A Surprise at Camarillo

We were scheduled to save Gordita, the sharpei at the Camarillo shelter. So after a long morning I drove out there to find the shelter closed. I rang the bell and Edward came out and offered to help. I told him that I was coming to pick up the dog in kennel 88, Gordita. He went inside to check and came back to tell me that she was adopted last night. What great news. Sounds strange, but whenever I hear of a dog getting a home, I am so happy. Someone to love her and care for her, but more importantly, someone to experience this amazing level of love that you gain when you save a life. Whoever you are and where ever you are Gordita... I wish you well.

On another happy note, a man, Norm, pulled up in a truck as I was there. I asked him what he was doing. He said he was there to drop off a rat. He had caught it in a humane trap and wanted it drop it off. I'm thoroughly convinced he had no clue that the rat would be killed at the shelter. He did the right thing using a humane trap, but the shelter would be a mistake. I asked him if I could take the rat. Together we drove a few miles up the road to a beautiful open field. I took the rat, in the trap out of his truck. She was a beautiful brown field rat that looked quite relieved. I opened the door, she scurried past my hand and ran free through the field. I thanked Norm and he thanked me. What a nice man to give a stranger and a rat the chance to do something good.

When Rescue Plays God...

I feel compelled to write this post for two reasons:
1. is to make those of you who are looking to adopt a dog through a rescue organization know that you are not alone in your frustrations and to offer you help
2. to point out to some of those who are in rescue the problems that people from the outside see and how to better fix them in order to make rescue more productive.

I entered into the "rescue" circles relatively recently. There are people who have been doing this for many more years than me, but that is not to say they know more, they may be stuck in their ways. For example, I always say that Bound Angels is not a hands on rescue organization, even though we've saved many dogs... instead Bound Angels is about media awareness and educating the public about the plight of animals. This is why it is important to point out some things that are broken and suggest we fix them.

Rescue workers are overworked and underpaid, they are compassionate to the animals they rescue and are often very emotional. All of these are not conducive to running a business, and that is what we need to consider this. If we want to take a noble approach, we'll be homeless and the animals will all die. Emotions need to take a back seat to strategy, because emotions won't fix any problems, instead it will only lead us to continue to focus on the problem instead of finding a solution. When I see a rescue worker holding a dog and kissing it and talking baby talk to it and coddling it, I cringe. Not because I don't love animals, because I do. In fact I feel I love animals more than any of the rescue workers who are eating a Big Mac during their adoptions, I don't eat animals, I love and fight for them all. What we need to do is relate to these animals in a way that is fair to them. Dogs don't like to be constantly held, carried in purses or kissed over and over. That being said, lets focus on the problem with rescue that I want to address today.

I've had a few dogs that I needed to place, one of which I became very attached to, see the Zeus video on our youtube channel. When it came time to place him, emotionally I thought no home could ever be as good for him as mine, but logically I knew these were irrational thoughts. I placed him in a perfect home. I had concerns, but I discussed them with the adopters and placed him. Then I moved on. It seems that many rescue organizations can not do this. They search out excuse after excuse why NOT to place a dog with very good adopters. I've heard this too many times. Friends of mine turned down, people I've met shot down for excuses including:

1. away too many hours at work
2. have a swimming pool
3. afraid dog might get out
4. afraid dog might get attached to a room mate that might move out
5. finding confining a dog cruel

This list goes on. Recently I met a very nice, professional young lady who was turned down by a LA based rescue for the reason she kept her dog in a play pen when she is not home. The rescue org said they could not imagine this dog ( a mini yorkie) confined. As a professional with dogs, I can tell you that confining a dog when you are not around is about the best thing for the dogs emotional well being as well as the safety of the dog, especially small dogs like this that can get caught behind appliances, can get into things that can hurt them or kill them. A slew of other comments flew out of the rescue orgs rant such as, "I'm afraid no one will ever be good enough for "little one"..." This is absolute insanity. If the dog is available for adoption, give the dog and potential adopter a chance.

I met this young lady with her other mini yorkie and she was visibly upset. However after talking with her for a while I found a compassionate dog parent that I would have no problem placing a dog with. Her other dog is well socialized, vetted, loved, basically trained and I was surprised that she (even though only in her late 20's) has a plan for her dog in the even something should happen to her. Her current dog came from a pet store, but instead of going to a pet store again, this young lady decided to take the compassionate approach and adopt. Instead of being met with open arms, she was slapped across the face. This is a person who can afford to go to the pet store up the street and simply buy any dog she wants. And being anyone else I believe she would have. Instead she came to Bound Angels. I told her I would tell this story.

After a few days she went back to walk by the adoptions and asked several other people about their experiences and they were equally bad. Some were turned down because of children in the house, because they planned on feeding the dog - dog food instead of "home cooked meals" -- the list goes on.

What did these people who were turned down plan to do? Several decided to go to a pet store (GREAT WORK rescue community), others decided not to get a dog at all, and only one decided to go to the shelter.

This is pathetic. The idea is to save animals. If you have a concern about placing a dog, make it known and the solution known, but be realistic here. If you have un-founded concerns in placing your dog in the perfect home, forget it... It doesn't exist. Find the best home for the dog, teach them how to make it better, and move on and save one more. There are several million animals who would prefer any home over the end of the needle they are gonna get tomorrow.

Home checks and applications are important, we should know who is getting the dog. The shelter makes it to easy and the rescuers make it nearly impossible. So when I say that rescue often works against itself, this conversation with a young lady at Starbucks proved it.

Rescue people should learn better to understand dog behavior and logic in strategy. Save as many dogs as possible. Dogs are dogs and need to be treated like dogs. They function much differently than humans. Making their emotions human is as cruel as forcing them to eat with a knife and fork. Just as they lack the opposable thumb, they lack the human emotions we try to force onto them. Rescue needs to learn to work together and support each other. Right now, there are some, but few whose ultimate goal is saving animals and not self service credit.

