tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88572180142128639472024-03-12T22:47:35.194-04:00HEART-SHAPED HEADALL DOGS ARE CREATED EQUALAnthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-33099593362655391372012-04-29T11:40:00.000-04:002012-04-29T11:46:44.177-04:00Dear BreederDear Breeder,<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I want to show you just how many of us there already are.<br />
Tomorrow, I want to show you how much worse you make things for my kind.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I want to show you the damage you continue to make done.<br />
Tomorrow, I want to show you just how many of us continue to suffer.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I want to walk up to you and ask you "What do you know about my kind anyways?"<br />
Tomorrow, I want to walk up to you, force open your eyes and make you see what the world really is that surrounds you.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I want to ask you if you really think you're doing my kind any favors.<br />
How do you know what is best for us?<br />
...And what is a "breed" anyways?<br />
<br />
You say you love us and that you want to help make us better, while my brothers and sisters now have arthritis.<br />
You know what types of disease we'll get just by looking at us.<br />
...And our lives are now far shorter.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I want to say all of these things to you, Breeder.<br />
But I can't,<br />
Because I am already next in line, lying on the table,<br />
...And I die today.<br />
<br />
- A ThrowawayAnthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-23402060905097559012011-11-12T08:00:00.002-05:002012-03-08T15:25:02.498-05:00R.I.P. Oreo?<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaEvPYWJMD0Dw9NX_fd1TBwIYRiqVHvt0_HvwHBZeQVRkieBG05PNclmKYTVE1xf7XB0dkNnX2bDhYlCFHZuAWU4SR0Mn5auWvSAwkNdY31Ds1N5BXSZH_lDGm1lruvdV2GpRxsvrx010/s1600/Oreo-Painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaEvPYWJMD0Dw9NX_fd1TBwIYRiqVHvt0_HvwHBZeQVRkieBG05PNclmKYTVE1xf7XB0dkNnX2bDhYlCFHZuAWU4SR0Mn5auWvSAwkNdY31Ds1N5BXSZH_lDGm1lruvdV2GpRxsvrx010/s320/Oreo-Painting.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo<br />
The Dog Nobody Ever Even Met<br />
??/??/?? - 11/13/09</td></tr>
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So, tomorrow (11/13/11) marks the 2 year death of a dog named Oreo. She was killed for no reason by the ASPCA 11/13/09. And so of course, with all the news which had surrounded her from being thrown off a 6 story building to the ASPCA killing her despite a well-qualified shelter begging to take her in, it seems Oreo's become a Martyr for "No-Kill".<br />
<br />
Around this time of the year, animal groups REALLY push her story to help spread the word about their cause. Oreo is used all over as an example of why we need No-Kill and shelter reform. Hell, I'm guilty of it.<br />
<br />
One thing that bothers me about this though is, Oreo was just another dog. She had a life. She was incredibly abused in ways you would not believe. And soon after she was "rescued" the ASPCA decided to kill her themselves. Oreo didn't ASK to be a Martyr. Oreo wasn't out there on the front lines fighting for freedoms or anything. Oreo wasn't on a mission. (Of course, this is all just practical speculation. Maybe she was. I'm not a dog, and I never personally spoke with her about these matters.)<br />
<br />
Point is, I feel like Oreo keeps getting FURTHER abused and exploited. It feels like animal groups and shelters and rescues and whatever...use her life and name to push their agenda (even if it may be for a good cause). We keep on using her year after year, not allowing this poor soul to rest. We keep resurrecting her time and time again, disturbing her death all in the name of a cause she likely never even knew existed.<br />
<br />
What the ASPCA did was wrong and it should haunt the organization. This type of thing that happened to Oreo is more common than most would ever like to imagine. THOUSANDS of dogs each day share in Oreo's story. They come from severe abuse, are "rescued" and shortly after they just killed for no valid reason. But we keep on feeding off Oreo's death like some starving fat guy at a cheap all-you-can-eat buffet.<br />
<br />
I understand the need to put a face on the abused. I understand we can't just ignore what happened and let organizations like the ASPCA constantly get away with murder. But, is it ok to continue to exploit Oreo year after year in the name of No-Kill and shelter reform? Is it ok to continually use this dog, whom just about nobody ever even met, for our own agenda and cause? Is this the Martyr we keep shouting out, even when so many others die each day without a voice to their name? Or is it disrespectful of the dead?Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-79128614626238809822011-01-04T20:44:00.002-05:002011-01-04T21:06:04.854-05:00Piglet O'Brien<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TSOvOD9ymwI/AAAAAAAACX8/2U6ole4eCWw/s1600/100_3125_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TSOvOD9ymwI/AAAAAAAACX8/2U6ole4eCWw/s320/100_3125_HSH.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piglet O'Brien - I DIDN'T GET ANY!!<br />
??/??/?? - 01/04/11<br />
Photo Taken: 01/02/11 </td></tr>
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Piglet was the best dog in the world. She put up with SO MUCH stuff like: Only getting ONE slice of pizza while we ate the rest, leaving her only the crusts of other slices. Having to sit patiently as cheese and crackers was fed to her - Stupid crackers taking up valuable cheese room! "THIS IS BULLSHIT!!" - And, oh my goodness! Having to deal with peanut butter toast five days a week!... Ok, she DID have to get in the back of the line for treats with FIVE cats (I'm sure most dogs would have had their pride hurt on that one!) "THIS IS BULLSHIT!!" ...After FINALLY getting a taste of something yummy, Piglet would COMPLETELY give a look of "I DIDN'T GET ANY!" ...Piglet's life was ROUGH! <i>*Note: Of course, Piglet's ACTUAL staple diet consisted of Solid Gold dog food.*</i><br />
<br />
Toni met Piglet about 10 years ago when a woman brought her into Toni's work and said that she had bumped into a guy at a diner, or something, who said "Hey, does anyone want this? Cuz I'm just gonna throw it out!" He was holding Piglet, about 3 months old at the time, in his hands. So the woman took Piglet, and dropped her off for "boarding" until she could figure out what she could do with her. I guess she's still trying to figure it out.<br />
<br />
Of course Toni took Piglet in! She just couldn't resist that sweet face, those giant ears which stood straight up except for just the tips, that look of love in her eyes, not to mention the hearts which could actually be SEEN popping all about her head! Piglet was irresistible!<br />
<br />
Piglet LOVED giving kisses. I know, "Yeah, yeah. Dogs do that." No. Not even Pit Bulls kiss like Piglet kissed. Piglet would lay there for HOURS kissing someone right on the mouth/nose, without letting them breathe, if they let her! If there's one thing Piglet was good at, it was giving kisses for extended periods of time!<br />
<br />
Back to the subject of Food, because HEY, food is GREAT! With as much as Piglet LOVED getting treats and eating all sorts of food, Piglet wouldn't dream of taking anything without strict permission. This wasn't even from any sort of training whatsoever. This was just Piglet. She knew she'd get taste of what was to be had, and she was content to wait her turn. So many times we'd have something to eat and it was my CATS we had to keep an eye on, not Piglet! Leaving Piglet alone in a room with even her FAVORITE foods was NEVER a problem.<br />
