The official word is that Michael Vick is now rehabbed. Officially. And whether you believe it or not, it’s been officially declared “Official,” so it’s apparently accepted far and wide and is not for us to question. He’s even getting Hero Awards (I’m not makin’ this up) and Keys to Cities, as well as Comeback Player of the Year Awards. Further proof that it must be true.
Vick is rehabbed.
Take his word for it, Oprah.
And the dogs? Well, the ones that lived? They’re rehabbed too. Or inching toward rehabbed. Or crawling on their bellies one clawmark at a time toward rehab. Which is mighty impressive, coming from a life of mistrust of humans, chains, pens, and a fight for their very survival. I am in awe of the rescuers who took these dogs on and refused to let them die just because.
I know “You Rock” is overused and therefore lame, so I’ll say a simple Thank You.
But what about the property where these dogs lived, breathed, fought, and died? What about the community that was left with the collective shame and guilt, still figuring out how to clean up the mess of a crime they didn’t commit?
Haven’t we healed enough from our emotional scars to rebuild the remaining piece of this three-pronged puzzle?
The property in Surry County, Virginia that formerly housed Bad Newz Kennels has lain vacant since Vick dumped it in 2007. Seems there were lots of curious onlookers, but no serious buyers.
The 15-acre property was waiting to be healed, and that’s something that doesn’t come without time and love. The property where this occurred was no more guilty of a crime than the community, but it too paid the price of the stigma that has remained in the wake of the violence.
Enter Dogs Deserve Better, an award-winning 9-year old nonprofit organization working to free chained and penned dogs, who has dreamed of a Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs for years. We had started seeking ground to purchase in the Charlottesville, Virginia area when it came to our attention that this particular piece of property was still sitting vacant a mere two hours away.
The opportunity to take something so dark and turn it to light beckoned.
Wouldn’t that be the best tribute to those who died there, who fought there? Wouldn’t the community prefer that someone turned it from Bad Newz to Good Newz instead of bulldozing it and pretending nothing ever happened?
I visited the property to see for myself and felt oddly at home. I thought I would be creeped out by the sheds and the kennels in the acre where the dogs lived and died, but I wasn’t. Instead I felt like the dogs were reaching out to me, saying “Oh, thank God, you’ve finally come.” I wanted to wrap my arms around them and never let them go.
Figuratively speaking, of course—I do know they’re dead.
Just as humans have preserved other spots around the world in the wake of heinous happenings, (think Auschwitz, or battlefields like Gettysburg) these dogs need and deserve to be memorialized. Just as other spots around the world have both honored the memory of the fallen and used the tragedy as a learning tool for future generations, so this spot has similar value—as a source of closure for those in pain, a source of comfort to those who want to reach out, and a source of education for our children who must learn to do better.
Were I one of Vick’s dogs and had a choice between the area where I lived being bulldozed and forgotten or memorialized and rebirthed, I would choose the second option any day of the week.
We’ve been told by members of the local community that we are welcome. They want to feel hope and pride again, they want to feel something positive rather than fighting the negativity that was brought by the Bad Newz Kennels.
Dogs Deserve Better has a dream, a purpose. We dream that one day EVERY dog will live inside as part of his/her family. EVERY dog will be treasured, valued, loved, and nurtured. When we pull a dog off a chain—from a solitary existence of sadness, boredom, fear, cold, heat, hunger, thirst, and pain—we bring light to dark.
When we fight an abuse case or work toward better laws, we bring light to dark.
When we stand firm in the knowledge that chaining or penning a dog for life can no longer be accepted and must end, we bring light to dark.
The Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs will be a place where our dreams can come true. Where we can continue bringing light to dark, creating an environment that safely and lovingly trains dogs to live inside the home with the family.
Where visitors are welcome and can come to memorialize those who were lost and rejoice with those who are found. Where they can play with rescued dogs and be a support system for those working the everyday trenches of animal abuse.
If you believe in this rebirth, believe that dogs do deserve detter, donate to the Center Fund today. We need an additional $490,000 by March 20th to get off the ground, and a grand total of $3 million to make our Center Dream a reality.
Our time grows short.
Support Dogs Deserve Better today. Because they do deserve better, and we ARE giving them better—one dog, one life at a time.
To donate, visit: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html
Mail to: P. O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • Or call: 814.941.7447
Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Awards won by Dogs Deserve Better:
• First place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Voice for Chained Dogs
• First place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Rescue Organization Saving Dogs
• Second Place, 2010 Animal Dog Magazine Animal Organization Website
• Founder and CEO Tamira Ci Thayne, Second place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Individual Saving/Adopting Dogs
• Second place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Animal Welfare Lobbyist
• Third place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Role Model-Philanthropist
• Third place, 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards, Animal Advocate for Dogs.
• Dog's Life, "Breaking the Chains that Bind" Article about Dogs Deserve Better in December 2007 Dog's Life Magazine, Honorable Mention HSUS Genesis Awards
• February 2008 • Founder Tamira Thayne,
IDA Guardian of the Month
• September 2007 • ePhilanthropy Award Finalist, 2nd Place People's Choice Award
• December 2006 • Founder Tamira Thayne, 2nd Place, Animal Planet Hero of the Year Award
• 2003, First Place, ASPCA/Chase Pet Protector Award
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
DDB Founder Announces Engagement
On a personal note, I'm thrilled to announce TO THE WORLD (Yes, I'd scream it from my rooftop if I had more neighbors and it wasn't 14 degrees outside - Not fit for dog NOR man) my engagement to Joe Horvath, an old friend and fellow Air Force member from way back. We first met back up via Facebook almost two years ago, and he has become not only my best friend and love of my life, but also an amazing volunteer asset to Dogs Deserve Better.
To be honest, when Joe came back into my life, I wasn't looking to date, because I was married to Dogs Deserve Better. I spent much of my time working or thinking about DDB and chained dogs, and I wasn't in the market for a relationship.
But Joe has not only made me realize I needed to make time for him, he took it a step further and made time for DDB.
He has poured concrete for a pad for the dogs off my back porch, heightened and made my fence more secure when dogs were escaping, built the 24 foot long Wall of Shame, edited and re-edited both Scream Like Banshee and Unchain My Heart, and took on every kind of immediate need DDB has had when he is in the vicinity.
Every woman deserves a man this loving and this good, and I consider myself entirely blessed to be able to share my life with him.
While the nuptials are still in negotiations, I have created a fundraising page in our Honor to raise funds for—of course—Dogs Deserve Better.
So if at any time in the following months you'd like to visit the page to see the wedding progress, below is a link, and I would be touched indeed if you wanted to donate to Dogs Deserve Better in honor of our wedding.
http://www.firstgiving.com/horvath-thaynewedding
—Tamira Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
To be honest, when Joe came back into my life, I wasn't looking to date, because I was married to Dogs Deserve Better. I spent much of my time working or thinking about DDB and chained dogs, and I wasn't in the market for a relationship.
But Joe has not only made me realize I needed to make time for him, he took it a step further and made time for DDB.
He has poured concrete for a pad for the dogs off my back porch, heightened and made my fence more secure when dogs were escaping, built the 24 foot long Wall of Shame, edited and re-edited both Scream Like Banshee and Unchain My Heart, and took on every kind of immediate need DDB has had when he is in the vicinity.
Every woman deserves a man this loving and this good, and I consider myself entirely blessed to be able to share my life with him.
While the nuptials are still in negotiations, I have created a fundraising page in our Honor to raise funds for—of course—Dogs Deserve Better.
So if at any time in the following months you'd like to visit the page to see the wedding progress, below is a link, and I would be touched indeed if you wanted to donate to Dogs Deserve Better in honor of our wedding.
http://www.firstgiving.com/horvath-thaynewedding
—Tamira Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Dog Organization Claims Seven Spots in 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards
Dogs Deserve Better Inc. takes two first place wins and a second, with founder Tamira Thayne claiming spots in four categories
Tipton, PA, December 10, 2010—Tipton, Pennsylvania-based Dogs Deserve Better, a 501c3 organization dedicated to freeing chained and penned dogs, was named first place winner in the 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards in both the Voice for Chained Dogs and the Rescue Organization Saving Dogs categories.
The group also took second place in the Animal Website category. Founder and CEO Tamira Ci Thayne took four spots, with seconds in Individual Saving/Adopting Dogs and Animal Welfare Lobbyist, and thirds in Role Model-Philanthropist and Animal Advocate for Dogs.
Thayne states "Chained dogs need a voice, a strong voice, and Dogs Deserve Better strives to be that voice every single day. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition of our work, and dedicate it all to our amazing reps who are out there rescuing dogs in tough situations. We are building an awareness of chaining that is heretofore unprecedented: it's time for this archaic treatment of Our Best Friends to end, and I commend all those who voted for us for recognizing that. I also congratulate every single winner of this year's awards, and all those who equally deserved to win. Together we can change the world."
Thayne is the author of the upcoming "Capitol in Chains: 52 Days of the Doghouse Blues," as well as "Scream Like Banshee: 29 Days of Tips and Tales to Keep your Sanity as a Doggie Foster Parent," and editor of "Unchain My Heart: Dogs Deserve Better Rescue Stories of Courage, Compassion, and Caring."
Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has approximately 100 area reps in 36 states as well as in Canada, Hong Kong, and the UK.
To see all award winners, visit the page at: http://www.theamericandogmag.com/contests/2010-humanitarian-awards-winners
Contact: Tamira Ci Thayne • founder, Dogs Deserve Better • info@dogsdeservebetter.orgwww.dogsdeservebetter.org •
P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
Tipton, PA, December 10, 2010—Tipton, Pennsylvania-based Dogs Deserve Better, a 501c3 organization dedicated to freeing chained and penned dogs, was named first place winner in the 2010 American Dog Magazine Humanitarian Awards in both the Voice for Chained Dogs and the Rescue Organization Saving Dogs categories.
The group also took second place in the Animal Website category. Founder and CEO Tamira Ci Thayne took four spots, with seconds in Individual Saving/Adopting Dogs and Animal Welfare Lobbyist, and thirds in Role Model-Philanthropist and Animal Advocate for Dogs.
Thayne states "Chained dogs need a voice, a strong voice, and Dogs Deserve Better strives to be that voice every single day. I am incredibly grateful for the recognition of our work, and dedicate it all to our amazing reps who are out there rescuing dogs in tough situations. We are building an awareness of chaining that is heretofore unprecedented: it's time for this archaic treatment of Our Best Friends to end, and I commend all those who voted for us for recognizing that. I also congratulate every single winner of this year's awards, and all those who equally deserved to win. Together we can change the world."
Thayne is the author of the upcoming "Capitol in Chains: 52 Days of the Doghouse Blues," as well as "Scream Like Banshee: 29 Days of Tips and Tales to Keep your Sanity as a Doggie Foster Parent," and editor of "Unchain My Heart: Dogs Deserve Better Rescue Stories of Courage, Compassion, and Caring."
Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has approximately 100 area reps in 36 states as well as in Canada, Hong Kong, and the UK.
To see all award winners, visit the page at: http://www.theamericandogmag.com/contests/2010-humanitarian-awards-winners
Contact: Tamira Ci Thayne • founder, Dogs Deserve Better • info@dogsdeservebetter.orgwww.dogsdeservebetter.org •
P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Three Skinny PA Penned Dogs Get DDB Rescue
Dogs Deserve Better got a tip about three skinny dogs living in pens in central Pennsylvania. DDB's Tamira Thayne investigated, worked with the caretaker, and got him to give up all three dogs.
None of the dogs had food or water anytime Thayne was there, and there was excuse after excuse for how thirsty, thin, and hungry they were. Mostly the man blamed his ex-girlfriend who left the bad relationship for taking in the animals and leaving them there with him.
But regardless of how that went down, they were HIS responsibility to care for, and in that he failed miserably.
Harley, the golden retriever who was bought from a pet store who buys from puppymills, Roxy, the little back lab with every rib showing, and Savannah the setter mix with a major obsession to hunt down small animals, are happy to be free and starting to get acclimated to the REAL world, where dogs are part of the family.
Love Dogs? Then give your dogs what they need and deserve. An inside home with a family who loves and appreciates them.
