Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Oh F-ing Please!
Suspended Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his guilty plea on charges related to dogfighting, plans to enter a drug treatment program that could reduce his time behind bars.
"Mr. Vick has been transferred from the Northern Neck Regional Jail in Virginia to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons minimum security facility in Leavenworth, Kan.," his attorneys, Billy Martin and Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., said in a jointly issued statement Monday. "Mr. Vick hopes to participate in programs offered at that facility, including the Bureau of Prisons drug treatment program."
Vick, who failed a drug test while awaiting sentencing in the dogfighting case, is eligible for a federal drug treatment program known as the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Inmates are involved in intensive treatment that lasts six to 12 months, with a minimum of 500 hours of treatment.
Upon completion of the program, the inmate's eligibility for early release based on previous criminal
convictions is determined. Vick did not have any previous convictions before his dogfighting case.
The RDAP accepts inmates, and they are eligible for early release even if they have not been convicted of drug-related offenses provided they meet a series of qualifications. Vick meets those requirements.
Animal rights activists were not happy that Vick may not serve his entire 23-month sentence.
"The drugs were completely irrelevant to the actual crime here," said John Goodwin, the Humane Society's deputy manager of animal fighting issues. "If this was drug rehab or a narcotics-related event, that's another thing, but the issue of killing these dogs is an entirely different matter."
According to Criminal Justice magazine, which is published by the American Bar Association, the program is known as the 500-hour Comprehensive RDAP. Some qualified offenders will be eligible for an early release benefit of up to 12 months. The Bureau of Prisons average is 8.5 months, usually coupled with an extended halfway house stay or home confinement.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Monday that Vick had been transferred to Leavenworth, but would not confirm that Vick would be entered into the drug program. Vick was moved from Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Va., where he has been since reporting to prison before being sentenced Dec. 10.
For now, Vick's prison number is 33765-183, and his projected release date is July 2009, which would be the full 23-month sentence.
An 8.5-month reduction on top of a possible reduction of 15 percent for good conduct means Vick could be released before the end of 2008. He faces an April 2 trial date in Virginia on state dogfighting charges.
An early prison release would allow Vick to apply sooner for reinstatement to the NFL. He is suspended indefinitely but is still on the Falcons' roster. A suspension by the NFL for the conviction and failed drug test is possible.
The Falcons refused to comment. They have attempted to distance themselves from the fallen quarterback, but because of severe salary cap ramifications have kept him on the roster. The team has sought to recover almost $20 million in salary and bonuses from Vick. The grievance is under review by Judge David Doty in Minneapolis.
From the outset, Martin has stated his goal was to get Vick back to his NFL career as soon as possible. Successful completion of the treatment program would give him a better chance of returning to the NFL in 2009 after missing two seasons.
"Mr. Vick looks forward to being reunited with his family upon completion of his sentence," Martin and Woodward said in the statement. "He is hopeful that following his release, he will have the opportunity to resume his career as a professional football player."
"Mr. Vick has been transferred from the Northern Neck Regional Jail in Virginia to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons minimum security facility in Leavenworth, Kan.," his attorneys, Billy Martin and Lawrence H. Woodward Jr., said in a jointly issued statement Monday. "Mr. Vick hopes to participate in programs offered at that facility, including the Bureau of Prisons drug treatment program."
Vick, who failed a drug test while awaiting sentencing in the dogfighting case, is eligible for a federal drug treatment program known as the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Inmates are involved in intensive treatment that lasts six to 12 months, with a minimum of 500 hours of treatment.
Upon completion of the program, the inmate's eligibility for early release based on previous criminal
convictions is determined. Vick did not have any previous convictions before his dogfighting case.
The RDAP accepts inmates, and they are eligible for early release even if they have not been convicted of drug-related offenses provided they meet a series of qualifications. Vick meets those requirements.
Animal rights activists were not happy that Vick may not serve his entire 23-month sentence.
"The drugs were completely irrelevant to the actual crime here," said John Goodwin, the Humane Society's deputy manager of animal fighting issues. "If this was drug rehab or a narcotics-related event, that's another thing, but the issue of killing these dogs is an entirely different matter."
According to Criminal Justice magazine, which is published by the American Bar Association, the program is known as the 500-hour Comprehensive RDAP. Some qualified offenders will be eligible for an early release benefit of up to 12 months. The Bureau of Prisons average is 8.5 months, usually coupled with an extended halfway house stay or home confinement.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Monday that Vick had been transferred to Leavenworth, but would not confirm that Vick would be entered into the drug program. Vick was moved from Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Va., where he has been since reporting to prison before being sentenced Dec. 10.
