Bound Angels Blog

new blog - new site

2010-11-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

OK, after many months of work, I'm launching the new www.boundangels.org site today. Along with that is the blog that is incorporated into the site, and that address is:
http://www.boundangels.org/blog/

I ask you to please use that blog from now on, as I will discontinue this blog as of today.

Thanks.

Robert

Update on Blind Stevie Wonder - cocker spaniel

2010-09-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Stevie was in the shelter for over 2 months when I found him sitting there all alone in a dark cell. A sign over his kennel read "Keep Alone - Blind Dog." It broke my heart and I knew I had to save him. I made a video which you can view by clicking here:
STEVIE'S VIDEO

He was rescued by a great organization and now lives a life filled with love. Join The Revolution and help us save more... Here is an update from STEVIE-

I love my new life so much Auntie Tracey, thank you for helping save me from the bad place. Now I get to have lots of nice naps in the sun if I want, or if I don't want the sun, I just go back in my big bedroom and lay down on one of the nice fluffy beds Mommy Carolyn has for me.

I get lots of good food and hopefully will put on a little weight soon. All the other doggies are very nice to me, and I think there are even some here who can't see....just like me, but we do real good getting around. I have lots of room to roam and explore and I think it's just wonderful.

And, oh yeah....I get tons of love and pets and hugs and kisses every day. I really like that:-)

xoxo

New Article for Shelter Workers

2010-08-28T18:30:00.001-07:00

I can't tell you how often I'm called to deal with a dog at a shelter that exhibits what's called Barrier Aggression. This is a behavior when the dog is barking, growling or aggresses toward the front of the kennel when people are present. It is generally not that hard to fix, but it is a death sentence in many shelters.

The most common solutions are overlooked. Having trained several shelters in new methods of temperament testing and dog behavior, this article sheds new light on this behavior. Please share it with your rescue, shelter and humane societies.

http://blackbeltdogtraining.com/dog_training_articles.html

Best regards,

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

Selling Used Dogs

2010-07-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

So.... big announcement. I've recently completed a book entitled "Selling Used Dogs." This is a book about saving dogs that are doomed at shelters. I thought of many ways of marketing this book, selling it, promoting it, etc. but thought that this information is too valuable not to GIVE AWAY. So that is exactly what I plan to do.

Selling Used Dogs is over 100 pages and contains programs that shelters and rescue organizations can put into place to increase adoptions. Programs like The Bound Angels Shelter Angel Video Program. I explain the program and how to implement it step-by-step. I'm also including in the book my personal Behavioral Assessment Guide. I've used this test on hundreds of dogs in rescue, for adoption / placement and for testing the temperament of dogs which I fight to defend in court. The book is full of information, programs and ideas that I've tested and proven 100% successful. Its not a book about dog training, its a book about saving dogs and understanding them.

Some people may be put off by the title, and if you're one of those, I urge you to read the book and judge its content. My idea is we must save these dogs and if sales skills and strategies are necessary then lets do it.

This last weekend I was invited to Prescott AZ to visit the Yavapai Humane Society and teach my "Selling Used Dogs" workshop. It was a 900+ mile round-trip, and of course I had to drive; I take my dogs with me when I travel. To say this was a long weekend would be to say the least, but it was so meaningful. I met so many wonderful people that have an amazing journey ahead of them. At the helm is my good friend Ed Boks who I believe has the clear vision to make NO KILL a reality. We've worked together before and I support his work at Yavapai Humane Society, his concepts, ideas and vision. In fact, in addition to this weekends workshop, I'm offering my help to see this project through.

In the past this shelter was dealing with temperament tests that were not fair to the dogs as well as limited programs to create exposure for the beautiful dogs that live there. During this weekends workshops we focused on training dog walkers, volunteers, kennel workers, management and staff in my Binary Dog principle. A concept that breaks down basic reward based training for every person that comes into contact with every dog. I met some very cool people that are very excited to change the way things "were" done and move into the direction of NO KILL.

I believe that every dog deserves a fair chance and if they have an issue when they arrive at the shelter, we owe it to them to lend a hand and teach them some basic skills. I believe that most behaviors can be fixed with dedication and education. I believe that we can save many more dogs with proper training. My vision was shared with the nice people at the YHS and I'm looking forward to all of the wagging tails that will be walking out of the front door of that shelter and into the homes of loving families from now on.

If you'd like a copy of my book SELLING USED DOGS, please email me and I will send you your very own copy in PDF form. Its my goal to get this book into the hands of every rescue worker that shares my vision for helping dogs get out of the front door of the shelter.

Also, please be sure to support our work by joining us at our fundraiser August 8th right here in Malibu. If you can't make it, you can still support our work by donating.

Best regards,

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

When a Government Not Only Condones Murder – but Protects the Murderers

2010-06-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is exactly what happened in Delavan, Wisconsin today June 30, 2010. There were some 200 geese living on the lake committing the greatest crime they could – sh1tting… These geese were considered a nuisance by some members of the community, but not by all. In fact some people stood up to fight for them. I am proud to know Rebecca who spearheaded this fight. Not only was a humane solution suggested, but volunteers were ready to do much so more. This wasn’t good enough for Dorothy Burwell town chair of Delavan or park supervisor Herb Sessner.

I spoke to Dorothy on the phone and she, being such a humanitarian, said the massacred geese would be given to the food bank to feed the poor. She assured me she is a “real” animal lover who even spent $1000 on a rescue cat. Imagine that, spending $1000 on a rescue cat and then condoning the killing of 200 innocent geese…what a hypocrite! Comes to find out that the city spent somewhere near $4000 of taxpayers money to kill the geese. That’s about $20 per goose from what I imagine. I guess a couple of boxes of mac and cheese wouldn’t be enough. But since Dorothy is the ever-humanitarian, perhaps she can volunteer to de-feather the geese and cook them up in her kitchen and have these poor people of Delavan over for a big feast.

The idea was to whittle down the numbers so that the humans could enjoy the lake without too much poop. Well, these human will be walking on bloody soil today instead of feces. All 200 geese were massacred today under the cloak of the USDA, which by the way condones puppy-mills and has allowed its fair share of tainted e-coli meat and produce to kill American citizens.

For those who tried to stop the killing, they were met by police officers that held the them back. Sort of reminds me of Nazi Germany.

All I can say is that Ms. Dorothy Burwell and Park Committee Supervisor Herb Sessner are murderers whose hands drip the blood of innocent animals. I only wish someone would dump the carcass of these 200 dead geese in their front yards. They are sad excuses for human beings and have no compassion for life other than there own. Dorothy’s blatant lies and circle logic should buy her an e-ticket out of office and I would hope no one would ever elect her to office ever again. For that matter, I would hope she would feel the pain she inflicted on these innocent animals.

I applaud Rebecca and all of the people that stood up for the fight. One goose survived. May her life be a testament to the massacred others, and may we one day live in a world where all animals have a right to be free, not only the animals with the biggest guns.

Just Kill the Dog - it's Easier

2010-06-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

As ridiculous as this statement sounds, you've got to consider the approach most people take with their dogs. People who have dogs with issues, which many have, give it a half-assed try to fix it, and when that doesn't work, they either give up on the dog and let the trouble behavior continue, or they dump the dog at the shelter.

Dumping a dog at the shelter is about the most cowardly thing I can imagine and it only leads to a dogs issues getting worse progressively worse until the dog is killed and dumped in a barrel. Giving up on a creature that lives and breathes and depends on you 100% is BS. I get so upset at the people who say, "I've tried everything, and nothing seems to work." Well, instead of trying everything perhaps you should limit yourself to trying those things that will work. Tossing a hundred ideas around and seeing if one will work is a recipe for disaster. Its almost as bad as giving it a half-hearted approach and then giving up.

For dogs with strong behavioral issues, which are the ones that end up in the shelter, people will give training a "try." They will generally register at a local pet store or group class and follow the instructions for a week or so. If the dogs progress is not up to their expectations, they let it go. These are the same people who go to the gym for a couple of weeks and when they don't look like the magazine cover, they get angry at society for marketing beautiful people. Dog training is something you will start to do today and continue until your dog takes his last breath. Its part of dog custodianship and its fun and rewarding for both you and your dog.

Mediocrity is not acceptable when success is the goal.

There is one approach I take with dogs, and that is a fair one. I start all training and behavior issues with a treat and a toy. I look to what the dog responds to and how he responds. I want to see what drives him and how he relates. I do believe in a strong hand with dogs as they respect that. For the feather weight trainers who abhor any corrections, I welcome them to visit the city and county shelters that I work with and bring your treat pouch (and a band aid).

My reason for taking such a strong stand is simple; I do not believe in dominating or hitting dogs, lets be clear on that. However, a firm correction that moves a dog into obedience is fair. Remember, a correction is not abuse, it is merely a direction to move a dog from what he is doing wrong to what we expect of him. For example if we are teaching a dog to sit and he is "not getting it" by use of a treat over his head, we can push down on his backside and "correct" him into the sit. A dog that doesn't follow on a leash when we lure him with a treat can be "corrected" by using a leash pop when we give him the direction to "follow" or "heel."

Now if all things were as simple as getting a dog to sit or follow life would be ok. Most of the problem issues come into place when people accept bad behavior from their dogs and don't correct for it when the problem first appears, be it that they are ignorant to the potential or that they think its cute and it will "probably go away." This can be as simple as a dog jumping up on people or chewing your favorite shoes, all the way to dominant and aggressive posturing and actions toward people and other dogs.

If we can't redirect the dog with a treat or a toy is it worth it to give the dog a fair correction or should we just drop the dog at the shelter and give up on him? If that is the case, why not just take him to the vet and kill him ourselves?

Harsh words? Well the reality of it is simple: If you can't get "your" dog to listen to you or to obey you, or if "you" refuse to give your dog the direction he needs, what makes you think that someone else wants your problem? The dog that puts his head down every night and you are the last person he sees, the dog that wags his tail at your mere presence, the dog that would give his life for you is the one you are giving up on. Remember one thing, he is an animal with teeth and the ability to use them. If you don't realize this, maybe you should opt for a goldfish as a pet.

Training a dog may take some work. Much like having a child, children require work: we change diapers, stay up when they cry, teach them to walk, talk, etc. Dogs require a certain amount of work. If people could understand that dedication to training, socialization and structure early on could save them a lot of work in the end.

Your dog depends on you - YOU! He has nowhere else to go. If you give up on him, his world has forsaken him, he's just as well dead. If you can't take the responsibility of training him, understand that someone else probably won't either. There are thousands of great dogs in shelters across this country, the dog you messed up and gave up on is not on the top of the list for an adoption. Most rescue organizations won't take dogs with aggression issues because they don't have the time to "fix" them. They are over-flooded with the countless other dogs that they are rescuing every day.

If your dog is developing an "issue" research training methods and get to work. I can assure you that an attitude of indifference and strength will go a long way with your dog and will move you along in training and giving your dog a fair chance at a good life.

Robert Cabral
Bound Angels
Black Belt Dog Training

Response about the Geese

2010-06-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the response I received today from Dorothy:

On Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 2:29 PM, Dorothy Burwell wrote:

Please accept my apologies for not reply earlier. Contrary to what many think, I have also received many comments supporting our position. Many view this as a health issue. With the support of staff at Lakeland Animal Shelter, I am hopeful that we can educate many people in prevention methods so that this does not ever happen again.

We do not wish to eradicate any animal or bird but simply get the number to a manageable level and feed some needy people.

Dorothy C. Burwell, Town Chair

townchair@townofdelavan.com ; hjs754@charter.net

Here is my response to her response:

Dear Dorothy,

I am very disappointed at your decision and am perplexed by the many inconsistencies in your statements / position. The animal shelter of your own city does not support your decision, nor do many of the people of your township. Furthermore, if you follow the will of the people to do something that is so clearly wrong, you are no more than a puppet at the hands of those who pull the strings. Righteousness is reserved for those who often times make unpopular decisions.

Your statement of feeding needy people with 200 geese that your city is paying close to $4000 to kill is a bit ludicrous. If they are a "health issue" do you feel that it is a wise decision to feed this to needy people? Couldn't the $4000 be better spent to buy some meals for these people and the geese spared.

In either case, you've made your decision and I'm certain that you will feel the implications of your decisions in the strong disapproval of not only those in your community, but also many more that are aware of the terrible thing you are doing.

I sincerely thought after our conversation that you were reasonable and may sway to an ethical decsision. Imagine my disappointment after I believed you spent all that money to save 1 cat and won't stand up for 200 geese. To those who believe a life is a life, its a position of hypocrisy.

Sincerely,

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

their email addresses are here.. FYI.

townchair@townofdelavan.com ; hjs754@charter.net

My Letter to the Delavan Township

2010-06-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Dorothy - Dear Herb,

I have been made aware of the decision your town has made to kill the geese dwelling near the Delavan lake. I must say that I am shocked and saddened by such a heartless act and can find no excuse for such an inhumane decision.

The fact that millions of animals are dying needlessly a few thousand miles away because of human error makes this decision of yours even more preposterous. I have read the letter presented to you by Kristen Perry offering a very valid solution to your "problem." Why this plan was rejected confuses me. Is the need to eradicate an animal from your city so necessary that it must be exterminated? Isn't it worth it to try option A, before stepping through to option B.

This decision has been well publicized on facebook as well as other social networking sites, and I am hoping that many citizens will stand up and stand between your workers and the geese. This event will get serious attention and very negative press for anyone involved in the decision. I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and opt for a humane solution to this problem. This decision is not only inhumane, but will cost tax payers money when a volunteer driven program is available.

I am making this letter to you public on my blog at www.boundangels.org and am encouraging others to speak up for the animals and against your decision.

I welcome a conversation with you at any time.

Giving a voice to animals,

Robert Cabral
______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
join the revolution!
************************************

Please call or email to oppose this kill!
Town Chair- Dorothy Burwell 262- 728-6085 Cell:262-374-2560 townchair@townofdelavan.com

Park Committe/Supervisor-
Herb Sessner
262- 740-1195 Cell 262-374-9756
hjs754@charter.net

Delavan Township in Wisconsin to Murder Wild Geese

2010-06-15T21:05:00.001-07:00

As if its not bad enough with all of the animals being killed in the Gulf Oil Crisis, Delavan Township is setting out to kill the Canada geese which they claim are a nuisance. The primary concern is the =droppings, that these "droppings" impose an inconvenience on the "humans" who which to enjoy the park.... OK, maybe a point to be taken - not a good one, but a point.

Well, a committee presented the council with a proposal of volunteers that would step up and clean the park and even developed a plan to minimize the population in a humane way. What is the Town Councils decision? MURDER. You gotta love governments that condone murdering animals! Who the fuck votes there? I certainly hope that each and every one of these people is voted out and that they feel the repercussions. They say their decisions are made based on health issues.

Please check this link:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=121954864505374

And if you're on facebook, join their cause. This makes me sick and angry at the same time. If you are local, I would say get there and stand in the way, you will be removed, but stand their anyway. I don't suggest anything violent, I suggest getting in the way and making the job of murder a little more difficult physically since its obviously not morally difficult for these morons. I also suggest video taping it and spreading the word that this is not ok.

Also, here is the contact info to voice your opinion.

Please call or email to oppose this kill!
Town Chair- Dorothy Burwell 262- 728-6085 Cell:262-374-2560 townchair@townofdelavan.com

Park Committe/Supervisor-
Herb Sessner
262- 740-1195 Cell 262-374-9756
hjs754@charter.net

Take an action for someone who can not - for someday you may require someone to step up for you, when you can not!

Robert Cabral
Bound Angels

Spent the weekend at Bark Ave - check out Kim's videos.

2010-05-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

I spent Sunday at Bark Ave LA, a great organization that helps so many dogs here in LA. Kim Sill asked me to come by and temperament test a few of the dogs, here are the videos.

Kim and Bark Ave are willing and able to transport any of these beauties directly to your doorsteps.

Please watch their videos and pass them along...

Sweetie pie is the dog Nancy Heigl asked me to pull
Melanie and Dawn at Bark Ave have been boarding her for me

Sweetie Pie-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LArG7eSEztU

Lucy- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlRimkCPrMc

Mona- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imsZ_Kjlf_A

Finn- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z78f_2GYRPw

Bowser- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ukdXLk29bg

Babie Girl- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfU8I7ROM6c

Apalonia - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQYPvSXDuzM

Carmella- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxHInYwmNyg

Bo- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40gWYaplgjY

Katie- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdFLvThirRo

Thanks for taking the time to look at these pets... they need you.

giving a voice to animals...

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

Hoarders - why?

2010-05-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

There are those people that are called hoarders. Among rescue people these individuals are seen as the most evil of people, comparable often times with animal abusers and murderers.

Lets take a look at the mentality that makes up a hoarder. A hoarder is a person that takes in animals and continues to take in more and more often times with no limit in sight. Their houses are over-run with dogs, cats, and whatever else. These people continue to take in more animals even though they are unable to care for the animals they have in a way that is acceptable by our standards. Most of the time this compulsion is triggered by several factors, namely in an effort to keep these animals from being killed at shelters. Hoarders are not collectors (who may have a “collection” of one type of dog or a particular animal), but instead take any and all animals. It’s not uncommon to see a hoarder with dogs, cats, and horses among other animals.

A hoarders goal starts out very noble and somewhere goes awry. They start out with 2, 3 or 4 animals and begin amassing more and more. Often times they try to adopt out the animals they have, but these efforts get squashed as the toll of taking care of their current animals takes up too much of their time. Their number grow by people dropping off animals to them, they get them from the shelters, strays find their way to the hoarders property and just about any other way to get animals, they get them. As it is very obvious to understand, without a major staff, it is impossible to care for but only a few animals. Hoarders don’t see the crazy cycle of neglect that is cast upon the animals, as their main goal is to keep the animals alive. They clearly see one vision: these animals would all be killed at a shelter. This forces us to look at a scary logic, is it better to have these animals living in somewhat deplorable conditions or kill them at the shelter? There are those who think that killing an animal (or as they refer to it- euthanizing) is a humane thing to do. I can only cite very-very rare occasions in which ending an animals life is a humane thing to do.

Although I do not agree with hoarders, I do understand their twisted logic or I should say, where their hearts lie. These people are animal lovers, they are trying to provide for the animals and save them, but the mission goes wrong somewhere. When the levy finally breaks and the amount of animals attracts enough attention, rescue groups and animal control agencies will step in. At this moment all efforts are shifted toward one thing: saving these animals from these deplorable conditions: although I ask the question, “Where were these people before?” What happens to these animals now is where the true demented logic comes in. For the most part they are taken to rescue organizations which are already over-run with too many animals, they are take to shelters which are also over-run with too many animals and the rest are killed / euthanized because of their conditions. The hoarder will go to jail, serve some time, pay a fine and eventually be free to start the same cycle again.

