Monday, February 18, 2013

.blogspot is not great

On a completely different note , I AM NOT GOING TO BE USING THIS AWFUL BLOGGING SITE FOR MUCH LONGER.

It is not only not user friendly, but I believe that there is much undesirable things that are going on with google and this site.

Tomorrow is Tony's Day

But for today, we need everyone to read, understand and support the good folks at the Animal Legal Defense Fund because tomorrow is Tony's big day. I will not try to write a better post than has already been posted, so I will merely reprint it here.

If you are on Twitter, follow #FreeTonyTiger, #ALDF, #FreeTonyNow#TeamTony. He needs all the help he can get. Living for over 12 years in a truck stop in Louisiana is no place for a tiger. His friends will be battling in court tomorrow to have him released to a reputable sanctuary. Help him in any way you can think of. He needs it. We all do. Thank you. This can also be a belated birthday to a dear friend of mine who worked with tigers. Shout out to the Central Florida Animal Reserve. Big roar.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Update: On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 the courts will hear ALDF's oral arguments in the appeal to free Tony.

The Truck Stops Here...

From the stench of fuel to the drone of diesel engines and the isolation of his roadside prison, Tony, a 12 year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger, has endured more than a decade of misery at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana. That is why the Animal Legal Defense Fund has taken to the Louisiana courts to free Tony the Tiger from this truck stop nightmare. We won our lawsuit to prevent Tony's "owner" Michael Sandlin from renewing his permit, but Sandlin appealed, and we are waiting for the Louisiana Court of Appeal to hear the case. Sandlin subsequently filed his own lawsuit to overturn the state's ban on big cat ownership. ALDF sought to have the case dismissed and is waiting for the trial court to decide if the suit will move forward.
Sandlin has exploited tigers for over 20 years: buying, breeding, selling, and exhibiting tigers in poor conditions for his own profit. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Sandlin's truck stop in the past for unsanitary feeding practices; mishandling tigers; and failure to provide veterinary care, shelter from inclement weather, clean drinking water, and knowledgeable employees to care for the tigers. In 2003, Sandlin's animal welfare violations sparked public outcry, and three tigers were removed to a Tennessee sanctuary. The USDA allowed Sandlin to keep one tiger: Tony. He has been alone ever since.

Life at the truck stop is harmful to an animal with such sensitive hearing and acute sense of smell, says veterinarian Jennifer Conrad, who has cared for captive large cats for nearly two decades. After visiting Tony, she declared he is "in poor condition and needs intervention on his behalf." In addition to exposure to noise and diesel fumes, Tony is taunted by truck stop visitors. His enclosure lacks adequate enrichment. He has no pool of water to cool off in the blazing heat of the summer. As a result of this stressful confinement, Tony constantly paces in his enclosure, putting him at risk for dangerous and painful veterinary conditions.
His suffering demonstrates the problem of privately-owned tigers, whose numbers exceed that of wild tigers. There are less than 500 Siberian and only 2,500 Bengal tigers left in the wild. In their natural habitat, tigers live alone, travel many miles to hunt, and avoid humans.

Suing to Free Tony

In 2010, ALDF sued the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for unlawfully issuing Sandlin a permit to keep and exhibit Tony. ALDF was joined by several Louisiana residents as co-plaintiffs, including Warren Triche, the state representative who authored the Louisiana state law banning private ownership of tigers. In November 2011, Judge Michael Caldwell ordered LDWF to revoke Sandlin’s permit and prohibited the agency from issuing future permits. Sandlin appealed this decision and the Louisiana Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Tony's case on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. Sandlin will try to convince the court to reverse ALDF's victory, but ALDF's lawyers will be there to urge the court to uphold the trial court’s decision and prohibit Sandlin from continuing to exhibit Tony.

For now, Sandlin exhibits Tony without a permit. LDWF publicly stated it intends to enforce Louisiana law when litigation has concluded—although they could seize Tony now, at their discretion. State law bars Sandlin from owning and exhibiting a tiger because he did not legally own Tony when Louisiana’s big cat ban went into effect, and because Sandlin does not live on the premises where Tony is held captive. After all, who would want to live in a truck stop? Not Sandlin… and definitely not Tony.