For now, Vick's prison number is 33765-183, and his projected release date is July 2009, which would be the full 23-month sentence.
An 8.5-month reduction on top of a possible reduction of 15 percent for good conduct means Vick could be released before the end of 2008. He faces an April 2 trial date in Virginia on state dogfighting charges.
An early prison release would allow Vick to apply sooner for reinstatement to the NFL. He is suspended indefinitely but is still on the Falcons' roster. A suspension by the NFL for the conviction and failed drug test is possible.
The Falcons refused to comment. They have attempted to distance themselves from the fallen quarterback, but because of severe salary cap ramifications have kept him on the roster. The team has sought to recover almost $20 million in salary and bonuses from Vick. The grievance is under review by Judge David Doty in Minneapolis.
From the outset, Martin has stated his goal was to get Vick back to his NFL career as soon as possible. Successful completion of the treatment program would give him a better chance of returning to the NFL in 2009 after missing two seasons.
"Mr. Vick looks forward to being reunited with his family upon completion of his sentence," Martin and Woodward said in the statement. "He is hopeful that following his release, he will have the opportunity to resume his career as a professional football player."
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Anti-Cruelty Initiative
The ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Initiative: A Lifesaving Agenda
Let me tell you exactly how the ASPCA is fighting cruelty to animals, and why they need your support to continue and expand their lifesaving work.
In 2007, the ASPCA handled over 3,500 cruelty investigations, rescued hundreds of animals, answered over 50,000 phone inquiries, responded to 8,200 emails and conducted numerous training seminars across the country. In addition, they are leading the way to expand and provide training to all levels of local law enforcement and animal welfare professionals. Through a series of courses and seminars, over 3,000 agents, in communities such as yours, have been trained in animal cruelty laws and case handling.
The ASPCA is dedicated to helping entire communities implement proven programs that increase adoptions, teach respect for all living things and continue the fight against animal cruelty. In the last year, their team faced unprecedented challenges and broke new ground. During the pet food recall crisis they were there serving as a resource for thousands of pet parents. When dog-fighting allegations involving Michael Vick arose, they were there bringing an end to the brutal conditions those dogs suffered and ensuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
2007 also marked the launch of ASPCA: Mission Orange -- a focused effort to create a country of humane communities, on community at a time, where animals receive the compassion and respect they deserve and no adoptable animal is euthanized simply because of a lack of resources or awareness. In less than a year, ASPCA Mission: Orange is already beginning to have an impact. Across all of their targeted communities they have raised the adoption rate 10%, which represents thousands of animals whose lives were saved thanks to these efforts.
The ASPCA is the driving force behind writing and passing tough laws. They have been successful in 43 states in making animal cruelty a felony. But we, in support of the ASPCA won’t stop until the remaining seven adopt similar legislation.
You can help by supporting federal and state legislation giving greater protection to animals and harsher punishment to abusers. For specifics on how you can make a difference in your state, please visit their website at http://www.aspca.org and click on the “lobby” tab, where you can join their online Advocacy Brigade. Then contact your legislators and let them know how you feel!
From education and care to adoption and rescue, The ASPCA is making a life-changing difference for animals across America. Whether its something as simple as providing a comfortable bed or as involved as providing emergency medical treatment and rehabilitation for a cruelty victim, every dollar makes a vital difference in the life of a homeless or abused pet.
Let me tell you exactly how the ASPCA is fighting cruelty to animals, and why they need your support to continue and expand their lifesaving work.
In 2007, the ASPCA handled over 3,500 cruelty investigations, rescued hundreds of animals, answered over 50,000 phone inquiries, responded to 8,200 emails and conducted numerous training seminars across the country. In addition, they are leading the way to expand and provide training to all levels of local law enforcement and animal welfare professionals. Through a series of courses and seminars, over 3,000 agents, in communities such as yours, have been trained in animal cruelty laws and case handling.
The ASPCA is dedicated to helping entire communities implement proven programs that increase adoptions, teach respect for all living things and continue the fight against animal cruelty. In the last year, their team faced unprecedented challenges and broke new ground. During the pet food recall crisis they were there serving as a resource for thousands of pet parents. When dog-fighting allegations involving Michael Vick arose, they were there bringing an end to the brutal conditions those dogs suffered and ensuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.