Ask most people in rescue if they had a million dollars what would they do with that money and I can assure you most will tell you that they would buy a big piece of property and take in as many animals as possible. These are the same people that abhor hoarders; at their core they are the same people. At their core they see the goodness, yet are unaware of the pitfall.

Are hoarders bad people? Are they abusers? I would say NO. The goodness of the mission goes wrong along the way and they get caught in the middle of a whirlwind that can’t be righted. These people started out with the goal of saving animals from the hands of those that will kill them, eventually only to be judged and condemned by these very people. Their animals are not properly cared for mainly because of a lack of resources. It should be noted that hoarders, for the most part, spend all of their money on the animals they have. These people are not living high on the hog in one house with these animals being abused and neglected somewhere else. Quite the contrary, these people live in the very same deplorable conditions that the animals under care live in. This indication alone shows me that these people are no more animal abusers, as they are human abusers because of the abuse they subject themselves to. They deny themselves the luxuries of life and instead live in sub-human conditions with the animals they are trying to save.

When the rescue community steps in, it is generally with a whirlwind of excitement, media attention and accusations hurled against someone who is not that far removed from the people casting the stones. Here is someone whose initial goals started out quite aligned with his or her own. These people step in and start taking the animals one by one, starting out with the ones that can be adopted and eventually ending up at the feral ones that no one can touch. These animals are generally on a short list to be killed.

I’d be a hypocrite if I only laid blame without a solution. And, perhaps my “solution” is less of a solution than an ideal that can be seen as nothing more than a dream. Since these people started out doing the work that all of us in rescue see as “kind of” the right idea that somewhere went wrong, how hard would it be to step in and help these people with some resources and support. What if their homes could be rebuilt to clean them up, some donations could be gathered to help with food and supplies and rescue organizations worked with them to help them adopt their animals out to homes? What if some people volunteered some time to keep this type of “no-kill shelter” rolling? What if our efforts would be geared at helping instead of hurting?

Instead people see these places as a dumping ground for dogs that they’ve been stuck with. Rescue needs to take a good hard look at themselves and understand that if someone is trying to do the right thing, they deserve some help. Throwing a person under the train does nothing to help the animals they’ve tried to help. As humans we are afraid to stand up for someone when it becomes un-popular, it’s easier to cast a stone than to ask people to put their stones down and try and do something.

If hoarders are such evil people, we need to define when they turn evil and what makes them evil. Is it when they have more than 10 animals, 20, 50 or 100? If they suddenly become evil at that point, why don’t people step in then and help? Is the act of evil that they are keeping these animals from being destroyed at shelters? Is the act of evil that they take these animals from people who drop them off to them, who tie them to their fences or even throw them over those very fences? Is evil living in deplorable conditions along with the animals in their care? As rescue we need to step up and help those who are helping, we need to work together. And, when one of our own is prosecuted, we should step up to help. I am in no way condoning hoarders or hoarding, but I am inviting you to look at that what makes hoarding what it is. We live in a country where we kill millions of animals every year. It’s done in a back room at the end of a hallway. We all know the room is there, but we choose to ignore it. If getting an animal out of a shelter gives it a chance at life, is it better to do that or kill it? It’s a perplexing question and one that we have to ask. If you were given the option to live in sub-standard conditions or face death, what would you choose? Personally I don’t know many dogs who live the life of the dogs that my closest friends have, but yet they live. Are we to judge what is good enough, and play G-d?

Robert Cabral
Bound Angels

The Fisherman, the Seagul, and my input!

2010-05-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

It was an early morning walk on the beach in Malibu, like I take almost every day with my dog. Up ahead I spotted a seagull curiously sitting and not flying away as my dog Silly and I approached. I knew something was wrong. I placed my dog away from the bird and approached to find a beautiful, young seagull with a fishing lure pierced through its right leg, and if that wasn't bad enough, one of the hooks was pierced through the webbing of its left foot as well. It was doomed.

Yes, I save dogs, but I advocate on behalf of all animals, especially those harmed by and ignorant ass who was too f*cking selfish to clean up his own mess. I guess spending several hours fishing for a 3 pound fish is more financially beneficial than working for $8.00 an hour and spending $10 at Ralphs. Oh, I forgot its a "sport." Well, a sport is an activity in which both parties are willing participants, therefor I can't really see fishing or hunting as a sport. Sorry, wearing camouflage does not classify you as an athlete.

I am pissed at this, its downright stupid. I've never attacked hunters in the past, as I feel "it is what it is," but this sight put something into deep perspective. Its like leaving a loaded gun in a playground. But perhaps we should care more if a child got hurt, of if a child got caught up in fishing line or lures and died. We are sentient beings, but care only about ourselves... How sentient is that?

Anyway, I was able to handle the seagull and met a really nice guy who lives close to where I found the bird. We were able to get the bird into a box and he took it to the California Wildlife Center here in Malibu. I can only hope it wasn't too late. The bird was in shock, and from the look of the pics you can see that the foot has already started developing an infection.

So my message to anyone who is going to fish the beaches as a sport is simple, clean up your f*cking mess. I've seen several dead birds wrapped up in fishing line and hooks, this time I hope I was there in time. And, if I see you fishing the beach, I'll make it a point to tell you the pain that having your necked wrapped in a thin mono-filament can be; how a slow-painful suffocation while the line is cutting into your skin feels like. How painful it must be to have a speared fishing hook jammed through your skin or your tongue and pulling it out the same way must feel like.

Am I pissed??? F*ck yes, whoever did this f*cked up a really nice day I was getting ready to have. Now that I got this off of my chest, I do feel much better though.

Thank you.

anti BSL issues

2010-05-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

I'll start off by saying that I am strongly opposed to BSL (breed specific legislation), and I'll tell you why. I don't believe there is any one specific breed of dog that is "bad" or should be banned. As a trainer, behaviorist and animal rights advocate, I've seen great pit bulls that would never bite, and ones that will - I've seen golden retrievers that would take your arm off as well as dachshunds and chihuahuas. So, legislating against any one breed is idiotic. Most of the issue with problem dogs is their problem owners. Yes, some dogs are bred for a specific purpose and that purpose should be understood when acquiring a dog. Breeders are a big part in this, and responsible breeders can lend a hand in "fixing" the issues with the dogs that may have issues.

For example, we understand that pit-bulls have been bred for fighting dogs; the strongest and most aggressive were bred further and the weaker, submissive dogs that showed no aggression were culled. Most other breeds that are used for pets, or protection would be culled if they showed these radically aggressive tendencies. I will say that pits, for the most part show the slightest amount of aggression toward humans, this was bred out of them to keep their handlers safe in the pit. Since its proven that we can breed a trait into a dog, its only logical that we can breed it out. Now, when you have the morons breeding dogs in their backyards and selling them on the street corner for $100, that is a huge problem and must be stopped.

Its not my point to get into breeding in this post, it is my point to address serious issues. The first and foremost is that we can not legislate on one specific breed of dog, just like we can't draw a line around a specific group of people. Say for example white-protestant males were the number one cause of sexual abuse crimes in a particular city. Would it be fair to require all white-protestant males in that city to be castrated or wear tracking devices? Its just as stupid for a law banning one breed of dog irrelevant of individual issues.

Now, my biggest issue is the people fighting against BSL. Every time I see an article or picture from a group trying to prove their point it involves a big dog: rottweiler, pit bull, mastiff, etc, laying next to a baby or a small child riding on it. I can tell you this is beyond stupid, and even if your dog is ok with it (at that moment), another dog may not be and by showing this picture you are giving others the impression that it is OK to put a child in a dangerous situation like this.

IT IS NOT OK. Dogs and children are a tricky thing, and dominant breed dogs must be desensitized and socialized to children properly. Just winging it and hoping for the best is putting a child and the dog at the greatest of risks.

If we want to make a point how good a dog is, it can be proven through proper training and socialization. I would not put any dog -NONE in a situation with a baby laying on top of it - or the dog laying on top of the baby.

Everyone should know that ALL dogs should be trained, socialized and safe. It is our responsibility, not the dogs.

PLEASE - if you care about dogs and are against BSL and you want to voice your opinion, do so in a rational manner. Understand that showing a dog in a situation that could be construed as dangerous or provoke someone else to put a dog and human at risk is irresponsible, stupid and proves no point. Every time a dog attacks a child I see one of those idiotic pictures and wonder if the victims family saw that and thought, "We can do that with our dog."

All dogs deserve a fair chance at a good life, that chance hinges on us.

Proposed Budget for LA Animal Services May Risk Public Safety and Increase Pet Euthanasia

2010-04-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

The following letter is from the Department of LA Animal Services to the Budget and Finance Committee regarding impending budget cuts:

I urge you to weigh in on this issue by contacting the District Councilmen, the link is below. Remember, animal control calls it euthanasia to soften its blow.. these animals will be murdered because council members will vote for a 10% budget cut. Meanwhile we can hire another 1000 LAPD officers, just like the ones that had to shoot and kill the dog below.... I'm not putting down the LAPD, I have the utmost respect for them, however the council needs to know that we NEED animal control to maintain their budget.... PLEASE READ THIS!

In the pre-dawn coolness of Friday morning, April 16, 2010, LAPD officers were waiting for help. Three 130-pound Cane Corso dogs, two males protecting a female, were boxed in by police cars near Slauson and Verdun in Council District 8. The police had to wait for the one person who had the knowledge, skill, and experience to handle the situation safely: an Animal Control Officer. Unfortunately, there was in fact only one Animal Control Officer on grave duty in the entire southern half of the City, and he was responding to a separate LAPD call for assistance to rescue an injured dog in Northeast Los Angeles. Soon after the Animal Control Officer arrived back in South LA to help the LAPD there, the two male dogs crawled out from between two squad cars and were heading home on the sidewalk. There, on the public sidewalk, in this neighborhood of businesses, homes, and churches, two los Angeles Police officers fired at least six rounds, killing one of the dogs. The other two dogs were safely impounded by LA Animal Services.

The reason LA Animal Services exists is to provide for public safety. The City's first obligation is the public's safety. Safe streets are those in which trained Animal Control Officers are available to respond to dangerous animals and handle situations without injury to the public, without wasting police resources, and without shots fired. A safe city is one in which an animal expert is on hand to evacuate animals in a disaster as mandated by Federal law so that people are willing to flee to safety. Safe neighborhoods are the foundation for a Humane LA.

Recognizing the precarious financial situation facing the City, we as a public safety agency nevertheless must be candid in our assessment that the deletion of $1.8 million in funding attributed to the 26-working days reduction compromises the Department's ability to deliver on our public safety responsibility. It compounds the impact of the shared sacrifice cuts we have already absorbed in the last two fiscal years and of the protracted hiring freeze by cutting another 10% of the work force through the 26-working days reduction. The Department believes this will obligate the Mayor and Council to choose closure of an operating animal care center and to sanction a likely resulting increase in pet euthanasia.

Closure of Animal Care Centers/26-Working Day Reduction

Consolidating pet intake into fewer facilities is regression to the conditions that the voters of Los Angeles chose to change in approving the Prop F Bond. Consolidation of the animals leads to more disease, over-crowding, incidences of aggression, and inevitably, increased euthanasia.

We acknowledge the financial imperatives behind the proposed temporary shuttering of the Northeast Animal Care Center in 2010-2001 to achieve short-term financial savings. While this facility is not used for the public now, it is generally filled to about 1/3 capacity with evidence and quarantined animals and for nursing mothers with puppies and kittens. It has proven an invaluable resource for temporary holding of animals evacuated in disasters.

Closing Northeast will require evidence and quarantined animals to be housed in kennels and cages at the other six animal care centers which are currently used to promote the adoption of healthy, available animals. This action will trigger the negative domino effect of: reducing Citywide kennel/cage holding capacity, reducing adoption revenue, reducing our live release rates, and increasing our euthanasia rates. The Department's overall holding capacity will drop by about 10%, and euthanasia will increase by about 2,500 to 4,000 animals, depending on intake trends. The reaction of the humane community to this downgrading of progress is unknown.

The $1.8 million (10%) additional cut of 26-working days is an effective cut of 8 Animal Control Officers, 14 Animal Care Technicians, 3 Registered Veterinary Technicians, 4 Clerical Staff, and 2 Supervisors, the equivalent of the staff of one of the six fully operational Animal Care Centers.' The only remaining option that allows for enough staffing to safely provide the necessary levels of animal care and service to the public is to close one Center. The Department will need direction from the Mayor and Council as to which additional Animal Care Center should be closed during the period of time this 26-working day reduction is in effect.

Closing an operating Animal Care Center in addition to Northeast creates an unfortunate situation for the communities we serve. Net holding capacity will drop by at least another 15% and pet euthanasia will rise by 4,000 to 11,000 more pets, depending on intake and the number of animals held as evidence and quarantine, using kennels that would otherwise be available for adoptable animals. Again, we will also lose adoption revenue, and spend more on euthanasia, aggravating rather than alleviating our revenue situation.

The Department cannot reduce its workload by telling residents that services will be cut or by closing our doors. The pursuit of strays and biting animals, the impoundment and care of animals, and the adoption or euthanasia of impounded animals is not discretionary; it is not even a set of services for which residents can find temporary alternatives. We do not control animal intake, and by law we cannot shirk our duty and responsibility. We must accept animals found or brought to us, 24/7. Failing to do so directly and negatively impacts public safety and the City's compliance with State law.

In the event that the City's financial situation ultimately requires the temporary closure of any Animal Care Center, we recommend that the General Services Department be requested to submit an estimate of the cost for security services from at least dusk to dawn and to erect fences or other physical measures to safeguard the vacant facility and all remaining equipment.

Call Center Closure

The proposed Call Center cut will result in the elimination of the Department's dedicated 888 - toll-free number and will increase phone traffic to individual Animal Care Centers and to the City's 3-1-1 System. Since the 3-1-1 operators cannot have access to our dedicated Chameleon information database (animal, medical, and financial tracking system), operators will be limited in their ability to provide information on topics such as lost animal inquiries. Other than providing general information that is currently available through the City-wide Services Directory, operators will be required to transfer calls directly to Animal Care Centers for assistance which will impact the ability of Department staff to process revenue generating adoption/licensing transactions while servicing and assisting the visiting public. This will result in delays for both callers and on-site customers alike.

The Call Center's six (6) staff members currently handle approximately 400,000 telephonic inquires annually while the 3-1-1 Call Center handles 1.5 million. Dropping the toll free number in favor of having all calls go through 3-1-1 will result in an approximate 25% workload increase to ITA's 3-1-1 Call Center. However approximately $100,000 in toll and Integrated Voice Response (IVR) charges will be saved by ITA, a portion of which could be utilized to hire at least one additional 3-1-1 Call Center operator to assist with the increased workload. Beginning in May, the Department will start phasing out the advertisement of its 888 - number while promoting 3-1-1, in a pre-changeover exercise to see if 3-1-1 can handle the call increase without unexpected problems.

The proposed elimination of the License Canvassers will result in a decrease of approximately $300,000 in annual revenue attributed to them. However, they are not cost neutral and total burdened costs for all 8 staff is over $400,000, without considering the cost of supervision and clerical support. Other changes to the dog licensing program which are in process at this time including multi-year and on-line licensing, have a potential to cover the loss of canvassers while additional alternatives are explored."

The biggest drawback to our program's success has been that the position of Animal License Canvasser lacks the peace officer or public officer enforcement powers to issue citations, unlike the programs in other jurisdictions. Our Animal License Canvassers are able to request payment for licensing fees; however, other than acting as a "good will ambassador" requesting that payment be made, they lack the ability to enforce compliance of the law through the issuance of citations. For example, the lack of enforcement authority requires a Canvasser to make repeat visits while attempting to collect outstanding $15 license fees, rendering any attempt at full-cost recovery unachievable. Proper staffing of this program with classifications able to carry out the required program duties (i.e., Animal Control Officers or Animal License Inspectors) should be considered a key component to a successful in-house License Canvassing Program in the future.

Fill Remaining Vacant Mid-Management Positions

The proposed budget resolves overfilled supervisory and mid-management positions and makes other streamlining changes. The Department will develop an efficient and functional organization based on the proposed regular positions. However, the ability of the Department to achieve effective and efficient operations, particularly under the strain of reduced resources, requires the authority to appoint staff to the existing positions in that structure. Continued reliance on "acting" appointments compromises effectiveness and damages morale.

Early Retirement IP Payouts

The Department will have $170,000 payable in the coming fiscal year as payouts among the 12 employees who took the ERIP in the current fiscal year and for deferred sick leave. This cost apparently is to come from existing budgeted resources.

The Department does not recommend any budget reduction that would dilute public safety, close an Animal Care Center, or increase the euthanasia rate from its steady downward trend.

We stand ready, however, to support the ultimate decision of the policy-makers. On behalf of LA Animal Services, I look forward to further discussion of this proposed budget and any alternatives that may be possible.

Very Truly Yours,
Kathy Davis
Interim General Manager
LA Animal Services

If you would like to weigh in on these important decisions
contact the
LOS ANGELES BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

http://cityclerk.lacity.org/lacityclerkconnect/index.cfm?fa=ccfi.viewrecord&cfnumber=10-0600

Rabies Vaccine - Important Notice...

2010-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know I am against the over-vaccination of our dogs. They are primarily geared at revenue and are highly dangerous to our pets. I suggest you read up on "vaccinosis".. just google it. In the meantime, there is an important bill in California that needs your attention. I've read the bill, and at it's core it has little problem. The primary goal as it is read is to simplify the procedure for attaining a license for your dog. It wants to do away with the antiquated process of having to show a certificate at an animal control office to attain the license. It will allow for online registration and modernized methods.

My issue with the bill is that it still requires dogs to be vaccinated at too young of an age, and is not 100% clear on the duration of the vaccination period: 1 or 3 years. I am for "titer" tests on dogs to see if they still carry to anti-body to rabies, and wish that to be stronger stated in any legislation and give owners the option to submit medical titer results as opposed to simply vaccinating. This should be an option. Even though the costs would be higher, many people would gladly pay. Making these options available and allowing people to license their dogs / pets this way would probably see an increase in license fees. Please read below:

CALIFORNIA Rabies Bill AB 2689 http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_2651-2700/ab_2689_bill_20100408_amended_asm_v98.html introduced by Assembly Member Cameron Smyth, Chair of the Local Government Committee has been referred to the Local Government Committee http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/newcomframeset.asp?committee=17
and will require annual rabies vaccinations and puppies to be vaccinated at 3 months of age in "rabies areas" (portion of bill text below) as determined by the State Public Health Officer -- violation is impoundment.

