tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70665486083357343062024-03-13T11:26:48.122-07:00Pawsitively Humane, Inc.A nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing homeless pets through education, preventative management, rescue, adoption, caring and compassionBlog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-77288690679526786752023-12-27T17:28:00.000-08:002024-01-19T19:23:39.113-08:00Micheline Toulouse Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Animal Cruelty<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u3ljDqdq0qivs5vjfHqnZkTd6jjpZoL_CgkQ6J6nuRLjfLqCxS_n8rI1Al7KNIZfjDWswCr4-x5zpJ6oDdo7VWtjDbSPPNmH8cPFb3bMGVMAImSE-wU72B6GCB5SJyYSF_JMTRlAEJR7S39w6rY71VwE9FO9FcCkU9YCAP3t1pFLBuSLq58OeAky8O0/s1907/Micheline%20Toulousse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hoarder animal cruelty South Florida" border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1907" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u3ljDqdq0qivs5vjfHqnZkTd6jjpZoL_CgkQ6J6nuRLjfLqCxS_n8rI1Al7KNIZfjDWswCr4-x5zpJ6oDdo7VWtjDbSPPNmH8cPFb3bMGVMAImSE-wU72B6GCB5SJyYSF_JMTRlAEJR7S39w6rY71VwE9FO9FcCkU9YCAP3t1pFLBuSLq58OeAky8O0/w400-h213/Micheline%20Toulousse.png" title="Woman Sentenced to 3 years in Prison for cat cruelty" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p>A South Florida rescuer volunteer was sentenced today for cruelty to cats. Michelline Toulouse of Fort Lauderdale volunteered at an animal nonprofit and in the community and turned hoarder. In 2021 police discovered 63 cats living in her abandoned home in Sunrise. Several found dead, one dismembered, a skull of a kitten was discovered and the rest emaciated and starving to death. Michelline abandoned them with no food or water.</p><p>The judge sentenced her to three years in prison with 10 years of mental health probation. She is never to have a pet again. Michelline originally faced up to 60 years. This case took place in Broward County. <a href="https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/sunrise-animal-rescuer-sentenced-to-prison-for-hoarding-cats/3192160/?fbclid=IwAR1y5X-Y1CoxkAcqW0_gTVrU-PcUalUZyyCObsCLmG1uAsA3DooFZz4Sjhs" rel="nofollow"> Click here for a full report</a>. </p><p>Fellow volunteers and residents who love pets, were relieved to see a judge enforce the law and sentence jail time and not simply give probation. Compared to a very similar case last year in Miami Dade county where Cheryn Smilen only received one year in prison and was released at 9 months, this was progress.<br /><br />It is for this reason, that some seasoned rescuers, ask to do home visit before adopting out pets and now the rescue community is working to gather addresses of volunteers and to make periodic visits to ensure hoarding is prevented. <br /><br />Along those lines, we encourage heavily engaged rescuers to take a break, disconnect completely to take care of oneself, emotionally, mentally and physically. Rescue work is taxiing and takes a toll on the human mind and spirit. <br /><br />If you ever smell strong odor of ammonia emanating from a house with many pets, please do not hesitate to notify police. Tell Police you would like to remain anonymous if you feel it's needed.<br /><br />~ ~ ~<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-20526232327314675952023-11-12T21:00:00.000-08:002023-11-16T16:48:28.728-08:00Homeless Pets Depend on Your Kindness<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh448v__QWq8AhyphenhyphenGZm1RpTm_rymi6jV1gPYinZhEpOofptwcmzBq9UxqF78Pj3r1IPEZ1G2Z3GaDoLwz7CzEvyRkIgSc9UzPeFhS84F1Dul5kDQ2ra0OrPVdCA16Onr63i_RXGua2Ebgwb6pxQ9fCeVRY0mJyJ6b7kcNhSCPOz_GT61uweGJp0V3A-hA/s1640/PHI%20fundraiser%20Nov%202023.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh448v__QWq8AhyphenhyphenGZm1RpTm_rymi6jV1gPYinZhEpOofptwcmzBq9UxqF78Pj3r1IPEZ1G2Z3GaDoLwz7CzEvyRkIgSc9UzPeFhS84F1Dul5kDQ2ra0OrPVdCA16Onr63i_RXGua2Ebgwb6pxQ9fCeVRY0mJyJ6b7kcNhSCPOz_GT61uweGJp0V3A-hA/w640-h360/PHI%20fundraiser%20Nov%202023.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Fellow pet lovers, since the pandemic, <b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"> we have never witnessed so many evictions and residents losing their home and their pets. Tragically many pets are left behind in the streets when shelters are full</b>. <br /><br />The rate of homeless pets has not slowed down. Quite the opposite. The war continues on a daily basis in South Florida to rescue them, treat them, and find them homes. This year has been the worst. </p><p>Here is Tommy's story: a beautiful gray, green-eyed cat was abandoned. Thankfully one of our volunteers discovered him in a neighbor's backyard. Poor Tommy had a gash on the right side of his head. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HNLX2YH28QMCN" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO DONATE</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpLZ0LPjGggeJBxujG6H6Am79Y8nWCdnEOasZzskRTXZ0kPDCmtfMvaneKK8kW-ZaveMcINK1_czLJro7gBuAFDbdbwzQVyq-WPSd76hzvYeCLysQ_rYV6_g9ngYkT22C1wwavVB0P_h_DmDFaimHznQ9-ljF6xrxqMVYZtgU1zLIdo4fRaeUVsrttRE/s640/Tommy%20found%20injured%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpLZ0LPjGggeJBxujG6H6Am79Y8nWCdnEOasZzskRTXZ0kPDCmtfMvaneKK8kW-ZaveMcINK1_czLJro7gBuAFDbdbwzQVyq-WPSd76hzvYeCLysQ_rYV6_g9ngYkT22C1wwavVB0P_h_DmDFaimHznQ9-ljF6xrxqMVYZtgU1zLIdo4fRaeUVsrttRE/w400-h266/Tommy%20found%20injured%20(1).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa4RitmB8WDpX-EfjhbBIPOkqOkOwk6Y7YZevnwjQzQBOb9_-yMX9pILBqXhEjJBVqmKNzMQ60E5Er3xH7i7WP6rBdeiIaHI1XGri5-zjgQv9_CdKxVKqWRwLZh2QzHxJ0sJkcVzQq5OsM-2sfuwIUUSl7h3L7c9yTDwpzo0MbgzqB7LY47kn8jyutv7o/s700/Tommy's%20Vet%20Bill.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="700" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa4RitmB8WDpX-EfjhbBIPOkqOkOwk6Y7YZevnwjQzQBOb9_-yMX9pILBqXhEjJBVqmKNzMQ60E5Er3xH7i7WP6rBdeiIaHI1XGri5-zjgQv9_CdKxVKqWRwLZh2QzHxJ0sJkcVzQq5OsM-2sfuwIUUSl7h3L7c9yTDwpzo0MbgzqB7LY47kn8jyutv7o/w400-h274/Tommy's%20Vet%20Bill.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Tommy is only one of hundreds of similar cases. There are more examples of our efforts on our cat site <a href="https://www.riverfrontcats.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Riverfront Cats</a>. We want to help them all but we can't do it alone.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to help rescue more cats like Tommy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5LW8G9ANYL4BL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO DONATE</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">to Pawsitively Humane, Inc.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We are a 501c3 designated nonprofit organization.<br /><br /><b>THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDESS!</b></p><p></p></div>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-62051728046272803072023-10-21T19:41:00.000-07:002024-01-19T15:19:39.311-08:00Lolita, the facts surrounding the orca whale at Miami Seaquarium<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0dIhOn2RjQJEHshwqYxIzJvJYAXcPW-qcFJ_udCMmKVGHhkExAGBTZi3DqQuUHa6By5lXbPz9_j8jxk2KdDHnbWZxlz_bojo6uKXJuIU7OIPsYri2jI8B_YtH2RIi-_JCaCoF0yM1vhBbbBs7TmlvJo2H9Dy6_ttv8zvmSFcC9FbawzXBEW2swfKnac/s1140/Lolita%20licks%20trainer.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1140" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0dIhOn2RjQJEHshwqYxIzJvJYAXcPW-qcFJ_udCMmKVGHhkExAGBTZi3DqQuUHa6By5lXbPz9_j8jxk2KdDHnbWZxlz_bojo6uKXJuIU7OIPsYri2jI8B_YtH2RIi-_JCaCoF0yM1vhBbbBs7TmlvJo2H9Dy6_ttv8zvmSFcC9FbawzXBEW2swfKnac/w640-h426/Lolita%20licks%20trainer.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>For longtime residents, Lolita the Orca whale and performer at Seaquarium was not only synonymous with Miami, she was a beloved local mascot. Just like Mickey Mouse is the magical symbol of dreams in Orlando. But Lolita was a real whale. The news of her sudden passing on August 18, 2023, left everyone shocked and heartbroken-- fans, residents, trainers, staff, and animal activists.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeC7kSjnsGu0yUWeYTOUyBC5ngEGCDFLrZO8vZdE8dA74UK0P0RvNMzgDnZV4BL3tdCfvv3TnAj2qEjmVeWRR0igi9-VdOKhivpaMGE2n2wS0YtHjaE41W1z2P4vSw4rAx4gdpRA5Oo-AjppwLXmsrqZK26L8_B84e-hfE3A003yvqH_qybPDBKp7xf0/s1246/Lolita%20the%20whale%20Training%20July%202023.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="orca whale amusement park" border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeC7kSjnsGu0yUWeYTOUyBC5ngEGCDFLrZO8vZdE8dA74UK0P0RvNMzgDnZV4BL3tdCfvv3TnAj2qEjmVeWRR0igi9-VdOKhivpaMGE2n2wS0YtHjaE41W1z2P4vSw4rAx4gdpRA5Oo-AjppwLXmsrqZK26L8_B84e-hfE3A003yvqH_qybPDBKp7xf0/w586-h640/Lolita%20the%20whale%20Training%20July%202023.jpeg" title="Lolita the whale training" width="586" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">DID CAPTIVITY KILL LOLITA? </h3><div>For the past several years, activists have protested that her tiny swimming tank (20 feet deep x 35 feet wide x 80 foot long) was inhumane and demanded that she be released to her native waters off Washington State and reunited with her "family".<br /><br />So, did captivity kill her as claimed by PETA and other animal activists? We gathered all the facts.<br /><br />1. <b> Lolita lived longer than the average female orca</b>. <span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: inherit;">In the wild, the average lifespan of a female orca is </span><a class="gnt_ar_b_a" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" href="https://us.whales.org/our-4-goals/end-captivity/orca-captivity/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 152, 254); text-decoration-thickness: 2px; text-underline-offset: 2px;" target="_blank">46 years</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: inherit;">, with a maximum of 90 years, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation. In comparison, the average lifespan of a male orca in the wild is </span><a class="gnt_ar_b_a" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" href="https://us.whales.org/our-4-goals/end-captivity/orca-captivity/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-color: rgb(0, 152, 254); text-decoration-thickness: 2px; text-underline-offset: 2px;" target="_blank">30 years</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #303030; font-family: inherit;">, with a maximum of 60 </span><span style="color: #303030;">years. Lolita was 57 years old.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #303030;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #303030;">2. <b>Lolita thrived with interactions with other marine animals and human trainers</b>. Whales are social animals much like dolphins and other animals. Their socialization with humans along with regular exercise and diet is believed to have led to her longer than average life. Lolita did not have to fight off attackers in the wild or face food scarcity from global climate change. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;">3. <b>Conditions of her care were deteriorating</b>. <a href="https://www.peta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/miami-seaquarium-inspection-report.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A USDA report in September 2021</a> revealed a litany of disrepair and neglect in tank conditions, foul fish food, and major problems with water quality. <a href="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/what-killed-lolita-the-whale-at-miami-seaquarium-17678541" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">According to a Miami New Times article</a>: <br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span></span><blockquote><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The feds noted that the facility failed to monitor and maintain the chlorine levels in Lolita's pool. It was a delicate balance — too much chlorine could cause chemical injury, while not enough could allow harmful pathogens to flourish in the small tank. The tank had a recirculating water system, where disinfectants were essential to remove fecal contaminants and pathogens. </i></span></span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;">4. <b>Lolita was underfed leading to dehydration</b>. Former longtime vets and trainers of Lolita strongly objected to the decrease in diet from 165 pounds daily to 120 pounds in 2021. </span></div><p><i></i></p><blockquote><i>A cut in Toki’s daily diet starting two years ago was likely a factor in her death from renal failure, said Wood, Wallace and Toki’s [Lolita] former vet of 23 years, Dr. Magdalena Rodriguez. Toki’s food intake was reduced from 160-165 pounds of fish per day to 120 pounds because Seaquarium’s new curator and head trainer at the time decided Toki was too fat. “Her food is where she gets her water and she wasn’t getting enough water,” Wallace said. “She had pre-existing renal disease, and she had elevated kidney enzymes in 2021, exacerbated by a decrease in her diet. When cetaceans become dehydrated, they can also become prone to illnesses such as pneumonia. I suspect she was chronically underfed and dehydrated over the last two years and never fully recovered and had the appetite she had previously.” (<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article278408624.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miami Herald, August 25, 2023</a>)</i></blockquote><p></p><span style="color: #303030;"><div><span style="color: #303030;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;">5. <b>Former staff that cared for Lolita and disapproved of new procedures were fired</b>. <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The longtime vet, Magdalena Rodriguez, was fired in June 2021 after alleged fallout from her relaying her safety concerns about Lolita and other marine mammals to the USDA. Dr. Jenna Wallace says she was pushed out of her job at the Seaquarium that summer after supporting Rodriguez and the USDA investigation. (<a href="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/what-killed-lolita-the-whale-at-miami-seaquarium-17678541" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Times, August 22, 2023</a>)</i></span></blockquote></span><span style="color: #303030;"><br /></span>6. <b>The necropsy showed that Lolita died of old age and chronic illness</b>. </div></span><div><span style="color: #303030;"><br />Dr. Judy St Leger, a veterinarian with 20 years of experience working with marine mammals, conducted the necropsy. She found Lolita suffered from “acute and chronic broncho interstitial pneumonia and renal degeneration, and a chronic condition of the heart implying the degeneration of the cardiac valves." </span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;">Lolita developed an infection in 2022, that Dr. Bain, a retired vet who was hired to monitor Lolita, could not pinpoint the cause. </span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;"></span></div><blockquote><div><span style="color: #303030; font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Monthly health reports issued by McBain call into question whether Lolita ever truly recovered. The infection persisted throughout 2022, and she had ups and downs, sometimes losing her appetite, appearing listless, and teetering on the verge of fatal illness. She took a turn for the worse in September 2022 but seemed to recover after a new antibiotic was added to her regimen. (<a href="https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/what-killed-lolita-the-whale-at-miami-seaquarium-17678541" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Times, August 22, 2023</a>)</i></span></span></div></blockquote><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #303030;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbmL3f0v-wpidiKRwdjk6jPwrPU8AEtsIZIpdtHb4REgwdzRCKW8gXlMLtuPv9z5PKk8lxevBNWGGShavaByPZOfyUbR26sajVdCq5Y9Npjw-vayHkfe0GgW66Ra2LuQ-9SpedOoua0a25FxBD1Rlfmk2smR8BjRtdcrTIQx1e3iiqx5bWHH5cdOMVUY/s1716/Marni%20Wood%20kisses%20Lolita.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="orca whale trainer" border="0" data-original-height="1716" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbmL3f0v-wpidiKRwdjk6jPwrPU8AEtsIZIpdtHb4REgwdzRCKW8gXlMLtuPv9z5PKk8lxevBNWGGShavaByPZOfyUbR26sajVdCq5Y9Npjw-vayHkfe0GgW66Ra2LuQ-9SpedOoua0a25FxBD1Rlfmk2smR8BjRtdcrTIQx1e3iiqx5bWHH5cdOMVUY/w426-h640/Marni%20Wood%20kisses%20Lolita.jpeg" title="Trainer kisses Lolita" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marni Wood, head trainer, kisses Lolita</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">MARCH 2023, PLANS WERE ANNOUNCED TO RELEASE LOLITA TO HER NATIVE WATERS IN 2025. But there was a major problem.</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">A group called Friends of Lolita in conjunction with the</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Whale Sanctuary Project reached an agreement with the new owners of Seaquarium (who took over in 2022) to release Lolita in a sea pen in Puget Sound. Funding was estimated at $15-$20 million with a pledge from NFL owner Jim Irsay for $5million. While plans were underway to prepare Lolita, there was still a major hurdle. This would require federal and state approval and </span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><i>the pen had not been built. Despite all the hype in the media after the news of Lolita's passing surrounding her impending release, that dream was still far from reality</i><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: 400; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK6xG6IEHxMK9wcqHdfAGffNFsB3YvwTINGGKnZSxn5CsUffFgsZkEBl8Dq8twoHfebQzSiBDmd1Oop7jnb-_6FSKsD-SjA89jWIx8DcFEGYVKk0QkxsRlhMlbFizn5O-ydkltmaAXdwC9H7jDgZATIbdj5cdZxhmqoBzqJ08Oynq0cJAbaSaz0C7c0c/s1140/Marni%20Wood%20with%20Lolita.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1140" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiK6xG6IEHxMK9wcqHdfAGffNFsB3YvwTINGGKnZSxn5CsUffFgsZkEBl8Dq8twoHfebQzSiBDmd1Oop7jnb-_6FSKsD-SjA89jWIx8DcFEGYVKk0QkxsRlhMlbFizn5O-ydkltmaAXdwC9H7jDgZATIbdj5cdZxhmqoBzqJ08Oynq0cJAbaSaz0C7c0c/w640-h360/Marni%20Wood%20with%20Lolita.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lolita performing with her trainer Marni Wood</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">TRUTH4TOKI</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Staff that cared for Lolita for many years, including both veterinarians and trainers, disagreed with the </span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">cross-country</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> transport idea and proposed she retire to Sea World with larger modern tanks and orca experts.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">A group led by former trainers called Truth4Toki warned that a stressful move to an unfamiliar place after 53 years of </span><u>dependency on humans was too dangerous for the whale, given her advanced age and health problems.