www.dontbullymybreed.com

Pit Bull advocacy

www.mspca.org  Massachusettes-Angell Society for the Animals, which was founded in 1868. This is the second-oldest shelter in the United States. They oppose cosmetic procedures for pets that necessarily puts them at risk and discomfort. This includes moving undescended testicles to the scrotum, tail docking and ear cropping or those procedures to disguise an imperfection.

This organization has created an oasis for animals who are over worked and improperly treated in Northern Africa. I have been to this location which is in FEZ,  MOROCCO (A remarkable destination that I was happy to have seen prior to 9-11) You can read about this shelter by clicking on About us and looking under International Programs. It was founded in 1927 through an endowment by Amy Bend Bishop, an American traveler who wanted to right the wrongs of owners who mistreated their draft and pack animals. The American Fondouk is it's name-Fondouk is the Arabic name for shelter or stable.

I witnessed underfed, sick Donkeys & a few stray dogs at this unique facility. Our private guide took us there and he had not even been inside the premises until we asked him. It is a private, gated area, not visible from the street. It consists of a courtyard, trees, hospital and well-equipped laboratory. The hospital is staffed by a resident veterinarian, a blacksmith and 12 other employees. They treat 50-100 animals a day.

www.NeuroEmbo.com This site demonstrates the complexity of treating cerebral aneurysms, tumor embolizations, hemangiomas and angioplasty as well as the comprehensive services that this team of neuroradiologists offers.

Dr.Ku is a  board certified specialist in interventional, neuro-radiology and he treats patients with back pain, natural and tobacco related cancers, aneurysms and strokes. He emphasizes patient education and a team approach for successful surgical procedures. Currently, this is the only location in Western Pennsylvania to perform liquid embolic embolizations of peripheral brain and spinal AVM's.

Dr. Ku practices within a group of physicians at Allegheny General Hospital in Pgh, Pa. This state-of-the-art medical facility and cancer treatment center is located near downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  - Home of one of Americas Most Beautiful Skylines and  the 3 Rivers.

www.hssv.org  is the Humane Society - Silicon Valley located in Santa Clara, Ca. near San Jose. I have visited there twice and adopted a very unique black lab/Sharpei mix and flew her back to Pa. where she loves life, the snow and being happy. This shelter has an enthusiastic staff, many volunteers and wonderful adoption counselors. They have a wide variety of dogs, sizes and breeds. You can absolutely get any kind of dog here. Chihuahuas, Pointers, Shepards, Labs, Chows, Greyhounds, St. Bernards and the cutest cross breds imaginable. As true in most Shelters, they stress that they do NOT receive government funding or United Way help, they solely rely on donations from good hearted people who care about animals.

In 2003 they housed nearly 29,000 animals. Cats comprise about 2/3 of the animals brought in.Sadly most of the ferals cannot be placed and are euthanized. Rabbits have been abundant this year and they can have a litter every 28 days!! It is tragic that some owners view rabbits and other animals as throw away, disposable pets. Rabbits are a poor choice for children around Easter time and so are baby chicks. Safer to buy toys, chocolate or make a Donation to a rabbit rescue group like the Rabbit Haven in the Bay area.

 Sadly, they intake more than they can adopt out. They have a high number of intakes. Texas, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Florida have some specific issues regarding owners who do not value their pets and consider them disposable as well as having a lack of resources. All U.S. states have these problems, but the more heavily populated states and the border states are tragically burdened with unwanted cats and dogs due in particular to ignorance and refusal to spay and neuter.

They have excellent tips on introducing animals into your household and even an "Ask the Behaviorist" forum.  Another GREAT feature is their specific pet advice categories. This is well organized and comprehensive. I learned so much here. Click on 'Behavior' at the top of the home page, then click on a rabbit, dog or cat circle and all sorts of categories pop up such as Kids & Dogs, Housetraining, Indoor Cats/live twice as long as outdoor ones, Personality and Dominance issues and answers questions that you may have before making the lifetime committment to adopt an animal into your life.

www.puppymills.com A comprehensive site that thoroughly discusses problems with backyard breeders who advertise in the Sunday paper and puppy mills- Both are trying to supplement their income with little regard for their litters. There is a special interest in the Yorkie Breed due to their overwhelming popularity and subsequent frequent appearance in puppy mills. Breeders may sound ethical and truthful UNTIL you encounter a problem and request a refund- Then they can turn into unaccountable beasts. Very few breeders are responsible, the best avenue is to find one by attending a dog show.