It is URGENT that ALL concerned pet owners contact the committee and tell them to reject this bill in its entirety. The COMMITTEE PHONE is (916) 319-3958 and the members contact information is listed below. PERMISSION GRANTED TO POST AND CROSS-POST this notice, please help spread the word and take action to defeat this legislation.

Cameron Smyth - Chair

Rep-38 (916) 319-2038 Assemblymember.Smyth@assembly.ca.gov

Anna M. Caballero - Vice Chair

Dem-28 (916) 319-2028 Assemblymember.Caballero@assembly.ca.gov

Juan Arambula

Ind-31 (916) 319-2031 Assemblymember.Arambula@assembly.ca.gov

Steven Bradford

Dem-51 (916) 319-2051 Assemblymember.Bradford@assembly.ca.gov

Mike Davis

Dem-48 (916) 319-2048 Assemblymember.Davis@assembly.ca.gov

Steve Knight

Rep-36 (916) 319-2036 Assemblymember.Knight@assembly.ca.gov

Dan Logue

Rep-3 (916) 319-2003 Assemblymember.Logue@assembly.ca.gov

Jose Solorio

Dem-69 (916) 319-2069 Assemblymember.Solorio@assembly.ca.gov

SEC. 2. Section 121690 is added to the
Health and Safety Code , to read:
121690. In rabies areas, all of the following shall apply:
(a) Every dog owner, after his or her dog attains the age of three
months, shall no less than once every two years secure a license for
the dog as provided by ordinance of the responsible city, city and
county, or county. License fees shall be fixed by the responsible
city, city and county, or county, at an amount not to exceed
limitations otherwise prescribed by state law or city, city and
county, or county charter.
(b) Every dog owner, after his or her dog attains the age of three
months, shall, at intervals of time not more often than once a year,
as may be prescribed by the department, procure its vaccination by a
licensed veterinarian with a canine antirabies vaccine approved by,
and in a manner prescribed by, the department.

The Rabies Challenge Fund

www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

I am interested in the work of the Rabies Challenge Fund and its research to determine the amount of vaccines we need to give our animals to safely vaccinate them against rabies. I am including the link to them above and urge you to research this information on your own. Over-vaccinating a dog or any animal is dangerous and un-necessary.

Thanks for giving a voice to animals...

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

MOVING?? WTF

2010-04-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

You know it never ceases to amaze me how many people give up their dogs, so just let me vent here for a moment. Whoever came up with the excuse, "I have to give up my dog because I'm moving..." should be slapped up side the head - hard.

For the past several years I've heard a plethora of excuses for giving up the animal that's shared it's life with you, the most honest is, "I just don't want him any more." It's stupid, but honest. I can't imagine any excuse for giving up a pet once I've commited to it, but then again, that's just me. Commitment is something some people take seriously while others have no idea "what it means." Since these people probably meander through their meaningless lives with little focus on structure or function, they probably don't see the meaning for focus let alone commitment. These people probably make bad parents, employees and partners. If you can let go of an animal that has given it's life to you, only to drop it at a shelter with little regard to what will happen to it; leaving it with a person you've never met, then your charachter may be a bit flawed - actually severely flawed.

But, back to the idea, "I'm moving and can't take my dog with me." I would like to know where that special place is where you are moving where dogs are illegal. I've traveled around this country a bit and haven't found a state, nor city that has a ban on dogs. Recently I was forced to move and did find it a little bit challenging to find a place that would allow dogs, but I persevered... and believe me, my scope of interest of where I wanted to live was much more limited than most people. I can promise you that if its important enough for you, you'll find a place that allows dogs. In fact ask yourself this question, "If giving up my dog will cost me 15% of my yearly pay, would I expend the effort to find a place that will take me WITH my dog?" And if you answer YES to this, WTF is wrong with you?

Am I being a jerk here? NO. I'm speaking for the animal that, when dumped in a shelter has less than a 30% chance of getting out alive. The animal that has no voice after you walk out the front door back to your normal life, the animal that sits and wonders WHEN you will be back... you always came back before. These animals deserve a voice, and their voice is taken from them... I am that voice today... and I am pissed.

Think about what you do BEFORE you get a dog or cat. This is one reason why I am criticized when I don't speak out against breeders. In my opinion, if you get your dog from a breeder and keep it for life, you are NOT a part of the problem. But, no matter where you get your dog, if you dump him when you grow tired, move or can't afford him anymore... YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. Lets take the blame off of people who have little if anything to do with the problem and place it squarely on those who ARE THE PROBLEM.... irresponsible pet owners... not breeders.

THINK - its a life your messing up... its your choice to be a selfish ass or be to be kind.

Divided We Fall

2010-03-27T20:54:00.001-07:00

I know this post may fly in the face of many people in rescue, but I have to say what I feel. Since I entered into this field I've found a lot of egos present in the animal rescue community. Everyone knows a better way to do things, and people are very divided on their stands. This is very evident in the debate about the No Kill Shelter concept. I think everyone wants it, but no one understands the magnitude of the problem. Shelters are overcrowded because people keep dumping more and more pets into the shelters. People blame breeders first and foremost, and I differ on this point very strongly. I believe the problem is with un-reputable breeders. For years I've taken the side of good breeders and know for a fact that many good breeders are doing more to help the problem than hinder it.

The problem to the pet "overpopulation" problem does not lie with reputable breeders, it lies with stupid people who are irresponsible pet owners, who can't keep their dogs in their homes or yards - they don't spay or neuter and their dogs are running around making more unwanted dogs that we kill at a rate of several million every year. Then lets look at back yard breeders, puppy mills, impulse shoppers on the internet buying dogs, people who don't train their dogs or grow tired of them.

Legitimate breeders screen potential homes for their puppies more thoroughly often than rescue organizations, they qualify people who are getting one of their puppies, and they will take a dog back if it doesn't work out. So... lets put the blame of this problem squarely where it lies, and off of the reputable breeders who have a love and passion for their dogs, just like us.

I get angry when people point fingers and blame without a solution. Do people actually think that we should stop breeders? That makes as much sense as sterilizing people until there are no more orphans. Lets take the efforts and focus on educating people about responsible pet custodianship, lets team up with breeders and see how we can work together. Statistics show that there are about 30% pure bred dogs in shelters. I think that number may be a bit high, but close enough to consider. That means more than 70% of our "problem" lies with irresponsible people who are breeding dogs to show their kids the beauty of "The Miracle of Life." Which to me is one of the most idiotic things and it borders on bestiality. If children should learn about the miracle of life, shouldn't it be from humans.. oh yeah, we can't show naked people, that would be a sin.... But don't get me started there.

I'll close this post with my typical disappointment in the people who complain and complain and do very little to solve the problem, and my hat off to all of those people who make the world a better place for animals! You know who you are.

Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS

Dogs Poisoned in Washington State

2010-02-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a story that should shake up everyone who has a dog. In Washington state someone is killing dogs using poisoned laced meatballs.

I've heard about this before and its one of those things that can only be explained as absolute idiocy.

Please watch the video and spread the word. There are ways to train your dog not to eat food from strangers, but it is a lot of work. I would suggest you keep you dog closer to your home than the fence in your yard and monitor him when he is out. IF, you should happen to know someone who is doing something like this, please report it to us or your local police department.

Giving a voice to animals,

Robert

The Revolution Has Begun

2010-02-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

I received an email the other day and it floored me, I wanted to share it with you. I met Dennis through my good friend Kim a few months ago. He runs a pet store in Camarillo and his passion is saving dogs. He is a one of a kind guy and a real stand up person. He told me that he really loved the concept of Bound Angels, and had created a media center in his store that shows Bound Angels videos all day long. The center is beautifully created and a joy to visit. Everyone who walks into All Pet Headquarters in Camarillo can see the videos playing, learn about adopting shelter dogs, and NOW... adopt a shelter dog right there.

Dennis has dedicated an entire area of his store to puppies from kill-shelters that can be adopted from him instead of buying one. My hat is off to Dennis. The photo above is the marquee over the area where the puppies are house. He concept was a Knight riding in and freeing a dog and bringing him to a forever home. Here's a quick quote from the email which made my day:

"Robert, I truly like your work and think you do a great job with the videos and also believe the revolution has begun. A tribute to your work……Dennis"

Dealing with Fear Aggression

2010-02-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

Last week a friend of mine asked me for some help in dealing with a pair of German Shepherds that were adopted to a very nice lady living in Santa Barbara. The best part of the story is that after these two a father and daughter had sat in the shelter for almost a year, they were adopted from a youtube video inspired by our Shelter Angel Video Program.

Well, it seems as though the girl, Lilly had a little bit of a biting issue. Some trainers had worked with her, but the lady was still a little pensive about how to handle Lilly. I offered to ride up with my friend and pay a visit.

This was a classic example of fear based aggression which is oftentimes mis-diagnosed as dominance. This is a very bad mistake and can be impossible to fix if not properly handled. Trainers who approach all situations with a blanket approach are the culprits of messing up more dogs than anything. I've seen motivational based trainers mess up dogs with serious dominance issues and correction based trainers mess up dogs with fear based aggression. I was happy to step in in place of a trainer who might screw this girl up any more.

I could see immediately that Lilly was very insecure without her dad Romi around. So I taught the owner how to build up Lilly's confidence and work from there. I will post an article over at www.blackbeltdogtraining.com in the next week on how to deal with fear based aggression in dogs.

The most important thing I would like to stress here is that it is crucial in dealing with a dog with aggression to determine the cause of it before you try to solve it. A good trainer / behaviorist will cost a bit more, but will solve the problem in a manner that is fair to the dog and it will work. I received an email that the owner already better understands how to deal with Lilly's personality and is doing the homework to get her on her way.

Don't Adopt a Dog Because You Feel Bad

2010-01-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

I've had a note to myself, sitting on my computer for the last month to write this particular blog post.

It might be hard to understand what I mean by "don't adopt because you feel bad," so I will explain. It seems all to often people are swayed by their emotions when it comes to adopting a dog. Having created many campaigns geared at getting dogs adopted out of our shelter system, I'd like to be clear on something very important. Adopting a dog is a decision that lasts for many years, and because of that should be carefully evaluated. Yes, the warm and fuzzy feelings of saving a life is enough to make people jump in with both feet, but you have to think about the logistical aspects and long term ramifications of what you are doing. A dog is a commitment for many years, not just for today. This dog will be a member of your family for the next 10 or more years. The feeling of sympathy that you are feeling today will soon pass and you'll be dealing with the reality of what you just got yourself into for many years. This often creates a resentful person, and that is not fair to you or your new dog.

I don't say these things to be harsh, but to be realistic. All to often as a dog trainer I see people complaining that the dog they rescued is turning out to be a nightmare to both them and their dogs. If you're adopting a dog to save his life, you need to understand that this dog, no matter how bad you feel, will need structure. Feeling bad because he was living in the shelter, and was about to be put down, will make you treat him in a state he's not used to. Dogs are very resilient creatures, and all too often I see people hanging on to the negative past of the dog long after the dog has forgotten, or should I say "moved on."

The recidivism rate at shelters is a testament to what I am saying. Some shelters have over a 50% return rates on dogs that were adopted. This is in part due to: no screening, evaluation or consulting on what people are getting into. Dogs do have feelings and shuffling them around from place to place, shelter to home, home to rescue and so on creates dogs with behavioral issues.

When people first bring rescue dogs into their homes with their personal dogs, they often drop the ball on the introductions. If the dogs get along at first, they think that all is well and they forget about it. Eventually there will be an issue, and both dogs and people would be better served to understand the proper way to introduce a new dog into a home. I cover this in my article on www.blackbletdogtraining.com called "Bringing Home the New Dog."

Adopting a dog is a decision of compassion, but it must be infused with a dose of logic. Take your time, understand what you are getting into and do your homework. Saving a life is one of the most important things you will ever do. Be sure that you are in fact saving the life and making that commitment. It requires some thinking about the dog and your situation.

Robert Cabral
Bound Angels

Give Them a Forever Home

2009-12-31T12:57:00.000-08:00

If ever there was a pair of dogs that needed a chance, its Roger & Ginger. We found them at the shelter and created a campaign for them. The great people at PEIPEOPLE.COM pulled them and fostered them. Every one of their fosters fell through. This is crazy to me because these two are great with people and other dogs. Ginger is Rogers mom and they are sweet as can be.

The desperatly need a home. Visit PeiPeople.com and pass along the link to their YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L76Pc1Bo8g

I can promise you these two will give you years of love and affection and they are low maintenance. Pei People is an awesome group that does so much for Sharpei. Step up for the new year and give them a hand. They also have the beautiful LOLA. Check her out. She's a little bit of a handful, but I love her.

I wish you a great 2010, and lets keep rocking the system and saving the animals that need us.

Giving a Voice to Animals,

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

PeiPeople Rocks to Save Another Life

2009-12-08T18:36:00.001-08:00

So.... I did a video of Lola, the sharpei that was living at the shelter after her pups were taken away from her. She was on the short list to start. Then she had an incident and "bit someone on the face." And, for this, she was set to be killed. I could not let that happen for several reasons, the main one being, dogs don't generally bite people on the face out of aggression, they do it out of stupidity. The stupidity is on the humans side. If someone puts their face near a dogs mouth, and doesn't know the dog, the probably deserve to be bit. DO NOT kiss strange dogs. It is so typical of people humanizing dogs and wanting to kiss them because that is what they think the dog wants. The dog does not want to kiss you no matter how cute you think you might be.

So anyway, Lola gets on the "super short list" and is do to be killed. There was no one who was gonna step up for this little girl. So I knew we had a fight in front of us. Sue and Jody from Pei People are really champs and care about the Pei around here. Bear in mind that these two women are the only Pei rescue between Mexico and Northern California. Most of the time rescuing a dog comes down to money and not will. Well, I bent Sue's ear quite a bit and leaned on Jody to take Lola. They acquiesced after I did the last video as it drew some serious attention to Lola and many of you generous people donated to save her life, especially Patricia.

lola video #1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewVnswdZRQc

lola video #2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giOCKMiCbU4

Thanks to all of you for stepping up, now lets get the word out there and get her a home and get PeiPeople.com some well deserved donations.

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com
join the revolution!

Blind Joey Update - Great News

2009-11-25T19:55:00.001-08:00

It was almost two years ago that I wandered into the shelter in downtown LA and found a small, black dog sitting all alone in the middle of a kennel. This dog intrigued me and I could not figure out why. I studied the dog and upon closer examination found out she was blind. A seven year old BLIND dog, dumped at the shelter... I was furious.

Joey would be one of my first rescues and one of my most memorable videos, check out her video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpQJ99ECGLg

I sent Joey off to a great rescue in New Orleans, Gypsy’s Eye Blind Dog Rescue. Michelle was an angel. We worked out the details and I flew Joey to her rescue a few days later. We kept in touch a bit, and I knew that Joey had found her home, but that was about it.

Then, just the other day, I received a message on facebook from Joey's new family. I got all choked up (of course)... and I want to share a little of the story with you here...

Hey Robert, I got your youtube message, but it thinks it's easier to send pics in a facebook message. Here's what my wife, Erin, wrote about Joey:

Cade had grown up with schnauzers and wanted to get one, but I was a cat person and thought a dog would be too much work. But I do love animals, and I’m big into animal rights. I gradually warmed up to the idea of a dog, but insisted that we rescue one, not buy one from a breeder. Cade began looking online and came across Joey, a partially blind schnauzer who had been sent to Louisiana from a shelter in California. We met with Michelle, who runs Gypsy’s Eye Blind Dog Rescue, and took Joey for a short visit. She was very wary at first but quickly got used to us. We grew to love her and decided to adopt her officially. Now she follows me around the house and growls at anyone who comes near me, including Cade! I still love my cat, but I am definitely a dog person now, too.

We groom her ourselves ... well, we try to. She won't let us get the clippers anywhere near her head. So she has a giant, fluffy head until we get her to Petsmart or someplace for some expert grooming.

And the attached picture is me and my wife at a dog birthday party with Joey.

Welcome to Kentucky - where killing a dog ain't a crime

2009-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

Is this picture disturbing to you? I received it in an email from a fellow rescue working. Seems a guy in Kentucky gets in a fight with his wife and then decides to kill her dog. Guess this is the same area of the US where not too long ago a black man could be hung and not much would be done about it. The lowest common denominator in this is how we see fellow animals. Lets face one thing right here the only thing that separates us from our fellow animals, be they human, feathered, furry or swimming is OUR consciousness. Is it right to denigrate a human based on the color of their skin or their sex? Is abusing animals ok because they can't vote? That is the question to ask. Why aren't animals given a right, because they can't serve a greater purpose in our selfish world.

This picture outrages me to no extent, as the animal was killed by no fault of its own. It was a loving pet of a person who was with a moron of a boyfriend. Should we also look at the situation that most acts of violence against animals is committed by men? Could that be something to look at? Cowards who kill animals with weapons because they are too cowardice to look at their lives with a grip of reality. Do I suppose that murdering this dog will lead to solving the problems, no!

Even more disturbing, the dog will be taken down, probably disposed of and that will be that. All the stupid people that are involved in this including the alleged suspect, the cop who would do nothing, the police chief who turns a cold shoulder, the governor who cares more about elections than compassion will go on in their selfish lives. Why? Because it ain't a crime to kill a dog that is a nuisance in Kentucky. If this outrages you, stop for a minute and think what you can do to change the world. Can your vote, your voice make a difference? Can you take the time to stand up for a creature that can not stand up for itself? Will you do this before its too late? Will you feel shame to do this in front of your friends who will tell you "It ain't cool to talk like that."?

Look at the picture and ask yourself, "If I was there, would I have stopped it?" This is not the first time I've seen this type of lunacy. I've seen videos of people shooting dogs and worse. If you want to do something about this dog named DUSTY, put in a call to the governor of Kentucky: http://governor.ky.gov/ As them why its not a crime in Kentucky to shoot a dog?

in memory of a wasted life....

We Love Our Pets

2009-11-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Soo.... lets figure this out. Someone drops this little guy at the shelter and basically leaves him to die. I get an email from my good friend Kim, who is an angel to any animal in need. The pleas go around and PeiPeople steps up to take him. Thank GOD! Now lets examine the facts.

This little guy is is covered with mange. Mange is a relatively easily treatable condition in dogs... when it is caught early. Look at this poor dog and tell me when you think it might be early enough. To what level can some selfish human allow a dog to get to before its time to do something. Did they think it was gonna go away? There are plenty of vets and vet clinics that work at reduced rates. There are numbers available at local shelters. I would say farm more of these services are available to animals than middle income Americans. But, the question remains, who would take a dog in this kind of condition to a pound? What is wrong with humans.