<br />
Such a trustworthy dog. Piglet played the Nanny role for MANY fur-babies which passed through her home. Spayed at about 6 months old and never having had any litters of her own, she's watched over everything from the smallest of kittens, birds and squirrels, to even possums and raccoons! Piglet was mother to them all. And you better believe she took this role VERY seriously! Piglet wanted to be sure you would be safe for the small ones before she'd stop giving you the Stink-Eye when approaching them. And even then, she'd let you know she was watching your every movement and you better be good to them - Otherwise, more Stink-Eye!<br />
<br />
Toni's told me plenty of times, and I cannot for anything remember which it was right now, but, years ago, Toni took in a very small, little critter and Piglet was tending to it with her motherly duties and licking it...and licking it...and... OOP!... Yeah... Piglet licked the little critter right into her mouth! She didn't mean to do it, of course! Her eyes got SOOO BIG!! She didn't know what to do! Here she was, Piglet, just cleaning her new little baby - Either Buffy the squirrel or Meatball the cat. I can't recall which. - and OOP! licked the critter right up! After a split moment of shock and terror on her face, Piglet realized to open her mouth, and the critter plopped out! Piglet loved her babies.<br />
<br />
No matter who it was, everyone Piglet met was "THE BEST PERSON IN THE WORLD!!!!" She loved meeting people, and people loved meeting her. Seriously, I know of someone who actually walks around with a picture of Piglet! She's not their dog! Piglet had a way about her.<br />
<br />
Piglet was only about 10 years old. With her energy and love of life, we all really figured she'd be around for at least a few more years. But over these past few days her health fell very quickly, and dramatically, due to cancer. Piglet's quality of life rapidly declined and she was put to sleep today.<br />
<br />
Piglet's actually helped more than one person with their, sometimes VERY serious, fear of dogs. Such a WONDERFUL dog, often within only MOMENTS of being around her, people couldn't help but to bond with her and pet her and fall in love with her. Piglet's love, kindness, and popping hearts around her head, touched the lives of so many, and really planted the seeds of healing for so many. Piglet knew nothing but love because of her incredible human, and that was all that she had to give to the world in return.<br />
<br />
Piglet was a Pit Bull mix. We're sure there was some Labrador Retriever in her as well. The "Plain, Nondescript, Yellow Dog" as Toni would put it.<br />
<br />
Don't bug your sister too much Pig!<br />
<br />
We miss you.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-33052515800432855212010-12-27T12:34:00.001-05:002010-12-27T18:42:34.616-05:00Mandatory Spay NeuterIf you're into rescue and shelters and animals and all of that, I'm sure you've heard plenty of strong opinions when it comes to Spaying/Neutering pets - specifically dogs and cats. More and more, I hear about people wanting MANDATORY Spay/Neuter. Honestly, it doesn't sound like a terrible idea. It would certainly cut dog and cat populations down, but would this really HELP dogs and cats? How big of a risk are we taking with this? Do we even realize the risks involved with this?<br />
<br />
Set aside, for a moment, any places that may do a botched job on the actual surgery itself. That's a WHOLE 'nother issue on being qualified and actually caring about animals. Also, set aside any general, given, risks of ANY surgery in itself.<br />
<br />
I'm not 100% sure how I'd feel about Mandatory Spay/Neuter. In theory, it sounds pretty nice. There are SO MANY dogs and cats in shelters and on the streets in the United States ALONE. It's really one of the ONLY animal-overpopulation situations I actually agree with being overpopulated and not just a matter of too many people in this world.<br />
<br />
Ferrets. Ferrets, for some time now, have been Mandatory Spay/Neuter - They're also illegal in some areas because they're SO VICIOUS and KILL BABIES and every single one of them that is outside has RABIES!! ...Fear mongers... But look at ferrets NOW compared to only about 15 years ago! Sure, we're in no immediate danger of losing the domestic ferret to extinction; they're readily available at plenty of pet stores. But, already, ferrets have an average lifespan several years shorter than only just about 15 years ago. They're now NOTORIOUS for getting sick with illnesses such as Insulinoma, and are mostly bred by ferret farms such as Marshall Farms (It's said about 80% of the East Coast's pet ferrets come from Marshall Farms. They also breed beagles. BOTH are readily sold to laboratories for all kinds of invasive testing). Would this happen with dogs as well? In a way it already does through Puppy Mills.<br />
<br />
I think, just like breeding, Mandatory Spay/Neuter is ALSO playing "God" with things we as a human race really don't know that much about, and MANY of us really have NO INTEREST in figuring it out either. Often, puppies and kittens are just bred as dollar signs. But then if we take every new puppy and kitten we can, and spay/neuter them... It would certainly cut down on the number of the new generation's litters. And certainly not EVERY puppy and kitten would possibly be caught and spayed/neutered. But THIS snowball effect could ALSO just as easily tumble out of control, and suddenly dogs and cats are a rarity - We've sterilized 80% of the new generation and now most cannot make a next generation. Again, for a while, it's a pretty nice and simple solution if people take responsibility and make the effort to get every puppy and kitten spayed/neutered. But it's still not the natural order of things.<br />
<br />
Now that we've got the puppy and kitten populations down and under control, who is left breeding? Puppy Mills? Backyard Breeders? Dog fighters? Hoarders? The breeder that just wants to make a buck and will forge papers and lie to make a sale? Mandatory Spay/Neuter may help population control, but what about the population? How sick will the average dog and cat be? - Not that almost ALL breeds aren't ALREADY known for certain illnesses (my girlfriend calls new puppies by their typical illness name). - What dog breeds (again, none are really perfect and they're all mutts at some point in the past) would be wiped out due to Mandatory Spay/Neuter? Maybe too much of this "positive direction" would be a bad thing.<br />
<br />
The average dog and cat don't need to be breeding. The prosperity of these two species doesn't depend on the average person breeding them. But, again, who do we decide SHOULD continue to breed them? HOW should they be bred? Do we wipe out half of the new designer dogs? Maybe some of the breeds as well? Personally, I know, in theory, ideally we should let dogs and cats decide who's best to mate with whom, and allow them to lead a more natural life in the world, instead of always dealing with our human intervention, and mistakes. But I also view Great Danes as a SPECIFIC TYPE of dog. I would SO miss the Great Dane if they were no longer in existence. It would feel like the extinction of a species to me. But even the Great Dane isn't real. Even the Great Dane was made by people.<br />
