Dogs Bludgeoned to Death at Inhumane Yulin Dog Meat Festival Letter Urges Chinese Ambassadors to Canada, UK and U.S. to Take Action to End Event Featured
(June 17, 2013) – Humane Society International CEO and President Andrew Rowan, Ph.D., sent letters urging Chinese Ambassadors to the United States, United Kingdom and Canada to work with officials in Yulin, Guangxi province, to end an inhumane annual event known as the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, where tens of thousands of dogs are bludgeoned to death in the streets for meat consumption. As outrage builds worldwide and within China against the event, Rowan sent a letter to the ambassadors on behalf of HSI supporters and members. The letters are also being sent to Yulin and Guangxi officials.
Rowan states: “Millions of animal advocates around the globe, including those in China, are protesting this inhumane, barbaric spectacle which has no place in modern society and where the butchering of tens of thousands of dogs has started and will go on for two weeks. Thousands of dogs are stuffed into and heaped on top of one another in plastic or wire crates, and are sent overland via truck on grueling, sometimes weeks-long journeys; many do not survive. Those that do survive, just barely, are then bludgeoned to death in the streets. In addition to the cruelty, this event is a public health risk because the commercial trade in dogs for meat involves the large-scale transport of dogs across international borders in Asia, and incidence of rabies has been linked to dogs in the trade. We respectfully request that the ambassadors work with Yulin officials, on behalf of all animal advocates, to end it, just as similar events elsewhere in China have been ended.”
HSI works in the region to bring about an end to the trade, where possible, and will co-host later this month the 4th Annual China Companion Animal Protection Symposium to encourage Chinese society to confront the cruelty of the trade in dogs and cats for meat consumption. At least 10 million dogs are believed to be killed for consumption of their meat in China annually, predominantly in South China and Northeast China. Last year, a dog meat festival in Jinhua City, Zhejing province ended after opposition from Chinese animal groups.
Humane Society International and its partner organizations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organizations. For nearly 20 years, HSI has been working for the protection of all animals through the use of science, advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — on the Web at hsi.org.
ASPCA Gives 52 Dogs New “Leash” on Life in Collaboration With Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, Great Plains SPCA Featured
ASPCA transports dogs from Kansas and Missouri to Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in New York’s Orange County
NEW YORK—In an effort to give dozens of dogs a new “leash” on life, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is funding the transport of 52 dogs from the Great Plains SPCA locations in Merriam, Kan. and Independence, Mo. to Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, N.Y. The transport offers the dogs relief from crowded conditions and gives the Great Plains SPCA the chance to take in more animals.
The dogs—mostly adults in a variety of sizes and breeds—will be placed up for adoption by the receiving Pets Alive shelters. The transport operation for the 52 dogs—which departs the Midwest Saturday morning—is scheduled to arrive in Orange County, N.Y. sometime on Sunday. To learn more about the dogs, or to inquire about adoption please visit www.petsalive.org.
“The ASPCA is working collaboratively with Great Plains SPCA and Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary to provide these dogs with a much-needed second chance at getting adopted,” said Kristen Limbert, director of animal relocation for the ASPCA. “The members of the ASPCA’s Relocation Team love being a part of this process, which works to move at-risk animals to locations where they have the best chance of getting out of shelters and finding permanent, loving homes.”
“We proudly welcome needy pets into our two shelters daily, yet our organization has experienced a dramatic influx of homeless animals. In only two months’ time, we have taken in more than 1,200 pets at our Independence, Mo. campus, a new shelter in an underserved community. We believe that collaborating with other life-saving organizations is the most effective way to save more lives, and we are honored and grateful to have such a relationship with the ASPCA,” said Great Plains SPCA President & CEO Courtney Thomas.
"Pets Alive is pleased to be working with the wonderful groups involved in this transport. Everyone is concerned about the dogs’ well-being, compassionate and eager to make a difference in their lives. We are thrilled that we are on the receiving end and able to provide a second chance for all these four-legged lives. We can't wait to meet them all and find loving families to take them home,” said Kerry Clair, executive director of Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary.