Defending Big Cat Law

After losing his permit, Sandlin filed his own lawsuit against the State of Louisiana, the LDWF, and Iberville Parish to overturn the state ban on private possession of big cats. This suit flies in the face of national sentiment, public safety, and animal welfare concerns. After the massacre of 48 exotic animals in Ohio in 2011, state and federal bills (like HR 4122) are being considered to prohibit ownership of big cats. Although ALDF was not named as a defendant in Sandlin's suit, we successfully petitioned the court to allow us to intervene in the case to support Louisiana's right to safeguard public safety and the welfare of animals like Tony. LDWF and ALDF each filed exceptions to Sandlin's case, seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed, and a decision is expected soon.

Next Steps: We Wait While Tony Paces

The world waits with bated breath for the results of ALDF's suit and of Sandlin's appeal. Meanwhile Tony remains trapped at the truck stop. ALDF's legal battle for Tony has drawn support from high profile advocates like Leonardo DiCaprio and True Blood's Kristin Bauer van Straten and has galvanized activists around the world. The law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, P.C. is providing pro bono assistance.
We are currently waiting for the Louisiana Court of Appeal to hear our case. We are also waiting for the trial court to decide if Sandlin's suit will move forward. Tony's fate is tied up in the courts, but ALDF is keeping the pressure on.
We will post updates on Tony's case as they become available.

LET ME START BY SAYING I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS BLOG SPOT. IT MAY BE OVER BEFORE IT'S BEGUN WITH THIS PARTICULAR PLATFORM. I WILL KEEP ON BLOGGING, BUT IT WILL PROBABLY BE ON A DIFFERENT SITE.

For now, I just want to update you on the latest, as tomorrow is Tony's Day in court. If you tweet, follow the following people and see how you can help: #FreeTonyTiger, #ALDF, #FreeTonyNow, #TeamTony.

Update: On Tuesday, February 19, 2013 the courts will hear ALDF's oral arguments in the appeal to free Tony.

The Truck Stops Here...

Suing to Free Tony

Defending Big Cat Law

Next Steps: We Wait While Tony Paces

Saturday, February 16, 2013

New York Food & Blossom Du Jour

When it comes down to it, New York is the ultimate foodie city. There is an endless array of food styles, prices, tastes and everything in between. I fondly remember the day (back in the eighties and please don't comment on the dinasour age!!) when Vegetarian Paradise opened up on W.4th Street. Their mock duck was wonderful. It still is. I have been a vegetarian for decades now. My reason for not eating meat anymore was not because I dislike the taste, it was that I did not like the source. When I found out that the animal had to die for me to eat that steak, that was it for me (that and Upton Sinclair's book). I was a city kid, so naturally my meat came to me via the supermarket with the names of 'hamburger', 'hot dog' and 'bologna'. No truth in advertising there no 'cut up cow' or
chopped up bits of pig'. I was in for a rude awakening. Thankfully, my family was understanding and let me embrace my feelings of compassion. They may not have been happy to have an activist vegetarian in their family, but they totally supported my choice. For the first two weeks, I ate Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans (and to this day, don't like them because I had a lifetime supply of them then!).

So I never gave up meat because I disliked the taste and mock meat products were fine with me. We all know so many different types of vegetarians, from those who abstain from meat because they love the animals and don't want to see them killed or in any more pain (that's where I come in), to those who choose not to eat meat for health reasons. Whatever the reason, it helps the animals and the environment when one chooses to eat the less processed & 'fortified' foods that are now common in our daily lives.

What does this have to do with New York, I hear you ask....Ok, I just wanted to offer a few suggestions to you in case you happen to be in the wonderful city of New York and are looking for a vegan (or vegetarian) spot to enjoy yourself. Yes, New York can be expensive, but it can be one of the best investments you can make for yourself - the whole world opens up when you see some of the creative chefs and what they can do with 'mere' vegetables.

If you are looking for a slightly more upscale and atmospheric dining experice, try Hangawi, a Korean Vegan place on 32nd street off Fifth Avenue.

Dojo (on Mercer Street) has a wonderful hijiki burger with salad and carrot dressing. Not expensive at all, as they also cater to the NYU students.

As previously mentioned, there is Vegetarian Paradise Two on W.4th (near 6th Avenue). Many mock meat dishes. Try the mock duck. And the corn chowder soup. It's wonderful.

And my all-time favorite I've saved for last.......BLOSSOM DU JOUR. I discovered this gem of a joint (on 21st St/9th Ave) when I needed nourishment to get me through a death in the family. There is nothing on their menu that you will be disappointed in - trust me! From their wonderful 'mac and cheese' to the freshly prepared (and tasty good for you) juices, this is one of the best vegan places the city has to offer. Not only do they have excellent food, but they also provide an area where you can purchase books relating to animals and the issues surrounding them. You can feed your belly and your mind at the same time. Oh, how I wish they would deliver around the country! Fly that great food directly into my awaiting stomach!

