Wookie is currently at the Longmont Humane Society waiting for his forever home. They are partnering with Colorado Pit Bull Rescue to find Wookie his forever home. He is a special dog. Click here to find out more about him!
I recently found out about an upcoming fundraising event called Ella's Walk. Ella's Walk is a walk to raise money for the Longmont Humae Society in memory of Meredith Hope Emerson. The idea is to continue the loving legacy of Mereidth, the Longmont resident who was tragically killed in 2008 while hiking in Georgia. Meredith adopted her black Labrador Retriever mix, Ella, from a rescue organization. After Meredith's death Ella, now 4, moved in with the Emerson family in Longmont. The walk's goal is to inspire and raise $50,000 to help take care of 5,000 animals and help them find loving homes. Registration for the walk starts at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 22nd. You can also register online any time before the walk here.
There is no cost to register, although a ten dollar donation is encouraged. You just have to be ready to walk at 9:30 a.m., or do what I am doing and just market and try to help raise funds! The walk is at Boulder County Fairgrounds Picnic Shelter Park in Longmont, Colorado. The walk is three miles long and after the walk participants are encouraged to stay for The Furry Friends Festival, where many fun and cool events will be happening. I am sad that I cannot participate in the walk, but I'm hoping I can help by exceeding the goal I set of $150. If you would like to donate to my cause ANYTHING makes a difference! Or, please consider participating yourself. The more the merrier!!
A Gift For Patrick Day was on Friday, April 15, 2011. It coincided with The Day of Silence. I recognized both. You can find out more about Patrick by reading this or watching my video post. For A Gift For Patrick Day you can do something to help animals in honor of him. Luckily this day was near my Birthday and I received a lot of birthday money in the past few days. I started out with 25 dollars that I was ready to donate to Mariah's Promise, a Pit Bull sanctuary that had a lot of construction to do to prevent being shut down. Then, over the weekend, I was given a lot more money. I decided I would donate 50% of my birthday money to Mariah's Promise. I ended up with $250, which means I am giving Mariah's Promise $125!! I am very excited for them and hope all goes well!! I also can't wait to visit the sanctuary in the near future.
It's not too late. If you didn't do anything in honor of Patrick yet, you still can. There are many animals and shelters that need your help. I know that things are tough right now for many people (my Mom reminds me ALL the time!) so instead of cash, maybe you have some old blankets or other items that are on a nearby shelters wish list. Every shelter has a wish list. Maybe you can make some of those wishes come true!
I just wanted to post a quick note to let everyone know that I now have an Adoptable Pet of the Week section in the side bar of my blog! I'm excited about this because I want every animal to find a furever home and I hope this helps. Please check it and share the link.
This week it's Ruby, a beautiful dog at the Longmont Humane Society. I hope to change it every Thursday or Friday with another available pet. Not just dogs either. Cats, ferrets, bunnies, mice and every other animal you can adopt from a shelter. And not always the Longmont Humane Society, but I do really like them so don't be surprised if many of my features are available there.
I would also welcome any suggestions if you have them!
I've continued to follow Patrick's progress, just like thousands of other people, and I've continued to be inspired and motivated by him. Miah also gets excited when we talk about Patrick because she thinks it's amazing how he has brought so many people together to fight for animals. She has been doing a few things to educate kids her age, like her Puppy Mill Campaign that she got many classmates to sign and promise to never purchase an animal in a store or on-line, but to always visit their local shelter, and her video project for school about Puppy Mills and why they are so bad. And the little dance project that she has been working on, which is near its finish. With Patrick's story reaching so many people she is eager to jump up and do what she can to help in his honor, and as a Mom it makes me really proud.
It also makes me wonder what is so special about this little pup. What makes this abused dog so much more impact-full than all the others that came before him? Sure he's adorable, and the pictures of him on that first day he was found probably haunt most of our thoughts and make his story of survival a captivating one, but what I think is most amazing about him is that he's still alive. Most dogs found in his situation have not made it, and so their plight, while it does grab attention for awhile, tends to die off. There is no checking in on their progress because they are gone. This little dog must have such a strong spirit and I'm convinced he must be meant to make a difference.