<br />
I think a large majority of dogs and cats could be, and probably should be, spayed/neutered. But I also still think it's ANOTHER step in a very risky direction of human intervention we should have no business being involved in. We certainly broke it. And if we think we're going to fix it, we need to do so responsibly and with caution.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-6800822022037218962010-12-08T20:27:00.001-05:002010-12-13T23:11:05.243-05:00Cam's Sanctuary<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TQAuYRZs7fI/AAAAAAAACUg/3Yc3Wb0wIUw/s1600/100_1631_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TQAuYRZs7fI/AAAAAAAACUg/3Yc3Wb0wIUw/s320/100_1631_HSH.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cam gets his nails done. - June 2010</td></tr>
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<u><b>Cam IS Pets Alive</b></u><br />
Cam has lived at Pets Alive for some time now. From their highs and lows to their rebirth, Cam has been witness to it all.<br />
<br />
Everything that Pets Alive stands for can be found through Cam. Any other shelter would have either killed him, or rejected him. Cam has fear aggression, doesn't do well in a kennel environment and was fed through a funnel for a while. Yeah... Oh, and he's one of those short, meaty and muscular dogs that gets a bad wrap just for their looks in the first place.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cam's Special</b></u><br />
The way to Cam's heart is definitely through his stomach. Cam LOVES treats! Slow introductions from the right people, a bottomless pit of treats, some common sense about dogs and fear and all that good stuff...and eventually you've just made the best, and most loyal, friend you'll ever have in life. Cam would do anything for his most special of friends. My girlfriend has the good fortune to have Cam's complete, and total, trust and loyalty. She's dressed him up in several tutus, made him a pumpkin, a fairy, a Camzilla...and has painted his nails several times. He does it all for her.<br />
<br />
Cam loves basketballs. The first time I gave Cam a basketball...OH MY GOD! He was more excited than I had EVER seen him before! He was SO HAPPY! Basketballs are love for Cam! He even got into his doggy pool to get to his basketball once!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cam's Sanctuary</b></u><br />
People who know Cam and his story, and have the fortune of being friends with him, naturally get protective of him and really, truly care about him. Personally, I can't think of any place safer for Cam than Pets Alive. He is such a wonderful dog and such a loyal companion... I wonder what would happen to him if he were adopted and got into a stressful and fearful situation. It's not about Cam being a dangerous dog. It's about the world being dangerous to Cam. He needs protection. He needs love, support and loyalty. And we get protective of him.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cam's Homeless</b></u><br />
For quite some time, whenever somebody would say "Cam needs to get adopted", I would always think "Cam has a home. Pets Alive is his home. He doesn't feel like he's at a shelter. It's his home." But I wonder lately if maybe Cam IS homeless. With as wonderful and incredible as Pets Alive is, especially for Cam, it's still not that warm bed which only home has. I don't know. Maybe Cam is homeless after all. I don't know.<br />
<br />
I wonder what would be best for Cam - The safety, love and protection that his sanctuary of Pets Alive will always provide him with his whole life? Or a chance to live life in the outside world and have a home, new experiences, a warm bed at night that will always be his...but not that definite buffer from the world to protect him?<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cam's Silent Nights</b></u><br />
I don't know what's best for Cam, but at times, especially during the colder weather, I sometimes picture Cam just laying there at night, the people have gone, the show is over and the day is done, there is nothing left but Cam, his barn, a couple of beds, a small heater and the quiet of the cold weather outside. How does Cam feel at those times? Is he still "Air Cam!"? Is he still happy? Does he get lonely? Does he get sad?<br />
<br />
When the day is done, none of us is the warm bed Cam so deserves to call his home.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-44479421390745483402010-11-29T19:17:00.003-05:002010-11-29T20:24:09.266-05:00Oreo's FLaw<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TPQ_yPoI6cI/AAAAAAAACUA/iraCNRl9wpg/s1600/100_2952_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TPQ_yPoI6cI/AAAAAAAACUA/iraCNRl9wpg/s320/100_2952_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middletown Stray - November 21, 2010</td></tr>
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A very, very brief background on this whole Oreo situation:<br />
<br />
Just over a year ago, there was a dog named "Oreo". Her owner abused the hell out of her and one of the financially largest shelters out there took her in, stirred up a ton of media attention about her, provided her with medical attention, then a few months later killed her themselves. Another, highly qualified, shelter begged for Oreo's surrender to them so that she would not be killed. That didn't happen. And since then there has been a fight for Oreo's Law.<br />
<br />
This law, based on other "successful" laws, would basically say: Hey, if that animal isn't being killed for a severe medical issue, and another "qualified" organization wishes to take that animal in, then you better turn that animal over to them, or else...<br />
<br />
And yes, this sort of thing DOES happen often enough where it actually IS a HUGE nationwide issue. Just because someone works with, or is in charge of, animals, doesn't mean they give two craps about them. There are more people who work with animals that couldn't care less about them than you'd think. Put that into consideration, plus maybe somebody just doesn't care for somebody else...the individual shelter animal isn't always put on top priority.<br />
<br />
<br />
So anyways, Oreo's FLaw:<br />
<br />
Nothing's perfect. People just about never come up with, or find, a perfect absolute ideal fix. There's always going to be something worse, and something better. But with thinking about the colder weather coming in, and a bunch of hours sitting in front of computers logged into Social Networks, I've been wondering more and more...What's the point of Oreo's Law, really?<br />
<br />
Colder weather. Some shelters are very fortunate to have access to outside runs mainly for their dogs. If you haven't been to this sort of environment, you're really missing out! It is a BEAUTIFUL thing to be able to go to a shelter and see so many HAPPY dogs being taken care of, enjoying the sun, getting walks, playing fetch... But now, through no fault of any of these shelters, the colder weather is coming in and a lot of places need to cut down on the number of dogs they have because their inside facilities can't hold the capacity of HUGE outside facilities. And show me a responsible shelter that ISN'T running just about always at capacity and I've got some intakes for them! Animal shelters are ALWAYS full - ESPECIALLY during the colder weather.<br />
<br />
So now animal shelters have to start turning away animals because they need to cut down on what they already have.<br />
<br />
