tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265058402024-02-18T22:16:51.372-05:00Marching To Our Own DrummerEver find life not so advantureous as you had wanted to believe as a child? Planning out all those things you were going to accomplish, all the people you'd planned to meet. Only to find yourself just as normal as you though your parents were. Holding down a job and supporting your family, hanging with friends you've grown up with or the new friends you've made over the years, and now this Internet thing. Isn't life amazing?Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-49985522633713778542012-11-17T10:03:00.002-05:002012-11-17T10:07:28.362-05:002012 is in full swing and Spring is here (opps nearing it's end)I can't believe I am finding it hard to stay up on my blog. I love this thing, or I used too. My last update came with Cinco de Mayo last year and I talked about a new addition and 2 great losses for us. <br />
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Camden turned 1 and we celebrated with friends and family out at the Northern Fauquier Community Park in Marshall off Rt 55. Such a beautiful place and for July, it wasn't that hot. <br />
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We've suffered yet another loss with the passing of Angel, our foster failure pup who had cancer through out her little brittle body. She enjoyed almost 4 years with us and welcomed our son and took up residence by his crib to keep him safe.<br />
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That is also where she passed. Our vet came out to the house and she was surrounded by those who loved her dearly and she seemed to welcome it. She was so very tired and drained that she didn't even bark at the vets as they entered the house or her boy's room. I cried for days. <br />
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Life has gotten in the way again, cause here it is nearly the end of the year and I started this update in March. :( Well, we've had fun this year, added a new four legged family member and visited our first Carnival and Amusement park. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUiFVzL9Bk7DSDouqEOy1YerrQj5evfIZYHCBRA-SFmz1ChhjYHcp8GOu99VOW-K0QJVzHH2iIT74JjJRA0v5bwYmo4QOZ8VYprohbmhag4koExIWePnxqSv019ItfQAhaS_A/s1600/i+love+to+ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUiFVzL9Bk7DSDouqEOy1YerrQj5evfIZYHCBRA-SFmz1ChhjYHcp8GOu99VOW-K0QJVzHH2iIT74JjJRA0v5bwYmo4QOZ8VYprohbmhag4koExIWePnxqSv019ItfQAhaS_A/s1600/i+love+to+ride.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a>Maci joined us in May this year and she is originally from New York City. She was found tied to a fire hydrant in Manhattan. :( It's not entirely a sad story, because she's loved here and she's been training with Miss Charlotte of Duskland Dogs out of Flint Hill, Virginia. <br />
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Camden is now 2 years and 4mos and it will be a year after Thanksgiving that he started walking. Yes, he's been walking for a year and my life changed dramatically that day. I love love love this stage of his little life. He's sooo much fun to be around. Exploring, running, trying to jump, and meeting sooo many new friends. <br />
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We celebrated Camden's 2nd birthday here at home; nothing big, nothing fancy, nothing overboard and stressful. Oma and Opa came up for the weekend and Grandma and Grandpa Kenny came out too. He got everything he could have aske for if he were talking. LOL I can't believe it though, he's TWO and it's not slowing down, any at all! :( <br />
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We had a playdate on his birthday and a BIG Thanks goes out to Miss Kristin for the cupcakes and Miss Shannon for the wonderful photographs she took. My little man is growing up sooo very fast, I don't think my heart is going to be able to handle it. <br />
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This summer we hit the local public with Pool. Yeap, I wore a swimsuit, first one in nearly 8 years I've purchased for myself. It wasn't pretty, but it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. <br />
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Camden had a blast, he's a little water baby and loved being in the pool. We also went to Oma and Opa's pool and played with cousin Mason, Aunt Em and Uncle Kevin. Camden also had a his very own pool on the backporch, but sometimes he ended up sharing with his bestie, Hoss. Hoss really loves spending time and laying around with Camden, this was just one more cool spot to hang out with him in. <br />
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Needless to say, we've done a LOT this year, not all of it what we wanted, and we even missed out on some things we had planned on doing. Like hitting the Beach before the end of the season. :( We had planned a weekend for Virginia Beach and well, it was rained out so we spent the weekend with Oma and Opa which was just as nice for Camden. He loves his Omie and Opa very much. <br />
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We haven't done a lot of Reenacting this year either, or I haven't I should say. I really need to get working on finish sewing and getting Camden ready for next years season. Not sure how much WWII he'll be doing, but we are planning to participate a great deal in the American Civil War. :D <br />
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I'll do my best and try to catch up tomorrow and at least stay current from here on out. It's November, we are less than a week away from Thanksgiving and Halloween was a bit of a bust here for us this year. But next year it will be full of Pumpkins, ghouls and goblins, witches and warlocks, and specktors. Promise! <br />
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Thanksgiving is with my family and there'll be Family Portraits done with everyone there. Yeaaaaa! Christmas will be here at home and if I could ask, please keep our Brother John in your prayers. He's fighting the good fight, but we all know Cancer can be a very very nasty mistress. :( <br />
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I'll end this update with a picture that was taken by a photographer for the Northern Virginia Daily. Yeap, that is right; Hoss, Camden and I made a local paper while out for a walk during the first few warm days of Spring this year. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. <br />
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Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-33021549923119608622011-05-05T13:05:00.000-04:002012-03-31T11:07:52.256-04:00Jeepers, a year and 9 months since last I updated<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F9wJRkWpb8jiVusZba4Scf6d6yVoqyClsUsCgE85M4zm30YQaQvtX6mtxderXNDVLzfmPEvPdcJiXsK8TyyTNr-XzCP6_LvLzfyNy-4bW99UCNG-woMyquXUUySx7vnf83pO/s1600/Atlas%2527+and+his+Blocky+Dog+Collar.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571177256652923042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F9wJRkWpb8jiVusZba4Scf6d6yVoqyClsUsCgE85M4zm30YQaQvtX6mtxderXNDVLzfmPEvPdcJiXsK8TyyTNr-XzCP6_LvLzfyNy-4bW99UCNG-woMyquXUUySx7vnf83pO/s200/Atlas%2527+and+his+Blocky+Dog+Collar.jpg" style="float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a>2009 for me was filled with loss, I wasn't sure I was going to make it through 2009. In August we lost of our 11yr old English Mastiff Atlas. It was a loss I took hard, but he lived a long and happy life with us.<br />
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We moved from Marshall in October of 09 to Linden and a nearly brand new raised ranch with a 2 car garage. SWEET! No more wood stove for heat and AC in the summer. We are now on the side of Blue Mountain in the Shenandoah Mountain range.<br />
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By November of 2009, I was pregnant with my son Camden. The name belonged to Joe's Grandfather on his mother's side. I actually know very little about the man and the only memory Joe has of him was he wasn't very nice.<br />
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By Christmas, my family knew we were expecting our first child and while they were all apprehensive and scared for me, they were excited at the same time. Fingers were crossed for a little girl, but that wasn't to be. LOL<br />
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2009 ended with that preverbal Split in the road for me. That split I had never imagined I'd encounter in my life time. When life changes, it changes BIG TIME doesn't it?!<br />
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We brought in the 2010 in high fashion, at my best girlfriends house in Lorton. Andi had just returned state side from Italy. I met Andi while attending Ansbach High School on Katterbach Kasarne in Ansbach, Germany.<br />
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It was Andi and my sister Emily who set the Baby Shower for June, didn't realize just how close they were cutting it either. LOL<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0Z2B6HhkLBqpiGAedH533msBcy9cGHvKor48FOuhy1gTGZc6Hq5sGMXE1pA-ezl7gp7lbUiEfyGj01CnePRKUXWoZ3Q9yQdI9KkYs4KV1Ant6x9-4VLAfi0Y9NamzW6Ceru5/s1600/IMG00332-20100711-1950.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571176851399896018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0Z2B6HhkLBqpiGAedH533msBcy9cGHvKor48FOuhy1gTGZc6Hq5sGMXE1pA-ezl7gp7lbUiEfyGj01CnePRKUXWoZ3Q9yQdI9KkYs4KV1Ant6x9-4VLAfi0Y9NamzW6Ceru5/s200/IMG00332-20100711-1950.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Camden was due in August 9, 2010 and arrived July 11th, 2010. He ended up spending a week in the NICU, but those ladies and gentlemen were AMAZAING! He is now a very healthy and extremely happy 9.5 month old, weighing in at at nearly 20lbs.<br />
