Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Let's Make a Difference

   Is there anyone that enjoys seeing photos of abused or neglected dogs?  We have all seen the ones that I’m talking about today.  They are used for shock value and they must work or they wouldn’t keep printing them.  I don’t like that type of “in your face” campaigns.  I know horrible things are going on in the world.  I know that here in the United States 5,500 shelter dogs are going to be killed today.  It boggles my mind that in a country as incredible as ours, we allow this to happen.
*Prepare for rant…
   Do you remember during the Winter Olympics when Americans were outraged at officials killing the street dogs of Russia?  Where is that outrage for the 5,500 dogs killed on our soil every day?  Is it because it happens behind closed doors?  Does it make it better that they are dying from a lethal injection or a deadly gas as opposed to being shot?  They are still just as dead.  Is it because they don’t incite us to protest on the evening news?  Maybe it's because there is no celebrity telethon?  Do we kid ourselves into thinking if we don’t see it that it doesn’t exist?  Simply slip on our rose-colored glasses and think all shelter dogs are adopted into loving homes?  If all of the shelters that kill dogs decided to take it to the streets on a given day, would we react?  Would we demand a change in the laws?  Is that what it takes before we become a no-kill nation?  I hope not.  Those would be 5,500 more photos that I don’t want to see.
**Okay, rant over, stepping down from soapbox.
   Here are some organizations that are trying to make a difference.  Please share their messages for all of the shelter dogs and cats that are counting on us.
An Act of Dog ~ I have shared Mark Barone and his incredible Museum of Compassion. You can read the post here.  He is reaching his 5,500 painting to honor the shelter dogs that never lived to know love.  He has added an additional 13 night lights to his incredibly beautiful collection.  You can join their “Candlelight Vigil by illuminating your home with his lights.  The support and donations they receive are used to provide a permanent display of this exhibit.  Then, build a forever fund by creating merchandise with the 5,500 images and use 100% of that fund toward the salvation of shelter animals.  Click here to see the entire selection of night lights.  All purchases are tax deductible.  Enjoy this moving video.

The Lucy Foundation ~ The Lucy Foundation is the brains behind the best commercial of this year’s Bowl commercials.  As a special treat, they have decided to release the #LucyBowl commercial in its entirety for you to enjoy.  Again, the message is the same as above.  We must stop the senseless deaths of perfectly healthy pets in our shelter system.  Watch, like, and share their awesome commercial below.

The Majority Project ~ This movement is aimed at the majority of Pit Bull and other “bully” breeds who are victims of breed profiling.  It seems that every decade has its “dangerous” breed.  We owned four German Shepherds in the 1980s.  They along with Dobermans were the vicious dogs of the day.  All I know is that my dogs were the sweetest most loyal friends you could meet.  I
This is Jake, our daughter Jessica, and Madison. 
remember some well-meaning people being shocked that we allowed “those giant dogs” around our baby.  Jake, our big boy, was a retired police K-9.  He could look very intimidating.  Madison was the baby before our daughter was born.  Our dogs would have given their lives to protect the children.
   Today, the people that have Pit Bulls as their family pet are facing the same criticism.  Most of these dogs are loving pets.  Their owners walk them, pooper scoop after them, take them to obedience class, and snuggle with them on the couch.  In other words, they are just like you and your dogs.
   One group that is working hard to change the image of the Pit Bull is the Animal Farm Foundation.  Their mantra is “I am the majority.”  Their aim is to help create and enforce non-discriminatory Responsible Pet Ownership laws.  This is a much better solution than the Breed Specific Legislation that is being adopted in parts of the country.
   There are two easy ways that you can help spread their message. 
#1. Watch and share this video featuring actor Jon Bernthal from “The Walking Dead.”
#2. Pit Bull owners can join The Majority Project.  Visit themajorityproject.com, print and personalize your own “I am the MAJORITY” sign.  Take a photo of you and your dog with the sign and post it on their site and your social media.

   When one person with a belief is joined by others who share that belief, it is the beginning of change.  Let’s make America a no-kill nation and work to stop breed discrimination.



