Tuesday, June 22, 2010

"We're living on the edge..."

To quote Aerosmith"We're living on the edge". Why do I say that? Because take a look around you people our beloved Gulf coast is covered with oil. The fish, sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles are washing up on beaches covered in oil. The beautiful birds of the coast are also covered and what are we doing about it. Some of us pray, others donate money, time and materials; while others just laugh and think it's no big deal. It is a big damn deal. I don't know who is to blame but I blame BP and the rig company. I say a prayer for the families of the dead and for the survivors. I am thankful that this didn't happen off my beloved California coast where I as a child played and sun burned but I know that there is a girl or woman who lives as I did and just shakes her head and tries to remember a time when the sand was clean without the specks of oil or the sheen of oil on the water. I am not sure what to do but to pray and maybe try and find a salon that will donate my hair my beautiful long, blonde hair to the cause. As I have said in a previous blog or email let's hope that if there are extraterrestrials out there they don't want our oceans to have lots of whales and dolphins in them, because if they do we are in trouble. 
   Not sure if you all have also noticed a trend of police violence against all types of dogs lately but last week it was brought to my attention that down in La Grange, Missouri two police officers were called out to remove a dog off of someone's property and after about 68 minutes and getting a rabies pole around the dog's neck and struggling to try and get her in the car they shot her once in the torso and while she was lying in the submissive position and wagging her tail they shot her in the head. Now that is terrible. I have been bit, scratched, growled at, barked, hissed and pushed into a wall by animals and not once have I ever wanted to shoot one. These are the men that are suppose to protect you and keep you safe. Luckily the whole incident was caught on their dash cams. So I hope the cops lose their badges. I know police officers have a dangerous job and it's very stressful. But I can't see Kenny shooting a dog who was not aggressive. At least I hope he wouldn't. 
Also what is with people working at animal shelters that hate and like to abuse and torture animals, can't they get a job somewhere else? I can't fathom withholding food and water from a animal for fun or allowing them to live in conditions that were easily preventable. I mean can't these people find jobs somewhere else, where they don't have to deal with animals? Perhaps I am a fool, after all I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face for animals I don't know. I know that Maisy, Linda's feral cats, the Mitchell pack, Tindall pack, Edgar pack, Seals cats and the rest of the animals I know about personally are fine.  I guess it just bugs me because where someone sees a feral dog I see Scruffy, when it's a  feral cat or kitten all I see is Money, Shelby and any other semi feral cat. My greatest fear is that someday maybe it might be my or someone I care bout's fur baby being mistreated. I pray every night for all the animals and people I know. I hope that Kenny is safe at his job, that my grandpas and grandma are feeling well today, my aunts, uncles, cousins and my extended family are well and want for nothing. Remember adopt your next pal... So are We living on the edge?

Okay sad day for hockey

As many of you may or may not know I am Anaheim Ducks fan have been since 1993. Scott Niedermayer has announced his retirement today. It is a sad for hockey all around because one of the greatest defensemen to play the game has decided it is time to hang up the skates. He will be sorely missed at the Ponda Center and in a small apartment in Oklahoma City. I was never really a hugh fan of his before he came to the Ducks. He is a great guy all around. He did lots of charity work that benefited children, environment, and animals. I cried as I watched him thank everyone. He was always willing to sign autographs for young fans and he would talk to you after the game. He made himself accessible to the fans. So here's to you Mr. Scott Neidermayer, you will be missed and I hope that the young guys of hockey will take your example to heart.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Why should animals suffer?