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I'm still unemployed and not sure when I'll go back to work. I have started a 2 year degree program at the local community college in Computers and I should be starting back up with classes in the Fall of this year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_icoHByVz21qRMAZl7G6tXEIVZrsbCtXAMbtQGKfubOilyCy2BWlQWep9zAjLxr80vB7N_g9yOi9hOWp66KgP0hqT5KZ2wYHh4IgIGYCYjPa786UJ44fq3K2gEwyatvo7BpfZ/s1600/Angus+on+the+right.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603276368527393906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_icoHByVz21qRMAZl7G6tXEIVZrsbCtXAMbtQGKfubOilyCy2BWlQWep9zAjLxr80vB7N_g9yOi9hOWp66KgP0hqT5KZ2wYHh4IgIGYCYjPa786UJ44fq3K2gEwyatvo7BpfZ/s200/Angus+on+the+right.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 117px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Our hands were tied when Angus, our little red nosed, red/fawn brindle APBT at age 6, wouldn't settle and appeared to be a danger to Camden. So we consulted both our Trainer, the Rescue group he came from, and our Vet. The decission was made to help him crossed over.<br />
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My mother came up and stated with Camden that fateful day in September and Angus and I took a ride through the country side like he liked. I sat with him the entire time, I rocked him, cradled in him my arms and cried. Out of all my loss the year before, it was this loss I felt the hardest. I felt like a failure. I promised I'd never be forced to choose between a human child and my canine children and I was.<br />
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I'm going to end this update here for now. I have soo much more that needs to be put to the preverbal paper (blog) and I'll work deligently to stay up on my life.<br />
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Mother's Day is this SUNDAY, May 8th, what are you doing for the MOTHERs in your life?</div>
</div>Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-81198500007937369192009-08-04T14:38:00.002-04:002009-08-04T15:06:46.351-04:00Long over due UpdateIt's been since March of 2008 since I've last updated my blog and the eventful year and a half I've had is almost too much to write about. <br /><br />I purchased and began to train and ride a horse named Pete and then lost him almost a year to date to a freak accident out in the pasture of the Ranch where he was being boarded. <br /><br />I purchased another horse named Harriett and she's been a live saver, truly. With the devastating loss of Pete, Harriett has stepped up to the plate and become my new partner in crime. And we are even doing that bareback. :D<br /><br />I've lost my senior Pit girl Kacie to a ruptured spleen this past June and that has left an enormously large hole in my heart as well. <br /><br />Back in Feburary of 2008, I signed on full time with the company I was a temp for and then in March of 2009, I found my self laid off due to cut backs because there just weren't enough government contracts to bid for. <br /><br />I began working with my local United Daughters of the Confederacy Chapter, the Black Horse. I still have to recover 3 birth or death certificates and will have to venture down to the North Carolina Archives in order to do that. <br /><br />I attended the 15th Annual Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860's Conference in March of this year, it was put on by Carolann Schmitt of the <a href="http://www.genteelarts.com/">Genteel Arts Academy</a>. It was the most amazing fun I've had in a long time and the 3 days of Original 1860's clothing that was on display was AMAZING! Sad to say though, I failed to bring a camera with me. :(<br /><br />Again, everything I've done the last year and a half would just be too much to mention. So, with some of the most important parts put down in script, I'm taking my leave.Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-30369567459356392362008-03-18T13:37:00.004-04:002008-03-18T13:49:12.488-04:00Death & Destruction orchestrated by Ms Charlene PedrolieI wouldn't normally write about this subject with the new direction this blog is taking, but as many of you know me well, you also know just how passionate I am about my own Rescued dogs, 2 of which are Pit bulls. My eldest of 13 from a HIGH Kill Shelter in Arizona. <br /><br />I first read about this horrible woman and the inhuman situation she's causing within the New York City Animal Control & Care via the <a href="http://www.pitbullforum.com">Pit Bull Forum</a>. I am appalled at what the NY Department of Health is allowing this MONSTER to inflict upon the helpless and speachless animals left to her care. <br /><br />There is a petition to have Ms. Charlene Pedrolie removed from office, please consider signing it once you've read about the horrible conditions she's subjecting these voiceless creatures too. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/770880947">http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/770880947</a> <br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><strong>VERY DISTURBING NEWS -- PLEASE CROSS POST </strong><br /><br />After a 9 months search to hire a new executive director, the Department of Health hired Ms. Charlene Pedrolie, a nationally-recognized business consultant with NOT a shred of sheltering or animal medical experience. <br /><br />Within weeks, 3 veteranarians and several vet techs resigned because of her misguided change of protocols. To add fuel to the soon to be raging fire, Ms. Pedrolie fired Ursula a head vet tech. Last week I was told by an insider that many of this medical team who resigned were bribed into returning with offers of large pay raises at a huge cost to this already grotesquely underfunded system that euthanized 20397 dogs and cats in 2006. Since Ms. Pedrolie's arrival more than 13 people have resigned and many are looking for new jobs. <br /><br />An enormous turnover of staff. The core of what was a decent organization. <br /><br />The resignations came from: <br /><br />Liz Keller Director of Operations <br />Dr. Cruse, DVM <br />Dr. Lordes, DVM <br />Dr. Demmerli, DVM <br />Dr. Opperman, DVM <br />Dennis Owen Behavior <br />Katie Dawson New Hope Coordinator <br />Peg Guilotta <br />Adrian Brown <br />Daniel Valentine <br />Christine Torezz <br />Maria Onorato <br />Jenny Temba <br />Charney Fayer <br />Lisa Boden <br />Mark Halvorsen <br /><br />This massive kill shelter system with a yearly intake of more than 44,000 animals is now under the control of a woman who’s egregious errors in judgment have thrown the system into chaos. ie. Euthanasia which was normally done in the morning, was now directed by the corporate-saving business woman to be done at night with skeleton crews on hand. Fortunately, this was reversed. In another cost saving measure the administration of antibiotics to prevent upper respiratory infections was discontinued. Ms. Pedrolie was warned by the Cornell Institute that this program's demise would be very bad for the animals but she ignored them. And now the animals are sicker then ever. Which puts them on the euthanasia list. Of course their numbers don't show up as euthanasia because the shelter "rarely" puts down adoptable animals. Sick animals are not considered adoptable. <br /><br />But this was not enough damage for Ms. Pedrolie and the Department of Health. <br /><br />A few weeks after she arrived, 7 major NYC rescuers and groups were banned from pulling animals from the shelter as partners of the New Hope Program. The animals these hard working people pull are the larger or older dogs, many Pit Bulls, Pit mixes and shepherds, the animals at the most at risk of euthanasia. <br /><br />My name is Laurie Bleier and I am the director of the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network. My group is one of those now banned. In two years we removed more than 1,000 animals from NYCACC as New Hope Partners and through our Care-A-Van adoption events with State Senator Erik Addams. Every weekend Spring Summer and Fall you could see us on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope with 15 or more animals we just picked up from the shelter on Linden Blvd. My group would stay until every one of those homeless dogs, cats, puppies or kittens found safe homes. It was extremely rare that anyone went back to the shelter. And if one did we put a hold on the animal and pulled him/her a day or two later. <br /><br />Ms. Pedrolie told me that my group was banned because one of my dogs in foster care was found to be emaciated. After a thorough investigation by the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement those charges were found to be baseless and the case was dropped. You can call Joe Pentangelo at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4450 for confirmation of this. Just as a reporter for a major ny newspaper now working on this story did. In my estimation, Ms. Pedrolie made this story up in an effort to discredit a group that pulls pits and mixed breeds. <br /><br />Now 9 weeks after our exoneration we still cannot pull from the shelters. She refuses to give us back our New Hope status. <a href="http://nycacc.org/newhope.htm">http://nycacc.org/newhope.htm</a> We have 33 new applications to foster and we have no animals to deliver to them. MANY MANY dogs and cats are needlessly being put down because 7 rescuers are being unjustly prevented from doing what they have been doing for years. And doing it quite successfully. <br /><br />Where is the due process in my case? No response to letters written to the board members. <br /><br />Lastly, in the last two years my company, Brainstorm LLC redesigned the nycacc.org website pro bono. The website which could not be found on google searches a year ago now gets more than 4 million hits a month. Brainstorm produced countless fliers, e-blasts and posters for NYCACC. All pro bono. I tell the Board of Health, the board members of nycacc and Charlene Pedrolie -- if this is how you treat your allies I shudder to think how you treat your enemies. <br /><br />The famous journalist H. L. Mencken once wrote that the job of any good journalist is to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted." That being said this letter and the postings I see at Craigslist today are going out to every media outlet in the boroughs. <br /><br />I ask you good people of NYC, what