Social Networks. Log on to twitter or Facebook and follow just a couple of the right accounts and I defy you to see even only twelve posts about an animal somebody is trying to place at a no-kill rescue or at least a foster and MAYBE just MAYBE get adopted instead! You'll reach twelve before you're done getting ready for work in the morning. Just because someone is cross-posted on these Social Network sites, doesn't mean they find safety. I've seen plenty of posts later that day, or a day or two later, where that animal didn't find sanctuary.<br />
<br />
I know a dog that I personally met about a week ago in this very situation. Some dog picked up off the road that had to be turned in because he was a stray, and no owner has shown up, no fosters have come forward, and animal shelters are already over capacity. This dog dies after tomorrow night. It's not even a matter of someone saying "No! You can't have him!" A law isn't what's needed in order for this wonderful guy to live. He just needs shelter. There's just nowhere for him (maybe this was one of the few cases where he would have been better off left on the streets).<br />
<br />
Exactly this, is ANOTHER thing that happens VERY often. I see so many posts EVERYDAY filled with dogs and cats that are just in need of some time and space. And so many of them don't get it.<br />
<br />
What's good for the individual is not always what's good for the masses. But take away the individual...then does it really matter? Of course it matters in huge ways, but not to that individual anymore. I know I don't want to die while in the way of a cause I don't know about, and without my say in it.<br />
<br />
Oreo's Law is supposed to be about saving lives. But, even though THAT individual is just as important as others, we're not in short supply of others who ALSO desperately are in need of being saved and there are people out there BEGGING for these animals to just find some shelter, even if it's only for a day or two. In the end, with finances and space and so many other factors at play, somebody's gonna die, whether it's the animal that a shelter is refusing to surrender, or the one on the cross-post who didn't find new shelter.<br />
<br />
So, how important are laws like Oreo's Law to have at this moment in this world where there is no shortage of animals in need of rescue, animals in danger of being killed for no medical reason at all, but there IS HUGE shortage of funding and space? How thrilled wouldn't an organization be to even work with another organization that used this type of law to get an animal from them? What about the next animal in line? Does that one just get bumped up on the list? Who rescues that one? Who's to even say that the shelter would be willing to really show who's on the list in the future? Maybe by force isn't the answer?<br />
<br />
I honestly don't know what the solution to all of this mess is. I know it has to start with people caring more and being more responsible, even if they aren't "part of the problem". I know we have to work together and put in real effort to make any sort of better difference in all of this. Huge, responsible movements need to take place to set all of this on the right tracks.<br />
<br />
This is one WONDERFUL dog, and it's not someone's refusal to surrender him, or the lack of some law leading him to his death. Like so many others I see posted online everyday, it's lack of positive, forward action and space that will likely end this kissing machine's life after tomorrow night.<br />
<br />
Oreo's FLaw is the ones we're already passing by.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-22217626078267848542010-11-25T19:45:00.000-05:002010-11-25T19:45:29.595-05:00Clarence the Companion<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TO73yaGJdNI/AAAAAAAACTo/Y6dalKgWwMI/s1600/100_2776_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TO73yaGJdNI/AAAAAAAACTo/Y6dalKgWwMI/s320/100_2776_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clarence the Companion - November 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Clarence is a great companion dog who loves a good walk, as well as just hanging out.<br />
<br />
I can TOTALLY picture Clarence out some place enjoying a burger and some fries! I think he'd love a day like that!<br />
<br />
Clarence also happens to be up for adoption at <a href="http://petsalive.com/">Pets Alive</a> in Middletown, Ny! Check him out on <a href="http://petsalive.com/">their website</a>! You can apply to adopt him, or even just help sponsor him! It all makes a huge difference!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-65950527294703525942010-11-21T18:11:00.006-05:002010-11-21T20:51:42.556-05:00Middletown Stray<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnMgVuQ57I/AAAAAAAACRM/sEtEtzN2ClE/s1600/100_2949_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnMgVuQ57I/AAAAAAAACRM/sEtEtzN2ClE/s320/100_2949_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middletown Stray - November 21, 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Only a few moments after Toni and I got up to Pets Alive today, THIS beautiful boy arrived!<br />
<br />
We know NOTHING about this dog except that two wonderful volunteers found him running along Van Burenville Road near Pets Alive in Middletown, Ny and brought him in to see if something could be done for him.<br />
<br />
This lost fella seems to be in pretty good shape from the looks of him - no fresh scars, decent color and fur, teeth seemed pretty nice from a quick glance at them. He does have what appears to be a chronic ear infection, but other than that he's full of energy, VERY affectionate and friendly - he just couldn't stop giving us kisses! Needs a bit of leash training, but hey... and a neutering (Happy Toni?! I said it!).<br />
<br />
Middletown (at least I'm calling him that for this moment), was found with PART of a tie out still attached to his collar - so he definitely broke loose while he was outside. I'm thinking that it had JUST happened this morning as well, because he barfed up some pretty recent kibble and what looked like perfectly intact pulls of white turkey meat.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, being a stray, this guy couldn't legally stay at Pets Alive and had to be sent over to the local Animal Control. Animal Control is required to hold strays for six days in case their owner is out looking for them and contacts Animal Control. The unfortunate part about situations like this is that often times dogs under this type of care are killed when their hold time is up.<br />
<br />
I hope Middletown's humans are good people. And if they are good people, I hope they are able to find him...and neuter him (Happy Toni?!).Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-41093101702917912452010-11-18T19:19:00.001-05:002010-11-21T21:08:02.565-05:00Super Nova!<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnPw2QP9CI/AAAAAAAACR4/6J4hCr9-FoI/s1600/100_2841_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnPw2QP9CI/AAAAAAAACR4/6J4hCr9-FoI/s320/100_2841_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Nova - November 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This is Nova, and he is SUPER!<br />
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Nova is a FANTASTIC dog who LOVES to play catch with tennis balls!<br />
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Beautiful colors, great markings, cheerful attitude... This is one happy and GORGEOUS boy!<br />
