Though I hope to eventually pen a piece about canine nutrition vis-à-vis veganism and vegetarianism, this isn’t it! Since I don’t have much time for background research, and don’t want to half-ass it, I’ll have to save that topic for another time. Instead of convincing you to feed your dog-kids a vegan or vegetarian diet – assuming you have dog-kids, that is – this VeganMoFo post is all about feeding your dog-kids a vegan diet (or foodstuffs), frugally.

Granted, commercial vegan and vegetarian dog foods are more expensive than their non-veg counterparts, and feeding your dog-kids a diet consisting solely of homemade food requires enough expertise that I don’t recommend it. Or rather, I can’t advise you on how to do it. You see, even though I occasionally feature recipes for homemade dog food, I primarily feed my kids commercial kibble: ’twas Nature’s Recipe Vegetarian formula for awhile, but we recently switched to V-Dog. Though it’s a little more expensive, it’s also confirmed vegan (DelMonte never would respond to my inquiries). The homemade goodies are more of a “topping,” if you will, to add a little variety to their meals. So all in all, we do spend a pretty penny on dog food in the Garbato-Brady household, homemade goodies notwithstanding.

Luckily, there are other ways to cut costs:

- Make your own dog treats. As with vegan dog food, vegan dog treats can be a little pricey, so you can save some cash by baking treats yourself. In contrast to food, which must meet your dog-kid’s nutritional requirements, treats are extras, so diy is just fine! Just go easy on the fat, salt, sugar and calories, mkay? Also, always check and double-check the ingredients to confirm that they aren’t harmful to canines.

Dogs also tend to be less discriminating eaters than people (well, me), so experiment with abandon, and don’t be afraid to substitute in less expensive ingredients when necessary. Chances are, your kids will enjoy whatever you create. Plus, is there anything cooler than giving your dog-kid a treat you baked especially for her, with nothing but love? (And an oven!)

For treat ideas, check out It’s A Vegan Dog’s Life, Yummy for Dogs and the Innocent Primate Vegan Blog, for starters.

The obvious downside to baking your own biscuits is that they don’t keep as well as the store-bought stuff, so it’s a little harder to keep some on hand at all times (you never know when you’ll need to entice your dog-kid away from a found animal corpse, am I right?). However, this brings us to the next tip:

- Fresh, raw, dehydrated and dried fruits and vegetables make great treats, too! With a few exceptions, your dog-kids can eat many of the same foods as you. (Although, again, you shouldn’t rely too heavily on table scraps, particularly salty, fatty and sugary foods, and always stay away from foods that are harmful to canines.)

Come breakfast time, my dog-kids are all ears, waiting for me to crack the cabinet in which the dried cherries, blueberries and cranberries are stored. Even though I’m readying breakfast for myself, they know I’m a sucker for a furry face (or five). Before I’ve even set the bags on the countertop, I’m surrounded. Blueberries for everyone!

Likewise, I never chop or dice fresh fruits and veggies solo; there’s always at least one dog, hovering, waiting for a carrot or potato cube to fall to the floor. Carrots are a popular snack, and one I hand out at will, as they’re neither expensive nor unhealthy. Raw tofu is a big hit, too, as is popcorn.

Last but not least, frozen and partially thawed fruit makes a refreshing snack during the hot, humid summer months.

- Forget about the pig ears. Before I switched him to a vegetarian diet, our first-born dog kid, Ralphie, absolutely loved rawhide treats. He’d spend hours gnawing on them and then spend another hour transferring his prize from hiding place to hiding place. Once he “went veg,” bye bye rawhides. (Cue the tiny violin; once we introduced Peedee to the family, the hidden rawhides probably would have caused too many battles to keep around anyhow.)

While there are a few brands of vegetarian “pig ears” and plant-based rawhides available, in my experience, they don’t hold up to rough chewing nearly long enough to justify their expense. As a substitute, we’ve switched to rubber Kongs. Most varieties of Kong have little nooks and crannies in which to hide treats – biscuits, chews, even nut butters such as peanut, soy, almond, cashew, etc. (these work best, IMHO, but they can be very messy and thus are best enjoyed outside).

In addition to providing hours of entertainment, stuffed Kongs help to clean dogs’ teeth. Rennie is our most voracious chewer – and she has the purtiest teefies!

Kongs are sturdy, but not indestructible, so always supervise your dog-kid and replace damaged toys immediately.

Kong is our brand of choice, but there are a number of “rip-offs” on the market. Before ordering multiples of any one toy, take one for a test run to ensure that you dog-kid likes it. Rennie, for instance, will only play with Kong rubber toys. You can see how many testers we bought before giving up!

Also, shop around – the prices of identical toys vary widely, depending on the vendor. I’ve had good luck at Amazon as well as wholesale websites, such as Pet Blvd.

Got more frugal vegan dog food ideas? Do share!

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Tagged: vegan veganism food food blogging carnival october veganmofo vegan mofo vegan month of food PPK Post-Punk Kitchen animals animal rights animal welfare herbivore meat-free dairy-free cruelty-free animal lovers blog swarm dog canine pet companion animal animal companion dog treats dog food frugal cheap budget vegan on the cheap vegan on a budget money my furkids flickr photos

…and I’m trying to clean out my inbox asap, so I can go spend the rest of the day playing with my furkids (who are stuck in the house on what is a gorgeous Midwestern day, as I plug away on my laptop out on the patio, because they cornered a rather large snake in the backyard, showing NO FEAR – even though the lil’est dog weighs in at a mere 13 pounds…but I digress).

