I received this opportunity for a post exchange today and thought I'd post about it right away. I was so pleased to get an opportunity that was animal related! West Falen Horses, Trailers and More is, as I'm sure you've guessed by the title ... a blog about Horses, Trailers and News.
If you take a look at the following two posts about animal welfare and horses, you will note that there are separate sections for the "News Story" and the "Commentary" ... I really like the way that is done as it's easy to read (something I always look for!) and shows a different way of organizing your thoughts. (Much better than my somewhat scatterbrained "organizational skills").
California lawmakers pass bills on animal welfare
Online horse betting legislation before Illinois Governor
The writing style is quite different from mine; it's more detached. This can be a good thing at times because you don't get all the messy emotions involved (like I so often do!) so it is easier to look at the facts and make an opinion. Many people prefer this style. If you're looking for a blog that will provide you with this sort of info, then this may be one you should check out.
I truly believe that all Dogs Deserve Freedom. That means that every dog has the right to be free and in order to make this happen, all dog owners have the responsibility to properly prepare, train and educate their dogs to give them that freedom.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
OSPCA investigates THS
I don't know how many people know what is going on with this but I thought I'd blog about it real quick today. It's politics and I wasn't going to publish anything about it, but when I realized that the Toronto Humane Society has been suspended as an affiliate ... well, I just had to post! There have been many rumours about THS in recent years and I'm glad that the OSPCA is going to investigate the situation. It's important to spread the word about things like this.
Check out the following Media Releases. It is a disgusting situation and if allegations are true ... well, it's despicable. (Are you quietly saying this word to yourself in the Daffy Duck slur?) In my experience, many rescues are filled with asshats ... but that's just what I've seen.
When I first read about this a few days ago the words that came out of my mouth weren't pretty. Something along the lines of ... "Are you fycking shyting me?" I heard about it when I dropped in to visit my vet on the weekend with the pack. They wanted to know if I had heard anything through the grapevines ...
Globe and Mail Articles
Killing Them With Kindness
May 30, 2009 - Part 1 of 3
Leader with a Passion for Animals, Loyal Supporters ... and an Iron Grip
June 1, 2009 - Part 2 of 3
Ontario SPCA to launch investigation into alleged conduct at Toronto Humane Society
Newmarket, ON (June 1, 2009) – Prompted by a three part Globe and Mail investigative series that began Saturday, May 30, 2009, the Ontario SPCA will be investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Toronto Humane Society. The article entitled "Killing Them with Kindness" alleges that the Toronto Humane Society is permitting the unnecessary suffering of animals with a restrictive euthanasia policy.
The Toronto Humane Society is one of nearly 50 community SPCA and Humane Societies in the province of Ontario. Though independently operated, the Toronto Humane Society is accountable to the Ontario SPCA through the Ontario SPCA Act. The Ontario SPCA is the province’s leading animal welfare organization. Representing its Branches and Affiliated Societies, the Ontario SPCA is accountable to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
"The allegations raised in the Globe & Mail’s investigative report relate directly to the welfare of animals and as such require the Ontario SPCA to investigate through its mandate under the Ontario SPCA Act" said Hugh Coghill, Chief Inspector for the Ontario SPCA.
"We are extremely concerned to learn that an Affiliate is alleged to be conducting business in this manner. We will be consulting immediately with all stakeholders to ensure that conditions under which animals are kept at the Toronto Humane Society are in compliance with the policies and by-laws of the Ontario SPCA as is required by Affiliated Societies" added Kate MacDonald, CEO for the Ontario SPCA.
The Ontario SPCA intends to be thorough, fair and transparent in its investigation and will advise the public and media of its progress.
Newmarket, ON (June 2, 2009) – After an emergency meeting of the Ontario SPCA Board of Directors, the Toronto Humane Society’s status as an Affiliate member has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation launched as a result of allegations brought forth in a series of Globe and Mail articles. The investigation is ongoing.
The suspension means that Toronto Humane Society will not be able to conduct cruelty investigations and will not have authority or protection under the Ontario SPCA Act.
The allegations in the Globe and Mail articles suggest that Toronto Humane Society is permitting the unnecessary suffering of animals with a restrictive euthanasia policy and permitting animals to be in distress. Additional allegations include improper management of staff, volunteers, resources and finances.
“If the Ontario SPCA receives a credible allegation of animals in distress, we are required to investigate under the Ontario SPCA Act,” said Hugh Coghill, Chief Inspector for the Ontario SPCA.