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Nova is currently up for adoption at <a href="http://petsalive.com/">Pets Alive</a>! Go check him out!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-37753891747124993342010-11-15T20:02:00.003-05:002010-11-21T21:07:13.792-05:00Celebrity Tweet Challenge: Riley<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnPyc3SH4I/AAAAAAAACSM/waiAZlkLsqQ/s1600/100_2834_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnPyc3SH4I/AAAAAAAACSM/waiAZlkLsqQ/s320/100_2834_HSH.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweet Riley - November 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We at Heart-Shaped Head are looking for some Celebrity help to spread the word about some great, adoptable dogs! As a "Thank you!" for your help, Heart-Shaped Head will give EACH Celebrity a FREE <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Anthony Trott Original Portrait</a> of the dog they tweeted!<br />
<br />
The dog we'd like to start off with is: <b>Riley</b><br />
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We actually just posted a blog about Riley and would really LOVE to help get her into a good home! She is SUCH a beautiful and sweet dog!<br />
<br />
All you have to do is copy and paste the following into twitter:<br />
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<i><b>Please check out @petsalive adoptable dog: Riley http://bit.ly/b04aBd @heartshapedhead</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, after that, we'll figure out the best way to contact you, or you contact us, and get that portrait painted and sent over to you! It's just our way of saying "Thanks for helping spread the word!"<br />
<br />
<br />
* Post as many times as you want! We want these dogs to get adopted to good homes!<br />
* One portrait per dog, per Celebrity.<br />
* Offer valid until the featured dog gets adopted. <br />
* Heart-Shaped Head's <b>Celebrity Tweet Challenge</b> is an independent project (I hope the shelters don't mind it).<br />
<br />
** Free Portrait Offer extended only to Celebrities/Famous People participating in this contest.<br />
** It takes about 6 - 8 weeks to get these portraits painted and shipped. <br />
** Portraits currently ship within the continental U.S. only.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-18310885436389546662010-11-08T20:11:00.001-05:002010-11-21T21:06:16.343-05:00Sweet Riley<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnPyc3SH4I/AAAAAAAACSM/waiAZlkLsqQ/s1600/100_2834_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TOnPyc3SH4I/AAAAAAAACSM/waiAZlkLsqQ/s320/100_2834_HSH.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Riley - November 2010</td></tr>
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Despite being thrown a few bum cards in life, this young mother of at least three pups is just about the SWEETEST thing EVER!<br />
<br />
Riley is such an attentive dog! She already knows commands such as "Sit", "Down" and even "Roll Over" - I have YET to figure out how to teach any of MY pets "Roll Over"! Riley just loves to please people. It really amazes me how forgiving dogs can be to the human race.<br />
<br />
I can't wait for the day Riley gets adopted! She's waiting over at <a href="http://petsalive.com/">Pets Alive</a> for her furever home!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-5177351292748519942010-11-08T19:21:00.001-05:002012-04-22T11:02:29.702-04:00Halloween Pet Costume Contest 2010 - WINNER!<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/-AVMO-Z4pCFc/T5Qc2wZNeXI/AAAAAAAAEw4/fD9KIm1qTH4/s1600/Penny+the+BEEgle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVMO-Z4pCFc/T5Qc2wZNeXI/AAAAAAAAEw4/fD9KIm1qTH4/s320/Penny+the+BEEgle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny the BEEgle - Halloween 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Congratulations to Penny the BEEgle, and her human Claudia Nowacoski, for WINNING the <a href="http://heart-shapedhead.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-pet-costume-contest-2010.html">Halloween Pet Costume Contest 2010</a>!!<br />
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Absolutely ADORABLE!<br />
<br />
Penny's human gets a FREE <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Pet Portrait</a> of Penny created by <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Anthony Trott</a>!<br />
<br />
CONGRATULATIONS!!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-29403332017028163962010-11-06T13:11:00.001-04:002010-11-06T13:13:29.561-04:00Bobey-Boy!!<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/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TNWKrXbWmEI/AAAAAAAACNA/ewo8rZ137_4/s1600/100_2735_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4Xzp6SkPVP8/TNWKrXbWmEI/AAAAAAAACNA/ewo8rZ137_4/s320/100_2735_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy Bobey! - October 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Bobey is one of my personal FAVORITES at Pets Alive!<br />
<br />
Besides the incredible life he has overcome, Bobey is just such a happy, happy dog! He is ALWAYS excited to see people (I'm told he is especially excited to see me). He does WONDERFULLY on walks, and he LOVES toys!<br />
<br />
Bobey has to be one of the happiest dogs I have met.<br />
<br />
Besides his BEAUTIFUL brindle color, I think his full body wiggle and joy of life might remind me a bit of a dog I had by the name of Shere Khan. Both seem to take on the approach of "Here I am! Here you are! This is the best time of our lives! Let's enjoy it together!"<br />
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There is nothing like a brindle so excited to see you that he does the full body wiggle when you come near!<br />
<br />
Bobey actually became the best, and possibly only, friend of an autistic child. Tragically, for both Bobey AND the kid, there was a divorce and the mom said that she couldn't take care of both her son and Bobey. So now Bobey is back at Pets Alive. What a shame for both Bobey, and the kid. Doors were opening and bonds were being forged.<br />
<br />
But life has its twists and turns. Before arriving at Pets Alive, Bobey was found chained to a tree as "punishment" for not performing as a fighter. In the first place, dog fighting is ridiculous, but WOW whoever these people were just did NOT know what they were doing if they thought that BOBEY could POSSIBLY be a FIGHTER! When I come up to Bobey, and as he rears up in his Gorilla-wiggle stance (this dog needs a tutu), I can actually SEE little hearts popping around his face as he looks at me! This dog has nothing but love, friendship and companionship to offer.<br />
<br />
Someday Bobey will find his furever home. I hope he finds one with a child in it that he can bond with and become best friends with like he so recently did and was tragically torn away from. I hope that somebody comes to Pets Alive, takes a look at Bobey and says "Wow, this dog has nothing but love, friendship and companionship to offer. How about, in return, we offer him our home."Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-16064214982514345272010-10-30T08:47:00.005-04:002012-04-22T11:43:29.007-04:00Halloween Pet Costume Contest 2010<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/-HdX9An9i40s/TLznn8QqtsI/AAAAAAAAEzo/cVjIj6TeeeY/s1600/100_2445_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HdX9An9i40s/TLznn8QqtsI/AAAAAAAAEzo/cVjIj6TeeeY/s320/100_2445_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy is the Devil - September 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is a very last minute idea I had last night, but so what!<br />