“Our mission is to consistently provide a safe and affordable transport option for animals in need. P.E.T.S. LLC is honored to be a part of the rescue efforts of these great shelters and the ASPCA,” said Kyle Paterson, owner of P.E.T.S., LLC.
In addition to the funding provided by the ASPCA Animal Relocation Team for the transport of the animals, the operation is made possible thanks to the collaboration of the following groups:
- Great Plains SPCA of Merriam, Kan. and Independence, Mo. – for providing the medical care, examinations, up to date vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery for the majority of the dog prior to transport;
- P.E.T.S., LLC. of Cookeville, Tenn. – for safely and humanely transporting the dogs in their custom-made transport trailer; and
- Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, N.Y. – for accepting the 52 dogs into their facility in Middletown, providing spay/neuter surgery for the remainder of the dogs before adoption, and for finding them loving homes.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
About Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary
Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary is one of the oldest and largest no-kill organizations in the country with locations in Middletown, N.Y., Elmsford, N.Y. and Utuado, P.R. Their mission is to improve the lives of companion animals everywhere by any means possible, including rescue, adoption, advocacy, collaboration, intervention and education. The organization is recognized within the local community, nationwide and around the world as a leader in developing alliances to further the no-kill movement. Pets Alive is 100 percent privately funded, relying solely on the generosity of the community to meet their financial needs. To learn more please visit www.petsalive.org.
About Great Plains SPCA
Great Plains SPCA is the Kansas City Metro's most comprehensive resource for pets and their human companions, serving more than 30,000 pets annually - more than any other animal welfare agency in the area. With paws on both sides of the state line in Merriam, KS and Independence, MO, the nonprofit is the region’s only bi-state animal welfare agency. A No Kill shelter, Great Plains SPCA works to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and their human companions providing humane sheltering, adoptions, affordable spay/neuter, veterinary wellness services and more. Great Plains SPCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.GreatPlainsSPCA.org. ;
About P.E.T.S., LLC
P.E.T.S., LLC (Peterson Express Transport Service) is owned and operated by Kyle and Pam Peterson. Being animal lovers, we started helping with volunteer animal transports in and around Tennessee. As we became more involved, our volunteer work developed into a full time job. We realized a need for safe, affordable transport for the many rescue animals being adopted to new homes up north from the kill shelters in the Southeast. For more information, please visit www.petsllc.net.
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PETFINDER LAUNCHES SUMMER PET SAFETY CAMPAIGN WITH TIPS FOR PET OWNERS Featured
PETFINDER LAUNCHES SUMMER PET SAFETY CAMPAIGN WITH TIPS FOR PET OWNERS-Petfinder Encourages Proactive Pet Care During the Summer Season-
Silver Spring, Md. - Summer brings about hotter temperatures, outdoor fun and family trips – but for pets, it could also bring about safety hazards unbeknownst to pet parents. This summer, Petfinder is launching a season-long Summer Pet Safety campaign to ensure all pet parents are equipped with the proper information to keep their furry friends cool, happy and safe throughout the summer.
The leading online destination for adoptable pets and pet care, Petfinder, will launch its Summer Pet Safety campaign on June 17, with weekly blog posts and infographics highlighting proper pet safety protocol specific to certain summer activities. Some of the featured topics will include:
- Preparing Your Pet for the Fourth of July
- What to Do If You See a Dog In a Hot Car
- Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe on a Boat, or While Camping and Hiking
- Preventing Heatstroke
- Common Backyard BBQ Dangers for Dogs
- Preparing Your Pet for Hurricane Season
As part of the campaign, the Petfinder Foundation is challenging Petfinder visitors to help keep 10,000 shelter pets cool, safe and happy this summer. The Petfinder Foundation is working to raise $10,000 for shelters to purchase misters, sun shades, water sources and other cooling elements to keep adoptable pets comfortable. Petfinder visitors can track the effort's progress via a fundraising thermometer on Petfinder.com, and the Foundation will be sharing stories, photos and video of shelter pets helped out -- and cooled off -- by visitor donations.