2007 also marked the launch of ASPCA: Mission Orange -- a focused effort to create a country of humane communities, on community at a time, where animals receive the compassion and respect they deserve and no adoptable animal is euthanized simply because of a lack of resources or awareness. In less than a year, ASPCA Mission: Orange is already beginning to have an impact. Across all of their targeted communities they have raised the adoption rate 10%, which represents thousands of animals whose lives were saved thanks to these efforts.
The ASPCA is the driving force behind writing and passing tough laws. They have been successful in 43 states in making animal cruelty a felony. But we, in support of the ASPCA won’t stop until the remaining seven adopt similar legislation.
You can help by supporting federal and state legislation giving greater protection to animals and harsher punishment to abusers. For specifics on how you can make a difference in your state, please visit their website at http://www.aspca.org and click on the “lobby” tab, where you can join their online Advocacy Brigade. Then contact your legislators and let them know how you feel!
From education and care to adoption and rescue, The ASPCA is making a life-changing difference for animals across America. Whether its something as simple as providing a comfortable bed or as involved as providing emergency medical treatment and rehabilitation for a cruelty victim, every dollar makes a vital difference in the life of a homeless or abused pet.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Anti-DogFighting PSA
Reminder: Micheal Vick sentencing scheduled Monday, December 10, 2007.. Tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Michael Vick
... has voluntarily surrendered to authorities early and is serving jail time at this moment in hopes judge Henry Hudson will hand down a lesser sentence based on Vicks latest show of remorse. He doesn't fool me, I'm still pushing for the maximum sentence possible.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Despicable
This absolutely needs to be said. It happens all the time on YouTube as well as LiveVideo. To be honest, I'm so effin' tired of seeing all these monsters on the sites glorifying animal abuse. Three cheers to Nash, 1 White Crow of LiveVideo for also pointing this out.
http://www.livevideo.com/video/1WhiteCrow/CF64E3BEAC654B1A94A793F3444AB651/despicable.aspx
http://www.livevideo.com/video/1WhiteCrow/CF64E3BEAC654B1A94A793F3444AB651/despicable.aspx
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Monday, November 05, 2007
Worldwide shit
It happens more than I'd like for it to.
Last night I tried to watch a movie and up to a certain point it was relatively decent. Then it took a nose dive right smack in the middle... and became more lame by the second.
But that's not gonna be what I'm writing about today.
The fact is that before I even started this blog last night, I clicked on some other sites. Now usually they're what I think are important. And that part still remains true. They are important. But lately what happens is that I read this stuff, and it overrides everything else thats happening at the moment. Everything is blocked out by this dark cloud that I find every single time.
People abuse animals, that's been going on for hundreds of years. Its a fact, it's the actions of sick people that motivate me to try putting a stop to it. There's just so damn much of it, not just here in the city and state where I live. Not just in the U.S. It's much worse in China, Spain, Puerto Rico.. anywhere you can think of.
There are entire societies who think nothing of torturing a stray animal, or entire breed, or exploiting certain dogs for financial gain. The lengths they go, the intricate ways they find to inflict pain and death.
Sometimes it just gets so overwhelming. Frustration can build and this feeling of never really being able to help. Yeah, I know its easy to feel that way, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop. I go through this like maybe once or twice a week. Just thought I'd let you know a little of what its like.
Last night I tried to watch a movie and up to a certain point it was relatively decent. Then it took a nose dive right smack in the middle... and became more lame by the second.
But that's not gonna be what I'm writing about today.
The fact is that before I even started this blog last night, I clicked on some other sites. Now usually they're what I think are important. And that part still remains true. They are important. But lately what happens is that I read this stuff, and it overrides everything else thats happening at the moment. Everything is blocked out by this dark cloud that I find every single time.
People abuse animals, that's been going on for hundreds of years. Its a fact, it's the actions of sick people that motivate me to try putting a stop to it. There's just so damn much of it, not just here in the city and state where I live. Not just in the U.S. It's much worse in China, Spain, Puerto Rico.. anywhere you can think of.
There are entire societies who think nothing of torturing a stray animal, or entire breed, or exploiting certain dogs for financial gain. The lengths they go, the intricate ways they find to inflict pain and death.
Sometimes it just gets so overwhelming. Frustration can build and this feeling of never really being able to help. Yeah, I know its easy to feel that way, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop. I go through this like maybe once or twice a week. Just thought I'd let you know a little of what its like.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Bait Dog Needs Help in Pensacola
Please repost and speak out against the vile criminal activity called FIGHTING WITH DOGS, damn the insane people that do this to animals...
