Adopt Butler a Senior Lab Pit Bull Mix Dog in Kansas City

This handsome fellow is Butler.  He's a mostly Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog currently calling Wayside Waifs animal shelter home where staff believe there might be some Pit Bull Terrier, too.  Regardless of the breeds, Butler is a sweet boy who needs a forever home.  At over 7 year old, Butler is a senior dog, but he still has a lot of living to do.

Here's his adoption message:

Hello there, I'm Butler! I am a happy, sweet, loving dog, just searching for a brand new home to call my own. I hope maybe you will be my new family. I hope we will find each other and celebrate many happy years together as best friends and loyal companions. I need you in my life and hope you need me too.

I am a handsome, 7 year old, 51 pounds of pure sweetness, Lab mix. Staff thinks I might have a little Pit Bull Terrier as part of my mix, but it's hard to say. Whatever my heritage, I'm proud of the wonderful dog I am. I'm beautiful, both inside and out, with a lovely chocolaty color fur. And besides my good looks, I can't wait to show you my incredible personality and zest for life. Did you notice my adoption fee is half price, because of my senior status? I hope you won't pass me by because of my age though, because age is just a number and I've got lots of living left to do! In fact, I have some lost time to make up for. I think I had sort of a tough life so far, so I hope I will be spoiled and doted on in my new home.

I came to Wayside as a stray from Grandview, MO, and my owner was contacted, but never came for me. I imagine he misses me and I'm sure there's a good reason that he didn't come. Maybe he thought a new family is what I need in my life right now. In any case, I've forgiven him and am now ready to move on with my wonderful life. I seem to be at least partially housetrained, because I keep my kennel clean and try my best to hold it until I get outside. Please be patient with me though, when we get home, as I get used to my new routine with you. I'm already a volunteer favorite! They love my gentle and calm spirit and they think I am one pretty special dog! I walk just perfectly on my leash, right by your side, so proud to be with you. And I love to get out in the fresh air. I'm a friendly and social dog who loves to be near my people.

I'm treat motivated and very smart, so training me is a cinch. I already know how to sit, which I am happy to do, especially if you have a tasty treat. I do have sort of a hard mouth and sometimes I grab for my treat, but I'm working on that and it's an easy thing to teach me to take my treats gently. I love to learn and love to make you happy, so please teach me and show me when I do something you like, so that I can repeat my good behavior! In general, I like other dogs just fine and I'm appropriate in my play, but if you do have another, I'd love to meet them before we go home, to see how we do together. Same with all the people in the family. I'll probably be happiest in a home without kids under the age of 5, and I want to meet the whole family, please.

I'm a people pleasing, happy go lucky, tail wagging sort of dog who loves to be by your side. What more can you ask for? I will make such a wonderful addition to your life, if you'll just give me a chance. Please, I'm waiting for you now and am so ready for our new life together to begin.
Love, Butler

Take a look at Butler's adoption video and you'll see why Love Is In The Air is a perfect song for him.  Then give Wayside Waifs a call at 816-761-8151.  Butler's animal ID number is 22826602.  Remember, since Butler is a senior his adoption fee is half price!




Wayside Waifs is Kansas City’s largest no-kill animal shelter.   They are an independent, 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit humane society and animal welfare organization established in 1944.  Wayside Waifs is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. Wayside is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, placing over 5,400 animals each year in loving forever homes. Wayside does not euthanize adoptable animals, and there are no time limits for animals in our care. Only animals suffering from significant medical issues or those that pose a danger are humanely euthanized. Wayside Waifs is proud to be a part of Kansas City's no-kill community. Talking Dogs blog is participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs. This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!
  

Tuesday's Tails blog hop participants can post any day of the week and link up with a fresh blog hop linky every Tuesday.  Though targeted at adoptable pets, we also welcome blog posts regarding pet adoption, rescue organizations and adoption events.Fetch the new Tuesday's Tails Facebook page and give us a like! Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!
  
Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.  

Dog On A 10 Foot Chain by Donna Hughes | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so time for Dog Song Saturday at Talking Dogs.  Though recently we've been featuring some silly songs, today we've got a very serious one.  

Dog On A 10 Foot Chain is an original dog song by Donna Hughes.  This ballad tackles the issue of dogs living their lives outdoors on a chain.  The accompanying video definitely requires a tissue alert.