<br />
We want to see YOUR pets dressed up for Halloween, people!<br />
<br />
Just head on over to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heart-Shaped-Head/168961603118326">Heart-Shaped Head Facebook Fan Page</a> by November 5, 2010, and post YOUR pet's costume photo and you could win a FREE pet portrait by <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Anthony Trott</a>!<br />
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<br />
Prizes:<br />
<b>Grand Prize</b> - One FREE <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Sketch-Painting Pet Portrait</a> by Artist, <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Anthony Trott</a>!<br />
<b>Honorable Mentions</b> - Your pet FEATURED on the <a href="http://heart-shapedhead.blogspot.com/">Heart-Shaped Head Blog</a>!<br />
<br />
Voting will be conducted by <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Anthony Trott</a> and Toni O'Brien.<br />
<br />
<br />
* Enter as many photos as you want, people! This is supposed to be FUN!<br />
* Photos of shelter animals ARE permitted! - In the event of a SHELTER animal winning, said portrait will be DONATED TO the winning shelter. Winning shelter is free to auction off, sell or give away the portrait for their benefit.<br />
* Pet Portrait may be of contest photo OR another photo of the SAME pet, depending on usability for portraiture.<br />
* Photograph of pet MUST BE your own, or have expressed written consent to use said photo.<br />
* By submitting your photo(s), you express permission for <a href="http://heart-shapedhead.blogspot.com/">Heart-Shaped Head</a> and <a href="http://anthonytrott.com/">Anthony Trott</a> to use said photo(s) on their websites/blogs/etc. for contest and/or portrait related purposes.<br />
* All entries must be posted on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heart-Shaped-Head/168961603118326">Heart-Shaped Head Facebook Fan Page</a> by 11:59PM, November 5, 2010 Eastern Daylight Savings Time.<br />
<br />
** Grand Prize available to residents within the continental U.S. only.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-54601963540261130612010-10-25T19:49:00.000-04:002012-04-22T11:45:44.808-04:00Beautiful Snoopy<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/-fI2asQNdins/TLznoZjCoaI/AAAAAAAAEzs/X2Nd0EJyxXY/s1600/100_2600_HSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fI2asQNdins/TLznoZjCoaI/AAAAAAAAEzs/X2Nd0EJyxXY/s320/100_2600_HSH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Snoopy - October 2010
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</tbody></table>
<br />
Believe me when I say there is no shortage of BEAUTIFUL and WONDERFUL bully mixes in the world to show off...and Snoopy is no exception!<br />
<br />
This beautiful, young girl from West Virginia LOVES people and treats, and she's full of energy!<br />
<br />
Snoopy is also up for adoption at Pets Alive. So stop on by and say "Hello!"Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-87872445554754849552010-10-22T10:00:00.000-04:002012-04-22T12:22:54.880-04:00Halloween Fun 2010In the Spirit of Halloween, I give you Dogs in Costumes! (Ok, so they weren't actually dressed up FOR Halloween...my girlfriend is just insane.)<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/-nHx6XagQGpQ/T5QsVue318I/AAAAAAAAE1g/7GXb_Ihly8M/s1600/100_1626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHx6XagQGpQ/T5QsVue318I/AAAAAAAAE1g/7GXb_Ihly8M/s320/100_1626.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prom Night Bindi - May 2010
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-w_NR0EYIEIA/T5QsoBn-ovI/AAAAAAAAE24/oOMmBK3J-TU/s1600/100_1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_NR0EYIEIA/T5QsoBn-ovI/AAAAAAAAE24/oOMmBK3J-TU/s320/100_1990.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pimp Cam - July 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-LFndtXpBDuw/T5Qs96XslbI/AAAAAAAAE4g/s-4n_NV9OM8/s1600/100_2164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFndtXpBDuw/T5Qs96XslbI/AAAAAAAAE4g/s-4n_NV9OM8/s320/100_2164.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camzilla - August 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-_d2NdksuCi8/T5QtH1TjndI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/ut2xDcA2C44/s1600/100_2445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_d2NdksuCi8/T5QtH1TjndI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/ut2xDcA2C44/s320/100_2445.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy is the Devil - September 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-x_TvZIWDs3M/T5QtL5OwBQI/AAAAAAAAE5g/NYh8J3bC2UM/s1600/100_2459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x_TvZIWDs3M/T5QtL5OwBQI/AAAAAAAAE5g/NYh8J3bC2UM/s320/100_2459.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy-Turtle - September 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/-evGPArc8Gkk/T5QtN9wGZCI/AAAAAAAAE5o/r2cTx4aPTJQ/s1600/100_2463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evGPArc8Gkk/T5QtN9wGZCI/AAAAAAAAE5o/r2cTx4aPTJQ/s320/100_2463.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unicam - September 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy9638VZyco/T5QtVUnilWI/AAAAAAAAE6A/QtKQJfIsgTA/s1600/100_2469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy9638VZyco/T5QtVUnilWI/AAAAAAAAE6A/QtKQJfIsgTA/s320/100_2469.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cam the Drunken Groom - September 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/-sKKCCoVqSlI/T5Qtq21b9dI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/TsMD1TZTvyk/s1600/100_2480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKKCCoVqSlI/T5Qtq21b9dI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/TsMD1TZTvyk/s320/100_2480.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpcam - September 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/-btMdkPP54i8/T5Qt-QmJEII/AAAAAAAAE8o/ZZxZhYCk35M/s1600/100_2496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btMdkPP54i8/T5Qt-QmJEII/AAAAAAAAE8o/ZZxZhYCk35M/s320/100_2496.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bindi Bride - September 2010</td></tr>
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More photos from the shoots!<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F106077156423852563292%2Falbumid%2F5734256717169262961%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCO6XqeSl-piXLw%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed></div>Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-29473203341362755902010-10-20T10:33:00.001-04:002012-04-22T11:47:05.642-04:00Poor Rem<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Rem - October 17, 2010
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Rem is a beautiful Boxer currently living at Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary.<br />
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Some people say Boxers aren't considered to be part of the whole mix of dogs that make up "Bully Breeds". Some say they fit right in. To those who say they aren't... It's MY blog! So, NEENER NEENER!! :-P<br />
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Besides, Rem deserves attention anyways.<br />
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Rem's elderly human became too ill to take care of him, so he was surrendered to the shelter life. In general, boxers don't do well in shelters. From my experience, boxers don't seem to do too well with big changes in general - Hey, neither do I!<br />