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Kathi "DONT DUMP THAT DOG.COM"Date: Nov 2, 2007 6:39 PMYOU MAY NOT WANT TO LOOK AT ALL THE GRAPHIC PICTURES OF THIS BOY, BUT THEY MADE ME CRY AND THE ONE THAT UPSET ME IS THE ONE IM POSTING. THE REST YOU CAN LOOK ON YOUR OWN. AFTER ALL THE ABUSE AND PAIN HE'S BEEN THROUGH, LOOK AT HIM NOW, HE IS SMILING!! HAPPY!! OMG ONLY A TRUE PITBULL CAN BE THIS WAY AFTER HAVING HIS FACE AND HEAD RIPPED APART. HE NEEDS HELP FOR HIS VETTING AND DESERVES EVERY PENNY.
From: Tina-Marie - Rescuer for LifeDate: Nov 2, 2007 6:22 PMPLEASE CROSS POST --
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR SURVIVOR - BAIT DOG!!You may have seen a previous post on him. He's been to the vet and is safe with Laura, the woman who found him, but he needs donations and a Forever Home. He stands on his hind legs, gently places his paws on her shoulders and gives her kisses.Please send DONATIONS to:Chemstrand Oaks Veterinary Hospital10229 Chemstrand Rd.Pensacola, FL 32534 (850) 474-1922 The wonderful compassionate vets are Dr. Elliot and Dr. D'Ambra!Here's the link to the TV news coverage filmed yesterday at the vet clinic where Survivor is being treated.
Go to the Video List on the right and scroll down to DOG ABUSED AS BAIT DOG FOR DOG FIGHTING
VIDEO OF SURVIVOR AT VET
LINK TO PHOTOS OF SURVIVOR AND LAURA'S
OTHER RESCUES WHO NEED HELP:
LINK TO PHOTOS - GRAPHIC
One is a BLIND pit pup confined to a cage all his short life and another is a starved boy Laura found like she found Survivor. She is an Angel to the dogs in her area. Please be an Angel too...Laura says: "I'm asking folks to call the Escambia Co. Animal Control at (850) 595-3075 to ask them to step up enforcement for dog fighting! Also, the address for Pensacola News Journal is opinion@pnj. com or call (850) 435 8542. The Escambia Co. Sheriff's Office is (850) 436-9580. Ask folks to call WEAR ABC TV Pensacola to thank them for the great coverage, although they did leave out that dog fighting is a FELONY, which most people don't know.(850) 456-3333."Laura CattertonVolunteer with Jr. Humane Society Pensacolawww.jhs.petfinder. comthecattertons@ aol.com (aol.com)(850) 384-149
----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Kathi "DONT DUMP THAT DOG.COM"Date: Nov 2, 2007 6:39 PMYOU MAY NOT WANT TO LOOK AT ALL THE GRAPHIC PICTURES OF THIS BOY, BUT THEY MADE ME CRY AND THE ONE THAT UPSET ME IS THE ONE IM POSTING. THE REST YOU CAN LOOK ON YOUR OWN. AFTER ALL THE ABUSE AND PAIN HE'S BEEN THROUGH, LOOK AT HIM NOW, HE IS SMILING!! HAPPY!! OMG ONLY A TRUE PITBULL CAN BE THIS WAY AFTER HAVING HIS FACE AND HEAD RIPPED APART. HE NEEDS HELP FOR HIS VETTING AND DESERVES EVERY PENNY.
From: Tina-Marie - Rescuer for LifeDate: Nov 2, 2007 6:22 PMPLEASE CROSS POST --
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR SURVIVOR - BAIT DOG!!You may have seen a previous post on him. He's been to the vet and is safe with Laura, the woman who found him, but he needs donations and a Forever Home. He stands on his hind legs, gently places his paws on her shoulders and gives her kisses.Please send DONATIONS to:Chemstrand Oaks Veterinary Hospital10229 Chemstrand Rd.Pensacola, FL 32534 (850) 474-1922 The wonderful compassionate vets are Dr. Elliot and Dr. D'Ambra!Here's the link to the TV news coverage filmed yesterday at the vet clinic where Survivor is being treated.