If you have the time to criticize too much you are probably not doing enough rescue. If you find my post offensive - good. Look deeply at what part affects you and think how to change it and how that change will make you a better animal rights and rescuer.

For those who are frustrated with rescue organizations and are thinking about going to a pet store, I urge you to reconsider... PLEASE. Puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills and this is the cruelest thing you can imagine. I urge to consider another rescue org or visit a local shelter. There are millions of great dogs in the shelters who will die tomorrow if you can't open your heart and your home. I visit the shelter every week and have never been at a shelter where I didn't see at least 3 or 4 dogs that would be perfect for any home / apartment situation. They are there, and they need you. If you are frustrated, join the club and then do something about it. If you are a rescue worker, reach your hand across the table to another rescue organization or shelter and ask "WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP." Lets pull together and make a difference. It doesn't matter whose name gets the attention, what matters is that the animals get saved. If you're in this for the credit, do us all a favor and get out now. The credit that makes this all worthwhile to me is that wagging tail I see.

Robert Cabral
founder Bound Angels

Why I Don't Like the Zoo

Yes, parents take their children to the zoo to show them all the beautiful animals, just like they take them to pet stores to pet the puppies. It sounds like a great idea, but it just doesn't make sense. Why don't they take their children to the slaughterhouse to show them where their hamburgers come from? If I sound a bit curt, it is because I am. We pick and choose the things that give us the warm and fuzzies, without any regard to the animal on the other end. WHY should an animal live its life in hell, so that we can see it or show it to our children. Is THAT social responsibility to enslave one animal to benefit us? Are we so ignorant? Tigers, lions, sea animals and YES elephants suffer tremendously in captivity. Elephants are wandering creatures covering hundreds of miles in their journeys, yet we lock them up in concrete cages, depriving them of their natural instincts and desires. We do not allow them to wander or live in families or groups. We deprive them their basic needs so our entertainment needs can be met. As guardians over the animals we should strive for humanity. Only a person of ignorance would disagree that it is cruel to deprive an animal its basic needs in order to entertain us.

Lets take some responsibility and make the right choice. Billy is an elephant at the LA Zoo. There is currently a motion in LA to permanently close the LA Zoo's Elephant exhibit and take Billy to a sanctuary where he can live out his life in happiness, not torture.

This has got to be one of the saddest stories I can imagine. Please contact Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa at mayor@lacity.org or call 213-978-0600 and speak up for Billy, a prisoner who has committed no crime. Close the elephant exhibit and save the $40MILLION expansion that would NOT provide the necessities elephants need. Do not allow them to filter in another elephant after Billy dies to show our kids how elephants live a tortured life in captivity. Billy is LA's last living elephant. He lives alone at the Zoo. He is denied companionship. All the other elephants have either died or been transferred. Imagine, just for a moment the isolation and loneliness an animal faces being the only one of its species. This is especially cruel done to an animal that travels and lives in large groups. Imagine a person living among rats or giraffes. No other humans to interact with. Anyone would agree that this is wrong.

If you want your children to understand how elephants live, turn on Animal Planet and let them see how elephants are supposed to live.... In The Wild. Save the city $40million and do the compassionate thing.

Seond Life Concert to Benefit Real Life Dogs

There's a great event happening this weekend to benefit Smiling Dog Farms. We all know that Jay and Ricky care for the dogs that no one else will take... NO ONE. They are dead dogs without the love and attention that Jay and Ricky provide. This weekend Second Life and Grateful Stryker, a personal friend of mine is holding the second annual "Day for Lucas." Lucas was my first rescue ever, an old pitbull - sharpei mix that was discarded at the LA shelter. I was determined to save him, and only Jay stepped up. Jay cared for him and allowed the old man to die with dignity in Jays own bed. For this alone I will always be grateful to Jay.

Please check out the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Real Life Meets Second Life; A WEEKEND FOR LUCAS BENEFIT for THE SMILING DOG FARMS November 29^th and 30^th.

With the innovation of the Internet comes the virtual world, Second Life. Second Life is a 3d virtual world environment that allows people from all over the world to meet and chat and interact. It is becoming very popular and well known throughout the country and the world. Corporations like Intel, Cisco, CNN, IBM, and many others have placed in world locations in the virtual world.

The live music scene in Second Life has become something of it’s own innovation. Music companies are looking and listening. Several musicians have actually signed contracts and the talent is incredible. It is amazing to have musicians from all over the world be heard by others in a unique forum such as Second Life. There are 3d venues and people come as if they were attending a real world concert.

November 29^th and 30^th is the big day called “A WEEKEND FOR LUCAS”. Thirteen hours of live music each day with some of Second Life’s best musicians. We start 10:00 am to 11:00 pm pst, on Saturday and Sunday. To listen; simply paste this url into your browser http://38.96.148.45:8906 . You will get a shoutcast menu and then choose listen.

Lucas was a dog that was rescued from certain death over a year ago by Robert Cabral from www.boundangels.org. Lucas was abused and neglected most of his life. Finally, Jay Hellerich from The Smiling Dog Farms, was contacted and agreed to take Lucas. Lucas sadly passed away since but we know that his last days were his best ones. In his honor we have created this wonderful event. All proceeds going to www.smilingdogfarms.com.

Smiling Dog Farms is a private animal sanctuary that survives solely on donations. Their efforts to save lives is truly rare in this day and age

This is a wonderful newsworthy story that needs to be told. To bring the efforts of a virtual world to the real world in a positive way can make a difference.

The true hope is that this event can raise awareness not only at the local levels but the national levels as well. We urge all of those receiving this press release to please respond.

Jay Hellerich is available for interviews and any specific information you may need

Concerning The Smiling Dog Farms. Grateful Stryker is available in Second Life to answer all your questions and anything specifically you need.

