Tuesday, January 30, 2018

After Hunting Season Ends, These Dogs Are Dumped Or Hanged. But That’s All About To Change!


From the Animal Rescue Site:

There’s a sad statistic that no one wants you to know about:
In Spain, 50,000 Spanish Greyhounds (known as Galgos) are dumped, or killed, every single year— once the hare hunting season ends. These dogs are bred just to be used in the hunt, then abandoned or killed. This is a sick secret that is being kept and it’s NOT okay!
galgo1
Valentina, one of these Greyhounds, was rescued just in time! Now, she will know what it feels like to be loved. Others, like Valentina, are waiting for a miracle and sharing this story can change their fate!
galgo2
These dogs are bred solely for the benefit and entertainment of their heartless humans, and once the hunting season is over, they are left to die. Some will remain on the streets. Some will perish from hunger or lack of medical care. And some will be beaten, or worse, by their owner. For these people, the dogs are merely property to be discarded once their purpose is over.
Thankfully, rescue groups are trying to save these dogs. People, like Mari Carmen, rescue as many as they can and try to place them in forever homes.
galgo3
Do your part and SHARE this story. Help these deserving animals who cannot help themselves!

Rescued Spanish Greyhound Will Finally Know What Love Feels Like | The Dodo
Click to see the Video Here: https://youtu.be/JEwvtLUgIYY
Copyright 2017 The Animal Rescue Site.

To do more for these beautiful voiceless animals, please sign the petition:

Petition: ban the hunting with galgos in Spain:


Approximately 50,000 Spanish galgos (sighthounds) are annually killed or abandoned. Pondencos usually suffer the same fate. The wholesale abandonment takes place on a yearly basis in February. Spain is the only European country where it is allowed to hunt with galgos. Many dogs are now being adopted in European countries, but this, in the end, offers no solution to the problem. The hunt itself must be banned. February is approaching, so please sign this petition.Spanje
Ban the hunt with galgos and podencos in Spain. Sign the petition!

It is estimated that 190,000 Spanish hunters make use of galgos in the hare hunt. These hunting dogs are among the dog races that suffer the most in Spain: over a period of several years, the dogs are used for the hunt, and they undergo severe training to prepare them for this. An example of such a training is that the dog is tied to a car or scooter and forced to run when it is driving. In this way, they are being tested for endurance and speed, and this is what they are trained for. It is a tough life in which the animal continuously needs to excel. When the dog is no longer useful for the hunt, he is being abandoned or killed, the latter one often in a ruthless way.
Hunting dog as a toolOlga Lama Rodriguez works for the organisation Prado in Badajoz, Extremadura, one of the Spanish states known for the intensive hunt with galgos. Olga explains the way people from the region view the galgo.
“Galgos are not considered to be companion animals in Spain. They are tools to be used in the hunt. They are being tested and, if they prove not useful, discarded. In rural areas you will not see anyone walking their galgo or other hunting dog. In contrast to smaller dogs, they are not considered a part of the family… Nowadays, if you walk your galgo in a city in Extremadura, people will be perplexed, they think it is weird. Several times we have been approached by men with the question whether they could buy our galgos, or trade them, or even breed with them. If we explain that we do not use the galgos for the hunt or for dog races, they cannot believe us and they call us insane.”
The hunt with galgos mostly takes place in the departmental states of Andalusia, Castile and León, Extremadura, and Madrid.
Abandoned or killedIf the hunting dog no longer can live up to the expectations of the hunter, he will be abandoned or killed. Circa 50,000 galgos are annually discarded in this way, and the same happens to many podencos. For this reason, many hunting dogs roam the streets, and if they are not rescued for adoption, chances are that they end up run over on the Spanish highways. A part of them, however, awaits and even worse fate: hung to a tree, shot in a bag, left to die in a well, and only because the animal was no longer able to run on a high velocity, or because he took a shortcut during a race and, by doing this, stained the ‘honor’ of the hunter which leads to punishment.
Spanje
SolutionIn the Netherlands we often see adopted galgos and podencos. This is great for the rescued dogs that have been adopted, but it offers no solution to the problem. Many galgos end up not adopted, roaming the streets or suffering a cruel death. The solution can be found in banning the hunt with galgos and podencos in Spain. In this way, the dogs will no longer suffer the severe training methods and hunting races that leaves them physically and mentally scarred, nor will they be subject to the annual abandoning or killing if they prove no longer ‘useful’ for the hunt.
DocumentaryPiepVandaag.nl made a documentary about the tough life of the galgo and the issues in Spain. In ‘Broken Spirit – The Galgo’s Last Run’, Karen Soeters travels to Spain and speaks with rescue groups, shelters, and galgueros (hunters) about the fate of the Spanish galgo. In Spain she meets Valentina, a galgo that was hung to a tree in several attempts by her owner, to die a slow death…
The video was made by Monique van Dijk Armor, Karen Soeters and Estefanía Pampín Zuidmeer. It is a production of PiepVandaag.nl and Cherry Blossom Productions.
For subtitles, please click on CC and select English.
Click here if link above doesn't work: https://vimeo.com/198363758
Petition- Please Sign:
February is gone but will return again soon. This means the start of the widespread abandonment of galgos as the hunting season draws to a close. PiepVandaag.nl, supported by DutchGalgoLobby, Greyhounds in nood Nederland, and Greyhounds Rescue Holland, requests you to sign this petition.
Spanje
Spanje