Anyhow, I’ve been holding on to an old DDB newsletter for forever now, waiting for the perfect opportunity to blog their tips for “Having Fun With Your Dog!” (You might remember that I posted something similar on Valentine’s Day.) Well, the “perfect opportunity” has to to arrive, so eff it. Excuses, who needs ‘em?

Having Fun With Your Dog!

There is nothing that brings us pleasure like watching our dogs enjoy themselves. Have fun with your pooch and remember, a happy guardian has a happy dog…so don’t forget to pamper yourself like you would your best friend!

Play with your Pooch!

* Bark! Ok, your dog probably won’t be fooled by your sorry attempt to imitate, but he may be intrigued.

* Hide the Treat Game. Hide a treat in a clever spot and see how long it takes for your dog to find it.

* Mail Dog- Attach a note to your dog and have him deliver to a family member…”Go find Daddy!”

* Read with your dog. Nothing is more relaxing than cuddling with your best friend and a good book. Curl up with a dog book, like Puddles on the Floor, or Every Rescue Dog Has A Tale. Stroke your dog as you read for a great stress reliever for both of you. *These are great books and your purchase helps dogs needing rescue.

Now go show your non-human animal friends some love, and give ‘em extra smooches from Aunt Kelly.

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare pet companion animal animal companion dog canine my furbabies o-ren flickr photos ddb dogs deserve better companion care

Valentines Day? Meh. I’ve never been very big on the holiday. Through most of high school, I was boyfriend-less, and thus predictably unimpressed with February 14th. The husband and I have celebrated it on and off over the years, but mostly in a half-assed kind of way: vegan chocolates here, a dinner in there. One problem I’ve always had with V-Day is the idea of forced, scheduled romanticism. Why should the Mr. and I only go on dates or surprise one another with gifts on February 14th, eh? And why do so on a day in which the prices are all jacked up and the theaters and restaurants, obscenely crowded?

Additionally, in the few years since my budding feminism has blossomed into a thorny, black, man-hating rose, I’ve actively resisted engaging in a commercialized, wasteful and largely heteronormative holiday. Diamonds? Roses? Tacky Bandit Bears? Bargained sex? IBTP.

So, in keeping with my previous re- evaluation and -imagining of the wintry holidays, I’ve been thinking about celebrating Valentines Day in a different way. While I try to pamper my furkids – i.e., my dogs – on a daily basis, I thought it might be fun to celebrate them this Saturday. After all, there is no doggeh equivalent of “Mother’s Day” or “Grandparent’s Day” – so why not transform a lackluster holiday into it?

There are many ways you can toss Valentines Day to the dogs (or cats, rats, gerbils, pigs…whatever species your kiddos belong to). Dogs Deserve Better, for example, holds an annual Valentines Day card drive for chained dogs. During “Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week,” Valentines – complete with informational brochures, coupons for dog food, etc. – are delivered to the “owners” of chained dogs, with the ultimate goal of freeing these animals and bringing them back into the home. You can donate money to fund the effort, or volunteer by submitting the addresses of homes that have chained dogs, creating or delivering Valentines, and gathering donations of coupons and such. If your heart belongs to a species other than canine, you can donate your time or money to help a local or species-specific organization on or around the 14th.

As for your own furkids, here are four ways you can pamper them this Saturday. Since I’ve got five dogs, these are all canine-specific, but you can adjust accordingly.

1. Take your dog for a walk or hike. Set some time aside for a leisurely stroll, walk, run or hike – or some combination thereof – and let your dog lead the way. Allow her to walk you, wherever she chooses to go (within reason, of course). If she wants to spend five minutes sniffing and marking that tree at the corner of the street, let her. It’s her day, remember? Just enjoy her company, the beautiful weather, the sights and sounds.

2. Play with your dog. If the weather’s not cooperating, or if you’re unable to leave the house or yard with your dog, spend the day playing with her, off and on, at her behest. Bounce the tennis ball off of the house with her, play fetch with her favorite squeaky toy, fill a Kong with some (untainted) peanut butter, or just tie a few socks together and have a good game of tug-of-war. You don’t need to spend a ton of money on fancy toys – make your own. Sticks are great for fetch, and you can hide treats in socks, under blankets, or in your hands. Run around the yard like a total goofball, enticing her to chase you (or vice versa). Grab a human partner and play hide and seek with your dog. If she’s an only dog, and gets on well with other dogs, schedule a play date and entertain both her and her BFF.

Naturally, you need to consider your individual dogs’ temperament when choosing games and friends for her. If she gets anxious at the prospect of your absence, for example, hide and seek probably isn’t the best choice. You know your dog; you know what she likes. Now make it happen!

3. Bake your dog some special, homemade treats. Many commercially available dog treats contain all sorts of disgusting and harmful ingredients. Organic, all-natural and/or vegetarian/vegan treats, on the other hand, can be pricey. So why not bake your own treats, and show your dog just how much you really love her?

It’s not as hard as you might think (seriously, if I can do it…), and many dogs aren’t fussy customers, anywho. You can find a number of recipes online; personally, I love Yummy for Dogs.

4. Give your dog a massage. Yes, you heard me right. Your dog’s got muscles, just like you – and sometimes they ache, just like yours. Dogs love massages! (Again, with the obvious caveat “know your dog and her temperament.”)

There are many how-to dog (and cat, horse, etc.) massage books, but really, it’s at least 50% common sense. Think about which muscle groups your dog exercises, which body parts she uses as a matter of course. Just as with humans, the neck, shoulders, and back get a good workout. Using light strokes, massage your dog’s neck, shoulders, legs, back. Always err on the side of caution, using less pressure instead of more. If your dog seems nervous, uncomfortable or in pain, stop. Listen to her, making a note of what she seems to enjoy.

