Adopt Missy an 8 Year Old Senior Lab Mix Dog in Missouri - Tuesdays Tails

This beautiful girl is Missy.  She's an 8 year old senior Labrador Retriever mix who's found herself at the Humane Society of Missouri's Chesterfield animal shelter.

Missy loves people, especially when they're petting her!  She's spayed, housebroken, and walks very nicely on a leash.

Help Missy find a home for the holidays!

Watch Missy's adoption video and then call the HSMO at 636-530-0805 for more information about adopting this sweet dog.  Missy's animal ID number is A468432.



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.

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.  Handmade artisan jewelry gifts in pet themes including dogs, cats, and horses.

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.  

Adopt Zealand a Pit Bull Dog at Stray Rescue St Louis

One look at this beautiful boy and my heart melted.  Just look at those awesome ears!  How can you resist one ear up and one ear down?  Zealand is a handsome boy and a favorite of the Stray Rescue of St Louis animal shelter staff and volunteers.

And it's not all his good looks.  Zealand came to Stray Rescue scared and confused.  He quickly learned that people are good and once he decides he like you, he is yours forever.  

Zealand is a male Pit Bull Terrier mix.  He's about 4 years old and weighs 66 pounds.

Recently Zealand got to go on a five mile hike with some of his shelter buddies.  On the way to the hiking site, he was an excellent car rider who enjoyed watching everything out the window.  Zealand was very excited to get started on the trails, but willingly slowed down on command.  During the hike he was not reactive to other dogs or people, he just wanted to smell as much as he could.  

One of Zealand's human friends describes him as awesome and wonderful, as well as handsome, of course.

Surely you could use some good looking awesomeness in your life.  Contact Stray Rescue at 314-771-6121, then come meet Zealand and find out just why everyone there loves this dog.  Zealand is at their Pine Street animal shelter.


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.

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Adopt Savannah, a Senior Shiba Inu Dog in Missouri

This beautiful girl is Savannah.  She's a spayed black and tan Shiba Inu dog.  At seven years old, she's considered a senior.

Savannah may be a senior dog, but she has lots of energy.   She's housebroken and since she does so nicely on a leash, she'd make a terrific walking partner for you.  She's a friendly girl, gentle and loving with everyone.

Have a look at Savannah's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in Maryland Heights a call at 314-951-1588.  Savannah's animal ID number is A386430



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. 

We're 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.

Adopt Wendy a Boxer Mix Dog at Stray Rescue St Louis

Wendy is a four year old Boxer Pit Bull Terrier mix.  She's a medium size dog at 45 pounds and, at only 4 years, she has a lot of pep and energy.

Here's what the staff and volunteers at Stray Rescue St Louis have to say about her:

Wendy is, as her picture shows, a beautiful dog.  Her eyes immediately grab your attention.  They look very wise and soulful, much like Wendy herself.

 

Wendy was rescued with some of her canine friends.  She was part of a pack of dogs that Stray Rescue had been feeding for some time.

One lucky day, it was Wendy's turn to come inside where she quickly became a favorite of her caregivers and the volunteers.  She has a remarkable desire to please the humans around her and is very loyal to them.  

Wendy learns quickly and, among other things, sits on command.  She is also an excellent car rider. Recently Wendy got to go on a five mile hike with her shelter friends.  She took quickly and easily to the trail, becoming a fantastic hiker.  In true Wendy-fashion, she kept an eye on her human companion on the hike. 

Wendy gets along with some dogs, but she would need a home without cats.

 

On those days when things aren't going quite as you planned, think how lucky you would be to have a beautiful, doe-eyed girl eager to snuggle with you and cheer you up.  This is an opportunity you should not let slip by.

For more information about Wendy, contact Stray Rescue St Louis at 314-771-6121.

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue of St Louis sold 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.

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.

Adopt Sally, a Senior Australian Cattle Dog | Tuesday Tails

Sally is a spayed female, blue ticked Australian Cattle Dog.  She's 10 years old and looking for a loving home to spend her golden years.  Right now she's calling the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis City home.

Animal shelter staff report that Sally is housebroken and walks very nicely on a leash.  A mellow companion, she has a very sweet personality.  Sally has become a favorite among the shelter staff and volunteers, who all hope she'll find a forever home soon.

Take a look at this pretty girl's adoption video.  Then give the HSMO a call and find out how you can enjoy the company of this great dog:  314-951-1562.   Sally's animal ID number is A551940

We're 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!