I've put their info below so you can do yourself a favor and experience them for yourself. You'll be glad you did!

Blossom Du Jour

@blossomdujour

BDJ serves Vegan Fast Food! Enjoy delicious sandwiches, salads, smoothies, sweets, cold pressed juice & gluten free options. Vegetarian, Kosher & Organic

Chelsea, Midtown & UWS in NYC. · http://blossomdujour.com

Friday, February 15, 2013

Reptiles are important

Pig-nosed turtle (image: Ricardo Franca Silva)

I know that most people think that reptiles don't really have any feelings. I would have to disagree with that based on mere observation alone. A friend of mine used to have terrapins and each time he would come into the room, those terrapins would swim to the other side of the tank just to say hello to him.

Now as a vegan, I would not be able to have a snake as a pet because I would not be comfortable feeding him or her mice or rats, be they alive or dead. As a matter of fact, that person who had the terrapins told me some of the things he had to go through to help his terrapins eat when they went off their food. It was disgusting (unless you are a terrapin, I suppose). He was an honorable man. He had found the terrapins abandoned in the basement of an apartment building after having lost much of their shells. He was horrified and proceeded to take herpetology courses at the local zoo in order to help save their lives.

That's where this blog comes in. Reptiles are endangered as I type this. You may not be aware of how important they are to the planet we call home. But they are. In fact, the American Indians used to call this orb 'mother turtle' (from what I've come to understand).

Here are some salient points to think about:

Approximately one fifth (1/5th) of the world's reptile species are at risk of extinction (according to scientists)

The Zoological Society of London discovered that "the future of 19% of the world's reptiles are threatened".

Add to that, many conservation experts confirmed that 47% are vulnerable while highlighting the possible extinction of three species.

I leave you with the full article, thanks to the BBC. Keep in mind one thing that has always intrigued me - a turtle, tortoise or terrapin may be able to go without food for an extended period of time, but by changing it's habitat by only the slightest, you risk that beings very life. They appear to be mirrors of us in many ways. Join a local or international group to try to add your voice and help those that can't speak for themselves. It's important. We all thank you.

World's reptiles at risk of extinction

By Ella Davies Reporter, BBC Nature

Many lizards are under threat, including the mountain horned agama of Sri Lanka

. "It's essentially an election poll set up - using this sample to give an example of how reptiles are doing as a whole," explained Dr Monika Bohm, lead author of the study published in the journal Biological Conservation.
The study was made in conjunction with 200 experts from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Species Survival Commission.

Reptile tales

Lava lizard basks on the head of a marine iguana

See the turtles that survive winter with anti-freeze blood
Watch the ultimate ambush predator in action: the crocodile
Have you ever seen a snake catch a bat?

Reptiles are a group of vertebrates that includes turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, crocodiles and amphisbaenians - commonly known as worm lizards. Tuataras, lizard-like animals found only in New Zealand are also included.

There are an estimated 9,500 different reptile species in the world.
"Reptiles can really be important in natural food webs: they're really important as predators as well as prey," said Dr Bohm.
"The risk is - if you lose a really important food source you can change food webs quite dramatically."
Although some species, including the tuatara, have survived relatively unchanged for millions of years, Dr Bohm pointed out that reptiles can often be "indicators" of environmental problems.
"Reptiles are often associated with extreme habitats and tough environmental conditions, so it is easy to assume that they will be fine in our changing world," she said.
"However, many species are very highly specialised in terms of habitat use and the climatic conditions they require for day to day functioning. This makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes."
Under pressure The study highlighted that levels of threat to the diverse group of animals are particularly high in tropical regions due to pressures from agriculture and logging.
One species previously listed as Critically Endangered is the jungle runner lizard Ameiva vittata, which had only ever been recorded in one part of Bolivia.
But, prompted by the destruction of its habitat, two recent searches for the animal were unsuccessful, causing conservationists to question its future existence.

Unique pig-nosed turtles have been over-harvested in Papua New Guinea

In Haiti, six of the nine species of Anolis lizard studied also had an elevated level of localised extinction due to extensive deforestation.

Freshwater turtles were also flagged as a considerable concern. The study estimated 50% were at risk of extinction, and 30% of freshwater reptiles are in danger of disappearing as a whole.
Dr Bohm hopes the study's results will focus attention on their plight.