Animals should not have to suffer for any reason. Some people are of the belief that they are better then the animals found in society and nature. The truth is people who enjoy making/ watching animals suffer are not as evolved as the animals themselves. 
  Animals throughout time have done much for humanity, animals such as dogs and cats have protected us from other people, our food and homes.  Horses and cattle have pulled plows, been transportation, food ( beef) , and to some companions on lonely night . Dogs, cats, and birds have been pets, companions, alarms, health monitors, and therapists to us.  Finally the assorted animals that are used in research rats, mice, primates, and others have aided us in finding cures for diseases, helped us understand things we may not have known, and finally were used for things that were probably too dangerous to be tried by humans first; but animals used in this way ( research ) are no longer needed in my tree hugger opinion. I am thankful for the animals that gave their lives to help us develop vaccines, insulin, and told us tobacco is bad. Most animals love us  unconditionally and freely acknowledge our shortcomings.  
  The animals that are raised or hunted for food should be treated with respect. To me this means that hunting of deer, elk, caribou, and anything else hunted should be done not from a tree stand but from the ground with either a rifle or bow and arrow. This also means that the animal should be made not to suffer needlessly,and that all the animal should be used and if it can not then burn it so that it nourishes the soil. If there are apex predators around then maybe leave the entrails for them. Since I have never hunted I don't know what can be used and can't. As for the farm raised food animals they should be allowed spacious areas to roam and feed on natural food, and when it comes to slaughter it should be done the most humane way possible. I don't want to know how to slaughter a pig I just want the pig to have lived it's life being well taken care of. If a animal is found to be unfit for consumption then by all means euthanize it but do it respectfully because hitting it with a mallet repeatedly is painful to said animal. Don't go spraying and beating with hoses, dragging it with chains, or poking it with poky things; you wouldn't like if you were unable to move and all above things were done to you, would you? Yes I have seen the videos of these things being done to a downed cow. 
 On to the big bad mammals,reptiles,condrithyes ,  osteoithyes and amphibians, which from this  point forward are wildlife. Wildlife deserve and demand our respect for the simple reason that they were here first. While some are thought to be dangerous, poisonous, and nuisances they were all here before us. Early civilizations thought of these animals were gods and they worshiped them as such and coexisted with them . If we as modern civilization cannot learn to co exist with these animals then perhaps it us who should leave their lands. I know that bears,  big cats, wolves, and coyotes are scary animals to have to live around but the Native Americans did it, so why can't we? We have stronger houses, bigger cities, and perhaps greater technology. I know we need the land that the wild horses are on for our dumb cattle? Not true says I because there is plenty of food for all. I know maybe we need to kill wolves up in Alaska because they are killing perfectly healthy caribou? Nope they prefer the weak, the old the injured. We need to kill coyotes, big cats and wolves because they kill our beloved pooches and kitties; not so we need to be aware that if we as humans live against their area we will get into encounters with these beautiful wild creatures. Yes you can say I am a city girl and have never seen what these animals can do but I have I watched a bear tear apart the back of a truck. I know these animals are dangerous. I have walked under a tree where a mountain lion was resting and you know what I am still here. I have watched wild horses run through a camp ground, a mother bear and cubs play, a juvenile coyote with a can stuck on it's head and toss the can off and paw at it playing. I have even watched a small group of coyotes walk past my trailer while my dad lit a space heater in the cold Mojave desert.  So don't tell me it is them who are attacking us for no reason. You move out of the big city to live closer to nature, right?  Then why are you trying to kill what makes nature great. I have always been aware of the dangers of camping in Yosemite, Pismo beach, and other nature areas. Where there are cute forest creatures there are those that eat the cute ones.
 As for the poor sharks, whales, dolphins ,seals,and sea lions they are living in a place where most humans don't dare live. The ocean is hugh and fun to swim, surf, and boat in I know ,but ask a surfer if he is aware of the sharks,  dolphins,and other sea life he shares the water with and he will tell you he is. Most surfers who are attacked by sharks hold no ill will towards them, so why should you? I know some cultures eat dolphin, whale and shark  while it is not appealing to me I guess it is okay. My only problem is if you going to go shark fishing then use the whole shark not just fins. If you going to kill a whale for food then say so,don't say you are doing it for "scientific" research. What are you going to learn from 100's of dead whales? 
   I hate to say it but we are the most dangerous animal there is. We are responsible for most our nature encounters going wrong. We are single-handily  responsible for many species going extinct then any other animal. We keep evolving more efficient ways to kill each other and the animals. We have guns, knives, cars, and other methods. What do the animals have?  Poison,  claws, teeth, hooves, brute strength,agility, speed  and antlers. Sounds like the animal is at a disadvantage. 
 As Robin Williams says to Ben Stiller in Night at the Museum , "Who's evolved ? " we are.
Therefore, maybe we should stop hurting animals and start caring about and for them. Maybe we could actually learn stuff about them and from them. You all realize that cute little/big dog in your house is a descendant of the wolf or other wild dog, right?  That cute little cat had to start somewhere in the wild? Just a thought .
Perhaps I shall end it here by simply saying," how you treat a animal is how you will treat your fellow man".
 