A Bad Plan For California Animals

So I just read the latest plan by Gov Schwarzenegger is to impose a tax on vet care in California. This tax is to be used to make up for the budget shortfalls. So my question is why do the animals have to suffer. I see countless animals dumped in the shelter because people can't afford the vet care as it is now. This will make it even worse. With the current housing situation, we need to do everything to make owning and keeping pets a priority. We need to be compassionate to pets and their human companions. Imposing an unfair tax is WRONG. Please write to the governor and urge him to rescind. This is a bad plan all the way around. If we are going to add taxes add it to luxury items, expensive cars, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. No one can argue that if you have the funds for these items a few extra bucks won't hurt. But not on the CARE OF OUR Companion animals.

Its also important to note that this tax is not to be applied to other healing arts. Which leads me to wonder, is caring for out pets suddenly a luxury?

Please follow this link to the California Veterinary Medical Association and make your voice heard for the animals.... And Governor Schwarzenegger, please open your heart and your mind to those who care for the animals in our state and show some compassion to them.

This Makes it All Worth It

Hi Robert,

Just wanted to send you a quick e-mail to tell you how great Zeus is doing. It feels like we have had him since he was a puppy. He is fitting in really well and seems to be very comfortable here. He is definitely my dog, he comes in whatever room I am in and when Tim or Joey call him he looks at me like, "what do you want me to do?". He is great with both of them, but considering I walk him about 3-4 times a day, feed him and take him for rides in the car (his absolute favorite thing to do...I don't know if it is the ride or just the fact he gets to be with us). He is such an awesome dog, it is just amazing that you were able to know this when you saw him at the shelter. We just can't thank you enough for everything you have done for him! He will certainly have a very special spot in my heart forever!

Take care and thank you again for giving us such an awesome dog! Even Joey told me today that he doesn't worry now when I go for my walks at night because he knows Zeus would never let anything bad happen to me. He is truly a wonderful dog and as many times as I have looked at his video, I will never know how you knew that he was worth what ever it took to save him...as he is truly a real sweetheart but I would have never known that from the start of his video. In fact I am sure I would have been very intimidated by him had I seen him in the shelter! He really is a great dog and we couldn't be happier!

THANK YOU!!!

********************
Just how I knew, I don't know.... but I knew. It was a feeling in my heart and in my soul. Zeus called out to me when I walked by his kennel. I was there to save 2 other dogs, both of which I did save. Getting someone to step up for Zeus was more challenging. Bound Angels covered his boarding for almost 3 weeks and I trained and socialized him every day. When Lori and Tim contacted me, I knew this would work... How did I know... the same way I knew that Zeus was the special creature he has turned out to be. Thanks for making this possible.

When Our Heros Become Villains...

Please read the following story from the LA times. As a person who understands dogs, I can honestly tell you that if a dog "grabs" your hand and has not severed a finger, it is being "mouthy." Misha, the dog I recently rescued did this. She was a young German Shepherd under a year old. Being mouthy is not being aggressive. This man is a firefighter, a person to protect, the man that goes up the tree to get your cat down, not the thug that breaks the jaw of your dog and bashes the dogs brains out with a rock.

This is disturbing and disgusting. I am angered by this and can only hope that justice will be served. I don't feel that justice is a "paid leave."

Read for yourself. This man is a thug and should be treated as a criminal. Demand the same justice as if it were any other thug.

*********************************
Reprinted from the LA TIMES

November 8, 2008

A Riverside teenager who left home to run an errand came home 20 minutes later to find paramedics, police and a firetruck outside his home. A neighbor took him to see the family dog, beaten and bleeding under a bush.

The female dog, a 6-month-old shepherd mix named Karley, allegedly was beaten by a neighbor, Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson, who was placed on administrative leave Friday while the incident is investigated.

Johnson reportedly told investigators that he had acted in self-defense.

Karley was euthanized a few hours after the incident, which occurred about 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Karley apparently had run across Johnson's yard and into the next yard.

Travis Staggs said he started walking the dog home from his yard when Johnson offered to take Karley home.

"Then something in his head snapped and he started beating the dog," Staggs said.

Johnson allegedly punched Karley with a closed fist about a dozen times and then beat her with an 11-inch rock, Staggs said, adding that he tried to stop Johnson but was pushed away.

Authorities received two calls from the 17000 block of Armintrout Drive: one from a woman who said her husband was attacked by a dog, and another from a man who said his neighbor had beaten a dog, Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. David Barton said in a statement.

After Brandon Toole, 19, saw the injured dog, his 17-year-old sister, Heather, rushed the animal to a veterinarian, and later an animal intensive care unit.

Karley was euthanized because she was so badly injured, said Jeff Toole, the teenagers' father.

"I can't describe the way [Karley] looked and the pain she was in," Brandon Toole said.

Police said Johnson was taken to a hospital for wrist and thumb injuries.

Jeff Toole said the thumb puncture occurred when Johnson grabbed Karley's mouth and broke her jaw.

Johnson told his bosses about the incident, which he described as self-defense, said Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman.

"The Los Angeles County Fire Department is deeply concerned with allegations regarding Assistant Chief Glynn Johnson's actions in the beating of his neighbor's dog," Freeman said in a statement.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating. Malicious and intentional injuring of an animal is a felony.

The Toole family said Karley was a well-behaved dog.

"We are going to have to find another place to live," Jeff Toole said.

Wagner is a Times staff writer.

james.wagner@latimes.com

Murdered in Corpus Christi Texas

Its not like I don't get these cases all the time, I just try to keep moving.  Here's one I'll share.  The dog in the above photo was tied up and starved to death in Corpus Christi Texas.  This happens across our country all the time.  People have little regards for animals and they are considered property.  That means, for the most part, murder is not murder.  At most the perpetrators face is a small jail sentence compared to if this was a child.  Many will scream out, "children are different than dogs or animals."  Perhaps, but suffering is suffering and none of it is right.  Elected officials, police and judges often look the other way and focus their attention at the cases that will lead them to political victory or prominence...  animals don't vote, so therefore, they don't really count.  Its not until taxpayers and voters make their voices heard for these animals who can't speak for themselves that things will change.