The good news in this post is that through the efforts of many HUEY will be saved. Please help PeiPeople by donating. They need to raise about $750 to pull this off, and its not that much money. visit their website, they are good friends of mine and do great work. I support them and hope you will too.
www.peipeople.com

A Happy Day for Romeo & Juliet

2009-10-27T21:35:00.001-07:00

If you've ever wanted to see an expression of true happiness, you only needed to be with me as I secured the safety of Romeo & Juliet, the sharpei pair that have swept the web by storm. Blind Juliet depends on her Romeo for safety, security and love. He is absolutely one of the sweetest creatures God has ever created. They both hopped into the back of my car after leaving the shelter where they sat for over a month. Once in my car they then sat up and looked out the window. Even though little Juliet can not see anything, she stood up and perched herself against the window of my SUV just the same. Eventually Romeo made his way toward me and just licked the back of my arm. Slowly Juliet inched her way forward and began licking. My eyes filled with tears as I finally realized what a miracle these two have been a part of.

Through the help of so many people, starting with The Pasadena Humane Society (thank you Kevin), all of your generous help in spreading the message and Kathy of Merlin's Hope for stepping forward to place these two, these guys have a second chance at life... and not just a second chance, Merlin's Hope and Bound Angels are committed that it will be a second chance at life TWO-gether 4EVER. They will be fostered in a real home, with other dogs, a good diet and lots of love. NEVER another shelter for them.

I brought them to a friend of mine to board them overnight, as they will be getting aboard a jet place on Thursday heading for Merlin's Hope. Kim Haba, the best anesthesia free teeth cleaning tech gave them both a nice cleaning, we bought them two new beds and they're as happy as can be. This will be an exiting journey and we are all a part of it. Giving hope to the hopeless... Through the power of LOVE... its all possible... Look at those faces ...

More updates to come...

If you feel inclined to donate to be a part of this, it is greatly appreciated. Click HERE>>>

Stumped... He's still at the shelter

2009-10-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Over the past 2 months I've featured so many cool dogs and cats on our new Shelter Video Angels program at WWW.BOUNDANGELS.ORG/LAAS and I'm stumped that Luda is still there.. He is the sweetest boy, very up beat and fun, good with people and other dogs. He really needs a home. Won't you help spread the word?! He's at the North Central Shelter and you could not ask for a better bunch of people to deal with, everyone there is friendly and willing to help you out. Tell 'em Bound Angels sent you.

WATCH THE SUPER COOL VIDEO - Click Here...

Luda is about a year old,black lab mix, friendly and fun and during my test with him I could not see anything that was not perfect. They say black dogs have a hard time at the shelter, and I'm seeing that to be true. Lets break that stereotype...

Join the Revolution...

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Bonded Pairs - the rescue dilemna

2009-10-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Imagine for a moment that the last 4 years you spent with friend or a family member... then imagine that person is ripped away from you, never to be seen again. You'll never know this pain because as humans we are free to find out friends and family members again, dogs aren't. Now, some may say that I am humanizing dogs, well, I'm not. My reputation as a behaviorist speaks for itself, and I am speaking form experience. There is a big difference separating dogs who got to know each other, however bonded pairs are a big difference.

Roger and Ginger were dumped in the shelter back in May. Our first video (check out www.youtube.com/boundangels) raised enough money so that the pair (mother and son) would not be killed on Mothers Day of this year. PeiPeople stepped up and rescued them with our help. They went into one foster for a short while and then they were dumped. these two have been dumped and pushed around for LONG ENOUGH. Its time to get them a home. Please watch their video by clicking here. Tell everyone you know, they are super sweet and very low maintenance. A perfect bonded pair that will keep each other company, they enjoy walks, they are not hyper, good with people and other dogs... What more could you ask for?

Rescue Roger and Ginger today... I'll throw in a free Bound Angels T-shirt... come on!

Best regards,

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Walker - Walks out of the Shelter..

2009-10-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

I got the call from the shelter this afternoon that someone had seen the video on Walker and was interested in him. I got on my bike and headed to the shelter to meet Steve... A really nice guy who has been thinking about a dog for the past year and finally decided to take the plunge after seeing the video. Steve and I chatted and he was more than happy to get Walker into his life. He said he will rename Walker - Joaquin.... Since he lives in East LA :)

There are many people to thank... The great staff at the West LAAS Shelter, Charla, Debbie, Fred, Capt and all the others.. There is Fiona who forwarded the video to Steve and most of all, STEVE for Joining the Revolution... and giving a chance to someone who had no one... I know they'll be best friends.. Walker did develop a bit of Demodex from the stress of the shelter and the isolation he was under. I am filled with joy in knowing that we won a battle for this super sweet guy who was wrongly accused of something and almost was killed for it. I love to win, and I love it when I win a battle for someone who could not fight for themselves.

Giving a voice to animals, fighting for those who can't fight... Join the Revolution...

Robert Cabral

Can human compassion Win over human stupidity?

2009-09-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Walker...

This is a story that needs your help... Many of you know me and the dogs I save and advocate for. This is a compelling story. PLEASE, don't go back and attack the shelter system, as they are making the dog available to rescue, not killing him as others might. The fault here lies with the civilian who broke the rules and put his hand into a cage and then reported it. There is no fault to the LA Shelter or the staff, nor the dog....

read on...

Walker is a super sweet and totally cool dog, sharpie, possibly collie mix, he's young and fun and has a smile that will melt your heart. He passed my temperament test with flying colors. I've tested hundreds of dogs with 100% success.... This guy would land in the top percentile.... Walker showed no signs of dominance or aggression at any time. His story is messed up and he's made to pay the price for human stupidity. Someone put their hand into his cage and Walker got excited.... somehow in all of this commotion, the guys hand got scraped.... NOT BIT... Because of this and a risk of liability he's on the short list... He's got 5 days.

I personally re-enacted the scenario and played VERY rough with Walker through the bars of his kennel, and he did not bite or even mouth me. In the yard I put him through a thorough behavior assessment and he is fine with handling, corrections, playing, etc.

He's got 5 days at the West LA shelter...
11361 Pico Blvd
LA, CA 90064
213-485-0494/5/6

Walker's ID# is A1050027

If you have any questions about Walker, call me, email me - contact me. Don't let this guy go....

Thanks for reading... watch his video and you'll see. He's a total Super Star....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9hR09ukVSc

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Kill the Pit Bull....

2009-09-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

This seems to be the overwhelming opinion of so many people. Those who do not understand the breed, or most any breed of canine, scream for the eradication of an entire breed to fix a problem that was created by man. For those who do not know, PitBull's (as many other breeds) are not a natural breed of dog, nor are they an older breed. Pit bulls were created by interbreeding several different breeds of dog in order to arrive at a chosen temperament and behavior. Like it or not, they were invented by man, and are being destroyed by man. The breed was designed and bred to be a dog fighting dog, and therefore would not be aggressive to humans. Most people who know the breed will tell you that attacks by pit-bulls on people are not a very common occurrence. However, pit mixes will have a higher likelihood to exhibit these character traits. The funny part of this is that people fail to mention what the pit that attacked was "mixed" with. Its simply a PitBull or a Pit Mix.

There are cities and countries that ban the breed because they consider it dangerous. There are countless people who are scared to death of the breed. The saddest part of this is that so many people who own these dogs don't understand what they have. And what they have is a dog that is ultimately devoted to his human and will do anything he asks of him, including laying down his life. After all, that is what he was bred to do. Shove him in a ring and ask him to fight to the death and he will. THAT is dedication.. Sad as it is, it is what he will do. So after years of breeding for this personality and instilling it, now the dog is being put to death because he is doing what he was made to do. Its like creating a special forces team of killer soldiers, then bringing them home only to see that some of them can't function in society. Do we kill them?

I've trained many pit bulls in my career and find them to be extremely smart and easy to train. Forget about this crazy "red zone" BS that people tell you about them, as they have no clue what they are talking about. Add it to the list with the story of the infamous "locking jaws." When this can be proven, let me know. The reason pit bulls are easy to train is mentioned above, they love their humans and will do anything for them. That being said, it is rare that you will find a pure pit-bull, most are mixed and therefore will exhibit behaviors from the breed they are mixed with as well. Pits are playful, friendly and often goofy dogs. They love to play and are high in drive / energy. They are intelligent and need stimulation, both physical and mental.

A huge problem I have with PitBulls is more often the people who own them, as opposed to the dog itself. Its sort of like a gun, in the wrong hands its a dangerous weapon. I see tough guy wanna-bees walking with their pit-bulls on a harness, and the dog is leading them down the street. These people themselves could not control a labrador, let alone a pit-bull. They take pride in making their dogs act tough because they think its cool. And remember, you can make a Chihuahua tough, a pit-bull sweet and and combination there from. A dog is a reflection of its handler. He will do what you ask of him, and if you make him bite, or allow him to bite, he will. Sometimes unknowingly and unintentionally, people instill behaviors in their animals that they are not aware they are creating. People fail to give structure to a dog that needs it. Its cute when he barks at the gate.... However when he bites someone at the gate, its not cute. Its cute when he jumps up on people, but when he jumps up on a child and knocks them down and hurts them, its not cute.

Dogs live in a black and white world. If they are not taught not to do something, they will always do it. Jumping on a friend and jumping on a child is the same to your dog. If your dog is not taught no, it will never understand it.

To continue my point on the attack on pitbulls, I urge you to take a few things into consieration. I am not a pitbull owner, but am utterly concerned about breed specific legislation. I find such a thing extremely prejudicial and wrong. To attack a breed is like attacking a religious group of humans or a race of humans.. IT IS WRONG. Furthermore it will never solve the problem. If they have the ability to ban pit bulls, then the next domnant breed will come under attack soon thereafter. Also, if you ban pit bulls, how will you regulate the mixed breeds that have a bully mix to them? What % of pit mix is too much pit and how will it be determined. Will pit bulls be made to walk around with armbands on to identify them.

I am strongly in favor of leash laws and strongly opposed to dog parks. If these two things were in palce, most of the problem would be solved. If your dog is off of the leash, you are breaking the law, not the dog. Just like if you speed, you are speeding, not your car.

Its time we abandon these "politically correct" idiotic ideals we draw and call it as it is. A dog is a dog is a dog. Your dog is your responsibility. If you have a dog its your responsibility for life. Its not the city's job to take care of your pet if you lose your house. If you have to move, find a place that will take you with your dog. If you dump your dog, you are a loser. There are places everywhere that will allow you to have a dog. You may have to drive a few miles more or maybe pay a little more rent, but don't put on a sad face and say you have to get rid of the dog because you are moving. Are you dumping your child because the first apartment you looked at wouldn't take kids? YES... I am comparing the two. They are both a life and they are both your responsibility. If you get a pit-bull puppy.... IT WILL GROW INTO A FULL SIZE DOG. Don't be an idiot. Prepare yourself for 10-15 years of responsibility. Don't buy or adopt a dog on an impulse. THINK.

If everyone took the responsibility to think before they got a dog, and then took the responsibility to give their dog what it needs, we would have no problems... Imagine a world where dogs live happy lives with their humans. On leashes, in fenced yards, living happy lives and living them with the family they started with. Imagine if only humans could live up to their end of the bargain. That is to finish what you start, and start with a sense of responsibility of what the end holds in store. If you create a bomb that will destroy civilization, eventually it will. Why not focus on creating that which can sustain a civilization?

Save Ziggy - 100 days in the Shelter...

2009-08-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ziggy is a super sweet 3 Year old PitBull Mix living at the LAAS Shelter in Downtown LA. He is super sweet.. did I mention that??? He's sweet with other dogs, during my evaluation, and that was an un-neutered male.. During my test he showed no signs of any aggression or dominance... He was totally neutral..

Ziggy has been at the shelter for more than 3 months... Please don't let his three months be in vain... give Ziggy a chance..

Check his youtube video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l66bTu42rao&feature=channel_page

Be sure your speakers are turned up :)

Take a look at his pic above for all of his info.

Contact LAAS North Central Shelter at 3201 Lacy Street LA, CA 90031
213.847-2240

Thanks,

Robert

Just my opnion on a local problem...

2009-08-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is my response to a recent rescue "group email."

I am tired of all the BS going around in local rescues stimulated by the idea that one person proposed... A somewhat solution to the problem of thousands of dogs being killed, not put to sleep or euthanized as so many people call it. These animals are Murdered because of human stupidity. Stupidity that is exemplified in this constant barrage of emails from one persons question, "should we send dogs to Canada?"

Many years ago Jews were looking for an escape from the hands of an absolutely insane situation in Europe... they needed an escape, a refuge.. But so many of the places they looked to would not take them. A while longer ago, African slaves looking to escape from the bonds of slavery had the refuge of the underground railroad. It seemed there were options and I wonder if these people had nay-sayers back then who said, "If we get on the boat to America, it might sink." or "What if they don't like southern slaves in New York." I highly doubt it. This was an escape and I'm certain that some people died, some suffered but many survived. The bottom line is that more survived than if nothing had been done. It is my belief that those who do nothing, fearing that what they might do is wrong, are doing the greatest wrong of all.

Am I comparing animals in shelters to European Jews of the 1930's or African slaves of the US south???... yes and no. Seeing as I love dogs more than most people, it should be a compliment.. however, suffering is suffering, whether its a chicken, a dog or a human being. No creature that God created should suffer. And since so many people are nay sayers and "locking the borders" at the CA state line, here's an idea for you. For all the people who are "afraid" that the dogs might suffer, perish or die if they go to Canada, how about you take them to your place right here in beautiful Southern California. Or, if thats just too much work, maybe we can deliver a couple of barrels of dead dogs after the CA shelters kill them.

The shelter system is overburdened. I can tell you that because I visit the shelters regularly. Its not un-common to see three of four animals dropped off in the period of a couple of hours. People see the shelters as a place to dump animals, not as a place to get them. That is one of the biggest problems we face. But thats a topic for another post.

I am outraged and ashamed to be associated with people like the nay sayers on these rescue email lists. How about asking the dogs, "Would you rather be dead in a barrel here in beautiful LA, or take your chances in Canada?" Personally, I think they would opt for the later. Why is this my business? Simple, Bound Angels gives a voice to animals... that is not only the "slogan," but also our mission.... my mission. So many people make decisions for these poor creatures, and there are several making these decisions who are incompetent, have no knowledge on canine behavior, and very little common sense on how to attack the shelter problem from a strategic aspect with the goal of solving the problem, instead of putting a band aid on a bullet wound.

Most rescue organizations that I've seen have such idiotic home check and pre adoption qualifications that several people I've talked with went to pet stores and bought a dog after being turned down by a local rescue. Way to go, our rescues now keep puppy mills in business. There is no qualification to get a dog out of a shelter, nor is there to get on from a pet store. So what happens is that the best, cutest, most sought after breeds, and youngest dogs end up in rescues, then often held up and hopefully eventually placed. All the while countless other animals are being killed in the shelters, or boarded forever until the perfect home is maybe found.

How about the real heros of rescue who take any dog from the shelter, and park a truck in front of a pet store and get these dogs homes... You know who you are, and so do I. You are doing true rescue work. You're giving the dogs a chance... Yes, not all will find perfect homes, but they are getting a chance... a chance that does NOT exist otherwise.

My opinion, if you're not part of the solution, you ARE THE PROBLEM. Dogs (and cats, by the way) need rescue.. They need to get out the front door, not the back door of our shelters. Check who the people are who want to take the dogs and give the dogs a chance. Don't play Sherlock Holmes and deny someone a dog if they have a swimming pool or stairs or live in an apartment or some other crazy reason for Gods sake.

And, furthermore, driving dogs in a truckload on a 5 day trip is not my idea of rescue. I have shipped countless dogs via airlines and have a 100% success rate. That is the right way to go. If someone wants a dog and is willing to pay $300 to air ship them, I don't imagine it being too bad of a situation. Look toward the solution and look down, cause the four legged friend that depends on you deserves a chance.

Those who stand in the way of progress are moving backwards, and if that is something you want to do in your own life or career, I have nothing to say about it... However, we are dealing with lives that sit on concrete, behind steel bars pawing at the humans who walk in front of their cages. Lets open the door, give the people a chance and more importantly give the animals a chance.

Robert Cabral

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels

Support the Peanut Polo Cup

2009-08-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

There are those people in life, as in rescue that I could care less about, then there are those I could not live without... Let me tell you about 2 women that are beyond amazing, Kathy and Dawn from Merlin's Hope in Canada. Not only do they have an immense compassion for the dogs they save, but they are also more dog savvy than anyone I've met in rescue. THEY GET IT!!!

This weekend they are having their big fundraiser, and just like them... its done right. A big polo match to raise money for them and other rescues. I can not say enough good things about them, and I ask you to support their event, as you would support it if it were a Bound Angels Event. Bound Angels is a proud supporter of the event and I only wish I could be there this year. I am planning on making it next year. For more info on the event, you can visit either of the two links below:

http://peanutpolocup.com/

http://merlinshope.com/

Tell them that I sent you and give them a bog hug for me... These two ladies ROCK!!!

Best regards,

Robert
______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels

A Visit from an Old Friend

2009-08-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

It had been almost a year since I adopted Zeus to Joey, Tim and Lori and even though I've had regular contact with them, I still missed seeing him. Lori and I arranged to meet last Sunday. She had some questions regarding Zeus' training and thought a visit would do him good. If you forgot Zeus' situation, he was the dog that lived at the LA City shelter for more than 5 months and was pretty un-adoptable because of his "issue" with other dogs.

Shannon from ARME and I went down and I pulled him out thinking it would be a no brainer to get him a home. Shannon said to me, "You know, I think its really cool that you would rescue an un-adoptable dog like Zeus." My jaw hit the floor as I thought, UN-adoptable. Her comment was right, he is big, shepherd looking and dog aggressive. Who would want a dog like that? Well, Iw as committed. After boarding him for 3 weeks and investing 2 hours a day EVERYDAY in training, I was able to turn this guy around and make him the perfect pet. When Lori and Tim called, I drove down to meet them and they were PERFECT. It was love at first sight and their son, Joey totally bonded with Zeus and vis a vis. All my efforts were worth it.

Last Sunday when I saw Zeus for the first time in a year, it had seemed as though he never left. He is just as beautiful as I remember and just as perfect. His family has been taking great care of him and being the perfect family. He has a beautiful life. He was just slipping on some things and needed a little refresher... which I gave him :) Lori and I chatted a while and then they were off. I got a call from her yesterday and she commented how much good it had done Zeus to visit. It was my pleasure... Zeus is blessed with a great family, and I too am blessed having Zeus and his family as friends.