Singer / songwriter Hughes notes:  

Let's change the world with a song!  

This song is available on iTunes and you can learn more about Hughes at her website.

Grab a dog to cuddle and a tissue, too.  Sit.  Stay.  Enjoy the advocacy ballad Dog On A 10 Food Chain by Donna Hughes.

Then consider taking some action to change the world for some of our canine friends who live their lives chained.  Though there are other organizations that have taken on this issue, we particularly like Dogs Deserve Better.

Adopt Mannix a Senior Beagle Dog at Stray Rescue St Louis

Are you looking for an older, mellow friend?  Then Mannix is the dog for you!

Mannix is a 9 year old Beagle.  He loves to just kick back and watch the world go by.  His favorite pastimes are sunning himself, nappy, eating, being massaged, and... did I mention napping?

Mannix also loves to take leisurely strolls and check out the world.  He gets along great with the other dogs in his foster home and he doesn't mind cats.

Mannix is just a little bit hard of hearing and has a little bit of arthritis, but otherwise is perfectly healthy.

To find out more about Mannix or to set up an appointment to meet him, contact Stray Rescue St Louis at 314-771-6121

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.  Virtually all of the pets they save have been abused and neglected.  Stray Rescue is a no-kill organization that believes rescued animals often make the best pets.  Given a second lease on life and in return for a little affection and attention, these remarkable animals reward their new owners with a love and loyalty unmatched anywhere.

We are participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz and Talking Dogs.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes! 
Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Mother Nature and Tuesdays Tails | Monday Mischief

Jeffie keeps a grim eye on the freezing rain and ice.

When I began this blog post temperatures were in the 60's and I'd just come in from playing with the dogs.   As I finish this post, it is 32 degrees and Mother Nature has been flinging freezing rain down from the heavens for several hours.

I call that mischief.   If I lose electrical power, it's major mischief.

Jeffie, Rudy and Rosie agree.  They're very depressed with this weather.  The past couple of days they'd been tricked to believe it was spring.  When they went outside a few minutes ago they found it hard to get traction with all the ice and they immediately turned around and came back in.

After toweling off the dogs, I'm back to my "original mischief."   

And this mischief is mine.  All mine. 

Where is this place?  I need a consultation!

I agreed to co-host the Tuesday's Tails blog hop and new Facebook page.  Just what I needed:  something more to do!  (Laugh with me, please.)

Actually, Lisa at DogsnPawz and the founder of Tuesday's Tails blog hop makes it easy.  Since I've been featuring adoptable dogs here on my blog since 2008, there really was no reason to say no.

Tuesday's Tails is the blog hop that promotes adoption of pets from animal shelters and rescues.  A fresh hop linky is available every Tuesday.  However, participants can post any day of the week.   I almost always post my adoptable dogs on Sunday, then when Tuesday rolls around, I link up to the hop.

If you already promote pet adoption on your blog, please link up to the hop.  Though targeted at adoptable pets, we also welcome any blog posts regarding pet adoption, rescue organizations, and adoption events.

Blog hop participant's posts will be shared on our Facebook page, as well as other information related to pet adoption.

Lisa and I firmly believe that social media can move mountains to help pets find loving forever homes.  Several pets featured on the Tuesday's Tails hops have done just that.

You don't want to write about adoptable pets?  Then, how about giving the Tuesday's Tails Facebook page a "like?"   How about stopping by the hop once in awhile and sharing participants posts via social media?

Lisa and I would like to see this blog hop grow.  Not for ourselves.  For the pets like Carley.  I featured her yesterday and a year ago.  She's 6 years old and has spent her whole life in a no-kill animal shelter.  

There are so many wonderful pets like Carley that deserve homes.  

Please, give us a hand.  Say yes
.
Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Thank you to Snoopy’s Dog Blog, Alfie’s Blog, and My Brown Newfies for hosting Monday Mischief!

Factory Farming | Blog the Change

I've lived beyond the sidewalks for many years now and as one friend has said:  this is your life's blessing -to be close to the animals.

It will come as no surprise to you if you've read my posts about horse slaughter and puppy mills, that I believe that all animals should be treated with compassion and protected from suffering. 

Many was the day I dragged a lawn chair out to just sit in quiet meditation with my cattle herd.  There's a zen quality to bovine that is magical.  While some of my "cowgirls" would simply continue to browse the grass, some would come and lay beside me.  Quietly chewing their cud and gazing off in the distance.  Perhaps they were looking inward, like me. 
 

