the 50 000 animal who recently lost their lives in Greece, in the name of greed and vanity Written by 'Canadian Voice for Animals' DOVES FOR THE SLAUGHTERED STRAYS OF ATHENS OLYMPIA In ancient times, the sacrifice of a black ram signified the beginning of the Olympic games...this was Olympia in 776 BC The ruthless slaughter, poisoning, maiming, and torture of hundreds of thousands of stray dogs and cats throughout the whole of Greece, signified the beginning of the modern-day Olympic games...this is Athens in 2004 AD The spectacle of Olympia began in 1936 at the Summer Olympic games in Nazi Germany. It was the first time the Olympic torch was set afire by a German Olympian. Thus began the spectacle of Olympia. Greece, considered the cradle of civilization, the country that gave birth to great philosophers, now sends out the message: That darkness is more fundamental than light; embrace cruelty before kindness, the act of evil more primary than good...more deserving of existence. Ghandi wrote: Empathy and kindness are basic must-needs to all forms of life. We, at the Canadian Voice For Animals, and our representatives in the United Kingdom, Argentina, Romania and Turkey, call upon all humans to form a catalyst that will finally stop world-animal-abuse. The Olympic games will proceed regardless of how much we protest or threaten to boycott. The games will begin; medals will be won, and tears will be shed, and heavier tears will be shed for the countless number of strays that have been destroyed in the name of Olympia. For the Animals. SEND LETTERS OF PROTEST TO THE ADDRESSES BELOW: Address your letter to: embassy@greekembassy.ca elef@enet.gr tanea@dol.gr Bcc To: eheb@telus.net [Posted by: Davina at 5:29 PM] Thursday, July 29, 2004
Puppy Bruises and Kitty Cries
I sit here in my basket, cold and all alone, Wondering, 'Where's mommy?' As I hear that dreadful drone, The moaning of the engine, as it pulls into the drive, And you get out all angry, Mad you couldn't keep your last job So, you get ready to blame it on us, Hoping we won't survive. Me 'n my other siblings, don't wanna take it no more, But I can't see my way I out, I can't find the door, Mommy has tried to hide us, more times than once, Hoping you wouldn't find us, the ones that you call "mutts" Even though it's useless, for you always seem to find, Where we are hiding and we know what you have in mind You throw us down Onto the ground And pick us right back up, we hope you put us in our bed,but for you it's never enough And when we whimper and cry some more, for our dear mommy, all we hear is her scratching on your door And you just shout 'Shut up! 'When they come and ring your bell and ask to see one of us, You just say, that we're all gone,that you've given us all away, When we try to cry out in pain, for them to come and save us, you just beat us even more, cause we are just your toys. Now sitting here inside this sack, and wondering just why, I can hear, my mommy, trying to protest, I just relax, with a sigh, kind of quizzical why you aren't beating me. But my brothers and sisters are here, so I fall asleep, until you put us in the truck and right between your knees, Mommy is right next to us and so I don't object, But very soon, I can hear, My mother's anxious cry, as we are lifted off the seat and thrown way up high, all of the sudden I hear a splash, and water all around, I can't breathe, and I try to cry, but I don't make a sound,now, my brothers and sisters, are fading out, they all go one by one, until, I realize that there's no turning back, or reversing what you've done. [Posted by: Davina at 8:24 PM]
[Posted by: Davina at 1:33 AM] Tuesday, July 27, 2004 SHOP UNTIL ANIMAL ABUSE DROPS Punished Paws Online Shop
All proceeds from this shop will be used to feed, house and rehome the animals in our care. For every $2.00 profit we make we are able to feed an animal for a week. [Posted by: Davina at 2:28 PM] Monday, July 19, 2004
[Posted by: Davina at 9:37 AM] Saturday, July 03, 2004 THE INTEGRITY OF UGLY Author Unknown Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, loving. These three things, together with a life spent outside, had taken their toll on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been, was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side. His left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner. His tail had long been lost, leaving only the smallest stub which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray, striped tabby except for the sores covering his head and neck. Even his shoulders were covered with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly, there was the same reaction ... That's one UGLY cat! All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness. Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing frantically, bumping his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up, he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find. One day Ugly tried to be friendly to the neighbor's huskies. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I rushed to his aid. By the time I got to him, it was apparent that Ugly's sad life was almost at an end. Ugly lay in a wet puddle, his back legs and lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white stripe of fur that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him wheezing and gasping and I could feel him struggling. It must he hurting him terribly, I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain and suffering, obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly, battle-scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion. At that moment, I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain. Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly. Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply, to give my total to those I cared for. Many people want to be richer, more successful, well-liked, or beautiful. But for me? I will always try to be Ugly. [Posted by: Davina at 2:28 PM] Thursday, June 10, 2004 BEFORE I DIE by: Jim Willis 'Tis lonely here in prison, I dream of sun, of fields, I saw them from a window once, but I don't know how they feel. I've never known a caress, a friend, a bone, a toy, I'd happily companion, a human girl or boy. But some men have decided, with selfishness and greed, that my fate shall be a cage, and for my keep, I'll breed. What should fuel this folly? My kind may bark in vain. We care not for your commerce, and few know of our pain. We're hidden well from justice, for our freedom some may cry. God grant me, please, just one request - Let me play once before I die. [Posted by: Davina at 10:56 AM] Tuesday, June 01, 2004 This moving poem was posted on www.theworld.co.za by Heila Hitchcock. If this doesn't break your heart, I'm not sure what will. Please guys, adopt or foster if you can and make the plight of these animals known... ____________________________________ I see little souls wearing fur, souls who bark and souls who purr.... Born unwanted and unloved, I see all this and more from above.... I watch them suffer, I see them cry, I see them lost, I watch them die.... I see unwanted thousands born.... and when they die...nobody mourns.... These are castaways who will never see love or security.... A few short months they starve and roam, Or caged in shelters--nobody takes home.... We cry, we feel, we love.... Our presence now only known from God above.... My pain and suffering came to an end, so don't cry for me, my person, my friend.... The living ones need you now.... Please stop their abuse somehow. PLEASE MAKE ROOM FOR AN ABUSED OR RESCUED DOG IN YOUR HOME AND IN YOUR HEART . There is always room for one more. [Posted by: Davina at 8:00 PM] Friday, May 21, 2004 ANTI FREEZE WARNING Please read and warn others of this fatal poison Every year, an estimated 10,000 cats and dogs are needlessly poisoned by ingesting antifreeze. Many engine coolants and antifreezes contain ethylene glycol (EG), an extremely toxic chemical. Unfortunately, EG has a sweet taste and smell that attracts animals. Much love, always Davina [Posted by: Davina at 6:46 AM] Saturday, May 15, 2004 URGENT PLEA FOR PUNISHED PAWS Dear Friends, This is a plea for help, for a very special woman, who I admire greatly for her selflessness and devotion to the plight of abused and homeless animals. Heila Hitchcock is based in Cape Town and fights the endless struggle of rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing other people’s unwanted animals. In her care, at the moment, she has dozens of cats and dogs. All of which she feeds, loves and devotes her time too. The bills, including veterinary costs, food and kennelling are mounting up and she can not cope on her own anymore. I know most people just struggle with everyday living, car payments and maybe, if we are lucky, a yearly vacation. Can you imagine the costs involved with all theses added burdens. Heila walks where most fear to tread, Heila cleans up what human greed neglects and mistreats, she is the brave one, who does what needs to be done, however endless, thankless and heart breaking the job is. .She is awaiting an NPO number from Pretoria for money donations and I will update with post with account details as soon as one has been received What she urgently needs is dog and cat food and money for spay/neutering and vaccinations. All the animals which are rescued are either in foster homes or in the kennels. Heila has to provide the food for all of them as all the foster parents are poor, but great animal loving people. The kennel owner is a kind, understanding woman and has agreed to home the animals at a nominal fee as long