You can't save all the animals in the world...

But you can save ONE!

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Adopt Ozzie.... the Prince of Barn-ness

2009-08-16T08:32:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApxGGz20WXs&feature=channel_page

Ozzie was dropped off at the shelter in a shopping cart. For the first two days he was in a state of shock and merely laid on the floor of his cell. I took him out and slowly he got up and licked my hand. A few days later I got a call that he was die to be killed. I went to the shelter and did an evaluation and found him to have no behavioral issues and no signs of aggression at any time during my test. He is still scared and needs to learn to trust.

He's a beautiful brindle colored shar pei, about 50lbs, approx 4 years old. He appears healthy and low key. Watch the video and you'll see him "in action." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApxGGz20WXs&feature=channel_page

If you have any questions, contact me or go directly to the North Central LA Animal Shelter at :
3201 Lacy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
888-4LAPET1 or 888-452-7381, FAX 213-847-0555

Step up for Ozzie.... his time is very limited.

Thanks,

Robert
www.boundangels.org

Chaining is STUPID...

2009-07-11T19:09:00.001-07:00

Take a close look at the picture above before you read the story below... and know that this dog is dead because of human stupidity. Dogs are not meant to be chained up.... just like people are not meant to be chained up. However, people can stand up and complain, dogs just die. If you see someone who chains their dog, take a deep breath, be calm and explain to them very calmly that it is dangerous. Share this story with them. If you become irate, it will NOT help. They will turn you off. Be calm and explain that Aurora died and other dogs should not have to. Happy reading!

******
In Memory of Aurora
And chained dogs everywhere…
This afternoon, a family brought in their 10 month old female golden retriever mix, Aurora . They told us that they had Aurora chained up in their backyard, when, last week, she got tangled up in the chain. Since then, she has been unable to walk or stand. Aurora remained in their backyard with no medical care for an entire week.
The family asked for Aurora to be euthanized.
Aurora was examined and it was found that her back was broken.
She had no feeling in her back legs and could not stand.
We came to the conclusion that it would be the kindest thing
for Aurora to be euthanized.
At 3:45 PM on 7/8/09, Aurora crossed the Rainbow Bridge . She is now running and jumping once again.
Please pass this on as a reminder to everyone not to chain their dogs.
Do not let Aurora ’s death be in vain—let her story live on in order to keep other dogs safe.

We are heartbroken.
The Staff of Greenville County Animal Care Services
******

PS. I personally verified the story, so I know it is true.

GIving a voice to animals,

Robert Cabral

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels

Sweet Judy SAVED!

2009-07-11T19:05:00.001-07:00

Sweet Judy sat in the shelter for almost 2 months when she was pointed out to me. I introduced her to some people via a short youtube video, see link below, and suddenly everyone wanted her. Anton stepped up and contacted Pei People through a friend of ours, Nancy... and the rest is history. Sweet Judy has a very nice home with a man who has loved Shar Pei before. They make a great pair. Thank you Anton for caring and giving a great life to a wonderful little girl..

Best,

Robert
______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels

Sweet Judy will Steal Your Heart

2009-06-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sECVBIO1nhI&feature=channel_page

I visited the NOC shelter here in downtown LA yesterday and saw an all too familiar face. I could not believe that Sweet Judy was still there and now she's on the short list. Her owners dumped her and she has no clue why. Won't you open your heart to Sweet Judy. Adopt or foster her or donate so we can help find her a forever home....

I personally temperament tested her and she is as sweet as can be. She showed no signs of aggression or dominance at any time during my test. She walked by the cages of other dogs that were quite aggressive. She pulls a little on the leash and did NOT want to go back to her cage. She wanted to leave and go HOME. Do you have a HOME you could give her?

Contact me directly if I can help or the shelters info is on the photo and the youtube video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sECVBIO1nhI&feature=channel_page

The clock is ticking and there's lots of love to be had here from SWEET JUDY!

Best,

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

Putting a Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound

2009-06-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.lincolncountyjournal.com/news/view_sections.asp?idcategory=47&idarticle=3211

Do yourself a favor and read this article above carefully. See if you can find anything wrong with this way of thinking. Imagine for a second if the animals that were being discriminated against were human animals and someone took the leisure to make a decision as to what race would be tolerated and what race would not be tolerated. Say for example some statistics would show that caucasians caused more problems than other races and they should be banned from neighborhoods. That caucasians have the proclivity toward greater violence than say Latinos or Asians. That caucasians posses characteristics such as aggressions, strength and viciousness. So they should be cast out from society.

Imagine such stupid thinking... Of course people may see me as a radical for speaking out like this, but our limited thinking is just that... LIMITED. Yes, there are bad pit-bulls, as there are bad shepherds, shar pei, poodles, labs, cockers, etc. There is no one breed that is specifically bad, nor is there one breed that is specifically good. Dogs are creatures of instinct that are conditioned strongly by their upbringing and surroundings. With the exception of very few dogs, I would blame bad canine behavior on stupid human rearing and structure. If a pit bull kills another dog, or hurts a person, the person who owns the dog and his particular situation should be addressed... Not the entire breed. This is like saying we're gonna stop drunk driving by not selling Red Camaros because so many of them are involved in drunk driving accidents (this is just an example).

What we are doing is running scared without an answer to a problem and people with little knowledge are claiming to be authorities. Its time to address the problems. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have served their humans well, now we are turning our backs on so many of them by either dumping them at the shelter or trying to exterminate a breed that was made by man. Remember, most current breeds of dogs were developed by human "engineering" in order to develop specific characteristics. Now when the science experiment goes wrong, its time to close up shop. Simple for us, we can just create the negative PR that will ally others and then we can force them out of existence. Of course we know this can never happen, so why do we do such stupid things? Simple, cause it makes the stage look like reality.

In truth it is no closer to solving the problem than banning the red Camaros. Education is the key. People who own dogs, and I mean ALL dogs should begin to educate themselves. I own a dog that many consider could be a dangerous breed, so I take steps to make sure he is well adjusted and sets and example for his breed. Lets turn the camera around and look at the good pit bulls. Lets look at the examples of happy, well adjusted pits that lead a happy life, get along with other dogs and lead well adjusted lives. Believe me there are more of these than the menaces that society tries to perpetrate. Lets point the fingers at the morons who own a breed that is so dedicated to its humans that it would die for them, and then turn them into fighters, who deny them structure, who think its cool that their dogs are "tough." IT'S NOT COOL. Its stupid. Having a dog that you think is tough and showing that off is STUPID. What it means is that you own a tough dog cause you need a tough dog to protect you. Aren't you tougher than your own dog?

Every dog deserves a fair shake, lets not be so ignorant as to believe that breed specific legislation is the answer.. ITS NOT!

By the way, PitBulls are not the number one statistics on bites to humans... Do you know what breed is? Google that one!

Robert Cabral
Founder: Bound Angels
www.boundangels.org

Selling Pets on Street Corners is Wrong

2009-06-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

I often get into discussions as to what contributes to the severe problem we face in trying to solve the shelter crisis in this country and beyond. The answer, in short, is ignorance. People are not aware, or simply do not care what they are doing. In part to greed, people sell dogs that they are breeding themselves in their backyards. These dogs very often end up in shelter, and are killed there. Selling a dog for $50 on a street corner is stupid and should be outlawed.

I personally hate pet stores that make pet purchase an impulse item like a new T-shirt or a cd. We need to wake up as a society and take some responsibility. Imagine if the killing of these family pets threatened our water supplies or the air quality. Imagine if their rotting and decomposing carcasses were put in places that could threaten the health of our cities... People would be up in arms, demanding that something be done. But, since it does not affect these people directly, people are quite happy to "let it be." Well, to people like me who walked the kennel runs of our municipal shelters, I see a different picture. I see how our societies carelessness and ignorance is affecting some very important lives.

With that in mind, there is a bill on the California Senate called AB 1122, its endorsed by the ASPCA and I think we should all get behind it. Please read the following:

********************

California Assembly Bill 1122 would prohibit the sale of animals on roadsides and in parking lots. Many of these animals are bred and raised in poor conditions and sick at the time of sale-and since dogs and cats sold in this manner usually are not spayed or neutered, they contribute to the pet overpopulation that leads to tens of thousands of homeless animals being euthanized in the state each year.

If passed, this humane legislation will:
- eliminate the profit motive from people who sell sick animals, and
- protect consumers from unscrupulous breeders.

The bill contains language that exempts adoption events run by humane societies and legitimate animal rescues.

AB 1122 has already passed the California Assembly and moved to the Senate for consideration.

What You Can Do
The California Senate Public Safety Committee is expected to hold a hearing on AB 1122 this Tuesday, June 23.

It is critical that you contact the committee's members before Tuesday to let them know that AB 1122 matters to Californians like you and you want them to support it.

Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center now to email the entire committee and ask them to do all they can to get AB 1122 passed. CLICK HERE TO HELP....

Thank you, California, for taking action for animals.

*************************

Pets have feelings too. Regardless of your spiritual or religious opinions, we have an obligation to the animals "beneath us."

Giving a Voice to Animals

Robert Cabral

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels
www.blackbeltdogtraining.com

A Letter to Governor Schwarzenegger

2009-06-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

I contacted the governors office with regard to the proposal to shorten the hold times placed on animals in local shelters, an issue that is at the heart of those concerned for animals. Here is the response the governor sent me, and then my response to his response:

On Tue, Jun 16, 2009 at 5:00 PM, wrote:
Thank you for sharing your concerns with me about the proposal to lift restrictions on hold times at animal shelters. I value your input during these challenging economic times.

As you know, we are in the midst of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. We now face a budget shortfall that has grown to $24.3 billion. I have proposed cuts that I would have never proposed except in a worst-case scenario, including eliminating General Fund support for programs like Healthy Families, CalWORKs, Cal Grants and State Parks. This was not an easy decision for me. As a dog owner myself, I have always supported animal welfare and have worked to ensure the humane treatment of animals.

Currently, the state requires all shelters to hold stray animals for four or six days and reimburses them for the associated costs. To address our budget crisis, I have proposed to suspend some Non-Proposition 98 mandates, including the reimbursement funds for these shelters. To help local shelters deal with the challenges of this difficult budget situation, I have also proposed that the state no longer require the four or six day hold time. Shelters still have the flexibility to keep the animals for more days, but my proposal avoids placing an unnecessary burden on local communities.

As I work with my partners in the Legislature to find solutions to these problems, know that I will keep your thoughts in mind. Working together, I believe we can weather this storm and start the slow but steady march back toward prosperity.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

my reply:

Dear Mr. Schwarzenegger,

I am thoroughly disappointed by your dismissal of this very important issue. I do understand that we are in a major crisis in our state as well as in our country. I understand that many programs are being cut and we are facing tough times. However, this is not a negotiating matter. Compassion and caring for animals under our care is one of the most important issues we face.

Across this great land of ours millions of animals are being killed needlessly in our municipal shelters. I would invite you to take a tour with me of any local shelter. Mr. Schwarzenegger I hear you say that you are a dog owner yourself, but I doubt you have ever taken the time to visit a shelter and see what these animals are up against. Two years ago I was in a similar position as you, I too was a dog owner, but also had never visited a shelter. This changed my life completely.

As governor of a state it is politically correct for you to visit schools, hospitals, public events, rallies, parades and appear on TV. PLEASE, call me or have someone from your office call me. My organization Bound Angels www.boundangels.org creates public awareness for shelter animals, VISIT A SHELTER WITH ME. I urge you. The next time you are in LA, I will open my schedule to you and take you of a tour so you may see what "other dogs" live like. Not your dog living in your estate, or mine living at the beach, but the ones who live in a tiny cage waiting to be saved.

The days you are talking about cutting out of the budget are their greatest hope for possible adoption... the only chance they have. For the most part out animal control centers are less than humane and are severely under funded. If you have always supported animal welfare and if you have worked to ensure the humane treatment of animals I ask you, "Why Stop Now?"

All programs that are up before you to cut require no direct loss of life.... NONE. However, the loss of life that is at question here is not the life that will vote for you in the next election, but instead an innocent life with no one to speak out for it but someone like me. They lay quietly in a cell waiting to die. I ask, give them the chance at a life. This is an immense responsibility.

Will you rise up to the challenge?

Giving a voice to animals,

Robert Cabral

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org
www.BoundAngels.tv
www.youtube.com/boundangels

California Legislation to shorten Shelter Animals' Lives

2009-06-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just put in a call to Governor Schwarzennegger's office. It seems that there is legislation on the table to shorten shelter animals holding times before killing them. The lady I spoke to said that they have been getting a lot of calls about the issue. I would urge anyone living in California to call right away.

These animals barely have 4 days before they are killed (not euthanized-but killed). I strongly oppose any legislation would shorten the time an animal is help. Budget cuts or no budget cuts, this is WRONG. Please voice your opinion.

Call Governor Schwarzenegger today at 916-445-2841 and e-mail him at
http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email to oppose his plan to expedite animal
shelter killings to save money

Thank you for helping those that cannot help themselves.

Robert Cabral
Director Bound Angels
www.boundangels.org

Updated Pics on Maggie (formerly known as Hope)

2009-04-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Just check out this happy girl... Diane sent me these pics earlier today, I jsut had to share them with everyone who knows how hard I believed in this old gal that no one else believed in. Thanks to people like Dianne for reading my emails and posts and thanks to all of you for supporting Bound Angels, beautiful Angels like Maggie get a second chance...

Best regards,

Robert Cabral
Founder - Bound Angels

Update on Maggie (formerly Hope)

2009-03-30T21:05:00.001-07:00

What makes my day is getting an email like the one below updating me on the beautiful girl I found at the shelter last year. Hope was anything but, however, I named her that in the "hope" that someone would see in her what I saw in her. She was an amazing lady and an amazing lady named Diane contacted us. Here's the email I received the other day:

Just thought I would drop you a note about Maggie ( a.k.a. Hope ). She is just the most wonderful , sweetest PEI girl you could ever meet. Remember when you brought her to my house, how she would not let anyone touch her? Today she is a different dog completely. She never leaves my side. Maggie is so loving. Today she and the other two went to the beauty shoppe to get a bath and the works. When I picked them up, the guy that bathed them said to me, "You have three of the sweetest dogs I've seen a long time, I think they might just be my favorites."
When I think of what would have happened to Maggie if you had not saved her, I just want to cry. When I think of all the older dogs that never make it out of the shelter it just breaks my heart. Maggie is ten years old but still acts like a puppy. She loves her stuffed toys, pulls them all out and takes them to her bed to sleep with. We feel so blessed to have her with us, she has brought us so much joy.
I hope that if you are going to be near Oceanside, you will stop by and say hello. I would love for you to see the REAL Maggie and not that scared girl you got at the shelter.

Thank you again for bringing her into our lives. Diane

**********************

Bless you Diane for seeing past the rough exterior that these poor animals are trying to escape. Underneath it was a beautiful princess just waiting to come out.

Robert Cabral
Bound Angels

He Smiled Till He Died - RIP Smiley

2009-03-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

I hold to my statement that I made from day one, that the solution to the animal shelter problem starts with responsible pet ownership. Responsible pet owners, do NOT turn their pets into shelters. Every time I see a newscast showing a crying person dropping their pet at a shelter, its like nails on a chalkboard to me. Its bullsh1t. If you are dropping your dog at a shelter, you KNOW that your dog, cat or pet, will be killed if they don't find a home.

Smiley is a typical story. Not sure why he was dumped, but he was, and this is just too sad. A good friend of mine and a very good rescue worker and net worker had been working her butt off to try and find him a home. She got the news that he had died in his cold kennel in the middle of the night - the night before she was set to go and get him.

This is NOT the fault of the shelter, as much as we'd like to say so, this rests on the person who dropped him off... or should I say dumped him. His name was Smiley because he had a big smile on his face, just take a look at that picture.

Dogs, in particular are pack animals. Much like other pack animals, they form strong bonds. There is some talk that Smiley may have been sick, but nonetheless, he died of a broken heart, all alone on a cold piece of concrete after being abandoned by those he dedicated his life. People who didn't care, or who became inconvenienced by the dog. The dropped him at the shelter and moved on. Their lives went on, but Smiley's didn't. He sat in his cell and became more despondent, he stopped eating and his smile faded. Eventually he died a very sad and lonesome death. And the blame on this goes out to those people who dumped him. THEY are responsible for his death. Smiley had no one there to hold his head when he passed, chances are the kennel was dark, cold and loud with the cries of other scared animals. His last memory of this place we can earth was pain and sadness. I can only hope that this pain was eased in someway once he passed to a much better place. I also hope that this pain is one day felt by those who dumped him. Rest in Peace little Man... Rest in Peace.

Here is the email from Blake about Smiley's passing that inspired me to write this story:

Rest in peace sweet boy.. As many know I have been trying to rescue Smiley since I first heard about him on Wed .. I raised funds for him and got a firm commitment from my friend Diane from Tuffie's Rescue that she would take him. I have called on him ever day ,several times. Each time I have been told that Smiley was not doing well.. that he was depressed, not eating and very emaciated. I knew it was a matter of time for him and so I tried to get him out as fast as possible. I was going to have him pulled today when I received a call that he had died in his cage sometime during the night. I must tell you that he WAS NOT euthanized.. Please do not call the shelter and accuse them of anything.. He really did go in his sleep. I spoke to the medical staff there and they told me he had been sick since he came in. I believe that is the reason his owner turned him in.. Smiley touched my heart in a special way, that is why I knew I just had to save him.. I'm only sorry that I was not there to hold him as he left for the rainbow bridge.. but I'm sure he knew that we were all pulling for him and trying our best to get him out and care for him.. He is now at the bridge with all our dogs and the other dogs that could not be saved who wait for us.. Smiley will never be forgotten.. just look at that face..

Thank you all who have worried, prayed and donated for him.. In his memory I would ask that you all pay tribute to Smiley by giving your pledged donation to another dog in need.. If you like you may donate to Byron, the sweet Dalmatian who is in great need of medical treatment. You may do so via Pam at:

The Nature Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 66790
West Los Angeles, CA 90066
Note on check: "Donation for Byron"

They are a 501c3 non profit corporation.

With a very heavy heart and a face full of tears I say goodbye to sweet Smiley.. again thank you all.

Blake Donovan

Thank you Blake for caring and showing that decent, good people still exist in the world who care for what others throw away. Thank you for being you!!!

The Peanut Polo Cup

2009-03-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Be There or Be SQUARE..

This August 30, 2009 there is only one place to be and that is the PEANUT POLO CUP... It is held at the Augusta Polo Club, only 1.5 hours west of Montreal.