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About Petfinder:
Petfinder is the largest online, searchable database of animals that need permanent homes. With more than 320,000 adoptable pets from more than 13,700 animal shelters and rescue groups throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Petfinder has facilitated more than 20 million adoptions since it was launched in 1996. In addition to being an adoption database, Petfinder also is an all-inclusive resource guide for how to select the right family pet and build a successful, life-long relationship. Thanks to its sponsors, Petfinder is free to both visitors and to its animal placement organization members. Sponsors include BISSELL Homecare, Inc., a manufacturer of home cleaning and floor care products, PetFirst Healthcare, the exclusive pet insurance provider for Petfinder, and HomeAgain, a microchip and pet recovery service.
Online: petfinder.com
Mobile Website & Apps: petfinder.com/mobile
Facebook: facebook.com/petfinder
Twitter: @Petfinder
Pinterest: pinterest.com/petfinder
About the Petfinder.com Foundation:
The Petfinder.com Foundation assists Petfinder.com’s 13,000+ shelter and rescue group members in working toward a future in which no pet is euthanized for lack of a home. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps adoption organizations with their day-to-day operations and during times of disaster through its Sponsor A Pet, Disaster Fund, Care and Feeding and other programs. Since its founding in 2003, the Petfinder Foundation has given more than $20 million in cash and product grants to shelters and rescue groups.
Rick Jahnke, Principal and Co-founder of American Bio-Sciences, Inc will join Jon and Talkin' Pets this Saturday at 6:30 PM EST to discuss and give away his product DGP Featured
Dogs “Jump for Joy” as DGP Celebrates 10 Tail-Waggin’ Years!
Blauvelt, NY – June 13, 2013 Older pets and pets with mobility problems started “jumping for joy” with the introduction of DGP back in April 2003. DGP is the all-natural supplement specifically formulated to ease aches and discomforts commonly experienced by middle-aged to older pets, while supporting mobility and flexibility. Ten years later, thousands of pets continue to live the life they deserve because of DGP!
The veterinarian-recommended, all-natural canine herbal formula called DGP is for dogs that are experiencing mobility problems. This formulation truly works, to help to give back the youthful energy and movement that guardians recall from the “puppy years”. Ever since American BioSciences first introduced this unique combination of Australian herbs to the U.S. ten years ago, DGP has gained a solid reputation as a “revitalizing” formula that restores mobility and happiness to one’s best friend.
The Top Dog of Vets
Veterinarians across the country are pleased with the rapid results from DGP’s ultra-effective synergistic combination of herbs and nutrients as a natural alternative to other commonly used products whose results are always not safe, as dramatic, or as fast-acting as DGP. DGP works to improve the overall health and well-being of dogs, as well as addressing their mobility issues, safely, effectively, and quickly. This is due to the proprietary combination of herbs and marine extract working together in a synergistic manner to get the results dogs need and their guardians desperately want for them.
But one doesn’t have to take our word for it. You can look at the evidence resulting from an independent trial conducted by a canine massage therapist who is also a nurse practitioner. The case study results were so amazingly positive that they were published in the prestigious newsletter, The Whole Dog Journal. The results showed that DGP’s synergistic combination of herbs and nutrients are extremely safe and effective in helping to restore energy and movement for all of the dogs in this trial.
Ingredients include: Feverfew, which helps control inflammation and reduce pain; Celery Seed, an all around calmative and anti-inflammatory; Boswellia, a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic; Bromelain and Papain, which aid digestion; Corydalis, a tonic for the circulatory system; Cayenne, for gastrointestinal health; Wheatgrass, rich in nutrients and minerals; Tumeric, potent anti-inflammatory and digestive aid; and Shark Cartilage, an excellent dietary source of chondroitin sulfate & other glycoaminoglycans that rebuild cartilage, along with calcium, magnesium phosphorous, zinc & other bone-building minerals.