</u><span style="font-weight: 400;"> They advocated for Toki to be removed from Seaquarium and relocated to SeaWorld in Orlando, where she could spend her last years in a much larger facility</span></i></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. <i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">(<a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article278408624.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miami Herald, Aug 25, 2023</a>)</span></i></span></blockquote></div><div><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">OUR CONCLUSION</span></h3></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite her tiny quarters, Lolita received regular stimulation, exercise, attention and affection for a steady 54 years. This is better treatment than many pet owners of dogs and cats we see in Miami. Lolita did not lack for food or companionship. Her time at Seaquarium taught us about their intelligence and brought joy to many spectators young and old at the same time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In our assessment, the 1950's structure and 1970 whale bowl was not updated, and cost cutting measures lead to the rapid decline of Lolita's existing health condition the last two years. We concur that moving her cross country at an advanced age would likely have led to expedited death given the pathogens in open waters to which her body was not accustomed to. Nor was there any guarantee she would be recognized or accepted by her mother and other orcas. Our <a href="http://www.pawsitivelyhumane.org/2018/03/scientists-agree-lolita-whale-is-safer.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blogpost of March 2018</a> touched on the example of Keiko the whale, held in captivity in Mexico and later released into the wild. He was rejected by other whales and also developed pneumonia and died few years later. <br /><br />The golden rule is to think with our heads and not our hearts and to remember that whales, like stray cats we take indoors away from their natural habitat, learn to adapt to their new home environment after many years. We would never release a senior suffering cat outside to an unknown environment, nor should we do the same to a whale. Size does not matter. Age, health, and a known environment have the most impact.<br /><br />Her passing away in Miami is bittersweet. There is relief that Lolita died at home in Miami but sadly was surrounded by strangers and not her longtime caretakers. </div></span><p>Regardless, the overall lesson in today's society is that we have learned through this experience, that orca whales should not be captured, taken from their natural habitat and held in captivity. Unlike stray cats in city streets with no clean food options, and dogs dependent on humans, orca whales have plentiful food sources and can survive on their own. Rescuing injured or sick animals to treat them and release back into the wild is a separate cause. </p><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNHVj9vqZQdG-oRDwoOAo-j7lP16eI7vDVxr6icPTzXAjI-Mv8b8PiaDBkuIzKP33dIbHKBOLaO_PPgTteqxPyUn-TuEbACR1umclHvSp6J3ImRoREfoUVJTWEWTamLYXV8KjXRrHmeL48-uTQ7M7jPkxnCWsGIJ36pNg4TE2oYIbegUVTDRxR2sGOCM/s860/leonardo-dasilva-flickr---lolita-toki-miami-seaquarium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="860" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNHVj9vqZQdG-oRDwoOAo-j7lP16eI7vDVxr6icPTzXAjI-Mv8b8PiaDBkuIzKP33dIbHKBOLaO_PPgTteqxPyUn-TuEbACR1umclHvSp6J3ImRoREfoUVJTWEWTamLYXV8KjXRrHmeL48-uTQ7M7jPkxnCWsGIJ36pNg4TE2oYIbegUVTDRxR2sGOCM/w640-h428/leonardo-dasilva-flickr---lolita-toki-miami-seaquarium.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Photo by Leonardo DaSilva via Flickr)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Swim freely Lolita, swim freely and watch over us as we cross the ocean.</p>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-84884877737567271792018-05-19T23:04:00.000-07:002023-11-13T10:33:15.784-08:00Political Animals, the Movie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvFUKIRLMnU/WwERw_si7yI/AAAAAAAAAhM/cu7GQq7cREoGlXZqPtZ5RLE-vEAMdnApwCLcBGAs/s1600/petprotest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1140" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WvFUKIRLMnU/WwERw_si7yI/AAAAAAAAAhM/cu7GQq7cREoGlXZqPtZ5RLE-vEAMdnApwCLcBGAs/s400/petprotest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayor of Miami ignores voters acceptance to increase property tax<br />
to aid funding programs for homeless pets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pet advocates, last Tuesday Christine had the opportunity to attend the premiere of a documentary film "Political Animals". It is a well researched film and captures the essence of failed or selective democracy surrounding a ballot issue to implement a Pets Trust, an initiative to reverse the trend of homeless pets county-wide.<br />
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Below is a message from Michael Rosenberg, and then the movie clip is below it for your viewing.<br />
The fight for the Pets Trust continues. This movie is only the beginning. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> From Michael Rosenberg, Founder of Pets Trust:</i><br />
<br /><i><blockquote>
On a first time visit to adopt a cat at Miami Dade Animal Services in 2011, I asked if “this is the building where the animals are killed”. I was told it was and that on average 20,000 animals, the majority healthy, were killed every year…for the past 30 years if not longer. It was unbearable to imagine that and I knew something needed to be done. With co-founder Rita Schwartz, the Pets’ Trust was born.
We understood this was a community issue and we wanted to ask the community if they would be willing to tax themselves, a very minimal amount to invest in our animals lives. Our elected officials told us they would put this issue on the ballot and that they would honor the results of this non-binding ballot…with a caveat….they were convinced we would not win….that people would not vote to raise their taxes for “animals”. But, they challenged us to educate the community and “go for it”.
Almost 500,000 people voted YES. A resounding 65% of the community! We won!!!
And then we lost. The elected officials decided the people “didn’t really know what they were voting for" even though they wrote the ballot question. The results….the animals continue to die.
Our story has become a movie, directed by award winning Joe Cardona, co-produced with the Miami Herald…and debuted on PBS.</blockquote></i><div> Below is that movie.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7j2T8L5Jzb0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
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An average of $25 property tax increase would have provided the $20 million that MDAS said it needed to implement the programs and put a dent and start to reverse the rate of homeless pets. A nominal $25.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo8v60IwNHk/WwEPWRbT2MI/AAAAAAAAAhA/jKZzJFgBUNAYwlr5J0zewl1Isfl0OmIrACLcBGAs/s1600/Michael%252C%2BNatir%252C%2BChristine%252C%2BRita.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Michael Rosenberg, Yatir, Christine Michaels, Rita Shwartz" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oo8v60IwNHk/WwEPWRbT2MI/AAAAAAAAAhA/jKZzJFgBUNAYwlr5J0zewl1Isfl0OmIrACLcBGAs/s640/Michael%252C%2BNatir%252C%2BChristine%252C%2BRita.jpg" title="Pet's Trust founder and co founder" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Rosenberg, Yatir Natizany, Christine Michaels, Rita Schwartz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-77293354471040258772018-03-13T00:25:00.000-07:002018-04-11T00:40:18.925-07:00Scientists Agree Lolita the Whale is Safer at Seaquarium<br />
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In South Florida, where most of the year the weather is a perfect paradise, it also means many animals live here in the wild and in captivity at attractions. One current hot issue is Lolita the killer whale at the Miami Seaquarium attraction. There is mounting pressure to release the whale to her "natural habitat" the open sea where she has more space to swim and roam. If only it were that simple. Animal rescuers/ pet advocates and scientists are at odds. Most scientists are against releasing Lolita except for marine biologist Ken Balcomb.<br />
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For 25 years, Balcomb has been lobbying for Lolita's release to reunite her with her family and restore balance in her native waters, with fisheries and other whales. The problem for most other scientists, 25 years is much too late and poses great risks.<br />
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<br />
At Pawsitively Humane, we are reminded "think with your head, not just your heart". <br />
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Most of us are not marine experts. But to begin to relate and comprehend, we turned to our own community of long-time pet rescuers, especially those who work with feral cats, and posed this question to understand the pros and cons of releasing the whale: <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Would you release an indoor cat that has lived in your home for 10 years with food, attention, (albeit limited space) into a fenced off outdoor area to be with other cats? </blockquote>
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The answer was a resounding no. We know as cat educators that other community cats may not welcome your beloved indoor cat and may try to attack your Cleo. Even worse, Cleo's health is not resistant to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pathogens.<br />
<h3>
Is this a fair comparison? Cats and Whales.</h3>
For long time pet rescuers many would say yes. Cats are inherent hunters, the outdoors is their natural habitat. They need vertical (trees) and horizontal space to climb and run freely. Whether on farmland, in the countryside of places like Tuscany, Italy, the coastline of Mediterranean, or riding on ships in historic English times, cats are outdoor creatures. Yet many of us beg people to adopt them, to take them indoors where they are forced to live confined within walls with limited space to climb and run. To rescue them from a new environment-- a rough life in city streets. City life and highways with few food sources is not ideal for cats. However, we also know cats adapt to the indoors and are generally happy.<br />
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The point: the outdoor environment is evolving. It may be safe one day, and changes in nature, as well as human neglect, poses a dangerous environment. Returning a long-held captive animal to an environment with unfamiliar sights, sounds, temperatures, creatures,dangers and toxins or a whole new environment can be stressful for many animals.<br />
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<h3>
Everyone Agrees Lolita Needs More Space</h3>
Scientists and animal activists on both sides of the Lolita issue agree that a bigger tank is the ideal situation for Lolita. However building one now is not feasible. <i>But is Lolita safer where she is now after all this time?</i><br />
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<h3>
What is a "Suitable" Environment for a Whale in Long-Term Captivity? </h3>
Balcomb and the Lummi Tribe, a native American Indian tribe from the
region where Lolita was captured, believe a sectioned off sea pen with
plans to slowly rehabilitate her and reintroduce Lolita to <i>natural</i> whale
sea life has to work.<br />
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The biggest risk according to scientists who oppose it say it is due to her age. For 43 of her 47 years she knows only one home, one environment, the tank at the Seaquarium with her constant roommates the dolphins and her daily caretakers, the feeders and trainers. <b>Transplating to her native waters and surroundings would not be natural to the captive whale<i>. </i></b><br />
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<h3>
The Tragic Case of Releasing Keiko the Killer Whale</h3>
Opposing scientists point to many cases and the famous case of releasing Keiko the killer whale inspired by the movie "Free Willy". Keiko, living in a tank in an amusement park in Mexico, was released to his natural waters. Unfortunately the whale did not adapt and kept swimming back to his owner's boats. He missed his human. He missed home. More tragic, his body and immune system not accustomed to the pathogens in the ocean water, developed pneumonia and died within a year. Keiko was 26 years old.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqxs4i9xatU/Ws2btxy7rsI/AAAAAAAAAfA/zjMSUn2S1KYdFP1EpywVMlVOcPQ41pRXACLcBGAs/s1600/Keiko%2Bsling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1140" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqxs4i9xatU/Ws2btxy7rsI/AAAAAAAAAfA/zjMSUn2S1KYdFP1EpywVMlVOcPQ41pRXACLcBGAs/s400/Keiko%2Bsling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keiko in a sling about to be released in sea pen in Heimaey, Iceland</td></tr>
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We see this human bond with our own outdoor pets whether it's cats, pigs, horses...Why would whales be any different? <br />
<h3>
The Human Bond with Lolita the Killer Whale</h3>
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It was late one night in 1989 when Craig Pelton, then a
young whale trainer, snuck into the whale stadium at Miami Seaquarium
after it closed and waded into the 50 degree water.<br />
After-hours whale swims
were categorically prohibited, so, naturally, the trainers did it from
time to time, Pelton said. It was a time before “Blackfish,” before a
trainer had been killed by a captive whale, before the “Free Lolita”
movement started making waves. In the water, Pelton
watched as Lolita swam over. The orca was in her mid-20s by then, about
20 feet long and 7,000 pounds. A full moon illuminated the stadium
below. Lolita paused and put
her pectoral fin under his body — then she snuggled to his side. On
Pelton’s other side, Lolita’s tank mate Makani, a Pacific white-sided
dolphin, did the same. “I laid there for about
five, 10 minutes, all three [of us] at the surface,” Pelton said. “She
was just a sweet animal that was just amazing to work with.” </blockquote>
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<h3>
<b>Change and assimilation are at the heart of the argument against Lolita’s release.</b></h3>
</blockquote>
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“You would have to be just so incredibly careful about how you
approximate that change.<b> You can’t control the heavy metal toxicity in
the water that is prevalent in our coastal regions. You can’t control
the pathogens, the bacteria; her immune system is not adept</b>,” said
Mark Simmons, director of husbandry on the Keiko project and also authored a book on Keiko’s death called “Killing
Keiko.”</blockquote>
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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article185517463.html#storylink=cpy</div>
</blockquote>
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The Miami Herald spoke
to a dozen experts on killer whales around the nation. They included
experts without a stake in Lolita’s case, some who worked on the Keiko
release project, scientists currently working on seaside sanctuary
projects for aquatic mammals and her caretakers at the Seaquarium. The vast majority said they would advise against moving Lolita to the Pacific Ocean or a seaside sanctuary. [<span style="font-size: x-small;">Miami Herald November 2017</span>]</blockquote>
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Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article185517463.html#storylink=cpy</div>
</blockquote>
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<div style="color: black; font: 10pt sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;">
<br />
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article185517463.html#storylink=cpy</div>
</blockquote>
<h3>
What Went Wrong in the Campaign to Release Lolita?</h3>
Time and Money. If this was 1995, timing was more optimal to transition Lolita back to sea life. Unfortunately, it takes time to educate government and the public but also to collect money, donations. If campaigning requires significant funding so does implementing the plan and overseeing it. The entire project of logistics (transportation) and constant care from a medical standpoint (veterinary) and her daily interaction with humans would amount to millions of dollars. <br />
<h3>
One Silver Lining, Lolita the Ambassador</h3>
While Lolita may never be released, one result both sides can agree on is that Lolita continues her role as the ambassador for releasing captive whales. The trend is declining with new fervor and enacted laws prohibiting the captivity of orca whales or any ocean mammals. Lolita remains one of three killer whales still housed in amusement attractions in the U.S. <br />
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<h3>
A Future Marine Scientist</h3>
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Upon visiting the Seaquarium to talk to protestors, I overhead a young boy ask his mother "Are we going to see Lolita again?". "Of course," replied the mother. Then he asked "Who were those people with whale costumes and signs?" The mother explained they wanted to see Lolita the whale returned to her home. That she was taken from her home years ago, from her family. The boy then asked how long has Lolita been here? "A long time," replied the mother." "Longer than the other place?" he continued. "Yes many more years," answered the mother. "Well he has friends, the dolphins and his teachers here and plenty of fish food. Why would they take her away from home again?" Aaah the innocence and clarity of a child's mind. Maybe this is the confirmation we need to accept Lolita's fate with some ease.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IwL1Ld4UaU/Ws232h576YI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/oGbtjmvM-jwCMrfKXGcyEwxeH6DhSLsewCLcBGAs/s1600/Collage%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miami Seaquarium " border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1600" height="531" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IwL1Ld4UaU/Ws232h576YI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/oGbtjmvM-jwCMrfKXGcyEwxeH6DhSLsewCLcBGAs/s640/Collage%2B5.jpg" title="Christine Michaels at Seaquarium with 2 year old Nephew in 2014" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine Michaels with her nephew Gabriel in 2014 visiting Miami Seaquarium</td></tr>
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<i>by Christine Michaels</i><br />
<br />Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-27558950248759673322017-09-21T20:29:00.004-07:002017-09-21T20:29:38.912-07:00Over 100 Dogs Abandoned in Hurricane Irma<br />
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Hurricane Irma has come and gone. Her path of havoc was not limited to land and trees and buildings.