One advantage to massaging dogs vs. humans is that their loose skin and fur (especially if your dog is short-haired) make it easier to massage the skin and underlying muscles. Using your thumb and forefinger, grab a bit of loose skin – on the neck, for instance, and rub it between your fingers, moving down as you do so. The fur makes for a smooth transition – none of the chafing that you get with human skin.

In their 1/13/09 newsletter, DDB offers three massage techniques you can try on your dog (excerpted from 97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile by Jenny Langbehn, 2003 Workman Publishing Co. NY):

1. Lower-Ear Noogies

At the base of the ear, gently rub your knuckle in a “noogie” fashion. (To make a noogie, form a half fist with your knuckles sticking out.) This can also be done for the “inner ear noogie by using the knuckle of your middle finger, rub the piece of cartilage that just out at the entrance to the inside of your dog’s ear)

2. Make a “Hand-Sandwich”

When your dog is lying on its side, slip your hand between your dog and the floor, starting at the shoulder, and run you hand slowly along the length of the body. The ripple will result in canine ecstasy. Your dog will probably roll onto the flat of it’s back, which means you can do this again, using both hands-one on each side.

3. The Full-Body Massage

Starting at the snout, thoroughly and methodically massage the entire length of your dog’s body.

Here are some additional online resources to get you started:

Monkey See: How to Massage Your Dog

Center for Integrative Animal Health: Animal Massage: the Touch that Heals

Backing up your dog with Massage (.pdf)

dogtime: Dog Alternative Health: Dog Massage

Suite 101: Home Massage for Dogs; Tips for Helping Your Dog Relax

If you’d like to refine your dog massage techniques, Michael Fox’s The Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs is an excellent resource (he also wrote The Healing Touch for Cats: The Proven Massage Program for Cats, for the cat peoples in the audience).

Of course, you need not confine your pampering to Valentine’s Day. Exercise your dog every day, take a leisurely stroll as time permits, pet and massage her while relaxing on the couch, and bake your dog a batch of treats “just because.” One day, you’ll look back and realize that you’d give anything to walk just one more block with her.

(Crossposted to.)

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare pet companion animal dog canine cat feline holidays observances companion care valentines day v-day dog massage massage dog treats yummy for dogs dog games dog toys flickr photos my furbabies

Until then, did anyone happen to catch the latest installment of ABC News’ What Would You Do? Basically, it’s a hidden camera type show, wherein ABC News sets up various discomfiting situations in order to determine how the observers stooges will respond. For example, one segment that got some play on the feminist blogs involved a couple (of actors) who were seemingly out at a bar on a first date. When the woman excused herself to the restroom, the man (quite obviously) slipped something in her drink. Cue the crazy.

I only caught the last twenty minutes or so Tuesday night’s episode, but that was more than enough to make me wish I hadn’t. In the last segment, “Dog Left Inside a Hot Car,” a large, fluffy Golden Retriever is left inside a car parked on a suburban street on a hot summer (spring?) day. (The car actually has a hidden A/C unit cranked, and the dog’s trainer is lying on the backseat floor, covered by a blanket.) The windows are cracked so the dog’s barks are audible, and the dog’s “owner” walks to and from the car several times in order to see whether observers will confront him. Strategically placed hidden cameras record passerby reactions.

Unfortunately, ABC News doesn’t appear to allow embedding (grrrr!), so here’s the part where I send you to their website to watch the video.

So, what are your thoughts? How do you think the passerby handled the situation? Did the results exceed your expectations, or fall short? And wtf about those firefighters, eh?

As noted at the beginning of the clip, ABC News also tried this experiment with a (faux) baby: Would You Help This Baby? As with the dog, a fake baby is left inside a hot car (seemingly the same car, parked on the same suburban street, in similar weather conditions). Windows are cracked, so passerby can plainly hear the “baby” crying. As with the dog’s owner, the “baby’s” mother returns to the car after running errands, to see how the gathering crowd reacts to her.*

Hop on over to ABC’s website to watch the baby clip, then meet me back here.

Compare the bystanders’ reactions when it’s a baby – as opposed to a dog – left in a hot car. Granted, the differences could be the result of some seriously heavy editing, but I doubt it. People appear much quicker to take action, to assume responsibility for the “baby” and “make it their business,” and to confront the “mother” with anger, than they did with the dog and her “owner.”

While babies are probably at greater risk of being stolen than are dogs (e.g., kidnapped babies command a higher black market price than kidnapped dogs), both are at risk of suffering heatstroke and death when left in a hot car. Both are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain and suffering. And yet, bystanders were somewhat hesitant to intervene to save the dog. Meh. Yet another consequence of viewing animals as property – wouldn’t want to tell someone what he can and can’t do with “his” dog-property, am I right?

So what should you do if you see a dog – or a baby – left alone inside a car?

First, know your state laws. www.animallaw.info offers this summary, along with a state-by-state table of applicable laws:

Is it illegal to leave your dog in a parked car? The answer to this question, of course, depends on in the state in which you live. Actually, only 13 states (AZ, CA, IL, ME, MD, MN, NV, NH, NJ, ND, SD, VT, and WV) have statutes that specifically prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle. The next factor important to the question is the condition under which the the animal is left in the vehicle. Most of these laws provide that the animal must be confined or unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle. Further, the laws add that in order for a person to violate the law, the conditions have to endanger the animal’s life. Some of the statutes specifically state that extreme hot or cold temperatures, lack of adequate ventilation, or failing to provide proper food or drink meet this definition. Other laws are more vague and just require that the conditions are such that physical injury or death is likely to result.