  






Thursday, June 10, 2010

These are sad times...

Well folks in case you didn't know I am a animal rights activist, A tree hugger, and all those nasty things that people say about those who protect the weak and the voiceless are not true.  We don't go around burning down labs who use animals in experiments because that kind of defeats our purposes of trying to free them.We do believe that if you are trying to cure AIDS in humans then by all means test it on someone who has AIDS, not a monkey or chimp. I know that diabetics would not be as well off as they are if it weren't for a man testing a vaccine on his diabetic doggie. Luckily it worked on his dog and the humans.  Yes we sign and write petitions to protect the animals. Yes we picket and boycott restaurants, stores, and  other places because they sell fur, support clubbing of seals and other atrocities against animals. We write letters to governments and influential people who we think can help. Some of us send money to various groups.  Some of us even wear silly shirts with  "Club a sandwich and not a seal", or" Seal the deal", Dogs are not accessories, and finally "Save the Planet". Yes I am one of those who believe global warming is real, yes I know the Earth goes through heating and cooling cycles, but we are speeding it up. So all I ask is recycle, ride share, walk to the mailbox, the trash bins ,and please the next time you see a email from a rescue group, animal rights,or environmental group that just wants you to read and sign a petition if you agree with what it says sign it. Have you watched the news lately? The oil spill is killing all matter of birds, sea turtles, snakes, dolphins, seafood and sharks. I don't know about you but I cry every time I see the pictures. Just today a famous seafood place in Louisiana that has survived hurricanes,the great depression and other horrible things had to fire all their workers today and close their doors. So wake up people it is effecting not only animals but people too.  I am sorry I will get off my soap box now. Have a great day /evening. 

What is a dog?

What is a dog... Well this is difficult to answer depending on your opinions of the dog. To me a great animal lover a dog is Canine a species that is descended from wild dogs and wolves. Perhaps the first dog was just a wolf who took pity on us and figured hey I can get a free meal and maybe they will stop chasing me away if I help them catch their meal. So our love affair with dogs began. Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, temperaments, and most importantly colors.  The dog is a product of how it is treated, I believe, there are no bad dogs just bad owners. Example : Kobe the wonder America Stafford Bull Terrier( pit bull) he is white and liver colored, extremely muscular, floppy ears, and pretty eye. Now to look at Kobe you would think oh no he gonna rip me apart, on the contrary, he is a sweet dog who would much rather you pet him or put him back in his yard when he inevitably escapes. I believe Kobe is a product of the family who owns him.    Now Mr. Vick's pits were different they were abused and taught to fight with other dogs and some eventually paid the ultimate price. I am not saying that Pits aren't a bully breed because I know they take lots of training and love to get them to be well adjusted. I know my personality would not be strong enough to train a Pit, so I will never have one. Dogs love unconditionally they  don't care if you are rich or poor, fat and thin, cute or ugly they only see you their pack leader or a member of the pack. Dogs are used by police, military, ranchers, and the disabled; Why you may ask because they view their trainers as part of the pack and will do anything and I mean any thing for them. That is why when a police dog is killed in the line of duty it's partner mourns and the person responsible for it's death is put away for a long long time. When a military dog has fallen in the line of duty he is immortalized by those he served. I have never been a police officer nor a military person but I have witnessed acts of bravery and fidelity done by dogs I have watched a mini schnauzer stare down a German Shepard. I have watched as a dog has refused to leave a lost child or a downed part of their pack ( another dog is hit by a car and it's buddy tries to help it make it the rest of the way) I have never seen a dog who wasn't abused attack a small child. Barring mental illnesses most dogs are nice. That is why I am a big believer in there are no bad dogs just bad people. Now I know that some who have had dogs go wonky and bite, but I believe that biting is sometimes the only way a dog can say leave me alone, because us silly humans don't read or speak dog.   So a dog is what you want it to be a big teddy bear, guard dog, foot warmer, dinner companion, clown, and best friend. For the reasons listed above I cannot see why anyone would abandon a dog, abuse a dog, run-over a dog and leave it  to die alone. So the next time you see your big/ little dog hug them. Be glad that there is at least one being in the world that loves you for who and what you are, not what you make, how good your cooking is, how wonderful you sing( to tell you the truth I think dogs like it when we sing off key) , or any other b.s. that doesn't matter. As always adopt never pet shop.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