Natural disasters are a litmus test for pet owners. Do they have a disaster plan for their pets?
Sadly we learn about pets, especially dogs, tied up in backyards or homes while their owners flee. Dozens were spotted and taken in temporarily by county animals services in all three counties in South Florida.
In this video, a German shepherd, with evident fresh cuts and injuries still bloody, lying lifeless in the hurricane aftermath. A passerby thought he was dead although eyes were open. He approached the dog to see it was still breathing and called for help.
Angels indeed came in the form of Guardians to the Rescue, a nonprofit animal rescue organization.
See the video below.
At Pawsitively Humane, Inc. we are collecting donations to help many pets left behind in the hurricane. These donations will be used to mostly pay vet bills and supplies such as pet food, beds, cat litter and leashes.
Click on the donation button to the right. Remember no amount is too small.<br />
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<br />
It is time for authorities to enforce laws and pursue felony charges if possible.<br />
We will be following all cases.Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-61522256550504756432017-07-18T09:18:00.001-07:002017-09-21T20:39:28.664-07:00Check Out America's 3rd Cat Cafe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Blog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-14413277713906928572016-06-29T22:00:00.000-07:002023-11-12T18:45:14.479-08:00Grand Opening of the New Miami Dade Animal Services & Adoption Center<i>by Christine Michaels, Founder & President </i><br />
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Yesterday was a paw forward for pet advocates in Miami. With great fanfare, June 23, 2016 marked the grand opening of the new Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption & Protection Center.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIpuKAGuvMY/V7qPvEKh4QI/AAAAAAAAAZY/VyOnqEY4fcEISgiFzgoYFBV_KjH-IN4PQCLcB/s1600/MDAS-%2B1%2BMain%2Bsign%2BSM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pet shelter county animal shelter MDAS" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JIpuKAGuvMY/V7qPvEKh4QI/AAAAAAAAAZY/VyOnqEY4fcEISgiFzgoYFBV_KjH-IN4PQCLcB/s400/MDAS-%2B1%2BMain%2Bsign%2BSM.jpg" title="Christine Michaels attends Grand Opening of the Miami Dade Animal Services" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine Michaels attends the Grand Opening of the Miami Dade county new animal services shelter</td></tr>
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To a crowd of several hundred attendees, city and county dignitaries, pet advocate leaders and local residents, Director Alex Munoz made opening remarks for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Munoz touted the largest pet facility in the county and the collaborative efforts to retrofit an existing building into one of the most advanced pet shelter in the country.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfBVWUVOntA/V7qPje82YDI/AAAAAAAAAZU/9XgSqM1q6gU0bX4LbHyj9ZvV3zIFamPvgCLcB/s1600/MDAS-4%2BAlex%2BMunoz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alex Munoz speaking at new MDAS shelter" border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfBVWUVOntA/V7qPje82YDI/AAAAAAAAAZU/9XgSqM1q6gU0bX4LbHyj9ZvV3zIFamPvgCLcB/s400/MDAS-4%2BAlex%2BMunoz.jpg" title="Alex Munoz grand opening of new pet shelter" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MDAS Director Alex Munoz</td></tr>
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Walking through the front doors and scanning above and around, I felt I was walking into a modern mall/museum. The double-story foyer entrance led your gaze to a hanging pet-inspired mobile.<br />
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Blue spaceship-like neon lights emanated from the main desk off to the left. An all glass enclosure with six kittens and catwalk to the right, and a main corridor down the center with high soffit-lit ceilings gave the sense of a futuristic walkway.<br />
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The center was designed to provide the pleasure of a discovery experience with the comforts of home. The homey details are forthcoming in this post. The focus is a relaxed environment for the pets and adopters to enhance the customer experience. <br />
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Before I take you on the grand tour, keep in mind a number of improvements were designed compared to the previous facility.<br />
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1. 25% increase in shelter space for pets. 249 dog spaces old shelter vs. 350+ at the new shelter; 60 cages for cats at the old shelter; now 80<br />
2. Air condition quarters for all pets! <br />
3. Three surgery rooms for public pets (when a local resident brings their pet in for health issue); Two surgery rooms for shelter pets<br />
4. Advanced medical technology and equipment complement the skilled surgeons and staff<br />
5. High tech filtration system where air filtration is changed 6 times DAILY???<br />
6. Separate "pods" for dog and cat sections to minimize the spread of airborne illness. <br />
7. Computer kiosks for residents to search through available pets while they wait to have their pets attended to by shelter vet. <br />
8. A conference/training room for seminars, workshops, training sessions, and presentations.<br />
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<br />
Now for the grand tour. <br />
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Upon entering, to the immediate right is the cat section. The eye-catching glass cage with six bouncing kittens lured you in to watch the kittens climb, jump, play, and even paw fight within the modern maze-like catwalk. It was pure TV entertainment for all humans. All six kittens are siblings. Please click here to our cat website, Riverfront Cats, to see more photos of the cat/kitten section.<br />
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Passing the cat section, on the right is a staged living room with a sofa, recliner, pet photos on the wall, all designed to look and feel like your living room. The room was enclosed by glass walls. Walking up to the wall was a beautiful white pitbull wearing a bright pink bandana around her neck.<br />
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I turned the corner to find the entrance. Staff workers greeted me with smiles and introduced me to Esmeralda, the pit bull. I was the first nonstaff visitor to enter the "living room" and sit and interact with Esmeralda. I felt honored.<br />
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Esmeralda was overjoyed to have company and pawed my lap and offered me endless licks. The living room concept was obvious--to help the homeless pet acclimate to home environment before adoption. Esmeralda was so enthusiastic she did not want me to leave. Of course I fell in love. But alas it was not meant for me to adopt her but I knew she would get adopted soon. (Note: it is against the law for Miami-Dade county residents to have pitbulls as pets; Residents from neighboring counties, however, can adopt from this shelter to take home to their counties which do permit pitbull breeds. There are ongoing efforts to overturn this anti-breed specific law in Miami).<br />
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Once my love fest with Esmeralda winded down, I ventured back into the hallways of peculiar two-legged creatures called Politicians. I ran into Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Commissioner Diaz. I was well aware of the failed or selective democracy process where the mayor reneged on his support of the Pets Trust and decided against implementing it. But this was a special occasion that was still an improvement to the old facility. It was still a step forward. A tiny step but a forward step.</div>
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Outside the living room were cages for small to medium size dogs with ample room to walk and sit. <br />
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The doors facing the outdoors led to an outside area with covered astroturf for walking and training the dogs. <br />
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Back inside the main corridor, on the opposite side were quarters for the larger dog breeds. Down the center of the corridor,the walk way split around the Ellipse room--and elliptical-shaped conference room to host presentations and workshops to the public as well as internally.<br />
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Following the walkway around either side of the Ellipse, walls are adorned with artwork created by local students. On the right are dog inspired art pieces and on the left side is the cat art. These students are truly talented.<br />
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<br />
Parked outside the facility were two spay/neuter trailers for mobile surgeries.<br />
<br />
<br />
The center is impressive--clean, bright, pleasant, comfortable-- and will no doubt encourage more locals to visit and adopt or to get involved as a volunteer in caring and/or promoting these pets.<br />
<br />
The goal of MDAS is a no-kill shelter and the new center is a small paw forward. <br />
Much more work is needed to reach that goal in terms of education and PSA programs to reach the masses.<br />
<br />
In addition, county-established feral cat trapping teams is the biggest critical need yet to begin reversing the rate of continuous growing rate of homeless cats.<br />
<br />
We are grateful for this progress and invite any reader to contact us for ways to help your city and county reach these goals. <br />
<br />
CONTACT: info@pawsitivelyhumane.org<br />
<br />
Miami Dade Animal Services<br />
3599 NW 79th Avenue<br />
Doral, Fl 33122 <br />
<br />
The center is open Monday through Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday & Sundays 10am-4pm<br />
<br />
We encourage locals to follow MDAS on Facebook and Instragram.<br />
For @urgentdogsofmiami and @urgentcatsofmiami for all <br />
<br />
<br />
We are all in this together. And together we can make a difference.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-72035314868739233572016-04-04T21:08:00.000-07:002016-04-04T21:26:04.612-07:00#JusticeforTiger Update April 4, 2016<br />
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<br />
The silver lining behind the tragic, intentional killing of a local pet cat by a veterinarian Kristen Lindsey, is that international interest has not waned after a year! Animal advocates remain vigilant, informed and concerned.<br />
<br />
Another site, the <a href="http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2016/04/the-fight-for-justice-for-tiger/" target="_blank">Encyclopedia Britannica Advocacy for Pets </a>added an entry today with an excellent summary of events including a timeline. We will continue to provide updates on social media. <br />
<br />
The latest update is that while the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners voted to revoke her veterinary license, however Lindsey is still fighting back. Now the case is before SOAH which allowed Lindsey to renew her vet license in February 2016. The hearing at SOAH is set for April (Please read the excerpt below).<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After deliberation, the TBVME Enforcement <b>Committee found Lindsey in
violation</b>, voted to revoke her veterinary license, and issued its
findings in an order to Lindsey, describing the violations and proposed
sanctions of the TBVME (license revocation). Lindsey rejected the order,
and the case proceeded to the Texas State Office of Administrative
Hearings (SOAH).</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On October 2, the TBVME filed a formal complaint against Lindsey with
the SOAH, seeking revocation of her veterinary license. As of March 19,
2016, 43 documents have been filed for the Lindsey case. Documents
include witness lists, objections, amicus briefs, rulings by the court,
and schedules. Attempts to mediate a settlement were unsuccessful. <span style="color: red;"><i><b>A
hearing is scheduled to begin April 25, 2016,</b></i> <b>more than a year after the
crime</b>.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Kristen Lindsey renewed her Texas veterinary license in February 2016</b>.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
International public interest in this landmark case remains high. The
TBVME has received more than 700 formal complaints against Lindsey, as
well as written comments from all 50 states and 77 countries, and more
than 27,000 e-mails regarding Lindsey’s actions. Many citizens and
several animal advocacy groups continue to call for the criminal
investigation against Lindsey to be reopened. More facts have come to
light during the licensing investigation which further justify
revisiting the criminal case. The statute of limitations on the criminal
matter is three years.</blockquote>
<br />
Is Lindsey practicing veterinarian medicine? We do not believe she is at this time, at least not in Texas.Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-86009309184496660582016-03-21T20:21:00.000-07:002016-03-23T20:03:37.929-07:00A Cat with No Name- Life Lessons<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1NQctRx8h8/VvF2szp8SwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/JRkfBAviUqgkgwJw7cpjB15p8g3kKXP6w/s1600/Christine%2Bwith%2BMozart%2Blooking%2Bat%2Bcamera-%2BEDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1NQctRx8h8/VvF2szp8SwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/JRkfBAviUqgkgwJw7cpjB15p8g3kKXP6w/s400/Christine%2Bwith%2BMozart%2Blooking%2Bat%2Bcamera-%2BEDITED.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting on a brave face. It never gets easier to help an injured animal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today was a tough Monday. I received a call from a friend. In the
middle of night, a cat was found lying in the middle of street, unable to move
his hind legs. Most likely struck by a speeding vehicle. This morning he was found a few feet away resting, still alive, in the
garden of an apartment complex. <br />
<br />
He
was a feral, intact (not neutered) orange male cat. To test his
limits as to how close he would permit me to approach him, he hissed
wildly. Suddenly the cat jumped on his front paws, and like an exotic
jungle animal, he gracefully lifted his hips and dangled his hind legs
like ballet slippers, and proceeded to walk on his front paws with
exquisite balance. I wondered if this cat was born with a defect and
grew up adjusting to the lack of using his hind legs. But upon resting,
his body language showed signs of pain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv9ZIF2s_Pw/VvHBY-5oACI/AAAAAAAAAXY/S9CbF-ySmik-8dmfxl4W2tAHsSVNYKbxw/s1600/Karma%2Borange%2Bcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="stray feral cat hit by car and can not walk" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv9ZIF2s_Pw/VvHBY-5oACI/AAAAAAAAAXY/S9CbF-ySmik-8dmfxl4W2tAHsSVNYKbxw/s400/Karma%2Borange%2Bcat.jpg" title="Stray cat hit by car loses mobility in hind legs and drags itself to safety" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Struck cat had no use of hind legs. <br />
He depending entirely on his upper arms and body.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
[To learn more about how we trapped him on the scene, <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2016/03/to-rescue-cat-you-have-to-be-smart.html" target="_blank">please click here</a>].<br />
<br />
As I flustered through the front door of the vet clinic, the staff, on standby, stood up and rushed the cat to the back. The receptionist asked me a few routine questions: type of cat, color, male or female...As I turned, a look of mournful faces in a crowded waiting room of other customers and their pets sat solemn, studying my face. It was obvious they were waiting a long time and would wait longer. They didn't seem to mind and understood emergencies came first. Then an elderly woman asked me what happened and I explained. She asked if I knew this cat. I said no. I was helping a friend and an injured stray cat I had never seen before. She replied "if only there were more people like
you". Those words were like a warm embrace that I needed. It NEVER
gets easier. The pain is raw every time. <br />
<br />
I
wondered in my time of need would a stranger help me? Another client
replied, "Yes he or she would. That stranger is no stranger. It has a
name. Karma." My heart smiled. <br />
<br />
The results of the xrays and examination were not hopeful and it was decided, the best
decision was euthanasia. In the PTS (put to sleep) room, the technician
entered information on the computer. He was thumbing through a list of
cats listed as "STRAY NO NAME". No! I would not let him die with no
name. Not another "stray" or another number in a litany of homeless
injured city cats that died a typical death. He was not typical. Each
cat is unique. Each cat has a story. Each cat has a life. He would die
with dignity and a name. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iHF2RJl-cw/VvF_3ziLTuI/AAAAAAAAAXE/9fQFwfZ1b4INRXbCOz5HCpPaQlKqWs2kA/s1600/Christine%2Bpetting%2BKarma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iHF2RJl-cw/VvF_3ziLTuI/AAAAAAAAAXE/9fQFwfZ1b4INRXbCOz5HCpPaQlKqWs2kA/s400/Christine%2Bpetting%2BKarma.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflecting. Final words for Karma.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Under sedation. I stroked his
forehead and lithe body. My hand over his chest, I could feel his heart
beating. I was his last connection between life and death. Between earth and heaven. I would name him Karma. <br />
<br />
Within minutes of his overdue birth name, Karma crossed the rainbow bridge.<br />
<br />
A cat I never met.<br />
A cat I never knew.<br />
A cat I could not touch before today. <br />
A cat I cried for.<br />
I cried for Karma.<br />
<br />
He
reminded me of one of our <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2013/05/lion-king-and-circle-of-love.html" target="_blank">beloved orange Riverfront cats, Lion King</a>, but Karma did not have any caretaker. Only
now, moments before his death, he had a caretaker. Karma had me, a
stranger who cared. <br />
<br />
So despite this grief, I felt a
small sense of joy. I made a difference today. While not meteoric, one
less innocent creature was spared long drawn out suffering. One cat did not die alone.<br />
<br />