 This site discusses how a breeder can sell many different breeds of dogs with little or no knowlege of proper breeding, confirmation, genetic diseases or breed specific problems. It exposes the new FAD of selling cross bred pups to gullible and unsuspecting consumers under names like Labradoodle, cocka-poo etc.

Internet sales are discussed and the lure of cute puppies shipped to you from on-line sales (usually puppy mills)...however, photos aren't always accurate and they will ship the puppy that they want you to have, not necessarily the healthiest one, so beware. Internet sales can be devastating, since money changes hands out of state, through western union or money orders with little tracking. Once an animal is shipped, it is almost impossible to get any recourse. Lawsuits across state lines will be costly in time and money. Is the seller easy or difficult to reach by phone??? Ask them for numbers to reach them by and CALL them to check up on their responsiveness.

Webmasters note: Although AKC does issue record keeping violations to poorly operated Kennels, the American Kennel Club DOES register puppy mill pups. Registration means only that the sire and dam are known (much like you know who your mom and dad is) AKC registered pets with PAPERS does not mean that you have a healthy pet, nor does it indicate that it is of Champion lines and it does not mean that it is better, more loveable or anything!! Don't be mislead by the term AKC REGISTERED     Diane @ doglicense.org

www.idausa.org/campaigns/puppy/puppymills.html  This website explains what a puppy mill is, demonstrates the lack of care and concern for parent stock and puppies alike. Most pet stores sell dogs exclusively from these Rural, Midwestern facilities who dont offer veterinary treatment, comfort or compassion to their animals. They exist purely for profit.

MISSOURI is the Puppy MIll Capitol of the USA. Pennsylvanias Amish/Menonite region has a large  puppy mill population. Mills are typically found in hidden, rural regions, outside the reach of the general public. These operations are solely for profit, not for the good of the animals nor the new owner.

www.gometaldetecting.com/unique_finds1.html is a site dedicated to unique metal detected finds.There are some very cool finds here, all expertly photographed. The Pewter cane handle and corroded gun are must sees. They even found dog related tags in their hunts for treasure.

 They were searching and found my site and added a link to it and emailed to let me know. They were unaware that dog tags were called Licenses. (By the way, many ebay sellers do not know this either and loose hundreds of dollars by listing them as dog tags, which is too general and not as readily available for the serious collectors to see. The words Dog and License are key search words for collectors.) Dog tags can refer to Licenses, Name tags, Rabies tags or Humane Society Id tags.4

www.hihs.org   The Hawaii Island Humane Society is located on the Big Island. They have 3 extensions: One at Kona, Waimea and at Keaau. Like all shelters, they encounter many challenges. Licensing of Dogs is the cheapest of any U.S. state on this Island.

The pets have open air kennels to stay in until adoption. Currently, they are working on anti-cruelty laws and enforcing punishment for those who practice cock fighting, which has been illegal since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Local, mutt or cur type of dogs on the Island are called Poi Dogs. Poi is made from taro corm (underground stem) that is cooked, pounded to a paste and fermented.

www.HoustonHumane.org HHS has a separate area for large dogs and small dogs, a cat area , chickens on the premises and a pet cemetary. Horses have even graced the property along with ducks.This large facility has taken in Goats on occasion. Recently, they have developed a full service veterinary clinic with low cost spay and neuter surgerys, vaccinations etc.

  No animal is refused when brought to this location. This is true with all open-door facilities. I have supported all types of shelters because they all are doing great work, but I will not promote no-kill operations over the open door shelters (because they usually have kennel limitations, size, health or age restrictions.