To all the animals I have loved before... Part 1

I have never really sat and thought about how the animals I have known have affected my life; until today as I sat looking out the window of my small apartment that I share with my husband. I have a dog back in California,but I am without a dog here in Oklahoma.
Shadow is the first dog I can remember in my life. Shadow was a white, male, Miniature poodle and my best friend. He would follow me outside to the backyard, front yard, and even hid with me in the closet when I was scared. Shadow and I did many things together we played fetch, helped with chores, went on walks, camping, and even did family fire drills together. He was with me until at age eleven he started having seizures and due to the impact it had on his health he was euthanized. I do have fond memories of him those of which I will share one. He was still young and decided since the back door was open to go out on a adventure and ended up down the street playing with some of the neighborhood children. So Shadow had a good life and never wanted for anything.
Now on to Rebel a very free spirited Cocker Spaniel who was not mine but rather my Aunt Sissy dog. Rebel was white with liver colored spots all over his body. Rebel spent his life being loved and cared for by my Auntie. He was friendly to everyone and everything, he was a goofball and loved being outside. He wasn't in my life for a long time but he was a buddy just the same. He had a companion named Tigger ,orange tabby cat, who acted just like him and died before him. I remember Rebel being in my life until the age of 8 ( my age not his) my aunt found him having a stroke one day and rushed him to the veterinarian but the damage was done he was put down. My aunt told me it was better for him to be with Tigger and I never understood why until later in life. Enough with the depressing part onto my favorite memory of Rebel is my Aunt , Rebel and me camping in her Toyota mini van in the San Bernadino Mountains. We were out for a hike and found this creek which I and Rebel immediately went running into and would not get out of until it turned cold. I am blessed to have known this dog.
Scrappy, Bridgette and Scruffy, the Moreno Valley gang, belonged to my Aunt Linda. Scrappy and Bridgette were two shih-tzus and Scruffy was a terrier mutt. We will start with Scrappy and Bridgette since they were brother and sister. Now it is just my opinion that they were gotten to help my Auntie to get over a rough patch in her life. They were cute and adventurous little dogs who loved to be in the pool on their doggie boat. They would occasionally jump out and try to swim around. Scrappy and Bridgette were world class escape artists too, they would dig under the fence or jump out a low open window and explore their neighborhood. Scrappy and Bridgy would often be delivered by the mailman, UPS, or Fed EX driver or simply brought home by a neighbor. Scrappy and Bridgette like most dogs had health problems. Scrappy had a narrowing of the spinal cord and Bridgette went blind. Even in their older years they would still escape Bridgette holding up Scrappy and Scrappy being Bridgette's eyes. Bridgette lived to be about 13 or 14 years old and Scrappy lived a few years beyond her. I would say the favorite memory of them was a Summer day and them riding in the doggie boat in the pool.
Scruffy was a stray terrier mix that my Aunt Linda happened upon one day and decided what the heck I'll take him. Scruffy was a wild man he dug, rolled around in dirt, chased flies, never could walk on leash , ran quickly and often,and howled at the moon. He hated new people especially men. Once you were proven to be okay in his book Scruffy would love you like there was no tomorrow. Scruffy got along well with Scrappy and Bridgette and taught them the fine gourmet art of eating "trash". Scruffy was always peeing on stuff even after he was fixed. He was the classic example of don't judge a book by it's beginning because in the end Scruffy was a good boy. Who while none of us know how old he really was, is missed by my Aunt and me. I am not sure of a favorite memory but he had this Mickey Mouse shaped marking on his back. He had a accident and it was decided that he would suffer and not have a very good life so my Aunt Linda had him put down. Now a Happy Memory involving all three of the gang : Picture a table full of yummy food and three dogs eating their little hearts out. My aunt says she will never have another pet again .