To donate to help with these dog's expenses, visit the Chip In at this link: http://tamirathaynetrespassfund.chipin.com/three-skinny-penned-dogs-no-food-or-water
None of the dogs had food or water anytime Thayne was there, and there was excuse after excuse for how thirsty, thin, and hungry they were. Mostly the man blamed his ex-girlfriend who left the bad relationship for taking in the animals and leaving them there with him.
But regardless of how that went down, they were HIS responsibility to care for, and in that he failed miserably.
Harley, the golden retriever who was bought from a pet store who buys from puppymills, Roxy, the little back lab with every rib showing, and Savannah the setter mix with a major obsession to hunt down small animals, are happy to be free and starting to get acclimated to the REAL world, where dogs are part of the family.
Love Dogs? Then give your dogs what they need and deserve. An inside home with a family who loves and appreciates them.
To donate to help with these dog's expenses, visit the Chip In at this link: http://tamirathaynetrespassfund.chipin.com/three-skinny-penned-dogs-no-food-or-water
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
My apologies, I forgot to post my Operation Fido's Freedom blogs here!
I apologize for forgetting to post my Operation Fido's Freedom blogs here since Day 5. My bad. Feeling a bit too lazy to catch up right now, and don't know why I'm suddenly unable to add pics, so I'm going to just send you to my main site page where I'm archiving the daily blog. It's at http://www.fidosfreedom.com, scroll to the bottom, and each page is linked. See you there!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Day 5, August 6, 2010. Operation Fido's Freedom; This is What a Law Does
A proposed Toledo dog chaining law would include "a 15-minute limit for chaining a dog outside unsupervised and prohibiting chaining a dog within 500 feet of a school."
I love the 15-minute limit unsupervised! Presumably it's longer supervised, which I can understand and live with, but by stating this and also putting it into context of the proximity to the school, they are recognizing the fact that chained dogs can and do become more aggressive than other dogs, and are seeing it as a measure to protect their children too, as a community solution, and not just a--gasp--'animal rights' solution.
In West Palm Beach, Florida, officers are doing sweeps for suffering animals in the heat.
"Take this dog for example, a female pitbull named Diamond. Animal care and control has her now. She was seized last week, after authorities took these photos of her tied up outside in the heat in a yard in West Palm Beach. The temperature that day was a sweltering 93 degrees and Diamond had no shade, except for a small dog house.
Captain Walesky said, "we try and explain to 'em it's a bad idea. but not only is it a bad idea, it's a law. You can't do this. In Palm Beach County, it's illegal to tie a dog up outside between 10 in the morning and 5 in the evening."
Having a law enables the officers to do what is right and just and what people are asking them to do: save the dog's life, and stop the suffering.
But while most Pennsylvania residents 'get it,' there's still that 10-20% who just don't get it, and need to have their actions legislated. I don't care if you're intelligent or not, you have two eyes, and it's time you open them and your heart and have a good look around at the suffering of chained dogs and the suffering of neighbors forced to endure watching it.
This message on the DDB Facebook fanpage shows the typical ignorance we fight: "I'd like to know what your alternative is for an outside dog other than chaining? We had a beagle and he was an outside dog for 16 years chained to a doghouse with shade, food, water, and attention several times of day. He broke his chain several times and ran to neighbors luckily or would have been run over by traffic...or train. In late years, was blind and deaf. Isn't it just as cruel to pen up a large dog in a 3X5 cage in a house for 12-16 hours a day, lying in their feces and urine? What about their rights? What about the handicapped persons in nursing homes who have to sit in a wheelchair or bed for most of their day? Are you standing up for them too?"
This message is so problematic on many levels. First, it attempts to confuse, by dragging in totally unrelated issues and assuming that it's our responsibility to advocate for all societal wrongs: "What about the handicapped persons in nursing homes who have to sit in a wheelchair or bed for most of their day?"
Second, it states their beagle was an 'outside' dog. If you look in any of the breed books, there is no such thing as an 'outside dog;' these are just regular dogs of every different breed, every single one of which has many others just like it living inside as part of a family. The only difference is the level of responsibility assumed for that dog's happiness and well-being by the dog's caretakers.
Third, she states that: "for 16 years chained to a doghouse with shade, food, water, and attention several times of day." Attention several times a day? My arse! I'm 100% sure that dog was lucky to get any food/water on a daily basis, let alone attention several times a day. Every chainer tries to make out like THEIR dog is the exception to the rule that chained dogs are neglected, and puts a beauty of a spin on it so it appears like the dog led a dandy of a life. In truth, any dog spending 24 hours a day on a chain is by that very virtue neglected and in my opinion abused.
Fourth, she says "He broke his chain several times and ran to neighbors luckily or would have been run over by traffic...or train." My question is, if he were so happy there, why was he breaking his chain? Why was he running to the neighbors? Maybe because he was seen there and treated with love and respect?
Fifth, she tells us, "In late years, he was blind and deaf." There is no mention that in those years he was indeed given a reprieve from the chain due to his immense physical challenges, but it appears that he was left chained, unable to see, and unable to hear. I can imagine very few greater horrors than to not only be unable to see and hear, but to be nothing more than a sitting duck for any animal or human intending to do you harm. You may smell him coming, but without seeing or hearing, there is no way you could avoid him or fight him off. You are totally vulnerable to death at each and every moment, and without love or light to guide you and give you safety, death would indeed come as a welcome release from the crushing fear.
Sixth, she implies that there is only one alternative to chaining your dog outside: "Isn't it just as cruel to pen up a large dog in a 3X5 cage in a house for 12-16 hours a day, lying in their feces and urine?" Why in God's name would any human with an ounce of decency cage a dog for 12-16 hours in his own feces and urine? Who wouldn't take their dog out to the bathroom? Did you not know that crates are to be used only as tools and only as long as it takes to get the dog trained, then the dog can have the run of the house without incident? What about your dog living in your home with you as a companion, not a prisoner? What about building a fence so your dog can go outside to potty and then come back inside with his pack? Have you heard of walking a dog on a leash? Why are none of these humane possibilities even thought of as an option?
And lastly, she states: "What about their rights?" Here's the one place we agree, Anita, because that's exactly what I want to know. WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS?
Having just spent five 10-hour days on a chain on their behalf, I'm asking that same question of my state legislators. WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS? Despite having endured one week of absolute and mind-numbing 10-hour days of torture on that chain, I still cannot fully comprehend the horror of being there ad infinitum. I so looked forward every day to the magic hour of six o'clock, and I watched as the minutes and seconds dragged on. What if getting off the chain were not an option? What would I do?
I can honestly say I've never waited for a weekend more in my entire 46 years--EVER--and I've pledged to enjoy every single second of my freedom before I force myself back on that chain on Monday. To think that these dogs cannot look forward to freedom for any amount of time is truly unconscionable. I cannot endure the mere thought of it for their sakes.
Pennsylvania legislators, I am personally holding you accountable for opening your eyes and seeing the suffering of our friends. I am asking those 80-90% of PA citizens who agree with me to join me in holding them accountable.
It's time for this abuse to end, and it's time for people like Anita to grow up, and go buy a dog book for Pete's sake. Some things are common sense, and if you don't have any, then don't have a dog or find a way to buy some. Common sense, that is.
Pennsylvania, and the world, MUST stop tolerating this abuse of Man's Best Friend. If this is how we treat our best friend, I would hate to see how we treat our enemies.
Random incidents or thoughts from the day:
1. My new friend Cathie (don't know her last name) brought me water, sun chips, and magazines. I told her I wasn't allowing myself to read as it wouldn't be fair to the dogs, but I would save the chips for later. She's a very sweet and caring woman.
2. A young girl who works at the Capitol brought me out a bag of pretzels and a water. I wonder if she read my blog from yesterday? Oops!
3. Oddly, by sheer coincidence, an Altoona man I met at a Sheetz one time came wandering by. When I met him before, he was very interested in getting involved, so I had him go to a street in Blandburg, Cambria County (Senator Wozniak's district) where there was a chained dog at every house, and see if he could do any ejumakatin'. He told me that he was physically threatened there by the residents when he tried to discuss their dogs with them. He described it as 'a scary place, man.' Ah, welcome to my world!
4. Deb Smith came and chained up with me for a couple of hours. She was very excited because her house rep hasn't been supportive of chaining legislation, but she is being challenged in the upcoming election by Gene Stilp. She spoke to Gene, and he's fully in support of the legislation, so she called Sue Helms and told her that. Her office immediately said she'd call Deb back on Monday. We all need to push the issue with our reps. Enough is enough.
5. A college student at Harrisburg Area Community College was inspired to do her speech on the issue after seeing the news articles this week. She came to interview me, and was super excited about making a difference and spreading the word that chaining has to stop.
6. Joe surprised me in his beautiful Camaro around 3:00, took me to dinner at 6:00, and played professional photographer, again.
7. So many of you in the Harrisburg area are bringing me water, worrying about me all day (just like the dogs), and wanting in some way to make a difference. I truly am in awe of your kindness, and humbled by it. Thank you.
8. I'm asking any of our supporters who might have business attire in sizes 10-14 (assuming the fasting drops some weight off me, which would be the 10, I'm currently a 14) that they no longer want, to send it along to me. If I receive clothes that don't fit me, I will share them with some of the needy people I meet on the streets of Harrisburg. I want to be decently dressed every day to present a positive image of our work for chained dogs, but have very few business clothes myself. If you have anything, please send to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.
9. I'm embarrassed to admit what I thought was blood in my urine and a uti was actually red from the beet juice in the veggie drink I got at the corner Juicy Rumors each day! My test from Tuesday night came back fine, and I got suspicious it could be the beet juice, and I was right! Well, at least now we all know…if you drink beet juice, and it turns red, don't panic like I did...
http://www.rawfoodsupport.com/read.php?2,130704,130747
From the above website: "It's quite normal for the wee to turn red on consuming large amounts of beetroot juice. I'm not sure it's down to depleted HCL, as it's rare to find someone whose wee doesn't turn red after consuming beetroot juice. Mine does, and I've been raw for two years (100%)."
10. Enjoy your weekend, everyone. Please, if you haven't contacted your Senator yet, it's SO important. Please make the call on Monday.
To view pics from Day 5, visit the webpage at: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/FidosFreedom/day5aug6.html
I love the 15-minute limit unsupervised! Presumably it's longer supervised, which I can understand and live with, but by stating this and also putting it into context of the proximity to the school, they are recognizing the fact that chained dogs can and do become more aggressive than other dogs, and are seeing it as a measure to protect their children too, as a community solution, and not just a--gasp--'animal rights' solution.
In West Palm Beach, Florida, officers are doing sweeps for suffering animals in the heat.
"Take this dog for example, a female pitbull named Diamond. Animal care and control has her now. She was seized last week, after authorities took these photos of her tied up outside in the heat in a yard in West Palm Beach. The temperature that day was a sweltering 93 degrees and Diamond had no shade, except for a small dog house.
Captain Walesky said, "we try and explain to 'em it's a bad idea. but not only is it a bad idea, it's a law. You can't do this. In Palm Beach County, it's illegal to tie a dog up outside between 10 in the morning and 5 in the evening."
Having a law enables the officers to do what is right and just and what people are asking them to do: save the dog's life, and stop the suffering.
But while most Pennsylvania residents 'get it,' there's still that 10-20% who just don't get it, and need to have their actions legislated. I don't care if you're intelligent or not, you have two eyes, and it's time you open them and your heart and have a good look around at the suffering of chained dogs and the suffering of neighbors forced to endure watching it.
This message on the DDB Facebook fanpage shows the typical ignorance we fight: "I'd like to know what your alternative is for an outside dog other than chaining? We had a beagle and he was an outside dog for 16 years chained to a doghouse with shade, food, water, and attention several times of day. He broke his chain several times and ran to neighbors luckily or would have been run over by traffic...or train. In late years, was blind and deaf. Isn't it just as cruel to pen up a large dog in a 3X5 cage in a house for 12-16 hours a day, lying in their feces and urine? What about their rights? What about the handicapped persons in nursing homes who have to sit in a wheelchair or bed for most of their day? Are you standing up for them too?"
This message is so problematic on many levels. First, it attempts to confuse, by dragging in totally unrelated issues and assuming that it's our responsibility to advocate for all societal wrongs: "What about the handicapped persons in nursing homes who have to sit in a wheelchair or bed for most of their day?"