However, I can not accept all the credit. My friend Laurent made the initial call, a plea for help and fellow animal lovers on Facebook all rallied to help us find solutions for getting the cat into the trap, and furiously networked to find a larger rescue group or volunteers to nurse this feral cat if he could be saved. What a difference teamwork makes. Thank you all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds1AiAvRKZg/VvHaTchrj-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/OolRkATwW4QYz4w1p6N8VQjcD47L9jMUg/s1600/RIP%2BKarma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds1AiAvRKZg/VvHaTchrj-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/OolRkATwW4QYz4w1p6N8VQjcD47L9jMUg/s400/RIP%2BKarma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are life lessons in every day incidents, even tragedy.<br />
<br />
- <b>Give back regularly</b>. I live in an upscale condo community in downtown Miami and many friends and neighbors indulge in the good life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as we <i>remember to give back</i>. While one does not have to donate thousands of dollars, giving back regularly in some form, keeps us grounded, keeps us humble and makes us happier because only when we are grateful for what we have and kind and respectful to others, are we truly happy. Remember we can not take our fancy cars, yachts, clothes and jewelry with us when we die. Only the spirit of our soul. <br />
<br />
- <b>A simple act of kindness can make a world of difference</b>. There are those who are lonely and suffer quietly. A kind word, a brief conversation can uplift their world. This reminded me when I temporarily lived with my aunt in a condo complex only for retired individuals, while I was waiting to move closer to my job in downtown. Some were sad and/or bitter because they were lonely. But as I spoke to them regularly, they smiled and looked forward to when I returned home from work, and offered me home cooked meals, just so they would have someone to talk to. I was in my late 20's at the time. Young people my age were at happy hour regularly. I went home and visited with neighbors. <b>Today I visit with neighborhood cats.</b><br />
<br />
Be aware of and kind to one another.<br />
<br />
If you would like to make a donation to help our efforts, we gladly accept monetary funds, cat food, old towels and sheets...Each item is critical to our operations. To make a donation to help with vet bill for Karma, visit our cat site<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/" target="_blank"> www.riverfrontcats.com</a> and click on DONATE button. <br />
<br />
To learn more about how to help stray cats in your community, visit our cat specialty website:<br />
www.riverfrontcats.com<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
<br />Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-76522075430638170592016-01-05T21:49:00.000-08:002016-04-04T21:58:15.374-07:00#JusticeForTiger<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hq3yLJaQ-QE/VwM_IdCsrUI/AAAAAAAAAYY/W4T2gImyl6w-YeOCXYRNihKPfDvv8yk2A/s1600/%2523JusticeForTiger-Killed%2BApril%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hq3yLJaQ-QE/VwM_IdCsrUI/AAAAAAAAAYY/W4T2gImyl6w-YeOCXYRNihKPfDvv8yk2A/s400/%2523JusticeForTiger-Killed%2BApril%2B2015.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As our nation becomes aware and moves toward more humane treatment of pets and stray animals, the tragic story of <a href="http://bit.ly/JusticeforTiger" target="_blank">Tiger the cat </a>is pivotal in the creation and enforcement of animal cruelty laws.<br />
<br />
At Pawsitively Humane and our specialty efforts at Riverfront Cats, we know first hand how these laws are broken daily yet very hard to prove. Sadly in this case, a veterinarian killed a neighborhood pet cat and bragged about it openly on social media. Yet she was not indicted.<br />
<br />
The good news is that outrage was immediate, international, and concerned residents continue to follow this case closely with great interest across social media platforms, blogs, news forums, etc. This case will effect current and future laws.<br />
<br />
This website will track the progress events as it plays out in the State of Texas, and in the online and offline world of animal advocates. <b>Follow us on social media to stay updated on unfolding events!</b><br />
<br />
www.facebook.com/PawsitivelyHumane<br />
www.twitter.com/SaveOurPaws<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="A0EVLSB-F-i" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306#editor/target=post;postID=1835455510612932424;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=1;src=postname">Verdict for Vet Kristen Lindsey who Killed Cat with Bow and Arrow</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pawsitivelyhumane.org/2016/04/justicefortiger-update-april-4-2016.html" target="_blank">Update: April 4, 2016 - Entry in Encyclopedia Britannica, Advocacy for Animals</a><br />
<br />
<br />Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-45468924213834295022015-10-18T22:19:00.000-07:002015-10-24T22:22:20.926-07:00Jackson Galaxy- Cat Daddy Guest Speaker at Cat Network Gala<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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There are cat people, cat owners, cat supporters, crazy cat ladies and then there is cat daddy, Jackson Galaxy, better known as the cat guy from the popular Animal Planet TV series, "My Cat from Hell". True cat lovers know this name or have seen his show. Jackson was the guest speaker to top off a very special event--the 20th anniversary of the Cat Network.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1l_b2jRnfE/VixcNkvZ1PI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-w8iRSC17oY/s1600/Jackson%2BGalaxy-%2Bblack%2Bshirt%2BCat%2BDaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1l_b2jRnfE/VixcNkvZ1PI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-w8iRSC17oY/s320/Jackson%2BGalaxy-%2Bblack%2Bshirt%2BCat%2BDaddy.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<br />
Christine Michaels, Founder and President of Pawsitively
Humane, Inc. and <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/" target="_blank">Riverfront Cats</a> is a member of the Cat Network and volunteer. Michaels along with Deborah
Barnes, author and award-winning blogger of <a href="http://www.zeezoey.com/blog" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zee& Zoey’s Cat Chronicles</i></a> and Pawsitively Humane board member, attended
the <b>20 year anniversary/fundraising gala for the Cat Network </b>of Miami on
Saturday, October 17.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q0yfX4v7zM/VixhcKtYQbI/AAAAAAAAAV0/kQjYmCMWa2k/s1600/Deb%2BBarnes%2Band%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2BLogos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deb Barnes Christine Michaels sexy cat ladies" border="0" height="353" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q0yfX4v7zM/VixhcKtYQbI/AAAAAAAAAV0/kQjYmCMWa2k/s400/Deb%2BBarnes%2Band%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2BLogos.jpg" title="Deb Barnes Christine Michaels cat educators" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb Barnes and Christine Michaels </td></tr>
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Everyone waited in anticipation for Jackson's presentation. For rescuers in the audience, it was more meaningful. He spoke their language. We all speak a little known wordly language. We speak "cat"! Whether it's terms like TNRM, mojo, or reading a cat's body language to better communicate with them, it was uplifting that one of our own, had made it to national television.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FiTXuSpp8A/Vixc7kYyQwI/AAAAAAAAAVc/ILVjgQTT0Sw/s1600/Jackson%2BGalaxy%2Bwith%2BVelouria%2Bby%2BSusan%2BWeingartner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FiTXuSpp8A/Vixc7kYyQwI/AAAAAAAAAVc/ILVjgQTT0Sw/s400/Jackson%2BGalaxy%2Bwith%2BVelouria%2Bby%2BSusan%2BWeingartner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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His overall message was like a thumbs up, an indirect acknowledgment to the mission of Pawsitively Humane and Riverfront Cats that we need to educate people, dog people, proclaimed non-cat people, that cats are not aloof, distant creatures...but wanting of playtime and attention like dogs..." That is exactly what we do! It doesn't matter how many cats or dogs we rescue and find homes for. Until we educate the masses and get them involved, we will never reverse the rate of homeless pets. Education is key!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAshQ-lvLQg/VixiANCsKRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/tQZdTpRCrmA/s1600/Deb%2BBarnes%2BJackson%2BGalaxy%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2BFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deb Barnes Jackson Galaxy Christine Michaels stray cats Miami TNR" border="0" height="291" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAshQ-lvLQg/VixiANCsKRI/AAAAAAAAAV8/tQZdTpRCrmA/s400/Deb%2BBarnes%2BJackson%2BGalaxy%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2BFINAL.jpg" title="Deb Barnes Jackson Galaxy Christine Michaels cat educators" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb Barnes, Jackson Galaxy, Christine Michaels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For Michaels and Barnes, both proponents of TNRM (Trap,
Neuter, Return, Manage) as a humane means to successfully reduce cat
overpopulation, the event was also an opportunity to interact with like-minded
people and to help raise funding and awareness to further the Cat Network’s
efforts in unison with other organizations and resident volunteers to educate the public about the need to sterilize their pets and
community cats.</div>
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The semi-formal event had several hundred guests in
attendance and was held at the Robert and Judi Prokop Newman Alumni Center at
the University of Miami. There was a silent auction for fundraising, showcasing
art, travel, literature, custom designed cat collectibles, and of course
best-selling author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Catification</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cat Daddy, </i>Jackson Galaxy.</div>
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Prior to Jackson being introduced to the crowd by the
event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Bonnie Berman, Co-Host/Producer of Topical
Currents on 91.3 WLRN Public Radio, Cat Network President, Karen Rundquist,
gave a moving tribute of the Cat Network’s growth since its inception in 1995
when the organization was initiated by a handful of women to its current status
of over 2,500 volunteer and donor members. She also told guests that the Cat
Network is working diligently to make South Florida a No-Kill community and that
they have trapped and sterilized over 51,000 stray and abandoned cats and have
adopted out over 7,000 cats since 1995. Remarkable!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOkv4K6NmaI/VixhSljyBgI/AAAAAAAAAVk/W-ZVyUoyGGo/s1600/Audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOkv4K6NmaI/VixhSljyBgI/AAAAAAAAAVk/W-ZVyUoyGGo/s400/Audience.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When Jackson made his way to the podium, he gave a rousing
and inspirational speech to audience members about what they personally could
do to help get more people accepting of cats as good pets so that more of them
are adopted and less of them are in shelters. His solution – by providing the
best "mojo"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>possible for them
so they can live in an environment that lets them establish territorial
ownership along with their pre-wired disposition<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to hunt, catch, kill, and eat (mojo is
defined as walking through the world in the minds-eye of a cat and learning
what it is that motivates them). If those things aren't in place, especially
the ownership aspect, Jackson stated, that “bad things” could happen. He put
cats into three categories, and for him<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>, every cat needs
to be a <b>Mojito cat</b>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qj_VXOa8U0M/VixkRMEwrLI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/3D0c6Wn4Yrk/s1600/Mojo%2BNapoleon%2BWallflower%2BCats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qj_VXOa8U0M/VixkRMEwrLI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/3D0c6Wn4Yrk/s400/Mojo%2BNapoleon%2BWallflower%2BCats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous cats from<a href="http://zeezoey.com/blog/mojito-cats-fundraising-jackson-galaxy-and-more-celebrating-the-20-year-anniversary-of-the-cat-network/#more-15562" target="_blank"> Zee and Zoey</a> clan </td></tr>
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A Mojito cat is defined as the one that has swagger - a cat
that walks boldly into a room with her tail held high with a slight question
mark hook to it. She is a happy cat who is confident in her surroundings.</div>
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The <b>Napoleon or gangster cat</b> is insecure. He needs to prove something
and will puff his chest out a bit in an offensive, aggressive posture. He might
lie down across the doorway of a house to make sure you have to step over him
and he might pee on things because he doesn’t trust his ownership of the
territory. </div>
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Lastly is the <b>Wallflower cat</b>. She is the one that politely
hopes you won’t notice her as she sneaks by to use the litter box. She stays
close to the wall as she walks, and you never see her in the center of the room
because she doesn’t think she is the owner of the territory, nor does she want
trouble with whoever is.</div>
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In order to achieve Mojito status, he shared that a cat
needs a variety of key ingredients – toys to mimic hunt and play behaviors, lots
of vertical space for them to claim as territory, proper diet, veterinary care,
and spay/neuter to help keep the personalities and health in check. When all
those boxes are checked off, the cat becomes confident of the territory they
live in. These are the kinds of cats that break the misleading stereotypes that
cats are too independent and aloof to make good pets and they are also the kind
of cats that are NOT brought to shelters for behavioral problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RHcuok3tmm8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />
It was a lovely evening with vegeterian hors'doevres, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> wine, sparkling flavored water, and classical music. Soothing, contemplative, enjoyable. For cat supporters, our mission is clear--keep on educating those around you.</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Here's to the Cat Network for 20 great years and to 20 more!</span></div>
Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-36826502765823787292015-08-26T23:07:00.002-07:002015-08-27T12:40:55.809-07:00Another Battle Lost for Homeless Pets at County Commission- Aug 26, 2015<i>by Christine Michaels, Founder & President</i><br />
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<i></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybP6BqrkpwQ/Vd6Rp6BHv4I/AAAAAAAAAS4/Dr5gRUvnM4I/s1600/Christine%2Bspeaks%2Bat%2BCounty%2BCommission%2B8-26-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybP6BqrkpwQ/Vd6Rp6BHv4I/AAAAAAAAAS4/Dr5gRUvnM4I/s400/Christine%2Bspeaks%2Bat%2BCounty%2BCommission%2B8-26-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine Michaels speaks to County Commissioners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today I had the opportunity to attend a County Commission hearing, yet again, to vote on increased funding for Animal Services and to speak for two minutes. We had hope for many reasons. One of which--today is National Dog Day. <br />
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To my pleasant surprise, a large group of animal supporters showed up for a start time of 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon at the government center in downtown Miami. Normally there are only 15 people in the audience for these types of meetings. Our supporters filled the seats. There were over 150. It was a sea of red. Red shirts. We were encouraged to wear red to demonstrate our passion, our outrage, and our commitment. However, our agenda item was pushed back and was the last item to be discussed and voted. It was not until 4pm that we had our turn. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgnV5Uxsa-Y/Vd6lL6ZUOGI/AAAAAAAAATU/XM4_qJcq9CY/s1600/Pets%2BTrust%2Baudience%2BCounty%2BCommission%2B8-26-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgnV5Uxsa-Y/Vd6lL6ZUOGI/AAAAAAAAATU/XM4_qJcq9CY/s400/Pets%2BTrust%2Baudience%2BCounty%2BCommission%2B8-26-15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Only four commissioners were present which was disappointing. But it still allowed for a quorum.<br />
The sponsor of the agenda item, Commissioner Xavier Suarez, made initial comments. I was impressed and relieved. He had done his homework and recognized that using one metric to measure a situation that was epidemic levels was grossly deficient. He employed various metrics. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gm23mSAzZ8/Vd6lgWYfPJI/AAAAAAAAATc/j4jMtqdZyT4/s1600/Pets%2BTrust-line%2Bof%2Bsupporters%2Bwaiting%2Bto%2Bspeak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gm23mSAzZ8/Vd6lgWYfPJI/AAAAAAAAATc/j4jMtqdZyT4/s400/Pets%2BTrust-line%2Bof%2Bsupporters%2Bwaiting%2Bto%2Bspeak.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Rosenberg, Founder of Pets Trust, makes his plea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then the audience was permitted to come to the podium to speak (if they signed up in advance). Chairwoman Bell mandated a time limit of 20 minute collectively for everyone to speak. After fifteen advocates made their appeal, I was the last to speak. Given that homeless cats outnumber dogs and our specialty, I will use homeless cats as the main example of this blog post.<br />
<br />
I invited the commissioners to join me after the hearing to see the number of stray cats three blocks away. To see how they live, multiply, survive, suffer...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"How they suffer and die, and many times legs had to be amputated. It's less costly to spay and neuter than amputate a leg of a stray pet, care for them and find them a home." </blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1OGqgpIp4U/Vd8_EUZZOTI/AAAAAAAAAUY/DISqUbiKbZg/s1600/Leroy%2Brecuperating%2Bin%2Bcarrier%2B4-19-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1OGqgpIp4U/Vd8_EUZZOTI/AAAAAAAAAUY/DISqUbiKbZg/s400/Leroy%2Brecuperating%2Bin%2Bcarrier%2B4-19-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leroy is a downtown Miami cat. He disappeared for several days, a bad sign. When he returned both legs had horrific injuries. Fortunately, we were able to save the one leg. Thankfully he was a friendly stray, not feral, that he could transition to indoor life. His siblings and mother all died of horrific accidents near construction sites and FPL plant. For Leroy's complete story, <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2013/04/saving-leroys-legs.html" target="_blank">click here</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What is the correlation between spay/neuter and leg amputations? When a stray cat population burgeons in the absence of TNR or spay/neuter, there are more kittens and cats. The more cats living around busy streets, the more injuries and suffering. I've seen more than my fair share of leg injuries, and leg amputations. Visit our cat website, Riverfront Cats, <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2013/04/saving-leroys-legs.html" target="_blank">for Leroy's story</a>. <br />
