Check this out, soo cool!

Leo has helped cancer patients at the cancer treatment facility. We've been told that he's also helped the staff as well. One of the great things about Pit Bulls is that they love therapy work. If you think your Pit Bull is therapy dog material, check out this link http://www.therapydogs.com/. (I'm on a leave as a tester for couple of months). Here's Leo soothing one of the staff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoOsja-HzWg

Please pass this on!

I just received this message from an Etsy for Animals member:
fashionplatter - Dawn. The rabbits are actually in Ohio, but
originally from California. If you or someone you know can help,
please send along the info!

----------
As many of you know, five years ago my husband and I built a 1300 sq.
ft. rabbitat to care for a large group of rabbits who had been dumped
in California.  Unfortunately, the other night in the ice storm, the
roof collapsed.   We were incredibly lucky that only one rabbit was
killed in the disaster (I'd just taken out four fresh bales of hay and
they stopped the beams from hitting the ground -- the one rabbit who
was killed was on a bale of hay).  Everyone is safely inside the house
now, but I don't have a long term solution for keeping them here (and
the short term one is about to kill me).  I need to find rescues or
homes for some of these guys, desperately.   The ideal situation would
be to find a new rabbitat-type-situation for them to go to -- they are
used to having room to run, and being able to live a very rabbity life
(they are, of course, spayed/neutered).   But most if not all could be
happy living inside with human friends, too.   Some are extremely
friendly.

If rescues could step up and take a group, I'd be eternally grateful
(and the bunnies would too).  But I'm also looking for good adoptive
homes.   Even temporary fosters would help me out.   Please spread the
word.  Rabbits make great companions and are not hard to care for --
they can even be litter box trained!   Most everyone's life would be
improved by a rabbit.

Feel free to forward this email and ask people to contact me at
dawn.shimp@gmail.com

Another interesting prospective from the gang at Rescue Ink! My favorite rescue group btw!

So it has been brought to my attention that the newest attack on Pit Bulls is happening in Texas. I want to show everyone a quote from the Constitution of the United States of America which is considered to be supreme law of our country-"Amendment 14 - Citizenship Rights. Ratified 7/9/1868. Note History1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."The due process should be proper investigation into the statistics and the true cause behind this one sided stigma plastered on Pit Bulls. The due process should not be a subjective and emotion based rant from an ignorant human who knows nothing about what a true Pit Bull is all about.I have lived with Pit Bulls for 22 years now and nothing has changed for the dogs – in terms of the cruel and inhumane lengths that people will still go to ruin such a noble breed. However – there is also now an army of people – like myself – who understand what these dogs can offer and why they are then so maligned when these abilities are betrayed and they are forced and directed towards an unnatural lifestyle. I know for sure – if nothing else – that PEOPLE are responsible for the dogs that they own. People are the culprits behind an aggressive dog – a fearful dog – a neglected or abused dog. The dogs in these situations are voiceless victims of a misuse of power. And now – to counteract these crimes – instead of punishing the people who perpetrate these crimes – the people in government instead want to abuse more power and unlawfully ban good people, loving people, true PitBull supporters from helping these dogs, or even owning these dogs?! Instead of punishing the deed – ignorant powers that be – blasphemous and sensational news media – fear mongering and uneducated neighbors and co workers have decided instead to blame the creature of nature that has no voice and punish an innocent animal for following their strongest desire and interest – to please their human. I suppose that it should be no surprise that it is the same species that perpetrates abuse that could follow this with ignorant and judgmental proclamations that hinder the pleasures and rights of good people and in a word KILL innocent dogs based on a supposed accusation as to their genetics and also their temperaments. It is however – shocking that it all comes down on the same animal – species – breed. The same victims of abuse and neglect and gross misuse of human power – who suffer in silence – their loyalty and respect for humans often untouched – may soon be victims of extinction altogether – but by entirely different hands altogether. These people who propose and support BSL are no better than the abusers who do physical damage to innocent animals by their own hand. It will be by their vote, by their law, their media release that innocent, loyal, respectful , trustful, amazing animals die. It will be by these lawmakers’ strokes of mighty pens that families are devastated, individuals are brought to desperation and sorrow and unknowing and voiceless housepets will be taken away and imprisoned and executed based on what they look like.

I say that our proximity to repeating major historical catastrophes is quite near when we begin to make sweeping, generalized proclamations about people’s rights to enjoy certain liberties and an animal’s right to live. What power do we, as citizens, maintain if not our right to be educated and empathetic dog owners?BSL will kill not only Pit Bulls but Rotties, Dobbies, Boxer, Bulldog, Dogo Argintino or any other dog that has the substantial physical characteristics.

Donations Go To…

RESCUE INK INC
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit

TOP 10 TOXINS FOR PETS-- A MUST READ!!

Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2010

Both known and unknown toxins can be found hiding in our houses and yards. In 2010, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, fielded more than 167,000 phone calls about pets exposed to possibly poisonous substances. 
Human MedicationsHuman medications are once again at the top of the list of pet toxins for 2010. Almost 25 percent of our calls concerned human medications accidentally ingested by pets. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications.
InsecticidesAbout 20% of the calls to the APCC are about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.
Rodenticides
Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.
People FoodXylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Veterinary MedicationsMany medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.
ChocolateChocolate contains methylxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.
Household ToxinsCleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.
PlantsBoth house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.
HerbicidesMany herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.
Outdoor ToxinsAntifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.
If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Pet Rescue Alert

This is a must have for all pet owners!  Look what a friend of mine has created on how to make a pet rescue alert to place in a
window or other location so fire rescue people would be able to save
your pet if you are not around to do so yourself.

Read all about it here:

http://www.artfire.com/users/sleepycatdesigns/blog/pet-rescue-sticker-with-photo

This is a great idea!  Thanks to Debra from Sleepy Cat Designs for sharing!  Check out her shop here:
www.SleepyCatDesigns.artfire.com

Check out this new contest!

http://crafting4animals.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentines-day-contest.html

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Tsilos of TS Beading!  Check out what she is doing! 
http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://tsbeading.blogspot.com