Go to the Video List on the right and scroll down to DOG ABUSED AS BAIT DOG FOR DOG FIGHTING
VIDEO OF SURVIVOR AT VET
LINK TO PHOTOS OF SURVIVOR AND LAURA'S
OTHER RESCUES WHO NEED HELP:
LINK TO PHOTOS - GRAPHIC
One is a BLIND pit pup confined to a cage all his short life and another is a starved boy Laura found like she found Survivor. She is an Angel to the dogs in her area. Please be an Angel too...Laura says: "I'm asking folks to call the Escambia Co. Animal Control at (850) 595-3075 to ask them to step up enforcement for dog fighting! Also, the address for Pensacola News Journal is opinion@pnj. com or call (850) 435 8542. The Escambia Co. Sheriff's Office is (850) 436-9580. Ask folks to call WEAR ABC TV Pensacola to thank them for the great coverage, although they did leave out that dog fighting is a FELONY, which most people don't know.(850) 456-3333."Laura CattertonVolunteer with Jr. Humane Society Pensacolawww.jhs.petfinder. comthecattertons@ aol.com (aol.com)(850) 384-149
Monday, October 29, 2007
Happy Halloween
A little precaution never hurt anyone... As with any holiday or event, we need to think of our pets. That means no chocolate for your fur babies. And take extra precaution with your cats and kittens. Please consider keeping them indoors around Halloween. There's always the risk of the wrong kind of people looking to pull some kind of cruel pranks. So to cut down on such cases, it's probably best to keep your pets safe inside.
Boy do I have my work cut out for me, lol. I've been planning a Halloween video and time's running out. I foresee a lot of editing, cutting and pasting, and overlays for tomorrow night. We've had a lot of fun with it so far, and I'm really excited about getting it posted.
The weather's turned off chilly the past week... was starting to think Fall had been cancelled. But it's here now, finally here.
Been catching quite a few scary movies the past couple of days. Jeepers Creepers 2, and some ones on cable they showcased in last year's Horrorfest. They claim those movies are too explicit for a general crowd so they offer a ticket package just for them. But I guess by the time they reach cable they must have really been edited down, cause I don't think there's anything shocking about them. Either I've been desensitized or they really are lame.
That doesn't dim any expectations I have for actual Halloween night. A Ghosthunters marathon, followed by a live investigation at the Waverly Sanatorium. It's supposed to be interactive on the web again so that should be interesting.
Back to the puppies tomorrow, after a my weekend. I've been told it's gonna be a busy season from now till Christmas. So I'm psyching myself up for that.
Boy do I have my work cut out for me, lol. I've been planning a Halloween video and time's running out. I foresee a lot of editing, cutting and pasting, and overlays for tomorrow night. We've had a lot of fun with it so far, and I'm really excited about getting it posted.
The weather's turned off chilly the past week... was starting to think Fall had been cancelled. But it's here now, finally here.
Been catching quite a few scary movies the past couple of days. Jeepers Creepers 2, and some ones on cable they showcased in last year's Horrorfest. They claim those movies are too explicit for a general crowd so they offer a ticket package just for them. But I guess by the time they reach cable they must have really been edited down, cause I don't think there's anything shocking about them. Either I've been desensitized or they really are lame.
That doesn't dim any expectations I have for actual Halloween night. A Ghosthunters marathon, followed by a live investigation at the Waverly Sanatorium. It's supposed to be interactive on the web again so that should be interesting.
Back to the puppies tomorrow, after a my weekend. I've been told it's gonna be a busy season from now till Christmas. So I'm psyching myself up for that.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Abominable
Thank God my weekend is here now. I have a friend on MySpace who used to work where I do. I left a comment on his profile... "Please come back to the shoppe! At least long enough to slap some sense into she who must not be named." For the love of all that is decent, she really has to go. I just can't believe the level of laziness I deal with when I come in some mornings after her shift. She's left the most obvious things undone. It's been like that for as long as I've been there. She's moody, she's fake, she's a slob, and she knows damn good and well I don't like her.
I mean, I take pride in what I do. I try to make things look good. I take the time to socialize these little guys. I try to make their time here fun. And I give a shit. At least I give a shit. She'll do the absolute minimun she can get away with. I can't stand that. I guess you could say it's my pet peeve. Pun intended.