Adopt Thor a Bernese Mountain Dog Mix

Thor is one gorgeous dog!  Love that wavy coat and beautiful tail!

Thor is a Bernese Mountain dog mix.  He's three years old and already neutered.  Thor sits and takes treats gently.  He walks pretty well on a leash, but he's a big boy, so he could use some training on sometimes pulling.

Have some time for fetch and frisbe?  Thor is your guy.

Please watch Thor's adoption video and then give the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis a call at 314-951-1562,  Thor's animal shelter ID number is A551251

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

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

Pit Bull Dog Baby Girl Needs a Forever Home

Baby Girl is a spayed female Pit bull Terrier mixed breed dog.  Animal Shelter staff at the Humane Society of Missouri think she's about 2 1/2 years old.

Baby Girl is a real looker with those beautiful eyes.  One is brown;  the other blue.  She's a brown brindle and creamy white beauty.  As you can see from her adoption video, Baby Girl doesn't miss a trick.  She's alert and interested in everything going on around her.

This girl is a lover.  Baby Girl adores people and has some wet kisses at the ready.  Good natured, easy going, and ready for her forever home.

For more information about this beautiful Pit Bull mix dog, contact the Humane Society of Missouri in St Louis 314-951-1562.  Baby Girl's ID# A543394.  You may also view her profile on Petfinder.

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. They further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

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

Bark in the Park - Largest Midwest Dog Festival

Join the Humane Society of Missouri at Bark in the Park - presented by Purina ONE on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  This years' fun includes a 5k run, the 1-mile Walk for Animals and a pancake breakfast.

Bark in the Park is the largest dog walk and festival in the Midwest!  There are lots of activities for you and your dog to enjoy.  Dogs are welcome to attend as long as their vaccinations are up to date.

This year's Bark in the Park mascot is very special to the Humane Society of Missouri.  Trooper's story made international headlines after he was dragged behind a truck for more than a mile.  His survival was nothing short of a miracle and his recovery has touched millions.
 

Photo: Humane Society of Missouri

Trooper is currently in foster care with the Humane Society of Missouri.  He'll be leading the Walk for Animals, along with many other rescue pets.  Be sure to stop by his tent to get a photo and pawtograph.

Find your new best friend a the pet adoptions.  Have your pet microchipped for just $25 per pet.  Bid on barking good items in the Silent Auction and enjoy St. Louis' best food trucks.

You'll also enjoy performances by the Purina Incredible Dog Team, the Frontline and Heartgard Interactive Family Fun Center, Agility course and pet contests, a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals and music.  Barn Buddy farm animals will be on hand from the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

Bark in the Park is head at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri.  Registration is $35.  All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Fund, dedicated to investigating, preventing and healing animal abuse. For more information about Barking in the Park contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1567 or email bark@hsmo.org

Busted: Dog Fighting Ring in KS MO and TX

Photo: ASPCA

According to a press release from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

At the request of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the United States Attorney’s Office, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), in conjunction with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Department, assisted in a multi-state, federal dog fighting raid in Missouri, Kansas and Texas this past weekend. The ASPCA managed the removal and transport of nearly 100 dogs involved in the investigation, and is overseeing forensic evidence collection, as well as the dogs’ veterinary care and sheltering.
A search warrant was executed on Saturday night in Kansas, after the FBI raided a location suspected of holding a contract dog fight in north Texas. The ASPCA and other agencies, including the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), assisted in the seizure of the dogs. Two additional warrants were served on Sunday morning for the removal of the dogs in Missouri.
The dogs were transferred to a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location, where they will receive veterinary care from the ASPCA’s medical team, led by Dr. Sarah Kirk, medical director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. The HSNT will manage the transport of dogs seized from the Texas investigation.
Agencies assisting the ASPCA with the sheltering operation include: Wayside Waifs (Kansas City, Mo.); International Fund for Animal Welfare (Yarmouth Port, Mass.); Nebraska Humane Society (Omaha, Ne.); Humane Society of North Texas (Fort Worth, Texas); Dallas Animal Services (Dallas, Texas); Sumter Disaster Animal Response Team (Bushnell, Fla.); and Great Plains SPCA (Merriam, Kan.).

The ASPCA Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team, assisting under the direction of the FBI, is collecting forensic evidence to be submitted for prosecution. The CSI team brings state-of-the-art forensics tools and expertise to crime scenes in order to strengthen cases. The ASPCA will also collect DNA samples from the dogs and submit them to Canine CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the nation’s first criminal dog-fighting DNA database, which will help law enforcement agencies identify relationships between dogs and enable investigators to establish connections between breeders, trainers and dog fighting operators.