happened to the NO-KILL MANDATE of NYC? <br />PLEASE call Charlene Pedrolie on her direct line and demand the rescuers and groups who have been suspended from the New Hope Program be reinstated. <br /><br />Here is her direct number 212 442-2059 or on her cell phone 732-939-7948 . <br /><br />Laurie Bleier <br />Director <br /><br />http://BrooklynAnimalFosterNetwork.org <br />718 –789-6865 <br />718 789-1465 Fax <br /><br />Sheltered Animals Aren't Criminals <br />Please visit http://www.victimsofcircumstance.org<br /><br />This message was sent by: The Brooklyn Animal Foster Network, 392 14th Street, 4B, Brooklyn, NY 11215 <br /><br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />A petition to replace the Board of Directors of New York City Animal Care and Control <br /><br />Sign here: <a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/14/a-petition-to-replace-the-current-board-of-directors-of-nycacc">http://www.thepetitionsite.com/14/a-petition-to-replace-the-current-board-of-directors-of-nycacc</a> <br /><br />Dear animal lovers, <br /><br />There is a crisis of management at NYCACC, the municipal kill shelter system which intakes 44,000 homeless animals every year. <br /><br />I am hereby asking you to join me in calling for the City Council and the Mayor to convene an emergency hearing to create an Animal Care Task Force to oversee the replacement of the existing Board of Directors of NYCACC which has created this crisis. <br /><br />This task force should be made up of humane professionals and animal advocates. This task force should also consider the conflict of interest that exists when the Commissioner of the Department of Health --who once said in an open public meeting, "you have to understand that from a public health perspective, I would't lose a moment's sleep if you were to euthanize every animal in your shelters if it meant that not one child was going to be bitten,"-- is also the Chairman of the Board of NYCACC. <br /><br />The very board which hired Charlene Pedrolie, a corporate thug with NOT a SHRED of animal sheltering or medical experience, to promote their agenda and to ignore the No-Kill Mandate. Ms. Pedrolie's unenlightened change of protocols and abusive bullying of staff have resulted in mass resignations and an enormous turnover of staff. Suspension of animal rescuers has caused the needless euthanasia of adoptable animals. <br /><br />The Board Members who make life and death (mostly death) decisions that result in the senseless slaughter of homeless animals. <br /><br />Did you know that in the richest city in the world, the Department of Health under funds the NYCACC, providing less than half of what is recommended by humane professionals. <br /><br />Did you know that according to law, New York City is required to have five full-time, full-service animal shelters. We currently have only three. <br /><br />Concerns have been raised about insufficient animal rescue resources. Concerns abound about the invisibleness of the city shelters due to the lack of advertising dollars which could build awareness around the centers. Ask anyone where the homeless animals are in NYC and they will tell you the ASPCA or BideAwee. Most have never even heard of NYCACC. So thousands and thousands cats, rabbits and dogs a year languish in obscurity resulting in an endless slaughter of innocents. <br /><br />The SAFER test which determines an animal's temperment, and which the board approved, is extremely biased against Pitbulls, Chows, Mastiffs and other large dogs. Nasty, small pure bred dogs and cats routinely pass just because of its size and breed. That is what the Department of Health wants and they have found an Executive Director who will execute their wishes. <br /><br />Recent, outrageous decisions such as transforming an adoptable section with a holding capacity of 40 dogs into a boutique that now holds only 20. And the unthinkable trashing of perfectly usable old cages, which any number of less funded shelters in the metro area would have died for. These cages were left to rust in the lot and then carted for trash. <br /><br />The seemingly calculated suspension of seven major NYC New Hope rescuers who do not discriminate against Pitbulls and Pit Mixes appears to be a conspiracy exterminate the breed without having to introduce anti-breed specific legislation which might offend the voters. <br /><br />The ridiculous space-costing conversion of one New Hope room with 8 cages was transformed into a storeroom for a pet supply retail area that people rarely use. <br /><br />The Board Members making the decisions for NYCACC are incapable of thinking like animal advocates. Even though advocacy for the animals is what they were appointed to execute. <br /><br />I call for the immediate dismissal of Charlene Pedrolie and reinstatement and promotion of Liz Keller, the recently resigned Director of Operations and a genuine animal advocate, to Temporary Executive Director . <br /><br />Lastly, we as animal loving New Yorkers who cringe at the slaughter of dogs and cats in China, must finally look at our own backyards and alleys. The animals can't wait. The time is now to demand that the New York City Council and the Mayor take notice...there is a crisis of management of NYC's Animal Care and Control which intakes 44,000 homeless animals a year. What are they going to do about it. Please contact the responsible parties below. Thank you. <br /><br />Laurie Bleier <br />Director <br /><a href="http://BrooklynAnimalFosterNetwork.org ">http://BrooklynAnimalFosterNetwork.org </a><br />718 %u2013789-6865 <br />718 789-1465 Fax <br /><br />Who to contact to meet these demands: <br /><br />City Hall <br /><br />Michael R. Bloomberg <br />Mayor <br />City Hall, New York, NY 10007 <br /><em>mbloomberg@cityhall.nyc.gov</em> <br /><br />Department of Health <br /><br />Thomas Frieden, MD <br />Commissioner, NYC Department of Health <br />125 Worth Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10013 <br />Tel: (212) 788-5261, Fax: (212) 964-0472 <br /><br />City Council <br /><br />Christine Quinn <br />Speaker New York City Council <br />City Hall, New York, NY 10007 <br />Tel: (212) 788-7210, Fax: (212) 788-7207 <br /><br />The CACC Board of Directors <br /><br />Thomas Frieden, M.D. <br />Commissioner <br />NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene <br />125 Worth Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10013 <br />Tel: (212) 295-5347 Fax: (212) 295-5426 <br /><em>tfrieden@health.nyc.gov</em> <br /><br />John M.B. O'Connor <br />212-363-0868 <br /><em>joc@jocnewyork.com</em> <br /><br />READ THE AFFIDAVIT OF EDWARD BOKS, former Executive Director of NYCACC. <br /><br />Excertps <br /><br /><em>31. Dr. Frieden and I had another long-standing argument during my tenure over the fact that he put a lot of weight in what was called the "length of stay" statistic. He considered the length of stay a direct budgetary issue that the longer an animal was in the shelter the more it was costing the Department of Health. And it just wasn't efficient. And he said, "Look Ed, you're required to hold these animals 48 hours. I want you to be able to have a disposition ready in the 49th hour for every animal." <br /><br />84. If the concern or question is, does the Department of Health have the best interest of AC&C, or the animals in its care, at heart? The answer is clearly, "No, they do not." They don't support innovative programs, they don't support the executive director, they expect executive directors to kowtow and do as they're told. They don't expect them or want them to be innovative and progressive. They don't want them to be cutting-edge or leading-edge. They are basically looking for someone who is a yes-person willing to maintain the status quo.</em>Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-71804758543791593392008-03-18T08:46:00.002-04:002008-03-18T09:08:42.805-04:00WOW, March is here - Endview PlantationWell, this is my first event of the year, <a href="http://www.endview.org/">Endview Plantation</a> located in Newport News, Virginia. <em>**pictures coming soon.**</em><br /><br />I fell out with the <a href="http://www.geocities.com/blue_and_gray/CAVALRY.html">7th New York Calvary</a> this past weekend. It was a beautiful Saturday, but the rains came in around 8 or so that night and stayed till mid-morning Sunday. <br /><br />The civilian turn out was great! Far more than was expected, as I wasn't there on Sunday, I can't say how many there were then. Jill and Lynn were great Hosteses and kept their boys fed and watered, not to mention they took care of the horses as well. :D<br /><br />Cpt Vince Aquino and 1stSgt John Jobe welcomed me as one of their own. Even though I was a Johnny REB. ;) I helped with Breakfast, I made the cinnamon apples that were a hit. <br /><br />Later that evening, once the civilians fiddled out, we prepared for dinner over an open fire, as breakfast was done that morning. Of course, our supper was Yankee Potroast. I prepared the potatos, Lynn did the carrots, and Jill; once she returned for her ride around the battle field, seared the 4 roasts that were to make the maincourse. <br /><br />Both Lynn and I also got to take a ride around the battle field and house. What an AWESOME way to end a beautiful day. And yes, I rode astride in my dress. :D <em>**I promise pictures as soon as I have them.**</em> <br /><br />Until next time ...Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-19616088761884863482008-01-28T17:17:00.003-05:002008-12-08T20:53:06.246-05:00Battle of the Bulge, Fort Indiantown Gap, PA<a href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/Joes%20pictures/Bulge_2006_III.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/Joes%20pictures/Bulge_2006_III.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />WOW, what a weekend, not too cold and no snow, darn-it. :( Oh Well, it could have been like 3 yrs ago, more than 2 feet of fresh beautifully white powdery stuff. :D<br /><br />The Photograph to the left of the 2 American Soldiers was STAGED. The photograph was taken at a previous Bulge a few years back, but it's still a pretty cool photograph. <br /><br /><a href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/Joes%20pictures/DSC01958.