“Make Michigan Next” Rally to End Breed Discrimination and to Protect the Property Rights of Pet Owners

What: Michigan’s voters should have the right to own the dog of their choice. It’s a matter of fairness. As Michigan law currently stands, any Michigan municipality can enact a law banning any breed of dog, tearing apart families and supporting discrimination against dog owners. A coalition of animal welfare organizations and concerned citizens launched the “Make Michigan Next” campaign and will hold a rally actively involving more than 1,000 registered voters to bring attention to the need to eliminate all breed discrimination laws in our state. Breed discrimination, or breed-specific legislation (BSL), is a category of laws that ban or restrict certain types of dogs based solely on their appearance. A national survey reveals that 84 percent of citizens believe that local, state and federal governments should not infringe on a person’s right to own whatever breed of dog they choose. All dog owners should be treated fairly and equally. So far, 19 states have banned BSL. That’s why the focus of this rally is to inspire policymakers to “Make Michigan Next!“

Rally speakers:

• BSL victim Terry Hodskins
• Animal Control Officer Kim Walton, southeast Michigan
• Michigan animal law attorney Richard Angelo
• Animal Control Officer Rachel Jensen, west Michigan
• Veterinarian Erica Hawker, Union Lake Veterinary Hospital
• Senior Manager of Policy Jon Dunn, Best Friends Animal Society
• Rally MC Courtney Protz-Sanders, Michigan’s Political Action Committee for Animals

When: Wednesday, September 17, 2014

• Educational booths and retailers: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Rock N Roll K9’s Performance Team: 10:15 a.m.
• Human chain: 11 a.m. to noon
• Speakers: noon to 1 p.m.

Where: East lawn and steps of the state capitol, Lansing, Mich.

Webcast: The rally speaker presentations will be webcast live from noon to 1 p.m. at 
https://new.livestream.com/accounts/6848793/MakeMichiganNext

Details:

• Promptly at 11 a.m., citizens will form a human chain leading from the east steps of the capitol, symbolizing their solidarity against breed specific legislation in Michigan.
• The human chain demonstration will be followed by brief remarks from industry leaders and victims of breed specific legislation.
• Media will have opportunities to interview speakers throughout the day.

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Walk with the PACK for Puppy Mill Awareness

The streets of Greenwich Village will soon become a platform for hundreds of compassionate dog lovers running with the PACK (People Against Commercial Kennels). What are they and their best friends running for? They’ll actually be walking, and against the production and sale of sick, traumatized animals across the country.

Overbreeding, inbreeding, and other forms of animal cruelty are hardly news these days. Major media ranging from the Today show to the BBC have exposed serious problems facing dogs on a vast scale. A growing list of celebrities are setting bold examples by rescuing shelter pups, both purebred and mutt, instead of buying them. So why are dog-loving consumers still making impulse purchases at pet stores that manipulate them on the lowest level — by showing them cute faces needing homes as though they were animal charities?

Our walk to Washington Square Park is meant to educate, entertain and remind many of what they already know. Buying that doggie in the window is not “rescuing” or “adopting,” but helping industrial breeders to go on causing needless suffering. We’re hoping — like those local anti-puppy mill groups and City Council members — to put New York and the nation on the path of Chicago and Los Angeles where legislation has banned all sales of puppy mill dogs.

The PACK walk is the brainchild of Jacki Flanigan, founder of People Against Commercial Kennels, a not-for-profit advocacy group based in Pennsylvania where many of the nation’s commercial breeding facilities are located.

“Dogs in puppy mills live in misery and deplorable conditions for the sole purpose of creating inventories for pet shops and websites,” says Flanigan. “Surprisingly, the average consumer seems to have no idea where the majority of puppies come from, and is unaware that many wonderful animals are waiting to be adopted from shelters and rescue groups. We believe that if more people can accept the ugly truth behind the pet industry then they’ll make informed and responsible decisions about where to get their next dog and ultimately bring an end to these reprehensible breeders.”