This is where you can help.  Stand up and speak out.  Forget signing petitions, in my opinion this is a waste of time, get on the phone, write a fax or email or a letter and let people know that you will not stand for it. Write to your local paper and demand justice.  People who do this to animals should be ashamed and live their lives in fear that the law may change and that they should be made to pay for the suffering they inflicted.  Studies have shown those that abuse animals have the propensity to abuse people...  Take note if you know someone who is unkind to animals.

You can help promote some justice for this dog in Corpus Christi Texas.  Here are some addresses to write to and call.

City Council Offices

Main Line - (361) 826-3105

1201 Leopard St., 78401

nelda@neldamartinez.com

Fax Line - (361) 883-1403

 Mayor Henry Garrett   : (361) 826-3100

cell...(361) 850-3113

lindale@cctexas.com

City Council Offices

1201 Leopard St. 78401

Main Line.....826-3105

 *********************

Nueces County district attorney

Carlos Valdez

901 Leopard, Rm 206

Corpus Christi, Texas 78401

Phone: (361) 888-0410

Fax: (361) 888-0700

Why Help Those Who Can't Help Themselves

If compassion is not your thing, maybe logic is. People who think that they need not speak up or step up for things that "don't concern them" should learn from the words of a poet of the last century. When I am asked why I do what I do at great financial cost and time to me, my answer is always: How could I not do it. I share one of my favorite poems with you.

First They Came - Pastor Martin Niemoller

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
First they came for the Socialist
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
First they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
First they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me

a Message Fur the Chinese

WATCH THIS--- http://animalsaviors.org/petition.html

People love to save a buck or two and are often not aware as to what or how they are saving. Several years ago we learned that the inexpensive clothing that we buy is produced by child labor, or as it should be called: child slavery. For a long time the controversy has been going around about the inexpensive fur and where it comes from.

Most often these pieces of fur in gloves, trim for jackets, etc are produced in China. The Chinese, a forward thinking compassionate nation seems to think its ok to kill and skin dogs and cats and use them for fur. This is the same nation that eats exotic animals in an effort to produce more vigor and sexual stamina in men. A nation dotted with spiritual leaders, Buddhism, Taoism, and many other ways of higher consciousness is at the bottom when it comes to compassion for animals.

Watch the trailer : http://animalsaviors.org/petition.html
See for yourself what a wonderful life these animals lead. See where the fur you are buying comes from. Ask yourself when you slip on that fuzzy pair of gloves if it feels as soft as the fur of your best friend. Then ask yourself if there is something you can do about it. More importantly, must you wear fur? There are currently so manyn faux fur products that look totally real, that look totally cool and that are totally compassionate. If you had to slaghter the animal and look into its eyes as it was dying and you had to rip the flesh off of its lifeless body, could you do it.

Could you? Ask yourself. There is something you can do about it. Boycott any and all fur products.

FUR IS DEAD

The Winner of the Sharpei Lotto is....

There are times when you have a warm feeling inside after a rescue.  I got that feeling when I placed Zeus, because he did go to a wonderful home and a really great family.  Well, I was able to get that feeling again this last week when I placed Wrinkles (now SusieQ) to Kathy at Merlins Hope.  I've sent other little ones there before and each and every time I say this.  There is no better rescue than Kathy.  She is the most caring, compassionate and understanding dog owner I know.  Speaking as a dog trainer / behaviorist Kathy is unmatched.  I NEVER worry about her ability to handle a dog...  the way the dog needs to be handled.  I don't think  I can say that about many other people that I know.

Kathy knew that Susie Q was dear to my heart and emailed me early one morning announcing her decision.  I had tears in my eyes because I knew that Susie Q had hit the LOTTO.  I immediately began preparations for her journey to the Great White North.  And, within 2 days Susie Q arrived at her home.  The best part is that there are never any questions.  I've already received several updates including pictures and stories of how Susie Q is fitting in, which as I would expect is very well.  

One of the best things about doing rescue is the wonderful people you meet... and Kathy of Merlins Hope is one of those people.

When Someone Cares

When you work in rescue you are constantly bombarded with hundreds of dogs that need saving.  What makes one stick out?  I still ponder the answer to that question, but I can tell you, when it does, you know.

A few weeks back a good friend of mine, Blake from Resqpet, contacted me about Toby, the German Shepherd at the West Valley shelter.  Toby's owner was sick with cancer and her wish was that Toby should find a good home.   I passed over the initial email, but Blake did not.  She cared and pleaded with me.  I visited Toby and found him to be a very nice man, but definitely not that much of a "pet."  He'd had a life that was confined mainly to a yard.  There were a few people that were interested in him, but I did not see a fit.  This dog belonged in a similar situation to that where he came from.  Blake and I talked constantly and her dedication to this dog was untiring.  She had never met him, nor his owner who had to give him up.  What made this case so special?  She never said.  She just continued to email, telephone, and network for this dog who was hopeless.  

Then last week the option came through.  Toby would find a home in a German Shepherd Sanctuary.  Blake and I drove together to the shelter where she met Tony for the first time.  I saw the look in her eyes and also the look in Toby's.  He knew it was Blake's tireless work and dedication that bought him this chance.  The interesting thing in rescue is that there are no thank you cards, no champagne flowing, no celebrations.  The thank you is that you get to move on and save another one.  It never stops, they keep coming in.  But each person can make a difference.. Blake did!

Zeus - the happy ending

Zeus was more than a rescue or a dog I trained.  Zeus and I connected on such a deep spiritual level that its hard to describe in words.  I knew he would be a part of my life the first time I ever walked by his cage in August 2008.  I made several pleas, but no one stepped up.  Since he wasn't a 100% purebred Malinois, the Malinois rescues shunned him.  So, he was due to be killed.  Being the stubborn person I am, I bailed him out with no hope of what to do with him.  Living in a loft at the beach with one dominant dog, I knew he would not be coming to sleep over.  I boarded him and immediately began training and socializing him.  Something he did not have since he spent the last 5 months at the shelter.