Second, it states their beagle was an 'outside' dog. If you look in any of the breed books, there is no such thing as an 'outside dog;' these are just regular dogs of every different breed, every single one of which has many others just like it living inside as part of a family. The only difference is the level of responsibility assumed for that dog's happiness and well-being by the dog's caretakers.
Third, she states that: "for 16 years chained to a doghouse with shade, food, water, and attention several times of day." Attention several times a day? My arse! I'm 100% sure that dog was lucky to get any food/water on a daily basis, let alone attention several times a day. Every chainer tries to make out like THEIR dog is the exception to the rule that chained dogs are neglected, and puts a beauty of a spin on it so it appears like the dog led a dandy of a life. In truth, any dog spending 24 hours a day on a chain is by that very virtue neglected and in my opinion abused.
Fourth, she says "He broke his chain several times and ran to neighbors luckily or would have been run over by traffic...or train." My question is, if he were so happy there, why was he breaking his chain? Why was he running to the neighbors? Maybe because he was seen there and treated with love and respect?
Fifth, she tells us, "In late years, he was blind and deaf." There is no mention that in those years he was indeed given a reprieve from the chain due to his immense physical challenges, but it appears that he was left chained, unable to see, and unable to hear. I can imagine very few greater horrors than to not only be unable to see and hear, but to be nothing more than a sitting duck for any animal or human intending to do you harm. You may smell him coming, but without seeing or hearing, there is no way you could avoid him or fight him off. You are totally vulnerable to death at each and every moment, and without love or light to guide you and give you safety, death would indeed come as a welcome release from the crushing fear.
Sixth, she implies that there is only one alternative to chaining your dog outside: "Isn't it just as cruel to pen up a large dog in a 3X5 cage in a house for 12-16 hours a day, lying in their feces and urine?" Why in God's name would any human with an ounce of decency cage a dog for 12-16 hours in his own feces and urine? Who wouldn't take their dog out to the bathroom? Did you not know that crates are to be used only as tools and only as long as it takes to get the dog trained, then the dog can have the run of the house without incident? What about your dog living in your home with you as a companion, not a prisoner? What about building a fence so your dog can go outside to potty and then come back inside with his pack? Have you heard of walking a dog on a leash? Why are none of these humane possibilities even thought of as an option?
And lastly, she states: "What about their rights?" Here's the one place we agree, Anita, because that's exactly what I want to know. WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS?
Having just spent five 10-hour days on a chain on their behalf, I'm asking that same question of my state legislators. WHAT ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS? Despite having endured one week of absolute and mind-numbing 10-hour days of torture on that chain, I still cannot fully comprehend the horror of being there ad infinitum. I so looked forward every day to the magic hour of six o'clock, and I watched as the minutes and seconds dragged on. What if getting off the chain were not an option? What would I do?
I can honestly say I've never waited for a weekend more in my entire 46 years--EVER--and I've pledged to enjoy every single second of my freedom before I force myself back on that chain on Monday. To think that these dogs cannot look forward to freedom for any amount of time is truly unconscionable. I cannot endure the mere thought of it for their sakes.
Pennsylvania legislators, I am personally holding you accountable for opening your eyes and seeing the suffering of our friends. I am asking those 80-90% of PA citizens who agree with me to join me in holding them accountable.
It's time for this abuse to end, and it's time for people like Anita to grow up, and go buy a dog book for Pete's sake. Some things are common sense, and if you don't have any, then don't have a dog or find a way to buy some. Common sense, that is.
Pennsylvania, and the world, MUST stop tolerating this abuse of Man's Best Friend. If this is how we treat our best friend, I would hate to see how we treat our enemies.
Random incidents or thoughts from the day:
1. My new friend Cathie (don't know her last name) brought me water, sun chips, and magazines. I told her I wasn't allowing myself to read as it wouldn't be fair to the dogs, but I would save the chips for later. She's a very sweet and caring woman.
2. A young girl who works at the Capitol brought me out a bag of pretzels and a water. I wonder if she read my blog from yesterday? Oops!
3. Oddly, by sheer coincidence, an Altoona man I met at a Sheetz one time came wandering by. When I met him before, he was very interested in getting involved, so I had him go to a street in Blandburg, Cambria County (Senator Wozniak's district) where there was a chained dog at every house, and see if he could do any ejumakatin'. He told me that he was physically threatened there by the residents when he tried to discuss their dogs with them. He described it as 'a scary place, man.' Ah, welcome to my world!
4. Deb Smith came and chained up with me for a couple of hours. She was very excited because her house rep hasn't been supportive of chaining legislation, but she is being challenged in the upcoming election by Gene Stilp. She spoke to Gene, and he's fully in support of the legislation, so she called Sue Helms and told her that. Her office immediately said she'd call Deb back on Monday. We all need to push the issue with our reps. Enough is enough.
5. A college student at Harrisburg Area Community College was inspired to do her speech on the issue after seeing the news articles this week. She came to interview me, and was super excited about making a difference and spreading the word that chaining has to stop.
6. Joe surprised me in his beautiful Camaro around 3:00, took me to dinner at 6:00, and played professional photographer, again.
7. So many of you in the Harrisburg area are bringing me water, worrying about me all day (just like the dogs), and wanting in some way to make a difference. I truly am in awe of your kindness, and humbled by it. Thank you.
8. I'm asking any of our supporters who might have business attire in sizes 10-14 (assuming the fasting drops some weight off me, which would be the 10, I'm currently a 14) that they no longer want, to send it along to me. If I receive clothes that don't fit me, I will share them with some of the needy people I meet on the streets of Harrisburg. I want to be decently dressed every day to present a positive image of our work for chained dogs, but have very few business clothes myself. If you have anything, please send to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.
9. I'm embarrassed to admit what I thought was blood in my urine and a uti was actually red from the beet juice in the veggie drink I got at the corner Juicy Rumors each day! My test from Tuesday night came back fine, and I got suspicious it could be the beet juice, and I was right! Well, at least now we all know…if you drink beet juice, and it turns red, don't panic like I did...
http://www.rawfoodsupport.com/read.php?2,130704,130747
From the above website: "It's quite normal for the wee to turn red on consuming large amounts of beetroot juice. I'm not sure it's down to depleted HCL, as it's rare to find someone whose wee doesn't turn red after consuming beetroot juice. Mine does, and I've been raw for two years (100%)."
10. Enjoy your weekend, everyone. Please, if you haven't contacted your Senator yet, it's SO important. Please make the call on Monday.
To view pics from Day 5, visit the webpage at: http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/FidosFreedom/day5aug6.html
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Day 4, Operation Fido's Freedom: Dichotomy of Tami-Treatment points to Apathy over Animal Abuse
I'm not gonna lie. Today was tough, but not weather-wise as expected (was supposed to be heat index of 104 degrees plus severe thundershowers and didn't happen). It was because I let the naysayers and critics get me down.
I know logically they're there and I need to just go about my business and ignore them, but today it wasn't so easy in practice. I think of the amazing soul of Nelson Mandela, and how he suffered, and it gives me strength and tells me to stop whining and just get on with it.
I did almost cry today, more than once, but the peach incident was what really laid me low. The peach lady drove up, parked her blue pickup truck full of peaches right in front of me, got out all bubbly wubbly, and waved to her three friends who were obviously Capitol employees and were walking down the steps toward her.
The three women passed me closely without looking at me or even acknowledging my existence, and she started telling them the three kinds of peaches she had, which I assumed she was selling.
But, turns out she was giving them to these women. They excitedly oohed and awed, took their bags of free peaches, and pranced right past my doghouse again, never saying hi, and certainly never offering me one of their free peaches.
The extreme indifference to suffering or lack of plain old human kindness displayed by these women really knocked me for a loop. I could probably die chained to this doghouse and no one from the Capitol would even notice until I started stinking three days later.
It's exactly like the chained dog caretaker in NC who, when Animal Control told her the dog was dead, said "Why didn't anyone tell me?" The dog laid there for days, dead from starvation, and she didn't even notice? How can you not notice a dead dog in your backyard?
The fact that I am well-dressed, a veteran, hold a master's degree, have written one book and edited another, and am founder of a nonprofit means nothing to them. They don't know and they don't care. They don't see me at all.
As I was really grappling with the turmoil of that experience, Stacey Romberger and two of her office mates came walking toward me with big smiles on their faces, and Stacey was bringing me water. For me!
My friend Gordon Bakalar brought a cooler with ice and water, and then Deb Smith and Barb Hacker both stopped by with water, while Melissa Swauger and Darryl came by with Gatorade. Sandra Stegman brought me grapes which I'm saving for tomorrow night, and another unknown woman came with water as well. (I think I got them all?)
Suffice it to say, I've got enough liquid for tomorrow already!
I shared a water with one of the local residents who is very down on his luck, and he in turn shared his Mayan wisdom with me. He told me that no matter how people treat you, you hold true to your belief and your passion, and you cling to that, you never let it go. He took the time to minister to me spiritually even in the midst of his own personal crises.
It's obvious to me there are people who think about the suffering of others, and reach out to help whenever they can. And there are people who turn a blind eye and walk right on by.
But I'm here, and I intend to stay, through good days and bad. I committed to these dogs, and when I am pacing, dragging my chain, just about out of my mind with boredom, I look down at the picture of the day, and I see these faces looking toward me with hope.
I cannot let them down.
Miscellaneous observations from the day:
1. Thank Dog for 100 Sunblock. I'd be crispy crittered without it.
2. I deserve the best in life, just as the dogs do. Both the dogs and I (and YOU) deserve a loving family, freedom to choose, access to good food and water, a decent living environment, to be seen, to be clean and have shiny fur/hair, to play.
3. People really do think it's ok to attack other people just because.
4. I need to get a tougher skin. Maybe all the sun will help. Ugh.
5. A musician named Gravy came up and entertained Sandra and I with three songs. She came to play for 'the dog lady.' She was so good we got goosebumps!
6. Only 24 hours until I can eat. I just can't wait!
7. Mike Romberger's arranging someone to be there every night at 6 to help me get stuff into the van. How sweet is that?
I know logically they're there and I need to just go about my business and ignore them, but today it wasn't so easy in practice. I think of the amazing soul of Nelson Mandela, and how he suffered, and it gives me strength and tells me to stop whining and just get on with it.
I did almost cry today, more than once, but the peach incident was what really laid me low. The peach lady drove up, parked her blue pickup truck full of peaches right in front of me, got out all bubbly wubbly, and waved to her three friends who were obviously Capitol employees and were walking down the steps toward her.
The three women passed me closely without looking at me or even acknowledging my existence, and she started telling them the three kinds of peaches she had, which I assumed she was selling.
But, turns out she was giving them to these women. They excitedly oohed and awed, took their bags of free peaches, and pranced right past my doghouse again, never saying hi, and certainly never offering me one of their free peaches.
The extreme indifference to suffering or lack of plain old human kindness displayed by these women really knocked me for a loop. I could probably die chained to this doghouse and no one from the Capitol would even notice until I started stinking three days later.
It's exactly like the chained dog caretaker in NC who, when Animal Control told her the dog was dead, said "Why didn't anyone tell me?" The dog laid there for days, dead from starvation, and she didn't even notice? How can you not notice a dead dog in your backyard?
The fact that I am well-dressed, a veteran, hold a master's degree, have written one book and edited another, and am founder of a nonprofit means nothing to them. They don't know and they don't care. They don't see me at all.
As I was really grappling with the turmoil of that experience, Stacey Romberger and two of her office mates came walking toward me with big smiles on their faces, and Stacey was bringing me water. For me!
My friend Gordon Bakalar brought a cooler with ice and water, and then Deb Smith and Barb Hacker both stopped by with water, while Melissa Swauger and Darryl came by with Gatorade. Sandra Stegman brought me grapes which I'm saving for tomorrow night, and another unknown woman came with water as well. (I think I got them all?)
Suffice it to say, I've got enough liquid for tomorrow already!
I shared a water with one of the local residents who is very down on his luck, and he in turn shared his Mayan wisdom with me. He told me that no matter how people treat you, you hold true to your belief and your passion, and you cling to that, you never let it go. He took the time to minister to me spiritually even in the midst of his own personal crises.
It's obvious to me there are people who think about the suffering of others, and reach out to help whenever they can. And there are people who turn a blind eye and walk right on by.
But I'm here, and I intend to stay, through good days and bad. I committed to these dogs, and when I am pacing, dragging my chain, just about out of my mind with boredom, I look down at the picture of the day, and I see these faces looking toward me with hope.