Maybe I'm just in a funk... I've been wanting to do the pictures for their site for months. I wanted to be their regular photographer for the new puppies and kittens. I've done it before, and I've done it well. But you can't rush these things. You have to take a ton of shots before you can get one good one. And you have to go through them all and choose the ones you want to use. But no, they just want to hurry up and slap any old picture up there no matter how crappy it is. Dammit! It could be a much better draw if they did it like I think it should be done. I mean, I look at those pics and then at mine and you can really tell a difference. I get the cutest ones, the ones where you can at least see their face, with some unique quality, some facial expression, some look in the eyes. The photos are so much better when there's some personality coming through. But no, they want to rush things, and that's one thing that can't be rushed. So I'm really kind of pissed off about that.
I mean, I take pride in what I do. I try to make things look good. I take the time to socialize these little guys. I try to make their time here fun. And I give a shit. At least I give a shit. She'll do the absolute minimun she can get away with. I can't stand that. I guess you could say it's my pet peeve. Pun intended.
Maybe I'm just in a funk... I've been wanting to do the pictures for their site for months. I wanted to be their regular photographer for the new puppies and kittens. I've done it before, and I've done it well. But you can't rush these things. You have to take a ton of shots before you can get one good one. And you have to go through them all and choose the ones you want to use. But no, they just want to hurry up and slap any old picture up there no matter how crappy it is. Dammit! It could be a much better draw if they did it like I think it should be done. I mean, I look at those pics and then at mine and you can really tell a difference. I get the cutest ones, the ones where you can at least see their face, with some unique quality, some facial expression, some look in the eyes. The photos are so much better when there's some personality coming through. But no, they want to rush things, and that's one thing that can't be rushed. So I'm really kind of pissed off about that.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Please tell ten friends to tell ten today!
The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.
It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle).
This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site.
The Breast Cancer Site
Please pass it on to everyone you know.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Am I really ready for this?
It was bound to happen...
I never thought it would be this soon, but I could see it was coming a long time ago.
My status will never be the same.
Meet my granddaughter, Mackenzie
That's right, I'm a "Gramma" now.
Lol, she is adorable though isn't she?
She greeted everyone in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
Happy Birthday, Mackenzie.
I never thought it would be this soon, but I could see it was coming a long time ago.
My status will never be the same.
Meet my granddaughter, Mackenzie
That's right, I'm a "Gramma" now.
Lol, she is adorable though isn't she?
She greeted everyone in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
Happy Birthday, Mackenzie.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
New Animal Rescue in Camden County
New Jersey Aid ForAnimals:
Dauntless, Dedicated, Educated
CAMDEN COUNTY -- There's a new animal rescue in town: a group that is unfettered by the kind of bureaucracy and politics that seem to bog down the other animal rescue behemoths. And the good news is, New Jersey Aid for Animals (NJAFA) is making a difference.
Kathy McGuire, Founder and President of South Jersey-based NJAFA believes that directly working the problem is the only solution to solving it. This diminutive, dedicated dynamo is so serious about rescuing helpless creatures from the horrific conditions imposed by their abusers, she'll go right into places others fear to tread and is an intrepid traveler checking out tips from all over New Jersey about cruelty and then reporting it to the authorities when others "may not want to get involved".
Topping the list of priorities on her daily to-do list, when she is not investigating the cruelty tips that come in, is educating people about spaying and neutering their pets –
"When funding is available, we are the ONLY non profit that travels regularly into Camden and personally takes animals from people's homes to get them altered and returns them the same night because these individuals don't have the money or transportation to get it done themselves. No one else does what we do. NJAFA is adamant about the importance of spaying/neutering because of the severe overpopulation of cats and dogs. McGuire explains "Checking out cruelty tips and then reporting it to the authorities, is as much of a priority for me as helping to prevent it – and a major way of doing that is educating people on the importance of spaying/neutering and getting it done myself if that's what it takes She is well known in Camden and gets calls daily from individuals to have their animals spayed or neutered.
"We aid animals in all counties of New Jersey but focus our dedication and compassion for Camden City, New Jersey's animals," McGuire explains. "Because we are headquartered in Camden County, a Camden County animal may receive a major portion of our funding for spaying and neutering and, when we have the funds, for needed medical procedures."
Armed with a tough, no-nonsense approach that offers zero tolerance for uncivilized behavior of humans toward the helpless, McGuire doesn't just field calls from concerned citizens who report abuse cases – she acts on them. A seasoned animal rescuer for almost two decades, McGuire is a certified NJ State Cruelty Investigator and Animal Control Officer, she has done due diligence to make sure of her legal standing when putting in her time and efforts on behalf of abused animals and against the abusers.