DGP’s HERBS & SPECIALTY NUTRIENTS GIVE DOGS A LEG UP…
In the United States, it is estimated that at least 30% of all dogs (over 15 million) will suffer the pain of arthritis or some other mobility issue in their lifetimes. Large breeds are more susceptible, but dogs of any breed, size or age can develop problems. When the mobility of a dog is limited by age, injury, or through heredity it affects their entire physiology, as well as their personality, vitality and behavior. Originally developed in Australia by master herbalists and scientists, DGP’s unique formula of high-quality, human-grade ingredients takes this into account and works synergistically to provide comprehensive support for healthy joint function, along with specific compounds for gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous system function.
Many pets have suffered from a variety of mobility issues that have prevented them from continuing to do what they want, and living the life they deserve. Fortunately, for the last 10 years (more like 70 in dog years), DGP has helped these pets enjoy a better quality of life! And American BioSciences plans to do a dog-gone good job helping help thousands more in the years to come.
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American BioSciences, Inc. was founded with the goal of identifying natural compounds, supported by outstanding, significant medical research and then bringing them to the US marketplace with educational information that helps both doctors and consumers when examining their health options. Additional information and research about DGP can found at www.DGPforPets.com . Each bottle of DGP contains 60 chewable tablets, and is sold through veterinarians’ offices, pet stores, health food retailers, and online nationwide, and it is available through our distributor at www.TheHarmonyCompany.com or by calling 1-800-422-5518.
American BioSciences, Inc.
560 Bradley Parkway Blauvelt, NY 10913 Phone: 888-884-7770
ASPCA Launches Consumer Tool Linking Puppies Sold in Pet Stores with Licensed Inhumane Breeders Featured
Research reveals public may be falsely reassured by “USDA licensed” designation
NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced the launch of a new tool on its “No Pet Store Puppies” website that allows consumers to link pet stores that sell puppies with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licensed commercial dog breeders that supply puppies to pet stores around the country.
The database contains more than ten thousand photos of commercial dog breeding facilities and links some of them to specific pet stores throughout the country that have sold puppies from them within the last year. Consumers are able to search the database by pet store name, USDA license number, or name of the breeding facility, or by zip code and specific breeds. The photos were taken by USDA inspectors during routine inspections of the facilities.
Many of the photos on the website depict conditions commonly found in puppy mills, which are large-scale, commercial dog breeding facilities where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. The photos show not only conditions that violate federal law, but also conditions that are legal but that the ASPCA—and the general public—consider inhumane. The new database aims to educate consumers about where pet store puppies really come from by showing them what it looks like inside many USDA licensed facilities.
“Consumers need to know that they should not be falsely reassured when a pet store tells them their puppies come from USDA licensed breeders,” said Cori Menkin, senior director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign. “Unfortunately, USDA standards alone do not ensure that dogs are raised humanely in an environment in which they can thrive. We hope this new tool will allow consumers to make informed decisions and refrain from buying puppies at pet stores, and instead make adoption their first option, or seek a responsible breeder if they choose not to adopt.”
Adult breeding dogs in puppy mills are often kept in unsanitary, overcrowded, and sometimes cruel conditions without sufficient veterinary care, food, water, or socialization. They are typically bred at every opportunity to produce as many puppies as possible and maximize profits for the breeder. Many of the photos released by the ASPCA depict the poor conditions the adult breeding dogs are forced to endure for their entire lives.
According to a newly released poll conducted by Edge Research and commissioned by the ASPCA, 71 percent of Americans are confident that commercial dog breeders licensed by the USDA treat their dogs humanely. However, the public’s definition of humane treatment of dogs in commercial breeding facilities differs in many ways from what is legally required under the federal Animal Welfare Act, which is enforced by the USDA. The public believes that the following points are “absolutely necessary for a breeder to be considered humane,” but none of these are currently required by the USDA:
- the opportunity to exercise daily (94 percent);
- access to routine veterinary care (93 percent);
- being allowed outside at least once a day (90 percent);
- positive social interaction with humans at least daily (87 percent);
- more than six inches of cage space around their bodies (86 percent);
- humane euthanasia by a veterinarian (83 percent);
- protection from temperatures below 45 or above 85 degrees at all times (75 percent);
- for female, not being bred more than twice in an 18-month period (65 percent);
- dog cages not being stacked one on top of the other (63 percent); and
- dog cages not having wire or mesh floors (62 percent).