I cannot let them down.
Miscellaneous observations from the day:
1. Thank Dog for 100 Sunblock. I'd be crispy crittered without it.
2. I deserve the best in life, just as the dogs do. Both the dogs and I (and YOU) deserve a loving family, freedom to choose, access to good food and water, a decent living environment, to be seen, to be clean and have shiny fur/hair, to play.
3. People really do think it's ok to attack other people just because.
4. I need to get a tougher skin. Maybe all the sun will help. Ugh.
5. A musician named Gravy came up and entertained Sandra and I with three songs. She came to play for 'the dog lady.' She was so good we got goosebumps!
6. Only 24 hours until I can eat. I just can't wait!
7. Mike Romberger's arranging someone to be there every night at 6 to help me get stuff into the van. How sweet is that?
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Day 3, Operation Fido's Freedom: Well, Now I've Gone and Done It
I swore I wouldn't keep talking to you about pee. I mean, who the heck wants to know about something like that? But darned if I didn't go and get a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) from Monday's bright idea of not drinking or going potty all day. (I know, I can hear you all I-told-you-so'in in the background.)
I told Joe, my beau, that I suspected a UTI, and he asked me when I proposed to go to the doctor. I said, innocently, "Saturday?"
I can't miss 'work' tomorrow! I just got there this week, what would the neighbors think if I didn't show up to work my corner of the Capitol?
He wasn't overly fond of that idea, so after a little internet research, I decided it would be best to seek out a local VA. I depend on them for my healthcare, and I refuse to say a bad word about them because I'm grateful to have a place to get treatment without paying my next three month's salary!
So I called a nurse on duty, and she told me I needed to seek treatment within the next 12 hours. Damn. This didn't fit really well with my plan of working until 11, blogging about the day and trying to catch up on the e-mails that are laying around. But, I realized that going now before it got too bad just might save me a world of hurtin' come this weekend. And I can't be sick this weekend!
I have eaten' to do! And boyfriending! I can't be lollygagging around at some hospital where I might not even get food, and I only get to eat from Friday at 6:00 through Sunday night!
So, reluctantly, off I went to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, which was about 40 minutes away. It was actually VA record time (I swore I wouldn't complain) and I was out of there and back at my hotel by 10:15. The diagnosis was UTI, but the culture won't be back for two days, at which time I'll find out if they gave me the right medicine.
Seems that I ended up like Aldus (the dog in Day One's blog) after all. Peeing blood and in need of immediate vet care. (Get it, vet…he needed a vet, I'm a veteran…it was a play on words. Oh, never mind.)
Let this be a lesson to all of you. Next time you chain yourself to a doghouse and think you can emulate the dogs by going all day without drinking and get away with it, think again.
Some items of note from Wednesday's chaining:
1. Wheatgrass rocks! I never had it before, but Steve from Juicy Rumors gave me a shot of it. I was taking little sips and he said you usually just slam it down. I told him, "Yeah, but I'm not eating, so I have to savor every flavor, even if it's grass."
2. Did three interviews today, one with Altoona news station over the phone, and two with radio stations.
3. The heat index hit over 100 today. When I got in my van, it said 95 in the shade. It was a hell of a day. I was pretty much just covered in sweat all day. At about 3 o'clock the State Street Building across the street blocks out the sun. I really look forward to that time.
4. I got as smart as a chained dog and when the shadow was about to hit my area, I drug my chain over and got in early. I've seen chained dogs seek out the tiniest bit of shade and try to stay in it. Pitiful, really.
5. I think I left all the salt in my body on the Capitol steps. I wonder if they'll make me come clean it up.
6. Had a fair amount of company today, starting with Morgan, Steve from Juicy Rumors' 14 year old daughter, who loves to come over and be an activist if she agrees with whatever is being activated at the Capitol. She's adorable, and reading the Warriors book series, which is what my daughter and I read too. She couldn't wait to take my place on the chain for the potty break!
Barb Hacker was telling me that she got a dog off a chain not too long ago. She had watched this dog for a couple of years, and it really ate away at her. She found out the lady was moving, so she got her phone number and asked her if she could have the dog. Now she lives with them, getting to run in a two acre fenced yard, play with her doggie siblings, and sleep in the house with her pack. Sweet!
7. Got the nicest text from my older brother! My family isn't that close, so this text really touched me: "Hey, Tam, I saw your newsletter and Vince also sent me an article about you chaining yourself in front of the State Capitol. I want you to know how proud I am of you, how touched I am by what you're doing, and at the same time angry at the gutless politicians who are afraid of losing just a few votes rather than doing the right thing. I love you, Sis, and I think you are an amazing lady!" Wow! (OK, maybe it wasn't nice for the politicians, but for me, it was amazing.)
8. Now, call me crazy, but I really think if you fast for three days you should lose like 30 lbs. I'm pretty sure I suffered at least 30 lbs. worth! And I've got plenty of cushion…the poor chained dogs? Not so much. Three days is probably in some cases enough to do them in if they haven't gotten regular food and had some weight on them before that. Definitely, in 90 degree heat, without water and shade, they are dead meat, and quick.
9. When I got there this morning, there was a reporter in my 'territory' and not there to interview me. I must have forgotten to mark it last night. Luckily one of my foster dogs that I got off a chain four years ago came to visit me, and I encouraged him to mark the territory for tomorrow. Hopefully no one will encroach again, or I'll have to bite them.
Oh, crap, I DO have to go back again?
Dogs Deserve SO much Better!
I told Joe, my beau, that I suspected a UTI, and he asked me when I proposed to go to the doctor. I said, innocently, "Saturday?"
I can't miss 'work' tomorrow! I just got there this week, what would the neighbors think if I didn't show up to work my corner of the Capitol?
He wasn't overly fond of that idea, so after a little internet research, I decided it would be best to seek out a local VA. I depend on them for my healthcare, and I refuse to say a bad word about them because I'm grateful to have a place to get treatment without paying my next three month's salary!
So I called a nurse on duty, and she told me I needed to seek treatment within the next 12 hours. Damn. This didn't fit really well with my plan of working until 11, blogging about the day and trying to catch up on the e-mails that are laying around. But, I realized that going now before it got too bad just might save me a world of hurtin' come this weekend. And I can't be sick this weekend!
I have eaten' to do! And boyfriending! I can't be lollygagging around at some hospital where I might not even get food, and I only get to eat from Friday at 6:00 through Sunday night!
So, reluctantly, off I went to the Lebanon VA Medical Center, which was about 40 minutes away. It was actually VA record time (I swore I wouldn't complain) and I was out of there and back at my hotel by 10:15. The diagnosis was UTI, but the culture won't be back for two days, at which time I'll find out if they gave me the right medicine.
Seems that I ended up like Aldus (the dog in Day One's blog) after all. Peeing blood and in need of immediate vet care. (Get it, vet…he needed a vet, I'm a veteran…it was a play on words. Oh, never mind.)
Let this be a lesson to all of you. Next time you chain yourself to a doghouse and think you can emulate the dogs by going all day without drinking and get away with it, think again.
Some items of note from Wednesday's chaining:
1. Wheatgrass rocks! I never had it before, but Steve from Juicy Rumors gave me a shot of it. I was taking little sips and he said you usually just slam it down. I told him, "Yeah, but I'm not eating, so I have to savor every flavor, even if it's grass."
2. Did three interviews today, one with Altoona news station over the phone, and two with radio stations.
3. The heat index hit over 100 today. When I got in my van, it said 95 in the shade. It was a hell of a day. I was pretty much just covered in sweat all day. At about 3 o'clock the State Street Building across the street blocks out the sun. I really look forward to that time.
4. I got as smart as a chained dog and when the shadow was about to hit my area, I drug my chain over and got in early. I've seen chained dogs seek out the tiniest bit of shade and try to stay in it. Pitiful, really.
5. I think I left all the salt in my body on the Capitol steps. I wonder if they'll make me come clean it up.
6. Had a fair amount of company today, starting with Morgan, Steve from Juicy Rumors' 14 year old daughter, who loves to come over and be an activist if she agrees with whatever is being activated at the Capitol. She's adorable, and reading the Warriors book series, which is what my daughter and I read too. She couldn't wait to take my place on the chain for the potty break!
Barb Hacker was telling me that she got a dog off a chain not too long ago. She had watched this dog for a couple of years, and it really ate away at her. She found out the lady was moving, so she got her phone number and asked her if she could have the dog. Now she lives with them, getting to run in a two acre fenced yard, play with her doggie siblings, and sleep in the house with her pack. Sweet!
7. Got the nicest text from my older brother! My family isn't that close, so this text really touched me: "Hey, Tam, I saw your newsletter and Vince also sent me an article about you chaining yourself in front of the State Capitol. I want you to know how proud I am of you, how touched I am by what you're doing, and at the same time angry at the gutless politicians who are afraid of losing just a few votes rather than doing the right thing. I love you, Sis, and I think you are an amazing lady!" Wow! (OK, maybe it wasn't nice for the politicians, but for me, it was amazing.)
8. Now, call me crazy, but I really think if you fast for three days you should lose like 30 lbs. I'm pretty sure I suffered at least 30 lbs. worth! And I've got plenty of cushion…the poor chained dogs? Not so much. Three days is probably in some cases enough to do them in if they haven't gotten regular food and had some weight on them before that. Definitely, in 90 degree heat, without water and shade, they are dead meat, and quick.
9. When I got there this morning, there was a reporter in my 'territory' and not there to interview me. I must have forgotten to mark it last night. Luckily one of my foster dogs that I got off a chain four years ago came to visit me, and I encouraged him to mark the territory for tomorrow. Hopefully no one will encroach again, or I'll have to bite them.
Oh, crap, I DO have to go back again?
Dogs Deserve SO much Better!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Day 2, Operation Fido's Freedom: My Mission, Should I Choose to Accept It
Click the link above to view this blog on the site and see pics.
Long before I started Dogs Deserve Better, I was on a mission to discover my mission. I knew I didn't want to die without making a difference, and judging by the nasty comments on the article posted in Penn Live today, I guess it's working.
I'm annoying the hell out of those people who's mission it is to cut down anyone with a mission.
Pretty crappy mission, if you ask me, but they're the ones who have to look themselves in the mirror every morning and say, "Well, who shall we abuse today?"
I spent a lot of time in the self-help book section attempting to point my life in a positive direction. Every time I would ask God what my mission was, a picture of the dog up the road would come into my mind, just like one of those little thought bubbles. I would shake my head and say, "no, God, that one's too hard. I'm gonna' need an easier one."
The dog up the road, Worthless (yes, that truly was his name), was a black lab mix with a stumpy tail, and a sweet as sugar disposition. I loved him dearly, but there he was, chained to a post in the yard, and always tangled around a tree. I used to sneak up and give him food and water, until they told me to stop. For two years I watched him suffer and grow old, until I finally could bear it no more.
I accepted my mission.
After today's chaining, I'm thinking about that old me who just knew chaining was too hard of a mission…and I'm wanting to agree with her.
What was I thinking committing to doing this every Monday through Friday? Not eating? Working late each night to catch up on the work I missed while I spent ten hours chained to a doghouse? Nursing sunburn, aching bones, stinky feet?
I am thinking that YES, it IS a very hard path to treed, but that's exactly why I'm here. If it were easy to live chained to a doghouse, for dogs OR for me, I wouldn't be here. But it's not easy.
It downright SUCKS.
And I know all the naysayers and nasty-grammers will say "people aren't dogs." OK, that's the one thing you've got right. People AREN'T dogs, people are MUCH more capable of living by themselves than dogs are. People don't need people the way dogs need people. Dogs are the neediest creatures on the planet, bar none, and to chain them up like their social nature doesn't matter is just beyond insensitive…it's genuinely apathetic.
One man touched my heart today. He was a big, strong-looking man from Juniata County with a short, marine-style haircut. He told me he hates seeing chained dogs, and every time he drives by this one mangy dog near him who spends his life chained, he feels so much empathy for the dog he almost wants to cry. This is one aspect of the whole need for a chaining law that people don't get…not only are the dogs suffering, but those of us who have to watch them suffer right along with them.
Why should we have to suffer because you can legally torture your dogs? It's not acceptable.