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<h3>
VETERINARIANS OPPOSE THE PLAN FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES</h3>
A representative for the South Florida Veterinarian Association opposed the funding. She offered reasons that their partnership with the county for low cost spay/neuter works. We, the experts in the trenches, shook our heads in disbelief. If there are approximately half a million homeless pets in South Florida, 3-5 spay/neuters a day in 30 vet clinics doesn't even begin to make a dent. It's microscopic. Vets are in the practice for a profit. They can not provide high volume spay/neuter. It's simple math. <br />
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Then Commissioners Heyman and Diaz asked Animal Services director Alex Munoz for numbers on intake and killings (aka euthanasia) this year compared to three years ago. Sadly, they had ignored the valuable insight of Commissioner Suarez to employ various metrics. While intake and euthanasia rates are lower, we as volunteers and partners in working with Animal Services, know those numbers are skewed. But even if the numbers were entirely accurate, the two metrics Commissioner Heyman and Diaz relied on do not even begin to show the gravity of the situation. While the problem may be controlled at Animal Services, the cancer IS still growing and spreading throughout the county.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwbfAXzon3s/Vd6q3UwXRzI/AAAAAAAAAT0/YXb-_jpUsys/s1600/Christine%2Bholding%2BGretel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwbfAXzon3s/Vd6q3UwXRzI/AAAAAAAAAT0/YXb-_jpUsys/s400/Christine%2Bholding%2BGretel.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine holding a rescue cat. Feeling deflated but not defeated.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Any rescuer, especially stray cat experts, know the truth. The fact that as we sat there in the commission chambers, the number of stray kittens born and cats dumped, grows EXPONENTIALLY. This is what the opposing commissioners failed to understand. The increased funding is desperately needed. To make a dent and REVERSE the trend, funding for a comprehensive plan is needed. The plan proposed by the Pets Trust called for TNR Teams. Offering low cost and free spay/neuter IS NOT ENOUGH. The critical need is ALSO people to do the <i><b>trapping and transporting the cats to the spay/neuter clinics</b></i>. We need a dedicated team of professional trappers. With $20 million raised by property taxes from the Pets Trust initiative, we could begin to reverse the trend in the first year! Yet Commissioners Heyman and Diaz want to put a band aid on the tumor. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AX9aTNITiY/Vd9CnDW4tJI/AAAAAAAAAUk/GS_b7Ttxqq8/s1600/CANCER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AX9aTNITiY/Vd9CnDW4tJI/AAAAAAAAAUk/GS_b7Ttxqq8/s320/CANCER.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miami Dade County Commissioners' solution to epidemic of homeless pets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As Commissioners Heyman and Diaz continued their questioning to Director Munoz, the hope in our hearts quickly deflated. They had already made up their minds. The overwhelming support and facts by animal welfare volunteers/workers meant nothing. <br />
<br />
I turned to find tears staining the face of Suely, a longtime volunteer in the community. She was devastated. All of us have shed blood, sweat, tears and thousands of our own funds. Our hearts ache for these harmless stray animals. Her heart was broken, as was ours. Self interests won over greater good. Politics won over common sense.<br />
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After commissioners left the chambers, our group huddled and regrouped. We may have lost the battle again, but we were more enraged and motivated. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUw9aJH5Cgo/Vd6l9O5E_jI/AAAAAAAAATk/Wkf2p71iUpg/s1600/Pets%2BTrust%2Bsupporters%2B8-26-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JUw9aJH5Cgo/Vd6l9O5E_jI/AAAAAAAAATk/Wkf2p71iUpg/s400/Pets%2BTrust%2Bsupporters%2B8-26-15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pets Trust supporters with Commissioner Zapata</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is only the beginning. The democratic system in Miami Dade county is not a simple process. Clearly county commissioners hold excessive power when they can overrule a majority vote by residents in a county-wide election.<br />
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<h3>
WRITE TO YOUR COUNTY COMMISSIONER TO INCREASE FUNDS FOR ANIMAL SERVICES or HONOR THE 2012 ELECTION VOTE TO RAISE PROPERTY TAXES (by $25) FOR THE PETS TRUST</h3>
We will continue to educate commissioners, residents, and fight harder. We have to. Pets have no voice. We urge you to join us in keeping the pressure to your county commissioner. <a href="http://www.miamidade.gov/commission/" target="_blank">Click here to find out who is your county commissioner and please write to them via email and physical U.S. postal mail</a>.<br />
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<h3>
FOLLOW OUR FIGHT TO SAVE HOMELESS PETS</h3>
Thank you for taking the time to read this summary. We encourage you to sign up for notifications of this website to keep up with latest news on pet related issues in Miami Dade. We keep it balanced with serious and humorous postings. Fighting or enlightening politicians is a big battle. A the same time, we know pets are an important fabric of society and our daily lives. See the registration box on the right column to sign up. You will notice we do not post daily or weekly so you are not inundated with emails!<br />
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Also, for a history of developments of the Pets Trust, <a href="http://www.pawsitivelyhumane.org/2015/08/pets-trust-miami-chronological-history.html" target="_blank">please click here</a>. <br />
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<h3>
VIEW THE RECORDING OF THE COUNTY COMMISSION SESSION</h3>
The County Commission hearings are streamed live and recorded. <br />
To view the entire proceeding, visit <a href="http://miamidade.gov/wps/portal/Main/webcasting/" target="_blank"> http://miamidade.gov/wps/portal/Main/webcasting/</a> <br />
Select
" Metropolitan Services Committee" for August 26, 2015 and download the
mp4 file.<br />
Drag the cursor towards the end. The Pets Trust was last item
on agenda. <br />
<br />
<br />
NOTE: The $20 million raised by the property tax increase that voters supported for the <a href="http://www.petstrustmiami.com/" target="_blank">Pets Trust </a>initiative, would also include an education program, and better facilities at the local county shelter for the dogs and cats. Homeowners would pay a mere average of $25 a year more in property taxes. <br />
<br />Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-6724142149757491722015-08-26T23:05:00.000-07:002015-08-26T23:14:27.473-07:00Pets Trust Miami-a Chronological HistoryAs animal advocates, caretakers, volunteers and experts, part of responsibility is to educate our elected officials on the reality, the severity of the homeless pet situation in our county. This PAGE will chronologically list the developments surrounding The<a href="http://www.petstrustmiami.com/" target="_blank"> Pets Trust </a>and efforts to reduce the number of stray pets/animals in Miami Dade County. (Pawsitively Humane will herein be referred to as PHI for this posting). <br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<h2>
<b><span style="color: #666666;">August 26, 2015</span> (Miami Dade County, Government Center) </b></h2>
<h2>
<b>Metropolitan Services Committee to vote on resolution for increased budget for Animal Services for the purpose of supporting low-cost spay/neuter programs, Veterinary Care Programs, Education programs regarding Responsible Pet Ownership. </b></h2>
<br />
Today, Founder & President of Pawsitively Humane, Christine Michaels, attended the committee hearing. Shockingly, Commissioner Sally Heyman voted against the increased funding as did Commissioner Diaz. Both were original supporters of the Pets Trust. Commissioner Zapata, at least voted to allow it to discuss at next week's budget meeting. Whether he would vote in favor or not is not known.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pawsitivelyhumane.org/2015/08/another-battle-lost-for-homeless-pets.html" target="_blank">For further details please click here for dedicated PHI blog post on the hearing and the outcome</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article32397012.html" target="_blank">Miami Herald, Editorial Opinon: "The Pets' (dis)Trust? </a> <br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: #666666;">July 22, 2013</span> (Miami Herald Article) </h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2 class="title">
Dreams of a Dade Pets’ Trust dashed at meeting
</h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summary: Last year in a straw vote almost 500,000 citizens agreed to tax
themselves to provide almost $20 million dollars for funding high-volume
sterilization clinics responsible pet-ownership education; grants to
non-profit rescues; increased adoption and fostering. However, in a stunning turn of events, the Miami
Dade County Commissioners decided <b><i>not</i></b> to follow the voter’s choice and
denied the tax implementation. Is this legal? Actually yes. How?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ballot issue was a "non binding straw ballot" which conveys the majority interest of the voters <i>but the county commissioners have the final vote to implement the initiative</i>. </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article1953289.html" target="_blank">Please click here for complete article</a>. <br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: #666666;">June 4, 2013 <span style="color: black;">(NBC 6 News Report)</span></span></h2>
<h2>
Miami Dade County Commission Delays Pets Trust Vote for 2 Weeks</h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Summary: While the majority of residents voted for a property tax increase in the 2012 election, according to the governing laws in Miami Dade County, it is County Commissioners who have the final vote. Commissioners claim certain groups wanted to be heard before the vote and Commissioners delayed the vote to allow the public to air their concerns. </span><br />
<br />
<script charset="UTF-8" src="http://www.nbcmiami.com/portableplayer/?cmsID=210152621&videoID=uIbM0r1A5EHl&origin=nbcmiami.com&sec=news&subsec=local&width=600&height=360" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Miami-Dade-County-Commission-Delays-Pets-Trust-Vote-for-2-Weeks-210090511.html" target="_blank">Please click here for further details</a>. <br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: #666666;">April 4, 2013</span> (Tallahassee, Florida Legislation)</h2>
<h2 class="entry-header entry-title title">
Miami-Dade backed 'Pet Trust' bill stalls in committee after cat fight with NRA</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A bill that would allow local taxpayers to create special
taxing districts for the purpose of spaying and neutering animals stalled in a
House Committee on Thursday, after the National Rifle Association and others
voiced opposition. </blockquote>
<br />
PHI concern: For the NRA (a heavyweight with deep pockets) to bring in a lobbyist on this issue raises red flags. Why would NRA get involved and oppose homeowners to pay a $20 tax increase to prevent suffering and dying of unwanted or stray pets? The reason offered is quite flimsy with no proven history elsewhere in the country. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2013/04/miami-dade-backed-pet-trust-bill-stalls-in-committee-after-cat-fight-with-nra.html" target="_blank">For further details, please click here for Miami Herald article</a>.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: #666666;"> Nov 6, 2012 </span>(Miami Herald article) </h2>
<h2>
Miami-Dade Voters Back the Creation of Pets' Trust </h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">After years of increasing rates of abandoned animals and high euthanasia at the local Animal Services, a VICTORY!!! In a local county election, the initiative to create a Pets' Trust was passed by 65% of voters. This would raise property taxes by an average of $20 to fund programs to reduce the number of homeless pets. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article1944306.html" target="_blank">Please click here for further details</a>. Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-35363846571935708452015-08-05T17:26:00.000-07:002015-08-05T22:42:39.696-07:00A List of Resources to Find Your Lost Pet FAST!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIKMkAh_Gd8/VY1ZSO0DoZI/AAAAAAAAJTY/w2ytb0XWGS8/s1600/missing%2Bpet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIKMkAh_Gd8/VY1ZSO0DoZI/AAAAAAAAJTY/w2ytb0XWGS8/s1600/missing%2Bpet.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Your heart is racing, you get anxious, nervous once your beloved pet goes missing. This uneasy feeling of not knowing how they are doing out there without your care and love increases each day of their absence. However, there is a lot you can do to find your pet! We have a list of suggestions that will help reunite you with your furry friend. <u><b>Most important, ensure your pet is microchipped or tattooed, act fast and be sure you already have recent photos of your pet. </b></u><br />
<ol>
<li><h3>
<b>Create a Lost Pet Poster</b></h3>
</li>
</ol>
You can easily create a poster with Microsoft Word (they already have templates for this) or find templates online. Make sure you include as much information as you can about your pet (any remarkable characteristics) and also your contact information. Print and distribute this flyer around your neighborhood or local businesses. Extra Helpful Tip: Use clear plastic sheet covers and tape the opening seal so they last longer outdoors with sun and rain!<br />
<b></b>
<h3>
<b> </b> 2.<b> Visit Local Shelters </b></h3>
Your pet might have been rescued by a kind Samaritan and taken to a local shelter. Make sure you visit local shelters in your area and file a lost pet report so if they rescue him/her they can easily return him/her to you. <span style="color: red;"><b>Be sure to bring a photo of your pet! Print several copies and flyers. </b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
3. <b>Post Online</b></h3>
The first option is still plausible but in these days, the internet is easier and the faster way to get the word out there about your missing pet.<b> There are many websites dedicated to find lost pets. Here are some we recommend:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.craiglist.com/" target="_blank">Craiglist</a>: </b>You can post your ad for free in the Craigslist website for your city.</li>
<li><b>Local Facebook Groups: </b>This one is one of the most recommended options. People spend a lot of time on Facebook and they are many local Facebook Groups that help find missing pets. We can recommend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missingpetsusa">https://www.facebook.com/missingpetsusa</a></li>
<li><b>Fido Finder: </b>Here you can create a profile and post your missing dog or if you found a dog post the information there to help find the owner. They are available in USA, Canada and UK.</li>
</ul>
<b>Other Resources:</b><br />
<br />
<b>FindFido </b> <a href="http://www.findfido.us/">www.findfido.us</a><br />
<b></b>
<b>Find Toto</b><a href="http://www.findtoto.com/" target="_blank"> www.findtoto.com</a><br />
<b>Lost My Doggie </b><a href="http://www.lostmydoggie.com/">www.lostmydoggie.com</a><br />
<b>Lost My Kittie </b><a href="http://www.lostmykittie.com/">www.lostmykittie.com</a><br />
<b>Missing Pet Network </b><a href="http://www.missingpet.net/">www.missingpet.net</a><br />
<b>PetFinder </b><a href="http://www.petfinder.com/">www.petfinder.com</a><br />
<b>Pet Harbor </b><a href="http://www.petharbor.com/">www.petharbor.com</a><br />
<b>Pets 911 </b><a href="http://www.pets911.com/">www.pets911.com</a><br />
<b>Tabby Tracker </b><a href="http://www.tabbytracker.com/">www.tabbytracker.com</a><b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MOST IMPORTANT: If you haven't already, take lots of photos of your pet! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2ZsaMWTr_0/VcKhfjMZSbI/AAAAAAAAJlM/YcatV5pyEHA/s1600/dog-reunited-with-her-owner-after-almost-two-years-ended-up-collapsing-due-to-excitement.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lost pet " border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2ZsaMWTr_0/VcKhfjMZSbI/AAAAAAAAJlM/YcatV5pyEHA/s320/dog-reunited-with-her-owner-after-almost-two-years-ended-up-collapsing-due-to-excitement.png" title="Dog owner reunited with her dog " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ecstatic dog owner united with lost dog, Casey the Schnauzer </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
We hope these suggestions help you find your pet. Please let us know other recommendations you might have by leaving a comment below. Click on "comment".<br />
<br />
<br />
The video below shows the importance of getting your pet microchipped or <b>tattooed</b> for identification. Even if you have indoor only pet like cats, you never know when they might escape. <br />
<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOTgIwT1cNk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-47112886372337337762015-07-12T17:40:00.000-07:002015-07-12T17:49:21.511-07:00Miami Dade Budget Hearing--Support Pets Trust<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you live in Miami Dade County...</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOgaaqL3gck/VaIHR4o1R8I/AAAAAAAAJZU/RbcMGCe3iv0/s1600/Wear%2BRed.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOgaaqL3gck/VaIHR4o1R8I/AAAAAAAAJZU/RbcMGCe3iv0/s400/Wear%2BRed.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="yiv2438028192MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23585">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23584" style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23554">At commission meeting the budget millage will be discussed and set.