Menkin added: “The data reveals that there is a clear disconnect between what many Americans think ‘USDA licensed’ means, and what the law that the USDA enforces actually requires of commercial dog breeders nationwide. The federal requirements fall far short of the public’s standards and expectations for the humane treatment of dogs, and we hope that people will use the new tool on the ASPCA’s No Pet Store Puppies website to see for themselves what ‘USDA licensed’ really means.”
Even among those who are confident that USDA licensed commercial dog breeders treat their dogs humanely, the public overwhelmingly supports each of these requirements for all breeders licensed by the USDA. The ASPCA hopes to work with USDA to better enforce and improve the standards applied to commercial dog breeding facilities.
The ASPCA’s “No Pet Store Puppies” campaign aims to reduce the demand for puppy mill puppies by urging consumers to pledge not to buy any items—including food, supplies or toys—from stores or websites that sell puppies. The ASPCA continues to encourage animal lovers to take the pledge and share the "I pledged" badge on their social networks. To learn more about the ASPCA’s efforts to eradicate puppy mills, please visit NoPetStorePuppies.com.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Guardians of Rescue Hires Private Eye to Search for Stolen War Veteran's PTSD Therapy Dog Featured
SMITHTOWN, NY – (June 12, 2013) – Stolen from his parked car last August, in Jacksonville, Florida, Adalida, the Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix therapy dog owned and loved by an Iraqi war veteran, is still missing. While helping his mother with groceries, Sgt. Kenneth Chambers spent only four minutes away from his best friend, only to return to the car and find her gone. Pet theft has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, but this particular theft is more heartbreaking than most, as Sgt. Chambers suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD,) and Adalida is his therapy dog.
After being designated an official diagnosis in 2010, PTSD affects many returning soldiers serving in combat zones, and therapy dogs have been credited with aiding the healing process the vets must go through to overcome this illness.
After Adalida's disappearance, Chambers passed out countless fliers, posted signs on his truck, created a Facebook page and took out a billboard. Guardians of Rescue, a non-profit organization based in New York, is dedicated to the rescue and aid of all animals in need, and the therapy dogs are no exception. The rescue group is also offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads up to her safe return.
“For veterans suffering from PTSD, they are very dependent on their therapy dogs to maintain their daily lives,” says Robert Misseri, founder and president of Guardians of Rescue. “We are going to do everything possible to get Adalida back to Kenny.”
It's been almost a year since she's been gone, but Chambers is still just as determined to have her back, and Guardians of Rescue is stepping up to make this happen. "She's more than a dog and is my heart and soul,” he says. She is his best friend and he credits her with saving his life, a relationship that many vets suffering from PTSD attest to.
Sue Perry, a former law enforcement officer and current licensed private detective in Florida, where Adalida went missing, has been secured by the Guardians of Rescue. Together with the Guardians "Watchdog" program, she will serve as lead investigator of municipal animal shelters in the U.S. to solve this case.
"I just want my dog back,” says the distraught Chambers, and Guardians of Rescue is doing everything they can to make that happen.
Guardians of Rescue, is a non-profit organization aimed at Animals Helping People and People Helping Animals. They provide food, veterinary care, and shelter to animals in need. Guardians “Watchdogs” is a recently implemented program to investigate municipal animal shelters nationwide to uncover cruelty and animal abuse. Guardians also founded Paws of War to help active military and veterans with the use of therapy dogs to assist in post-traumatic stress disorder. To learn more or donate, visit www.guardiansofrescue.org.
About Guardians of Rescue
Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.