Some of my cowgirls.

Unfortunately, billions of farm animals lack even access to pasture, let alone the most basic welfare protections under the law.

According the ASPCA, more than 99% of farm animals in the US are raised in factory farms - large, industrial operations that raise large numbers of animals for food.  There the focus is on profit and efficiency, not animal welfare.

Where did that milk come from that you poured over your cereal this morning?  The hamburger you ate last night?  How about that pork chop?  Or the eggs in your recent omelet?

Probably from animals being raised in extreme confinement, not in those gorgeous pastures shown in commercials and print ads.  Those animals have been bred to grown unnaturally fast and large to maximize profit.

Cows belong in fields.  Watch the dairy cows below.  They've just been released into fresh spring pasture.  They remind me of my own "cowgirls."  When we moved them from one pasture to another they danced with joy and glee.



Living in confinement, dairy cows ares often injected with BGH (bovine growth hormone) which can increase the incidence of mastitis and lameness. Tails are often docked.  A dairy cow is considered "used up" at 5 years of age on average in the United States and slaughtered for human consumption.  In a natural setting, cows can live more than 20 years.

Beef cattle usually begin their lives on pasture with their mothers.  However, they're soon separated for weaning and by the time they're a year old they on their way to a feedlot.  There they're fattened on an unnatural diet unto they reach optimal market weight and sent to slaughter.

Sows (female pigs of breeding age) most often live a life confined to a gestation crate which is only slightly larger than their own body.  Their lives are a cycle of pregnancy, birth, nursing and then, finally, slaughter.

Each year in the United States, over 200 million male chicks are killed upon hatching because they will never lay eggs.  The majority of hens (female chickens) are debeaked and spend their lives in battery cages which usually hold 5-10 chickens with room enough to barely turn around if they're lucky.  After a year or two, when egg production declines, those chickens are sent to slaughter.  

In addition to the egg industry, chickens raised for meat usually spend their lives confined to warehouse packed with as many as 20,000 chickens.  Again, with individual space enough to turn around if they're lucky.  They're often slaughtered at only 42 days old.

What you can do:

• Meatless Monday - Try going meatless one day a week.
• Eat at restaurants that support the local sustainable food system.  Visit the Eat Well Guide to find them near you. 
• Shop at your local farmer's market.
• Check out purchasing a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share.  One good resource is Local Harvest.
• Explore independent grocery stores and co-ops looking for locally produced meats, eggs and dairy products from traditional farmers.
• Look for local farmers online.  More and more smaller farms sell directly to consumers via a website.
• Become a label reader.  Look for "pasture access."  "Grass fed" does not necessarily mean the animals were ever on pasture.  "Organic" does not mean that the animals didn't spend their lives in confinement on a dry lot/feedlot.
• Follow and take action on legislation related to factory farming with the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, or other animal welfare organization.

Frankly, the absence of photographs and lots of details is intentional in this blog post.  However, I did find this video produced by Compassion in World Farming that is relatively "safe" to watch.  Though they're talking about Europe, this rings true of factory farming in the United States, too.

January 15^th is Blog the Change Day - a day when pet bloggers and pet lovers come together to blog, read, share and Be the Change for Animals.  Bloggers are encouraged to write about pet fire safety in July or about a cause near and dear to their heart. Readers are encouraged to read and share their favorite posts.  Join Team BtC on January 15^th to Blog the Change for animals.

Adopt Sophie a Senior Tricolor Harrier Dog in Missouri

This sweet senior dog is Sophie.  She a spayed female, tricolor Harrier and about 7 years old.  Sophie has a beautiful tricolor coat and lovely floppy ears.

Animal shelter staff say she's a typical hound dog:  vocal!  Sophie loves to talk to people to get their attention.  Once she has it, she's pretty laid back.  Sophie is easy to walk on a leash and loves to go for walks to explore the world.

Have a look at Sophie's adoption video and you'll see how mellow she is.  Give the Human Society of Missouri animal shelter in Chester field a call at 636-530-0805. Sophie's animal ID number is A471494



Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances.  They provide a safe and caring haven to animals - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned.  Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and overpopulation, assist in creating lasting relations hips between people and animals, offer world-class veterinary care, plus offer pet obedience and behavior programs.  HSMO operates three animal shelters in the St Louis, Missouri, area, plus Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri, for abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, chickens and other farm animals.