In fact, when she was newly certified three years ago, the NJSPCA asked her to coordinate the rescue and placement of two major animal hoarding cases because of her unique approach to saving animals. McGuire pulled out more than 100 animals from two hoarders and saved 98 percent of them from being forced to shelters and being euthanized, which is the usual protocol.
In her tireless mission to stop the suffering – one animal at a time – McGuire is all too aware that animal abusers will many times escalate to abusing and even murdering other humans. This proven phenomenon provides even more motivation to eradicate the cruelty and support changes in legislation on the local and state level that give more latitude to investigators and cruelty officers and toughen the consequences for abusers.
Lauded for her "unique quality for investigation" by her instructor at the police academy where she acquired her training, McGuire possesses a rare kind of integrity that is part of her day-to-day routine: whether it is raising funds, attempting to reason with an abusive animal owner or fearlessly obtaining video of the abuse. Her tenacity, coupled with her talent for research and knowledge of the statutes, make her a formidable crusader for animals in distress.
Heads up to animal abusers: Watch out – love her or hate her, she's here to stay.
New Jersey Aid for Animals in privately funded by donations and has no paid staff. The organization has 501-c3 tax-exempt status and is registered with the State of NJ Attorney General's Office to solicit donations.
For more information, to volunteer or to be considered for our Advisory Board, please log on to www.njafa.org or call McGuire directly at (856) 498-3978.
Dauntless, Dedicated, Educated
CAMDEN COUNTY -- There's a new animal rescue in town: a group that is unfettered by the kind of bureaucracy and politics that seem to bog down the other animal rescue behemoths. And the good news is, New Jersey Aid for Animals (NJAFA) is making a difference.
Kathy McGuire, Founder and President of South Jersey-based NJAFA believes that directly working the problem is the only solution to solving it. This diminutive, dedicated dynamo is so serious about rescuing helpless creatures from the horrific conditions imposed by their abusers, she'll go right into places others fear to tread and is an intrepid traveler checking out tips from all over New Jersey about cruelty and then reporting it to the authorities when others "may not want to get involved".
Topping the list of priorities on her daily to-do list, when she is not investigating the cruelty tips that come in, is educating people about spaying and neutering their pets –
"When funding is available, we are the ONLY non profit that travels regularly into Camden and personally takes animals from people's homes to get them altered and returns them the same night because these individuals don't have the money or transportation to get it done themselves. No one else does what we do. NJAFA is adamant about the importance of spaying/neutering because of the severe overpopulation of cats and dogs. McGuire explains "Checking out cruelty tips and then reporting it to the authorities, is as much of a priority for me as helping to prevent it – and a major way of doing that is educating people on the importance of spaying/neutering and getting it done myself if that's what it takes She is well known in Camden and gets calls daily from individuals to have their animals spayed or neutered.
"We aid animals in all counties of New Jersey but focus our dedication and compassion for Camden City, New Jersey's animals," McGuire explains. "Because we are headquartered in Camden County, a Camden County animal may receive a major portion of our funding for spaying and neutering and, when we have the funds, for needed medical procedures."
Armed with a tough, no-nonsense approach that offers zero tolerance for uncivilized behavior of humans toward the helpless, McGuire doesn't just field calls from concerned citizens who report abuse cases – she acts on them. A seasoned animal rescuer for almost two decades, McGuire is a certified NJ State Cruelty Investigator and Animal Control Officer, she has done due diligence to make sure of her legal standing when putting in her time and efforts on behalf of abused animals and against the abusers.
In fact, when she was newly certified three years ago, the NJSPCA asked her to coordinate the rescue and placement of two major animal hoarding cases because of her unique approach to saving animals. McGuire pulled out more than 100 animals from two hoarders and saved 98 percent of them from being forced to shelters and being euthanized, which is the usual protocol.
In her tireless mission to stop the suffering – one animal at a time – McGuire is all too aware that animal abusers will many times escalate to abusing and even murdering other humans. This proven phenomenon provides even more motivation to eradicate the cruelty and support changes in legislation on the local and state level that give more latitude to investigators and cruelty officers and toughen the consequences for abusers.
Lauded for her "unique quality for investigation" by her instructor at the police academy where she acquired her training, McGuire possesses a rare kind of integrity that is part of her day-to-day routine: whether it is raising funds, attempting to reason with an abusive animal owner or fearlessly obtaining video of the abuse. Her tenacity, coupled with her talent for research and knowledge of the statutes, make her a formidable crusader for animals in distress.
Heads up to animal abusers: Watch out – love her or hate her, she's here to stay.