While not all states have laws that address animals in parked vehicles, numerous local ordinances prohibit this, and more may be enacted. It is critical then that owners are aware of their local laws concerning this subject. Even with out a state or local law, this action could still constitute cruelty under some circumstances. In fact, in the Texas case of Lopez v. State, the defendant left his dog in his car on a hot day to go and watch a movie in a theater. He was ultimately convicted under the state’s anti-cruelty law. Notably, Texas does not have a statute that specifically addresses dogs left in parked vehicles.

Thus, while it may not be illegal to leave a dog (or other non-human animal) unattended in a parked vehicle in your state or locality, if the animal is in danger due to extremely hot, extremely cold, or even moderate temperatures, the animal’s “owner” may be in violation of anti-cruelty laws anyway. It’s imperative that you know your state and locality’s laws, just in case you encounter an obstinate or ignorant police officer, security guard, etc. (such as the firefighters in ABC News’ dog clip). It might be a good idea to print out the relevant legislation and keep a copy in your glove box, for good measure.

When you spot a dog (or other animal, including a baby or young child) left alone inside a (hot or otherwise dangerous) vehicle, PETA recommends that you do the following:

If you see a dog in a car and in distress, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license-plate number, have the owner paged inside nearby stores, and call local humane authorities or police. Have someone keep an eye on the dog. If police are unresponsive or too slow and the dog’s life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal, and then wait for authorities to arrive.

Also, check out API’s study of how quickly the interior of a car can heat up, even with the windows cracked – and even in moderate summer temps. (Again, you might want to print this table up, as further evidence to present to skeptical officers, security guards, “owners,” etc.)

PETA notes, for instance, that even

On a mild 73ºF day, the temperature inside a car can reach 120ºF in 30 minutes. On a 90ºF day, the interior of a vehicle can reach 160ºF in minutes.

Finally, Born Free has some educational materials available at www.mydogiscool.com. If you see an animal left unattended in a car – but not in danger – leave one of their fliers on the vehicle’s windshield. It’s never a good idea to leave an animal unattended, no matter the temperature outside, because there are other risks, too; the car might be stolen, for example.

My dogs are cool. How about yours?

* Though, I should note that the “owner” in the dog clip is a man, while “mom” is a woman, making comparisons between the two experiments a little more difficult. For example, bystanders might feel more threatened by – and thus less likely to confront – a man vs. a woman.

(Crossposted to.)

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare dog canine pet companion animal hot car abc news what would you do hidden camera baby animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals child abuse peta born free my dog is cool companion care video video blogging pop culture dog care

The Saturday before Christmas is the biggest puppy buying day of the year. This year, In Defense of Animals is teaming up with activists in dozens of cities around the country to educate the public about the horrors of pet factories and encourage people to adopt a homeless animal from a shelter or rescue group instead of buying one from a pet store.

What: December 20th, 12-3 pm
Where: Your local pet shop

Almost all pet stores around the nation are supplied by inhumane commercial breeding facilities (aka pet factories) where the breeding animals are imprisoned for life and used as breeding machines. Meanwhile, it’s estimated that nearly 5 million healthy cats and dogs (many of them purebred) are euthanized in American shelters every year simply because there aren’t enough homes for them. Make a commitment today to take action for the victims of pet factories and companion animal overpopulation today!

Join In Defense of Animals and friends at your local pet store to help end the abuses of pet factories.

You can find a list of events here.

Over at Vegan Soapbox, Elaine has a list of suggestions for online activism, including posting profiles of animals available for adoption on Petfinder and such. Which is a great idea; but first, let’s tackle a few myths about adopting vs. buying animals.

A common misconception about “shelter dogs” is that they’re all damaged mutts.

Let’s deconstruct:

1. You don’t have to go a shelter or pound to adopt an animal. Animal rescue organizations run the gamut, from the more traditional shelters and “pounds” to rescue groups, sanctuaries, foster programs and networks of committed individual animal rescuers. If you’re afraid to visit a pound, you can avoid doing so and still adopt an animal. Go to www.petfinder.org or www.1-800-save-a-pet.com and search for animals and animal rescue groups in your area.

But I also urge you to think about why the pound icks you out so much: is it because you realize that many of these animals – 50%, at the very least, with some surveys reporting “euthanasia” rates of 56% for dogs and 71% for cats – will die for no reason other than a lack of homes? If so, wouldn’t it make you feel better to be part of the solution (adoption) than part of the problem (breeding and buying)?

2. Even if you have your heart set on a specific breed of cat or dog, you don’t need to buy an animal from a breeder. According to the HSUS, 25% of shelter dogs are purebreds. Furthermore, there are many breed-specific rescue groups. Most breeds – certainly the more common and/or popular ones – have a number of local and national rescue groups dedicated to their rescue. To find breed-specific rescue groups, go to www.petfinder.org or www.1-800-save-a-pet.com and search for your desired breed; many of these groups will pop up in your search. Or use the Google: search for “dachshund rescue group” or similar.

3. There is an animal rescue group for every (legal-to-own) species of animal. Dogs, cats, mice, pigs, cows, horses, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds: all these and more are available for adoption through shelters and rescue groups. While most shelters focus on the more common domesticated companion animals – i.e., cats and dogs – it’s not unusual to find the occasional mouse, rabbit or hamster at traditional shelters, too. Furthermore, many rescue groups and sanctuaries have popped up in the past few decades to help care for “exotic” and “farmed” animals, as well. For example, here in MO we have Longmeadow Rescue Ranch: “operated by the Humane Society of Missouri, Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is one of the most comprehensive horse and farm animal rehabilitation centers in the United States.”

Whatever type of animal you’re looking for, you can probably find it through an animal rescue group. Again, www.petfinder.org, www.1-800-save-a-pet.com and the Google are your friends.