"With turtles, what's quite often the case is they are affected by harvesting and they're quite often used for food or the pet trade," she told BBC Nature.

The survey is one of many that aims to provide an indicator of biodiversity both now and over time, in an effort to make such research more collaborative.

"This gives us an indication of how reptiles are faring and we can compare this to other species groups."
"We can then find out if there's a similar picture across all of them or if there are some that are particularly threatened," Dr Bohm commented.
"It's more of a drive to really pool information rather than everybody doing their own thing... really working together, getting it out there and giving it more emphasis."

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Chicken Jerky Treats & your dog

I know that the FDA has a lot on their plate (so to speak, no pun intended!) but it seems they have been trying to figure out why chicken jerky treats have been causing some illness in dogs since 2007. That's almost SEVEN YEARS.....and over 3,243 illness (not to mention the pain and suffering both the humans and animals have to go through and not even touching the financial issues of having to treat a sick pet). And there have been over 501 deaths. 501. Dead. This may not be
a huge statistical amount, but if you are one of the ones that has been affected by it, it is the biggest statistic you can imagine.

The FDA states that it can't recall a product based on complaints alone. It needs the scientific research as a basis for the recall. In fact, you don't really need jerky treats anyway and they have been known to get stuck in the throats of dogs in the past.

Why not a healthy carrot? Or PEAS! I once knew a dog who would push you out of the way for a rice cake (not any rice cake though, it had to be a low sodium rice cake! She knew the difference! ).

In all seriousness, this is from the FDA's website:

Advice to Pet Owners and Consumers

Should I stop feeding chicken jerky treats to my dog?
Chicken jerky products should not be substituted for a balanced diet and are intended to be fed occasionally in small quantities.
FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products:

decreased appetite;
decreased activity;
vomiting;
diarrhea, sometimes with blood;
increased water consumption; and/or
increased urination.

If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi-like syndrome (increased glucose).
What are the signs of illness that are being reported?
The signs that may be associated with jerky pet treat products include decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. These signs may occur within hours to days of feeding the products.
Laboratory tests may indicate kidney problems, including Fanconi-like syndrome. Although many dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.
FDA continues to investigate the problem and its origin. Some of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating jerky pet treat products.
What should I do if my dog shows signs of illness after eating pet jerky treat products?
If your dog shows any of the signs listed above, stop feeding the jerky pet treat product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours.

Submitting Complaints

How can I submit a complaint associated with jerky pet treat products?
Veterinarians and consumers alike should report cases of animal illness associated with pet foods to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator⁵ in their state, or electronically through the Safety Reporting Portal⁶.
More information regarding How to Report a Pet Food Complaint can be found at http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints⁷.

Lisa Mazur, on behalf of her beloved Riley, a 30lb Sheltie, has filed a lawsuit. If any of you have experienced any problems with chicken jerky treats, contact the FDA - the more information they can gather, the better. And hopefully, it won't take another 7 years until the products are either made safe or removed from distribution.

I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Mazur as well as the other parents who unknowingly gave their pets these treats. Know that you gave them to your dog because you love your dog and wanted to share a kind moment with them. Our animals know our true hearts and are aware that you do the things you do because you love them. Be gentle with yourself.

Make Every day Valentine's Day

This is going to be a simple and heartfelt wish - make every day valentine's day for you and those you encounter along the path of daily life. Remember that it is easier and much nicer to smile. But you know that.

Now go play in the snow. Or in the sand. Where ever you are, I have full confidence that you will find a way to make it enjoyable! Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Tigers need your love. Especially on Valentine's Day

Yet more snow if falling outside and that naturally led me to think about Tigers. Of course, I hear you say, nothing could be more logical than tigers on a snowy day. Let me explain. Tigers are one of the most majestic of beasts and are without a doubt beautiful, wild and strong, yet they remain very fragile - at least in the hands of mankind.

So what lead me to this on another snowy day? I read an article posted by @Tigers4Ever (on Twitter) which spoke of tigers being released but to areas already heavily populated and established by existing tigers. It seems to me that by doing so (and doing so without radio collars) they are, in a sense, setting these magestic beasts up for failure. The tiger population in the wild is dwindling to a staggeringly small population. What was once a wide reaching and healthy species of our sentient beings is rapidly moving toward extinction. Without our help. Signing petitions is very important. Speaking up is vitally important as well. Even if you think that you, as a lone voice, can do no good, you are mistaken. Together we can be a large voice for those that may have had a tremendous growl wl but is now being reduced to a mere meow. Please add your voice and comments to join in a growing chorus of concerned people.