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/Joes%20pictures/DSC01958.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I arrived late on Friday, managed a quick hair updoo and then got dressed for a spin around the party scene. Saturday morning I was able to locate a wonderful woman who does wonderfully period hair for free and she did a spendid job on mine. <br /><br />This is us that evening at the USO Show being held at the Officers Club on FIG. <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlDLbjpesjisV5d08ua_SBPeSmpYbcNXzbkj2Ogh3Sjd8bmO9UL9S__QKaMy5KEKQuIjgx0l_GCg_3GD9Xw8cXa0z-wFfdOb8F3RYIMacZDQH8884OgTAn2avWJRNRUrvhS4x/s1600-h/DSC01145.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlDLbjpesjisV5d08ua_SBPeSmpYbcNXzbkj2Ogh3Sjd8bmO9UL9S__QKaMy5KEKQuIjgx0l_GCg_3GD9Xw8cXa0z-wFfdOb8F3RYIMacZDQH8884OgTAn2avWJRNRUrvhS4x/s320/DSC01145.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179194805889159442" /></a><br /><br />Saturday was full of adventure. Got up early to watch the guys truck out to the field. Got a lot of really great photographs, I'll upload a few later and update the post. <br /><br />Hung out with a friend of ours on Vendors Alley and even managed to find a few decent period finds myself. A classic brown corded clutch and 2 pair of forearm lenght gloves. Great finds. :D<br /><br />The USO Show was okay this year, nothing to rave about. So I won't. :D <br /><br />Joe and I ended the night with a photograph of the two of us, which we don't have near enough of. :D<br /><br /><a href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/Me/DSC01180.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/Me/DSC01180.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have a notebook of things to write about, I'll update a bit later once I have more time. See you next year!Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-32135528453958237762008-01-11T16:21:00.000-05:002008-12-08T20:53:06.531-05:00The Story of A Fallen Marine & His Dog...Full Story at CNNI wish I had come across this story sooner. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The sacrafice of both family and Man's best friend is felt by all. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWYD3z8tzkK_g4emrdde5dOEJGMdMA_4A3tiA5HOl5d6Cwp4QAO2lzhmdqr-4v03fyFb-O7aoHS-L9tPo6sV6XDEMNoshqizGJmvZRpR24SDXUYYeWcvkS5TNUpLC7ffzA5gQ/s1600-h/art_marines_dog_family.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWYD3z8tzkK_g4emrdde5dOEJGMdMA_4A3tiA5HOl5d6Cwp4QAO2lzhmdqr-4v03fyFb-O7aoHS-L9tPo6sV6XDEMNoshqizGJmvZRpR24SDXUYYeWcvkS5TNUpLC7ffzA5gQ/s320/art_marines_dog_family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154332878432582994" /></a><br /><br />From Rusty Dornin<br />CNN<br /><br />(CNN) -- A U.S. military dog whose handler and best friend was killed in Iraq gets a new assignment on Friday -- retirement with the late Marine's family. <br /><br /><br />Dustin Lee's parents and younger siblings prepare to take Lex home from Albany, Georgia, on Friday. <br /><br />It took months of lobbying by the family to get the adoption approved by the military. <br /><br />Lex was beside Cpl. Dustin Lee when Lee was killed in a mortar attack in Falluja. <br /><br />In spite of his injuries, the dog didn't want to leave Lee's side after the attack, according to the Marine's father. <br /><br />Other Marines reportedly had to pull the dog away from the young man's body so medics could reach him.<br /><br />It brings tears to my eyes everytime I read it. I can't imagine what both family and Best friend are going through, I just hope they can find some closure in each other. Here's to the Lee family and to Lex! THANK YOU both for your sacrafices!Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-79726709574643438592008-01-11T13:25:00.000-05:002008-01-11T13:31:24.775-05:00My Pit Bull Terrier - A Poem<a href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/My%20Dogs/DSC01014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/My%20Dogs/DSC01014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A HEART BEAT AT MY FEET...... MY PIT BULL TERRIER.<br /> ~author unknown at this time ...<br /><br />What Animal Do I Speak Of? By Patty Letawsky <br /><br />Their love is like no other, <br /><br />their heart as pure as gold. <br /><br />Yet while going on a friendly walk, <br /><br />they're faced with stares of cold. <br /><br />They're so very close to human, <br /><br />in how they act and what they do, <br /><br />Unless you've known their devoted love, <br /><br />it's impossible to explain to you. <br /><br />They are greatly more misunderstood, <br /><br />thany any other breed. <br /><br />We tend to punish this loyal dog, <br /><br />Instead of mankind's deeds. <br /><br />They are always and forever clowns, <br /><br />with a wish for center stage. <br /><br />Yet while displaying this sense of humor, <br /><br />most people disengage. <br /><br />They, oh, so want to make new friends, <br /><br />and run and jump and play. <br /><br />Yet when they happily approach, <br /><br />most people shy away. <br /><br />Often I've seen children poke, <br /><br />or hop on for a ride. <br /><br />And when I felt they might get mad, <br /><br />they've only beamed with pride. <br /><br />I've seen there children yank and pull, <br /><br />with nary a reaction. <br /><br />Yet media's not interested, <br /><br />unless they've put someone in traction. <br /><br />When other dog's have made the news, <br /><br />this breed's name they affix. <br /><br />But when this brave dog saves the day, <br /><br />they call him "boxer mix". <br /><br />They love to snuggle up real close, <br /><br />to give lots of loves and kisses, <br /><br />Yet they suffer more than any, <br /><br />from unfair prejudices. <br /><br />Their tails wag hard and hips twist, too, <br /><br />more so than other mutts. <br /><br />So those of us who know the breed, <br /><br />we call them "wiggle butts". <br /><br />What animal do I speak of, <br /><br />Whose love is so unique? <br /><br />If you've truly known one, <br /><br />you know of whom I speak. <br /><br />There is no creature on this Earth <br /><br />who will ever make you merrier. <br /><br />The animal I do speak of, <br /><br />it's the American Pit Bull TerrierOur Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-89919819687742930772008-01-09T15:12:00.000-05:002008-01-09T15:30:30.635-05:00A War Dog Mystery - SOLVEDFrom the pages of <a href="http://www.uswardogs.org/">The United States War Dogs Assocation</a> comes a story that left me choked up. A supremely done website dedicated to honoring the Past, Present and Future of our Nation's War Dogs and their Handlers.<br /><br /><a href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/HamboneJr_WWII_WarDog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e165/KBMastiffs/HamboneJr_WWII_WarDog.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><blockquote>Here lies Hambone Jr. <br /><br />Faithful Friend <br /><br />of the <br /><br />47th. Infantry Regt. <br /><br />9th. Div. U S Army <br /><br />May 1944 <br /><br />Simon Newbery, Vet. UK emailed me with this photo and the following information:<br /><br />This grave marker of a WWII War Dog (Hambone Jr.) is near Simon's parents home in Alresford, Winchester, Hants, England along side a famous River walk called "The Dean." This town was used for the D-Day invasion.<br /><br />By posting this photo and information, I am hoping someone who reads this will be able to further enlighten us.<br /><br />If you have any further information, please email us at: canines@uswardogs.org<br /></blockquote><br /><br />Mystery Solved ...<br /><br /><blockquote>Reverence for military mascot show memories of WWII still live.<br /><br />"If I should die, think only this of me:<br />That there's some corner of a foreign field<br />That is for ever England." -- from the poem "The Soldier" by Rupert Brooke<br /><br />By Vincent Z. Whaley<br />Johnson City Press Staff Writer<br />http://vzwhaley.home.att.net<br /><br />(Published Thursday, Aug. 17, 1995)<br /><br />ALRESFORD, England — Although Hambone Jr. never participated in battle, he was granted a privilege many soldiers tried not to think about during World War II.<br /><br />He was buried in his homeland.<br /><br />Hambone was an infantry regiment's canine mascot, and his duty was to run alongside the soldiers, provide entertainment and keep their thoughts away from battle and pain and death.<br /><br />During a recent trip to England to retrace the wartime steps of my late grandfather, Starlin H. Hughes, I came across the dog's grave in the quaint village of Alresford.<br /><br />This is where my grandfather, who served with the 47th "Raiders" Infantry Division, 9th U.S. Infantry Division, had been stationed prior to the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, in 1944.<br /><br />Hambone's grave, alongside a weathered path, was just one example of how America is remembered in a country that was once bombed nightly. For example: In Winchester, about eight miles from Alresford, I stopped an elderly lady treading the cobblestone street and asked for directions to the bus stop for Alresford. She was going to her dressmaker's shop to have her late husband's Royal World War II medals sewn to a shield. After kindly displaying the gallant war achievements, she directed me to the bus stop — just across the street.<br /><br />I met a gray-haired gentleman in an Alresford pub, the Swan Hotel — one of several pubs in which GIs of the 47th frequented during the war. After consuming a mid-morning pint of "bitter" beer, he escorted me through the town square in search of the building where the 47th had been headquartered.<br /><br />We arrived at a white and navy building with a small, plaster plaque attached to its outer wall. The inscription states: "THIS HOUSE WAS THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE 47TH. INFANTRY REGT., 9TH DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY, 1943 TO D-DAY JUNE 1944."