{The no-kill movement is a great idea, but not a reality.  They may have long waiting lists or be selective with whom they take in. Some no-kills will take their sick and dangerous animals to open door operations for Euthanasia, meanwhile reaping the benefits of the wholesome image of the term "No Kill." Both types should be working with one another, but it seems like the N.K. is often the one who Toots their own Horn  the loudest, while handling less animals, with more public support! N.K.s will sometimes summon news coverage of large animal rescue operations, but refuse the pet of an elderly person who has to enter a rest home. Theres no news coverage on that issue. They love altruistic Pats on the Back.}

 All healthy animals have a chance at adoption at HHS, although space is the biggest factor in a shelters ability to keep animals longer.REALITY CHECK* THE public is responsible for animals in ALL shelters, By: NOT  NEUTERING, NOT ADOPTING AND BY GIVING UP THEIR PETS  IN THE FIRST PLACE. Animals are for life, not until you get tired of them.

  The HHS works with rescue groups of certain breeds. Recently, they took in 37 chihuahuas from a puppy mill. Most have been adopted. The remaining 4 will go to a rescue groups for fostering. I have adopted a cat and a dog from this shelter, over 9 yrs ago. My favorite cat, Clinton was once a resident of HHS. Their adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, which is a great value, because the cost of veterinary care is rising and the public is spared these initial expenses.

All shelters need responsible and permanent homes for their animals AND donations of blankets, dog and cat toys and chews, bleach, towels, pet food and cash. Please consider making donations to Shelters and Rescue Groups in lieu of  birthday and seasonal gifts which quickly loose their value. Supporting shelters is the Gift of Life. If you love animals, show it. Kennel space and money is limited in all shelters. Pets need both in order to have an extension on their lives.

www.Cap4pets.org This Houston, Texas shelter has been a favorite of mine for over a decade. I volunteered there in the early 1990's, have adopted 3 of my dogs there (Winston is one of them) and  I still attend their spectacular, annual fundraising Galas. Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) has a high adoption rate, is exceptionally clean  and fresh smelling and has always offered a large variety of dogs, cats, and other animals.They actively promote adoptions through PetsMart, 7 days a week. Every animal is spayed or neutered before adoption.

 If you are looking to adopt, allow yourself several months to find the Perfect Pet. Go to shelters often, be open minded and consider an adult dog or cat. Adults over age 1 are ready to bond immediately, usually are housebroken and socialized and their personality structure is obvious. Puppies demand a lot of attention, are destructive, need to monitored closely, need to be leash trained, socialized and housebroken. Adult dog personality traits are more predictable and adults work out great for busy families with children.

C.A.P. recently told a story in their newsletter about a corgi mix who was found lost in Houston. Somebody rescued her, they named her Roxy and searched for a month and never found out where she belonged. She had no ID tags on. A permanent home was found for her.

Many puppies are adopted into families with small children who are too rough with them or the puppy grows up and is no longer cute and small so it becomes forgotten and neglected. They end up back in the shelter, so remember, every dog that you see was once a puppy..........Adult dogs need homes desperately and they deserve another chance at a permanent and loving home!

www.cancer.org  The American Cancer Society's website. Live Free Smoke-Free is their motto. Included are testimonies from people who are ashamed at being smokers or who have planned a day to quit. These people are frustrated at being dependent. They provide resources such as Colleges against Cancer and the Great American Smokeout. They emphasize that smoking is the most preventable cause of death in our society. Quitting at any age will improve your chances at living longer. Former smokers live longer than continuing smokers. They offer a toll free Quit line with optional counseling @1-877-724-1090

Facts: Smoking and Tobacco use are acquired behavior. Smoking accounts for 30% of all cancer deaths and about 87% of lung cancer deaths.There is NO evidence that low tar improves the health risk. Smoking contributes to the severity of pneumonia and asthma and agravates chronic bronchitis.

70% want to quit, 35% attempt to quit and fewer than 5% succeed. The CDC (center for disease control) estimates a 13 yr. average loss of life from smoking.

22.5% of all adults smoke, but an alarming 29% of teens and young adults smoke. The earlier the onset of smoking, the more severe the damage becomes to body organs. Nearly 1 in 4 people smoke in America.