When we voted on the Pets’ Trust, almost 500,000 people said yes to a
millage of <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;">0.1079
mills for our animals, <i><b>which translates to an average of $15 a year
for each homeowner.</b></i> Because of rising home values and so many new
properties being built, the coffers are overflowing with money this
year. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2438028192MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23553">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;"><b>If
you recall, 65% of voters said yes to paying a little more in taxes for
a great benefit. Shockingly and tragically, the vote was never honored
by the mayor and local officials. <a href="http://at%20this%20commission%20meeting%20the%20budget%20millage%20will%20be%20discussed%20and%20set.%20%20%20when%20we%20voted%20on%20the%20pets%e2%80%99%20trust,%20almost%20500,000%20people%20said%20yes%20to%20a%20millage%20of%200.1079%20mills%20for%20our%20animals,%20%20which%20translates%20to%20an%20average%20of%20$15%20a%20year%20for%20each%20homeowner.%20%20%20because%20of%20rising%20home%20values%20and%20so%20many%20new%20properties%20being%20built,%20the%20coffers%20are%20overflowing%20with%20money%20this%20year.%20%20%20we%20will%20be%20asking%20that%20the%20commissioner%20set%20aside%20a%20dedicated%20fund%20of%200.1079%20mills%20for%20animal%20programs%20as%20the%20people%20voted.%20we%20will%20be%20asking%20the%20commissioner%20to%20honor%20our%20votes.%20%20in%20our%20country,%20we%20the%20people%20tell%20officials%20what%20we%20want...via%20our%20votes...something%20we%20have%20been%20doing%20for%20over%20200%20years.%20%20%20elected%20officials%20work%20for%20us%20and%20it%20is%20their%20job,%20their%20duty..to%20listen%20to%20the%20people.%20%20%20%20%20%20they%20have%20not%20done%20that.%20%20the%20community%20understood%20the%20message%20and%2065%%20voted%20to%20save%20our%20animals,%20and%20were%20willing%20to%20pay%20for%20it.%20%20the%20commissioners%20said%20we%20didn%e2%80%99t%20know%20what%20we%20were%20voting%20for.%20%20if%20you%20%28and%20i%20don%e2%80%99t%20mean%20you%20christine%29%20are%20okay%20with%20that...stay%20home.%20%20if%20not,%20then%20come%20and%20fight%20for%20our%20democracy./" target="_blank">Democracy failed</a>. Yes in Miami, Florida, United States democracy failed in clear transparency. </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2438028192MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23553">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2438028192MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23553">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;">Citizens,
voters, and taxpayers will be attending the commission meeting to show
our concern and continued support for the initiatives of the Pet's
Trust. We will be asking that the commissioner set aside a dedicated
fund of 0.1079 mills for animal programs as the people voted. We will be
asking the commissioner to honor our votes. In our country, we the
people tell officials what we want, via our votes, something we have
been doing for over 200 years. Elected officials work for us and it is
their job, their duty to listen to the people. </span></span></span></div>
<br/>
<div class="yiv2438028192MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23553">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;">WHAT: County Commission Meeting to set the budget</span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2438028192MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23553">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;">WHERE: </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Downtown Government Center, 101 NW 1st St. Miami, FL 33128</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;">WHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 9:30am</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1436672265876_23552" style="color: black;">WEAR: Please wear Red shirt to show support!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-18354555106129324242015-06-27T16:00:00.000-07:002015-07-11T21:13:13.049-07:00Verdict for Vet Kristen Lindsey who Killed Cat with Bow and Arrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y-D4ccxVc8/VZHKBR4Z_lI/AAAAAAAAAPY/rYGCo9yEciQ/s1600/Kristen%2BLindsey-%2BFB%2Bphoto%2Bcaption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y-D4ccxVc8/VZHKBR4Z_lI/AAAAAAAAAPY/rYGCo9yEciQ/s320/Kristen%2BLindsey-%2BFB%2Bphoto%2Bcaption.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
In April of this year, veterinarian Kristen Lindsey (age 31) boasted about killing a local tomcat with a bow and arrow. She didn't just brag to friends, she blasted her triumph on Facebook (an image we do not feel comfortable in posting but you can easily find online). Even more disturbing was an accolade she received. Her caption on Facebook read,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“My first bow kill (cat smiley face) lol. The only good feral tomcat is
one with an arrow through it’s head! Vet of the year award…gladly
accepted.”</blockquote>
<br />
The news spread virally nationwide. In reading the Facebook post, despite if the photo was doctored or not, it would appear that practicing archery for fun was the real purpose and the tomcat was the intended target. Later we learned Lindsey claimed to have used the bow and arrow to defend her pet from a potentially rabid stray cat.<br />
<br />
Pet lovers and animal welfare caregivers were shocked and disgusted. But it gets worse. The arrogance of Lindsey went further. Before the deluge of comments and her deleting her Facebook page, Lindsey posted:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUUeogsKIPc/VZHXcRoLJRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/mLxI0yJBKxc/s1600/Kristen%2BLindsey%2Bsays%2Bshe%2Bwasn%2527t%2Bfired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUUeogsKIPc/VZHXcRoLJRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/mLxI0yJBKxc/s320/Kristen%2BLindsey%2Bsays%2Bshe%2Bwasn%2527t%2Bfired.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
It turns out the orange and white cat was not a stray but a pet cat named Tiger who went missing at the same time frame Lindsey killed the tomcat!! He belonged to an elderly couple.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ5UNFhMZFE/VZreZEx9IjI/AAAAAAAAARg/F5KtHJQb7Nw/s1600/tiger-outside.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ5UNFhMZFE/VZreZEx9IjI/AAAAAAAAARg/F5KtHJQb7Nw/s1600/tiger-outside.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Charges were filed and the investigation began. Unfortunately<a href="http://“My first bow kill (cat smiley face) lol. The only good feral tomcat is one with an arrow through it’s head! Vet of the year award…gladly accepted.”" target="_blank"> we learned today</a> that a grand jury failed to indict Lindsey because there was insufficient proof she committed the crime. In the animal welfare/rescue world, we face this regularly, the lack of proof of the intent of animal cruelty.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
This news was devastating to us as Pawsitively Humane specializes in stray and feral cats through our effort at <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/" target="_blank">Riverfront Cats</a>. Clearly the District Attorney's office failed to conduct a proper investigation. Foremost the DA never once consulted the AVMA (American Veterinarian Medical Association) for a clear understanding of its <i>Guidelines for Euthanasia of Animal 2013 Edition</i>. <a href="http://atwork.avma.org/2015/06/27/euthanasia-and-cats-an-arrow-a-captive-bolt-gun-and-gunshot-are-not-the-same/?utm_source=home-rotator&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=gen" target="_blank">The AVMA states this in their statement of June 27, 2015</a>. A bow and arrow are <i><b>not</b></i> equivalent methods to other standards used by AVMA. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>While Lindsey may not serve jail time or pay any fines,</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b> she could still lose her veterinarian license--with your help!</b></span></span></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HOW YOU CAN HELP </b></span><br />
<br />
1- Let's first acknowledge, pay our respects, and follow the Facebook pages dedicated to Tiger.<br />
One is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForTigersHumans" target="_blank"><b><span class="entity _4v1s" data-fulltext="Justice For " Tiger " The Cat Murdered By Kristen Lindsey" data-group="all" data-icon="null" data-select="group" data-si="true" data-text="Justice For " Tiger " The Cat Murdered By Kristen Lindsey" data-type="ent:page" data-uid="415430005305233">Justice For " Tiger " The Cat Murdered By Kristen Lindsey</span></b></a><span data-si="true"> (24k followers)</span><br />
<span data-si="true">Another is <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Remembering-Tiger/369833109877538" target="_blank">Remembering Tiger</a></b> (9k followers as of June 29, 2015)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ql5MaQGD_I4/VZHDevQCiQI/AAAAAAAAAPA/lj3an8McmPQ/s1600/Justice%2Bfor%2BTiger%2Bimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ql5MaQGD_I4/VZHDevQCiQI/AAAAAAAAAPA/lj3an8McmPQ/s400/Justice%2Bfor%2BTiger%2Bimage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>2- Use <b>#JusticeforTiger</b> in all your social media postings. We urge you to remain polite. Passionate but polite. Feel free to use the image above!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7066548608335734306" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>3- Please write to the <a href="http://www.veterinary.texas.gov/contact.php" target="_blank">Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners</a> and share your support and logic to revoke the veterinarian license of Kristen Lindsey. Or if you can spare the time, please send them a written letter and send certified mail. This may motivate them to reply and it adds urgency and legally becomes a record, unlike posting a comment on their page that is one way medium with no proof that you ever wrote your comments. <b><span style="color: red;">As of July 2, 2015, Kristen Erin Lindsey's license was ACTIVE and in good standing. See below.</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmTPKonhXsY/VZrlNlviaVI/AAAAAAAAASk/U8XCzYGZSro/s1600/texas-sbvme.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmTPKonhXsY/VZrlNlviaVI/AAAAAAAAASk/U8XCzYGZSro/s640/texas-sbvme.png" width="570" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>TEXAS STATE BOARD VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS</b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Physical & Mailing Address:</b>
333 Guadalupe Street<br />
Suite 3-
810<br />
Austin, Texas 78701<br />
<table style="width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 188px;"><b>Main Phone</b></td>
<td>512-305-7555</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 188px;"><b>Main Fax</b></td>
<td>512-305-7556</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 188px;"><b>Enforcement
Fax</b></td>
<td>512-936-0870</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 188px;"><b>HR/Legal
Fax</b></td>
<td>512-305-7574</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 188px;"><b>Agency
Email</b></td>
<td>vet.board@veterinary.texas.gov</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Department Contact Information:<br /> Executive:<br /> </b>
Nicole Oria<br />
Executive Director<br />
<br />
Loris Jones<br />
Executive Assistant/Public Information Officer<br />
<a href="mailto:loris@veterinary.texas.gov">
loris@veterinary.texas.gov</a><br />
(512) 305-7563<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>WE MAY HAVE LOST THE BATTLE but the WAR IS ONLY BEGINNING</b></h3>
If you are a long-time follower of ours, then you'll recall the incident with the <b>Loews hotel chain</b>. (See below for all related links). After years of having a MODEL TNRM program at NO COST to the Orlando hotel, one new Operations Director decided he did not want harmless, colony cats on the expansive grounds. Riverfront Cats exposed the story that even USA Today Online retweeted the alarming news. It made national news. Therefore, the executive office and the Tisch family were well aware of the headline news. Yet the company repeatedly refused to sit down with experts to have a rational, civil discussion. The decision was made for Loews Hotel to trap all 20+ cats and send them to the Orange County Animal Shelter where normally they are euthanized.<br />
<br />
Despite a PEACEFUL protest organized by Alley Cat Allies and hundreds of protesters outside the Loews Portofino Bay hotel in Orlando, the media failed to do any homework on the evolving science and SUCCESS of TNRM programs and therefore no balanced reporting came from their broadcast of the escalating situation. Animal welfare advocates may have lost the battle but the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaveLoewsCats?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Facebook page exists,</a> receiving daily hits and new followers. Residents, travelers and potential clients of Loews Hotel are learning of this ugly truth. This is only the beginning in improving the welfare of community cats. <br />
<br />
<b>After the tragic death of Tiger by Dr. Kristin Lindsey, the silver lining in the face of darkness is that the issue of inhumanely killing stray or feral cats is propelled to national attention again. It is now considered a <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/01/fbi-animal-cruelty-felony_n_5913364.html" target="_blank">top-tier felony by the FBI</a>. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>It is our hope that education about humane welfare of stray, feral, community cats is gained through positive mediums and not through senseless killings making national news. Please continue to follow this blog and our nonprofit organization and learn of simple ways to share facts and enlighten those around you. You are the voice for voiceless pets.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/01/loews-loathes-pets.html" target="_blank">Loews Hotel Loathes Cats</a> (the story breaks)<br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/01/loews-hates-pet-cats-more-links-to.html" target="_blank">Loews Hotel Hates their own Cats</a> (the story develops)<br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/01/mainstreaming-of-feral-cat.html" target="_blank">Mainstreaming of a Feral Cat</a> (Deb Barnes interviews Christine Michaels about the Loews Hotel Cats, Video One)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/03/urgent-update-loews-orlando-hotels.html" target="_blank">Loews Orlando Hotel Sets Traps to Euthanize Cats</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/04/loews-orlando-hotels-begin-inhumane.html" target="_blank">Loews Hotel Begins Inhumane Trapping of Loews Cats</a><br />
<a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/steve-dales-pet-world/2012/04/loews-loathes-cats/" target="_blank">Steve Dale Reports on Loews Loathes Cats</a> (reputable pet educators nationwide report on the escalating issue). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/04/protest-against-loews-universal-orlando.html" target="_blank">The Protest Against Loews Hotel </a><br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/04/earth-day-harsh-reminder-irony-in-loews.html" target="_blank">Earth Day a Harsh Reminder, the Irony in Loews Hotel Artwork</a><br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/05/more-lies-from-loews-hotels.html" target="_blank">Why Won't Loews Hotel Tell the Truth</a><br />
<a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2012/05/death-of-common-sense-and-cats.html" target="_blank">The Death of Common Sense and Cats</a><br />
<br />
<br />
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ <br />
<br />Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-23670027664439625442015-06-08T22:00:00.000-07:002015-06-30T08:03:55.691-07:00BlogPaws Nashville, 2015<i>by Christine Michaels</i><br />
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<br />
How would you like to participate in a conference where you can bring your pet, stay in a hotel with your pet, attend a seminar with your pet, and bring your pet to all meals INSIDE a carpeted dining room. Is it possible? It is at <a href="http://www.blogpaws.com/">BlogPaws</a>!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1xTAOIgjlc/VY22SYv9f1I/AAAAAAAAAKo/0DKND9Thjv8/s1600/Dog%2Bgreen%2Bshirt%2Band%2Bcowboy%2Bhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G1xTAOIgjlc/VY22SYv9f1I/AAAAAAAAAKo/0DKND9Thjv8/s400/Dog%2Bgreen%2Bshirt%2Band%2Bcowboy%2Bhat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many dogs at Blog Paws.