He was a handful, and I don't say that too often.  Take a look at the videos and you'll see what mean.  For those who know the physical strength of a Mal,  you may understand.  He was one of the most challenging dogs I've trained and the most challenging one I've rescued.  I spent 3 weeks training him ever day and spending on average 2 hours a day with him.  He needed a lot of work.

In my heart I wanted to keep him, but I know my responsibility to him was to find him the best home I could.  Strangely enough I got an email from some great people who saw the YouTube video I did on him.  I had talked to several others, but none clicked with me.  Tim did right away.  Then I talked to his wife Lori and it was a hit.  I reviewed their application and drove down a few days later with Zeus.  Zeus and I looked at each other and we knew this is where he belonged.  I handed the leash over to their son Joey and the energy between Zeus and I moved to another place.  He would glance at me from time to time, but he knew what was happening.  He and I always communicated with a look, and this time was no different.

Zeus was so well behaved and calm, he was a teacher for me as much as I was for him.  He taught me strength and I taught him discipline, we taught each other about love.  The family of Lori, Tim and Joey are such a perfect family for him that my heart, although sad to say goodbye, was warm in knowing the love they would share.

I've received so many emails and calls from them praising how they love him that I feel still connected with him.  They give him the love and structure plus the big yard a dog like Zeus needs.  I am blessed to have met Zeus and further blessed that a loving, perfect family like Tim, Lori and Joey opened their hearts and door to him.

On the Topic of Breeders

It seems that rescuers and breeders are on two different sides when it comes to the right choice of how and where to get a dog.  There are breeders who boast the myth that only a good dog can be purchased from a breeder, while rescue workers attest that there is such a great animal overpopulation that breeders should be put out of business.  Let me shed some light on the situation.  

As a rescue worker, I can assure you that I will do my best to be fair in my statements, actually much more fair than the statements that I have seen from many breeders posts on blogs.  I do believe that people should be able to make a living in whatever they are doing: be it breeders, pet stores, groomers, trainers, etc.  That being said, it should be a living not at the expense of another's suffering, be that a pet or another person.  If I were to derive a living from beating and confining my workers to make my t-shirts,  I'm sure you would agree that this would be wrong.    Well, that is what the battle against some breeders known as puppy mills is about.  With the internet so widespread, many people get their dogs from far away places and rely on the photos and testimonials they read on the breeders website without ever checking out the breeder.  If you can visit the breeder and see it for yourself, chances are its a good breeder.  Legitimate breeders love their dogs and care about where they go.  They will do intensive interview and question prospective buyers.  They will NOT just ship a dog to anyone.  Puppy mills will.  

Puppy mill breeders are in it for the cash and sell misery.  EVERY legitimate breeder will hate puppy mill breeders even more than people in rescue.  Why?  because it makes them and their entire industry look bad.  Pet stores for the most part, more than 90% sell puppies from puppy mills.  NO legitimate breeder would sell their puppies to a puppy store and not care about where their dogs are going.  Good breeders want to know the future of their dogs and will take back a dog that doesn't work out.  Puppy mills and pet stores don't.

There are countless rescue organizations from general breeds to breed specific rescues that scour the shelters and save millions of dogs.  They operate on limited budgets and are run by animal lovers who are often struggling to make it.  Some make money, some charge adoption fees for legitimate reasons, however none but one or two operate at a sizable profit...  in fact most are Non-Profits.  These organizations rescue, board, foster and re-home the dogs that were cast away.  So the big business people say, "Why should it be your responsibility to take on 'someone else's problem'?"  Well, its not.  Looking at it like that makes it seem like you are taking over someone's credit card debt with nothing in return.  What people overlook is that it is a life.  You are not taking over a problem, but a life that will give back to you just like the dog you get from the pet store, but often with a lot less issues.  Yes, you can get a puppy from a breeder, but rescues are often overrun with puppies as are shelters.  You won't get that fancy piece of paper stating its history, but you still get a loving life.  If you can trace the entire lineage of your partner before you settle down, then maybe getting a purebred papered dog is the right choice for you.  However if love and doing something heartfelt for an animal who needs a second chance is in your scope of reality, a rescue may make you just as happy as a dog from a breeder.

As a professional dog behaviorist I can attest that dogs from shelters / rescues can be every bit as loving (sometimes more so) than breeder dogs.  I've had both and have seen both sides.  Puppies are cute, but very hard to deal with.  A dog who has outgrown the puppy stage often makes for a better pet.  Puppy love lasts for a while, but then you have to settle down to cleaning puppy poop, pee, puke, deal with chewing, digging, whining, barking, etc.  These all seem like fun, but then grow into issues.  And, I can tell you professionally that if they are not dealt with properly, they will cause greater issues than any I've seen in rescue dogs.

Getting a dog is a decision that should not be spontaneous.  It is something to think about.  Both sides of this issue are very passionate about their ideas.   My passion lies merely in what is right for the dog.  If you have done the research and are ready to make your decision, move on and do it.  The compassionate choice is the one you make with a clear conscience.  More than 5 million shelter animals are killed each year.  Many of them come from breeders, puppy mills and pet stores.  Educating yourself on the responsibilities of owning a dog will help you to avoid being a part of the problem and therefor help solve the problem.

He Only Had 9 Days

Look at the face in this picture, look really close.  A sweet, young dog full of love and life who ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Truman entered the shelter and never left.  He is the face of millions of dogs that are killed each and every year.  Truman lived in the shelter for 9 days.  9 days..  9 days of looking through steel linked fencing at the outside world.  Not touched by human hands.  9 days of not touching grass or lifting his little leg against a tree.  No running, no romping.  No one knows what he thought or what he wanted to say.  