I don't think there is a cooler event anywhere, including here in Los Angeles. It is founded by one of my all time favorite people in the world, Kathy from Merlins Hope in Montreal. She is the ultimate rescuer who cares about animal selflessly and has a firm grip on how to save them, handle them and make it all work. I've worked with Kathy on many rescues and consider her one of my best allies and a true friend.

Check out the site for Peanut Polo at www.peanutpolo.com and if you can't make it... your loss :) If you can't make it, print out a flier and put it up for others to show up. There are plenty of opportunities to help donate and volunteer... and this is a great help to all.

Thank you Kathy for doing what you do. You're loved and admired.

Robert

______________________________
Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org

Jasmine- A NEW LIFE

2009-03-16T20:15:00.001-07:00

Sometimes people ask me why I do what I do, and I ponder. Then I get an email like this one and its pretty clear. The story of Jasmine is a sad one. You can check out her youtube video and you'll learn more, but what really hits home is when you hear the story from the person who adopts. This is the story from Vikki who adopted Jasmine not too long ago.. Thank you Vikki for sharing!

email #1

My name is Vikki from the pei_cafe,Kathy (aka MM) was telling me about all the great work you do trying to save animals.
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you do I just adopted a little black Sharpei named Jasmine from Kathy that came from CA...if it weren't for people like you I wouldn't have this sweet little girl....all of my dogs as well as both of my daughters have been throw away dog...rescues.

Kathy told me Jasmines story the more I hear and saw pictures of her the more I know I needed to see if she would allow us to adopt her...we were so thrilled to hear back from Kathy telling how happy she was that we wanted to give her a forever home....knowing how hard it is in this line of work and just how hard and depressing it can get I wanted you to know how much people like you *really* do make a differences in so many lives....thank God for people like you...what a shame there weren't more like you in this world because it sure would make this world a much better place....so thank you for doing what your doing and do keep making a difference in this world by doing what you do.
Vikki

email #2

Hello Robert,
It's so nice to meet you...I'm so *thankful* you saved this little girl she's a true joy such a sweet pei.

She looks better each week..I've given her a couple of baths to get all the dirty out of her and I think one more should do it...she loves when I brush her which makes her coat shine..its so soft now.

Your so right she really dose have a wonderful personality even after all she's gone through...its so hard for me to think of anyone hurting her much less wanting to put her down...its so hard to understand why or how people can treat them in them so cruel.

Yes Kathy dose a wonderful job with any fur she gets..were so happy that she showed us Jasmine even tho I wasn't looking to adopt another dog just having lost my big rescue chow Riley to cancer but hearing her story and knowing how much she reminded me of Riley's personality I just knew she needed us as much as my husband and I needed her.

Again I'm so happy you take the time to help as many of these second hand dogs get another chance at having a wonderful forever home...thank you for doing with out you and Kathy we wouldn't have this beautiful little pei girl.
Yes it would be very nice to stay in touch.

A couple of pictures to remind you what you do is so worth the huge effort,time and disappointments of not being able to save all you hope to be able to save..you did this one and she's a happy little girl now..
Vikki

Please watch Jasmine in the snow... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtgPA7SUkh4

Thank you Vikki, you make the hard work worthwhile.

Cowards Leave 17 Year Old Dog To Be Killed

2009-03-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Imagine for a second that you spent 17 years living with a family. You get old and your hips give way and you can't stand up. YOU'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG, but the years have paid their toll on you. All the jumping up for kisses and love have worn your bones down. Now you only hope someone will bend down to give you the love that you always jumped up for. But, that's not the case. Instead you are driven to a shelter and dropped off, dropped off to be killed ALL ALONE.

Imagine that the people who you loved don't have the courage or compassion to stand by your side to help you over the bridge. They drop you, get back in their car and drive off to get a happy meal or maybe a young puppy.

THAT is what happened to this dog. I do NOT blame the shelter, nor the person who put the needle in this dog, I DO blame the person who dropped him.

The sadness this dog felt, looking back at his owners, the ones he loved, as they walked out. He couldn't even stand up to try and walk back to them. Like dumping an invalid out of a wheelchair and watching him lay there.

Cold-hearted, in-sensitive, in-humane, un-caring, cold LOW LIFES. HOW COULD YOU? How could anyone? Let alone the people that this dog gave his life for. Couldn't you just have taken him to the vet and held his paw for his last breath? Couldn't you let him die with compassion for all he gave to you. He made it this many years only to have his last moment be in disgrace on this earth. I hope when this dog reaches the other side, he is adored and loved and when his owners take their last breath that they be haunted by the horror this little guy felt. I hope his pain is multiplied to those who abandoned him in his last moments. I pray that people could only have compassion for their animals and NEVER do something this horrible EVER.

PASS this to your friends, so people know just how cruel people can really be.

Robert Cabral
Founder: Bound Angels

Helping Shelters Make a Difference

2009-03-04T20:18:00.000-08:00

At the forefront of the homeless pet problem are the shelters in every city. While others may criticize the shelters, Bound Angels is taking the fight head on and helping shelters. Its very clear that if you criticize the shelters and slam them day in and day out it only hurts the animals that are being killed at alarming rates. Our goal at Bound Angels is to make the shelter people's first choice when it comes to getting a new pet. Slamming them only keeps prospective customers / adopters away. The less people that go to the shelter, the more animals will be killed. Our mission is to get people into the shelters and we've just announced a new program in partnership with LA Animal Services.

Sprucing up the shelters is a great way to make people feel good about going there and being there as well as choosing the shelter as the place to get their new best friend. Last week Bound Angels donated 8 great new campaigns to LAAS. If you'd like to see all the posters, click here...

Captain Jan Selder, who you might remember from our LAAS 10 YouTube Video is the person in charge and was there to work with us to get these prints framed and placed. The compliemnts have been overwhelmingly positive. Building the employees moral as well as creating a happy place for people to visit and bring their children.
These campaings as well as any of our videos and print ads are available free of charge to any non-proofit animal rescue organization for co-branding. For more info, please contact us at: www.boundangels.org

Billy the Elephant at the LA Zoo

2009-02-12T08:11:00.001-08:00

This post is not about dogs or shelter animals, but instead about a very sad day for a lone Asian elephant at the LA Zoo. I will state here that I oppose zoos for all the reasons that anyone in their right mind opposes them. They are prisons to house wild animals for human amusement. The reason they are called wild animals is because they are not captive. Tigers that get out of their cages or confines and kill people are not to blame, the zoo and the people are.

Last week LA City voted about Billy, the lone elephant who lives at the LA Zoo. Their vote was based pure selfishness, Billy STAYS. Whether you are an animal lover or not, you've got to see that this is purely wrong. Elephants are roaming animals who suffer under captivity. Facts who that since the elephant exhibit opened 12 elephants have died. The program opened in 1968, and elephants live beyond 70 years in the wild. This is clear proof that these animals are not meant to be kept in captivity and that they suffer greatly.

Personally I do not understand the need for zoos nor do I like them. To see rows and rows of animals from various territories and climates all crammed together in a small park for humans to walk through and observe seems to be one of the cruelest things I can imagine. To what have we evolved as humans if only to place other animals in exhibits for us to observe? Do we have no respect for other living creatures but to remove them from their homes, transport them thousands of miles, build fake environments for them and look at them?

Furthermore, in our current financial environment more than $30 million is slated for the exhibit of one elephant. If this money was dedicated to our shelter system hundreds and thousands of animals that are in dire need could be saved. Instead LA City opts to confine the last elephant in pure misery.

It is a sad day for Billy, but yet a more shameful day for those who approve his imprisonment.

Dangerous Dogs - Who's to Blame

2009-01-16T22:17:00.000-08:00

A situation I am constantly asked to help with is that of "dangerous dogs." These are dogs that have bitten someone and presumably pose a threat to the public. Animal control officers are quick to point the finger at the animal and try to move to killing it as quickly as possible. What seems to be overlooked here is the question of "Who is to blame?"

Are we to assume a dog was born dangerous and seeks out the person it wishes to bite?
Do dogs become aggressive in certain situations?
Does something or someone drive the dog to become aggressive?

If we can assume that a dangerous dog is one that bites, then all dogs must be considered dangerous. As a trainer, I approach all dogs with the presumption that all dogs can and may bite. What motivates a dog to bite is what I'd like to examine. Dogs bite for several reasons, including, fear, anger, territory, and some are trained to bite, as in police and protection work. The primary focus of dogs that we need to look at are those dogs that bite out of anger. Anger or aggression in dogs is something that is instilled in them often times by lack of, or improper training. That is to say a dog that has been improperly handled is likely to bite out of anger or fear. Fearful dogs generally bite only when approached, where angry dogs have a propensity to strike out to bite.

If a dog owner has a situation with a dog that has anger or aggression issues, it should be looked at seriously. There is a high risk that this dog will bite someone at some point, or even that the dog may get away from the owner and bite. If this happens, who is to blame? If a dog is well behaved its entire life and gets away from the owner and causes damage, who is to blame? IF an owner owns a dog that has the likelihood to become dangerous and does not train it, who is to blame?

I think the answer to these questions is quite simple, the owner of the dog is responsible for the damages the dog inflicts. If its an eye for an eye, then the owner must pay restitution for the damages inflicted. Many who argue this from a biblical standpoint misinterpret the scripture and demand that if a person takes anothers eye, he too should have his eye cut out. This makes no sense according to the law, but I'm not here to argue this. What I would like to address is the logical standpoint of punishing a dog for being a dog. If a dog bites someone, does it solve the problem by killing the dog? Are all the problems solved?

I've been involved with several dangerous dogs and have rescued and trained them and they enjoy happy lives. I will go on record to say that not just anyone should own a dog that has aggression issues, nor do I think just anyone should own any dog. A dogs temperament is something to strongly consider when getting a dog. I've seen that many people do not have the capacity to deal with a dog that has some behavioral issues. Again, does that mean they should be killed?

I would agree on many standpoints that is an animal poses a threat to the public we should examine options to protect the public. However, if there is an option to protect the life of an animal without killing it, should that be considered? Are there sanctuaries, rescues or places that will take dogs that can not be in the public? What do we do with wild animals that we have wrongly captured that would pose a treat to the public such as lions, elephants, wolves, etc? And when these options exist, are we able to put our egos aside and step up to the plate?

What I've seen in dealing with some animal control agencies, is that ego tends to get in the way of compassion. I'm not only talking about government agencies here, but private rescues as well. People love to play God and make their decisions based on what feels right to them. Have we come so far only to slip down this fast? Are we the barbaric shadows of our ancestors? Do we kill people that we are afraid of and cage trophy animals for our ego? There are many things to consider. We have domesticated animal, much against their will. Animals are still wild in their instincts. No matter how sweet your little dog is, when his drive clicks, your dog becomes a wolf and few people are going to stop him. If you'd like to read more about how dogs are like wolves and about their drives, I'd invite you to visit my Black Belt Dog Training website. My point in all of this is simple, if we've taken it upon ourselves to live with these animals, we must accept responsibility to train, understand and live with them. The key word being LIVE with them. There are murderers, child molesters and sexual offenders walking the streets of our country who pose far greater threats to our society than dogs. We should kill all the dangerous dogs when they are causing the greater risks. When the streets are 100% safe from dangerous people it will be the right time to start killing the dangerous dogs. In the meantime, lets try to figure out a viable solution to dogs that have some behavior problems without killing them.

This post relates directly to a situation that I am currently involved in. I will discuss it in further detail in the near future.

ALASKA get a Forever Home

2009-01-13T21:55:00.001-08:00

This one will make you cry... A few months ago I got a call to help rescue a little Eskimo that was stuck at the shelter. Mitzi would champion the boy and get him to foster at SBACC. She did way more, she also stayed in touch and relayed one of my favorite adoption stories ever. Here goes:

The nice lady in the photo really loves Alaska, her husband passed away and she was looking for a companion animal. She actually put her husband's obituary in with Alaska's paperwork while filling it out so that they could "Bond".

I also heard that when she put Alaska in her car, he stood up on the seat, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a big hug.

All that for an an animal that would have been dead if not for a few caring people... thanks to Mitzi, everyone at SBACC and most importantly to ALASKA!!!

Join the REVOLUTION!

Kelly S. Saves one .... because she could save ONE...

2009-01-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

It has been my goal with Bound Angels to inspire people to step up to the plate and "Join the Revolution." Well, I'd like to share a great story with you here from an Angel name Kelly.

**********
here's the email Kelly received:
I volunteer with my local impound, we have a "senior" female, who is hard of hearing and has some ear infection issues. She is in need of rescue, she is TERRIFIED in the shelter. She does warm up after you get her out. Very quiet girl. She is located in Sioux City, IA Animal Control center
************
Here's what I received from Kelly:
Hi Robert,
I am so Inspired by what you do. I saw what Kathy & Dawn from Merlin's Hope and you did for Jasmine. I got to meet her in Maine. I wanted to take her, we have 3 PEI and Newman is in the wheelchair. Jasmine is going to her forever home soon in Vermont, its just incredible! Anyway I saw this girl and she looked like my First dog I got from Animal Rescue. I lost 3 years ago and I could let this one go, same eyes staring back at me pleading get me out... I had no idea what to do I am in Massachusetts and she was is in Iowa. I called and emailed every rescue I knew. I have been on the phone for a week. A nice lady got her out got her to a vet where I offered to pay her board until we could get her into a rescue. My prayers were answered Tues and WE LOVE PAWS shar -pei rescue called me! They are going to help her get a forever home and I am covering her expenses. They have arranged and 8 person Transport. So She will be at the vets in Iowa a week more I just send them a box of things for her. She is not as old as they thought and is a sweet girl like Jasmine. I couldn't be happier. I wish everyone would help just one dog. My Husband has always said Kell you can't save them all. This time I said I can save this one :-)

Sheila MD part-time Lab rescue Volunteer Pulled her from Sioux city "she saved her life" She then Contacted Deanna who has arranged all the transport with Deb At "we love paws shar-pei rescue" Chicago. Doc and Barb at the Rock Rapids veterinary clinic in Iowa have been taking spacial care of her and they do right by rescue. All these people Deserve so much credit.

I am so inspired by everything you do you are just an incredible person.

Bless you,
Kelly

*******
I play the lottery every week, and although I've never one anyting on it, I have won the lottery in receiving this email from Kelly... I AM INSPIRED BY WHAT YOU DID!!!

Thanks for sharing....

Best to you!

Robert

A Dangerous News Story for All

2009-01-11T22:18:00.001-08:00

There are few things that get under my skin as much as when someone we expect to tell us the truth, lies to us. The media is guilty of this over and over.... and here is a great example. I was forwarded this mail by a very good friend of mine, so the story is valid. Spread the word, as this dog will die and the way the story is told, countless children are being placed in eminent danger.

I'll start out by clarifying a few things, one, for those who do not know, I have a strong background in the martial arts, two, I have a very strong background in dealing with aggressive dogs. This makes me uniquely qualified to speak on this topic.

The fairy tale the news is telling goes something like this:
A 12 year old girl takes her dachshund for a walk and the dog is attacked by a "killer pitbull." (the most hated dog in the world). In walks the hero, a 9 year old jujitsu expert (who has been training for 2 months). He grabs the "killer pitbull" and puts him in a rear choke hold for 20 minutes until animal control arrives. The girl gets away with few injuries, the dachshund is saved and the PitBull must die. The end.

You can search the story on youtube and see a short interview with the kid. I taught children karate for 10 years. I'm not saying anything against this boy, he seems like a good kid, but the media is sensationalizing a story that puts many children at risk who will try to duplicate this "feat." There is no doubt in my mind that this story could cost an innocent child their life. THIS IS IMPORTANT...

Here are the problems with the story:
1. The idiot news reporters are placing countless youths in fatal danger by telling this story and flashing the picture of the great blue pitbull, when in fact it was the small puppy on the right that was the actual dog. If a boy the size of this boy were to even attempt to put the dog on the left into a choke hold, the boy would have been seriously injured or killed. However, this is what will happen, as other kids will want to be heroes.
2. Lying on your back and putting a dog in a rear choke hold is a great way for anyone, of any size to get seriously injured. Handling a dog is something that should only be attempted by professionals, never children
3. The news loves stories about pitbull attacks, just like they like the story better when the criminal is black. It is prejudice. Most pit bull attacks are pit bull mixes and no one every speaks of the other part of the mix. If it was a pit bull / poodle mix, we don't hear that a "Poodle Mix" attacked someone.... do we? Just like if the criminal was 1/2 black, he is "Black." This is wrong.

The incompetent, or perhaps over-indulging reporters at Channel 29 in Bakersfield MUST retract their story and publish the truth. Show a picture of the dog in question, that is the puppy. And someone should step up and save this dog.

Contact Davin McHenry
Phone: 661-395-7374
dmchenry@bakersfield.com

And ask him for truth in news casting. This is absurd.

Furthermore, contact rescue@co.kern.ca.us , HardinN@co.kern.ca.us , ShawG@co.kern.ca.us
and step up for this dog, the id# is A749441. This dog will DIE ON TUESDAY. The animal control department has their hands tied. Step up for this dog. Dogs have prey drive, yes, the bite other dogs. If a human puts their hands in the middle, they will get bit. I feel sad for the girl who got bit, but not bad enough to murder a dog. Kern County CA has major problems with loose dogs, people dumping dogs. Parent should NEVER, no matter where, allow children to take their dogs for walks if they know there could be other dogs loose.

Look at the picture of the dog above.. the dog on the right. The one on the left is a fairy tale.
Tell your children NEVER to break up a dog fight, even with a small Chihuahua, let along a large breed dog.
Protect your children.
Demand truth in media...

Save the puppy in Bakersfield... It will only take one person to do the right thing.

1000 Days in a Cage

2009-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking here about a criminal who deserves it, this is the story of a group of dogs that got the bum rap of hooking up with an idiot human... a person we call a hoarder. This "person" had over 200 dogs living in bad conditions... obviously gone mad and "collecting" dogs. Through no fault of their own, our judicial system has confined them to various animal shelters. One step above the needle, these beautiful animals were, and are still, confined to living in a cement and steel kennel. They are deprived of human or other canine companionship. They've been there for three years as our judicial system moves all so swiftly.

YOU CAN HELP.

Helen of the Wuffington Wag is spearheading this campaign to get foster homes, temporary or permanent for these very special dogs. These dogs are a part of a dark history in animal cruelty, however they will shine a light onto your life. Imagine taking an animal to you that has not known love for almost 3 years.