Since I am on the topic of tigers, I must bring up truckstop Tony. This majestic Siberian Tiger is doing life in prison at a gas station in Louisiana, despite it's being illegal (and not to mention, immoral). Please read the information below and add your name to the growing list of people who are horrified that this is allowed to go on. Imagine spending your whole life in a cage, with barely room to turn around, when once you were allowed to live your life as it was intended, free to roam and play and hunt. I may be a vegan but I have many friends who aren't. I'd like to think of Tony as one of those friends. Especially if we can obtain his freedom to a reputable sanctuary. Please help him and show real love for Valentine's Day. That of a love that has no boundaries and overcomes all percieved differences to embrace everyone for the individual that they are. Thank you and I know, you'll thank youself as well. Because showing love to others is showing love to yourself.

LDWF: Ensure Tony The Tiger Is Released To A Reputable Sanctuary

Petitioning Secretary Robert J.Barham

This petition will be delivered to:

Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Secretary Robert J.Barham

Mr. Fred Kimmel

Ms. Maria Davidson

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

LDWF: Ensure Tony The Tiger Is Released To A Reputable Sanctuary

2. Petition by
  
  Tony's Friends

Tony, a Siberian-Bengal tiger, has lived his twelve years as a roadside attraction at a truck stop in Louisiana. In two court hearings, May 6th, 2011 and November 2nd, 2011, Judge Caldwell agreed with The Animal Legal Defense Fund (representing Tony) and their argument that the permit that allows his owner to keep Tony was unlawfully issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. On May 6th, 2011 Judge Caldwell granted a permanent injunction blocking LDWF from issuing a new permit to Tony’s owner, and on November 2, 2011 he again prohibited the LDWF from issuing any new permits to the truck stop and ordered the current permit revoked,
Despite these two rulings in Tony's favor, he remains at the truck stop due to appeals and yet another lawsuit filed by his owner, most recently on January 2nd, 2012. http://theadvocate.com/news/1713218-123/another-suit-filed-in-grosse.html
There have been recent reports about Tony's possible move to an exotic animal park if his owner is forced to give him up. This ”park” is under investigation by the USDA for the deaths of 23 tiger cubs. http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html This, as well as the conditions and practices of this “park” (which include exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops) is of great concern to Tony's supporters. Tony belongs at a true sanctuary, not another “roadside zoo.”
Please sign this petition asking the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure that Tony is relocated to a reputable humane big cat sanctuary that can provide the home, care and life he needs - and has always deserved.

To:
Secretary Robert J.Barham, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Mr. Fred Kimmel
Ms. Maria Davidson
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

I respectfully request that you, as a representative of The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, ensure that Tony, an 11 year-old tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, Louisiana, is relocated to a reputable, humane, accredited big cat sanctuary.

On November 2, 2011, Judge R. Michael Caldwell ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and Louisiana taxpayers in their lawsuit to free Tony from the truck stop. Judge Caldwell agreed with ALDF’s argument that the permit that allows Mr. Sandlin to keep Tony was unlawfully issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The judge ordered the Department to revoke the current permit and prohibited it from issuing any new permits to the Tiger Truck Stop. Despite this ruling Tony remains at the truck stop due to the appeals and recent lawsuit by his owner.

Reports about Tony's possible move to an “exotic animal park,” under investigation by the USDA for the deaths of 23 tiger cubs as well as the conditions and practices of this “park” which include exploiting tiger cubs in hands-on exhibits and photo ops are of great concern to myself and supporters of Tony worldwide.

References:
http://theadvocate.com/home/1608646-125/oklahoma-park-probed-in-tiger.html

http://www.insideedition.com/news/7266/inside-edition-investigates-tigers-as-shopping-mall-attractions.aspx

Clearly this facility does not comply with the following sanctuary criteria as defined by The Captive Wildlife Safety Act:

• Must be a non-profit entity that is tax exempt under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Cannot engage in commercial trade in big cat species, including their offspring, parts, and products made from them
• Cannot breed big cats
• Cannot allow direct contact between big cats and the public at their facilities
• Must keep records of transactions involving covered cats
• Must allow the Service to inspect their facilities, records, and animals at reasonable hours

Reference: http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/CWSA_Factsheet.pdf

It is imperative Tony be released to a sanctuary that is humane, reputable and in compliance with the above stipulations. Accredited big cat sanctuaries stand ready to provide Tony with a natural habitat, proper diet, medical care, and enrichment.