Was he hoping that someone would come get him?  Someone would give him a loving home?  Did he yearn for that rub on the belly or did he give up once the steel door closed behind him?  Where do dogs like Truman end up?  The end up piled into a garbage truck and carted off to disposal facilities that dispose of their carcasses in ways you could never imagine.  Piles and piles of cold, stiff dead bodies processed into everything from lipstick to dog food to fertilizer.  Remember, these are healthy, young adoptable animals that are just like the dogs sold at pet stores across America and around the world.

A friend of mine commented to me the other day, "Why should I adopt a dog at a shelter?  Why should I make it my problem, the fact that someone else didn't want the dog."  The answer is simple, the dog is not at fault and its not a problem.  Its a life.  Shelter dogs come in all sizes and colors, all breeds and personalities.  There are purebreds and mutts..  Its the biggest pet store in the world.  There is no problem with them, there are just not enough people who are compassionate enough to go and get them out.  

I have a purebred dog that I rescued before it went into the shelter, and it would have.  I rescued another dog from the shelter who died after living with me a very short while.  I can tell you that my heart was shattered on that day and has never healed fully since.  I don't think I could have loved him more or less because he came from a shelter.  He was full of life and spirit, full of love and made my life.  I think of him every day.  His name was Boots.  And, because of Boots I have dedicated so much more of my life to rescue.

Everyone can adopt a shelter dog.  If you can't, you can find someone who can and get one out.  Adopting a shelter dog is cool.  Much cooler than getting one from a pet store.  Shelter dogs have a better personality, have more spunk, have a little bit more of an edge....  and can do anything pet store dogs can do better.  They will love you more than a dog from a pet store, because believe it or not, they know YOU rescued them.  

I deal with behavioral issues on dogs and I see over and over again the dogs that were rescued have an amazing bond with their owners.  I've seen dogs that I've pulled out of shelters look at me in a way no other dog ever looked at me when I visit their house.  

Look at the face of Truman and realize that I came a day to late to get him, and so did a few others.  He never stood a chance in the shelter system of today.  He was an innocent victim.

BOUND ANGELS is looking for volunteers, warriors for the rights of the innocent victims.  Send us an email at boundangels@gmail.com and get involved.  Together we can change the system.

Breed Specific RESCUES - The Good The Bad & The Ugly

I'd like to start out by saying that everyone in rescue is trying their hardest to do what they can do to save as many lives as possible.  The shelters are filling up more quickly than rescues can get dogs out, into foster and into forever homes.   The funds are low, the demands are high and stress is the crucial factor.  I understand the situation, but there are some issues to address.

First the good:

Breed specific rescues serve and important place in rescue because they understand the needs of specific breeds of animals and are familiar with their medical issues, temperaments, quirks and usually have a good handle on those people who are looking for that specific breed to adopt.  They are very passionate about the breed and will work very hard because of their passion.  They will screen potential adopters, work with the shelters and do a great job.  Breed specific rescues comb shelters for the most part and make sure that none of their own are at risk.  This is not selfish by any means in my opinion, it is "taking care of your own."  I support the work that these groups do and Bound Angels has worked hand in hand with many of these rescues to save countless lives.

The bad:

Because breed specific rescues deal with only their specific breed, they are not open to dealing with other breeds.  A husky group will not take in a Weimaraners, and a Chow group doesn't usually take in Chihuahua's.  That being said we have to look at the bad and the ugly of this.  Recently I was trying to rescue a Malinois.  A somewhat rare breed of dog from Belgium.  He was at the shelter for more than 5 months and was on the short list to be killed because no one had come to get him.  Other groups are not familiar with the specific needs of the Malinois, yet the Malinois rescue I spoke to claimed he wasn't a "pure bred' Malinois.  The sad part about this is that this dog falls through the cracks.  

Its kind of like the race laws of the Nazi's, how much of a mix do you have to be to "not be" pure?  If a dog is 51% shepherd and 49% sharpei, which group should step up.  If there was a battle about which one would step up, that would be great.  However, more often than not, neither group will want this dog.  And believe me, I've rescued Sharpei / Shepherd mixes and they are great dogs.  

I understand rescues are stressed and strapped for cash, but using the purity of the breed may not be the right answer to solve this problem.  I only write about it because I was confronted by someone else today who also went through the same thing recently.  Breed specific rescues serve an integral part in our rescue community and I am proud to be affiliated with many of them, however, they need to focus on not becoming snobs about the mixed breeds that also contain strong characteristics and traces of their specific breeds.

"How Could You?".... You Gotta Read This!

A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan incredibly took out a $7000 full page

ad in the paper to present the following essay to the people of his

community.

By Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, an 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 wa 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 dog speak, 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.

A Note from the Author: If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American & Canadian animal shelters. Please use this to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.

Please pass this on to everyone, not to hurt them or make them sad, but it could save maybe, even one, unwanted pet.

Remember...They love UNCONDITIONALLY

Beverly Hills Chihuahua - The Dilemna

In the next few weeks Walt Disney will be releasing their movie BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA.  Undoubtedly this will be a huge movie despite the concerns of those people in rescue.  With the popularity of such a film the lives of hundreds of thousands, possibly millions of dogs will be effected.  Children and adults will be caught up in the hype of “getting a new puppy.”  A puppy that is an impulse purchase often ends up in the shelter system and many of those that end up in the shelters are murdered... to a tune of 5 MILLION shelter animals each year.  The cute puppy trained and computer enhanced dances, sings, and more.  This will not be the dog that you bring home.  The newness of the dog will wear off rather quickly.  Chihuahua’s can have temperament problems and like all other dogs, require training, and attention.  They are not stuffed animals.  You are not getting a Beverly Hills Chihuahua, you are getting a new member of your family that will be with you for many years.  The memory of the movie will be long gone and your four legged friend will still be around.

We urge you to consider several things with the release of BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA.

1. 1.There are many beautiful pure bred Chihuahua’s and Chihuahua mixes at your local shelter.
   

2. 2.Do NOT buy a chihuahua puppy (or any other puppy) at your local pet store.  These puppies (90% of the time and more) come from puppy mills.  If you’d like to know more about puppy mills, click here.
   

