Living Without Meat

The onset of summer seems to invoke in people a need to think about their pets’ needs more so than other times. Whether it’s the heat or vacations, I don’t know. But here are some odd and interesting pet-related stories, news, and products.

* Veterinarians have agreed: a pet’s biggest health threat is human error. With the launch of a new site - Remind My Pet - owners can now receive e-mail updates reminding them how and when to give their loved creature medicine. Register for free and ensure that you are providing healthy and safe care.

* Animal Keepsake Memorials has a new product to help you remember your four-legged family member forever: the Fur-Ever-Friends pet urn. For $65 you can get a triangular box. For an additional $125, you can order a personalized, engraved plaque with a photo on it. For about $20, you can buy a picture frame and make your own photo memorial.

* When Leona Hemsley passed away in March, she left $12 million to her dog Trouble. And almost nothing to her grandchildren. Now, a judge reversed Hemsley’s will on the grounds that she was not in sound mind when she created it. The ruling gave each of two grandkids $3 million, $4 million to charity, and the remaining $2 million to Trouble (and his caretaker who gets $60,000 a year).

* PetMD.org published a list of ten ways to keep your pets healthy during hot summer days. In short: provide lots of water; don’t leave them in a car; know that age and weight effect heat tolerance; don’t leave food out - it can grow bacteria; learn what’s toxic; put an ID tag on them; check for bugs; groom them; provide shade, especially for fish tanks; take walks in early morning or late evening.

* The Humane Society created a top ten list for best things to do outside with your dog. But it seems they forgot the best one … having your dog help you score a date.

* Pet Sitters International has declared Friday, June 20, to be Take Your Dog to Work Day. Supposedly it’s to celebrate canine companions and encourage others to adopt a dog, but I say it’s to give pet sitters the day off.

* The ASPCA is hosting the Adopt-a-Bull contest where humans can show off their recent pit bull adoptees. In celebration of Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month, there is also a cat photo contest.

Downers - cows and other animals that are too weak, sick, or injured to stand on their own - made headlines not long ago when the Humane Society released video footage of an undercover investigation into the treatment of these animals. Workers seem to think that a few, constant swift kicks will help a downer get motivated to walk. If an animal still won’t (can’t!) get up, perhaps a tow truck, front-end loader (a “digger” in 3-year-old boy speak), chains, ropes, or other will help. It’s also consider acceptable to use the meat of these sick and dying creatures for human consumption.

The public was shocked to learn about this standard practice when the HSUS video gained coverage even in public media outlets including television news.

The HSUS never gave up; their power has only been strengthened by the public outcry. Yesterday, they announced a breakthrough: “…the USDA announced that it will implement a complete ban on slaughter for human consumption of cattle unable to stand and walk unassisted.”

A Clueless quote is what comes to mind regarding this change: “Not a total Betty, but a vast improvement.” In other words, there is still plenty of work to be done, but this is still a great step towards preventing the abuse and misuse of downed animals. I can guarantee that the HSUS will not stop here.

The picture here is a screen shot from one of the HSUS’s downed cow videos. Click on it, and you can view this and all of their undercover footage.

If Ryan Gosling has time to write a letter expressing his concern for animals, even while working abnormally long days on movie sets, then we should be able to find a few minutes to do the same.

Here’s a copy of the letter (click on it to see a readable size) and an excerpt of what the star from Lars and the Real Girl, Half Nelson, and *sigh* The Notebook had to say to John Bitove, Canada’s Kentucky Fried Chicken top dog.

The time is ripe to do the right thing. By adopting the basic recommendations made by PETA and scientific experts (including raising birds in a more natural manner and employing less cruel slaughter methods), you could dramatically improve the lives and deaths of chickens raised and killed for KFC Canada.

The letter was written by Ryan on behalf of PETA, which is why it is on PETA letterhead. The actor is originally from Canada, and wrote his country’s KFC executive to urge him to stop KFC suppliers’ worst abuses of chickens.

One of Ryan’s longtime passions has been educating the public on the issues of Darfur. He also has a rescued dog named “George.”

Sigh. As if I needed any more reasons to be smitten with Noah, er, I mean Ryan.

To find a letter-writing campaign that fits your passion check out PETA’s Get Active Center, the Humane Society’s campaigns, or any favorite organization’s Web site. Many will also send you local contacts and concerns - such as proposed legislations - if you sign up for their e-mail alerts. Like Horton the elephant says: every voice counts!