On Tuesday we'll be participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes!

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry. 

Sugar Lips, Hoarding and Dog Coats | Follow-up Friday

I'm happy to be joining Heart Like a Dog in the follow-up Friday blog hop this week.  This is the blog hop that lets you wrap up your week and leads you right into the weekend.  Hosted by FUF creator, Jodi at Heart Like a Dog and co-hosted today by Donna at Donna and the Dogs.

Did you realize that Sunday was National Black Cat Day?  I remembered in time to feature The Black Cat Song on Dog Song Saturday.  If you love cats (Skeeter insists I do) check out this purrfect feline video.

I referenced Henry's sugar lips when I featured him as my adoptable dog this week.  Though all our senior dogs eventually sported sugar lips, the black ones really showed.  Why "sugar lips?"  Because senior dogs are so sweet, I reckon.
 

Tucker and his sugar lips.

Hundreds of applications were submitted to the Humane Society of Missouri to adopt Trooper.  It will probably take them some time to decide who will be the lucky new family for this pup.

The running joke around our house is about how easily I could become a hoarder.  Of course, real life hoarding is no laughing matter, as the recent rescue of over 250 animals by the HSMO makes very clear in their rescue video.  These animals were removed from a property where the owner was prosecuted in 2010.  At that time she agreed not to acquire more animals for 2 years.  You can do the math.   Linda asks: "So what is to prevent this person from acquiring more animals in the future?"   Hopefully, when this case goes to court, the court will stipulate that she can acquire no more animals in the future.  Totally agree, Emma, that there probably are many more cases like this we never hear about.  Dawn, I'm so glad your mom's dog was rescued!  

Rudy wearing one of his hand-me-down dog coats.

Rudy wearing another hand-me-down coat. 

I have to tell you, we really are liking Rudy's new EzyDog Element Jacket.   As I prepared to write the review and surfed the company web site, I recognized other EzyDog products I've seen other bloggers review with high marks.  Emma tested the EzyDog leash and loved it.  Oz just reviewed the EzyDog shock absorbing leash. Jen has an EzyDog backpack and loves it.  In fact, I saw photos of Leroy wearing it just the other day.   Bren, I'm looking forward to your review of the EzyDog chest plate harness.

Caren is getting ready to review this jacket and mentioned that Dakota's is a little too big.   I think their jackets do run a bit large.  That said, I'm quite sure that the next size smaller would have been too small for Rudy.  Since the review I've managed to better adjust it.  Jan K - this is a lightweight water proof coat and would (in my opinion) be terrific for walking in the snow or rain.  The thing I really liked best is the cut of the coat.  As JoAnn noted, he can move really well even when he's flying.  (big smile here).

Rudy can really fly in his very own new EzyDog Elements Dog Jacket!

Pup Fan, my caramel chocolate pecan "crack pie" IS amazing!  SlimDoggy, you can substitute walnuts or another favorite nut.  Hazelnuts would be devine.  Just saying...   Tubby3pug, you're killing me!  You simply must share that oat crust caramel crack pie recipe!  

I've still got rainy day dogs since it is still raining here.  Rudy is sad about the rain and Rosie is sad nobody will go outside and play in the rain with her!   In fact, when Rudy heard the zip of the camera bag and the little ding of the camera, he was too depressed to jump up with joy (thinking that it was time for a dog treat review.)  Rosie would love to splash in some puddles, Misaki!  Deanna, my dogs do the same thing - beg to go out then Jeffie and Rudy want right back in again (having never left the roofed porch.)  Jodi, you are so right - Rudy does absolutely adore his sister, Rosie!

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Over 250 Rabbits Goats Cats Dogs Chickens Rescued in MO

In 2010, 158 rabbits, dogs, cats, goats and fowl were rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri in Franklin County, Missouri.  

In a stipulated agreement with that County's prosecutor, the owner of the animals agreed that for a period of 2 years she would not acquire more animals than her 2 personal dogs, goats left on the property and 20 new rabbits.  That period ended February 2012.

This year, after being alerted by a concerned citizen about the possibility of a neglect situation, the HSMO Animal Cruelty Task Force contacted the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.  After investigating, the Sheriff's Office served a warrant to remove the animals on November 12, 2013.