Here's a great NEW YEARS RESOLUTION.. SAVE A LIFE

A Surprise at Camarillo

2008-12-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-27T15:13:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-23T20:09:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-10-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-25T10:14:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-04T00:35:00.001-07:00

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.There are many beautiful pure bred Chihuahua’s and Chihuahua mixes at your local shelter.
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.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.A dog is a long term commitment for the life of the dog, not until you or your child get tired of it.
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

2008-08-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-23T23:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-07T22:02:00.001-07:00

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

2008-07-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

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.

The Breeder - Your Friend

2008-07-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

I probably have less of a problem with breeders than some people in rescue, but there is still an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. So long as there are 5 million shelter animals dying in shelters, why do breeders continue? The biggest problem with breeders is that most are not checked out, which means you are dealing with a potential of puppy mill breeders, which I do have a major problem with. Puppy mills should be shut down and the owners of these places should be put in prison as child abusers are.

I received a phone call from a woman the other day, which made me think to write this post. She was referred to me by a local animal control officer. She is having a problem with her Italian Mastiff. Shall we guess what the problem is? Aggression. No kidding. The lady explained that she took the dog to training, but the dog is not responding and has bitten the son and shows signs of aggression toward her. For those of you who have not read my dog training blog or site, I invite you to go to www.blackbeltdogtraining.com and educate yourselves with what I face regularly from people who can not control their dogs.

Mastiffs are a very strong and powerful breed. These are the kind of dogs that when they turn, they will do a lot of damage. And believe me, dogs will turn. Why? Because they are dogs. Its not as big of a deal when your cocker spaniel turns on you, but when your 150lb mastiff turns, you have a bit of a problem. You can't take a dog like this to your local pet store for training, this requires someone who understands aggressive breeds. And the best time to start training a dog like this is in the puppy stage, and never stop. A dog like this, or any larger dog (or any dog for that matter), should be brought up to understand pack structure. Unfortunately most people don't understand this themselves. They think the dog is cute when its a puppy, but it grows up.

So, back to my point about the breeder. I'm not slamming all breeders here, but I am slamming the one who sold this dog to this lady.. as well as the person who would be stupid enough to bring a dog like this home with no idea or research of the dogs characteristic. Since the dog turned aggressive, he has to be put down or sent to a sanctuary. Did the breeder offer to take the dog back? NO. Did the breeder offer to send it to a sanctuary? NO. So what happens? The dog gets murdered. Why? For being a dog. The dog has the least fault in all of this. The dog is being a dog. Dogs get aggressive when there is a break in pack leadership. This is what they do to protect the pack and themselves. Please read more of my opinions on my Black Belt Dog Training site. All I want to address here is that every time people don't think, an innocent dog dies. This dog does not deserve to die, he should have never been brought into a home like this. Obviously many breeders do not qualify the home for the dogs, as long as the check clears. That is BULL&$%). The breeder is responsible. Rescues check out the potential homes for most all dogs they place, almost to a fault. There is no special license people need to get a dog, in fact you can walk into any shelter or pet store and just take one home. If it doesn't work out, its even easier, just drop them back at the shelter, and they'll kill them for you.

Please educate yourself and the people you know that an animal is a life, to some of us it is as important as a human life. At the very least, it is entitled to a chance at a happy life. Animals that are turned into shelters for aggression need special attention, they can be rehabilitated, it takes work. Before you get a dog that has dominant tendencies, educate yourself about the potential and what you need to know of the dog. You'll be doing yourself and the animal a huge favor.

Leave NONE Behind - the rescue of Daisy aka Annie

2008-07-06T21:59:00.001-07:00

Last week I posted "DO NOT ADOPT THIS DOG" It was my ploy to see who would step up. This campaign was a huge success. I found a home for the dog I named Daisy.

Daisy was the dog that was in the cell with Hope... we all remember Hope. Well, I had a home for Hope, but I knew that Daisy would be left behind. The chance for a black dog at a shelter is.... well, like a snowballs chance in hell, or worse. The daring campaign, DO NOT ADOPT THIS DOG, was my only chance. Needless to say, Daisy is the sweetest lab, with the kindest golden eyes and as calm as can be. Basically the perfect dog. It broke my heart thinking that Hope got out and that Daisy would be murdered by the shelter staff shortly thereafter. She was so kind to Hope, she tolerated the grumpy old lady that I grew to love. She showed her much compassion and love. What a perfect spirit. Caged up with a blind and basically deaf dog more than 3 times her age, and never an incident. I sat and watched them interact for quite some time. I took her out to meet her and she would just want to sit at my side. She is so sweet.

I was ecstatic when I got the call from Joe that he would open his home to Daisy. Joe is an animal lover, he lives with Bonnie (black lab) and Clyde (cocker). He has a beautiful home in the valley and is a composer. His dogs live inside and enjoy all the comforts that any dog could want, including listening to his music. Check out his website at www.joerozum.com

Joe renamed her to Annie. Annie lives with Bonnie and Clyde and Joe. What a life. They all get along just beautifully. Annie visited my vet for a quick checkup, and even though she was a bit nervous and barfed a few times, she's just fine.

Thank you to all of you who sent out your prayers and well wishes for both Hope and Annie / Daisy. And please remember that no case is Hope-Less unless you allow it to be. Yes, black dogs are not the most common dogs adopted from shelters, but they are loving creatures who are just as beautiful as all the others. Remember the positive things, every one loves black cars, everyone wants to be a Black Belt, we want our businesses to function in the black.. Black dogs make great lovers... Just ask Annie.

From Hope-less to Hope- FULL

2008-07-05T21:54:00.000-07:00

One of my happiest days... All of you know how much saving Hope has meant to me and it is a dream come true. I pulled Hope from the downtown animal shelter on Thursday and drove her to San Diego. I had a few people offer to do it for me, but I had to do this myself. I almost cried as I walked her from her cell out the front gate, into my car and off to freedom.

An amazing blessing came in her foster mom Diane. Her and her entire family including the other Pei Fanny and Bo opened their hearts to Hope so selflessly and Hope opened her heart too. During out long ride from LA to San Diego I chatted with her several times, I stopped and got her some ice and fed it to her. It seems as though she finally accepted me, I fed her ice from my hand and when we arrived their, I reached into the crate to put her collar on and grabbed that big spongy head and she just let me. This was a major breakthrough.

I met Diane and her family and Hope could not have picked a better home. Diane had recently lost one of her beloved babies and is fostering Hope as a tribute to him. What an amazing lady! Her love for the dogs shows in her heart, I saw it at first sight. She immediately saw in Hope what I saw the first time I saw her. I made the old gal a promise and thanks to Diane I was able to keep it. I have a habit that when I find a dog that I want to save, I look into their eyes and swear to them that I will save them. Thus far I've been blessed to be able to follow through on each of them. And, even though Bound Angels is not a "rescue" per se, it is such a great feeling to pull a dog off of deaths door.

There is no doubt in my heart that Hope was destined for death, and the person who left her there knows it too. Hope was living outside for more than 5 years. Her ears had fly strikes all over them, she is basically blind and for the most part deaf. An old lady that had no clue as to her destiny, and no control over it. She gave her love and affection to a lowlife who dumped her when she needed love the most, in her later years. It seems many wondered why I would care so much for an old dog, why not the younger ones? Well, in our society we often forget the old, the weak and the poor. The heart and soul of compassion is the help we give to those who are forgotten by others, and Hope was a classic case. There was NO WAY, I would give up on her. I knew if Hope could feel love just one more time, if she would open herself up to getting another pat on the head, a warm meal, a kind stroke, to know someone loved her before she laid her head down for the last time my work will have been worthwhile. That this girl would know that she will die in her time, not in a time picked by the in-humane shelter system, that she would be free to live her golden years as she deserves, with respect, love and dignity-- this is the goal to compassion and something I strived for and am grateful Hope will get.

I thank all of you for your love and compassion that you sent for Hope

I thank Diane and her beautiful family for fostering Hope

I thank God for bringing Hope into my life and allowing her to touch my soul.

If you'd like to make a donation for the continuation of BOUND ANGELS, please donate what you can by visiting BOUNDANGELS.org

Best regards,

Robert Cabral

BOUND ANGELS

www.boundangels.org

is She "Hope-less"?? Update on Hope

2008-06-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Never Underestimate the Cruelty of Man: I Believe

Never Underestimate the Kindness of Man: Trying to Learn

Well, I returned to the shelter today to visit "Hope." This old lady has been weighing heavy on my heart. How could someone just dump her there? Well, I spent some time with her and she is quite a case. It seems she is blind in one of her eyes and I would guess she was used as a breeding bitch. Looking at her records it states she was kept outside for AT LEAST the last 5 years, she is not house broken and is frightened of people. It's rare when dogs don't respond positively to me, and she is one who didn't. It breaks my heart when I see that, because I know their chances are slim. When I tried to pat her, she turned around with a look in her eyes, tail pulled back and let out a bark, that told me - she didn't want any part of me. The irony is that Hope has no issues whatsoever with other dogs. Look at her in her cell with her mate. She is comfortable with her friend. Her one solace is probably that animals have shown her the kindness that humans didn't.

I had received emails from 2 different people that are willing to give a home to Hope. One locally here in Southern CA, and one in PA. Both of these people are absolute God-sends. People that make me believe in the second of my above statements. WOW. The tough thing to figure out will be where to send her. I will meditate on this and make a decision. I just want her to be safe.

A friend of mine asked me tonight, why would you spend such energy on this old gal, there are so many young ones that need help.... and she's right. However, I feel certain things come into our lives for a reason. She is not friendly to me, shows me no love and is as aloof as any dog ever has been to me, yet there is something about here. She weighs on my heart. Of course Sharpei have a way to my heart. I don't think Hope has had a great life, in fact I believe her life really sucked. I think the ass who owned her, used her for the time and good they derived from her and then cast her out knowing full well she would be out of sight - out of mind. Using the shelter system to do their dirty work is a cowardly and pathetic tool to avoid dealing with the realities of life. I could .... never mind. Hope certainly deserves a little love before she dies. However many days she has left on this earth, let her experience the love that she has missed all of these years. Let her feet touch carpet and let her come to the understanding that a pat on the head from a human is a good thing. Let love enter her heart even if its only for a moment. Let her know that some human cared and when she passes over that bridge, let her know someone cared and loved her.

If you'd like to help with Hope, please visit www.boundangels.org and make a donation in her name.

Thanks for reading and caring.

Robert Cabral

BOUND ANGELS

a letter from a dog... please read

2008-06-23T22:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Mom & Dad,

Last week you took me for a ride and left me at this place called the shelter. I’ve been waiting every minute for you to come back and get me, and I’m wondering if you forgot. For the last 10 years I’ve been with you and loved & adored you. I’ve been there to wag my tail when you came home from work, I loved the walks you took me on, I loved waking up to my favorite food, and that pat on the head you always gave me. I thought we’d be together forever, but I see I was wrong. I would never have left you…NEVER.

Today I was told that you will never come back to get me, that you left me here and that you moved. I’m not sure why you couldn’t take me with you, but it makes me sad that I’ll never see you again, and that I may die here in this place called the shelter. Not sure if you know this, but older dogs have little chance of getting adopted. Do you think I’ll die before my 10th birthday? I’m scared here and don’t know who to turn to, since the people I dedicated my whole life to have turned their backs to me.

I pray that someone will find me here and give me a chance… Even though you abandoned me, I will promise my love to someone, anyone who will take me as I am. I’m not young and pretty like when you bought me as your new plaything. Now I am refined and wise and relaxed in the golden years of my life. I don’t need to many walks or playtime, I’ll be happy with someone who will just love me, and I will love them…

Love,

Hope
aka : A0957564 at the LA North Central Shelter

DEAD in 7 Days

2008-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Take a good look at this dog. It could have been your dog. It could have been anyones dog, but it wasn't... She was just another statistic in an "Animal Care" system that isn't working... NOT AT ALL. The little girl was 2 years old when she was killed. Not by thugs, a car accident, not from sickness or negligence, but at the hands of our "Shelters." She lasted all of SEVEN days before she as killed. The reason? Overcrowding!! Its like a bucket of water, if you keep putting water into it, it will eventually overflow. The trick is to take some of the water out. That equates to several things, one is getting a system working that gets shelters into the business of adopting out dogs, not taking them in. Most shelters in LA and throughout the US are not as active as they could be in getting dogs adopted.

I am totally perplexed at the "pet overpopulation problem" when last year $2.1 BILLION was spent on live animal purchases. This while our shelters are killing 5 MILLION animals a year. I think we can do the math here. Most people don't want to go to a shelter because of several reasons: mainly they are in bad neighborhoods and they are depressing. I won't argue with either of those. But since we know the objection, wouldn't any good sales person look at a way to overcome that objection and make it work? Not if your status, income or job did not depend on your performance. The option is always there to kill the animals that are not placed, with little or no thought.

There is a bill on the table (AB1634), here in California, you can check out the site at www.cahealthypets.com The basis to the plan is mandatory spay and neutering. The wording of the bill is written in a sense that people would not be jailed, nor would their animals be taken from them if they are in violation of the bill. That is all fine and good, but what good is the bill if it punishes people for bad behavior, instead of rewarding them for good behavior. For the most part, I believe that most most animals should be neutered. If you are a 100% responsible person and can assure that your dog or cat will NEVER be out of your control, and never ACCIDENTALLY get another animal pregnant, then lets talk. I have only met a very small percentage of these people. Am I against responsible breeders? No! Am I for people breeding their dogs in their back yards or in puppymills? NO! I believe that most people should fix their dogs and stop this insanity.

A person who lives below the standard of living who can barely afford food and gas is not looking to a vet to spay and neuter their animal. Most responsible people who have dogs, have them spayed. It is people who can't afford it, or who are unaware of the problem that need to be addressed. Mobile spay and neuter clinics sent into areas where people can not afford the procedure is a far better answer. Pet food and rewards for people who spay and neuter their pets is a better incentive, then punishing those who can't afford it. Today most people can't afford medical care for themselves, let alone get their pets spayed and neutered. Make the procedure Available and Affordable. Try that. I am not saying that the idea of mandatory spay and neutering is not a good idea, conversely, I think its a GREAT IDEA. My point is make it accessible and EASY. I support anything that helps animals, but I also support things that make life a little easier for people who are trying to do the right thing. Read over the bill and think for yourself. I don't think it is what we need, because it does not address the important issue of making spay and neuter available for those who need it most and those whose situation affects the problem the most. Its an easy step for the government, because its a hands off approach. We need much more than this bill.

Look at the picture of the dog above... she died for the crime of being born. Her crime was life. She will never receive a pat on the head again, never run through a field, chase a ball or chew on a bone ever again. The reason is because the system is broken. She was brought to a place called a SHELTER, a shelter that did not SHELTER, but instead KILLED. There are plenty of steps we can take to fix it. DEMAND animal care in our shelters. Demand that shelters open their doors to the public during times after work hours, Demand mobile adoption programs, better shelter reform and lets not forget that the employees of these shelters are there to serve the animals. They should be available to be sure the animals are cared for, clean and that people who want to see them can get in and see them. The employees should not be crowded behind a desk in the main office texting or chatting when people are walking through the kennels looking for help.

Just Kill the Ones that Aren't Adoptable

2008-06-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the email I received... The photos above are self explanatory...
"Apparently the owner said Chaquira was fine with people and other dogs. Upon impoundment June 6th it was noted she tried to bite. She has been in isolation at the ANNEX at South Los Angeles where nobody sees her unless they specifically ask to be taken to the ANNEX. Now it is said that she is extremely sad. She is scared, has psychologically shut down, is peeing and pooping on herself, and cowering in the corner. The contact is the shelter. PLEASE TRY AND HELP THIS POOR DOG."

As soon as a dog "tries to bite" someone in a shelter they are isolated and are pretty much screwed. Their chance for adoption are slim to none. And to make matters worst, they are then isolated where no one can see them, given little if any attention and of course we know what follows.

Chaquira struck me as a very sad case. When I saw her picture and story I saw into her soul the sadness that she felt having been abandoned by her owner and then scared and confused made a small error.. she "tried" to bite someone. After that she totally shut down. There are no rehab programs at the shelter, they kill friendly dogs there, puppies, kittens, beautiful and unique looking dogs... The shelter system of our country is truly non biased and has no prejudice.. No matter who you are, if you come through the front door, chances are good that you're gonna be killed, its usually only a matter of time.

When I received the email from Labs and Buddies, I was ecstatic. Chaquira was saved. Not completely saved, but saved from death. You can visit their site and donate, foster or maybe even adopt ol' Chaquira, that happy Mama.

The reason I am featuring this story is two part:
1. Someone's good deed should be rewarded. This is a dog that I don't believe anyone would have gone out of their way to adopt.. BRAVO Labs and Buddies for being a true champion.
2. Look at the difference in the face of the dog from Before to After. Do you notice a different dog? Can you see that a dogs personality is greatly different when living in the pit of hell then in the backseat of a car? The dog is not even aware where they are heading, but the energy and personality of the dog has completly changed.

I've seen this a hundred times. The energy in the shelter brings out one of two personalities in dogs, either the dog gets strong (or aggressive) to fight for his position, or they begin to shut down. This can occur through spinning (jumping around in the kennel like crazy), total emotional withdrawal, or complete abnormal behavior. In the kennel you're either gonna be tough or weak, there are very few dogs that are "just dogs" in the shelter. And, since there are no areas around the shelter you can "test drive" a dog to see how they would be away from that vibe, dogs are often discarded for behavior that is not true to them.

On Sunday I helped a good friend rescue another dog out of a shelter, but I'll save that story for another post. For now I want to focus on the happy story of Chaquira and the great work of Labs and Buddies.

Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS

Why Do We Call Them "Shelters?"

2008-06-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

When children are taken out of abusive homes they are put in "foster care." When criminals are taken out of society they are put in prisons. No matter how crowded these systems get or how sick the humans get within these systems, they are never killed. Which leads me to question the integrity with which we treat animals. Of course we have to start out with the understanding that we, as humans, as the superior beings, and of course white humans are the superior race, and that Americans are the greatest of all. What a load of bull. Who is to say, who is better? What gives humans the right to claim this place in society? I guess the same thing that gives those who oppress others the right to oppress, conquer and kill. If we can open our hearts and minds for just a short period of time to let some light and understanding in, we might just see the world for what it is. There is and always well be conflict. There always will be those who revel in this conflict and those who would like to see the world be at peace. When we can be compassionate to those of different colors, beliefs, ideals, nationalities and other animals, the world might just be a better place. Are we really the superior species.. I think not. As long as we can act as we act with little compassion to one another, and even less regard to animals, we have little hope. A book I read comes to mind which shed light on this. The book is Ishmael. Its a wonderful insight to the human ideal.