What can be said about Chucky, he was Aunt Sissy's dog after Rebel, rescued from a Humane Society in upstate New York in the fall or winter. Chucky like all good Chihuahua terrier mix was full of life and was naturally suspicious of new people. He loved my Auntie so much that if he thought you were hurting her he would nip and growl and if you didn't stop you were done for. He was a good boy. I remember one time I was out walking him by myself and this guy got a little too close and I guess Chucky thought or felt a bad vibe because he lunged and the guy had ventilated ankle jeans. He was not viscous or aggressive just protective. He loved other dogs as long as,they were introduced correctly. Many years later after my auntie moved back to California Chucky became ill with cancer and had to be euthanized for it had gotten too far along. Believe me I know my Aunt loved Chucky and did all she could for him.
Lady was another rescue mutt ( cocker-beagle ) that my Aunt Sissy found in a alley. Lady was a love bug and would let you do anything to her. No one can say for sure but we think miss Lady was abused. Lady would always be wagging her tail, stub actually so hard that her whole back end would go back and forth. Lady was a extremely loud snorer and a blanket hog, I know because she and I shared a bed. Lady had horrible allergies and had to have doggie benadryl and aspirin. She loved to be outside and with people which caused her allergies to be worse to the point where she had to wear little boots on her feet ( mutt lucks). She was a companion to Chucky and I think she kinda died of a broken heart because once Chucky was gone she just wasn't the same ;Oh sure she would run and play and eat but it just wasn't the same. A favorite memory of the two of them, Camping at Pismo Beach and hiking with them and then having them sleep in the trailer with me.
Dixie, what can I say about Dixie, she became a member of the family shortly after Shadow crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Dixie was a miniature Schnauzer with bow legs, pointy ears, and long tail. She is the reason I fight to stop animal abuse . We got her from a humane society the people there said she was brought in by the previous owner because he didn't want her anymore. The best my family and I could figure is that a man must of kicked her alot because she was fine as long as you didn't make a kicking motion at her. If you tried to push her lightly with your foot you would have to count your toes. She also had a laundry list of health problems hyperthyroidism, schnauzer bumps, digestive problems and finally allergies. Despite the problems she was fearless when it came to the vacuum cleaner, balls big or small were her prey, running from the front to the back door , long walks and ice cream oh my word she loved ice cream. Dixie was the only dog I know that actually enjoyed baths it was a good thing too because with her skin condition she needed two a week. Dixie also enjoyed being at the vet's, she spent a lot of time there. Dixie was the dog who saw me through junior high, Kenny, high school, and part of college. She is also the dog who made me realize that perhaps being a vet was not a good choice for me. It was not because I couldn't take care of sick animals or handle aggressive ones, it was because as she died in my arms I could not imagine being the one to have to tell a child, adult or teenager that their friend or family is over the rainbow bridge. I know many of you who read this will wonder what that was about . You see Dixie is gone and has been since December 19,2003, she was euthanized because of Cushings disease and liver failure . I was the one to make the fateful decision. I knew it was time for her to go in my head but my heart oh my breaking heart couldn't let her die alone so as the vet took and placed the needle into the I.V. I held her and watched her simply go to sleep. My dad was there holding me up so I wouldn't fall. Okay my eyes are dry now and I can now tell you one of many favorite memories . Dixie and I went down to Huntington Beach to three dog barkery to have our picture taken. Well it was a uneventful picture experience. On the way home Dixie being a dog need to make a potty stop so we found a park and she went potty and then decided to embark on a game I will call find the french fry there was a french fry in the grass about 20 feet away and spent at least two minutes trying to get the fry. I still think of her often and sometimes late at night, I see her in the house in California. I know that my current dog Maisy was born a month after Dixie passed away but I swear Maisy has a bit of Dixie in her.