Spanje


Want to help out shelter animals without spending a dime?

Answer a question daily for dogs and cats and kibble is donated to feed them. Right or wrong, the answer doesn't matter. 

Click on   www.freekibble.com/litter  and help give litter for cats.

Another way to help feed shelter animals without spending a dime is to visit and click the big purple box at:




Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 
POTW feature
Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
A victim of abuse.

    FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  
                          https://www.petfinder.com


Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.

Image result for adopt. don't shop.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.  “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
  
      My Black Opal Books Author Page:
            http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419
FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out www.petfinder.com
                                     0r   www.savearescue.org

Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted.

                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com

                                                     

          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com


And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2017 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
                                                        
 FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com


Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted.
                                                            
Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians


Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?   















Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Here's Another Reason to SHUT DOWN Puppy Mills: A Dying Kitten Was Rescued and Almost Put down...

From the Animal Rescue Site: 

A Dying Kitten Was Rescued From A Puppy Mill. Vets Said She Should Be Put Down, But They Refused

You hear many horrific stories about dog rescues from puppy mills, but it’s not often you hear ones about cats. This cat, named Athena, was also born at a puppy mill in North Carolina.
She spent her days confined to a house packed with neglected dogs and filthy cages. Sadly, no North Carolina laws were regulating puppy mills, so the owner was able to operate it, despite having been arrested and convicted of animal cruelty ten years prior.
HSUS
HSUS
Thankfully, the owner was caught again, and the Humane Society of the United States came to rescue all of the poor animals there in October 2014. Of all the animals was poor Athena, sick with a severe upper respiratory infection because of overbreeding. It was so bad that she could barely breathe.
HSUS
HSUS
She was adopted into her forever home, but her journey from here would not be an easy one. Athena’s new human took her to the vet, where she was told that she may have to be put down. Of course she took her to another vet to get a second opinion. They second vet said if they took her nose off, she’d be able to live a normal life.

HSUS
HSUS

Her human decided to get her the surgery, and now, despite not having a nose, Athena lives a happy and healthy life! Athena hasn’t had another URI since then, and since she’s missing her nose, she breathes through her mouth.
HSUS
HSUS
She may look somewhat strange compared to other cats, but she doesn’t know she’s any different. And she sure doesn’t act like it! She’s very loving and friendly and loves spending time with her family.
HSUS
HSUS
She also spends time raising awareness of the plight of animals in puppy mills. Listen to more of her story in the video below:
                            https://youtu.be/9VRjm5zFqBE
A note from S.J. Francis: I abhor puppy mills. With so many homeless animals being put down, murdered every day across the world, how could anyone support puppy mills. People do, though. The American Kennel Club for one, which I no longer support. One would think that since one's income comes from selling puppies and kittens from your puppy mills that these animals would be cherished and treated like gold, humanely. Instead, they're kept in unhealthy, unsanitary crowded conditions without access to natural light, love, affection, proper food and medical care. This is puppy mills. This post is just one reason why we must SHUT down puppy mills. The people that run them obviously don't care about the animals. 

Want to help out shelter animals without spending a dime?

Answer a question daily for dogs and cats and kibble is donated to feed them.

Click on   www.freekibble.com/litter    and help give litter for cats.

Another way to help feed shelter animals without spending a dime is to visit and click the big purple box at:


                                          


Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? Be a voice for the animals and put a little joy in your heart while speaking up for them.


POTW feature


Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

     https://www.coinstar.com/kioskfinder?element=Charity&parmName=HumaneSocietyofUS
                                            
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad. 
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others. 
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
      My Black Opal Books Author Page:
           http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419

 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325
                  My writing Blog: http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com

          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
                  A Consumer's View: http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com


And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2017 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.

"When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul." ~ANTHONY DOUGLAS WILLIAMS

- Read more at: http://emilysquotes.com/when-i-look-into-the-eyes-of-an-animal-i-do-not-see-an-animal-i-see-a-living-being-i-see-a-friend-i-feel-a-soul/


  Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. Whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Black Dog Syndrome: Black animals are the last to be adopted, if ever.....