<br />
Hey, that shirt and hat color look familiar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Board member<a href="http://www.zeezoey.com/blog" target="_blank"> Deb Barnes</a> and I returned from the annual<a href="http://www.blogpaws.com/" target="_blank"> BlogPaws</a>*, a social media conference for pet bloggers where it's all about pets- dogs, cats, ferrets, pigs and you can bring your pets.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsfWwerrfRg/VYuEBX02aqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/4R78rIEjZiQ/s1600/Deb%2Band%2BChristine%2Bnormal-2%2BSpecial%2BEffects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cool cat ladies" border="0" height="374" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsfWwerrfRg/VYuEBX02aqI/AAAAAAAAAG8/4R78rIEjZiQ/s400/Deb%2Band%2BChristine%2Bnormal-2%2BSpecial%2BEffects.jpg" title="Deb Barnes and Christine Michaels are cool cats" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Cat Ladies descend at BlogPaws <br />
Deb Barnes & Christine Michaels</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The theme was obvious--cowboy hats and boots to honor the country music history in Nashville, TN. Or the usual blue and purple hair. Why not?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTcA0DLtUf8/VYeavwavkPI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/utyTAd83nIw/s1600/Collage%2Bpets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pet blogging conference" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kTcA0DLtUf8/VYeavwavkPI/AAAAAAAAJSQ/utyTAd83nIw/s400/Collage%2Bpets.jpg" title="Dogs, cats, pigs and more pets at BlogPaws" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While we didn't bring our pets, Deb and I took full advantage of the
other highlights--attending sessions, networking with brands, catching
up with fellow bloggers/friends and learning about the host city. We work hard on our blogs, a part-time hobby or paying job for some. So this is a time to continue learning, mingle, let loose and have fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KuQPLSNzNw/VYjeUfcdD7I/AAAAAAAAAFg/IOAZ64Q-i_c/s1600/Bernard%2Band%2BChristine-BlogPaws%2B2015%2BNashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miami city folks go country in Nashville" border="0" height="363" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KuQPLSNzNw/VYjeUfcdD7I/AAAAAAAAAFg/IOAZ64Q-i_c/s400/Bernard%2Band%2BChristine-BlogPaws%2B2015%2BNashville.jpg" title="Bernard Lima-Shaw and Christine Michaels fashionistas" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernard Lima-Shaw and Christine Michaels get into the spirit with their Cowboy hats a la Miami style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
From the moment I step into the lobby, each year I'm consistently greeted by a dog. This year it was Rocco. Given the growing popularity of BlogPaws, it seems more dogs were in attendance this year and so we were surrounded by dogs everywhere all the time--lobby, hotel corridor, in seminars, at mealtime and awards ceremony! I sure hope this is what heaven looks like. As most of us rescuers say, "we would rather be with pets than people, so send us to pet heaven"!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUlwsm10MfU/VYesIQiEcfI/AAAAAAAAJSo/cbju_ndPq9g/s1600/Dogs%2Bgreet%2Beachother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUlwsm10MfU/VYesIQiEcfI/AAAAAAAAJSo/cbju_ndPq9g/s400/Dogs%2Bgreet%2Beachother.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs meet and greet each other at BlogPaws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But I found myself sitting on the ground half the time. For a getaway trip I realized, this is what I do back home--sitting on gravel lots or brick pavers feeding and caring for the Riverfront Cats! At least this time I'm sitting on carpet inside air conditioned room. So I created this cute short video to prove it. [In the spirit of the Nashville setting, the music is by country singers, Florida Georgia Line "This is How We Roll"]<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6UR45pIBoE4" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Other Pets in Attendance</b><br />
While a majority of pets were dogs, attendees were also treated to the presence of cats, ferrets, micropigs and a rat. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScWYQLiQMjg/VY3gFzCFkPI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Kww6avKw6Os/s1600/Coco%2BFrench%2BBeret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScWYQLiQMjg/VY3gFzCFkPI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Kww6avKw6Os/s400/Coco%2BFrench%2BBeret.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous <a href="http://www.cococouturecat.com/" target="_blank">Coco, the Couture Cat</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ-Zl4tbS2o/VY3hIpJZFrI/AAAAAAAAANc/Is6_3Myr-K4/s1600/Summer%2Bthe%2Bcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ-Zl4tbS2o/VY3hIpJZFrI/AAAAAAAAANc/Is6_3Myr-K4/s400/Summer%2Bthe%2Bcat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sparklecat.com/" target="_blank">Summer, the designer cat</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My fascination with micro pigs started last summer when I discovered via social media a place in Bahamas where you can swim with the pigs! If I can combine my passion of pool and pigs --I'm in water heaven! So when Priscilla and Poppleton (aka Prissy and Pop) rolled in, heads turned. I shrieked when I saw Prissy was wearing a hot pink cowboy hat! Great fashionistas dress alike...I swear this was not planned.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5kjBNMKf3g/VYyKGmqamqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/yggnrXFshck/s1600/Christine%2Band%2Bpigs%2BBEST-PHI%2Bsofter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5kjBNMKf3g/VYyKGmqamqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/yggnrXFshck/s400/Christine%2Band%2Bpigs%2BBEST-PHI%2Bsofter.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I should have known Prissy was a Florida gal --from Jacksonville!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At last year's conference the capybara stole the show. But just when I thought what could top these adorable piggies, I met Everett--the pet rat! Looks like a gerbil or hamster but when Aby turned him around--the tail tells all! Eek. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6E-qIMOayc/VYi4J9VbTRI/AAAAAAAAAE0/bCnwul6vnco/s1600/Rat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H6E-qIMOayc/VYi4J9VbTRI/AAAAAAAAAE0/bCnwul6vnco/s320/Rat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Everett, a pet rat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And after many attendees drove two days with their pets or traveled by plane and faced delays, awaiting us that evening was the Good Humor Ice Cream man and truck. Way to go BlogPaws!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aa5ajadQNF0/VYjgpROQZzI/AAAAAAAAAFs/hvWecoDAq20/s1600/Christine%2Band%2BGood%2BHumor%2Bman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aa5ajadQNF0/VYjgpROQZzI/AAAAAAAAAFs/hvWecoDAq20/s400/Christine%2Band%2BGood%2BHumor%2Bman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great "pick me up" after preparing for trip, packing and traveling all day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dusty Rainbolt and Good Humor Ice Cream" border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wdO4uP-mIr8/VZCacVsTh-I/AAAAAAAAAOM/WyofwEiQVtw/s400/Dusty%2Band%2BGood%2BHumor%2BIce%2BCream%2Bman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Good Humor Ice Cream" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dustycatwriter.com/nv_dusty/" target="_blank">Dusty Rainbol</a>t shows it's a Happy Hour with wine and ice cream!</td></tr>
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Got down with the dogs, cats, pigs and rats, ate ice cream, drank wine...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well now it's time to <i><b>get down to business</b></i>...</span><br />
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<h3>
<b>KEYNOTE SPEAKER, PETER SHANKMAN</b></h3>
To set the tone and ignite the conference, BlogPaws soared to new heights in presenting the electrifying and comical Peter Shankman, founder of <a href="http://www.helpareporter.com/" target="_blank">HARO</a> (Help A Reporter Out) as the keynote speaker. The idea behind HARO is brilliant--a service that connects writers/journalists to news sources for their expertise. It was evident, given his success, that Peter understands the converging trends of technology, marketing and news and offered tips in preparing for it to stay ahead of the curve. More importantly, he is also a cat man. Any man confident enough to wear cat ears for photo opps is a hero, Super Cat Man! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri and Coco on left, Deb Barnes top right, Chloe and Yvonne DiVita on bottom right</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zwPjUjqwUU/VYyPrrIY4SI/AAAAAAAAAIA/-xQPBfqX0dc/s1600/Peter%2BShankman%2Band%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2Bcopyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Peter Shankman" border="0" height="395" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zwPjUjqwUU/VYyPrrIY4SI/AAAAAAAAAIA/-xQPBfqX0dc/s400/Peter%2BShankman%2Band%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2Bcopyright.jpg" title="Peter Shankman and Sexy Cat Lady" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Shankman and Christine Michaels</td></tr>
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<h3>
<b>SESSIONS / NAPTIME</b></h3>
Yes despite all the socializing, networking and other fun, we do learn a lot. The attendees learn techniques to improve the design, presentation, flow, content, reach and exposure of their blog. Even though I've been blogging for six years now, I took a basic session as a refresher and now have graduated to the advanced sessions. Both were very helpful. Social media is constantly changing, evolving, especially Google. It's important to keep up to date.<br />
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Most presenters were not only very knowledgeable but witty too. Never a dull moment at BlogPaws. An advantage of this conference is that presenter's share their contact information so you can followup with those burning questions. I'll be putting that to the test soon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No hiding in a crowd with this hat. </td></tr>
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At the seminar (pictured above), for basic SEO, the presenter challenged us to ask questions, difficult questions. He hadn't receive a question he couldn't answer. Was there anyone who could stump him? If so, there was a prize. Well sure enough, I did ask THE question and he admitted he couldn't answer with certainty! Aaah Bill Shroeder, I'm still waiting for that prize!!!<br />
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While attendees were awake, alert and focused on the presenter (lots of wonderful espresso and coffee breaks help too), of course all the pets used the seminars as nap time. Can you imagine bringing your pet to work everyday? What a benefit. Thankfully I work from home when not in meetings or visiting with clients that I am blessed to have them surround me, and chew up my paperwork, and walk across my keyboard and delete what's on my screen...like having kids. But easier. <br />
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<b>EXHIBIT HALL</b></h3>
Next, the Exhibit hall with pet brands and vendors. I felt like a kid at a new toy store, strolling down the aisles, scanning the new pet products, toys, food, treats. One has to be careful. Some dog treats look like human food, good enough to eat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-py0FWOJcr9I/VYuKhan9nLI/AAAAAAAAAHU/xZ6ZfS1acmk/s1600/Steve%2BDale%252C%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2BVita%2BBone-%2BGOOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Steve Dale representing Vita Bone" border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-py0FWOJcr9I/VYuKhan9nLI/AAAAAAAAAHU/xZ6ZfS1acmk/s400/Steve%2BDale%252C%2BChristine%2BMichaels%2BVita%2BBone-%2BGOOD.jpg" title="Steve Dale and Christine Michaels BlogPaws" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pet radio syndicate and columnist Steve Dale promoting Vita Bone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb Barnes talking with rep from Lucy Pet Foundation<b><br /></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A benefit is the opportunity to ask questions directly to the company reps. <br />
Bloggers then turn around and share this information with their readers. <b><br /></b></td></tr>
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<b>RED CARPET</b></h3>
The final night is a chance to dress up, walk the red carpet, and enjoy a fine dinner before the Award Ceremony. Remember no restrictions for pets at this conference so they also walked the red carpet and drank doggie cocktails at the Yappy Hour. Thank you <a href="http://www.petparents.com/products.aspx/index/seresto?WHGRedir=1" target="_blank">Seresto</a> for your sponsorship! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxPD6XpQeW8/VYyUjoxrRII/AAAAAAAAAIY/DXbslAvQStw/s1600/Christina%2Bcattitude-%2BCattitude%2BCROPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxPD6XpQeW8/VYyUjoxrRII/AAAAAAAAAIY/DXbslAvQStw/s400/Christina%2Bcattitude-%2BCattitude%2BCROPPED.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina demonstrates cattitude!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppleton allows one-on-one time with a fan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A black cat on red carpet--now I'm feeling lucky! <br />
(Shawn Simons and Kissy the cat)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRk0XdcKcj0/VYzZYVbx6sI/AAAAAAAAAJM/zU9RyDrheVE/s1600/Deb%2Band%2Bme-Red%2BCarpet%2B1%2BCROPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRk0XdcKcj0/VYzZYVbx6sI/AAAAAAAAAJM/zU9RyDrheVE/s400/Deb%2Band%2Bme-Red%2BCarpet%2B1%2BCROPPED.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine Michaels and Deb Barnes walk the red carpet. Both are nominees for Awards</td></tr>
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<b>NOSE TO NOSE AWARD CEREMONY</b></h3>
This year's ceremony was hosted by Dr. Tiffany and Nashville resident and pet radio host Harrison Forbes. This year there were <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/past-events/2015-conference/2015-nose-nose-awards/announcing-the-blogpaws-2015-nose-to-nose-award-finalists/" target="_blank">12 categories </a>from best blog post to most humorous blog to best nonprofit. <br />
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Fans cheered us on in the forms of applause, barks, meows, and whatever noises ferrets and rats make. Below is a German Shepherd sitting on the dining room chair. All pets were extremely well behaved. It's obvious these pets are used to traveling, and socializing with humans in human settings. At my table sat Everett the pet rat!</div>
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Deb Barnes and I were each nominated for an award. Deb is fortunate to have won prior awards. While I was nominated for two awards last year, I had yet to win. Until tonight. Kissy the black cat did bring me luck!!! <a href="http://www.riverfrontcats.com/2015/06/riverfront-cats-receives-its-first-award.html" target="_blank">To read the complete review click here</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2wLk_HbVoc/VYzmGrR53bI/AAAAAAAAAKM/i77VFTDQ0wM/s1600/Christine%2Bholding%2Baward%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2wLk_HbVoc/VYzmGrR53bI/AAAAAAAAAKM/i77VFTDQ0wM/s400/Christine%2Bholding%2Baward%2Bcropped.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Award: Best use of Social Media by a 501(c)3</td></tr>
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I am extremely honored to join the ranks of these talented bloggers that brilliantly use the stroke of a keyboard, words and social media to raise awareness about all pet related issues. From health to toys/products to humor. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m6cyFtOZk8/VYzma5F-ozI/AAAAAAAAAKU/pBpJQs7vzr0/s1600/Winners%2Bon%2Bstage-%2BFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m6cyFtOZk8/VYzma5F-ozI/AAAAAAAAAKU/pBpJQs7vzr0/s640/Winners%2Bon%2Bstage-%2BFINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congrats to all the winners!</td></tr>
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Thank you to all the <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/past-events/2015-conference/sponsors/" target="_blank">Sponsors</a>.<br />