Death by electrocution … it’s how many animals in the fur industry end their short, pitiful lives. And not just your average electrocution means, but disgusting, up-the-rear prodding and shocking.

In New York, however, fur traders and farmers will no longer be allowed to use anal electrocution as a means for offing animals, whilst preserving as much fur as possible. If they do so, they will face up to one year in prison.

That’s right: the home state of a great fashion capital has placed a legal ban on killing chinchillas, rabbits, mink, foxes, by anal (and genital) electrocution.

New York was the first state in the U.S. to make such legislation, and although no others have such a law in any state of the process, it is hopeful and likely that more will soon follow.

Something notable about a senator behind this animal rights law? He’s republican!

Said Republican Sen. Frank Padavan in the Associated Press article about this new legislation: “I draw a very strong correlation between how we treat domestic animals and all animals and how we treat each other.”

Well, there you go. Republicans can be bleeding hearts too.

Whoops! According to the AP, the law was actually signed into act back in March, but was headed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the man who has since retired after being implicated in a prostitution ring. He’s a Democrat. Conversely, the Humane Society featured a press release on the law being enacted back in August, 2007.

So the facts and dates are somewhat iffy, but there is no denying the fact that it is now illegal and prosecutable by law to ram a rod up a furry creature’s bum and shock him to death in the state of New York.

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away, and despite many people’s false belief that it is a Hallmark-devised holiday, you’d be a fool not to take the time to tell the moms, grandmoms, aunts, etc. in your life that you appreciate them. Moms of pets count, too!

This year, you can get momma a gorgeous bouquet or some delectable yummies, while supporting organic farmers and the Humane Society.

Organic Bouquet is teaming up with the Humane Society of the United States to educate the public on the importance of buying organic, including: harvesting practices that “improve the quality of farm working conditions, minimizing damage to ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing environmental quality for future generations.”

Plus, because they love and appreciate what the HSUS does for animals and people, 5 to 10 percent of your purchase at Organic Bouquet will be donated to the HSUS. In addition to bouquets, the online store features chocolates, other plants, wreaths, flowering teas, and gourmet baskets such as the wine lover’s collection.

Now, back to that myth about Hallmark conspiring Mother’s Day …

The tradition of reserving an entire day, once a year to worship mothers dates back to ancient Greece when an annual festival was held for Cybele, the mother of Greek deities.

Today’s American holiday for mommies comes from Britain, by means of social activist Julia Ward Howe, post-Civil War. She started a call for peace, writing the Mother’s Day Proclamation.

The Jarvis women (Ann, and daughter Anna) were also crusaders of Mother’s Day with their attempts to institute a Mother’s Work Day (Ann) and a Memorial Day for Mothers (Anna) who lost children in the war.

Today, Mother’s Day is the number one day for people to dine out, according to the National Restaurant Association. So, in addition to sending mom some organic flowers and goodies, take her out for a delicious vegan meal!

Check out Wikipedia’s Mother’s Day entry for more on the history of the holiday, including when and why it is held in countries worldwide.

Lauren “LC” Conrad of fake-fame from MTV’s Laguna Beach and now The Hills wants everyone to know that she is so passionate about animals that she is willing to go as far as holding a sweatshirt up in front of her.

The TV personality,who is studying fashion and attempting to create and sell her own line, would probably never be caught in something so bland and shapeless. Us normal people, however, enjoy comfort from time to time and can purchase our own black “Club Sandwiches Not Seals” hoodie from the Humane Society.

I’ve never seen either of her reality shows, but she seems like a sweet girl and I do - despite my sarcasm - thank her for connecting her name and fame to a worthwhile cause for animals.

If you have ever watched an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, then you probably know that she has several dogs whom she absolutely adores. Oprah has been emotionally touched by her loss of one of her babies, Gracie, last May in a freak choking accident, and then another, Sophie, to a long battle with illness last week.

Between losing two dogs in one year, and hearing news stories like the recent case where 800 dogs were found living in below poor conditions under the “care” of a breeder, Oprah has decided to do a show on the truth behind puppy mills - and it airs today!