Over 250 animals were rescued this time.  The animals include:  192 domestic rabbits, 25 goats, 10 cats, 21 chickens, 4 dogs, 1 duck.  

According to the HSMO all of the animals were living in filthy conditions.  

The rabbits were housed in raised wire-bottom cages with feces piled in the cages as well as more than a foot under the cages.

Many of the cages were encrusted with dirt and hair, plus have little to no shelter from the weather.  

Water for many of the animals was frozen, dirty and contaminated with feces.

Most cages held multiple rabbits with as many as 10 rabbits crammed in each of multiple cages.

The goats appear to be suffering from an upper respiratory illness.  None of the animals appear to have received any veterinary care.

The rescued rabbits, dogs, and cats were taken to the HSMO shelter in St. Louis City for veterinary care.  The goats, chickens and duck were taken to the HSMO Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.  A disposition hearing will be held December 4.  If custody of the animals is awarded to the HSMO, as many as possible will be made available for adoption.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Pit Bull Songs | Dog Song Saturday Pit Bull Awareness Day

It's Saturday, so time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.

We're celebrating 

National Pit Bull Awareness Day!  

In honor of these great dogs everywhere, our featured dog song today is Pit Bull Blues by John Shipe.  We've shared this song before because it is just so good!  So, even if you've heard it before, take a moment and enjoy it again.  Then pass it along as a learning tool for those who just don't know the truth about these dogs.

How about some more barking good original songs about Pit Bull dogs:

• Pit Bull Ban Song by Nancy Simmonds  This soft rocking melody tells the story of the bond between this singer/songwriter and her beloved Pit Bull dog.
• Pit Bull Rescue Woman by John Shipe  This very cool music video includes photos sent to Shipe by real life Pit Bull rescue women from around the globe.
• Remember When performed by Alan Jackson accompanies this great Pit Bull dog video.
• Pit Bulls Don't Cry 

 And, finally, be sure to fetch this blog post from Oh, Corbin:  You call me a Pit Bull like it's a bad thing.  Pass that along, too!

Grab a dog.  A Pit Bull if you're lucky enough to have one.  Sit.  Stay.  Snuggle with that dog.  Relax and enjoy songs about Pit Bull dogs!

Fetch some genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years!  And be sure to scroll down below today's featured dog song to explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.

Adopt Lilith a Pit Bull Dog in Missouri

Lilith is an adoptable Pit Bull dog in Missouri  Photo ©HSMO

This adorable Pit Bull girl is Lilith.  She's just a little over one year old and is looking for a loving forever home.

With that shiny black coat with white accents, Lilith is really a looker!  Obviously, she loves squeaker toys.  Lilith walks nicely on a leash and would love to be your walking buddy.

Lilith is already spayed and animal shelter staff believe she is housebroken.

This young Pit Bull girl is still full of plenty of that puppy energy.  She's a smart girl.  As a member of the shelter's enrichment program, she's already learned "sit" and takes treats very gently.

Have a look at Lilith's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri St Louis City animal shelter at call 314-951-1562.  Lilith's animal ID number is A556955

October is Pit Bull Awareness Month.  Please celebrate with us and share Lilith via social media to help her find her forever home.

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances.  They provide a safe and caring haven to animals - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned.  Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and overpopulation, assist in creating lasting relations hips between people and animals, offer world-class veterinary care, plus offer pet obedience and behavior programs.  HSMO operates three animal shelters in the St Louis, Missouri, area, plus Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, Missouri, for abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, chickens and other farm animals.

Talking Dogs blog will be participating in the Tuesday's Tails blog hop hosted by Dogs N Pawz.  This is the blog hop that features shelter pets.  Find a pet at your local animal shelter or rescue and join us!  Please help spread the word about these beautiful animals via social media and let's find them forever homes! 

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Feral Cat Song | Dog Song Saturday

It's Saturday, so that usually means it's time for a dog song at Talking Dogs.  Not today, folks!

Instead we have a very special song in honor of National Feral Cat Dat (October 16):  Feral Cat Song.  Even if you're not a cat lover, your will love this!

Feral Cat Song was written by Karen Green and is the musical tale of a feral cat lover, set to the tune of Peggy Lee's famous Fever.   Karen is performing the song acapella here at a Best Friends No More Homeless Pet national conference in 2008.