3. 3.Send a message to Walt Disney that movies about pure bred dogs lead to impulse purchases and send a mixed message to children.  There are no disclaimers that dogs are a serious commitment and should not be purchased on a whim.  How about a movie about a shelter dog?
   

4. 4.A dog is a long term commitment for the life of the dog, not until you or your child get tired of it.
   

5. 5.Spread the words to your family and friends to adopt rather than shop.  You can get a chihuahua from a shelter for far less money than from a breeder or pet store.  You can adopt one from a local rescue.  Check Dogs In Danger or Petfinder, or PetHarbor.
   

If you’re gonna get a Chihuahua, get it from a rescue or a shelter..  Give a shelter dog a second chance.

The City of Beverly Hills has no animal control shelter.  That means if a Chihuahua gets lost or dumped in Beverly Hills, this chihuahua will end up in the Shelter in the city of Carson.  If you’d like to see the parallels between a Beverly Hills Chihuahua and a shelter that houses the lost Beverly Hills Chihuahua, please watch our new video - Beverly Hills Chihuahua, by clicking here. 

Remember, you can’t save all the animals in the world....

But you can save one!  

Start a revolution....  You Can Save One.

The Dog Goes - The Man Cries - The System is Broken

I'm writing this as post as a professional.  Please understand that I train and rehabilitate dogs with aggression, dominance and behavioral issues all the time.  It is what I love to do and I can say that I understand dogs.  I've walked the walk and talk the talk.  I've rehabbed dogs the other trainers give up on or won't even touch.  I understand aggression and I can tell you some can, and some can't be fixed.  However, and this is the big point, AGGRESSION is not based on a breed.  

There are so many laws on the books that are an absolute waste of time.  Insurance companies who won't insure people who own certain breeds of dogs.  Territories in our great land where certain breeds of dogs are ILLEGAL....  thats right, certain breeds are illegal in certain areas.

My case in point would follow the last post in which I talked about the city of Denver Colorado that has a ban on Pit Bulls.  Not pit bulls who have bitten someone, ALL PIT BULLS.  That means if you are a pit bull, or if they think you are, you get rounded up and killed.  Does that remind you of something that happened in Germany in the late 1930's or early 1940's.  Don't hand me the crap of "we should not judge humans and animals in the same way."  WHY NOT.  Animals are animals and if we make or support laws like this, we are actually lower on the chain of evolution than those we persecute.  

There are 5 MILLION animals killed in our shelters each year.  Lets add to that number a few more because we enact a law to BAN specific breeds.  

If you want to ban dogs that are aggressive, ban dogs that get in fights or those that  attack people.  But remember, its the human owners that are responsible.  There has never been an attack by a dog that was kept on a leash, trained properly or one kept in a locked up yard.  Why do we attack the dog that can not defend itself.  It is idiotic to make such a law and an absolute waste of time and money to have it on the books.  

So now that pit-bulls are banned, Denver claims that pit-bull attacks are down.  So what does that mean?  Are poodle attacks up?  Should we ban Chihuahua's now?  Where will the insanity end?  Why not spend these resources (creating and enforcing laws costs millions) on investigating animal abuse, cruelty, dog fighting, etc.?  Why not promote responsible pet ownership instead of becoming a society of murderers?

Can someone honestly say that one breed is more likely to attack than another, or should it be that the type of people who own a specific breed all fall into a category?  Are all people of a specific race similar to each other?  Are all people of a specific religious belief similar to one another?  Racism, sexism are wrong just like labeling a specific breed of dog.  I believe the cities that enforce BSL (breed specific legislation) are so ridiculous that its barely worth my time.  I am writing only because I was asked to do so by a good friend who is quite upset about this.  If you believe this can't happen to your city, think again.  Laws are passed sometimes before you know.  I urge you to fight for the rights of those that can't.

Just because The Denver Forest situation is over, its really not.  This dog did nothing wrong.  The dog was ripped away from his owner, his guardian.  He is being shipped off to another place and another person.  The dog is not aware of why?  The person knows, the animal is confused.  If the dog now develops behavioral problems because of this, perhaps he may bite someone, but then we could clearly blame the city that caused it.  Couldn't we.  Restructuring pack order is something quite intense on the mind and spirit of the dog.  Dogs that are fine in one pack, can become aggressive in another pack.  Did anyone think of that?  Probably not.  If the dog has never shown aggression with one person, can he change?  The answer is yes.  Would it not have been a more compassionate choice to allow the dogs owner the chance to move?  Considering he did not live in Denver, maybe he would have chosen to move completely out of such a backward area.  

I have little respect for a government that could impose such legislation and hope you will share my opinion that it is only one step removed from something that could happen to you.

In closing I will say that I have encountered many aggressive dogs, yet each dogs aggression was NEVER based on a specific breed. It is a result of behavioral issues and pack structure.

Find the Breed You Hate, then Kill them All

It seems this is whats going on in Denver right now.  There are certain cities in the US and countries that have bans on certian breed dogs.  There are insurance companies that won't write homeowners policies for people who own certain breeds.  One breed in question, and the one Denver is in the news for now is Pit Bulls.  

Bound Angels has rescued many breeds and never turned away from any specific breed.  As a trainer of "trouble dogs," I find it hard to pinpoint any one breed as being more aggressive in nature than another.  There are stronger breeds, and breeds with stronger personalities than others, but dogs are dogs.  ALL dogs have the proclivity to bite or become aggressive, be it a 7lb Chihuahua or a 170 Rottweiler.  The underlying factor, for the most part is owners.  I find that people who own certain breeds should be better suited to deal with their personalities.  