Today I sat for the dogs in Mifflin County. May you know your voices were heard, mores than ever before. In fact, we were part of a bit of a media frenzy, a big thank you to any media who came out to interview. Wave hi as you drive by about your Capitol beat in the next few weeks, you know where my house is: the Doghouse in the Shadow of the Capitol, Harrisburg, PA.
Observations from today's chaining:
1. Another big "I'm Grateful" to Juicy Rumors Smoothies and Juice Bar for allowing me bathroom breaks and supporting our mission. And to Deb Carr, Gordon Bakalar, and Linda Cribb for coming out to hang with me.
2. People here are still giving me funny looks, but the natives are starting to accept me. This would be a time that being extroverted would help, but alas, I look at them warily, as a chained dog who's been beaten before and doesn't know if he can trust again.
3. The weather wasn't too bad today, although I still got a little sunburned, hot, and sweaty. Unfortunately the next two days are supposed to be much hotter AND have a 50% chance of showers. Sweet!
4. A few people from the Capitol started to come out and tell me "We heard you were here." Can you imagine the water cooler conversation?
5. My new computer programmer friend I met yesterday made signs for us. They helped draw people in, which was cool. But, then they kept blowing over, and I felt annoyed that I had to keep putting them back up. Really? Like I had anything better to do?
6. LOVED the Channel 8 guys, they spent over an hour videotaping and asked really insightful questions.
7. Two guys in a pickup truck drove by and shouted "You're the only one protesting." Well, at least they can count to one. Probably have a chained dog at home.
Long before I started Dogs Deserve Better, I was on a mission to discover my mission. I knew I didn't want to die without making a difference, and judging by the nasty comments on the article posted in Penn Live today, I guess it's working.
I'm annoying the hell out of those people who's mission it is to cut down anyone with a mission.
Pretty crappy mission, if you ask me, but they're the ones who have to look themselves in the mirror every morning and say, "Well, who shall we abuse today?"
I spent a lot of time in the self-help book section attempting to point my life in a positive direction. Every time I would ask God what my mission was, a picture of the dog up the road would come into my mind, just like one of those little thought bubbles. I would shake my head and say, "no, God, that one's too hard. I'm gonna' need an easier one."
The dog up the road, Worthless (yes, that truly was his name), was a black lab mix with a stumpy tail, and a sweet as sugar disposition. I loved him dearly, but there he was, chained to a post in the yard, and always tangled around a tree. I used to sneak up and give him food and water, until they told me to stop. For two years I watched him suffer and grow old, until I finally could bear it no more.
I accepted my mission.
After today's chaining, I'm thinking about that old me who just knew chaining was too hard of a mission…and I'm wanting to agree with her.
What was I thinking committing to doing this every Monday through Friday? Not eating? Working late each night to catch up on the work I missed while I spent ten hours chained to a doghouse? Nursing sunburn, aching bones, stinky feet?
I am thinking that YES, it IS a very hard path to treed, but that's exactly why I'm here. If it were easy to live chained to a doghouse, for dogs OR for me, I wouldn't be here. But it's not easy.
It downright SUCKS.
And I know all the naysayers and nasty-grammers will say "people aren't dogs." OK, that's the one thing you've got right. People AREN'T dogs, people are MUCH more capable of living by themselves than dogs are. People don't need people the way dogs need people. Dogs are the neediest creatures on the planet, bar none, and to chain them up like their social nature doesn't matter is just beyond insensitive…it's genuinely apathetic.
One man touched my heart today. He was a big, strong-looking man from Juniata County with a short, marine-style haircut. He told me he hates seeing chained dogs, and every time he drives by this one mangy dog near him who spends his life chained, he feels so much empathy for the dog he almost wants to cry. This is one aspect of the whole need for a chaining law that people don't get…not only are the dogs suffering, but those of us who have to watch them suffer right along with them.
Why should we have to suffer because you can legally torture your dogs? It's not acceptable.
Today I sat for the dogs in Mifflin County. May you know your voices were heard, mores than ever before. In fact, we were part of a bit of a media frenzy, a big thank you to any media who came out to interview. Wave hi as you drive by about your Capitol beat in the next few weeks, you know where my house is: the Doghouse in the Shadow of the Capitol, Harrisburg, PA.
Observations from today's chaining:
1. Another big "I'm Grateful" to Juicy Rumors Smoothies and Juice Bar for allowing me bathroom breaks and supporting our mission. And to Deb Carr, Gordon Bakalar, and Linda Cribb for coming out to hang with me.
2. People here are still giving me funny looks, but the natives are starting to accept me. This would be a time that being extroverted would help, but alas, I look at them warily, as a chained dog who's been beaten before and doesn't know if he can trust again.
3. The weather wasn't too bad today, although I still got a little sunburned, hot, and sweaty. Unfortunately the next two days are supposed to be much hotter AND have a 50% chance of showers. Sweet!
4. A few people from the Capitol started to come out and tell me "We heard you were here." Can you imagine the water cooler conversation?
5. My new computer programmer friend I met yesterday made signs for us. They helped draw people in, which was cool. But, then they kept blowing over, and I felt annoyed that I had to keep putting them back up. Really? Like I had anything better to do?
6. LOVED the Channel 8 guys, they spent over an hour videotaping and asked really insightful questions.
7. Two guys in a pickup truck drove by and shouted "You're the only one protesting." Well, at least they can count to one. Probably have a chained dog at home.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Day One, Operation Fido's Freedom: Thayne's on a Chain. A-Gain (pronounced with a long A there, you know, for rhyming purposes.)
Seems like I just got off a chain. I guess Chain Off was about a month ago now, though…it just sticks in your mind.
Well, we all know why I'm here, if you read my Open Letter to PA State Senators and House Reps…and you all know what I want.
And a big part of why I'm here is to inspire YOU ALL to take action on behalf of chained dogs…so please, please, please contact your reps, and contact them again, etc. They don't come back to session until September, but if we all pitch in, we can get them ready to take action by then.
First things first, though, let me just tell you that I made it eleven hours without peeing today! I know, that's personal information that you really were happier not knowing, but how can I not share a record like that? If you knew me, you'd indeed know how much of a miracle that really is!
Granted, I know it can't really be a good thing for my kidneys and bladder. But still, there it is, and now you know.
And, I want to know who's pea-brained idea it was for me to fast for the dogs who are starving on a chain with no way to get food for themselves as I type? I know it was mine, but still…now I'm starving (well, very hungry at least, I know I have a buffer that the chained dogs don't have before starvation sets in) too and I don't like it. Not one bit.
I'm on the record as against keeping up the not-peeing thing, which is problematic given that I shouldn't abandon my 'stuff' for the time it takes to tinkle, and can't see myself dragging a doghouse and chain into the nearest bathroom. The dogs have it made over me in that area, what with their ability to cop a squat wherever they damn well please…as long as it's within the 10 square feet of their doghouse, of course.
Right across the street from my doghouse (hey, maybe I could get an address for my house? Like on Harry Potter…Tamira Thayne, the doghouse in the shadow of the Capitol, Harrisburg, PA) there's two establishments, the Caffeine Connection and Sammy's Authentic Italian Restaurant. Maybe one or both of them will give me bathroom privileges in exchange for mentioning them repeatedly in my blog? Which won't be hard to do, given that I'm thirsting and starving to death, and I just stare longingly and with drool hanging down my chin across the street at their tantalizing signs all day.
Anyway, I hope I don't get a bladder infection. I got this dog off a chain once who was peeing blood in the snow. The vet said he'd just gone too long without enough water and it messed him up pretty bad in the kidney zone. He was one of the lucky ones who got off the chain, into rescue, and into a home where he was able to know love and live as part of the pack.
Each day I will sit for different dogs, dogs in different counties, etc. Today I started off for all those that have died on the end of a chain, and there are many that I know of—at least 5 I can think of right off the top of my head—that got old, and then just disappeared from this earth. Poor things. They never knew love, never knew laughter or hugs or a family to call their own. Rest in peace babies, we're fighting for you. We won't give up until others don't have to suffer the same fate that you did.
Odd or funny observations from today's chaining:
1. I sat down at numerous and sundry times on the oh-so-hard granite wall, but I'm confessing because it felt like cheating. But I don't think I can stop. My feet hurt too bad, and I can only pace for so long.
2. I wondered why the flags were at half-mast. I'm sure one of you smarty pants has an answer to this.
3. People were taking their lunchtime walks, going to Sammy's, and just taking their freedom for granted. Chained dogs deserve this too.
4. I didn't explain this one right in my 140 character tweet, so have to try again. Three foreign people, older people, came up and asked me in a heavy accent if I had quarters for parking. I said "No, I'm chained to this doghouse." They wanted to know why, so I explained it. The woman agreed with me, and took a paper. Then she said, "It would be good if you had coins too." lol
5. Note to self. Obviously, wearing white shirts in the rain isn't a good policy. Granted, Weatherbug said only a 30% chance today, but obviously the bug was wrong.
6. Really, really, REALLY not looking forward to that all day rain. I couldn't sit down at all, so I had to pace the whole time, and I think it rained for half hour…what am I going to do in the all day rain?
7. Joe came up and took pics for me, and I just wondered if I ever mentioned how much I love that man?
I'm SO glad I don't have to go back tomorrow…oh, shit, wait!
(If you want to follow my daily tweets during the chaining, follow me @tamirathayne. If you want to see more pics, etc., every evening, fan the campaign on facebook at Operation Fido's Freedom.
Well, we all know why I'm here, if you read my Open Letter to PA State Senators and House Reps…and you all know what I want.
And a big part of why I'm here is to inspire YOU ALL to take action on behalf of chained dogs…so please, please, please contact your reps, and contact them again, etc. They don't come back to session until September, but if we all pitch in, we can get them ready to take action by then.
First things first, though, let me just tell you that I made it eleven hours without peeing today! I know, that's personal information that you really were happier not knowing, but how can I not share a record like that? If you knew me, you'd indeed know how much of a miracle that really is!
Granted, I know it can't really be a good thing for my kidneys and bladder. But still, there it is, and now you know.
And, I want to know who's pea-brained idea it was for me to fast for the dogs who are starving on a chain with no way to get food for themselves as I type? I know it was mine, but still…now I'm starving (well, very hungry at least, I know I have a buffer that the chained dogs don't have before starvation sets in) too and I don't like it. Not one bit.
I'm on the record as against keeping up the not-peeing thing, which is problematic given that I shouldn't abandon my 'stuff' for the time it takes to tinkle, and can't see myself dragging a doghouse and chain into the nearest bathroom. The dogs have it made over me in that area, what with their ability to cop a squat wherever they damn well please…as long as it's within the 10 square feet of their doghouse, of course.
Right across the street from my doghouse (hey, maybe I could get an address for my house? Like on Harry Potter…Tamira Thayne, the doghouse in the shadow of the Capitol, Harrisburg, PA) there's two establishments, the Caffeine Connection and Sammy's Authentic Italian Restaurant. Maybe one or both of them will give me bathroom privileges in exchange for mentioning them repeatedly in my blog? Which won't be hard to do, given that I'm thirsting and starving to death, and I just stare longingly and with drool hanging down my chin across the street at their tantalizing signs all day.
Anyway, I hope I don't get a bladder infection. I got this dog off a chain once who was peeing blood in the snow. The vet said he'd just gone too long without enough water and it messed him up pretty bad in the kidney zone. He was one of the lucky ones who got off the chain, into rescue, and into a home where he was able to know love and live as part of the pack.
Each day I will sit for different dogs, dogs in different counties, etc. Today I started off for all those that have died on the end of a chain, and there are many that I know of—at least 5 I can think of right off the top of my head—that got old, and then just disappeared from this earth. Poor things. They never knew love, never knew laughter or hugs or a family to call their own. Rest in peace babies, we're fighting for you. We won't give up until others don't have to suffer the same fate that you did.
Odd or funny observations from today's chaining:
1. I sat down at numerous and sundry times on the oh-so-hard granite wall, but I'm confessing because it felt like cheating. But I don't think I can stop. My feet hurt too bad, and I can only pace for so long.
2. I wondered why the flags were at half-mast. I'm sure one of you smarty pants has an answer to this.
3. People were taking their lunchtime walks, going to Sammy's, and just taking their freedom for granted. Chained dogs deserve this too.