Sorry, no cute kitty video or slide show, but I know you're going to love these lyrics.  Listen closely.  Despite a lengthy web search, I never found the lyrics so I could share them here.

Grab a cat to cuddle!  Sit.  Stay.  Relax and enjoy Feral Cat Song by Karen Green.

Fetch some genuine dog song music videos at Talking Dogs.  You'll be surprised at how many we've collected over the past few years!  And be sure to scroll down below today's featured dog song to explore some barking good blogs in today's Pet Blogger Hop.
 

National Feral Cat Day | Not So Wordless Wednesday

 Our cat, Skeeter, was a feral cat.

  

We don't know her story, 

 but she is probably about 12-15 years old now.

Feral no more,  Skeeter & Rudy

have a very special relationship.

.

October 16 is National Feral Cat Day  

Alley Cat Allies launched National Feral Cat Day in 2001 to raise awareness about feral cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and recognize the millions of compassionate people who care for them.

Fetch the National Feral Cat Day website to check for events going on in your town.

Animal Welfare in Trouble in Missouri

From the looks of the legislative session, animal welfare in Missouri is in trouble.  Here's a wrap up of the latest news from the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation.

"As more and more commercial dog breeders stop breeding dogs due to recent implementation of humane standards of care, the clamor from the pet industry and agricultural interests increases as they rail against all laws protecting animals.

A prominent Missouri pet industry representative, Jim Hughes, who operated one of the largest dog brokering operations in the country, recently lamented that "today, the pet shop is about to suffer the same fate as Hostess Twinkies." Mr. Hughes stated that the "puppy breeders are disappearing in droves." Mr. Hughes blames the recently enacted Canine Cruelty Prevention Act (CCPA) stating that years ago "the commercial puppy breeders sold 400,000 puppies through pet stores across the country...that has been cut in half."

While it is true that over 900 dog breeding operations have closed down in Missouri, Mr. Hughes fails to acknowledge that the reason for doing so was not onerous regulations but rather many breeders simply refused to provide even a modicum of care and humane treatment to their dogs. The new regulations which proved too burdensome to hundreds of breeders were the requirements for veterinary care, adequate living space, and access to fresh air. Simply put, dog breeders can no longer warehouse their dogs in barns confined inside tiny cages often never seeing the light of day and languishing without veterinary care.

Instead of celebrating the demise of the cruel puppy mill scenario of raising dogs and encouraging a more humane and professional approach of producing puppies, industry leaders, along with agricultural interests, and even some lawmakers, are instead decrying a loss of jobs. At a recent hearing in a House Agriculture Committee, some lawmakers ramped up the rhetoric against the welfare of animals. Comments such as animals should not be companions, horses should not be companions, and they will make Bessie the cow a companion animal next, were heard including the claim that dogs are just an issue to get the foot in the door to attack animal agriculture. One lawmaker expressed a desire to weaken our new puppy mill law and another wants to lessen the penalties for dogfighting and for "those who torture animals."

A host of bills have already been introduced that would weaken current laws or restrict future laws protecting animals. One bill would even eliminate our current prohibition against cockfighting. We expect more adverse bills to come. We will keep you informed of our ongoing efforts to protect the welfare of animals in Jefferson City. This legislative session will no doubt be a very critical time for the welfare of animals in Missouri.

Here's the legislation MAAL is following in 2013 - legislation supported by MAAL is in black;  opposed is in red:

• HB 153 Added protections for Animal Control Officers.
• HB 174  Crimes Against Police Animals
• HB 205  Affirms the Right to Raise Livestock Without An Undue Economic Burden on Livestock Owners
• HB 206 Designates the Month of December as "Pet Breeders Appreciation Month"
• HB 210 Weakens Animal Fighting and Abuse Statutes 
• HB 255 Removes Taxes on Animal Shelters
• HB 284 Removes Taxes on Animal Shelters
• HJR 7 Proposed Constitutional Amendment Affirming the Right to Hunt, Fish and Farm
•  HJR 10 Proposed Constitutional Amendment Requiring 4/7 Majority on any Ballot Initiative Relating to Raising Livestock
• HJR 11 Proposed Constitutional Amendment Affirming the Right to Hunt, Fish and Farm
• SB 41 Weakens Protection Against Emission of Air Pollutants and Solid Waste Discharge
• SB 98 Removes Taxes on Animal Shelters
•  SB 149 Primate Act   

 Fetch the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation on the web for more information.