Each year puppy mills have the USDA’s approval to go on churning out thousands of dogs under the most appalling conditions. Many animals they produce have a long list of congenital illnesses, anatomical defects, and are exposed to infectious diseases. Breeding bitches spend their entire lives tiny, filthy cages, often unprotected from extreme weather and given substandard veterinary are and inadequate food and water. The puppies to be sold are deprived of the kind of early socialization so helpful for family pets.

The walk is an uphill climb as advocates face not only bad breeders, but vested interests like the AKC who want “to limit the legal definition of ‘puppy mill,’ to protect the rights of breeders to keep inbreeding for as many defects as the show-ring judges demand, and to stack their products in cages for as long a shelf life as the law will allow,”writes one of our supporters in The Bark magazine.

The PACK event will include guest appearances from Main Line Animal Rescue’s Bill Smith, Annemarie Lucas of Animal Planet’s “Animal Precinct,” renowned puppy mill expert Bob Baker, Laura Flynn from HBO’s documentary “Madonna of the Mills,” and singer/songwriter Danny Nova.

Despite the urgency of our cause, this promises to be a fun-filled day for humans and hounds alike. After the walk, the public is welcome to mingle with our special guests and enter their dogs in contests with celebrity judges to win some terrific prizes at 1:00 p.m.

The event will meet where Ninth Ave & Gansevoort St converge at 11:00 a.m. The walk begins at 12:00 p.m., open and free to the public, will be held rain or shine.

For more information, please visit PACK’s website.

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National Dog Day: August 26, 2014

National Dog Day (also known as: International Dog Day and National Dog Appreciation Day) is celebrated on August 26th every year,  and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

Founded in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige, National Dog Day was created to honor dogs more than we currently do, to give them “a day”, to show deep appreciation for our long connection to each other – for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways. National Dog Day wishes to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure – and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life.”

National Dog Day is against any kind of “breed ban.” Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man. And while we feel that American’s have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying from pet stores, backyard breeders, the internet, newspaper ads and puppy mills, and rather encourage those seeking new canine companions, to verify that they are buying from a reputable breeder, educate themselves about their dog’s breed and better yet – visit their local shelter or pure breed rescue group to adopt a new furry family member that will be forever grateful. Millions of dogs are euthanized each year because they are unwanted. They are wonderful and viable sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider adopting on National Day!

National Dog Day will also be many a dog’s birthday and for all of them it will be akin to a “K9- 4th of July!” Even citizens who are not dog owners will be encouraged to donate $5 to their local shelter on National Dog Day.

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Petco Celebrates Fifth Annual “Reptile Rally”; Families and pet lovers nationwide are invited to discover the world of reptiles and learn proper care tips

On Saturday, July 19, 2014, children ages 10 and up will have the opportunity to attend Petco’s fifth annual “Reptile Rally” event.

This year’s free, family-friendly event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Petco stores nationwide. Those who attend can participate in Meet & Greets, where families can interact with friendly reptiles, such as Leopard Geckos, and learn useful care tips from knowledgeable Petco partners. Families will also learn fun facts about the lives of reptiles, such as:

• They blink in their sleep. Leopard geckos can blink their eyelids while sleeping.
• They get around. There are more than 8,000 species of reptiles living on every continent except Antarctica.
• They live a long time. Reptiles are amongst the longest living species. Some large tortoises can live for more than 150 years, while ball pythons can live up to 40 years.
• They aren’t slimy. Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing slimy about being covered in scales. In fact, reptiles have no sweat glands and are typically dry to the touch.

Guests can also engage in a reptile photo experience with a prehistoric-themed backdrop and receive exciting giveaways throughout the event, including a new activity book featuring collectible trading cards and fun facts.

To learn more, please slither over to petco.com/reptilerally.

* This event will not take place in Hawaii or Puerto Rico locations.

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Be Kind to Animals Week and National Pet Week

This is a time to recognize those nonhuman friends who add a special dimension to our lives — it’s Be Kind to Animals Week and National Pet Week.

While pets are a source of companionship, many dogs provide protection and act as eyes for the blind, as well as helping other disabled owners. Less is expected of cats, who keep humans as household staff. Dogs are found in well over one-third of U.S. homes, cats in slightly less than one-third. Those favoring cats usually have more of them, thus there are 74 million household cats versus about 70 million dogs.