4. I didn't explain this one right in my 140 character tweet, so have to try again. Three foreign people, older people, came up and asked me in a heavy accent if I had quarters for parking. I said "No, I'm chained to this doghouse." They wanted to know why, so I explained it. The woman agreed with me, and took a paper. Then she said, "It would be good if you had coins too." lol
5. Note to self. Obviously, wearing white shirts in the rain isn't a good policy. Granted, Weatherbug said only a 30% chance today, but obviously the bug was wrong.
6. Really, really, REALLY not looking forward to that all day rain. I couldn't sit down at all, so I had to pace the whole time, and I think it rained for half hour…what am I going to do in the all day rain?
7. Joe came up and took pics for me, and I just wondered if I ever mentioned how much I love that man?
I'm SO glad I don't have to go back tomorrow…oh, shit, wait!
(If you want to follow my daily tweets during the chaining, follow me @tamirathayne. If you want to see more pics, etc., every evening, fan the campaign on facebook at Operation Fido's Freedom.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Celebrity Collars for Dollars Auction is Now Live!
Betty White, Dr. Phil, and Kim Basinger top list of celebrities donating pet's collar for charity auction
"Celebrity Collars for Dollars" Fundraising Auction
Benefits Dogs Deserve Better; Begins June 22nd
June 18, 2010, Tipton, PA—Betty White, Dr. Phil, and Kim Basinger top the list of celebrities donating their dog's used collars for a "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" auction benefiting Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit bringing dogs from backyards into the home and family. Each celebrity donated an autographed photo and a signed dog collar with both their name and the name of their companion.
The group also received collars from Terry Bradshaw, Kate Bosworth, Kelly Hu, and Richard Simmons. All have been framed in shadow boxes with a photo of the celebrity, any personal notes, and a Dogs Deserve Better "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" inscription label specifying the celebrity name, his/her companion's name (if known), and the date of the auction.
Ashton Kutcher, Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Jeff Bridges, Tony Hawk, and Troy Aikman were among the celebrities who donated autographed photos. The photos were framed and will be sold during the ten-day eBay auction.
Matthew Broderick donated an autographed photo and a signed copy of "The Producers" playbill. Also donating photos or other signed items to the auction were Bob Barker, Carol Burnett, Chris Cagle, Dan Akroyd, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Fabio, Faith Ford, Greg Biffle, Jack Hanna, Jenna Elfman, Jimmy Buffett, Stefanie Powers, and Ted Kerasote.
Tamira Thayne, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, states "We're excited by our list of celebrity participants this year! Not every celebrity who donates sends a collar, but those who do make our celebrity auction really special and one of a kind. America's chained and penned dogs deserve so much more, and we're thrilled celebrities are joining with us in encouraging society to make dogs part of their pack and not leave them chained, isolated and alone, in the backyard."
Dogs Deserve Better is pairing the celebrity auction with their annual Chain Off Event, taking place from June 26th through July 4th. During this year's event, the group seeks Freedom for Chained Dogs in every state in the nation. 62 volunteers in 21 states plus Guam and British Columbia will live chained to doghouses for 8-24 hours to call attention to those who are still not free—dogs who spend their entire lives at the end of a chain, ostracised from what they long for most: family, love, and attention—a "pack" in which to belong.
The Dogs Deserve Better "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" auction will run 10 days through July 2nd, and can be found through the website at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/collarsfordollars10.html starting June 22. Details on the group's Chain Off 2010 can be found at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Chainoff2010before/chainoff2010.html.
Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has over 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada, the UK, Bahamas, and Canada.
"Celebrity Collars for Dollars" Fundraising Auction
Benefits Dogs Deserve Better; Begins June 22nd
June 18, 2010, Tipton, PA—Betty White, Dr. Phil, and Kim Basinger top the list of celebrities donating their dog's used collars for a "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" auction benefiting Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit bringing dogs from backyards into the home and family. Each celebrity donated an autographed photo and a signed dog collar with both their name and the name of their companion.
The group also received collars from Terry Bradshaw, Kate Bosworth, Kelly Hu, and Richard Simmons. All have been framed in shadow boxes with a photo of the celebrity, any personal notes, and a Dogs Deserve Better "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" inscription label specifying the celebrity name, his/her companion's name (if known), and the date of the auction.
Ashton Kutcher, Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Jeff Bridges, Tony Hawk, and Troy Aikman were among the celebrities who donated autographed photos. The photos were framed and will be sold during the ten-day eBay auction.
Matthew Broderick donated an autographed photo and a signed copy of "The Producers" playbill. Also donating photos or other signed items to the auction were Bob Barker, Carol Burnett, Chris Cagle, Dan Akroyd, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack, Fabio, Faith Ford, Greg Biffle, Jack Hanna, Jenna Elfman, Jimmy Buffett, Stefanie Powers, and Ted Kerasote.
Tamira Thayne, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, states "We're excited by our list of celebrity participants this year! Not every celebrity who donates sends a collar, but those who do make our celebrity auction really special and one of a kind. America's chained and penned dogs deserve so much more, and we're thrilled celebrities are joining with us in encouraging society to make dogs part of their pack and not leave them chained, isolated and alone, in the backyard."
Dogs Deserve Better is pairing the celebrity auction with their annual Chain Off Event, taking place from June 26th through July 4th. During this year's event, the group seeks Freedom for Chained Dogs in every state in the nation. 62 volunteers in 21 states plus Guam and British Columbia will live chained to doghouses for 8-24 hours to call attention to those who are still not free—dogs who spend their entire lives at the end of a chain, ostracised from what they long for most: family, love, and attention—a "pack" in which to belong.
The Dogs Deserve Better "Celebrity Collars for Dollars" auction will run 10 days through July 2nd, and can be found through the website at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/collarsfordollars10.html starting June 22. Details on the group's Chain Off 2010 can be found at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Chainoff2010before/chainoff2010.html.
Dogs Deserve Better is a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award, and currently has over 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada, the UK, Bahamas, and Canada.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Why Chain Off Matters
I remember the moment eight years ago when I first thought of chaining myself to a doghouse. I was filled with a sense of rightness and excitement at the notion, yet fear and trepidation dogged my every mental step.
I tucked the idea away and ruminated.
The image wouldn’t budge, however, no matter how often I told myself it was impossible, it would be too embarrassing, people would laugh, etc., etc., etc.
What would they think of me?
But in the end the fear and uncertainty didn’t sway me from my vision. On July 3-4, 2004, I chained myself to a doghouse for the first time, facing my own inner demons about social acceptance and the prejudice of others—others who either chain their own dogs, love their own dogs but don’t extend that compassion to others, or know in their guts that chaining is wrong but aren’t willing to stand against it.
I chained myself to make a statement about chaining a dog for life.
I.e., it’s morally wrong.
And, it's ethically indefensible.
It should be the same no-brainer for the ‘Absolutely Immoral List’ as kicking a puppy or molesting a child.
Sticking a dog on a CHAIN despite the fact that he’s the absolute most-social of animals, affixing him to a doghouse or tree, ignoring his pleas for help, and watching him die ten years later—a mere shell of the glorious creature he was intended to be—IS a criminal act.
Yet, inexplicably, it doesn’t make the list for a large percentage of Americans.
I was raised on a 100-acre farm, and I grew up with a beagle chained to her doghouse behind the honeysuckle bush at the top of the lane. Granted, perhaps on the surface Maggie’s lifelong chaining didn’t top the list of abuses in my household, but looking back I can see that what we did to Maggie was absolutely WRONG.
I just didn’t have the power to stop it.
But don’t you see?
NOW WE DO! Now We DO!
When enough of us burst forth from the fear bubble we’ve put ourselves in, we CAN make things right for America’s chained dogs.
This IS a no-brainer, but we have to be willing to stop tolerating the abuse.
Are we ready yet? Will you work with me to put an end to the abuse?
When I take my place in front of my doghouse on the hot and humid grass of an Alachua, Florida shopping center this July 3rd, it will be my seventh year living chained for 24 hours or longer—suffering one day in comparison to their 365.
I’ve yet to die of embarrassment for doing it. When I spend those 24 miserable hours chained on behalf of chained dogs, what I’m doing matters to me, and it matters to the world we live in—a world which needs to see people strong enough in their belief of the wrongness of an act that they are willing to look stupid on behalf of a creature who has no voice. I’m depriving myself of comfort, adequate food, enough water, a nice soft bed, and protection from the elements because I know that they DO DESERVE BETTER.
Please join me in chaining yourself for them, or in supporting our Chain Off fundraising efforts so we may continue to be their voice.
When you see your dog on the couch tonight, give him or her a hug. And realize, no matter purebred or mutt, there are thousands more dogs who look just like yours living chained at this very moment, needing someone to be a voice for them.
Will you be that voice?
Tamira Ci Thayne,
Founder, CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
To register for Chain Off:
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Chainoff2010before/chainoff2010.html
To sponsor me as I chain myself:
http://www.firstgiving.com/TamiraThayne
To sponsor others who are chaining on behalf of the dogs:
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Chainoff2010before/chainoff2010locations.html
I tucked the idea away and ruminated.
The image wouldn’t budge, however, no matter how often I told myself it was impossible, it would be too embarrassing, people would laugh, etc., etc., etc.
What would they think of me?
But in the end the fear and uncertainty didn’t sway me from my vision. On July 3-4, 2004, I chained myself to a doghouse for the first time, facing my own inner demons about social acceptance and the prejudice of others—others who either chain their own dogs, love their own dogs but don’t extend that compassion to others, or know in their guts that chaining is wrong but aren’t willing to stand against it.
I chained myself to make a statement about chaining a dog for life.
I.e., it’s morally wrong.
And, it's ethically indefensible.
It should be the same no-brainer for the ‘Absolutely Immoral List’ as kicking a puppy or molesting a child.
Sticking a dog on a CHAIN despite the fact that he’s the absolute most-social of animals, affixing him to a doghouse or tree, ignoring his pleas for help, and watching him die ten years later—a mere shell of the glorious creature he was intended to be—IS a criminal act.
Yet, inexplicably, it doesn’t make the list for a large percentage of Americans.
I was raised on a 100-acre farm, and I grew up with a beagle chained to her doghouse behind the honeysuckle bush at the top of the lane. Granted, perhaps on the surface Maggie’s lifelong chaining didn’t top the list of abuses in my household, but looking back I can see that what we did to Maggie was absolutely WRONG.
I just didn’t have the power to stop it.
But don’t you see?
NOW WE DO! Now We DO!
When enough of us burst forth from the fear bubble we’ve put ourselves in, we CAN make things right for America’s chained dogs.
This IS a no-brainer, but we have to be willing to stop tolerating the abuse.
Are we ready yet? Will you work with me to put an end to the abuse?
When I take my place in front of my doghouse on the hot and humid grass of an Alachua, Florida shopping center this July 3rd, it will be my seventh year living chained for 24 hours or longer—suffering one day in comparison to their 365.
I’ve yet to die of embarrassment for doing it. When I spend those 24 miserable hours chained on behalf of chained dogs, what I’m doing matters to me, and it matters to the world we live in—a world which needs to see people strong enough in their belief of the wrongness of an act that they are willing to look stupid on behalf of a creature who has no voice. I’m depriving myself of comfort, adequate food, enough water, a nice soft bed, and protection from the elements because I know that they DO DESERVE BETTER.
Please join me in chaining yourself for them, or in supporting our Chain Off fundraising efforts so we may continue to be their voice.
When you see your dog on the couch tonight, give him or her a hug. And realize, no matter purebred or mutt, there are thousands more dogs who look just like yours living chained at this very moment, needing someone to be a voice for them.
Will you be that voice?
Tamira Ci Thayne,
Founder, CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
To register for Chain Off:
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Chainoff2010before/chainoff2010.html
To sponsor me as I chain myself:
http://www.firstgiving.com/TamiraThayne
To sponsor others who are chaining on behalf of the dogs:
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Chainoff2010before/chainoff2010locations.html
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Dog Caretakers who charge animal advocate with trespassing later release dogs to her organization
Cite Desire for Dogs to be a Success Story
June 6, 2010, Altoona, PA — In January 2010, Dogs Deserve Better Founder Tamira Thayne was charged with trespassing for providing food, water, and straw to two underweight chained dogs in Lilly, PA. Thayne lost the case in magisterial court, but the charges were not prosecuted on appeal.