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Lisa Manzione author of "the Adventures of Bella and Harry" will join Jon and Talkin' Pets at 5:30 PM EST Saturday to discuss and give away her childrens book series Featured
The Adventures of Bella and Harry
by Lisa Manzione
GLOBAL GEOGRAPHY TAUGHT THROUGH TWO CHIHUAHUAS IN NEW CHILDREN’S SERIES
- Children’s author exposes children to important world cities through the adventures of two small dogs
With kids today watching anime cartoons and nonchalantly snacking on things like hummus or lychee fruit, it’s becoming more and more easy to see the day-to-day effects of globalization in our American society. However, this welcome change doesn’t seem to affect our country’s knowledge of the world around us. In fact, according to a Roper poll done by National Geographic, nine in ten young adults couldn't find Afghanistan on a map of Asia. Despite the increasingly popular acceptance of cultural influences, America seems to be largely unaware of the geography that surrounds us. But there’s hope for the coming generations!
The new series The Adventures of Bella and Harry by Lisa Manzione will help young children get an early start on geography. Manzione’s books follow two small dogs as they travel the various major cities of the world, making geography fun and exciting for kids. As children engage in the series, they learn about different places of interest through the eyes of Chihuahua duo, Bella and Harry. Keeping with modern themes of global tolerance, Manzione touches on not only geography, but unique aspects that run deeply within each city’s culture.
“I do not believe that there are enough books for children between the ages of five and ten years that address geography, customs, cultures, etc...,” says Manzione. “I thought The Adventures of Bella and Harry series would be a good introduction for children, and hopefully stimulate their curiosity for more knowledge regarding the world in which we live.”
“Trying to teach tolerance of other customs and cultures is also something that I set out to do,” adds Manzione. “For example, one book in the series, Let’s Visit Istanbul! addresses mosques and Muslim faith and another, Let’s Visit Jerusalem! addresses the Western Wall and other religious landmarks.”
Major themes in the books include:
· Travel – The series gives children an exposure to traveling and the many gains one can acquire from it.
· Culture – Each book includes interesting things like typical food, dress, architecture, and religion.
· History – Landmarks are identified as well as ruins, museums, and even important bodies of water.
· Language – at the end of each book, Manzione includes basic vocabulary from the country explored, such as how to say “hello” and “goodbye”, and “yes” and “no.”
The books are written for elementary aged children and include adventures to London, Paris, Venice, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, and Istanbul. Other cities such as Rome, Edinburgh, and Jerusalem are to be released within the year. The Bella and Harry website at www.bellaandharry.com also gives kids the opportunity to further interact with these two adorable dogs with coloring book printouts, interactive games, and information about the musical play based on the books. Also available online are study guides available to accompany each book in the series.
Lisa Manzione has traveled to each of the cities that she cites in her books. Manzione started the series after discovering that her children had an inadequate geographical education from their public schools. She is the proud single mother of two college-graduates and currently resides in Delray Beach, FL with her seven dogs.
For further information on the series please visit www.bellaandharry.com
The first nine books in The Adventures of Bella and Harry series include Let’s Visit London!, Let’s Visit Paris!, Let’s Visit Venice!, Let’s Visit Athens!, Let’s Visit Barcelona!, Let’s Visit Cairo!, Let’s Visit Istanbul! Let’s Visit Rome!, and Let’s Visit Edinburgh! are available for purchase on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. Let’s Visit Jerusalem! Will be available on June 1st.
Joan Harrison author of "You Can Count On Gracie" will join Jon and Talkin' Pets this Saturday at 5 PM EST to discuss and give away her new childrens book Featured
Award-winning children’s picture book teaches children to count to ten with the help of Gracie, the amazing golden retriever.
A variety of greeting cards featuring Gracie followed, and Harrison soon envisioned a larger project. Since kids love dogs, and because canines are so beneficial in many areas of education and therapy, Harrison was certain Gracie would be "the perfect goofball star of a children’s book." You Can Count on Gracie is the happy result. This uniquely imaginative journey through the land of one through ten offers bright, bold, humor-filled compositions alongside nimble rhyming verses that Harrison designed to "bring children and their parents together in laughter and an interactive learning experience as they discover how to count to ten." From hats and carrots to books and fish to shoes and butterflies and more, Gracie stands at the ready to help children learn their numbers. Harrison quips, "A nose for fun and a sweet, smiling face – get ready to count with the amazing Ms. Grace!" For its memorable combination of entertainment and education resulting in high quality rhymes, appealing humor, and eye-catching compositions, You Can Count on Gracie was awarded a Bronze Medal in the 2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) in the Children’s Picture Book category (ages seven and under). AUTHOR: A graduate of Penn State University with a fine arts degree in print making, Joan Harrison has chosen digital photography to express her creative vision. Aside from her freelance photography work, she also performs as the banjo player and lead singer for the bluegrass band "Too Blue." She resides in upstate New York with her husband Brian, a sweet, sassy Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Rosie, a golden retriever puppy named Patsy, and of course Gracie.