4. Rescue animals are not necessarily “damaged goods.”

Oy, where to start with this one?

All dogs have the potential for behavioral and health problems: this holds true whether you adopt or buy an animal.

The “damaged goods” myth rests on the assumption that all shelter dogs have been horribly mistreated in their pasts, and all purchased dogs have been pampered like little darlings by their breeders. While some shelter animals have no doubt suffered abuse, so too are bred animals mistreated; inexperienced and irresponsible breeders exist, as do puppy mills. In fact, your breeder may be associated with a puppy mill without you even knowing it.

Shelter dogs – as well as foster dogs, rescue dogs, dogs from breeders, and puppymill dogs – may have health and/or behavioral problems, yes. But many of these problems can be rectified, with time, patience and/or counseling. Take the “Michael Vick dogs” – nearly half have been successfully rehabilitated and rehomed (the rest will receive lifelong care at Best Friends, a no-kill sanctuary). Should an animal really be sentenced to death because of what a human has done to her?

(Here, I pause to think of my recently departed pit bull girl Shadow, who possibly came to us as a discarded fighting dog, and turned out to be one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known; and of my newest girls, Miss Kaylee and Jayne, who were found with a third dog in a rental home that had been abandoned two weeks earlier. Sure, Jayne was recovering from heartworm when we adopted her, and Kaylee still pees with separation anxiety when left alone, but I wouldn’t trade either of them for $1500 models any day.)

Furthermore, rescue groups and breeders largely work from different perspectives: rescue groups want to rehome their animals with nice, loving families, ensuring that they’re not relinquished a second (or third, fourth, fifth) time, whereas breeders are primarily looking to make some money. Rescue groups have a greater interest, then, in making love and lifestyle matches between animals and guardians. Part of this process involves honesty about an animal’s health and behavioral issues.

While it’s true that pounds and shelters don’t have enough time with their charges to do a full behavioral assessment, many rescue groups do; so if you’re a newbie companion animal guardian, worried about biting off more than you can chew, start with a rescue group, particularly one that fosters the animals in-house before adopting them out.

With a little research and patience, you can find the animal that’s perfect for you, your family and your lifestyle.

And did I mention that older and/or “shelter” dogs oftentimes arrive with basic house- and obedience training?

5. Ethics and morality.

Animals are not ours to exploit for our own purposes – plain and simple. Purchasing animals from breeders, as though they’re the newest designer jeans or the latest model iPhone, is just plain wrong. They are not items. They are living, breathing, feeling, sentient beings, with their own interests and rights. Breeding and buying while rescued animals are dying – that’s a pretty blatant violation of their rights, and of basic human morality (i.e., unnecessary suffering is bad).

Let’s face it – a breeder makes money by exploiting her animals’ reproductive systems and treating them like commodities to be bought and sold. No matter how “responsible,” “kind,” or “loving” a particular breeder seems, the fact remains: she is in the business (or “hobby”) of creating more dogs (cats) when millions are put to death annually. A person who truly “loves” the breed can demonstrate this love and devotion by volunteering with a rescue group – rather than sentencing 12-20 dogs (or 12-24 cats) to death per year.

Think of it this way: would you buy a baby? Of course not! – People who sell black market babies are sick, right? Nor should babies be “gifted” as though they’re televisions or Wiis. Aside from species membership, how are puppies and kittens any different?

If, for some unfathomable reason, you absolutely cannot find a rare Black Russian Terrier through adoption networks, perhaps you should stop and consider whether you truly need a Black Russian Terrier. Wanting and needing are different things, you see. Needing involves survival; wanting involves luxury and convenience. Is it acceptable to sentence a rescue dog to death for your own convenience?

Sure, maybe it’ll be a bit disappointing, at first, to forgo a Black Russian Terrier for a Rat Terrier; but you’ll fall in love with that terrier just the same. And if you don’t, well, maybe you’re not a “dog person” after all. Maybe you should go buy a Wii and care for a virtual dog instead.

6. Animals make terrible gifts.

OK, so this last point isn’t specific to “shelter dogs,” but it’s relevant to the campaign as a whole. While encouraging animal adoption vs. breeding is a laudable goal, I would like to make an addendum to IDA’s campaign: animals make terrible gifts. They’re not objects; you can’t stash them in the closet when you’re sick of them. Unless you know – for certain – that the recipient wants and expects a cat, dog, etc. for x-mas, gifting an animal is completely inappropriate, and not at all in the animal’s best interests.

If an animal “gift” is welcome and agreed upon, you should let the recipient choose the animal. Adopting an animal is a lifelong commitment – so who better to choose the match than the animal’s new guardian?

With all this in mind, let’s look at a few animals available for adoption across the United States.

Brigid is a dachshund puppy from Dachshund Rescue North America (DRNA) – a nation-wide breed-specific rescue group dedicated to dachshunds. We adopted Ralphie from DRNA in 2001.

Brigid is as cute as a button! She loves to play w/ her brothers, Brik #06452 & Brok #06454, but if one gets a little rough, she lets them know! She loves playing in the outdoors & running & running about—chasing whatever is there (a leaf!). Brigid gets along w/ the resident dachshunds in her foster home, who are all ‘adults’. She is very affectionate & loves to give sweet kisses to any & everyone she meets! Puppy play toys are the ultimate for her, so she will wants lots! She is crate-trained & rides well in the car. Harness/halter leash walking will need ‘refining’ when adopted!! :-) Brigid is still working on the housetraining, but doing really great w/ it! Brigid & her 2 brothers have never been separated, so another young dog would be a companion for the little girl. Brigid is fostered in eastern NC.