 
 Our Tuesdays are special, because we join Dogz ‘n Pawz and Talking Dogs as they host Tuesday’s Tails.  This blog hop features shelter pets from around the globe that need forever homes.  Please visit and share these deserving dogs and cats on social media. 


36 comments :

  1. Thank you for this very important message! I do all I can to share on social media!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know that you do and most of us are doing something to make a difference. It will take the indignity of the Nation to put a stop to kill shelters.

      Delete
  2. A great post! yes I grew up with German Shepherds and yes they were always frowned upon..sweeter dogs you could not find..then hubby and I had a Rottweiler...oh boy people would cross the street..to which I said fine...more path for us! another loyal sweet boy who never did anything towards the four kids we had or their friends...and Forrest now...well he is a lab xstaffy size of a lab smile and strength of a staffy and according to our countires standards could be classed as a pitbull!! which he isn't but even if he was..??? it is the deed not the breed and sadly the deed usually happens due to idiot humans..urghhh..btw the only dog that ever bit me was a little nervy dog that the owner said was fine to pat (after I asked) my cats were bigger....certainly no pitbull! urghhh loves Bev XX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bev. I love big dogs and I've known some giant cuddlebugs. ☺

      Delete
  3. Loved the video and it is a very important message. So sad that so many healthy animals are killed. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is time for a change in the shelter system. Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  4. Here in Denmark Pit Bulls are at the "forbidden list" as well. So sad for all the well behaved dogs at that list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is such a pity. I'm glad that they let German Shepherds live there! ♥

      Delete
  5. Amen, sister! Rant on! I feel exactly the same way. Wonderful post highlighting some fantastic organizations. Sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sue! My Twitter buttons have gone silent. Please share through the other social media.

      Delete
  6. Sadly most nations turn blind eyes to what is really happening - it is like when everyone goes crazy because a plane crashes and kills 100 people - when in reality 100's of people are killed daily in separate road crashes a day. Individual deaths don't seem to count as much as mass deaths even though the numbers are the same per day. Can you imagine the outcry if 5,500 dogs rounded up in one spot and were killed all at once - and yet not one blinks an eye when that many are killed individually.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a sad truth. I don't believe most people have ANY idea at the numbers of dogs and cats killed each day in America. Until the average person gets mad, it won't change.

      Delete
  7. Thanks for sharing this important information. I haven't heard of the Majority Project before, I think I will go check them out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are doing a great job at raising awareness of the unfairness a blanket condemnation of a breed. Discrimination hurts the innocent. BlogPaws has more information on them. http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/blogging-social-media-info/learning/group-bites-back-pit-bull-discrimination-themajorityproject/

      Delete
  8. Hi Y'all,

    There is a long list of dangerous breeds. It's been awhile since I did a post about them (2011). You'd be amazed at some of the breeds considered dangerous including Pugs, Goldens and Labrador Retrievers. There are a total of 75 breeds on the BSL.

    Y'all come on by,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't that insane? I don't know what I would do if I woke up to find the Basset was placed on the BSL list!

      Delete
  9. Thank you for spot lighting this. I have been trying to tweet your post from your tweet button at the bottom of your posts and first it tells me too many characters, then when I delete some of the tweet it tells me something went wrong. I don't know what is happening or how to fix it so I can tweet from your page.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Tweeter button is busted. I have tried to report it, but no luck. I appreciate the attempt and please share on the other social media.

      Delete
  10. *clap clap clap* thank you Melissa for bringing that fact to everyones attention. It does seem that unless there is already a huge campaign about something or if there are no celebrities fighting with you, things get left in the dust and it's a "no one cares" situation. Well done you for this post! Loved that commercial btw, that was adorable and very powerful.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate it Jenna. I try not to rant too often, but this is a situation that makes no sense to me. ♥

      Delete
  11. You are right, but I think you are missing that every day people are fighting to stop this. It just doesn't make the news. Every time someone shares a photo on FB, or donates to a rescue who pulls another dog, or volunteers at adoption events, people are fighting this. What needs to change is how animal shelters are run, and making spay/neuter more affordable, getting pets microchipped, the list goes on. I fight it every day, and yes, it's heartbreaking to see the numbers, but what would they be if there weren't folks out there trying?