<br /><br />The man then explained the legend of Hambone Jr. and supplied directions to his grave, which is located just beyond the village along a rocky footpath beside the Alresford River.<br /><br />A thatch-layered cottage outlined with pink and violet flowers sits along the river. A cobblestone bridge possessing arches that sink beneath the calm brook complements the fairy-tale dwelling. The grave of Hambone Jr. is not far from the moss-covered riverbank.<br /><br />Along the opposite side of the footpath, the tombstone rests among thick vegetation. Weather-beaten and etched in algae, the monument clearly states, "HERE LIES HAMBONE JR., FAITHFUL FRIEND OF THE 47TH INFANTRY REGT., 9TH DIV., U.S. ARMY, MAY 1944."<br /><br />Countless war memorials can be found across England during this final year of World War II's 50th anniversary. None, however, seem as classic as the one dedicated to a military mascot known as Hambone Jr.</blockquote>Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-48445366791631754152008-01-04T11:05:00.000-05:002008-12-08T20:53:06.652-05:00Woman's Lost Pug Given As Christmas GiftI cannot fathom what this family is dealing with right now. Nor what the sick woman must be dealing with at the same moment. And that poor child caught in the middle without even knowing it.<br /><br />While one suffers from a deficent moral compass, the other shows GREAT human compassion. I just hope for the best with all parties involved.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tbK7EfRcjvm11qqqRhzRrTvIX27KBdk79mPIsdCqQHk6anwZlSOsqr_ZuGdQ5Kub1F-sawLEdnrCjoaUj0j2ZhpyOucuI6FG6SnNF88LbQgZOB3waGG3S-dDLhCQVDGoft2a/s1600-h/Stolen+Pug+given+as+Christmas+gift.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151654283423726898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tbK7EfRcjvm11qqqRhzRrTvIX27KBdk79mPIsdCqQHk6anwZlSOsqr_ZuGdQ5Kub1F-sawLEdnrCjoaUj0j2ZhpyOucuI6FG6SnNF88LbQgZOB3waGG3S-dDLhCQVDGoft2a/s320/Stolen+Pug+given+as+Christmas+gift.jpg" border="0" /></a>Woman's Lost Pug Given As Christmas Gift<br /><br />Jan 3, 11:05 PM (ET)<br />By MATT CURRY<br /><br />DALLAS (AP) - The holidays were sad enough for Kim Velevis and her husband after their lovable pug "Scooter" dug its way out of the backyard and disappeared on Christmas Eve. But the real blow came with the new year: A letter from an anonymous woman who had found the friendly dog and gave it to her daughter as a Christmas present. To compensate for Velevis' loss, a $20 bill was enclosed.<br /><br />"The puppy has a different name now, but he has plenty of food and toys. My daughter adores him. He sleeps with her every night," said the letter, which arrived Wednesday.<br /><br />Velevis, 28, said she feels for the guilt-ridden woman, who described herself as a nearly penniless alcoholic. But she wants the dog back.<br /><br />"We knew the first thing our Scooter would have done is find people," Velevis said. "He must have wandered up to this sick lady who, in desperation and in an attempt to fix her own life, ruined ours."<br /><br />Velevis, who is 5 1/2 months pregnant with her first child, said she and her husband brought the wrinkly faced pooch home in July 2006 when he was about 8 weeks old.<br /><br />Scooter could still be nearby. The typewritten letter, which carried a Tulsa, Okla., postmark, said the woman found the dog while visiting her daughter in Dallas. She wrote that her ex-husband has custody of the girl.<br /><br />The woman, who discovered an address on the pug's collar, described a series of difficulties in her life.<br /><br />"I lost custody because of problems I had with alcohol, and I have lost everything else," she wrote. "I have been sober for 6 months, and I am trying to turn myself around, but I have lost everything. My little girl wanted a pug dog like your little dog (very much!)"<br /><br />The woman wrote that she cannot ask for forgiveness, "but I do want you to know that he does have people who love him and are taking care of him."<br /><br />Velevis said she has no interest in pursuing charges against the woman and would be glad to purchase the woman's daughter another dog.<br /><br /><a href="http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20080104/D8TUR29G0.html">http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20080104/D8TUR29G0.html</a>Our Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-85442323167943166462008-01-03T19:05:00.000-05:002008-01-03T19:12:37.116-05:00Welcome to 2008Yet another year has flown by us and what have we accomplished? What do we have to show for it? <br /><br />Well, if I told you what I have to show for it, I'd have to kill ya. :D *just jokin* <br /><br />I'm looking forward to this year. I have much on my place and to start off with, a Living History event, the recreation of WWIIs Battle of the Bulge. Look for a write up with pictures at this end of this month.<br /><br />My BIL will be leaving for Iraq soon and I've plans to visit my sister and nephew for a few days this month to help her out. Plus, I love that little man! :D<br /><br />I find myself torn between two blogs, this one and my Xangan blog. :( So, if I lapse in time on this, check out my Xangan for updates. <a id="hNoUrl_DefaultUrl" style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://www.xanga.com/Pitz_Rock">http://www.xanga.com/Pitz_Rock</a> :D<br /><br />With the WWII historical events, I'm also dabbling in recreating the Civil War. This should be a fun year for my blog. I am also volunteering with the American Legion and Honor Flight, when they visit the WWII memorial here in DC.<br /><br />Look forward to seeing you around. Have a Wonderful 2008! :DOur Little Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01469320693489292095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-91436226968105479642007-04-23T09:44:00.000-04:002007-04-23T09:57:33.528-04:00Programs try to curb Pit Bull numbers<img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/43f34bc4z39c5d1cc/9f6bre2/__sr_/cee8re2.jpg?phQCMLGBos67JLAa" border="0" />By CINDY SWIRKO<br />Sun staff writer<br />September 24. 2006 6:01AM<br /><br />Ray Sim calls pit bulls "the national dog of Alachua County" for good reason - lots and lots of them live here.<br /><br />But as director of Alachua County Animal Services, Sim knows that yes, they are popular, but they are also difficult to find homes for. They take up kennel space at the shelter and drive up costs.<br /><br />Veterinarian Debbie Cottrell of West End Animal Hospital in Jonesville realized the same thing and came up with an idea to cut the pit bull population - Operation Pitnip.<br /><br />She began offering free spaying and neutering to any pit bull or pit mix - a service that typically costs about $150 at her clinic. Her efforts have been rewarded with $20,000 in grants to keep the program going.<br /><br />"Now we can start pushing more and try to reach these people who don't understand or are unaware that they are contributing to the problem," Cottrell said. "At least two or three times a day people come in with pit bulls and when I start to talk about spaying or neutering, they say, 'Oh no, we're going to breed her because she's special and all my friends want a puppy.' They are completely unaware that that is the problem. Nationwide, close to 40 percent of all dogs euthanized at shelters are pit bulls."<br /><br />No More Homeless Pets of Alachua County - a coalition of veterinarians and animal advocates - donated $5,000 to Cottrell to pay for surgeries for 100 dogs living in low-income families. No More Homeless Pets several years ago landed a multiyear grant from the nonprofit Maddie's Fund to try to end euthanasia of healthy cats and dogs at the county shelter.<br /><br />Meanwhile, another $15,000 was awarded to Cottrell from Florida Animal Friend - the organization that administers money raised through the sale of spay/neuter license plates.<br /><br />University of Florida veterinary professor Julie Levy, president of the coalition and board member of Florida Animal Friend, said the grants are well-deserved and should help reduce the population of unwanted pit bulls.<br /><br />"(Cottrell) was very farsighted and saw that we need to nip the problem at its source, which is reproduction, rather than trying to deal with this huge number of animals after the fact," Levy said. "They are trying to save adoptable animals at the (county) shelter and there are so many pit bulls. Even though they are technically adoptable, nobody wants to adopt them. It's a burden on the shelter, it's a burden on the community, it's a burden on the Maddie's project to try to find homes for all of these dogs that nobody wants."<br /><br />Pit bulls are either reviled or adored. They are a breed so associated with dog fighting and maulings that many communities nationwide ban them. Florida now prohibits such breed-specific laws, but an ordinance that was already in place in Miami-Dade County was grandfathered in.<br /><br />Yet others say that with proper training pit bulls are loyal, family-friendly pets with a clownish, loving personality.<br /><br />Sim said some county shelters in Florida will not put pit bulls up for adoption, euthanizing them instead. Alachua County evaluates pit bulls to determine if they can make a good pet in the right hands and tries to find homes for them.<br /><br />"They are hard to adopt and I think a lot of that is the stereotype of a pit bull. They are a powerful dog. Are they always a bad dog? Definitely not," Sim said.<br /><br />Jerri Sullivan said her six pit bulls are wonderful dogs. She had all six sterilized by Operation Pitnip, giving the program a $250 donation for its efforts.<br /><br />Sullivan said she found a pit bull in her yard when she moved into a rural High Springs home. Despite her prevention efforts, it bred with another dog. Eventually one of the puppies had a litter. Sullivan was able to give most of the puppies away, but got some of them back because the owners couldn't take proper care of them.