Here is the desciption for today’s Oprah Winfrey Show:

Today’s Show: Lisa Ling Investigates the Hidden World of Puppy Mills

Animal lovers—it’s time to unite. With hidden cameras, Lisa Ling exposes the sickening world of puppy mills. Once you see this for yourself, you will be changed forever.

Don’t miss it! Tape it, TIVO it, listen to it on the radio … do whatever you have to do support Oprah as she supports the animal rights movement today!

Thanks, Oprah: you rock!

UPDATE: I just read on his blog that Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle will be a featured guest on the show!

800: It’s a rather large number to comprehend. Let’s break it down for a minute.

It is…

* 266 2/3 times the number of pets I have in my apartment (400 times if you don’t count my roommate).

* More than double the paycheck that just got handed to me.

* Six times my body weight.

* Just a few short of being Noah’s age.

* The number of dogs seized from a Tucson, Arizona triple-wide trailer this afternoon.

About 800 dogs. Chihuahuas, terriers, and Pomeranians.

Don’t forget the birds. There were 82 parrots residing with the elderly couple and their 800 small dogs.

Where did they all fit? Here’s a few of the couple’s solutions to the space dilemma:

1. Pile pups one dozen high into small crates.

2. Allow doggies to gnaw off one another’s paws, thus making more room.

3. Some may die. Even though this is money lost, it is also new space. Just push them to the side.

4. Keep going with the flow: breed and sell, breed and sell. Remember more dogs = more money!

5. A clean home is a happy home. In a happy home, a happy dog runs around a lot. Therefore, a filthy home will cause those mutts to stay inactive. Just say no to cleaning up after them!

6. Sick dogs also move slower. Let them get kennel cough, and do not take them to the vet.

People never cease to disgust me.

What a beautiful month March is - flowers can begin to stretch to their roots, heavy winter wear begins to change into lighter spring fashions, and Canadian fur hunters head out to beat to death hundreds of thousands of baby harp seals.

These adorable creatures are ran at full speed, while they barely move, and brutally clubbed and spiked in the head because some people think their fur looks fashionable.

More people in the fashion business, however, are beginning to stand out and say that it’s not worth the blood shed. The latest is America’s Next Top Model judge and famed photographer Nigel Barker.

Barker went to Canada to photograph these scared baby seals with the Humane Society recently in hopes of enlightening the public - especially the fashion industry - about the cruel nature of this culture.

HSUS has a page dedicated to Protect Seals where you can watch video footage, see more of Nigel (shown on location with the HSUS in the photo here), read news articles about the Canadian fur trade, and learn about how you can make a difference.

Through PETA, Pamela Anderson is also adding the seals to her long list of animal rights issues with a petition asking the Canadian government to step in and help, that she is asking you to sign.

Here are a few brief headlining articles that work their magic as PR for animals, vegetarianism, and healthy goodness in general.

Enjoy! (Links are in the bold text)

* CNN Living provides a great look at both sides of the declawing debate, speaking to PETA, Humane Society, and a pet owner who recently declawed her cats.

* CNN Money was in on the game, too, with an announcement of a new soy milk product put out by Canada’s best-selling soy brand, So Good.

* Michigan , Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio faces a 2,000+-pound chicken recall, reports All Headline News. Meijer Inc. recalled their Discovery Cuisine Red Curry Chicken and Jasmine Rice after the U.S.D.A. reported suspecting listeria (a harmful bacteria) in the product.

* redOrbit takes from a BBC News report and studies at University of Minnesota to conclude that eating breakfast every day gives you a slimming edge over your peers. But my mom already knew this.

* Yahoo! News covers medical studies about, and one mother’s direct experience with, the ability for diet to impact - both positively and negatively - hyperactivity and ADHD.

I love Patrick McDonnell’s comic strip Mutts. I have a sleep shirt featuring the lovable cat and dog that says “Go organic!” My mom mails me the best ones cut out from the newspaper. I even have two of the cartoons hanging above my desk at work.

So it is with a great big smile on my face that I present to you yesterday’s and today’s Mutts comic strips:

What the heck is Spay Day, you say? It’s a collaboration between the Humane Society and the Doris Day Animal League to promote getting your pets spayed and neuter, and to prevent the need for euthanasia in shelters across America.

It’s not just a day long celebration - check out how you can participate in Spay Day and all of the activities, events, and educational outreach options to promote pet spaying and neutering in your community.