Tony represents one of an estimated 5,000 – 10,000 privately owned tigers in the United States whose numbers are greater than tigers left in the wild. Captive tigers can live 15-20 years with quality care. Tony has spent over a decade on display in the unhealthy and unnatural environment of a truck stop.

Please ensure that Tony finally has the life, care and home he needs and deserves by releasing him to an accredited reputable humane big cat sanctuary and not another roadside zoo.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Sunday, February 10, 2013

I was reminded of the Lunar New Year today when I stepped into a very vegetarian friendly Vietnamese Restaurant (Vietnam's Pho - 1627 Penn Ave) - I looked at the menu, realized that there was nothing a vegan could eat there, and was kindly informed by the owner that they have some items that they make with a strictly vegetable stock and no animal is involved in the making of it in any way. I looked at their Lemongrass Tofu Submarine, and without my promting, the owner said 'it does have mayonaise, but I can take it out for you". Wow! How kind and attuned to his customer base he was!

I was given a great sandwich and wished a happy new year (the year of the snake) so I thought - hm......I do like the Asian New Year, where they seem to greet the new year with a spirituality, not distilled spirits. Works for me!

Have a great Year of the Snake. May it bring you peace, happiness and lots of fun. With or without the snow!

I want to pass along the great reminder that @Pretty_Veggie gave me. Please also don't forget the appropriate foot wear for us k9s as that can also help prevent the hurting salt from getting into our pads. I'm glad that they make footwear for us dogs now because I remember a time when it was laughed at. No longer a joke, it is helpful in preventing further damage to a pet's feet. Especially when you get to be an 'old' man like myself! Hey, I'm nearly 17 years old! Time for the smoking jacket and the fireplace. Well, maybe not the smoking jacket as I am a dog and I don't smoke. However, I'll take you up on the offer of smoked vegan nibbles! Or just a carrot will be nice.

Thank you for being compassionate and caring towards your whole family, which of course includes all the sentient beings in your household.

What a nice thing to wake up and see first thing in the morning. No, I'm not talking about the snow - that only makes us want to find a warm spot under the sun and snooze until Spring. I'm talking about this:

Accomplished author Victoria Moran and daughter Adair Moran host a live weekly show on Unity.FM (every Weds at 3PM ET) that entertains and educates listeners on living a healthy, joyful life of peace and abundance through a vegan lifestyle.

I hadn't heard about this, but am thrilled to learn about this! Do yourself a favor, and check it out - I am sure it will be eye opening and magically instructive in a gentle and loving way. Victoria Moran is one of the most inspiring & compassionate souls we've come across in quite a while. Not since Cleveland Amory patted me on the head did I feel this warm and cuddly. The ultimate show of compassion and care for the environment is becoming a vegan. I'm paraphrasing Rober Cheeke (vegan bodybuilder and another wonderful role model). In other words, it is peace in every mouthful. Pass the veganaise please!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Dog days of Winter

Dogs love the snow (most of them anyway, maybe not the really short ones). I guess I am glad to be a dog with all the snow we have now. I do have a problem tho. I can't find my bone. I buried it a few days ago and now, it's not only bleached white but bleached into oblivion. What's a dog to do? I think I'll take a nap. Maybe when I wake up, the snow will be gone.

I do ask you one favor tho. If you live with a dog (whether short or tall) please remember to rinse off our paws when you come in from being out in the snow. The salt that is put down on the streets and sidewalks hurts us. Literally rubs salt into wounds (tho I don't think of my feet as wounds!!). And please do remember the coat as an extra layer to keep us warm.

Thank you! Here's to making lots of doggie snow angels!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Sunday, February 17, 2013

The Truck Stops Here...

Suing to Free Tony

Defending Big Cat Law

Next Steps: We Wait While Tony Paces

The Truck Stops Here...

Suing to Free Tony

Defending Big Cat Law

Next Steps: We Wait While Tony Paces

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Friday, February 15, 2013

World's reptiles at risk of extinction

Reptile tales

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Petitioning Secretary Robert J.Barham

LDWF: Ensure Tony The Tiger Is Released To A Reputable Sanctuary

Multiply Your Impact

Turn your signature into dozens more by sharing this petition and recruiting people you

know to sign.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Saturday, February 9, 2013