Rambo and Bambi, the Anaheim duo, Rambo was born on September 11,or maybe that is when he was reborn Rambo Mitchell. Rambo was a beautiful mini poodle who loved and protected my grandparents from threats real and imagined. Rambo enjoyed life very much and was spoiled . Rambo had many toys, snacks, meals and was very much loved. Rambo had many doggie friends and a sister her name is Bambi( cock-poo) who is two years younger then Rambo. Together Rambo and Bambi enjoyed camping, walks, doggie parks, car rides and beaches. Rambo's biggest vice was he was a blanket chewer and had a small skin allergy. Rambo is no longer with the Mitchells due to a health problem that came on rather suddenly and there was nothing that could be done to save him so he went to join all the beloved animals over the rainbow bridge.I haven't really told alot of people this but after I received the call from my Grandma I had a dream that I was at their house and Rambo was at the park across the street and he barked to get my attention and I waved goodbye and he ran off into the light . Perhaps my favorite memory of Rambo is when I was dog-sitting him and his sister was trying to get Rambo to let me on the bed and he growled at me but as the week went on he didn't growl anymore and then on the last day he fell asleep on my lap while waiting for the Mitchells to return.
Bambi the cock-poo is sweetest girl ever . She rarely chases other animals, loves walks, car rides, and all kinds of food. She used to chew up everything as a puppy including one of my shirts that I gave her so she wouldn't be cold on the ride to the Mitchells. I don't really think she has any health problems other then being a little fluffy. I thought that when Rambo passed away she would be devastated but she seems to have bounced back pretty well. I guess my favorite memory of Bambi is trying to sleep with her on the bed when dog sitting because she is a bed hog. Bambi is now a big sister to Jerry Lee also a cock poo whom I have yet to meet.
Maisy my current dog who is residing in Cali while I am in Oklahoma. Maisy became a part of the family on President's day 2004. She is a miniature schnoodle with attitude. She was the cutest little black fur ball you ever saw. We brought her home and she immediately started inspecting her new home and then she was let out to the back yard and was swallowed up by grass. Maisy is a fairly healthy little bean, she has luxating patellas, which has been fixed, small skin allergy, and hates being bathed. She loves going to the Veterinarian's and seeing them all, she enjoys the groomer and her husband. Maisy is a talker which means she barks, growls and makes piggish noises. She enjoys all the people that are invited to the house the only exception is the termite guy. She enjoys going for short walks, car rides, sleeping on boy, begging for food, and playing with toys. She is the dog who saw me through college, two failed jobs,and the loss of grandma P. I would love to say that if Maisy didn't like my husband I would of married him anyway but I wouldn't have; so lucky for him she did/does. Maisy doesn't like spiders, birds or cats. She has never harmed a bird or cat but has several times killed spiders. I think her favorite person in the world is Don our next door neighbor, Boy( my dad) , Grandpa, any other male, mom( me), and then Robin Girl( my mom). Maisy has a peculiar habit when scared, ill,or just wanting warmth of climbing onto Boy's belly and laying there with him supporting her body with his arm.
If there is one memory that is my favorite is her trying to figure out why Boy and Grandpa were outside in the rain and just as she got outside a lightning flash and thunder broke and she yelped and tried to climb into boy's pant leg.
Howie is a orange tabby cat who prowls the apartment complex where I live he belongs to someone in the complex. Howie is really affectionate for a cat, in fact, the other day he brought me a baby bird that fell out of it's nest and died, which I took to the trash bin outside and threw it in. Howie likes to escort you everywhere: trashcan, mailbox, to your vehicle,and finally to your apartment, where he expects a reward. Howie comes into the apartment when my husband isn't home looks around and leaves and sit on the porch under one of our windows. There are alot of people around the complex including the maintenance guys, manager and office workers that feed and pet him. I hope that he will be a indoor cat only some day but for now I feed and pet him when he shows up at my door.
So these are some of the animals I have loved before others are/ were:Cognac,Barney, Harley, Charlie, Shiloh,
Baxter, Tia, Zipper, Micheal, Reba, Sydney,Indy, Hallie, Manatu, Jake , Jack, Zero, Gretel, Honey bee, little bits, Shelby, joey bag of doughnuts, Domino,and Money not because I have met them all but because the people who own/ owned them mean so much to me more then perhaps then they know.
* I am sorry if this is hard for some of you to read and if I got dates wrong or places I am sorry there are just so many animals that I have known and loved. So thank you and please adopt a animal, don't buy from pet stores.