Among other companion animals, we have over 8 million birds, 3.3 million rabbits, and 1.1 million lizards. Animal food manufacturing is a $39 billion a year business in the U.S. for some 1,800 establishments. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

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Celebrate Pet Companionship During National Pet Week

You love your pets 365 days a year, but National Pet Week, which runs May 4 through 10, is a special week to celebrate the companionship your furry and feathered friends provide. Every day across America, there are more than 200 million pets enriching the lives of their owners with their unique traits and personalities. This week, veterinary clinics and other pet-related groups are hosting events like dog washes, fun runs and contests in honor of the contributions our pets make to our lives.

National Pet Week was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 1981, and is celebrated during the first week of May every year. The Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond and responsible pet ownership by encouraging pet owners to celebrate pet companionship during this special week.

Owning pets can provide people with a range of benefits, from the comfort of companionship to a more active lifestyle. Make sure you’re making their lives fulfilling as well by practicing responsible pet ownership. Visit your veterinarian for annual check-ups to ensure your pet is fit, healthy, up-to-date on all vaccinations and on an appropriate parasite prevention plan. “The most critical thing you can do to keep your pet happy and healthy in the long term is to develop an open, honest and trusting relationship with your veterinarian and his or her staff,” said Nancy Turner, DVM, a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association who practices at Vickery Place Animal Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Remember that your veterinarian is the most reliable source of information about your pet’s health and wellness. While the internet offers a vast range of pet information at the click of a mouse, this content most often has not been written or reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. The most safe and effective health plan is created by a veterinarian who has thoroughly examined your pet. Tips you read online may be true for one pet but do not account for the unique circumstances of your pet’s situation.

For more information on National Pet Week, visit www.petweek.org. Whether it’s your cat’s crooked tail, your bird’s melody or your dog’s way of greeting you at the door, celebrate what your pets bring into your life this week.

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Bring your dog out to play at the 13th Annual C-DOG Spring Dog Festival

You and your dog(s) are invited to the 13^th Annual C-DOG Spring Dog Festival on May 18th, 2014 at Soquel High School in Soquel, California from 9 am-2 pm.

This year’s event will feature lots of fun games, shopping, dog sports demonstrations and LURE COURSING! The Fetch A Wave Photo Booth will be back by popular demand!

Every year, over a hundred volunteers work with the Coastal Dog Owners Group (C-DOG) to produce this popular event, which raises thousands of dollars to benefit local canines and kids.  C-DOG brings people together around a shared interest in dogs, raises money for local dogs in need, and provides a fun introduction to the world of dog sports and games.

At the Spring Dog Festival you will find representatives from several animal rescue groups and an adoptable dog showcase to help rescue dogs find forever homes. Who knows, maybe Your New Best Friend will be waiting for you at the Spring Dog Festival. There will also be fun games and dog sports demonstrations, which provide much needed mental and physical exercise for your dog. This event will also give you the opportunity to try out various dog sports and talk to the experts.

For up-to-the-minute event details and to purchase advance tickets online, please visit the Coastal Dog Owners web site.

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National Volunteer Week: Boyds® Bears Announces National “Hearts Of Gold” Contest Winner Honoring Volunteers Everywhere

To recognize the 60 million Americans who volunteer annually, Boyds Bears today announced the winner of its “Hearts of Gold” contest search for outstanding volunteers in the United States.

Marcie Frishberg of Brooklyn, New York, is an animal activist and was selected as the “Hearts of Gold” contest winner, based on her work with Rabbit Rescue and Rehab and NYC Metro Rabbit.

Since 2006, Frishberg has spent hundreds of hours helping find homes for abandoned house rabbits.  As part of her volunteer efforts, Frishberg trains other volunteers to take care of rabbits awaiting homes, makes home visits to ensure rabbit welfare and responds to calls about rabbit care and illness. She also has worked with the NYC Animal Care and Control, a public shelter, to take care of the rabbits left there, and to facilitate adoptions. To underscore her commitment to animal welfare, Frishberg is also in the process of becoming a licensed rabbit educator at large, through the national House Rabbit Society.