The ASPCA was contacted for assistance by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the criminal investigation, evidence collection, rescue and sheltering efforts of the case. The ASPCA has assisted local and federal authorities in previous dog fighting cases, including the largest dog fighting seizure in U.S. history in Missouri in 2009, and the following year established its Blood Sports unit to investigate dog fighting and cockfighting across the country.

Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additional illegal activities are often connected with dog fighting, such as drug and weapons violations. Earlier this year, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Congress, which would make it a federal offense to attend an organized animal fight and impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to a fight. For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to tackle animal fighting and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please click here.

According to the Associated Press, two men were charged in the U.S. District Court for Kansas, with one count each of transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture in interstate commerce. 

The complaint accuses the men of holding weekly dogfights in northwest Missouri, training the dogs at a home residence in Kansas City, Kansas, where the dogs were put on treadmills with live chickens used as bait.  The complaint also says at least one dog was taken to Texas last weekend for fighting.

Fall in Love with Jack, an Adoptable Dog in Missouri

What happens when a dog owner dies and the rest of the family isn't interested in the dog?  In Jack's case, he was taken in by Dogwood Animal Shelter.

Jack has been at the shelter for a few months now and is hoping to find another loving home.  According to shelter volunteers, Jack is a great dog!  He walks nicely on a leash and always has a friendly greeing for everyone.

Only, a couple of years old, Jack still has a lot of energy and is ready for fun!  He invites you to come by and clip a leash to his collar and go for a walk on one of these nice spring days.  Jack's pretty sure you'll fall in love!

For more information about Jack, contact Dogwood Animal Shelter in Osage Beach, Missouri.


Dogwood Animal Shelter was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1976.  They have been a no-kill facility since 1997 and built a new shelter in 2005 which includes a spay/neuter clinic.  In 2010, the shelter spayed/neutered over 1200 animals.  Their Dogwood Thrift Shop provides over half of the funding that keeps the shelter in operation.

Urban Wanderers Art Exhibition Benefits Stray Rescue

The Plight of the Street Dog is the theme of this year's Urban Wanderers Art Exhibition in St. Louis, Missouri.

A partnership between Stray Rescue and Saint Louis University Museum of Art, Urban Wanderers highlights homeless companion animals each year in a unique way.

Artists paint, photograph, or sculpt a Stray Rescue dog or cat that has been abandoned, abused, or neglected.  Shelter dogs create works of art using their paws, tails, and noses.  Not only unique and unusual, Urban Wanderers attracts well- respected artists exhibiting on regional, national, and international levels.

According to Randy Grim, author, radio host and founder of Stray Rescue:

"All those we rescue have important stories to tell, and telling these stories through art has proven to be a captivating way to show the reality of what homeless companion animals face on a daily basis.  The event also draws attention to how shelter animals enrich people's lives and made the greatest companions - it's truly one-of-a-kind"

The exhibition provides Stray Rescue with the opportunity to share facts about pet homelessness with the public, as well as their accomplishments in making St. Louis a more compassionate city for companion animals and people. 

This year's Urban Wanderers Spokesdog is OP.  In late September of this past year, this dog was shot at least 12 tmes and then tossed in a dumpster and left to die with an electrical cord tightly wrapped around his neck.  

Found and rescued by Randy Grim, OP received intensive medical treatment at Stray Rescue's trauma center and Veterinary Specialty Services for weeks.  Unfortunately, due to a bullet lodged near his spine, he lost the use of the lower half of his body.  These days, aided with a custom built cart, OP enjoys a loving home with Grim.  

OP's story is exactly the kind of important story told through the Urban Wanderers Art Exhibition.

The exhibition will open on Friday, March 22, with a reception beginning at 6pm and will run through Sunday, May 5, at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art.  The closing reception, at noon on May 5, includes a special presentation with Dr. Michael W. Fox, former Vice President of the Humane Society of the United States.

All art displayed in the exhibition will be available through an online auction beginning on Friday, March 22.  100% of the funds raised will go directly to helping homeless dogs and cats.



Part 2 with some of the art work:


About Stray Rescue: A non-profit organization founded by Randy Grim in 1998, Stray Rescue's sole purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, restore them to health, and place them in loving adoptive homes.