Capulina is a young, female Border Collie/German Shepherd mix currently staying with Stray from the Heart in New York City:

If you ever had a Border Collie mix you understand why its so hard to ever change breeds. They are intelligent, incredibly loyal and are able to read your mind before you say a word. As far as leash walking goes, Capulina is the easiest dog to walk as she never pulls and leaves your side.

At 45 pounds she is the perfect size for a city apt, but she would be great in a home outside the city as well. The most important thing to Capulina is not where she lives but whom she lives with; she is so ready to bond with that special someone. She actually searches the faces of the people she meets with the hopes of finding her forever mother or father (or both) and make them the center of her universe although she is not needy or high maintenance. Even though in the past she lived peacefully with many other dogs, it’s been her dream since she has been a little girl to be an only child.

Britney is an adult, female British Shorthair cat – and a former breeder – staying in Los Angeles with Foreverhome Pet Rescue:

Britney is a purebred Silver Shaded British Shorthair from a situation where the breeder could no longer take care of her cats. Britney was a breeder cat – so she is shy, but sometimes she will purr and rub up against you. She is used to being around a lot of other cats. Britney needs a quiet home with no children or dogs – and she needs someone who understands that it is not likely that she will ever be a lap cat.

This kitty was a baby machine all her life – she is now 4 years old and spayed and just needs a place to hang out. Oh – and please don’t take her picture! She hates the camera!

ShereKhan and Abbi are a pair of male/female Domestic Short Hair-white Tiger kitteh mixes from Washington, DC. Alliance for Stray Animals and People rescued them from “euthanasia” at the local pound:

Both of these guys were pulled from the local county shelter when their time was up. While in foster care they have bonded, so we decided to do what’s best for this pair and keep them together.

ShereKhan is the 3 yr. old tabby/white male. He is very outgoing and sweet. A kitty that loves attention from it’s humans and is not shy about asking for it. ShereKhan is blind in one eye but that does not affect him at all.

Abbi is a beautiful tortoiseshell. She is small in size. She is a little more reserved than ShereKhan but has followed his example and comes up to us for cuddle time now.

Abbi and ShereKhan are both spayed/neutered, up to date with shots, Feline Leukemia/FIV negative and micro chipped.

Walter is a young male rabbit who is being cared for by the Seattle Animal Shelter in Seattle, WA:

Poor Walter came back to the shelter after things didn’t work out in his adoptive home. This handsome one year old Californian was adopted a few months ago after living in horribly filthy conditions with several other rabbits, and now he’s in foster care. Walter is an active rabbit with a sweet, intense personality. He’d do best in a rabbit-savvy home, possibly as a companion for another gentle rabbit. Walter has good box habits, and enjoys being petted. Like a lot of rabbits, Walter needs to feel secure in his surroundings or will avoid being picked up. He is perfectly content to hop on his person’s lap to snuggle…this rabbit likes his feet as close to the ground as possible. Is your home worthy of Walter’s love?

Lucy Lu is a baby pot bellied pig; you can meet her in Pardeeville, WI, through the Midwest Animal and Potbellied Pig Association and Rescue:

I’m Lucy Lu. I am a sweet loving young shy black and white female potbellied pig baby. I am about 10 weeks, maybe more but I am skinny cuz I wasn’t taken care of properly. But I love food and to eat and to potty outside, and I know now I will be gaining the weight I should be in no time. Right now, you can still feel my ribs. the volunteers feel sorry for my past life i had, but i am nothing but positive about my future in finding a forever loving home. If you are educated on the care and needs of potbellied pigs. You might be my next family.I want an indoor home that I can have access to go outside to do my potty business and graze on fresh grass a little every day. Kinda like what dogs have access to. I need lots of love and attention. I need you to give me fresh food, water, and proper vet care and please be smarter than me, so I don’t have to tell you what to do for whats best for me.

Pudge is a Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet), who hails from Delware, Ohio and is staying with Central Ohio Friends of a Feather:

Pudge, a 5 yr old Quaker came to us because his owner died suddenly. He is the most handsome of all the Quakers that I have personally seen with a stunning and sweet personality. He prefers to be out of his cage and more preferably with you. So far he has no fear of other birds, dogs or people. He LOVES fresh nanna’s and semi-dried figs. He is a seed eater. He has been vetted and given a clean bill of health except for he’s 3 grams overweight and some fat was found in his bloodwork. This is from too many sunflower seeds so he is beginning a conversion to pellets. He must stay on the pellet mix otherwise he is more likely to get fatty liver disease. Pudge came with two cages. One is without a stand…and not really suitable for a Quaker. The other is a brass cage again not the best type for a Quaker but will work for a temporary cage. He does need a sturdy cage as Quakers do like to chew. He LOVES to be near you and has given kisses already and likes a good head scratch. He does say “Chop Chop!” and “Michael” as Michael was his previous owner. His owner’s mother has asked for our assistance in finding Pudge the best possible home. He seems to have been taken care of real well and really needs someone who will continue to provide him the loving care his owner gave to him.

These eight fur- and feather-babies represent a minuscule fraction of the millions of animals which pass through the animal adoption system each and every year. 12 million have been adopted through Petfinder alone!

Please, if you’re looking to obtain an animal – no matter its species, breed, age, sex, special needs or temperament – please consider adoption.

Be a hero. Save a life.

(Crossposted from.)

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Keep Your Animals Safe On July 4th!

Photo via Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton

The Fourth of July can be one of the most dangerous and frightening holidays for animals. Loud explosions are terrifying to animals who don’t understand them.

With proper planning and some common sense, your companion animals can remain safe and secure on Independence Day. Here are some tips:

* First and foremost, leave your companion animals at home when you go to see fireworks! Resist the urge to take them to fireworks displays.