<br /><br />Operation Pitnip was a godsend for her."It was great to get it done, and I donated because there might be another family that can't afford it, as well. It was a whole lot cheaper than the regular veterinarian," Sullivan said. "It would be taking me another year to get all of the dogs done if Dr. Cottrell didn't have this. It's very expensive."<br /><br /><a href="http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060924/LOCAL/209240326&SearchID=73258752493359http://gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060924/LOCAL/209240326&SearchID=73258752493359">Click here for Story</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-57462235509981533912007-04-06T10:00:00.000-04:002007-04-06T10:02:05.996-04:00Morrison County approves permit for 500 breeding-dog kennelAssociated Press<br />Last update: April 06, 2007 – 5:21 AM<br /><br />LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — Morrison County commissioners have approved a permit that allows Gary McDuffee to open a dog-breeding operation with up to 500 adult breeding dogs.<br /><br />Commissioners did attach 13 conditions to the permit, which cuts 100 dogs from the number McDuffee had been allowed under an earlier permit.<br /><br />The permit also requires McDuffee to set aside one-sixth of his indoor space as an exercise area for the dogs, says he must not debark the dogs or use shock collars and must plant trees along part of his property to cut down on noise.<br /><br />The county added conditions to the permit after the Minnesota Court of Appeals ordered the board to revisit the issue following public complaints.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-38096985548860881872007-04-05T12:44:00.000-04:002008-12-08T20:53:06.878-05:00Animal Cruelty by Local Police<div>I found this story off Craigslist. It's disheartening, however, if it had been a Pitbull, the owners would have been singing a different story. But the outcome would have been NO different. </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5049987753856091954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUB5eHucfWXi8KX82v3PfaExDG6GkFvrCQe4Jn99a7Xl47llevxiAxteNO4G0bhflFSmf4UR29AG3LczexfiTZbGh3A_pD92wRGcDw9q91uKW3XR5toD5QBGry0VLk8lCvLfP/s320/Tex.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div align="center">PLEASE READ.... HELP!!!! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our Labrador Tex, was put down Yesterday April 4th 2007. He was picked up nearly 3 weeks ago for jumping our fence for the 2nd time. He protected our property by growling at the officer trying to catch him but he never lunged at or bit anyone.. In our eyes he was only doing his job.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our neighbor has always tried to get us in trouble at one time or another... They have made fraudulent claims time and time again about the amount of dog poop in the backyard. Animal control has come out multiple times & every time has stated that our backyard was fine and that our neighbor had nothing better to do then complain and that he had complained about everyone that had lived in our home prior. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our neighbor once worked as a prison guard & we were told a while back that he was friends of the local judge and chief of police. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2 weeks before our dog jumped the fence our neighbor threatened us that the next time he did he would end up dead.. Now 5 weeks later our dog is dead. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Strangely enough.. Our Labrador was a great dog, gentle as can be, wonderfuly protective of his home. Great with other dogs, and awesome with our 3 and 1 year old sons. He did however have a trouble with escaping the yard. We exhausted ever possible option to include putting up a larger fence to keep him in. When he got picked up the last time we resolved to give him away to a ranch in Austin that has 60 acers. We knew he would be happy there.. We never got the chance... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yesterday we went to court... We thought just to pay a fine and to get our dog back.. we thought that the worst possible outcome was that we would have to give him away. The judge told the prosecution that our dog couldn't be put down because he wasn't vicious but that he would order that we surrender Tex to animal control and that Tex couldn't be adopted within our town.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Animal Control actually testified against us (so did our neighbor)... They completely changed the story about our yard and about our dog.. The told us one thing and told the judge another! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We went shortly thereafter to bring Tex some treats and toys and to let the Animal control officers know that someone from Austin would be coming to get him soon. However when we got there we were told he had been put down! (for growling at the officer who tried to catch him while he was in our yard, HE NEVER BIT ANYONE NOR DID HE TRY). The judge specifically said that Tex wasn't supposed to be put down. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So here we are.. We are planing to sue the city (Copperas Cove, about 1 hour North of Austin)over this. Tex was like a child to us. We had him since he was a puppy. We loved him dearly and they killed him without warrant! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So far we have only made an appointment with one specific lawyer.. his rate is $250 an hour.. You may have heard of him.. Dan Corbin, Killeen. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>If you know of a cheaper lawyer or someone who might help us out for free or at a % cost then we would really appreciate it. Also if you know of any animal rights groups that can help us out that would be awesome too.. We don't like asking for money so we wont.. We don't even care if we get anything back from the lawsuit.. Its all about principal.. They killed the greatest dog ever and the need to pay! If all you can help with is prayer.. then please PRAY... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>THANKS Laura A. Essary <a href="mailto:laura_essary@yahoo.com">laura_essary@yahoo.com</a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Since yesterday we cave wrote our local news channels, news papers and P.E.T.A. Any other advice/help is greatly appreciated.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-4284304321323323762007-04-02T16:01:00.000-04:002007-04-02T17:33:18.064-04:00March of Dimes - Walk America<a href="http://www.walkamerica.org/images/2006/2006_header_01.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.walkamerica.org/images/2006/2006_header_01.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><p>I've volunteered to Walk with my Fellow co-workers in support of Walk America. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.walkamerica.org/">America Walks to Save Babies</a></p><br /><p>"<em>Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death. It has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., endangering the lives of more than half a million babies. And it's growing at an alarming rate. That's why we need you to participate in WalkAmerica.</em>" </p><br /><p>I've set my personal goal at $500. I'll be walking in support of Company's overall goal of $7,500. We walk here in Manassas on the morning of April 22, 2007 beginning at 9AM. So far, we have 14 members to our team all doing their part in support of this wonderful attempt at saving little lives! </p><br /><p>If you are interested in supporting my Company's team let me know and I'll provide you with the link to donate. </p><p><em><span style="color:#ccccff;"><strong>PREMATURE BIRTH: THE SILENT CIRIS:</strong></span>Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. The March of Dimes is in the midst of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar campaign to address this growing problem. With your support, the March of Dimes can continue to fund research and programs to prevent premature birth and other threats to babies' health.</em><a href="http://www.walkamerica.org/images/2006/2006_header_03.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.walkamerica.org/images/2006/2006_header_03.gif" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-25998527922546784222007-04-02T10:28:00.000-04:002007-04-02T11:13:06.783-04:00April Fools was SundayAnd from what I gathered, <a href="http://www.flaggers.org">www.flaggers.org</a> played a GREAT practical joke on those harassing the site owner and it's members. At least those members who are open about participating in the Puppy Wars and using Flaggers.org to flag postings that blatantly violate the TOU of Craigslist.<br /><br />Wish I had a few screen shots of it to share. Oh well. Good Flaggers.org, I enjoy using your site!<br /><br />It would seem the only intelligent one of the bunch below would be Cows. <br /><br />pdx <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60916778" target="R">Flagger.org IS Down for the count BIG TKO §</a> <> 04/01 17:49 <br /><a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60917042" target="R">another one bites the dust - yeah!</a> <> 04/01 17:54 <br /><br />another one bites the dust - yeah! < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=The-Missionary">The-Missionary</a> > 04/01 17:54:47<br /><a href="http://flaggers.org/">http://flaggers.org/</a><br />Pursuant to USC 17 Sections 101 et seq, This site has been temporarily suspended.<br /><br />. . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60917227" target="R">Woot Woot Woot!!! §</a> <> 04/01 17:58 <br /> . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60917364" target="R">Did anyone have doubts? LMFAO §</a> <> 04/01 18:01 <br />. . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60917473" target="R">A lot of recent changes</a> <> 04/01 18:03 -10+5<br /><br />A lot of recent changes < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=The-Missionary">The-Missionary</a> > 04/01 18:03:16<br /><br />From: <a href="mailto:flagflagf...@gmail.com">flagflagf...@gmail.com</a><br />Date: Sun, 01 Apr 2007 10:24:32 -0700<br /><br />Well guys, you've probably noticed I've not been around here as much. So I hope this is not too much of a surprise...