“The Ontario SPCA may also review an affiliate’s status at any time to ensure that they are in good standing and that their conduct is in keeping with the organization’s mandate and by-laws,” said Kate MacDonald, CEO for the Ontario SPCA.
Background:
The Toronto Humane Society is one of nearly 50 community SPCA and Humane Societies in the province of Ontario. Though independently operated, the Toronto Humane Society is accountable to the Ontario SPCA through the Ontario SPCA Act. The Ontario SPCA is the province’s leading animal welfare organization. Representing its Branches and Affiliated Societies, the Ontario SPCA is accountable to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Ontario SPCA Euthanasia Policy:
The Ontario SPCA takes the issue of euthanasia very seriously. It is only done when there is no other humane option available. Reasons the Ontario SPCA euthanizes include: terminal illness or injury where there is no possibility of recovery, behavioural problems that pose a threat to other animals or humans, stray or feral overpopulation, disease transmission, and old age where the quality of life is impaired by major loss of functions. Sadly, in some cases animals may be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding. Overcrowding threatens the lives of all the animals in our care due to stress, weakened immune systems and increased risk of disease transmission. This requires the Society to make difficult decisions about euthanasia based on health, physical, emotional and psychological suffering, and the best interests of the hundreds of animals receiving lifesaving care in a single facility.
Check out the following Media Releases. It is a disgusting situation and if allegations are true ... well, it's despicable. (Are you quietly saying this word to yourself in the Daffy Duck slur?) In my experience, many rescues are filled with asshats ... but that's just what I've seen.
When I first read about this a few days ago the words that came out of my mouth weren't pretty. Something along the lines of ... "Are you fycking shyting me?" I heard about it when I dropped in to visit my vet on the weekend with the pack. They wanted to know if I had heard anything through the grapevines ...
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Globe and Mail Articles
Killing Them With Kindness
May 30, 2009 - Part 1 of 3
Leader with a Passion for Animals, Loyal Supporters ... and an Iron Grip
June 1, 2009 - Part 2 of 3
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ontario SPCA to launch investigation into alleged conduct at Toronto Humane Society
Newmarket, ON (June 1, 2009) – Prompted by a three part Globe and Mail investigative series that began Saturday, May 30, 2009, the Ontario SPCA will be investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Toronto Humane Society. The article entitled "Killing Them with Kindness" alleges that the Toronto Humane Society is permitting the unnecessary suffering of animals with a restrictive euthanasia policy.
The Toronto Humane Society is one of nearly 50 community SPCA and Humane Societies in the province of Ontario. Though independently operated, the Toronto Humane Society is accountable to the Ontario SPCA through the Ontario SPCA Act. The Ontario SPCA is the province’s leading animal welfare organization. Representing its Branches and Affiliated Societies, the Ontario SPCA is accountable to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
"The allegations raised in the Globe & Mail’s investigative report relate directly to the welfare of animals and as such require the Ontario SPCA to investigate through its mandate under the Ontario SPCA Act" said Hugh Coghill, Chief Inspector for the Ontario SPCA.
"We are extremely concerned to learn that an Affiliate is alleged to be conducting business in this manner. We will be consulting immediately with all stakeholders to ensure that conditions under which animals are kept at the Toronto Humane Society are in compliance with the policies and by-laws of the Ontario SPCA as is required by Affiliated Societies" added Kate MacDonald, CEO for the Ontario SPCA.
The Ontario SPCA intends to be thorough, fair and transparent in its investigation and will advise the public and media of its progress.
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Ontario SPCA suspends Toronto Humane Society’s Affiliate status
Newmarket, ON (June 2, 2009) – After an emergency meeting of the Ontario SPCA Board of Directors, the Toronto Humane Society’s status as an Affiliate member has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation launched as a result of allegations brought forth in a series of Globe and Mail articles. The investigation is ongoing.
The suspension means that Toronto Humane Society will not be able to conduct cruelty investigations and will not have authority or protection under the Ontario SPCA Act.
The allegations in the Globe and Mail articles suggest that Toronto Humane Society is permitting the unnecessary suffering of animals with a restrictive euthanasia policy and permitting animals to be in distress. Additional allegations include improper management of staff, volunteers, resources and finances.
“If the Ontario SPCA receives a credible allegation of animals in distress, we are required to investigate under the Ontario SPCA Act,” said Hugh Coghill, Chief Inspector for the Ontario SPCA.