Rudy is an Adoptable Boxer Pit Bull Puppy

What a cutie!  And, let's face it, I couldn't resist featuring a dog named Rudy!  This adorable boy is a brown brindle and white Boxer and Pit Bull.  Rudy is still at puppy at only 4 months old and full of playful puppy energy.

Rudy has been calling the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis home since November 2012.  Definitely time for this sweet boy to find a loving forever home.

Take a look at Rudy's adoption video below and then please share!  Let's network and find Rudy someone who will teach him to be the loving, well behaved companion he wants to be.

Interested in adopting Rudy?  Contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-951-1562.  Rudy's animal ID number is A541555.

Westminster Look Alike Adoptable Dog

Once glance at this adorable little face and I was reminded of Banana Joe, winner of Westminster!  

This cute little guy is Manchester.  He's a black Cairn Terrier mixed breed dog.  Animal shelter staff believe he's about 2 years old.

Manchester loves to go for walks, prefers to do his business outdoors and he's already neutered.

Take a look at his adoption video below and you may very well have found a charming new addition to your family.

For more information about Manchester, contact the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter location at 636-530-0805.  Manchester's animal ID number is A544340

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances.  They provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Their mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. They are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. The HSMO further supports that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs.

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.

Black Lab Molly is Looking for a Forever Home

This beautiful girl is Molly.  She's a spayed female, black Labrador Retriever mix.  Shelter staff think she's about 18 months old.  She sits and walks nicely on a leash.

Take a look at Molly's adoption video below and then give the Humane Society of Missouri Chesterfield Valley animal shelter a call at 636-530-0805.  Molly's ID number is A544835

Free Pet Care Available in 63107 Zip Code

Live in the 63107 zip code in St. Louis, MO?  Take advantage of free help for your pets!

Through their Families With Paws program, Stray Rescue of Saint Louis is sharing information and free pet care resources, one zip code at a time.

Working with a grant from the National Humane Society, Stray Rescue is targeting one zip code at a time within their city.  Going door to door, Stray Rescue is offering free pet care assistance:

• Spays and neuters for dogs and cats
• Rabies and distemper shots for dogs and cats
• Microchips for dogs and cats

Currently they're working with the 63107 zip code, the program will move to different zip codes in the future.  Contact Stray Rescue of Saint Louis on the web or call 314-771-6121 for more information.
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Adopt a Black Labrador Retriever, Jenny

Jenny is a beautiful black Labrador Retriever dog who is temporarily staying with the Humane Society of Missouri St. Louis animal shelter.

This sweet girl is only about a year old.  Jenny appears to be housebroken and loves to go for walks on a leash.  

As you can see from her adoption video, she's a friendly girl and that tail just doesn't stop wagging.  Jenny can sit on command and is eager to learn some more tricks.

If you're looking for an active companion with lots of love to give, fetch more information about Jenny.  Call the HSMO St Louis animal shelter at 314-647-8800.  Jenny's animal ID is A542541

Adopt Sandy a Pit Bull Terrier Posing as a Reindeer

Sandy is posing as a reindeer in hopes that Santa will bring her a new family for Christmas.  She's a beautiful tan and white Pit Bull Terrier girl currently living at the Humane Society of Missouri animal shelter in St Louis.  

That's no place to be living at Christmas!  Especially when you're just a baby like Sandy.  She's only 7 months old, so full of that playful puppy dog energy and ready for adventure.  A sweetheart and a lover, she's looking for a lap to cuddle in and a best friend to love.

Take a look at Sandy's adoption video and you'll see what a lovely girl she really is.  If you're looking to add a furry member of your family, consider sweet Sandy.

For more information, call the HSMO at 314-647-8800.  Sandy's ID number is A541318

Adopt Sweet Xena a Black Lab Mix Looking for Love

When deciding which dog to feature today, I couldn't resist a girl named Xena.  Not only is she named after that pawesome warrior princess, but she looks so sweet and lovely.

Xena is a Labrador Retriever mixed breed dog.  She's about three years old and already spayed.  As you can see from her adoption video, she's black with white accents!   She's a playful girl who already knows how to sit and, from the looks of it, could easily learn how to shake paws.  

Right now Xena is living at the Humane Society of Missouri's Chesterfield Valley animal shelter.  Staff there report that she walks nicely on a leash and is a delightful dog.

If you have room in your life for another dog, please consider this sweet girl.  Call 636-530-0805 for more information about Xena.  Her animal ID number is A538458.