<br /><br />I might as well be upfront about it. I'm officially resigning from flagging. I know it's a surprise, but all the civil conversations I've had with responsible breeders have made me realize that at the end of the day, maybe part of my passion for the issue, might be that I too, in a sense, want MY OWN children to experience the miracle of birth.<br /><br />Also I know it sounds cliche, but I have seen that my latest rescue really REALLY wants to have puppies (probably just one litter and then I'll have her fixed). That's a first, now I understand what people are talking about!!<br /><br />Of course this is about what's best for the dog, and not the money (although I expect it to be somewhat substantial, which I do feel I deserve as my rescue baby seems quite healthy and has a WONDERFUL temperament).<br /><br />It is the principle -- Maybe the solution isn't about laws and regulations, but instead simply about education, respect, and faith?<br /><br />So, I would feel like a bit of a hypocrite if I kept flagging other people's sales. I hope you won't judge me too harshly. And of course, out of respect for you guys, my e-friends for the last couple years, when and if I do breed my rescue bitch, I will NOT use CL to sell my puppies. :)<br /><br /> . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60917991" target="R">? §</a> <> 04/01 18:13 <br />. . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60925188" target="R">?</a> <> 04/01 20:27 <br />. . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918287" target="R">yeah, and there never was</a> <> 04/01 18:19 <br /><br />yeah, and there never was < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=naked-fat-in-boots">naked-fat-in-boots</a> > 04/01 18:19:21<br /><br />any "investigation".<a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?ID=60918287" target="_top"></a> . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60919526" target="R">Why did they shit it down?</a> <> 04/01 18:42<br /><br /> Why did they shit it down? < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=mom-2-4">mom-2-4</a> > 04/01 18:42:53<br /><br />It violated another website's copywrite? . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60919567" target="R">^^^ shit it down §</a> <> 04/01 18:43 <br />. . . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60919614" target="R">^^^ SHUT it down</a> <> 04/01 18:44<br /><br /> ^^^ SHUT it down < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=mom-2-4">mom-2-4</a> > 04/01 18:44:16<br /><br />Gawd I don't know how I did that twice!!!<br /><br />. . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60919937" target="R">2 funny! suggest you ask the FEDS! §</a> <> 04/01 18:49 <br />. . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60920050" target="R">I love it.................</a> <> 04/01 18:51 <br /><br />I love it................. < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=floppys_bestfriend">floppys_bestfriend</a> > 04/01 18:51:46<br /><br />shit it down!!<br /><br />. . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918363" target="R">Was that not flaggers.org?</a> <> 04/01 18:20<br /><br /> Was that not flaggers.org? < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=mom-2-4">mom-2-4</a> > 04/01 18:20:59<br /><br />I thought there was an s on the end<br /><br />. . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918584" target="R">Oh, I see that has a legal message up now.</a> <> 04/01 18:25<br /><br /> Oh, I see that has a legal message up now. < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=mom-2-4">mom-2-4</a> > 04/01 18:25:04<br /><br />What does it mean? So there was there really an investigation?<br />. . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918628" target="R">USC 17 Section 101 is copyright law. I just</a> <> 04/01 18:26<br /><br /> USC 17 Section 101 is copyright law.<br /><br />I just < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=WhenCowsAttack">WhenCowsAttack</a> > 04/01 18:26:10<br /><br />Googled it<br /><br />. . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918835" target="R">duh! §</a> <> 04/01 18:30 <br />. . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918943" target="R">Yes! §</a> <> 04/01 18:32 <br />. . . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60918951" target="R">next on the hit parade:</a> <> 04/01 18:32 <br /><br />next on the hit parade: < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=dodos">dodos</a> > 04/01 18:32:31<br /><br />Flaggers Google Groups!!!<br /><br />. . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60920243" target="R">Soon, could it be? §</a> <> 04/01 18:55 <br />. . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60919654" target="R">Hmmmm something's amiss........... §</a> <> 04/01 18:45 <br />. . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60919787" target="R">what do you mean "something's amiss'? §</a> <> 04/01 18:47 <br />. . . . . <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60920057" target="R">Ah maybe it's just me. It's just that I've</a> <> 04/01 18:51<br /><br />Ah maybe it's just me. It's just that I've < <a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=su&handle=WhenCowsAttack">WhenCowsAttack</a> > 04/01 18:51:55<br /><br />never seen them actually put up a message on a website that's been shut down, it seems odd. Usually it just says the page is N/A. Hopefully they haven't just relocated or something.<br /><br /><a href="http://forums.denver.craigslist.org/?act=Q&ID=60921436" target="R">Got gullibility?</a> <> 04/01 19:18 -5+28Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-62309944420201900242007-04-02T10:19:00.000-04:002007-04-02T10:27:37.609-04:00On a lighter noteFriday evening the new Pit Bull Play Group I started using Google Groups had it's first meeting. Unfortunately, only 2 of us showed up, but it was good. Angus displayed some unsavory intentions and it gave me a good foundation once we begin working with the trainers out in Strausburg, VA. <br /><br />Saturday for me was spent with my sr. gal-pal Kacie and doing the 'Inspection' and 'DMV' thing. Aw gawd, that sucked majorly!! But Kacie was a hit at the Honda dealership! I should have washed the E yesterday, it was sooo nice out.<br /><br />Sunday we got up and did the trash run and then I went riding again. I was hoping to get pictures this time, but once I got my chaps on and was saddled up and ready, I realized I didn't have a fresh roll of film with me. Darn!! :( <br /><br />Sunday evening was spent with family and good friends. I groomed Lovely while Joe and Chris worked on a Truck and then a Trackor. Race was on so we were torn between outside and the race. LOL Once done there, we headed back over to Joe's family's place for dinner and good conversation. I love his SIL, she's awesome! <br /><br />We managed to get through the day without any rain, it was nice! But the storm that hit us last night about 1:30 was furious to say the least. The lightening lit up the house and scared the crap out of poor Angus. The Thunder was just as henou and shook the house and windows and that scared Angus even more. Thankfully, it only lasted about an hour. So I sat up with Angus cuddling him and coo'ing at him to calm him down.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-71408301249928125122007-04-02T10:05:00.000-04:002007-04-02T10:19:33.371-04:00Killed in the Line of DutySomeone I consider a close friend, found out over the weekend their nephew was killed on his THIRD trip over to Iraq! The young man hailed from Amelia County, Virginia. <br /><br />I have to ask myself, was it truly necessary to send him back a 3rd time?! What purpose does his death serve? What purpose does ANY of their deaths serve? <br /><br />There was a time I would have stood by my President, there was a time that my Patriotic heart would have demanded to fall beside my brethern. But as the years drag on and there is no relief in site, WHY ARE WE STILL THERE? The true villian has illuded us for so long and STILL killing Americans at a whim.<br /><br />I have to sit and watch as a very close personal friend will be packing up and leaving this June/July on his THIRD trip to Iraq. Ask anyone, and they'll tell you I am one of the most patriotic people they know! But I'm not sure where to stand on this any longer.<br /><br />Other than stand behind our Men and Woman in the Armed Forces and support them!! Remember, THANK A VETERAN, they are the reason we live the way WE CHOOSE TO! They are the reason this is the COUNTRY to live in!<br /><br />FREEDOM ISN'T FREE -- LIVE FREE OR DIEUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-52995859066807311252007-03-30T13:45:00.000-04:002007-03-30T13:57:39.432-04:00Service Pit bull Dog-Napped and held for Ransom<a href="http://network.bestfriends.org/Calendar/Detail/Download.aspx?at=551&e=3143"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://network.bestfriends.org/Calendar/Detail/Download.aspx?at=551&e=3143" border="0" /></a> Buster was STOLEN and then held for RANSOM by a slimball in Philly, the <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'City of Brotherly Love' MY ASS!!</span></strong><br /><br />Best Friends Network Story <a href="http://network.bestfriends.org/thepitstop/news/13628.html">Heartbreaker!</a> <span style="font-size:78%;"><~click for more pictures</span><br /><br />March 30, 2007 : 12:00 AM<br />By Randi Bildner, Best Friends Animal Society<br /><br />A crime was committed - a theft; one with more than your typical ramifications.<br /><br />In the eyes of the law, a dog is considered property. Sad but true. Law or no law, this is not the sentiment of Jim and Chris Kelly who live in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia.<br /><br />Buster, a member of the family, loyal companion, and assistance dog to wheelchair-bound Chris Kelly (a victim of Spina Bifida), was stolen. Buster was taken away from life with his family and they are desperately trying to get him back.