American Indians 40.8%, whites 22.4% and African Americans 23.6% top the list of smokers. Asians are the least likely to smoke.

www.tobaccofreepa.org This voluntary association is a coalition for a Tobacco-Free Pennsylvania. Click on Tobacco Resources for links to sites such as American Cancer Society and Tobacco free kids.          *Smoking around Pets and Kids is hazardous to their lungs and nasal passages.

Baby Butt died of second hand smoke, Nick O' Teen wish he never started, Aunt Em Phazema is left with black stained teeth and black lungs. Joe Tar Breath died and left 4 hungry and lonely children and another fellow died a penniless pauper from his cigarette addiction. The sign in back says Bad Air and is modeled after Bel Air brand cigarettes.

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www.cigarettelitter.org A great site which demonstrates the carelessness of smokers who litter our beaches, parks and roads. Cigarette butts are lightweight and blow into our lakes and streams and harm fish and wildlife. Most of a cigarettes toxins are contained in the butt.

A lighted, nightime smokers graveyard Halloween display featuring Nick O'Teen, Aunt Em Phazema, Baby Butt (who died of second hand smoke) and Joe Tar Breath. In the rear is a Bad Air sign which is modeled after the Bel Air. Smoking Skeletons and hands reaching out of graves are holding cigarettes for a full effect and scary reality for anyone who is hooked on tobacco.

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www.IslandSanctuary.org is a website for one of the worlds most unique dog shelters. It is located in Marsaxlokk, Malta, ( near Sicily, Italy.) I have been to this shelter and they are doing a great job of caring for 130-160 dogs. It is situated inside of a gated, old fort - Fort Tas-Silg. There are large, fenced in, separated areas of 2-8 dogs per "area." The middle of the secure, stone wall shelter  is a courtyard where dogs are allowed to run around and play. I was told that several "areas" of dogs can be let out at the same time safely. The morning feeding and cleaning person who comes to work around 5:00 A.M. is the only PAID person for the facility. This is a bare bones operation, but full of dedicated volunteers, who even use their own computers to compose their newsletter. Their own vehicles are used to transport dogs as well.

To see a glimpse of the shelter, click on DOGS on the yellow bar of the home page. There are many pointers and pointer mixes in this shelter, possibly because the visiting UK residents are bringing their unneutered pointers and  are allowing them to roam and breed on the Island. Malta  is a 3 hr. flight from London.THIS SANCTUARY NEUTERS ALL DOGS THAT ARE TAKEN IN.Some locals have dumped dogs outside of the Fort gates.....Homeless dogs are a common site on Malta and Gozo, but some German citizens, locals and other visitors occasionally re-home these strays and provide medical attention.

The dogs at this shelter are fed a mixture of boiled meat (whatever is donated) with grains or loaves of bread - that are kept out in the sun in open aired, cage hutches for storage. They accept donations and they perform community outreach. This is a frugally operated facility and a great one to be a part of. You can sponsor a dog or become a member for only 3 Lm (Maltese lire) about $9.00 U.S. if you live in Malta.  It costs 10 Lm to join  for all other countries due to high postal rates. This is as exotic of an animal shelter as you will find anywhere.

www.WpaHumane.org  The Western Pa. Humane Society is a first class animal shelter in Pittsburgh's North Side.It was founded in 1874. Their modern, new facility replaced their old shelter. They accept all domestic animals and never turn any pets or strays away. They operate an Open Door facility with no waiting lists or particular restrictions for accepting animals. All animals are spayed and neutered upon placement, microchipped and vet checked. All animals who are healthy and pass temperament testing have a chance at finding a new home. Adoption fees are  $60.00 for adults and  $75.00 for kittens and puppies, which are easier to find homes for. They accepted about 14,000 animals last year without any public funding.

They offer continuing vet care for members. A new sound system has been installed to provide the animals with relaxing and soothing music.This clean, modern facility has a cooperative, energetic and creative volunteer corp and provides educational awareness and outreach to the community -seniors and youth. On a recent June broadcast, they had their annual Pet Telethon which airs on WTAE (ABC affiliate) and aired segments throughout a 14 hr.