In October, consumers were shocked by the 21.7 million-pound meat recall that forced one hamburger company to close their doors forever.

Compared to this burger ban four months ago, yesterday’s announcement by the USDA to recall 143 million pounds really stands out as the largest beef recall in the U.S.

The meat in question came from the now-famous California downers - sick or injured cows that were mistreated, abused, and tortured while down. About a month ago, the Humane Society revealed that they had been performing undercover investigations, and released a highly graphic video exposing that horrible things that were going on.

Word spread quickly, and soon TV stations nationwide were showing clips from the HSUS video. As a result, the USDA has deemed the meat from the Chino-based slaughterhouse unsuitable for human consumption.

“Because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection, Food Safety and Inspection Service has determined them to be unfit for human food and the company is conducting a recall,” Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer said in a statement.

Additionally, two (ex-)employees lost their jobs and have been charged with multiple counts of felony and misdemeanor animal abuse and neglect charges. These workers - including a manager - were seen in the video kicking, punching, electrically shocking, and forcing water down the throats of cows unable to move.

Thanks to reader Irene for sending this news alert in so quickly! Check out Irene’s Web site for information on March of Dimes, and to support her in her efforts to raise money and awareness in memory of her infant son Samuel.

Since it was a tad mean to show you a cute shirt that was sold out the other day, here is one from dELiA*s clearance section that promotes adopting strays, and the Humane Society of the U.S. Originally, the punk rocker kitty cat was $24.50, but now you can snag the tee (XS only) for $5.99.

The “Adopt Me” shirt doesn’t mention a donation to the HSUS, and is only left in the smallest of smalls, so here is even another one!

This pinky-red WWF panda logo shirt is also available through dELiA*s, but is still around in every size from XS to XL. Each $26.50 purchase (buy any 2 or more tees and save $10) results in a $1.50 donation to the World Wildlife Foundation. Be different and check out the plaid version of this WWF tee, or the leopard cub photo one.

If you are interested in saving by buying multiple shirts, consider reducing waste with a recycling heart logo one or one that says “Don’t be trashy, recycle.” There are other ones begging people to “Think green,” or featuring Oscar the Grouch asking you not to trash his planet.

Check out the “Fur is for petting” statement shirt to make the ultimate fashion statement.

Then, of course, if you want to spread you vegetarian love, the “Everybody was tofu fighting” tee might be for you.

In an effort to go strong in every way possible with their war against the fur industry (especially the designers that are lying about it), the Humane Society has teamed up with top-labels-only, used clothing store Buffalo Exchange to collect any and all amounts of fur trim, lining, and coats from any animals, in any condition.

Coats for Cubs, the two green organizations’ collaborative campaign, sends your donated fur to wildlife rehabilitators to keep orphaned and injured baby animals warm, safe, comforted, and alive.

Don’t believe that a little fox, raccoon, opossum, bobcat, or other cuddly creature could find safe haven in a dead skin? Watch this video from the HSUS:

Children who are wise beyond their years, accomplishing amazing things that some adults never even aspire to, fascinate me. I’m not referring to child stars by any respect. I mean those young ones who step out for something that they already believe so strongly for or against. I mean children and teens who are willing to put their popularity status on the line to speak out when they feel jilted.

Haley Ham, an 11-year-old Tennessee animal-lover is the latest in this long line of impressive youth.

Last April, Haley’s two dogs got into a bottle of antifreeze. As the substance has a natural sweet taste, they ate enough (as little as a teaspoon) to suffer fatal poisoning.

“Sam and Jessie suffered so much, I couldn’t believe something so deadly was just sold at nearly every store,” Haley wrote to the Humane Society.

According to the Doris Day Animal League, “the veterinary school at Washington State University estimates that as many as 10,000 dogs and cats ingest antifreeze each year.”

Something can and should be done to prevent this.

Five states have passed laws requiring a bittering agent be added to antifreeze, thus making it unappealing to animals and children (who also mistakenly die from it). Haley’s home state was not one of these, so she set out on a campaign to bring the legislation to Tennessee.

Haley wrote to state legislators; gathered signatures at her county fair; received backing from State Sen. Raymond Finney; held meetings to plan the law; and even spoke before the Senate, serving as a page for the day.

Read more about Haley’s amazing drive to see change happen at Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle’s blog - A Humane Nation.

amazing kids, antifreeze poisoning, humane society haley ham