The fact that he didn't suffocate tied up in that garbage bag is a feat all in its own. Not only did he live, but he is starting to thrive. He is starting to come out of his weak shell and show everyone his personality. He is getting stronger and happier, and most of all, he has forgiven. He does not look at humans as though they all intend to hurt him. In fact, he thrives when he receives love and attention. I do not ever remember pulling for an animal so much and I think Patrick's situation, as terrible as it was, was needed to wake the world up and bring us all together. And most of all, I think he was always meant to survive it and to inspire the world.
I've always been passionate about animals and wanting to help them. I would bring in every stray I found and every animal that needed me to if I could. I would build a huge sanctuary to take in any animal that simply could not find a forever home if I had the money. And I wish that I did. But, right now, I find myself with a new vision. All because of Patrick. One that is pushing me to stop dreaming so big, but to focus on what I can truly do now. And there are so many things we can each do now. Every single shelter needs volunteers. Every single shelter needs donations; monetary and otherwise. Every single animal living in a shelter right now needs a home. If you are one of those people who are dying to adopt Patrick because he deserves a good home, please remember that every animal deserves a good home and only one person is going to end up with Patrick. You could find another Patrick who needs someone right now, and adopt in Patrick's honor. I wish there was a way to track how many animals might end up with a home just because of Patrick. As Miah said to me, "he will never know how special he is."
I swear when I look at all his pictures, I swear that he is looking right at me. I feel like he sees right through me. Like he knows I care and he's grateful. I'm sure everyone feels like that. We need to. It makes us happy. And Patrick, you are now a legend who has barely scratched the surface on the difference you are going to make, and Miah and I wish we could hug you for it.
I'll leave you with one question. My main question: What will you do in Patrick's honor?
So many exciting things happened while I was gone on an extended spring break. First, my Mom went to Global Pet Expo and brought back some great products that I will be testing out and writing about. Stay tuned for that! And, my Mom went to the AAHA conference in Canada and met up with me in New York where we got to visit family. Also, Patrick the Miracle Dog won over my heart - and TONS of other people too! I will be writing a lot about him and how I hope to help make a difference in all the Patrick type things that are happening now.
But, for now. I thought everyone would like to know what I think went through Onyx's mind with me leaving for so long for the first time!
By Onyx:
Mommy, where did you go? Just yesterday you were here. Here to play with me, but then you were gone. I am doing okay. It's just weird when you're not here. The house feels empty and boring. There is no one here to sneak me little pieces of food from under the table, or give me more treats then I should have! I miss you!!!! I miss my kisses and my long hugs. You've been gone for too long. It is time for you to come home. I keep thinking that maybe you are, but then it's just that other guy that feeds me when you are gone. Where could you be??
Two weeks Later ...
I heard the garage door open and assume it's just that guy again, coming home from whatever it is he does when he leaves Twiggy and I home alone. But, as the door opened...I looked up... and YOU walked in! Oh Mommy please don't you ever leave again! Just stay here forever! No more vacations! (Unless you bring me, of course!) No more! I missed you, I missed you so much!!!!! To show you how much I missed you I am going to attack you with kisses!!!! You smell funny, but I still want to kiss you lots and love you lots. Kisses and love and kisses and love. I love you SO much. Please never leave again! I missed you too much! I think I'll just stay right by you from now on so you can't leave me again. Ahhhhhh, Mommy is home.
Here it is. The video I presented following my speech. I know it made a difference in my classroom. Now I'd like to see it a make a difference on the internet!
Please watch this AND share with everyone you know!
Yesterday I presented my speech for a project in one of my classes. It is about puppy mills and I am so excited to be spreading the word! I would love to hear your thoughts, and learn what you might be doing to educate people on the horrors of puppy mills! Here it is:
To start out I am going to ask a simple question. Do you know what a puppy mill is? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t, but one thing people are unaware of is how bad they really are. They are much worse then most people presume, which is not good at all.
Did you know that according to the ASPCA 40% of people who buy dogs spend less than a week researching where the dog came from? And, 59% of buyers don’t see the puppy with its mother. So if we are not paying attention, how are we going to stop the abuse? Stop the pain? End the suffering?
