Thursday, February 19, 2015

Call to Action

“For more than 250 dogs, the nightmare is now over. After a year-long investigation, 22 people have been indicted following the dramatic raid of a suspected multi-state dog fighting operation. Our Red Star® Rescue team was waiting to spring into action at the request of the Baltimore City Police Department to help the animal victims. Our team’s mission was to help local groups, such as the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), bring peace and compassionate care to the dogs that were rescued from what was presumably years of suspected abuse and neglect. During their investigation, police found treadmills, guns, dogs on heavy chains, “rape stands” and other items which are frequently found at properties with ties to dog fighting rings. Many of the dogs were reportedly found living in deplorable conditions – and it was also reported that many of the individuals who are suspected of being connected with the alleged operation, have a criminal past. Animal fighting is a barbaric and cowardly form of cruelty. It is an unfathomable abuse that occurs in our nation’s neighborhoods – large or small – all under the veil of devious secrecy. One that not only leads to immense animal suffering – but one that frequently also involves other crimes and violence. In fact, we’ve known for far too long about The Link® between violence towards people and animals” (Scally, 2015).


Dog fighting occurs every day all over not only the US but in other countries as well. Hundreds on dogs die every week as the result of losing a fight, either to another dog, or from being thrown out for trash by their “owner.” The American Humane Association strives to end animal abuse such as this, and to give animals the proper care and love that they so deserve. I have two pit bulls, and the thought of something taking my precious babies and pinning them against another dog sickens me. We, as humans, are the only ones who can take action against these acts of abuse. It starts with YOU!

The Red Star Animal Emergency Services shut down this barbaric animal fighting ring…donate to the association to help keep this emergency team doing what they are doing, and saving animal’s lives every day. 


dog-fighting-raid

Monday, February 9, 2015

My Chardonnay

Upon reading the title of this post, most people would think I am speaking of chardonnay, the white wine..sorry to disappoint, but my Chardonnay is referring to my pit bull, whose name is yes, Chardonnay. For me, projects and assignments and choices made in general seem to go always go back to supporting the Humane Societies and the work and efforts that are taken to reduce and hopefully one day stop all animal abuse, in every form.

Chardonnay!
My dog, Chardonnay, whom I have had for about two years now is the complete opposite of what everyone labels the breed of pit bull as being. She considers herself to be a lap dog, and is very fond of licking your face until it is raw. I read a quote recently that said "I am 100 times more likely than my pit bull to rip your throat out," and this is so true! In all seriousness, this breed and many other animals, not just house pets, are misunderstood and treated unfairly and poorly because of lack of care, knowledge, and quite truly, patience. Animals are like children in that they need a lot of love and attention, but the rewards and love you receive back as an owner are so rewarding. Many animals are abused and left to die every day because of so many different reasons, and this is the sad truth. The American Humane Association's mission is as follows:  "Since 1877 the historic American Humane Association has been at the forefront of every major advancement in protecting children, pets and farm animals from abuse and neglect. Today we’re also leading the way in understanding human-animal interaction and its role in society. As the nation’s voice for the protection of children and animals, American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses." "Who We Are." American Humane Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2015

Be the voice for those who cannot, and support those who are already aiding in the fight.

Donate to the American Humane Association and help the helpless!

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Putting the Human in Humane


Here is a riddle for you; what does a bear with second-degree burns on his paws, a horse whose owner abandoned him without food or shelter, too many puppies living in cramped conditions, and a 7 year-old boy diagnosed with cancer have in common? These four situations fall under an umbrella of the many services the American Humane Association provide to wildlife, pets, farm animals, and children. It is not just about cats and dogs, there are so many situations of wildlife abuse and farm animal neglect that often miss the scope of attention from the media. The association also addresses encouraging and building positive interaction between animals and children and furthering the study and treatment of cancer in children. 



Do you know the story behind “Smokey the Bear?” Google the story, and you will see a real-life example of how animals in the wild need just as much support and attention as our little poodles and guinea pigs.  I, prior to writing this blog and doing some research, did not know the association not only dealt with wild animals and their humane treatment, but addressing the treatment of cancer in children, and how animal-human interaction can benefit and add to the research efforts of the disease.



The American Humane Association makes animals and the humane treatment of them by humans and other animals their number one priority.  Through research and educating the public and society in general, the association strives to make a difference every single do, and I think they do a pretty darn good job!




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