as Heila provides food for the animals. If anyone can help with re-homing the animals or donations, she can carry on the wonderful work which she is doing. Please contact her at info@pawtal.za.net You can also see her website at http://www.pawtal.co.za and the adoption page is http://www.paws.za.net/adopt/default.asp [Posted by: Davina at 9:34 PM] Thursday, May 13, 2004 Dear Animal Welfare organization, I represent a group of South African IT professionals with a deep concern for animal welfare in our country. We would like to assist in the work that is done by animal welfare centers such as yours in the way we are most able – by developing an IT infrastructure to assist you in your jobs. We are currently polling the relevant animal welfare concerns and invite you to be a part of the process of determining what functionality should be built into the system. The results of this project will be provided free to any animal welfare centre, so it would be to your advantage, if you are interested, to be involved and help to shape the project to suit your needs. What we currently envision is a website that will allow you free access to a range of tools that will assist you in publicity, fund raising, educating the public and curtailing the horrific statistics of animal abuse and neglect in South Africa today. We have assembled one of the finest development teams this country has to offer, the latest and greatest software directly from Microsoft, and are excited to start moving forward with this venture. If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to give input, thereby reaping its many potential rewards, please contact me via email or telephone, so we can discuss your requirements. Yours faithfully for the love of animals Davina Hall-Green Cell: 082 549 5177 E-Mail: davinahg@magicmail.co.za [Posted by: Davina at 9:47 PM] Monday, May 10, 2004 Pets "In a perfect world, animals would be free to live their lives to the fullest: raising their young, enjoying their native environments, and following their natural instincts. However, domesticated dogs and cats cannot survive "free" in our concrete jungles, so we must take as good care of them as possible. People with the time, money, love, and patience to make a lifetime commitment to an animal can make an enormous difference by adopting from shelters or rescuing animals from a perilous life on the street. But it is also important to stop manufacturing "pets," thereby perpetuating a class of animals forced to rely on humans to survive." -PETA pamphlet, Companion Animals: Pets or Prisoners? "I dont use the word "pet." I think its speciesist language. I prefer "companion animal." For one thing, we would no longer allow breeding. People could not create different breeds. There would be no pet shops. If people had companion animals in their homes, those animals would have to be refugees from the animal shelters and the streets. You would have a protective relationship with them just as you would with an orphaned child. But as the surplus of cats and dogs (artificially engineered by centuries of forced breeding) declined, eventually companion animals would be phased out, and we would return to a more symbiotic relationship – enjoyment at a distance." -Ingrid Newkirk, PETA vice-president, quoted in The Harper's Forum Book, Jack Hitt, ed., 1989, p.223 [Posted by: Davina at 7:23 AM] Friday, April 30, 2004 LOOKING FOR A PET? If anyone is looking for an animal, please e.mail me - davinahg@magicmail.co.za Tell me what breed, sex, characteristics and which area where you live in. I will find you a match from a number of shelters, at my own expense. Your only cost will be the adoption fees, which are more than reasonable for a sterilised pet, with all its vaccinations etc. DON"T BUY WHILE SHELTER DOGS DIE Regards Davina [Posted by: Davina at 6:05 PM] Monday, April 26, 2004 The steel jaws clamped and held him fast, None marked his fear, none heard his cries. His struggles ceased; he lay at last With wide, uncomprehending eyes, And watched the sky grow dark above And watched the sunset turn to grey. And quaked in anguish while he strove To gnaw the prisoned limb away. Then dawn came rosy from the east, But still the steel jaws kept their hold, And no one marked the imprisoned beast, But fear and hunger, thirst and cold. Oppressed by pain, his dread grew numb, Fright no more stirred his flagging breath. He longed, in vain, to see him come The cruel hunter, bringing death. Then through the misty night came One To set the timid spirit free; "I know thine anguish, little son; For once men trapped and tortured Me." F.F. VAN de WATER [Posted by: Davina at 8:04 AM] A few dog biscuit recipes, which I'm sure will be greatly enjoyed. You can make a bone-shaped cookie cutter by opening a can of tuna on both sides and shaping it with pliers. Enjoy … Vegan Dog Biscuit Recipe 9 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup nutritional yeast 1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. garlic powder Mix dry ingredients. Add approximately 3 cups water. Knead into a pliable dough. Roll out to 1/8" thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350°F. (Important: After turning off oven, leave biscuits in the oven overnight or for an 8-hour period so they become hard and crunchy.) Flea Hater's Dog Biscuits Brewers yeast is a natural anti-flea remedy. Makes about 5 dozen bone biscuits 1 cup flour 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil 1 clove garlic, chopped medium 1/2 cup chicken stock plus 3 tablespoons for basting 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine oil and garlic. Alternately add 1/2 cup chicken stock and flour mixture in 3 parts; mix until well combined. Knead about 2 minutes by hand on floured surface; dough will be sticky. 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 3/8 inch thick. Cut out bone shapes; place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, rotate baking sheet, and baste with remaining 3 tablespoons chicken stock. Bake 10 minutes longer. Turn off oven, leaving oven door closed. Leave pan in oven for 1 1/2 hours longer [Posted by: Davina at 7:45 AM] Saturday, April 24, 2004 Just My Dog He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being: by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me...whenever...wherever--in case I need him. And I expect I will--as I always have. Rory Haigh [Posted by: Rory at 2:06 PM] Thursday, April 22, 2004 On November 2nd 2001 near Tarragona in Spain, a dogs` home was raided by thugs. They took twenty or so dogs and chopped off their paws, leaving them to bleed to death. One of the victims was a mother of newborn pups. She managed to crawl back to her pups to feed them before she died. This poem is dedicated to her and the other dogs. All was quiet till they broke in, The dogs` home was at peace. She licked her pups, desiring They take some milk before sleep. The night exploded into mayhem As the drunken rabble stormed in, Breaking through the gates, and then Seizing their canine victims. The dogs` terrified barks raised none To help them in their plight; The men had planned what was to be done, `twas useless for the dogs to fight. She was tied like the rest, by the legs, Her jaws held so she couldn`t bite; With an axe they chopped off her paws And, laughing, left her in the night. Bleeding she crawled to her young To feed them one last time. They took the milk that was life-giving Before she died, kissing them. To the end she had only love For her pups confused and afraid, Yet greedy for the milk she gave, As she asked herself why this deed Was done to her and her kind On that night in sultry Spain. Who can fathom a man`s mind Who would inflict such terrible pain? Anthony Walker. [Posted by: Davina at 3:05 PM] Monday, April 19, 2004 DOG MEAT INDUSTRY - BOYCOTT KOREA Boycott Korea! Millions of dogs per year tortured to death with blow-torches, electrocution and beating. See this site: www.koreananimals.org where Koreans themselves run a group aimed at abolishing the terrifyingly cruel dog-meat industry. Westerners are often blasé about it, and say it`s a "tradition" (even if it were, it would not justify it); but it isn`t. The dog-meat industry is a vicious , new phenomenon that has nothing to do with Korean traditions! Please print, sign and distribute the petition on the site, and help Iaka-Kaps with its humane work. Posted by CRAVEN on www.theworld.co.za [Posted by: Davina at 8:08 AM] Saturday, April 17, 2004 Foster Homes Needed for Mommy's to be... We are desperately looking for foster homes for pregnant dogs currently at a Pro-Life shelter. Unfortunately with the large volume of dogs constantly being surrendered many pups are contracting various diseases, and dying. The shelter will supply food and any other expenses, of course if we can afford to do so ourselves, it will help them even more. If you are able to help, please contact me. God Bless Davina 082 549 5177 [Posted by: Davina at 10:48 PM] Wednesday, April 14, 2004 Only A Dog Do you remember thinking it was time that the kids learned some responsibility and scanning the newspaper ads for a cheap dog for sale? Do you remember bringing home this little ball of shivering fur and putting her out in the yard on a chain that was too heavy on a night that was too cold? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is only a dog. Do you remember this baby crying because she was afraid and alone? Do you remember screaming at her to be quiet and finally going out there to kick her to drive home the lesson? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is only a dog. Do you remember the many times you noticed her water bowl was empty and her food bowl was covered with mold and thinking that it was the kids' job to take care of her? Do you remember seeing that her coat was dull and lifeless and, in many places, chewed away down to the skin because of the parasites no one took the time to rid her of? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is only a dog. Do you remember her first heat and the neighbor's male visiting her night after night? Do you remember thinking that letting her have the puppies would be a good experience for the kids? Do you remember that every one of those pups died because their mother was no more than a puppy herself? Of course you don't remember this. After all, she is only a dog. I know you remember the animal control officer coming to the house, accusing you of animal cruelty and taking her away because you couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. After all, she is only a dog. I thought you might be interested in how this girl is doing today. You see, once she found a home that gave her love, attention and proper care, she blossomed into a beautiful, loyal companion. To these people, she is much more than only a dog. She became a therapy dog and now goes to nursing homes and hospices where she brightens the lives of the infirm and dying. To some of these people, she has given hope. To others, she's given them a reason to keep living. To even others, she's given them the will to die peacefully, with a smile on their lips. To these people, she is much more than only a dog. Just last week, she helped find a little boy that was lost in the woods. She spent a long, cold winter's night, lying over him to keep him warm and risked her own life to protect his. To this little boy and his family, she is much more than only a dog. What is the difference? Why did that filthy, flea ridden animal chained in your backyard suddenly become so important to so many? Because she never gave up her trust in people and she never once thought, "After all, he is only a human." by Shirley Bell Rory Haigh [Posted by: Rory at 2:28 AM] Tuesday, April 06, 2004 BOYCOTT IAMS - STOP THE CRUELTY Why? Read the following... For nearly 10 months in 2002 and early 2003, a PETA investigator went undercover at an Iams contract testing laboratory and discovered a dark and sordid secret beneath the wholesome image of the dog- and cat-food manufacturer: dogs gone crazy from intense confinement to barren steel cages and cement cells, dogs left piled on a filthy paint-chipped floor after having chunks of muscle hacked from their thighs; dogs surgically debarked; horribly sick dogs and cats languishing in their cages, neglected and left to suffer with no veterinary care. To read more please go to http://www.iamscruelty.com [Posted by: Davina at 12:04 PM] Monday, April 05, 2004 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Average Idiot, We receive an extremely high volume of inquiries and requests to accept surrendered animals. To help us expedite your problem as quickly as possible, please observe the following guidelines: Do not say that you are, "considering finding a good home," or, "feel you might be forced to," or, "really think it would be better if," you unloaded the poor beast. Ninety-five percent of you already have your minds stone-cold made up that the animal will be out of your life by the weekend or holiday at the latest. Say so. If you don't, I'm going to waste a lot of time giving you common-sense, easy solutions for very fixable problems, and you're going to waste a lot of time coming up with fanciful reasons why the solution couldn't possibly work for you. For instance, you say the cat claws the furniture, and I tell you about nail-clipping and scratching posts and aversion training, and then you go into a long harangue about how your husband won't let you put a scratching post in the family room, and your ADHD daughter cries if you use a squirt bottle on the cat, and your congenital thumb abnormalities prevent you from using nail scissors and etc., etc. Just say you're getting rid of the cat. Do not waste time trying to convince me how nice and humane you are. Your coworker commended that you contact me because I am nice to animals, not because I am nice to people, and I don't like people who "get rid of" their animals. "Get rid of," is my least favorite phrase in any language. I hope someone, "gets rid of" you someday. I am an animal advocate, not a people therapist. After all, you can get counselors, special teachers, doctors, social workers, etc., for your ADHD daughter. Your pet has only me, and people like me, to turn to in his or her need, and we are overworked, stressed-out, and demoralized. So don't tell me this big long story about how, "We love this dog so much, and we even bought him a special bed that cost $50, and it is just killing