Today an email came across my desk about a Labrador that was surrendered to a local shelter here in CA. The reason the owner gave was that the dog was aggressive. The dog lasted but a few days at the shelter before the staff murdered him. The reason, lack of room. UNREAL. There is no system of checks and balances that confirms this and shelters are often playing GOD, deciding who should live and who should die. There were plenty of rescue groups that never had the chance to check in on this guy. He was surrendered by someone he built his life around. Dropped off and murdered, in cold blood. NO, its not putting to sleep, euthanasia or any sweet term like that... it is murder. I ca assure you that there was no qualified tests done, no attempt to rehab or no attempt to place the dog. He was simply killed. Add his soul to the 5,000,000 that will be killed this year. Please note, they will not die in the shelters, they will be killed.

The excuse we hear all so often is that the shelters are overcrowded and that we face a pet overpopulation problem. I fail to see that we have pet overpopulation. We have less pets than people, and many people own more than one pet. Pet stores are selling dogs every day, as are breeders. I'm confused where the "overpopulation" comes in. What we have is too many unwanted animals in shelters. Part of that comes from the fact that no one wants to go to the shelters to adopt an animal. Wonder why?!! Maybe because many of them are filthy, depressing hell holes staffed by people who are not available when someone has a question or is interested in an animal. I can give several examples. As a contrast, there is a shelter that I've visited here in Downtown LA which is clean and most of the people who work there like their jobs, the lady in charge is kind and courteous and there is almost always someone available. This, however, is a rare find. Others I've visited have the omnipresent stench of death once you walk in the building. Wonder why mom and dad don't wanna take little Susie there?

We need a shelter system that is geared toward "Sheltering Animals" NOT killing them. As long as the option to kill animals is there, shelters will take that option, because it is easy. Don't be fooled by the hype that it is a very difficult job. I do not feel there is an incredible level of remorse by those killing the animals, and if there is, it must be short lived.

The labrador that was murdered in Lancaster on June 11, 2008 early in the morning, before the shelter even opened is a distant memory today. His body will be thrown in the landfill with many others. His owner is probably on to other things and will probably get a nice "New" puppy in the future. People are iresponsible with their animals and our animal care system is not "caring" for the animals that are placed into its custody. If this was the child care system or prison system it would be an outrage. FIVE MILLION animals will be killed this year. Its time to wake up and demand a change.

Contact your legislators, vote for those who support a NO KILL system, and pressure those who are in office to do the same. We demand rights for all people, lets demand the same for the animals who can not speak for themselves.

When Those Who Are Supposed Save - Cause Death

2008-06-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is a topic that could span many posts, as most of the dogs and cats that die today, do so at the hands of those we entrust to save and protect them. For the most part I would point the finger at the failing "shelter system." However, since entering into the rescue community I've also found that many others are guilty of this crime and should be shamed.

Each person who stands in the way of a rescue, spreads gossip, or wastes the time of those working to save lives is also guilty of murder. For the more than 5 Million shelter animals that die each and every year this point needs to be made. I abhor those who mistreat animals in any way.. and I do mean in any way. My position on animals may be different than many, and I am not going to debate that, but I know my way is best, since I see animals, those with 2 legs and with 4, those clothed in skin and those clothed in feathers and fur have rights. No one deserves less and no one more.

BOUND ANGELS is not about hands on rescue but about public awareness and motivating and mobilizing people to make a difference and build a NO-KILL society, one person at a time. And, because of this, I am motivated to write this entry. I've saved plenty of animals myself by diong hands on rescue, often times when others ran from the rescues I took on. I know how it works, and I also know how it "Doesn't Work." And, how it doesn't work is the way its "NOT WORKING" now.

That way is a bunch of people emailing in a small circle and as soon as something is about to happen that would lead to a positive result, someone starts bashing the other. There are a few in the rescue circle who make it bad for many others. Some are confused, some are inexperienced and some are down right evil. We know who these "evil" people are. These are the people who stand in the way and bash the people who are trying to get the job done. Let me get this straight, EVERY animal is precious and deserves to live. There are no breeds that are bad and there are no situations in which any animal should die because of our failing system, however, that is exactly what happens. The animals so often suffer for human EGO. While those who sabotage and say that this rescue is bad and this sanctuary is bad, the animals die and never had the choice.

I've asked this question to some of these people: "If given the choice, would you prefer to live in less than perfect conditions, or die at the end of a needle?" No matter what their answer, I believe the animal should be given the choice. Many animals live with homeless people and are quite happy. But I don't believe any animal would be happy to know it is going to be murdered because "we humans" thought it was "more humane." THERE IS NOTHING HUMANE IN MURDERING A HEALTHY ANIMAL... and lets get it straight, it is murder, not euthanasia or putting to sleep. Its MURDER.

Today an email came across my desk slamming A Passion for Paws Rescue. I'll go on record here and say that I do know know Cheryl nor the rescue, but it seems to me that many of the people who are writing emails about this situation don't either. And many, if not all of these "slammers" are the ones who have slammed others, over and over again. Here's my point, people who are rescuing animals are overwhelmed and underfunded. There are thousands of animals killed every day because there is no one to take them. If someone does take them and something goes wrong, everyone jumps on the bandwagon saying, ABANDON THIS PERSON. How unbelievable!! Like rats from a sinking ship, and we wonder why millions die.

It is so easy to point the finger and say DO NOT HELP this person.... Take their animals away from them, and..... well, what should we do with them? How about we put them into the shelter. Thats a good idea, put them into the shelter so they can be murdered there. Animals deserve to live in a clean, healthy environment. I do not know the conditions of anyones home or the rescue of which we speak, but I DO know the conditions in the shelter -THEY SUCK. And, worse yet, as if living in the filth and abuse of our government run shelter system isn't bad enough, you don't know when, but you're gonna die. Animals who go into the "shelter" are watching the salt run through the hour glass. A human who commits murder has a better chance of getting out of jail then a stray dog has of getting out of the shelter.

From what I gathered from these emails, this woman placed some animals in a foster and the condition of the foster was terrible, and for that she now can not pull animals from the shelter system. Which means, they DIE in the shelter. The person guilty of wrongdoing is the person doing the doing... that is the person who has the animals. Are we such a society of hypocrites that we point the finger at the person who sold the gun and not at the person pulling the trigger?

I get hundreds of emails a day filled with pictures of animals that I know will die because I deleted the email.... and a little part of me dies with each of them.

It was not my goal when I decided to enter into animal rights to make friends, but to say what is right. To say what I would want someone to say if I was an animal suffering at the hands of human ignorance. Someone needs to take a stance for the animals, and that person is me.. Here's the bottom line:

1. if you don't have something to say thats gonna help -Stop Talking
2. if you can help someone, help them, if not, Get Out of the Way
3. if someone who is trying to save a life is down, don't kick them, help them, if nothing else, Step OVER them and pick up the pieces.
4. if you send emails slamming someone, back it up with fact, NOT "reliable sources." You are a witness - not a reporter.
5. if you can do it better, get busy doing it, not emailing and slamming others. There are plenty of animals to save. However, I've never seen an email that says, the conditions at this and this place are not good, I will take the animals to live with me... NEVER have I seen that email.

To those of you, and you know who you are, who are sabotaging the efforts of the many who are doing their best.... The blood of every animal that dies, because of your deceit is upon your hands.

If you would like to work on building a No-Kill Society, I am available to talk at any time..

Robert Cabral
Founder / Director
BOUND ANGELS

the Sanctuary Irony - I'm Mad as Hell

2008-05-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'd like to start out and "re-emphasise" that I started BOUND ANGELS as a media awareness organization, not a hands on rescue. I have been flung into rescuing a few dogs here and there. I receive much praise, and some criticism. Today I received an email response to my last blog entry that asked me to "temper my anger" because of my comment "NO one else would step up" referring to Smiling Dog Farms taking the 4 dogs scheduled to die in Carson CA. I will not temper my anger, I am mad as well, millions of dogs are dying every year. This is not a time to be quiet, it is a time to act. We need to point the finger at the problem and fix it. That problem, which people try to avoid is many facetted and all require equal attention. At the top of the list is the legislation that does NOT address the needless deaths of these innocent animals. We blame overcrowding for the "Need to Kill". This is absolute BS.

Our prison systems are overcrowded, yet we do not start killing the people on death row faster. Instead we release prisoners or build more prisons. Yet the animals do NOT receive this respect. Dogs and cats have less than a 50% chance of making it out of the shelter alive. The system employs more people to scoop up and fine the owners, and less to facilitate placing animals or working the actual shelter. The availability of low cost spay and neuter, trap -neuter- and release or feral cats, wider adoptions outside of the shelters would all bring the overcrowding in shelters down drastically and would lead toward a no kill revolution.

The irony strikes me here. I was chastised for placing 4 dogs in a sanctuary in Texas that was reported to have 400 dogs and 6 full time employees. I don't know where this arbitrary 6 employee number came from, however, lets assume it is correct. For anyone to criticise placing a dog anywhere where it has a chance to live, and not offering a viable option for local or other placement is ludicrous. Take a walk through the shelters here in LA - I do it ALL the time. At a very recent visit to one local shelter I can tell you there were at least 300 or more dogs there and I could NOT find ONE employee. In the office I found 2 people sitting behind the desk. Are these dogs being ignored? Are their lives better than those living outside in yards where they see other dogs and nature? These shelter animals have NO CHANCE of making it out alive. I see sick dogs at deaths door laying on cement floors soiled with feces and urine. I hear loud crashing noises as workers are hammering on the roofs right above the kennels- driving dogs (whose hearing is many times more sensitive than ours) absolutly insane.

I SEE A BROKEN SYSTEM, yet the people who try are criticised. How messed up is that? I am not a hands on rescuer, yet when asked, I step up and do what I can. Anyone who has ever asked me for help has gotten it. I've done flyers, raised money, evaluated and rehabbed aggressive dogs due to die, transported dogs and so much more. I don't want kudos for this, but what I do want, and am fighting for is a system that works. If rescue workers want to see this happen, we gotta pull together. BOUND ANGELS is a network of people who want to work together. I will link to ANYONE in rescue who asks. All I ask is that your goal meets ours - to save lives at ALL costs.

These animals can not fight for themselves, that is up to us. How can we see ourselves as a compassionate society when we are slaughtering 5 MILLION shelter animals a year and heaving their lifeless bodies into landfills with little regard of how to change the system?

So yes, I AM MAD AS HELL. How about we pull together and find a way to make the system better? Vote for politicians who advocate NO KILL, and work to remove those who make promises and break them. Hold the authorites responsible for falsified accounts of how many animals are killed, how many animals are forced to live in attrociaous conditions and suffer needlessly. And , while we are at it, how about we support people like Jay at Smiling Dog Farm for giving hope to animals that others can't help. Hear what I'm saying here... He's helping animals others CAN'T help. I know we are all stressed trying to save them, but with more sanctuaries, and more support from the rescue community these havens can take the dogs that others can't. Lets stop emailing each other the same dogs every day over and over... lets spread our wings and reach beyond the circle of rescue and spread the word and work toward animal lovers everywhere. Support the work of all of our colleagues -- ALL of them. Lets not be the ones to criticise how others are doing it, instead lend a helping hand. Offer compassion for those who are trying and having a hard time.

Someone asked me my goal to life today, and I answered "To see America as a NO KILL society." I pray that I live to see the day this happens. I pray and I vow to work to make this happen. That is the goal... time to get busy.

5 Dogs Saved from DEATH- Thank you!

2008-05-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

To say I’m emotional at this moment would be a grand understatement. Since last Sunday May 18th, I’ve been working this case…and pretty much nothing else. This is the case of 5 dogs scheduled to be KILLED at the LA County Shelter. They belonged to a “challenged” man, who truly became a victim of the system. One of his dogs was involved in a biting, yet all 5 were scheduled to be KILLED. His lawyer took his money and soon disappeared, leaving him stranded. With no resources at all to turn to, a colleague in Oregon referred him to me. The case was very personal to me, as I had just lost one of my dogs. I would do this for my Boots.

The logistics of this rescue was huge. Negotiations with animal control, police agencies, the sanctuary, district attorney, the owner of the dogs and the vet, as well as flight arrangements. If they could not be placed in a “sanctuary” they would be killed. SIMPLE AS THAT. The only place I could find was www.smilingdogfarms.org NO ONE else would step up. NO ONE….

The incredible support I received from so many of you made this all possible. Aside from a few naysayers, who attempt to thwart the efforts of true rescues with negative underpinnings, all was positive. This case fueled at least 500-1000 email, plus countless hours on the phone. I do not have time in my schedule to fend off negatives, yet rather focus on the reason I started BOUND ANGELS… to save lives – simple as that. Not to argue, answer silly emails, defend nor explain myself.

I am eternally grateful to ALL of you who helped make this rescue possible. Jose, the owner of the dogs was in tears as my final negotiation with the City Attorney allowed him to keep one of the dogs ( a negotiation which lasted over a week). In the 11th hour, the dogs were rescued and airlifted to Texas. I have photos and a video to follow. Stay posted for that. But for now, I wanted to share the good news with you even though I am thoroughly wiped out. Again, thank you all… May the joy you’ve brought in saving these lives shine upon each and every one of you.

With kind regards,

Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
“giving a voice to animals”
www.boundangels.org

Update on the 5 dogs at Carson Pound

2008-05-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

I've had no less than 500 emails about this rescue. My hands are tired from typing, so I figured if I write the synopsis here, everyone may read it and I can keep busy rescuing and training dogs. Think that might happen?? lets see.

OK, to start off with, the rescue is progressing quite well. In spite of me not having had a minute of free time since Sunday, we are making progress. Bear in mind, the case was handed to me Sunday, yet has spiraled out of control since February. No biggie... I've gotten a of of positive support on this rescue and am greatly appreciative of this. Everyone is so behind this rescue its amazing. Thanks to all of you for your support. I will address some of the concerns that were addressed to me in various emails here.

1. There are 5 dogs involved. The confusion over who was to go to the sanctuary and who stays behind is settled. All the boys go to the sanctuary and the female /mom is going to stay with Jose. Jose is challenged and is very distraught and I feel this is the best situation. There is a strong bond between the brothers and dad. In my experience in dog behavior and training, I find this to be a totally acceptable case.

2. The cost of air transport from LA to Texas is about $350 per dog depending on weight. This rate is competitive with ground transport and considering the circumstances, these dogs are not great candidates to be in small crates for 2-3 days.

3. These dogs can NOT be adopted out. They are labeled dangerous dogs, although I would professionally differ, I will respect the wishes of the city since they are working with us in the rescue. These dogs have bitten someone in the past, and their point and part of the conditions of release are that the dogs go to a "forever sanctuary." So the idea of them going to a conventional rescue is a mute point. I have looked over the past year for local sanctuaries in the LA area, and there are NONE. I've had friends email me places and after countless hours contacting them, they NEVER take the dogs. It is a proverbial waste of my time. If you have a place that you think takes any dog, call them. Tell them you found a dog at a shelter, tell them its a big dog about 60lbs and about 8 years old. Tell them you'd like them to take the dog and that you can drop it off. If they say yes, let me know who they are. I will give you a FREE BOUND ANGELS T-shirt for every dog they take.

4. Here's an update on Smiling Dog Farms www.smilingdogfarms.org where the guys are going. IT is a sanctuary in the true sense of the word. They will take any dog regardless of condition. This situation should prove it. Aggressive dogs are kept in separate areas from other dogs, old dogs in other areas, sick dogs, etc. They care for many dogs there and are quite familiar with dealing with difficult dogs. The dogs have play yards and raised dog houses... something they don't see in the shelters where they live on concrete and steel. Adoptable dogs are adopted out at local adoptions to loving and screened homes. Smiling Dog Farms is visited regularly by people I've spoken with who are very comfortable with the sanctuary. SDF is not the Four Seasons. There are no whirlpools or room service, no doggie massages or Pina Coladas by the pool. They work on a shoestring budget, but always hold it together and make it work for the dogs. I'm impressed by that.

Smiling Dog Farms deserves your financial support. http://www.smilingdogfarms.org

Anyone who would like to volunteer with BOUND ANGELS on this rescue here in LA, please contact me at boundangels@gmail.com and I will tell you what I am looking for. If you have a crate or Van you'd like to donate, (the van, jsut for the day), that would be great and save us valuable resources.

As for donations, we are still about $1200 short. BOUND ANGELS will make this rescue happen whether or not we have the funds in place or not. Our primary concern is the safety of these dogs. If you'd like to help, please visit www.boundangels.org and click on the DONATE button.

I welcome your comments, and thank you for your support.

Robert Cabral
FOUNDER
BOUND ANGELS

Update on Dogs Scheduled to be Killed - from Robert Cabral

2008-05-21T23:46:00.001-07:00

First off, thank to those of you who already opened your hearts and wallets to donate to saving these dogs. Here's the update:

The team at Bound Angles have been in negotiations with Torrance City Attorney to give us a couple more days extension on the dogs we are trying to rescue. This morning I visited the Carson shelter and met all 5 dogs, Scotty (5) and April (3) and the 3 boys Mickey, Chapito and Cowboy (all 2 years old). The shelter is one of THE MOST DEPRESSING places I have EVERY visited. I don't believe murderers should be treated this badly, let alone all these dogs that are discarded.

The dogs are a mom and dad and their three boys. They are shepherd / husky mixes-- and probably something else. They are all 5 in separate kennels next to each other and across from each another. They are going crazy, as they have always been together, but yet are kept apart by concrete and steel.. ABSOLUTELY CRUEL!!

I'm attaching a flyer to give you a little more info. The owner of the dog is personally "challenged" and is about to have a breakdown thinking his dogs will be killed. One was involved in a biting, but all five are being held. I have an agreement in place with the city attorney that they will be released to BOUND ANGELS to be transported to SMILING DOG FARMS sanctuary in Texas. We have raised about $700 so far, which is a GREAT START. We need to raise $2600 by the weekend. Any amount you can give is appreciated. I have promised my 100 % dedication to this. I have personally dedicated more than 20 hours to this since Sunday night. WE WILL SAVE THEM.

Can I count on you for your help?

BOUND ANGELS has no salaries or administrative costs. Everything you donate goes toward animal rescue.

You can donate via paypal by visiting www.boundnagels.org and clicking on the donate button or using boundangels@gmail.com in your paypal account. You can also mail a check payable to BOUND ANGELS to :

BOUND ANGELS
26500 Agoura Road #102-346
Calabasas, CA. 91302

Thank you for reading. If you are having a tough time, please donate a prayer and some positive energy our way to help our mission... it is greatly appreciated.

Robert Cabral

BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org