* Before you leave home for the fireworks, make sure your animals are indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your companion animal could destroy or that would be harmful if chewed or swallowed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him/her company.

* Make sure your animals are wearing identification tags (and it’s even better if they’re also microchipped!) so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly.

* Do not leave an animal in your car. With only hot air to breathe, your animal friend can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air or cooling, but they do provide an opportunity for your animal to be kidnapped.

* If you know that your animal becomes seriously distressed by loud noises, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

* Never leave your animals outside unattended, even in a fenced yard, and especially not on a chain. With explosions occuring, animals who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death. (There are lots of other reasons to never leave your dog chained! Contact us if you want more information about the negative effects of chaining dogs.)

* If you find somebody else’s companion animals running at-large, either take them to the address on the tag, if you feel comfortable doing so, or bring them to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their human families.

And our friends at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offer the following additional tips, which are appropriate year-round but especially so on Independence Day:

* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where animals can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison animals. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your animal that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

* Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of animals’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing – or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

* Keep animals on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can cause severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

* Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in animals.

* Never use fireworks around animals! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious animals, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
Tell-a-friend!

If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for IDA’s Action Center.

About IDA

In Defense of Animals, located in San Rafael, Calif., is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your donations. Please join today! All donations to IDA are tax-deductible.

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 388-9641 Fax (415) 388-0388
idainfo [at] idausa.org

idausa.org

(Crossposted to.)

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News

Holiday Safety Tips for Animal Companions
Keep your whole family safe and happy during this special season
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But with all the tempting foods, exotic plants, and artificial decorations around, your animal companions may need a little extra protection to keep them safe and happy around this special time of year..

Cast Your Vote for IDA’s Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants in 2007 List
Help us publicize pachyderms’ paltry conditions in captivity
For the last few years, IDA has released its annual list of the Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants to draw attention to the appalling treatment of Earth’s largest mammal in captivity…

Three Face Animal Cruelty Charges for Puerto Rico Bridge Massacre
Perpetrators could spend nine years in prison
The owner of Animal Control Solutions and two of his employees have been charged with animal cruelty for throwing dogs and cats off a bridge in Puerto Rico…

Features

Meatout Mondays Weekly Recipe: Sweet Potato Latkes

Great Holiday Gift: IDA-Africa’s 2007 Calendar

Support IDA-Africa by purchasing a calendar highlighting some of the special chimpanzees at the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center. Each month features a beautiful color photograph and a short biography for a different chimpanzee, as well as important U.S. and Cameroon dates and animal welfare observance days.

Each 17″ x 11″ calendar is only $15, including shipping and handling and proceeds from each purchase directly benefit the chimpanzees at the sanctuary. View the calendar online and order yours today!
IDA’s Auction for Animals Underway Now!

Support IDA by bidding on fabulous items in our eBay Auction for Animals. With more than 200 tantalizing auction items worth over $30,000, including signed celebrity memorabilia, vacation hotel accommodations, spa and beauty treatments, wine tasting tours, fine dining experiences, tickets to cultural and sporting events, fun family activity packages, and much more, there’s something for everyone.

The Cat Therapist

Every month, Carole Wilbourn, the Cat Therapist, answers questions and offers advice on how guardians can enrich their relationships with their beloved feline companions. Read the latest Cats on the Couch column. Also visit Carole’s Cat Store to purchase a copy of her classic book, “Cat Talk: What Your Cat is Trying to Tell You.”

About IDA

In Defense of Animals, located in San Rafael, Calif., is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your donations. Please join today! All donations to IDA are tax-deductible.

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 388-9641 Fax (415) 388-0388
idainfo [at] idausa.org

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IDA Action Alerts

IDA Seeks Whistleblowers at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
$2500 reward offered for evidence of animal cruelty at amusement park

Port Authority Exterminating Feral Cats at NY’s JFK Airport
IDA joins coalition to save cats and stop the killing

Rhode Island Woman Severs Stolen Parrot’s Leg
Take Action to urge prison sentence for animal abuser

Campaign News & Updates

Stay In Touch with IDA on Facebook
Networking site promotes friendship and animal advocacy

World GO VEGAN Days Wrap-Up
IDA holds outreach events, awards prize to winner of our e-Card contest

Cold Snap: Tips for Keeping Animals Safe & Warm This Winter
Protect your furry friends from frostbite, hypothermia & other seasonal health hazards

Features

IDA Benefit Concert: 2007 World Flute Fest

The 2007 World Flute Fest is a musical event to benefit IDA’s work for animals. This concert will feature flutists from around the world, including Ravichandra Kulur, Skip Healy, Roger Glenn, Carol Alban, Philip Gelb, Eric Fraser, Nancy Tyler, and Antonia David, as well as the San Francisco Flute Quartet, the Fluteville Flute Choir, and others. Vocalist Alvenson Moore will also perform with the Bay Area Chamber Symphony.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some great music in a spectacular setting while helping IDA.

What: 2007 World Flute Fest: A Benefit Concert for IDA

When: Saturday, November 3rd from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Where: The Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, Calif.

Admission is free, but donations to benefit IDA will be accepted. For more information, write to worldflutefest [at] aol.com.

Quotables

“And as the butcher takes away the calf
And binds the wretch, and beats it when it strays,
Bearing it to the bloody slaughter-house,
Even so remorseless have they borne him hence;
And as the dam runs lowing up and down,
Looking the way her harmless young one went,
And can do nought but wail her darling’s loss.”