New Jersey Aid for Animals in privately funded by donations and has no paid staff. The organization has 501-c3 tax-exempt status and is registered with the State of NJ Attorney General's Office to solicit donations.
For more information, to volunteer or to be considered for our Advisory Board, please log on to www.njafa.org or call McGuire directly at (856) 498-3978.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wanted in Alabama
Looks like another monster on the loose for torturing dogs... Folks, I'm rapidly losing my patience with these "people." This guy is just another in a long list of bad guys I'm wanting to go after. Letters, phone calls, correspondence to the right agencies are needed. We all need to be the eyes, ears, and ultimately the voice of these animals who never had a say in how they're treated.
The abuse and burning of a 2-year-old pit bull has the phones ringing off the hook and donations pouring in at the Montgomery Humane Society.
The dog was beaten with a shovel, soaked with lighter fluid and set on fire while chained to a post Sept. 7.
"We are receiving calls from as far away as Brazil from people asking what possessed a person to torture such an innocent and loving animal as Louis and what can they do to help him," said Steven Tears, director of the Montgomery Humane Society.
The Humane Society named the dog "Louis Vuitton." A dog named Gucci was abused and burned in Mobile in 1994. That case led to Alabama's so-called Gucci Law, which was enacted in 2000 and makes it a felony to torture or kill a dog or cat.
In Louis' case, police have issued a felony arrest warrant for 20-year-old Juan Daniels, the son of Louis' owner. According to Scott Hill, the Humane Society's abuse investigator, Daniels wasn't allowed to borrow his mother's car, so in retribution, he tortured her dog.
Daniels faces a charge of first-degree animal cruelty. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. As of late Thursday afternoon, Daniels had not been taken into custody.
Louis is suffering from severe burns on 60 percent of his body and has multiple blunt-force trauma wounds, said Scott Hill, the Humane Society's abuse investigator.
"We are more concerned with Louis' burns because of the risk of infections from the open wounds and the severe pain he's in from having his foot pads and his claws burned," he said.
Glenda Easterling, who has been volunteering at the shelter for 14 years, said she was horrified to learn what had happened to Louis.
"Do you want to know my true feelings about what should happen to this man or just what you can print in the newspaper?" Easterling said Thursday at the shelter.
"How twisted can a man's mind be to attempt to burn any living creature alive?" she asked.
Tears said the shelter has received more than 50 calls a day about Louis and people have been stopping by the shelter to make donations.
Louis is being treated at an undisclosed location. He likely will need several major operations and could be hospitalized for a year.
"Any donations for Louis will be of great help to us so we can pay for his medical treatment," Tears said.
In 2006, the Montgomery Humane Society investigated about 1,400 cases of animal neglect and cruelty, leading to 300 arrests, Hill said.
Louis will be in pain for months, Hill said, but he's in good spirits, judging from how fast his tail wags every time someone comes to visit him.
"Louis' abuse is one of the most cruel and severe cases that we have seen in Montgomery in a number of years," he said.
"But Louis must be feeling better today because he has gotten into the trash can twice already," he said.
Contact Judge Henry E. Hudson
The sentencing date for Michael Vick is December 10, 2007. For those of you who might be interested in contacting the judge presiding over the Michael Vick case and would like to share (respectful) concern over the outcome, the following is where you can send your letters:
The Honorable Judge Henry E. Hudson
Lewis F. Powell, Jr., U.S. Courthouse
1000 E. Main St. Suite 305
Richmond, VA 23219-3525
The Honorable Judge Henry E. Hudson
Lewis F. Powell, Jr., U.S. Courthouse
1000 E. Main St. Suite 305
Richmond, VA 23219-3525
Monday, September 17, 2007
I've been looking forward to getting this. It's a step-by-step guide to gaining a better voice as a voter in the political process. A voice for those who have none. A book like this is what I've been looking for. And if you even remotely consider yourself an animal lover, you'll find it an excellent resource to effect change. Its for anyone willing to be there for the long haul, ready to devote the time and effort it's gonna take to show lawmakers you're not gonna disappear eventually. To be honest, I'm really very excited about putting these strategies into practice. I've only browsed through a little of the book so far but I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to help pets and animals.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
The Collective Soul July Collaboration: Bliss
I was asked to participate in a collaborative project on LiveVideo and this is the end result, just posted today. Sedona did a fantastic job with the editing. Watch the video, you'll just be blown away like I was!
Friday, June 22, 2007
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