Forest, the pit bull in Denver is in violation of BSL (breed specific legislation).  That is a ban on a specific breed in a city.  Reading the news story, one finds that this is the second time the dog has been caught running loose.  Which in my opinion points to an owner who can't control his dog, not a dog that should die because the owner can't control him.  As I have said on countless occasions, its not the dogs, but the owners who are the problems.  Its owners who teach / train dogs to be aggressive whether intentionally or inadvertently.  Forest is causing quite a stir, but for all the wrong reason.  I agree that a dog running free is not a good thing, but it doesn't matter to me what the breed is, whether a poodle or a pit.  There are no bad dogs or good dogs, there are only dogs.  You can not judge a dog according to its breed, just like you can't judge a man by the color of his skin or religious beliefs.  Profiling is wrong, and in a compassionate society we should be a bit more aware of that.  

So the question comes to mind, why is the dog being punished for the mistake of his owner?  Shouldn't the fine be imposed on the owner for violating a leash law?  How barbaric to KILL an animal that has committed no crime other than being born!  Forest has no record of biting, attacking or aggression.  He has shown exemplary behavior at the shelter.  We spend millions of dollars for laws and legislation and enforcing them.  This money could be put towards education and animal care.  In 2008 we live in a society where our government uses your tax dollars to murder 5 MILLION shelter animals each year.  We spend millions of dollars to incarcerate animals whose only crime is being born.  

If any blame lies in this case, it is on the person who does not control his companion.  If you own a dog, you must be responsible for it and not allowing it to run free is one of those responsibilities.  I agree that a law was broken here, however the dog is NOT at fault and the punishment does not fit the crime.  Any BSL is idiotic and archaic.  We stopped drowning witches persecuting blacks jailing Japanese and confining Jews to ghettos.  Have we come so far, only to slide back further by now attacking the innocent animals?  

Compassion towards animals and towards each other is something we all need to take a close look at, Denver should take a close look at its BSL.  READ THE ARTICLE HERE.

Smiling Sasha - SAVED - now Loving LOLA

With so much crap going on, here's a little story to warm your heart.  I received and email, among the hundreds I receive every day.  This one was different.  A little Sharpei / German Shepherd mix stuck down at the South Central Pound.  I've dealt with them on a few occasions and always like to go see Tomika, a very nice lady who runs the show there.  The email I received said that Sasha would be killed on Monday, that's a problem, as I got the email on a Saturday.  The shelter is closed Mondays.  I got someone on the phone and put a hold on Sasha.  The key thing here is to spell it out and be CLEAR, and get a name.  I did.  Sasha would be safe. 

I went to work. Who would be the perfect home for her?  I remember having met Mike through business contacts.  He struck me as a very caring man, very fair in business and a gentleman.  I mailed the pics to him.  He told me he would run it by his fiancee.  They both were excited to meet Sasha.  I went to South Central LA and sprung her.  I did have a chance to spend some time with her and it was a pleasure.  She is so funny.  She has a PERMA-grin.  Just the sweetest girl.  I was forced to ask myself the question I ask so many times: How can such beautiful animals be killed day in and day out in our country?  Huge barrels filled with the carcasses of loving, beautiful pets.  It just makes me sick.

Sasha's fate took a turn as Mike and Priscila loved her.  They have a beautiful home and welcomed her with open arms.  Priscila loved Sasha (immediately renaming her to LOLA), and Lola loved Mike.  In fact the very next day he took her to work with him.  Lola won over everyone at the office, Mike is very proud.

Thats a happy ending!  Thanks to Mike and Priscila, and congratulations to LOLA!

Oh-Sooo Sweet

OSO was scheduled to be killed in the local shelter because of aggression.  One of my favorite things to work with and rescue are dogs that are labelled aggressive.  Almost every dog I've pulled was labelled aggressive.  In fact if you check my philosophy on aggressive dogs at www.blackbeltdogtraining.com you will get a better scope of me.  Oso was scared to death, a big baby.  With a team effort of Bound Angels, ResQPet and Earth Angels OSO was saved.  He received his eye surgery for entropion courtesy of ResQPet and he is now under Susan's care and learning to love and trust again.  Soon he will be ready for a wonderful forever home, but for now, OSO is safe.  If you're interested in adopting OSO, contact resqpet@aol.com or Susan at meritsmm@yahoo.com

Dogs are so often mislabeled in shelters and are shunned for adoption because of a poor evaluation.  This is very very poor service to animals.  The stress that an animal faces causes varied behavior in strange environment such as shelters.  Often the people evaluating the dogs are quacks with no idea of dog behavior.  They churn through the job and condemn many good dogs to death.  A fair evaluation of a dog is nearly impossible in an environment like a shelter.  

Save a Pet - Save a Buck!

The LA City Shelters are moving them out, and you get the deal.  Yes, I am promoting the LA City Shelter system here, as they are very actively promoting adoptions..  I like that.  Take a look at the flyer below.  Check out several shelters, as each location features slightly unique models.  Most have 4 legs, 2 eyes and a tail...  Some variations may occur from location to location...  But get on over there this Saturday and Sunday July 19th and 20th.  Also, download this flyer and mail it to all of your friends.  In fact print out extra copies and post them at your local pet store.  Send me a picture of you putting the flyer at a pet store.  One lucky person will get a BOUND ANGELS T-shirt.

End the Gas Chamber

As many of you know, it is the core mission of BOUND ANGELS to end the killing of animals in shelters.  Lets start with the idea that animals are sill being gassed.  This is an incredibly sick method of killing pets.  The attached video is not for the weak of heart, however IF you've ever loved a pet, watch it for them.  Have the courage to stand up for the brothers and sisters of the pet you love(d).  THEN, take action.

Call North Carolina Governor Easly at 919-733-4240 and 919-799-5811

NC Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler 919-799-7125

NC Chamber of Commerce President Lew Ebert 919-836-1407

Tell then that you will boycott North Carolina goods and will spread the word about gassing practices in North Carolina.  Demand justice for those who are dying...  No one wants negative PR, especially not a state.  This is sick!  

This is important.  In days gone by animals were drowned in tanks among other tortures.  We live in a society where we can make a difference..  take a stand.