"Designed to help youngsters learn to count, each page features a colorful and cleverly staged photo of Gracie, Joan's picturesque golden retriever, with easily identifiable objects for young readers to find...The photography is striking, and Miss Gracie exudes an approachable personality that kids will love." ~ John Lawless, Bluegrass Today
While caring for her aging parents, dog lover and first-time children’s book author Joan Harrison found a creative outlet in digital photography. Since her golden retriever Gracie was always at her side, Harrison used Gracie as a model as she honed her lighting and compositional skills.
ASPCA Commends U.S. Senate for Passing Strong Animal Fighting Provision in Farm Bill Featured
Legislation would criminalize attendance at animal fights
NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) commends the U.S. Senate for passing the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act as part of the Farm Bill (Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 – S. 954). This provision would make attending an animal fight a federal offense and impose additional penalties for bringing a child to an animal fight.
“Animal fighting is a brutal form of abuse where animals are exploited and forced to fight as their owners profit from their torture,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. “Children need protection from the dangerous culture of animal fighting, as well as its associated illegal activities such as drugs, weapons and gambling. The ASPCA applauds the Senate for passing this measure as part of its Farm Bill, thereby strengthening laws to combat animal fighting and protect public safety.”
Spectators at animal fights are not there accidentally—they intentionally seek out the criminal activity at secret locations for the entertainment of watching two animals fight to the death and the opportunity to gamble on the barbaric event. When animal fighting operations are raided, it is a common practice for the organizers, promoters and animal owners to blend into the crowd of spectators in order to escape law enforcement. The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act would discourage individuals from enabling animal fights via their illegal wagers and admission fees, and will ensure that organizers cannot easily hide in the crowd when law enforcement officials arrive.
The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act (S. 666) was introduced as standalone legislation in April by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and David Vitter (R-La.) in order to strengthen laws against animal fighting. It was subsequently added to the Senate’s Farm Bill.
The House version of the Farm Bill (H.R. 1947), which contains similar language pertaining to animal fighting laws, is expected to be voted on later this summer. For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to tackle animal fighting and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Mickey Mouse is back in "Get A Horse" animated short Featured
Making its world debut Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at the Annecy Animation Festival in Annecy, France, is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ never-before-seen short “Get A Horse!” Starring the one and only Mickey Mouse and featuring Walt Disney himself as the voice of the iconic character, this black-and-white, hand-drawn short follows Mickey, his favorite gal pal Minnie Mouse and their friends Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow as they delight in a musical wagon ride—until Peg-Leg Pete shows up and tries to run them off the road.
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Dogs Bludgeoned to Death at Inhumane Yulin Dog Meat Festival Letter Urges Chinese Ambassadors to Canada, UK and U.S. to Take Action to End Event
Written by
Jon Patch
(June 17, 2013) – Humane Society International CEO and President Andrew Rowan, Ph.D., sent letters urging Chinese Ambassadors to the United States, United Kingdom and…
Written on Monday, 17 June 2013 14:26
Tags: dogs Cruelty inhumane China HSI dog meat festival protests Be the first to comment! Read more...
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ASPCA Gives 52 Dogs New “Leash” on Life in Collaboration With Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, Great Plains SPCA
Written by
Jon Patch
ASPCA transports dogs from Kansas and Missouri to Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in New York’s Orange County
NEW YORK—In an effort to give dozens of…
Written on Saturday, 15 June 2013 18:21
Tags: pets ASPCA animals dogs Kansas New York Missouri Pets alive Orange County animal transport Be the first to comment! Read more...
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