“We were overwhelmed with the stories of volunteerism throughout the country,” said Lisa Winter, senior brand manager for Enesco. “Our team was captivated by Marcie’s efforts, because of her dedication to animals who have no other voice in the world.”

As the winner of the contest, Frishberg will have a Boyds Bear created in her honor, and designed to recognize her rabbit welfare efforts. In addition to receiving the very first bears produced later this year, Enesco will make a$1,000 contribution to Rabbit Rescue and Rehab.

Nominations for the contest were accepted Feb. 17, 2014 through March 14, 2014.

For decades, Boyds Bears has created plush and resin bears from different walks of life.  Each plush bear is hand-trimmed and made with multiple fabrics, and the majority of Boyds Bears are jointed and can be posed.

For more information, visit www.boydsstuff.com.

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Famous Cats Team Up With Feline Enthusiasts in Online GiveLitter™ Charity Event

World’s Best Cat Litter™ has partnered with four famous cats to launch the largest round of the GiveLitter™ charity yet, allowing online cat lovers to donate up to 50,000 pounds of litter to shelter cats in need.

Famous cats Lil BUB, Hamilton the Hipster Cat, Murdock the Marvelous and Nala Cat, who were all adopted from shelters before capturing the hearts of millions online, have teamed up to help raise litter donations for their favorite shelters.

This exciting new round of GiveLitter™ launches today and unlimited voting will run until March 26th. Cat enthusiasts can visit www.worldsbestcatlitter.com/givelitter to cast a vote for a cat and the shelter they support. Voting is free and open to anyone. The cat that receives the most votes will be awarded 20,000 pounds of World’s Best Cat Litter™ to donate to their shelter partner. The cats with the second, third and fourth highest vote totals will receive 15,000 pounds, 10,000 pounds and 5,000 pounds of litter, respectively, to donate.

• Lil BUB is donating litter to the Bloomington Animal Shelter and Ouabache Valley Felines and Friends, Inc., both in Indiana.
• Hamilton the Hipster Cat is donating litter to the Humane Society Silicon Valley in Milpitas, CA.
• Murdock the Marvelous is donating litter to the Sonoma Humane Society in Santa Rosa, CA.
• Nala Cat is donating litter to the Kitten Rescue animal shelter in Los Angeles, CA.

Today’s GiveLitter™ launch marks the first time World’s Best Cat Litter™ has partnered with famous cats to broaden the reach and influence of this unique cat charity.

This round of GiveLitter™ also complements World’s Best Cat Litter’s exciting national #IMACRAZYCATLADY campaign, a year-long effort kicked off in January to challenge the “crazy cat lady” stereotype by celebrating cat owner pride and showing how diverse cat lovers really are.

“Lil BUB, Hamilton the Hipster Cat, Murdock the Marvelous, Nala Cat and their owners really embody the spirit of this campaign,” said Jean Broders, Brand Manager of World’s Best Cat Litter™. “We are thrilled to partner with them for our GiveLitter™ event to draw even more attention to the importance of supporting shelter cats.”

The #IMACRAZYCATLADY campaign also uses www.GetAwayFromClay.com to educate today’s cat owners about the reasons to “get away” from clay cat litters and move toward a simple, sustainable and safe litter box solution.

Since it began in 2010, the GiveLitter™ charity has empowered cat lovers to donate 296,651 pounds of free litter to deserving shelters across the country.

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Montgomery County Humane Society Microchip Clinic for Dogs & Cats: March 15

If your beloved dog or cat has ever gone missing, you know all too well the heartache of trying to find your furry friend quickly. One of the best tools to help your search is pet ID, in particular, microchipping. The Montgomery County Humane Society wants all lost animals to return home. We are offering a special microchip clinic on Saturday, March 15 from noon ’til 3 pm at the Rothgeb Drive shelter. Cost is just $35.00 per microchip — dress your pet in green and get a $5.00 discount.  Leashed dogs and cats in carriers are welcome. Please join us, and increase your pet’s chances of being lucky and finding his or her way home.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014 noon to 3 pm

14645 Rothgeb Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850

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