    Monty and Harlow

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate all the tireless volunteers who are trying to make a difference. I know that every little bit helps. It just seems that unless it is on the news and a national outcry occurs, nothing gets changed. The media controls much of the public's heartstrings and until they start exposing what is really happening in animal shelters, the average person has no idea. All of your solutions are right on target. Thanks for sharing. ☺

      Delete
  12. BRAVO BRAVO Standing OVATION fur addressing this most impawtant issue...
    WE despise those ASPCA Ads... they do NOT cause Us to donate to THEM.... they want MONEY and yet they spend Millions on ADS???? Why not just DO somethingy .... like they SAY they are trying to. NOPE they are a SHAM... ASPCA Talks big and does NOTHING.
    We agree with the comment... it is the DEED not the Breed... and almost ALWAYS the deed is CAUSED by the PEEPS involved... It breaks our heart.
    THANKS fur this post... you said EVERYTHING so Well !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks boys! It is those heartbreaking commercials that had me hesitant to volunteer in my local shelter. After I posted about my first shelter visit, I discovered a number of readers that were afraid to volunteer for the same reason.

      Delete
  13. Thanks for opening my eyes about some things. I'm so sad for every dog or cat what has to die just for being there ... I will read more now to understand all that things better... even when my tears will running, it's important for all who love animals.
    Easy Rider

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you ☺ These three organizations are making a big difference in their own way. Being unloved should not be a death sentence!

      Delete
  14. I appreciate your rant and couldn't agree more. It seems like getting people really angry is sometimes the only way to spur them to action. It shouldn't have to be that way, we should be able to raise awareness and get people's attention without shock value.
    I thought the Lucy Pet Foundation commercial was very powerful and effective. Honestly, it wasn't what I expected and it made my cry. I hope it gets the attention it deserves.
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Janet. I loved the Lucy Bowl commercial. Huge impact without being in your face. It is a shame we have to get angry to get action. I guess the squeaky wheel always gets the grease.

      Delete
  15. We have to get outraged enough to do something. There is no excuse for people who treat pets as a disposable life.

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe as mayors, you can help unite Blogville to raise their paws in a united front!

      Delete
  16. Just thinking here...but wouldn't it be great if all state governments would first go after puppy mills, close them down ......then sieze their assets and give the money to animal gourps to pay bill for rescues!

    The Mad Scots

    ReplyDelete
  17. That is a darn cool campaign and a darn good rant too!

    ReplyDelete
  18. As I understand it, there are dogs imported from other countries to some of the larger cities for adoption. It would be nice if some of the dogs in rural areas could be moved to those cities rather than importing animals from other countries. It is also too bad that HSUS and ASPCA are really just seeking money for their CEO's, ads, and lobbying efforts rather than helping pets...and do not get me started on PETA. Then there is the high adoption fees at so many rescues. Rescues and shelters have become big business unfortunately. In my opinion that does not benefit pets. Is the Lucy Foundation running an ad on the Superbowl? How much did that cost and now many pets could those dollars have helped? I think it would be easy to make changes that matter within each rescue organization.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great post. Two things horrify me: First, that there are SO many irresponsible & ignorant pet owners who cause a continual flood of homeless pets. Secondly, that communities want to stop euthanasia but they don't allocate enough funding to house & care for all homeless pets. If budgets spent on "controlling" the population of homeless pets in communities were limitless, there would be more than enough space & resources to help all the homeless pets and we wouldn't need shelters. Shelters are a Band-Aid, they never have enough resources to help as many animals as they need to.
    Love & Biscuits,
    Cathy, Isis & Phoebe
    www.dogsluvusandwluvthem.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great post and an important message! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great post! It breaks my heart that there are so many animals that are euthanized every day so I'm right there with you on the rant! You go girlfriend!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Bark back!