They also report a shocking 24% of the owners who buy pure bred puppies based their decision mainly on appearance. So what happens to the dog from a puppy mill that lost an eye from a terrible eye infection? Or the dog whose nipples are so big from having tons of liters she can barely walk because they weigh her down? What about the dog with only three legs? What about the dog who spent so much of his life locked up in cage no one will buy him, because after they buy him he will just die? What happens to them?
Some of the dogs in puppy mills never get to leave. They have to spend their life locked up in cage with barely any room to walk. While nursing one liter they are pregnant with another, living in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. They only get to eat enough to keep them breeding. They are walking in their own feces, maybe even the carcasses of dogs that have passed on before them. Many dogs each year die in a puppy mill; one every eight seconds.
This is how we treat are best friends?
Luckily there is hope; just the smallest things can help. For one, NEVER buy from a pet sore at the mall or online. Also, if you are looking to adopt try looking at a shelter and don’t be afraid to buy a former puppy mill survivor. They need love too. And it's very important to PLEASE spread the word.
I presented this today, and tomorrow I will be presenting my video! Keep checking back because I will be posting that too!!
Well here is really short teaser. We've been working on it for the past month and we are just about ready to record it!! Once it's done I will (of course) be sharing the finished product, and I hope to continue to dance to make a difference!! I'm VERY excited!
I was visiting Mariah's Promise website today, which is a site you should visit if you love your Pit Bulls and Bully breeds. What Mariah's Promise does for them is really amazing! While there I found this. It warmed my heart and I had to share. Enjoy!
Footprints
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn t be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn t want her to know that I hadn t been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn t want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone s life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
Did you know that the local Longmont Humane Society offers a training class just for Bully Breeds? The Longmont Humane Society does a really good job at giving the breeds the chance they deserve. Many other CO shelters end up sending these dogs to Longmont because Longmont works with the dogs and understands them. I learned this over the summer when Miah and I took a trip there to visit with the animals. We also learned many facts about the Pit Bull breed and what it means to have that label.
You can see for yourself. Check out the available dogs at the Boulder Humance Society and the Weld County Humane Society. Then the Longmont Humane Society. The ratio of overall bully breeds is much higher in Longmont. That's not to say every Humane Society is doing its part by helping all dog breeds out there. Just that bully breeds often end up in Longmont.
Here is the info on the training class - I know it interests us because of our Pit Bull mix Onyx, aka Little Dog. It actually amazes me how a little 30lb dog who can literally walk right under our Greyhound, Twiggy, can put a worrisome look on people's faces when they hear he is a Pit Bull mix. We definitely need more education out there and less media.
(BSL is Breed Specific Legislation, in case anyone is not sure.)
LHS' P.I.T.S.T.O.P
Pets In Training, Stable Tolerant Obedient Partners - With BSL in many of our surrounding communities, and the often times negative public perception about our beloved dogs, being the adoring owner of a bully breed can feel like a challenge in our society today. This class provides you with a safe and understanding environment to hone your dog’s skills so that they can represent the best of the breeds. We will work on obedience and manners with the goal of CGC certification for as many Bully Breeds in our community as possible! Trainer, Aimee Sadler, will demonstrate with her beloved Pit Bull, Koulee, advanced off leash obedience and impeccable manners. Koulee has earned a prestigious “Achievement Award” through the Animal Farm Foundation, his USDAA Agility Dog title and is CGC certified. Let’s train our phenomenal dogs together and show off our True Ambassadors!
INSTRUCTOR: Aimee Sadler and/or Rhea Moriarity on Thursdays; Carly Shivers on Tuesdays
Location
LHS Dog Training Center 9595 Nelson Rd. Longmont, CO 80501
Price
$120.00 per Dog*
Requirements
Bully Breeds only!
***Please contact Rhea for a phone consultation, prior to first drop-in and to register [email protected] - or - 303-772-1232x277***
Upcoming Classes:
Day
Date
Frequency
Class Time
Thursdays
Feb 24
Weekly
2:30 - 3:30 pm
Tuesdays
Feb 22
Weekly
5:30 - 6:30 pm
* Cost of $120 is a deposit - 50% refundable with AKC's CGC certification!!