Recycle That Old Cell Phone to Help Animals

Upgrading your cell phone?  Thousands of new cell phones are purchased every day and lots of folks will be upgrading to the latest for the holidays.  If that includes you, what are your plans for your old cell phone?

Why not help the planet and animals at the same time?

Gift that old one to the Petco Foundation.  They're collecting and recycling old cell phones to aid in their mission of raising the quality of life for pets and the people who need them.  Proceeds from the donated phones help reduce the number of animals euthanized, rescue animals in crisis, provide lifesaving vaccinations for homeless pets, and rehabilitate pets with behavioral issues.

It's easy!  Simply print a prepaid shipping label at Petco.com/recycle and drop it in the mail.

Image courtesy of the Petco Foundation

The Petco Foundation has served as a voice for campaign animals across our country since 1999.  Each year they help animal welfare organizations find lifelong, loving homes for millions of homeless pets, as well as fund spay and neuter efforts, animal assisted therapy programs and humane education.  Visit them on the web at Petco.com

New Face of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation

Photo:  MAAL

 Meet Darby, the new face of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation for 2013.

Darby is a 2 1/2 year old Scottish Terrier / Basset Hound mix who lived in Chesterfield, MO.  When stray dog, Darby, was lost and alone he was taken to an animal shelter.  Rescued by the Scottish Terrier Rescue and placed in foster care, Darby's second placement proved to be the perfect forever home.

Darby will be featured in the Faces of the Alliance 2013 calendar, on the Missouri Alliance for Animal Welfare website and in other publications.

The Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation is a non-profit organization working to bring positive change for animals through legislative means.  They protect animals from abuse, neglect and inhumane exploitation by monitoring and facilitating the passage of animal welfare laws, enhancing the quality of life for people and animals in Missouri..
.

Labrador Life Line Labour of Love Auction

 Shop and bid to win amazing dog themed items for your dog, your home, and your friends.  At the same time you'll be supporting a fantastic volunteer animal welfare organization. 

Browse beautiful original art, dog toys and treats, dog collars and clothes, dog lover jewelry, and much, much more.  Among the items you'll find a black Labrador Retriever dog pendant necklace donated by For Love of a Dog.

Labrador Life Line's annual Labour of Love auction began on August 31 and runs through September 15 and is one of their biggest fundraisers.  Sign up here in order to participate. Monies gained help LLL carry out their mission to assist eligible Labs, whether owned or in rescue, with medical treatment or other special needs that will enable that dog to live out his or her life surrounded by people who love them. 

Dog Swims - St Louis Missouri Area

Live near St Louis?  Beat the heat and support animal welfare at the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation annual Pool Paws for Humane Laws dog swims.

Cost is only $10 for each dog and adult human companion; $3 for each addition human.  These dog swim fundraisers offer well socialized dogs the opportunity to take an end-of-season dip. Family members and friends are allowed to wade in the pool but not swim. (Download the Flyer here)

 

Dog Swim Events:

McNair Park Pool/St. Charles
Monday, August 6: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 9: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 636-946-1553) No rain out days scheduled

Kirkwood Aquatic Center
Tuesday, September 4: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 6: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 314-984-6972) No rain out days scheduled

Splash at Wabash/Ferguson
Wednesday, September 5: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 314-521-1313) Rainout date: September 6: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center/O’Fallon
Saturday, September 8: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Inclement weather call 636-272-1626) Rainout date: Saturday, September 15: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

RULES:

• Well socialized dogs welcome. No aggressive dogs. No pinch/choke collars.
• Proof of current vaccination records, DHLPP and Rabies, required before entering pool.
• Owners must bring bags or other method to clean up after their dogs.
• Dogs must be leashed unless swimming in the pool and closely supervised by their owners.
• All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are running loose and become rambunctious.
• Small children should be closely supervised to avoid injuries.
• All owners must sign a waiver and are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage caused by their dogs.
• One-half of the entry fees will be contributed to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, a nonprofit lobbying organization working to enact, support and protect Missouri animal welfare laws. Donations are not tax-deductible.

 For more information, contact the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation (MAAL)  or call 314-361-3944.  MAAL protects animals from abuse, neglect and inhumane exploitation by monitoring and facilitating the passage of animal welfare laws.