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I have to admit, most of my interaction with Rem has been through the fence. I ALWAYS give him treats and he ALWAYS takes them WONDERFULLY! But I always feel so sorry for him. He just about always just looks so sad. Sure, some of it's just his "Boxer Face", but Boxers are companion dogs. They need that extra bit of love and attention. I HAVE recently gone IN with Rem TWICE over the past couple of times I have been up to Pets Alive though! So that's progress on my part! He was SO happy both times! It really is a beautiful site, seeing someone like Rem so happy.<br />
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There are a few people I know who walk Rem every time they visit. I am very grateful to those people for spending that time with him. I hope to get the confidence to be one of them soon.<br />
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I really, truly, love this dog.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-84025818867490884332010-10-18T20:04:00.001-04:002012-04-22T11:48:09.059-04:00An Angel Indeed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel at Pets Alive - October 2010
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Angel is a BEAUTIFUL girl who is defying all the odds against her!<br />
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A black, bully mix, this girl was quite literally just "skin and bones" when she was found outside a New York City firehouse.<br />
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Luckily, somebody had the heart to save this Angel and bring her to the steps of Pets Alive, where she has been receiving the much needed nutrition and attention she so deserves.<br />
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Angels do exist. And we're better off for having them.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-32453729375704072242010-10-13T19:18:00.000-04:002010-10-13T19:18:17.771-04:00Golden Hearts: Rob and Marisol ThomasAfter seeing videos of the 2007 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo from SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20 decided to withdraw from the line-up.<br />
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<a href="http://sharkonline.org/?P=0000000783">Cheyenne Frontier Days Headliner Withdraws! Matchbox Twenty Cites Rodeo Animal Abuse</a><br />
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Press Release Found on <a href="http://sharkonline.org/">SHARK</a>:<br />
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April 10, 2008<br />
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Regrettably, Matchbox Twenty will not be able to perform at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 18th. After careful consideration it was decided that the participating in this event would directly contradict the mission statement of SIDEWALK ANGELS FOUNDATION, our non profit organization. The other members of Matchbox Twenty support this decision and while we understand that a great deal of effort went into the planning of this show, and apologize to any and all fans who purchased tickets to see us, we ask that they please understand that it would be impossible for us to put ourselves in the position of making money from what we believe to be the mistreatment of animals.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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Rob and Marisol Thomas and The Sidewalk Angels Foundation<br />
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<a href="http://sidewalkangelsfoundation.com/">Sidewalk Angels Foundation</a><br />
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"<i>Established by Rob and Marisol Thomas, Sidewalk Angels Foundation is a New York-based non-profit organization that works hand-in-hand with charities in and around America's big cities. Life in the city can be so fast that those in need are often passed by. People who are destitute or homeless and get lost in the system; those who cannot afford proper medical care; animals that have been abandoned or abused -- these are universal problems that Sidewalk Angels encourages people to address locally.</i>"<br />
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Rob and Marisol Thomas also help support:<br />
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<a href="http://petsalive.com/">Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary</a><br />
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"<i>Pets Alive is a no-kill animal shelter, located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, about 1 1/2 hours from New York City. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place animals in need. Victims of neglect, abuse, and violence, many of them have special needs and have been rejected by other organizations.</i><br />
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<i>Animals at the sanctuary range from dogs and cats to farm animals, exotic birds, and many others. Many of the animals at Pets Alive are older, have special needs or require special care.</i>"Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-66394398557172595092010-10-12T16:44:00.001-04:002010-10-12T16:45:59.042-04:00Brando (a.k.a. No-Neck)<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HlHMi2KlMmE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HlHMi2KlMmE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></div><br />
This is Brando (a.k.a. No-Neck)!<br />
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Brando's the stuff cartoons are made from. Just look at that big, round, marshmallow head of his! And that cartoon nose! When he stands up on his hind legs, HIS NECK DISAPPEARS! How great is THAT?!<br />
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This was our first in-run encounter with Brando, and this dog just could NOT have been more friendly and affectionate with us than he was.<br />
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Brando is just a happy, happy boy!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-82717175419662006582010-10-11T20:43:00.001-04:002010-10-11T20:44:41.493-04:00Meet Rocco<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/p/28FB92E6B4C9ADB6?hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/p/28FB92E6B4C9ADB6?hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="385" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />
Meet Rocco!<br />
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Now, I have to admit, when I first passed by Rocco, I was a bit unsure about him myself. He's got a RASPY bark of a bark! It can be pretty intimidating. I wasn't sure if he had some issues, or if maybe he just learned how to bark from some old diner ladies that had been smoking since they were twelve.<br />
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Turns out the answer is B. The diner ladies. Rocco couldn't POSSIBLY be more incredible of a dog than he already is! These videos are from our VERY FIRST encounter with Rocco! Just look how lovey and playful this dog is! Such an incredible sight to see from ANY dog!<br />
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Both Toni and I feel incredibly fortunate to have met this wonderful soul.<br />
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By the way, Rocco got ADOPTED a couple months back! YAY ROCCO!!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-86456795845982226842010-10-10T20:38:00.008-04:002012-04-22T11:49:10.759-04:00Oreo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo - June 2010