In a twist that is being described as miraculous, dog caretakers Jason and Krystal Cann came to her and Dogs Deserve Better in June with the willingness to release the dogs to her organization. On June 6, 2010, everyone got their miracle.
Says Thayne: "I have renewed faith in miracles today! When Jason called me and expressed a desire to relinquish ownership of the dogs to DDB, I admit I was suspicious there was some kind of trick. But both he and wife Krystal desired a better life for the dogs, and they wanted their dogs to be a Dogs Deserve Better success story.
"I commend them for their courage in doing the right thing. That's a first for me, and I'm happy to say that tonight these two dogs have gotten their miracle. They will spend tonight sleeping in the home and will now learn how to live inside as part of the family."
Video of the rescue can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzyIjIY4m8.
Dogs Deserve Better is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, and asks all Pennsylvania residents to stand against this form of abuse by joining the coalition to Unchain Pennsylvania Dogs. The coalition seeks to pass a bill setting time limits on chaining, and creating better conditions for Pennsylvania's dogs. Sign up today at Unchainpadogs.com.
Please visit the website at DogsDeserveBetter.org to learn more about dog chaining, the reasons it is cruel to dogs and dangerous to humans, and to find a local area representative or other areas that have laws in place.
Contact:
Tamira Ci Thayne • CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Dogs Deserve Better • P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 814.941.7447 • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
June 6, 2010, Altoona, PA — In January 2010, Dogs Deserve Better Founder Tamira Thayne was charged with trespassing for providing food, water, and straw to two underweight chained dogs in Lilly, PA. Thayne lost the case in magisterial court, but the charges were not prosecuted on appeal.
In a twist that is being described as miraculous, dog caretakers Jason and Krystal Cann came to her and Dogs Deserve Better in June with the willingness to release the dogs to her organization. On June 6, 2010, everyone got their miracle.
Says Thayne: "I have renewed faith in miracles today! When Jason called me and expressed a desire to relinquish ownership of the dogs to DDB, I admit I was suspicious there was some kind of trick. But both he and wife Krystal desired a better life for the dogs, and they wanted their dogs to be a Dogs Deserve Better success story.
"I commend them for their courage in doing the right thing. That's a first for me, and I'm happy to say that tonight these two dogs have gotten their miracle. They will spend tonight sleeping in the home and will now learn how to live inside as part of the family."
Video of the rescue can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzyIjIY4m8.
Dogs Deserve Better is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Pennsylvania, and asks all Pennsylvania residents to stand against this form of abuse by joining the coalition to Unchain Pennsylvania Dogs. The coalition seeks to pass a bill setting time limits on chaining, and creating better conditions for Pennsylvania's dogs. Sign up today at Unchainpadogs.com.
Please visit the website at DogsDeserveBetter.org to learn more about dog chaining, the reasons it is cruel to dogs and dangerous to humans, and to find a local area representative or other areas that have laws in place.
Contact:
Tamira Ci Thayne • CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Dogs Deserve Better • P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 814.941.7447 • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
Monday, February 08, 2010
Dog advocate charged with trespassing after providing straw to underweight dogs chained in freezing temps
Charges point to immediate need for stronger dog protection laws nationwide
February 6, 2010, Altoona, PA — Dog advocate Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO of Dogs Deserve Better, a non-profit working solely on behalf of chained and penned dogs, spent the coldest night of the year sleepless despite being snug and warm in her bed.
The faces of dogs chained out in single-digit temperatures and sub-zero windchills haunted her, and she worried if these dogs would survive the night in their inadequate houses, many of which contained not even the single insulating element that could well save their lives: straw.
Determined to help local dogs, she rose early and, with another DDB volunteer, took straw, food, and water to some of the worse cases.
At 1492 Dulancey Drive in Lilly, Pennsylvania, Thayne spotted two skinny dogs with inadequate shelter, minimal straw, no food, and no water. She knocked on the door, and when no one answered she left a Dogs Deserve Better calendar and stuffed the doghouses with straw to save the dogs from immediate danger of death by freezing. She gave the dogs each a bone, food, and water. They shivered nonstop while they ate in the -11 degree wind chill.
The boxer mix had very short fur, a too-large doghouse with an opening as large as the dog, and every rib and bone in her back stood out starkly as she tried to decide whether to eat or run into her house for what little warmth it offered.
Current Pennsylvania law dictates that dogs must have access to"sustenance, drink, and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal's body heat and keep it dry." Thayne knew the law was being broken, so she returned three days later to speak to the caretaker on behalf of the dogs.
Again, no one answered the door. She left a brochure and a note saying the doghouses were not meeting legal requirements, including her phone number in case they wanted help or to release the dogs to rescue.
As she gave the dogs treats and a pat on the head, a woman came out screaming at her to get off the property. She immediately left.
Two days later she received a call from a Pennsylvania State Police officer saying she was being charged with Summary Defiant Trespass. Under Pennsylvania law 18 Pa.C.S.A.§3503(b), a person commits the crime of defiant trespass if he or she comes onto or stays on your property AFTER being told to stay away.
However, Thayne had only been told to leave the property once, which she immediately did. She has not returned. She was informed by the State Trooper that the dog caretaker claimed she had told Thayne to leave twice. Thayne rebutted this statement, but the officer said it was her word against the owner's.
Thayne has a witness—the volunteer from the first day—who will testify in court that: 1. Although Thayne made a good-faith attempt to speak to the caretaker before taking action on behalf of the dogs, no one indeed answered the door, and 2. No one EVER asked them to leave the property on Sunday, January 3, 2010.
Thayne's report to the Cambria County Humane Officer brought no relief of the dogs' suffering. He had the guardians fix one of the doghouse openings, but never charged them with cruelty for inadequate housing, the underweight condition of the dogs, the lack of food and water, or leaving the dogs to freeze in sub-zero wind chills.
Thayne will be in district court on Main Street in Portage, Pennsylvania, at 9:30 a.m. on February 16, 2010 to defend against the bogus charges. She will be bringing photo and video evidence, and well as eye-witness testimony.
Thayne is asking all Pennsylvania residents to stand against this form of abuse by joining the coalition to Unchain Pennsylvania Dogs. The coalition seeks to pass HB1254, a bill setting time limits on chaining, and creating better conditions for Pennsylvania's dogs. Sign up today at Unchainpadogs.com.
Please visit the website at DogsDeserveBetter.org to learn more about dog chaining, the reasons it is cruel to dogs and dangerous to humans, and to find a local area representative.
Contact: Dogs Deserve Better • P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 814.941.7447 • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
The world's most unusual Valentines go to the dogs
The world's most unusual Valentines go to the dogs
15,000 Valentines to be delivered to America's 'Forgotten Dogs'
Tipton, PA, February 7, 2010—15,000 Valentines will be delivered this week to some very unusual recipients: dogs. Dogs of every breed, size, and color may receive one, but all that do have one thing in common—they are America's 'Forgotten Dogs.'
Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the suffering endured by chained and penned dogs, annually sends Valentines and dog treat coupons to canines across the country. The 2010 campaign has reached a milestone: 15,000 Valentines will be mailed between February 7-14 to chained and penned dogs nationwide.
Dogs of every breed, size, shape and color end up outside through no fault of their own. Caretakers claim they are not housetrained, too big for the house, or too dirty to be inside. Yet through it all dogs just want to be with humans, part of our pack, and putting a dog outside for life when he/she becomes a burden is not an acceptable solution.
The mailing includes a Valentine for the dog and a brochure for the dog’s caretakers, explaining why the practice of chaining dogs for life is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home and family or to find better homes for the animals.
“We call these dogs the Forgotten Dogs, because they may technically have a home, but do they really? Left alone in the elements, enduring extreme heat and cold, often withstanding inadequate or no shelter, food, or water, there's no doubt that these dogs suffer, and suffer immensely. Winter is a critical time to reach out directly to the people who chain their dogs, and what better excuse than Valentine’s Day to send these forgotten animals a little love,” says Tamira Thayne, founder and director of the eight-year-old non-profit. “Every winter our rescuers see dogs that have frozen in the snow, suffered frostbite, or otherwise endured horrific living conditions because of the longstanding misperception that it is ok to chain a dog and let it out there for life. It isn't.”
“This is the perfect opportunity for people who pass chained dogs every day but feel powerless to help them to make a difference,” continues Thayne. “People anonymously provide us with the addresses of these dogs, or make us a batch of Valentines, and we do the rest.”
Schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations create the Valentines, expressing love and such unusual sentiments like "Chains Break Hearts" or "I Promise to Spread the Love, Not the Fleas." “Children have a natural affinity for animals and they enjoy making art projects,” says Thayne, an artist herself. "In this way we remind children of proper pet caretaking, and educate guardians as well."
Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, states and cities have started to pass laws against the practice. So far four states have passed limitations on chaining: California, Texas, Connecticut, and Nevada. Hundreds of cities and counties have passed limitations or flat-out bans.
Meanwhile, countless backyard dogs are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night in hole-riddled doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise and attention.
Perpetually chained dogs often become aggressive from their constant confinement, thereby posing a danger to people, especially small children.
For more information about the Valentine’s Day outreach, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html or email info@dogsdeservebetter.org.
For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to www.dogsdeservebetter.org.
END
Contact: Tamira Ci Thayne • founder, Dogs Deserve Better • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
Note: For hi-resolution photos, please visit the site at
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html.
15,000 Valentines to be delivered to America's 'Forgotten Dogs'
Tipton, PA, February 7, 2010—15,000 Valentines will be delivered this week to some very unusual recipients: dogs. Dogs of every breed, size, and color may receive one, but all that do have one thing in common—they are America's 'Forgotten Dogs.'
Dogs Deserve Better, a national rescue and advocacy group dedicated to ending the suffering endured by chained and penned dogs, annually sends Valentines and dog treat coupons to canines across the country. The 2010 campaign has reached a milestone: 15,000 Valentines will be mailed between February 7-14 to chained and penned dogs nationwide.
Dogs of every breed, size, shape and color end up outside through no fault of their own. Caretakers claim they are not housetrained, too big for the house, or too dirty to be inside. Yet through it all dogs just want to be with humans, part of our pack, and putting a dog outside for life when he/she becomes a burden is not an acceptable solution.
The mailing includes a Valentine for the dog and a brochure for the dog’s caretakers, explaining why the practice of chaining dogs for life is a form of abuse. The materials encourage people to bring their dogs into the home and family or to find better homes for the animals.
“We call these dogs the Forgotten Dogs, because they may technically have a home, but do they really? Left alone in the elements, enduring extreme heat and cold, often withstanding inadequate or no shelter, food, or water, there's no doubt that these dogs suffer, and suffer immensely. Winter is a critical time to reach out directly to the people who chain their dogs, and what better excuse than Valentine’s Day to send these forgotten animals a little love,” says Tamira Thayne, founder and director of the eight-year-old non-profit. “Every winter our rescuers see dogs that have frozen in the snow, suffered frostbite, or otherwise endured horrific living conditions because of the longstanding misperception that it is ok to chain a dog and let it out there for life. It isn't.”
“This is the perfect opportunity for people who pass chained dogs every day but feel powerless to help them to make a difference,” continues Thayne. “People anonymously provide us with the addresses of these dogs, or make us a batch of Valentines, and we do the rest.”
Schools, scouting troops, and other similar organizations create the Valentines, expressing love and such unusual sentiments like "Chains Break Hearts" or "I Promise to Spread the Love, Not the Fleas." “Children have a natural affinity for animals and they enjoy making art projects,” says Thayne, an artist herself. "In this way we remind children of proper pet caretaking, and educate guardians as well."
Although the practice of 24/7 chaining is pervasive in many parts of the country, states and cities have started to pass laws against the practice. So far four states have passed limitations on chaining: California, Texas, Connecticut, and Nevada. Hundreds of cities and counties have passed limitations or flat-out bans.
Meanwhile, countless backyard dogs are spending yet another winter in the cold. Often, they shiver day and night in hole-riddled doghouses, suffer from thirst because their water is frozen, and pace neurotically from lack of exercise and attention.
Perpetually chained dogs often become aggressive from their constant confinement, thereby posing a danger to people, especially small children.
For more information about the Valentine’s Day outreach, go to http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html or email info@dogsdeservebetter.org.
For general information about Dogs Deserve Better go to www.dogsdeservebetter.org.