<br /><br />March 16th was a snowy evening. Buster (a three year old pit bull mix) was eagerly waiting for his pal Chris to come home. Joe Kelly, Chris's dad was waiting too. As Chris struggled to get in the front door Buster slipped out. Excited to see the fresh snow that had fallen, he ran down the street. Mr. Kelly did not bother to grab a coat as he ran after him. In a matter of minutes, he heard someone yell, your dog has been stolen. Before Mr. Kelly knew what was going on, someone approached Buster and simply took him.<br /><br />This is just the very beginning of this sad strange crime that has yet to be resolved. Mr. Kelly lost sight of the person or persons who saw this happen and no one has come forward to provide a description of the perpetrator. Devastated, the Kellys did not know what to do; a police report was filed.<br /><br /><strong><em>The following day</em></strong><br /><br />Buster was wearing his rabies tag which enabled the thief to locate his veterinarian. Two phone calls were made that day. A heavily accented man called the Kelly’s veterinarian and then proceeded by calling the Kelly home. The man said that he had Buster and wanted to know how much money the Kellys would be willing to give him in order to get their dog back.<br /><br />A flustered Mr. Kelly hesitantly said fifty, a-hundred dollars. The following day after a report by Doug Shimell of WCAU, a local television station, aired the story, the man called the Kelly’s again, now demanding $500 and spewing threats that included, "I can take this dog and sell it to people who want to use him in fighting-type situations with other dogs."<br /><br />An outpouring of love came as a result of the news story. People sent well wishes, prayers and donations, enabling the Kellys to raise the money for Buster's ransom. But the thief has yet to call back, the last word coming on March 22, 2007.<br /><br />Cpl. Lou Sytsma, of the 24th police district, was sympathetic to the crime, he stated, "The best you can hope for is a neighbor that sees the dog or someone that lives in the area where the dog might be and they call and give a tip." Cpl Sytsma has his officers armed with flyers showing Buster’s photo and has informed them to be on the look out for the dog.<br /><br />Philadelphia experienced its highest murder rate in over a decade in 2006, with 400 plus murders in and around the city. This bleak news for The City of Brotherly Love is not good sign for Buster and the Kellys. The reality is, with the statistics reported above, it is very hard to believe that Buster's theft is a priority.<br /><br />Buster has been a member of the Kelly family for 14 months. In that time he has formed a close bond to Chris Kelly 32, who is wheelchair-bound. According to the elder Kelly, Buster has learned to guide Chris when he uses a chair lift to reach the second floor of their home. Mr. Kelly states, “Buster goes up the steps and walks alongside the chair. He also said that the dog was constantly by his son’s side.<br /><br />Chris Kelly justifiably said, "It hurt me. It's my dog, and that he would take something from someone who is in a wheelchair -- it just angers me."<br /><br />The Kellys are praying that somewhere within the person who took Buster there must be a conscience and an understanding of the pain he has caused.<br /><br />Hopefully this person will reach very deep into his soul, (if he has one) and realize what he has done. He has not stolen not a piece of property (as the law would indicate) but a very important member of a family, whose one wish is that their dog will be brought back to them, safe and sound.<br /><br />The value listed on the police report for the “property” stolen is $200.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-9837551640217181792007-03-28T11:34:00.000-04:002007-03-28T11:40:34.691-04:00It's Just a DogFrom time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog."<br /><br />Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."<br /><br />Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.<br /><br />Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.<br /><br />If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."<br /><br />"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.<br /><br />"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.<br /><br />Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.<br /><br />So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.<br /><br />"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.<br /><br />I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."<br /><br />So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile.... because they "just don't understand."<br /><br />- AnonymousUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-84170286846278790452007-03-26T19:59:00.000-04:002008-12-08T20:53:07.059-05:00Super Pet Expo<div>This past weekend was the Super Pet Expo in Chantilly, Virginia. We've gone every year for the past 4 yrs, with or without a dog. LOL<br /><br />This year, as with last year, we took Angus, or Little Man. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5048104122544933170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_peVPsN30aQEdJquF3kg4b4qcUnMuHKpnXizbNuGtjNYpjt0XLufTwLLVwJ0qvFcRCxYt_FjIFyjpj3G4PU3NV4hYrK79oGHubRrKk1QGifzlKktzbIXu7A4emN2vw-jDL26P/s320/Angus+after+Pet+Expo_2006.jpg" border="0" /> <p>He didn't do as well this year as he did last. But then he's coming into his own and can be pretty intense as far as a Pit bull can go. He LOVES people, but is becoming unsure about other animals. :( We had hoped he'd be just a normal Pittie puppy. </p><p>We've already begun the search for a Schutzhund trainer in our area. I don't necessarily want the bite/protection work, but the focus of it's Obedience program, which can be seriously very stern. </p><p>I have pictures of the Expo, I'll be updating here tomorrow night hopefully. :D The other half isn't all about snapping photos as I am. I have an antique trunk full to the brim with puppy pictures. :D </p><p>I'll update soon on Angus' training as well. He's doing great around the house, still very focused on the neighbor's feral cat population, but we are working on 'leave it' and 'ignore' and he's moving right along. We begin running together here next week, man alive, that dog has more energy than I've ever encountered. </p><p>Have a wonderful week and we'll be seeing you later. </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-17728851436500818192007-03-23T11:01:00.000-04:002007-03-23T11:21:42.528-04:00East Coast Element Meetup in the Works!!!<div><a href="http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/images/forum_logo.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/images/forum_logo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>Anyone who is a fanatic about their E knows all about the Element Owners Club or the EOC online. The EOC is nearly 16,000 members strong and growing every day. </div><br /><div></div><div>EOC held their 1st National Meet in East Liberty, OH. A sort of 'Coming Home' for the Element. The Honda Factory greeted us, hosted a luncheon for us and then shared an afternoon of great conversation and photo opts. *I'll update with photos later this week* That was June of 2005.<br /></div><br /><div>Last year the National Meet was held in St. Louis, Missiouri, where they attended a ballgame at the new stadium and visited the St. Louis Arch just to name a few things. Oh, and during the 1st Meet, a group called the "Misfits" was created, I've heard the storied that came out of the 2nd Meet and they can't be repeated in public. LOLOL <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/larrytt/hondaelement/bigevent2006/pics/img_3324+small.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>This years National Meet is being held in Las Vegas, NV - Sin City and I can say without a doubt, any Misfits attending this year, Oh Lordy the stuff that will go on in a city whose moto is "What happens in Vegas - Stays in Vegas". LMAO! :D </div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.cs.ucr.edu/~chung/photos.2005/Pics/050321%20Las%20Vegas%20NV%2083.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>So, since this 3rd Annual National Meet is pretty far away for us East Coasters, we've began work on setting up a East Coast National Meet. Really, anyone is invited to attend. The more the merrier! I'll update as things move along, but for anyone interested, here's the link to the EOC board: <a href="http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/index.php">http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/index.php</a></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-37345646387553047032007-03-21T10:50:00.000-04:002007-03-21T10:51:45.775-04:00What a cute BlogspotIf you get the time, check out this blogger. I love all the pooch pictures. <br /><br /><a href="http://juicydogcouture.blogspot.com/">http://juicydogcouture.blogspot.com/</a> - Juicy Dog CoutureUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-4192350115199386672007-03-20T18:43:00.000-04:002007-03-20T18:45:53.429-04:00Long Over Due UpdateWow, I haven't updated this blog since November of last year. Boy do I have a lot to go over. I'll do my best to catch every one up, but should I miss something or someone, I'm truly sorry.. RL has totally gotten in the way here lately.<br /><br />What with working on Schutzhund and weight pulling with Angus and Planning an East Coast Honda Element meet for Ocean City in July, I've found myself right back in the mix of RL and the Internet. <br /><br />Much love to you all! Peace and happiness. Don't let CL drag you down, you are better than that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505840.post-1163626551265245622006-11-15T16:35:00.000-05:002006-11-15T16:35:51.506-05:00from the frames<a href="http://fromtheframes.blogspot.com/">from the frames</a><br /><br />This has to be one of the coolest blogs I've seen in a long time. What an engenious idea! Some of these photos are amazing! <br /><br />I'm gonna work on submitting one, why not do the same. <br /><br />Have a wonderful Wednesday...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1