From Petfinder.com

Black Dog Syndrome


Tags: 
This article first appeared on the Petfinder blog.
While working at the Washington Humane Society (WHS) in Washington, DC, I was thrilled when I found out that King, a large and handsome black Labrador mix was finally adopted after spending many months at WHS.  King had been at the shelter for so long, everyone knew and loved him.
King is a black adoptable dog at Washington Humane Society.
King, like so many other black dogs in shelters, spent more time waiting for his new home than his lighter-colored kennelmates. In the sheltering world this is known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS). When I left WHS to pursue graduate work in anthropology at The George Washington University I conducted research into BDS.
BDS is observed by shelters and rescue groups throughout America and affects black dogs, as well as cats. It is possible that there may simply be more black pets in the shelter and rescue population. However reports from across the country seem to illustrate the problem, and  multiple national organizations have long recognized BDS as an issue that adversely affects the adoption rates of black pets.
What is Black Dog Syndrome?
In a survey, Petfinder member shelter and rescue groups reported that most pets are listed for 12.5 weeks on Petfinder, whereas, less-adoptable pets (such as black, senior, and special needs pets) spend almost four times as long on Petfinder. (See what else the survey showed on our Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week page!)
Through my research I learned that Black Dog Syndrome may be caused by a combination of:
  • Size
  • Unclear facial features
  • Dimly lit kennels
  • The “genericness” of black pets
  • Negative portrayals of black pets in books, movies and other popular media
    • A big, frightening black dog can be seen in The Hound of the Baskervilles, the Harry Potter series, both movie versions of The Omen, and even on the common “Beware of Dog” sign.
    • Black cats are readily associated with witches, superstition, and bad luck.
What you can do
Whether or not you’re currently looking to adopt, you can do a lot to help pets who suffer from BDS!
  • Display your love of black pets proudly to demonstrate that there is nothing wrong with them. Share ourBlack Fur Badge on your website (see it below)!
  • Encourage friends to look past their first impressions of a black pet.
  • Tell people about BDS! It’s generally an unconscious prejudice and most people will move past it once they’re aware.
  • Remind people that their parents were right: personality is more important than appearance. It’s just as true for pets as for people!
     FYI: To find an animal in need of a home; to find an animal shelter near you, check out  https://www.petfinder.com



Remember, all types, ages, breeds, even purebreds are waiting to be adopted. 


Thanks for visiting my blog for the animals. It's always great to connect with another animal lover. If you and I don't speak up for them, who will? 

POTW feature

Coins That Count: 
Is your coin jar overflowing? Turn that loose change into cash that helps animals by donating to The HSUS at participating Coinstar machines nationwide. Where to go» Find a Kiosk near you...

     https://www.coinstar.com/kioskfinder?element=Charity&parmName=HumaneSocietyofUS

                                             
Until next time….hug your animals. Tell them you love them. If you don’t have a pet, adopt one. Make adoption your first option when seeking a pet. Adopt. Don’t shop. Can’t adopt. Please consider fostering one. The animal will have the taste of home and the shelter will cover the expenses. Can’t foster? Make a donation or volunteer at your local shelter. Please, don’t hunt. Unless you’re starving down in a ditch somewhere, there is no logical reason to do so. Whatever you do, however you do it, please be a voice for the animals large and small. All it takes is one to make a difference, good or bad.
                                     
Together, you and I can make a difference in an animal's life.  I’m one for the animals. Are you? Thanks for visiting. Stay safe. Be strong. Be happy. Smile. Show compassion. Be nice to one another. Pass it onward. If you like what you see here, please consider signing up to become a follower. Please feel free to share this post with others.
    Regards,
    S.J. Francis
    In Shattered Lies: "Good and bad, it's All About Family."  
Available now from Black Opal Books and for sale at on-line retailers and independent booksellers.
   “Some secrets should remain that way.” 
      My Black Opal Books Author Page:
            http://www.blackopalbooks.com/author-bios/bio-sj-francis 
                 My web page: http://www.sjfranciswriter.com  
                                     Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjfrancis419 
Image result for black animals need help
 Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Francis/480058115420325 
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          A Book Review 4 U: http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
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Pinterest:   http://www.pinterest.com/sjfrancis419/  
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And now for some legal stuff: Copyright 2018 by S.J. Francis. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, S. J. Francis and are meant to entertain, inform and enlighten, and intend to offend no one.
Make spare change make a difference for the wild. Join @CaringCent & purchases will be rounded & change 
donated: https://donate.caringcent.com/#/go/wildearthguardians

                                          
Remember: Animals don't have voices. We must be their voice. Always. Forever. Wherever. whenever. I'm one for the animals. Are you?