— William Shakespeare (from Twelfth Night)

“Meatout Mondays” Weekly Recipe

Spooky Eggless Sandwich

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About IDA

In Defense of Animals, located in San Rafael, Calif., is an international animal protection organization with more than 85,000 members and supporters dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights and welfare. IDA’s efforts include educational events, cruelty investigations, boycotts, grassroots activism, and hands-on rescue through our sanctuaries in Mississippi and Cameroon, Africa.

In Defense of Animals is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your donations. Please join today! All donations to IDA are tax-deductible.

In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner, San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel. (415) 388-9641 Fax (415) 388-0388
idainfo [at] idausa.org

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare action alerts ida in defense of animals Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Six Flags amusement park circus zoo Vallejo California elephants captive elephants Washington Redskins cats felines feral cats jfk JFK International Airport animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty parrot theft petco Rhode Island facebook events holidays observances world go vegan days winter companion care

Animal Protection Institute (API): Urge USDA to Get Luna and Tonka off the Road
Please contact the USDA today and urge it to step in and require that Ringling Bros. retire Luna and Tonka from travel — for the elephants’ own health and well-being, and for the safety of the public.

Ecological Internet / Climate Ark: Protest Australia’s Ancient Forest Logging and Climate Change Eco-Hypocrisy
Dramatic efforts required to stop the expansion of Tasmanian old-growth forest logging by construction of a massive new paper pulp mill by Gunns Ltd

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell the NFL to Recognize Animal Abuse as an Offense Warranting Suspension–and More
PETA is calling on the NFL to add cruelty to animals—in all its forms—to its personal conduct policy.

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert: August 24, 2007
ASPCA Applauds Investigation of Vick Case/Pet Food Recall Update

Best Friends Animal Society: eNews, August 24, 2007
Hundreds of orphan pets rescued by Best Friends Network

Petitions

Against Puppy Farms in the UK

Mandatory, regular inspection of barges towing dangerous goods

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site best friends best friends animal society michael vick dog canine cat feline pet companion animal animal fighting dogfighting blood sports news in the news newsletter peta people for the ethical treatment of animals nfl national football league animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals roger goodell personal conduct policy American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals aspca dog food cat food pet food recall petitions the petition site puppy mills ecological internet ie climate ark logging Australia gunns ltd. pulp mill api animal protection institute circus luna tonka Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Ringling Bros.

DawnWatch: Los Angeles Times front page on animal cruelty — 8/17/07
The article by John M. Glionna is headed, “A beastly kind of cruelty” and sub-headed, “Drive-by shooters, often youths, are killing farm animals in a growing wave of violence. The culprits may face only vandalism charges.”

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Thank the U.S. Attorneys in the Vick Case!
Sign our virtual thank you card for the U.S. Attorneys in the Vick case

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): An End to Animal Tests?
It could be a reality, but the agency charged with approving non-animal test methods—including many that are already in use in Europe—refuses to take action.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Help Remove Tonka and Luna From Travel With Ringling!
PETA is asking the USDA to immediately and permanently remove from travel two reportedly “dangerous” elephants traveling with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): URGENT: Ohio Judge Awards Custody of Abused Dog to Dog’s Convicted Abuser
Please ask Judge Robert Lyons to reconsider his decision to return China to Clark, which could put an animal who has already suffered so much in a grave situation.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Urge The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry to Display the Humane Charity Seal
The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry has taken a wonderful step—it has assured the Council on Humane Giving in writing that it does not fund cruel animal research.

Save Our Wild Salmon (SOS): Contact Your Senators: Help Stop the Anti-Salmon Rider!
Senator Craig is directing federal agencies to implement a harmful salmon plan that federal courts have already ruled illegal.

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): News Alert, August 17, 2007
Your Garbage Can Be Dangerous to Pets/Take Our Cat Survey

Best Friends Animal Society: eNews, August 17, 2007
Amazing Adoption Day & more!

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Animal Savings Club eNews, August 20, 2007
Animal Savings Club: Win a skyn ICELAND Skincare Kit!

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Weekly eNews, August 19, 2007
PETA E-News: Veal Assoc. to End Confinement!; Top 10 Veg-Friendly Ballparks

Petitions

Give Bob the Tortoise’s Abuser the Max Time

Prosecute the woman who abused this boxer dog to the fullest!!

In Support of Tre Smith

OPPOSE CRUEL MONKEY SLAUGHTER IN INDIA

Not with the promotion of the race Palio di Siena in the next James Bond movies

Help a no kill animal sanctuary double in size by just changing your search engine

STOP “COUGAR HUNTING WITH THE AID OF DOGS”

Don’t Sacrifice Wildlife to Secure the Border

EPA: Protect Communities from fumigant pesticides!

Save Australia’s Sacred Uluru ~ It’s Wildlife And Community From Destruction

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site Best Friends Animal Society Best Friends news newsletter in the news animal adoption animal rescue pet companion animal dog canine cat feline American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA companion care dawnwatch animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty farm animals property People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals PETA animal research animal testing animal experimentation vivisection ICCVAM Tonka Luna Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus circus elephants usda Robert Lyons Otis Clark Jr. Otis Clark Somerville Ohio Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry Gilda Radner Council on Humane Giving Humane Charity Seal michael vick Chuck Rosenburg animal fighting dogfighting blood sports atlanta falcons atlanta falcons nfl salmon wildlife conservation sos save our wild salmon petitions the petition site California Ventura Jose Mosqueda Bob tortoise Bob the tortoise Georgia Yvette Warsham breeder backyard breeder movies James Bond horses horse race Palio di Siena Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tre Smith Canada spca monkeys India search engine Farplace Animal Rescue Kata Tjuta National Park Uluru Australia Mexico border border security secure the border immigration illegal immigration EPA fumigant pesticides fumigants pesticides hunting cougars cougar hunting Washington