“The Ontario SPCA may also review an affiliate’s status at any time to ensure that they are in good standing and that their conduct is in keeping with the organization’s mandate and by-laws,” said Kate MacDonald, CEO for the Ontario SPCA.
Background:
The Toronto Humane Society is one of nearly 50 community SPCA and Humane Societies in the province of Ontario. Though independently operated, the Toronto Humane Society is accountable to the Ontario SPCA through the Ontario SPCA Act. The Ontario SPCA is the province’s leading animal welfare organization. Representing its Branches and Affiliated Societies, the Ontario SPCA is accountable to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Ontario SPCA Euthanasia Policy:
The Ontario SPCA takes the issue of euthanasia very seriously. It is only done when there is no other humane option available. Reasons the Ontario SPCA euthanizes include: terminal illness or injury where there is no possibility of recovery, behavioural problems that pose a threat to other animals or humans, stray or feral overpopulation, disease transmission, and old age where the quality of life is impaired by major loss of functions. Sadly, in some cases animals may be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding. Overcrowding threatens the lives of all the animals in our care due to stress, weakened immune systems and increased risk of disease transmission. This requires the Society to make difficult decisions about euthanasia based on health, physical, emotional and psychological suffering, and the best interests of the hundreds of animals receiving lifesaving care in a single facility.
Post Exchange - Wireless Fence
There are many different "pet containment" systems out there. I have blogged in the past about teaching your pet to stay on property and while it does take time to teach them this lesson, it is worthwhile. This opportunity came up and I thought I'd take it; wireless fencing.
For many people who don't have the inclination (or don't understand how) to train their dogs to stay on property and around the house (the majority of the population, unfortunately!), they should start looking into "pet containment" systems. They could fence their yard (which is costly!), erect an outdoor dog run (which is usually pretty small) or they could look at other systems that have been coming out such as wireless fencing.
Petsafe wireless fence is one of your options if you chose to go with wireless fencing.
I haven't found many major complaints about most wireless fencing. The biggest concern I have heard is usually for the dog who just runs right through the "fence" (in other words, he receives the shock and keeps going). Once they are out of the designated area, many invisible fencing systems will shock the dog when he tries to go home - creating the opposite affect that you are looking for.
I haven't been able to find much out about the PetSafe Wireless Fence to tell me if this occurs - has anyone had any experience with this product?
For many people who don't have the inclination (or don't understand how) to train their dogs to stay on property and around the house (the majority of the population, unfortunately!), they should start looking into "pet containment" systems. They could fence their yard (which is costly!), erect an outdoor dog run (which is usually pretty small) or they could look at other systems that have been coming out such as wireless fencing.
Petsafe wireless fence is one of your options if you chose to go with wireless fencing.
I haven't found many major complaints about most wireless fencing. The biggest concern I have heard is usually for the dog who just runs right through the "fence" (in other words, he receives the shock and keeps going). Once they are out of the designated area, many invisible fencing systems will shock the dog when he tries to go home - creating the opposite affect that you are looking for.
I haven't been able to find much out about the PetSafe Wireless Fence to tell me if this occurs - has anyone had any experience with this product?
Post Exchange - Termites
If you have ever had to deal with termites then you know how dreadful it is. Definitely not something you want to have to deal with ... ever!
For those of you who don't know what termites are, they are an insect that lives in colonies (like ants and bees). They can live in different places such as Nests or Mounds made using a combination of soil, mud, chewed wood/cellulose, saliva, and feces. Imagine a home made from spit and shyt ... actually it sounds rather humorous to me ...
Termites eat plant matter. Dead plant matter. For those of you who haven't heard, one of their favourite choices for cuisine is wood. Why should this matter to you, you ask? Well ... what are the majority of houses made of (I'm talking people houses now, not termite houses)? Yep. You got it. Wood.
True, we do have houses made from different materials such as concrete, brick and plastics ... but most houses have wood structures - the bones so to speak, of your house.
When termites eat your house, the damage can be extreme. First you have to get rid of the termites, then you have to do all the repairs.
So, what does this have to do with a blog about dogs? Well, if a termite can cause so much damage to your house, imagine what your dog house looks like! If you have a dog house, it is likely much smaller than your own house ... therefore the damage would be so much more! Protect your dog houses! Watch out for termites.