us to part with him, but honestly, our maid is just awash in dog hair every time she cleans, and his breath sometimes just reeks of liver, so you can see how hard we've tried, and how dear he is to us, but we really just can't ... ." You are not nice, and it is not killing you. It is, in all probability, literally killing your dog, but you're going to be just fine once the beast is out of your sight. Don't waste my time trying to make me like you or feel sorry for you in your plight. Do not try to convince me that your pet is exceptional and deserves special treatment. I don't care if you taught him to sit. I don't care if she's a beautiful Persian. I have a waiting list of battered and/or whacked-out animals who really need help, and I have no room to shelter your pet because you decided you no longer have time for your 14-year-old Lab. Do not send me long messages detailing how Fido just l-o-v-e-s blankies and carries his favorite blankie everywhere, and oh, when he gets all excited and happy, he spins around in circles, isn't that cute? He really is darling, so it wouldn't be any trouble at all for us to find him a good home. Listen, we can go down to the pound and count the darling, spinning, blankie-loving beasts on death row by the dozens, any day of the week. And, honey, Fido is a six-year-old shepherd-mix weighing 75 pounds. I am not lying when I tell you big, older, mixed-breed, garden-variety dogs are almost always completely unadoptable, and I don't care if they can whistle Dixie or send smoke signals with their blankies. What you don't realize, though you're trying to lie to me, you're actually telling the truth: Your pet is a special, wonderful, amazing creature. But this mean old world does not care. More importantly, you do not care, and I can't fix that problem. All I can do is grieve for all the exceptional animals who live short, brutal, loveless lives and die without anyone ever recognizing they were indeed very, very special. Finally, just, for God' s sake, for the animal's sake, tell the truth, and the whole truth. Do you think if you just mumble your cat is, "high-strung," I will say, "Okey-doke! No problem!" and take it into foster care? No, I will start asking questions and uncover the truth, which is your cat has not used a litter box in the last six months. Do not tell me you "can't" crate your dog. I will ask what happens when you try to crate him, and you will either be forced to tell me the symptoms of full-blown, severe separation anxiety, or else you will resort to lying some more, wasting more time. And, if you succeed in placing your pet in a shelter or foster care, do not tell yourself the biggest lie of all: "Those nice people will take him and find him a good home, and everything will be fine." Those nice people will indeed give the animal every possible chance, but if we discover serious health or behavior problems, if we find that your misguided attempts to train or discipline him have driven him over the edge, we will do what you are too immoral and cowardly to do: We will hold the animal in our arms, telling him truthfully he is a good dog or cat,telling him truthfully we are sorry and we love him, while the vet ends his life. How can we be so heartless as to kill your pet, you ask? Do not ever dare to judge us. At least we tried. At least we stuck with him to the end. At least we never abandoned him to strangers, as you certainly did, didn't you? In short, this little old rescuer/foster momma has reached the point where she would prefer you tell it like it is: "We picked up a free pet in a parking lot a couple of years ago. Now we don't want it anymore. We're lazier than we thought. We've got no patience either. We're starting to suspect the animal is really smarter than we are, which is giving us self-esteem issues. Clearly, we can't possibly keep it. Plus, it might be getting sick; it's acting kind of funny. "We would like you to take it in eagerly, enthusiastically, and immediately. We hope you'll realize what a deal you're getting and not ask us for a donation to help defray your costs. After all, this is an (almost) pure-bred animal, and we'll send the leftover food along with it. We get it at the discount store, and boy, it's a really good deal. "We are very irritated you haven't shown pity on us in our great need and picked the animal up already.We thought you people were supposed to be humane! Come and get it today. No, we couldn't possibly bring it to you; The final episode of 'Survivor' is on tonight." (author unknown) [Posted by: Davina at 3:35 PM] Wednesday, March 31, 2004 How Could You? by JIM WILLIS (2001) When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself --a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. [Posted by: Davina at 10:26 AM] |
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