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Oreo's is a tale of tragedy Shakespeare himself couldn't have written better. Beaten for hours by her owner then thrown from a rooftop six stories down to the streets, Oreo was "rescued" by the ASPCA and treated for her injuries - broken ribs, broken legs, open wounds...the list goes on and on. A few months later, Oreo was dead.<br />
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The ASPCA is said to have raised some $6,000,000.00 for Oreo through donations from people who heard her story. Oreo made a full medical recovery, and only a few months later the ASPCA killed her. Pulled for evaluation while still healing (physically, as well as emotionally) from being beaten for hours and then thrown six stories down into the road, Oreo's temperament evaluator stated that she was too aggressive and not fit for adoption - a death sentence by ASPCA standards.<br />
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Having learned of Oreo's story and her impending death at the hands of her "saviors", Pets Alive stepped in and stated that they would be more than happy to take in Oreo and all of the expenses and responsibilities that come with her. Pets Alive is highly experienced with bully breeds AND at handling animals which are in need of extra delicate attention and care. Basically, Oreo fit what Pets Alive does on a regular basis to a "T". Oreo was killed by the ASPCA the next day.<br />
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There has been a TON of politics, emotions, beliefs and even a law is trying to be passed in New York surrounding the events of Oreo's death. Bridges have been burnt, some have just been damaged, others have even formed through political bonds or similar beliefs on what Oreo has grown to represent... Hell, I even painted a portrait of the poor creature during these events... The dog that nobody ever met... Another face in the sea of needless death that is the kill shelter system...<br />
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She was just another dog, that didn't need to die, who nobody saved.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-28791390089366059592010-10-09T08:22:00.003-04:002012-04-22T11:50:10.073-04:00Scrappy-Doo!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy Scrappy! - June 2010
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Scrappy's a good boy!<br />
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Many bully rescues have an INCREDIBLE life story, and Scrappy is NO exception! Marked as "EVIDENCE" for about a year of his life, Scrappy was used as a BAIT DOG by his human. Once everything was said and done, and the bastard convicted of dog fighting, the kind-hearted judge of this case ordered Scrappy "euthanized" - What's so "MERCY" about KILLING an innocent animal who is NOT in any pain or suffering? So, some people who ACTUALLY cared about animals, and weren't just doing a job like that judge was, sent out the S.O.S. beacons to save Scrappy!<br />
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Scrappy now lives at Pets Alive. He's lived there about 4 or 5 years. A small, muscular, BLACK PIT BULL with tons of scars scattered throughout, dogs like Scrappy have ZERO chance at most shelters. But man if Scrappy doesn't love his humans! Scrappy MIGHT lick you to death! I should know! I've had it happen to me! Kneeling on the ground, the Scrappy roared up and just started LICKING MY FACE CONTINUOUSLY!! It was a sight, I tell ya!<br />
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Scrappy loves people. Probably Scrappy's FAVORITE person in the world is a Pets Alive Volunteer by the name of Trudy Spiller - even if she does take pleasure in having him dressed up like a TURTLE every now and then! Trudy and Scrappy spend a lot of time together, and believe me he just LOVES the attention he gets from her!<br />
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Just like so many bully breeds, Scrappy's a good boy who just wants to please his humans the best he knows how.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-64104480944599900562010-10-08T18:26:00.003-04:002012-04-22T11:53:55.733-04:00Bindi the Alien<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bindi "the Alien" gets her nails done up. - May 2010 </td></tr>
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again! Bindi is a special SPECIAL dog!<br />
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Bindi is DEFINITELY an Alien. Her spaceship is crashed SOMEWHERE in the woods behind Pets Alive - Some sort of funky monster-plant was aboard with her and has also taken residence in the Pets Alive woods. She has the power of levitation - I've seen it and I have a witness to the event! And MAN she walks, strike that, MARCHES like it's NOBODY'S business! Seriously, this dog would absolutely LOVE to live on a military base or some crazy, pumped up, motivated gym!<br />
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Bindi has got to be THE FUNNIEST character ever. She doesn't even need to do anything. I mean, look at her! She ISN'T doing anything but SITTING there and she's still a blast! You know that bent head angle dogs do when they look at you thinking "Um, and YOU'RE supposed to be the boss around here??" Bindi just keeps her head like that. Nothing's wrong with her. She's in INCREDIBLE shape! She just...likes looking at things that way? I don't know. And I don't try to figure her out. I suggest it's best to just enjoy the presence of her company. After all, how often is it you get to meet a dog who has her very own CUSTOM concrete cinder block house because she would take her EXTRA LARGE DOGLOO and TOSS it up into the AIR constantly!?!Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8857218014212863947.post-47279335598045237852010-10-08T05:53:00.003-04:002012-04-22T11:54:52.600-04:00Fish-Face Houma!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houma "Fish-Face" with his toys. - July 2010
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This is Houma!<br />
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Houma's quite literally been through it all! Rescued during a hurricane in New Orleans, he had to have IMMEDIATE emergency surgery for wounds on his head, neck and torso. Houma even has an AMAZING scar about an inch wide that runs the entire length of his back. Like I said, this dog has seen some tough times!<br />
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Through it all, this little Carp Fish-Face is IN LOVE with LIFE!<br />
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Houma is such a happy little boy! You'd never think ANYTHING bad ever happened to this guy if you didn't see his abuse badges. It is incredible to me that so much could happen to just one individual and they're not bitter towards life.<br />
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I've personally sponsored Houma for a couple of years now. He's my first sponsored pet at Pets Alive. I even wanted to adopt him the first moment I heard about him. At the time, he was still in some pretty touch and go bad shape internally. Houma still requires the right diet for his digestion, but you would not BELIEVE just how dog of a dog this guy is! To see Houma playing with his toys is to witness the pure innocence and joy of life everyone should experience.Anthony Trotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03780547630655661101noreply@blogger.com1