(See? I can swing most things to relate about dogs ... problem is when I start going to work on clients' computers and start relating their virus problem to dogs ... that's usually when they ask when my last vacation was ...)
For those of you who don't know what termites are, they are an insect that lives in colonies (like ants and bees). They can live in different places such as Nests or Mounds made using a combination of soil, mud, chewed wood/cellulose, saliva, and feces. Imagine a home made from spit and shyt ... actually it sounds rather humorous to me ...
Termites eat plant matter. Dead plant matter. For those of you who haven't heard, one of their favourite choices for cuisine is wood. Why should this matter to you, you ask? Well ... what are the majority of houses made of (I'm talking people houses now, not termite houses)? Yep. You got it. Wood.
True, we do have houses made from different materials such as concrete, brick and plastics ... but most houses have wood structures - the bones so to speak, of your house.
When termites eat your house, the damage can be extreme. First you have to get rid of the termites, then you have to do all the repairs.
So, what does this have to do with a blog about dogs? Well, if a termite can cause so much damage to your house, imagine what your dog house looks like! If you have a dog house, it is likely much smaller than your own house ... therefore the damage would be so much more! Protect your dog houses! Watch out for termites.
(See? I can swing most things to relate about dogs ... problem is when I start going to work on clients' computers and start relating their virus problem to dogs ... that's usually when they ask when my last vacation was ...)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Rant - The Goode Family Dog
Ok so I actually had time last Wednesday night to watch a new tv program! (Shocker!) I was working late on a computer ... clicking "next" while removing viruses ... so I had some time to sit and watch the tube. Unfortunately, my dogs were bored by it all but they need down-time too some days (well, that's what I told them, anyway).
I watched a new show that I would like to share with you all. The TV Program is called "The Goode Family" and it is about a family obsessed with doing the "right" thing, whether it's environmentally, politically or socially.
If you're looking for a brief synopsis, here it is on YouTube ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4paOVdU5h8
What does that have to do with this blog? Did you watch the above clips? If you did, you will know about the family as well as their dog. The Goode Family dog is vegan and while I don't have an argument against feeding your dog vegan, it bothers me when people anthropomorphize animals.
Wikipedia states that Anthropomorphism is the attribution of uniquely human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings, natural and supernatural phenomena, material states and objects or abstract concepts ... Humans seem to have an innate capacity to project human characteristics in this way.
I watched a new show that I would like to share with you all. The TV Program is called "The Goode Family" and it is about a family obsessed with doing the "right" thing, whether it's environmentally, politically or socially.
If you're looking for a brief synopsis, here it is on YouTube ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4paOVdU5h8
Watch this clip and tell me what you think about their "Vegan" dog ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPP1SKizPys
What does that have to do with this blog? Did you watch the above clips? If you did, you will know about the family as well as their dog. The Goode Family dog is vegan and while I don't have an argument against feeding your dog vegan, it bothers me when people anthropomorphize animals.
Wikipedia states that Anthropomorphism is the attribution of uniquely human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings, natural and supernatural phenomena, material states and objects or abstract concepts ... Humans seem to have an innate capacity to project human characteristics in this way.
Why does this infuriate me so much? I don't know, but it does. I just want to shake the TV and tell Gerald that his dog is not "warning his little squirrel friend to be careful" ... he's trying to get a snack! Argh! *headdesk headdesk* I really do hope that this show wakes a few people up ... maybe that's too much to ask.
If you're looking for a good laugh, check it out. I know I will be! Who knows, you may really enjoy it. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Montly Followup May
May followup
Happy June!
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Comments
Comments are growing each month. Wonderful! I am going to begin posting the 5 people who have commented the most. I do appreciate everyone's comments but I can't post every person!
GoLightly
Author of GoLightly - Fiction and GoLightly Fiction, BeginningToEnd
mytwh
giantspeckledchihuahua
Author of ummm
Splash
Author of Splash's Training Diary
NORWOOD UNLEASHED
Author of norwood unleashed!
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Photo Contest
On May 8 I posted an entry called "Photo Contest - American Greetings". American Greetings held this pet photo contest and called it the Furry Faceoff Challenge.
Did anyone enter this? You could vote all the way up until yesterday (May 31st). If you did, let us know!
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Make Mondays Matter
On May 18 I posted an entry called "Make Mondays Matter". This is a new idea where you blog about things that you have done to Make your Monday Matter. It is an idea that I read about on a blog by MrsZeee.
How are you Making Your Monday Matter?
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