Thank you to all pet bloggers for your dedication, cooperation and love.<br />
Thank you BlogPaws for another great conference. <br />
Thank you ALL for making this the best online pet blogging community.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ofXTwFDN9I/VY2-_N1KXwI/AAAAAAAAAK4/L4yrhdb7zfM/s1600/Black%2Bdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ofXTwFDN9I/VY2-_N1KXwI/AAAAAAAAAK4/L4yrhdb7zfM/s400/Black%2Bdog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"See you all at next year's BlogPaws in Phoenix"</td></tr>
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Coming soon, my review of BlogPaws (with more photos and stories) at Riverfront Cats and my personal blog.<br />
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Photos by Christine Michaels and bybecka.com. Permission required to use.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Pawsitively Humane, Inc. (and Riverfront Cats) is a 501c(3). This trip was financed with personal funding. </span>Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-57027052092245694642015-02-28T06:53:00.002-08:002015-03-01T18:18:11.284-08:00A Surfing Cat in Australia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is a clip that's going to get a smile out of you. 12 dogs and wait.. a cat enjoying fun times at the beach. Yes, you read that right, A CAT on the beach. This amazing kitty surfs (as you can see in the photo above) and swims with his buddies as part of the gang.<br />
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Cats are smart, agile and beautiful creatures who can do anything, don't believe it? Check what this adventurous kitty can do in the clip below.<br />
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<br />Blog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-32164726596627509302015-01-31T19:14:00.001-08:002015-03-01T18:16:37.421-08:00Protect Florida's Bears. Stop the Trophy Hunt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj7l8-xNEA8/VM0qbSbLF-I/AAAAAAAAIgU/8cNmhmzK-oo/s1600/Florida%2BBear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj7l8-xNEA8/VM0qbSbLF-I/AAAAAAAAIgU/8cNmhmzK-oo/s1600/Florida%2BBear.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, if you didn't know, Florida is home for The Florida Black Bear (the only kind that lives in the state). They are subspecies of the American Black Bear. The large black-furred bears live mainly in forested areas and have seen recent habitat reduction throughout the state. On June 27, 2012 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) delisted the Florida Black Bear from the state threatened species list. Successful conservation of the Florida black bear was confirmed by the FWC’s 2011 Biological Status Review, which reported the bear to be no longer at high risk of extinction.<br />
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For this reason, for the first time in 20 years the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will consider allowing a bear hunt in Florida. And that's why these defenseless creatures need your help; they don't have a voice to say no, but WE DO!.<br />
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<b>HOW YOU CAN HELP</b><br />
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The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) is hosting a peaceful protest outside of the FWC meeting. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1568110746740033/" target="_blank">here</a> to check the Facebook event for this protest.<br />
<b>Protest day and time</b>: Wednesday, February 4 from 8:00am to 9:00am.<br />
<b>Location:</b> Hyatt Regency, 225 E. Coastline Drive, Jacksonville (<a href="http://m1e.net/c?126524098-33YgD7PIsTCiU%40245883154-rCqZxqst39jIg" target="_blank">directions</a>); They will gather outside the front entrance, on the riverfront.<br />
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The FWC meeting is open to the public. Following the protest, you can attend the meeting and speak against reopening bear hunting (if you don't wish to speak, you can fill out a comment card).<br />
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<b><i>Can’t make it to the demonstration? You can still help!</i></b><br />
Please call the FWC at (850) 488-4676 and let them know that you are opposed to reopening a hunt on Florida's black bear. It's very easy and it only takes a couple of minutes because they are taking comments from the public and have a staff dedicated to this (no long hours on hold).<br />
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We might still have a chance to protect The Florida Black Bear. Although bear numbers have grown, hunting will threaten a still-recovering population. Without significant opposition, hunting could begin as early as this Fall.<br />
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For more information on The American Rights Foundation of Florida and this protest, please visit their website <a href="http://www.arff.org/">www.arff.org</a>.<br />
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<br />Blog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-50300944996577771362015-01-31T19:11:00.000-08:002015-01-31T19:11:34.424-08:00The Lucy Bowl Pet Commercial--See it here first!<br />
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See it here first BEFORE it's aired on SuperBowl Sunday. It's a powerful message. <br />
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Pawsitively Humane, Inc. is on the forefront of this issue involved in ALL aspects of reversing epidemic of homeless pets--just like our missions states. Feel free to make a donation of any amount to help us continue our efforts.
Pawsitively Humanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01694473773610087864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-69005411260161391032015-01-21T15:56:00.000-08:002015-01-21T15:56:37.043-08:00Paralyzed Dog Can Walk Again Thanks to New Laser Treatment<div style="text-align: left;">
<script src="http://www.kaltura.com/p/557781/sp/55778100/embedIframeJs/uiconf_id/12411322/partner_id/557781" type="text/javascript"></script><object allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" data="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_4jy9v5nu/uiconf_id/12411322" height="345" id="kaltura_player_1421773440" name="kaltura_player_1421773440" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/1_4jy9v5nu/uiconf_id/12411322"/><param name="flashVars" value=""/><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com">video platform</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_management">video management</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/solutions/video_solution">video solutions</a><a href="http://corp.kaltura.com/video_platform/video_publishing">video player</a></object>
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Here is one of those stories that uplift us and give us hope! A terrier-mix dog, rescued by The Miami-Dade County Animal Services, can thank the advancement in medical technology the fact that she is able to move and walk again after being hit by a car.</div>
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The dog was facing the danger of being put down due to the accident. She was hit by a car which affected her neck and head and left her with paralysis; her case was thought to be hopeless.</div>
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However, she was pulled from the shelter by a local non-profit, immediately named Jaycee to give her an identity, and taken to local nonprofit veterinarian, the Animal Welfare Society. The Society used laser treatments to to fix her paralysis. It worked! As seen in the video above, the dog feels nothing but the invisible laser regenerates cells and stimulates movement. The marvels of modern technology.</div>
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So is this treatment readily available? The Cold Laser machine used for this treatment can cost up to US$25,000.00 but the Animal Welfare Society received this life-saving equipment thanks to a very kind donation. However, as the news report states, the treatments can cost $10 for each session. Keep in mind, AWS is a low cost veterinarian. We checked with a few local veterinarians and learned that many do not have it including Miami Veterinary Specialists. But now you know to ask for this machine in the unlikely event your beloved pet is in an accident.<br />
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Thanks to this amazing machine Jaycee was able to sit, stand and finally walk within a month of being treated. She is definitely a miracle dog!<br />
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If you would like to find out more about The Animal Welfare Society (in Miami) and these low cost laser treatments, please visit their website <a href="http://www.awsfl.com/">www.awsfl.com</a>.<br />
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Blog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-45979237662981583082014-12-02T09:19:00.003-08:002014-12-02T09:21:23.949-08:00#GivingTuesday <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9Z0VCskLow/VH3y8sKpUkI/AAAAAAAAIak/mFoyp3N8ynw/s1600/head%2Bof%2BDalmation%2Bwith%2Bwhite%2Bkitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9Z0VCskLow/VH3y8sKpUkI/AAAAAAAAIak/mFoyp3N8ynw/s1600/head%2Bof%2BDalmation%2Bwith%2Bwhite%2Bkitten.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dear Animal lover & advocate,<br />
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There is a day of Thanksgiving, two days for getting Deals (Black
Friday and Cyber Monday). Now there is a global day dedicated to giving
back. #<b>GivingTuesday</b>.<br />
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This is our first year participating as we have chosen this to be the
one time in the year to make our appeal and offer you insight as to the
needs in caring for stray or abandoned dogs and cats. As you know we specialize in black cats and dogs--the least adopted, most abandoned and euthanized in shelters. <br />
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Our needs remain the same. In order of urgency:<br />
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<b>FOSTER PARENTS in SOUTH FLORIDA</b><br />
Whether you can foster for a few weeks, a few months, for cats/dogs, kittens/puppies
or special needs pets, this remains our biggest need. We currently have a
black cat, <a href="http://bit.ly/RogerUpdate2" target="_blank">Roger</a>,
that has diabetes and needs foster care for 16 days only. He will
require insulin shots twice a day but he is used to it and will not
fuss. We will teach you how to administer the shots. It's not
difficult. To read more about Roger and his fight for survival, <a href="http://bit.ly/RogerUpdate2" target="_blank">click here</a>. If you are interested in temporary or long-term foster care in South Florida, please email us at riverfrontcats@yahoo.com.<br />
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<b>FUNDING</b><br />
Naturally funding is essential for various needs.The largest expense is to pay <b>vet bills for sick and injured dogs and cats</b>.
While we do receive a discount, sick pets require several visits and
bills adds up fast. The sooner we can pay those bills, the more cats we
can take in and help. Another regular expense is <b>pet food, litter</b> <b>and supplies</b>
(ie. feeding bottles, vitamins, flea/tick solution) No amount is too small--$200, $100,
$50, $20, $10. Simply click on the DONATE button on the right.<br />
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<b>Other Ways to Help</b> <br />
<b>ResQWalk</b><br />
Is an app you can download on an Android and iPhone 5 or 6 so that every
time you walk (to your car, in the mall, around the block, with the
dog...) you can choose <b>Riverfront Cats </b>(our cat site) and a small donation is made
directly to us. You pay nothing!<br />
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<b>Shop at Amazon</b><br />
For all of your Amazon shopping, every time you start shopping by clicking on this link <b>http://bit.ly/RCAmazon</b>, Pawsitively Humane receives a small donation from Amazon. It's that easy!<br />
<b>Share Information on Social Media</b><br />
Even if you can't donate money or volunteer, we understand. But if you have access to Internet and use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, please be sure to SHARE our information and spread the word. The more people we reach and raise awareness, the more pets we can save in the long run and help reverse the rate of homeless pets everywhere!<br />
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Thank you for your continued moral, financial and time-worthy support!!! It is greatly appreciated.<br />
On behalf of our small team at Pawsitively Humane, Inc,<br />
Many thanks,<br />
Christine Michaels<br />
PresidentBlog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-68328691857264427302014-11-19T11:15:00.002-08:002014-11-19T11:15:22.469-08:00Make your Home Pet Friendly in Style with these Amazing Deals<br />It's that time of the year when we start thinking to redecorate for Christmas or to change our furniture for the new year. If you are, you must no forget about pet beds and bowls, they are important part of our house decoration, and you can always match them to your existing furniture. If you're going for that modern look here are some beautiful pieces... that are on clearance now!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpFKF-1WeN4/VGznuTpxB3I/AAAAAAAAIZ4/A_pjEphPTAo/s1600/dog%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpFKF-1WeN4/VGznuTpxB3I/AAAAAAAAIZ4/A_pjEphPTAo/s1600/dog%2Bbed.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Atria Pet Lounger $59.90 + free shipping. Was $169.99</td></tr>
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Architect Pet is a well recognized pet furniture brand with many awards for their beautiful and minimalistic designs. Sadly, they are closing operations due to unexpected issues with their supply chain. For this reason they are offering a liquidation of their ENTIRE STORE.<br />
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Some of the best deals are:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVNuzT9yfcQ/VGzp3n1dFhI/AAAAAAAAIaI/d1T_3eGI5wU/s1600/The%2Boslo%2Bpet%2Bdinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVNuzT9yfcQ/VGzp3n1dFhI/AAAAAAAAIaI/d1T_3eGI5wU/s1600/The%2Boslo%2Bpet%2Bdinner.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oslo Pet Dinner $32-$40 + free shipping. Was 79.99- 99.99</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXAtUC_IzFU/VGzp3tTCcZI/AAAAAAAAIaE/u62eNlAkifs/s1600/Vela%2BBowl%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXAtUC_IzFU/VGzp3tTCcZI/AAAAAAAAIaE/u62eNlAkifs/s1600/Vela%2BBowl%2BSet.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vela I Bowl Set $13-$40 + free shipping. Was $49.99-$89.99</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bgfl2NdGu0/VGzp3pa24dI/AAAAAAAAIaM/B7zbJH0fFSQ/s1600/Vela%2BII%2BBowl%2BSet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Bgfl2NdGu0/VGzp3pa24dI/AAAAAAAAIaM/B7zbJH0fFSQ/s1600/Vela%2BII%2BBowl%2BSet.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vela II Bowl Set $12.48-$22.80 + free shipping. Was $47.99-487.99</td></tr>
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For more info about their products please visit<a href="http://www.architectpets.com/"> www.architectpets.com/</a><br />
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<br />Blog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066548608335734306.post-82366820083516555732014-06-18T21:44:00.002-07:002014-06-19T19:33:44.905-07:00Innovative Campaign: Dogs Walking HumansOne of our mottos is that "There is Always a Solution". And there is. Nontraditional campaigns to find homes for thousands of shelter dogs and pets are working. We shared about the<a href="http://www.pawsitivelyhumane.org/2014/03/kids-and-cats-become-book-buddies.html" target="_blank"> Kids and Cats Book Buddy </a>programs that serves both children with reading problems and shelter cats.
Well here his another brilliant, innovative and inexpensive idea. Dogs walking humans! In the end, 5,000 dogs were adopted. This can be easily implemented in any city or town! Let us know what you think by clicking on "Comment" below.
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/92823193" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>Blog Sistershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13973563783461373986noreply@blogger.com1