END
Contact: Tamira Ci Thayne • founder, Dogs Deserve Better • www.dogsdeservebetter.org
P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684 • 1.877.636.1408 • 814.941.7447
Note: For hi-resolution photos, please visit the site at
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/Valentines2010.html.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Dogs Deserve Better and Pennsylvania SPCA team up to rescue four chained and suffering dogs in Centre County
Video and photo evidence of neglect posted on Facebook leads to linkup
with PSPCA and a warrant and subsequent relinquishment of dogs by guardian
September 6, 2009, Tipton, PA — The anonymous tip to Dogs Deserve Better founder Tamira Ci Thayne said only two things: dogs were abandoned at a property in Centre County near Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and there were at least two starved, chained shepherds on the property.
Dogs Deserve Better, who works on numerous fronts to end the suffering endured by dogs that are kept perpetually chained or penned, is currently pushing a Pennsylvania bill, HB1254, which would limit the amount of time a dog can spend chained, thereby granting dogs more of the protection that should be required by law.
Thayne, armed with camera, food, and water, journeyed to the location to assess the situation and document the neglect. She found not two but four dogs chained and neglected on the property: two seriously underweight shepherds, covered in fleas, with fly strike on their ears and lacking food and water; one blind and deaf Pomeranian in a pen with only a crate for shelter; and a chained black Lab/border collie mix.
The property appeared abandoned, over-flowing with garbage and old, broken-down vehicles but no signs of human life. Thayne thoroughly documented the dogs' conditions and gave them food and water. That evening she posted her frustrations with getting the dogs help on her Facebook page, showing photos of the matted and filthy blind and deaf Pomeranian, and video of the female shepherd running back and forth carrying her empty food bowl—literally begging for food and water.
Thayne was contacted from those postings by the PSPCA, who acted quickly to get an officer to the property on Saturday, September 5th. Finding sufficient cause to warrant removal of the dogs, the organization obtained a warrant on Sunday, September 6th, brought a truck from Philadelphia, found the property owner, and obtained a release of all four dogs to the organization.
The dogs are being taken to the Philadelphia shelter, evaluated for health issues, and then may be released to Dogs Deserve Better's foster program or adopted out to loving homes and families.
Thayne states, “My dream has finally come true! I am so ecstatic tonight, I feel like I just won the lottery. This is the first time in my seven years of working for America's chained dogs that the system has worked the way it should work. An animal advocate such as myself, or any concerned neighbor or citizen, should be able to get help for a suffering animal immediately and in a way that limits the amount of continued suffering the animal must endure. Unfortunately in Pennsylvania, this has not been the case. I thought I would be facing another arrest for helping these abandoned and mistreated animals, but instead law enforcement stepped in, did their job, and did it beautifully. And on a holiday weekend, which makes it even more amazing! I am more grateful to the Pennsylvania SPCA than you can even imagine. Thank you, PSPCA, not only from my heart, but from those suffering dogs who truly deserved better!”
Video and photos of the dogs are available at Dogsdeservebetter.org or by calling 814.207.4586. Video footage is posted on You Tube, Facebook, and other internet sites.
For more information and to support Pennsylvania House Bill 1254, visit UnchainPADogs.com or the DDB site.
Dogs Deserve Better, a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award. The grouphas 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France. Thayne was also a Top Ten Finalist for the 2006 Animal Planet Hero of the Year Contest.
with PSPCA and a warrant and subsequent relinquishment of dogs by guardian
September 6, 2009, Tipton, PA — The anonymous tip to Dogs Deserve Better founder Tamira Ci Thayne said only two things: dogs were abandoned at a property in Centre County near Tyrone, Pennsylvania, and there were at least two starved, chained shepherds on the property.
Dogs Deserve Better, who works on numerous fronts to end the suffering endured by dogs that are kept perpetually chained or penned, is currently pushing a Pennsylvania bill, HB1254, which would limit the amount of time a dog can spend chained, thereby granting dogs more of the protection that should be required by law.
Thayne, armed with camera, food, and water, journeyed to the location to assess the situation and document the neglect. She found not two but four dogs chained and neglected on the property: two seriously underweight shepherds, covered in fleas, with fly strike on their ears and lacking food and water; one blind and deaf Pomeranian in a pen with only a crate for shelter; and a chained black Lab/border collie mix.
The property appeared abandoned, over-flowing with garbage and old, broken-down vehicles but no signs of human life. Thayne thoroughly documented the dogs' conditions and gave them food and water. That evening she posted her frustrations with getting the dogs help on her Facebook page, showing photos of the matted and filthy blind and deaf Pomeranian, and video of the female shepherd running back and forth carrying her empty food bowl—literally begging for food and water.
Thayne was contacted from those postings by the PSPCA, who acted quickly to get an officer to the property on Saturday, September 5th. Finding sufficient cause to warrant removal of the dogs, the organization obtained a warrant on Sunday, September 6th, brought a truck from Philadelphia, found the property owner, and obtained a release of all four dogs to the organization.
The dogs are being taken to the Philadelphia shelter, evaluated for health issues, and then may be released to Dogs Deserve Better's foster program or adopted out to loving homes and families.
Thayne states, “My dream has finally come true! I am so ecstatic tonight, I feel like I just won the lottery. This is the first time in my seven years of working for America's chained dogs that the system has worked the way it should work. An animal advocate such as myself, or any concerned neighbor or citizen, should be able to get help for a suffering animal immediately and in a way that limits the amount of continued suffering the animal must endure. Unfortunately in Pennsylvania, this has not been the case. I thought I would be facing another arrest for helping these abandoned and mistreated animals, but instead law enforcement stepped in, did their job, and did it beautifully. And on a holiday weekend, which makes it even more amazing! I am more grateful to the Pennsylvania SPCA than you can even imagine. Thank you, PSPCA, not only from my heart, but from those suffering dogs who truly deserved better!”
Video and photos of the dogs are available at Dogsdeservebetter.org or by calling 814.207.4586. Video footage is posted on You Tube, Facebook, and other internet sites.
For more information and to support Pennsylvania House Bill 1254, visit UnchainPADogs.com or the DDB site.
Dogs Deserve Better, a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award. The grouphas 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France. Thayne was also a Top Ten Finalist for the 2006 Animal Planet Hero of the Year Contest.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Vick: Welcome to Pennsylvania! You've Come to the Right Place
Well, it's official. Vick is now an Eagle; he's coming to Pennsylvania.
(I'd like to call it Pennsyltucky, but I get in trouble from the Kentucky folks. I understand, Kentuckians—I wouldn't want Pennsylvania dragging me down either, but doesn't it just have a fun ring to it? You could use it too!)
Come on up, Vick, we've got our welcome mat out for ya'!
While some here in Pennsylvania may be astounded that we care so little about our animals as to put the welcome mat out for Mike Vick, I don't join them in their astoundyism. (Yeah, I know it's not a word, but I like it.)
How could I?
Pennsylvania has been making headlines in the last few years as, amongst other things, the puppymill capitol of the East and the state where abusive puppymillers, backyard breeders, and dog chainers are running rampant, killing and neglecting dogs, and prosecuting activists who videotape the cruelty and then help the animals. The abusers are never even brought to trial.
Anti-chaining legislation in Pennsylvania, now in it's third session, still languishes in committee, whereas in Georgia there are now at least 14 counties with very strong anti-tethering laws in place.
Vick, you got out just in time; seems they were about to stop tolerating you there!
But don't worry, Vick, we're your people! Come on up, the water's warm!
Pennsylvania has chosen abusers over animals every day of the week and twice on Football Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagle Powers that Be decided to bring Vick here despite angry protests and boycotts of their programs and sponsors—having obviously felt bringing him here was well worth any 'temporary discomfort.'
'Temporary discomfort' being blogs such as this, articles by animal advocates and organizations, and protests by groups who manage to round up enough bodies to make somewhat of an impression on media folk.
We are told by 'real' sports columnists to "just go away and be quiet," "your actions won't get you anywhere," and "stop behaving like children" because we have the nerve to boycott, protest, and make facebook groups against the Eagles and their actions in bringing Vick to Pennsylvania.
We are told, in disdain no less, that "our actions just bring down the cause of animal advocacy. If we just wrote a gentle letter and 'used this for the next occasion' that we would be better off. Just let Vick play now, slink off to our corners, and admit defeat. Be good little children, for Christ's sake."
I was once told that the difference between France and America is that in France they fear their people, and in America we fear our government.
It's time America started fearing it's people too! Social movements are not brought to fruition by people staying at home and shutting their mouths. They are created by momentum, unison, and righteous action to overthrow unrighteous behaviors.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be boycotting the Eagles or their ilk long enough and hard enough to take them out. And then columnists who tell us to step back and be good little girls and boys will be eating their words.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be demanding justice for animals that the correct people will be prosecuted, and prosecuted well and hard, for committing crimes against those who depend on us for their very existence.
And someday, and someday soon, enough people will be standing firm around advocates who film cruelty and take actions for animals that the powers that be will find they are no longer the ones in power.
The thought of that day brings a smile to my face.
So people, go for it! Protest! Boycott! Create petitions! And most importantly, create change.
For that day is coming, and soon.
—Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
(I'd like to call it Pennsyltucky, but I get in trouble from the Kentucky folks. I understand, Kentuckians—I wouldn't want Pennsylvania dragging me down either, but doesn't it just have a fun ring to it? You could use it too!)
Come on up, Vick, we've got our welcome mat out for ya'!
While some here in Pennsylvania may be astounded that we care so little about our animals as to put the welcome mat out for Mike Vick, I don't join them in their astoundyism. (Yeah, I know it's not a word, but I like it.)
How could I?
Pennsylvania has been making headlines in the last few years as, amongst other things, the puppymill capitol of the East and the state where abusive puppymillers, backyard breeders, and dog chainers are running rampant, killing and neglecting dogs, and prosecuting activists who videotape the cruelty and then help the animals. The abusers are never even brought to trial.
Anti-chaining legislation in Pennsylvania, now in it's third session, still languishes in committee, whereas in Georgia there are now at least 14 counties with very strong anti-tethering laws in place.
Vick, you got out just in time; seems they were about to stop tolerating you there!
But don't worry, Vick, we're your people! Come on up, the water's warm!
Pennsylvania has chosen abusers over animals every day of the week and twice on Football Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagle Powers that Be decided to bring Vick here despite angry protests and boycotts of their programs and sponsors—having obviously felt bringing him here was well worth any 'temporary discomfort.'
'Temporary discomfort' being blogs such as this, articles by animal advocates and organizations, and protests by groups who manage to round up enough bodies to make somewhat of an impression on media folk.
We are told by 'real' sports columnists to "just go away and be quiet," "your actions won't get you anywhere," and "stop behaving like children" because we have the nerve to boycott, protest, and make facebook groups against the Eagles and their actions in bringing Vick to Pennsylvania.
We are told, in disdain no less, that "our actions just bring down the cause of animal advocacy. If we just wrote a gentle letter and 'used this for the next occasion' that we would be better off. Just let Vick play now, slink off to our corners, and admit defeat. Be good little children, for Christ's sake."
I was once told that the difference between France and America is that in France they fear their people, and in America we fear our government.
It's time America started fearing it's people too! Social movements are not brought to fruition by people staying at home and shutting their mouths. They are created by momentum, unison, and righteous action to overthrow unrighteous behaviors.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be boycotting the Eagles or their ilk long enough and hard enough to take them out. And then columnists who tell us to step back and be good little girls and boys will be eating their words.
Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be demanding justice for animals that the correct people will be prosecuted, and prosecuted well and hard, for committing crimes against those who depend on us for their very existence.
And someday, and someday soon, enough people will be standing firm around advocates who film cruelty and take actions for animals that the powers that be will find they are no longer the ones in power.
The thought of that day brings a smile to my face.
So people, go for it! Protest! Boycott! Create petitions! And most importantly, create change.
For that day is coming, and soon.
—Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better
Thursday, August 06, 2009
St. Bernards Suffering in Johnstown, Pa: Thayne's Attempt to get them help
Update #2: St. Bernards Suffering in Johnstown, PA: Inconsistencies in the Case, August 5th, 2009
This is the 2nd update on the St. Bernard case in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Thayne points out the inconsistencies between what the dog guardian has told the police and what he has told Thayne and the media. This case STILL needs to be pushed and investigaged, the police still need to be called on their failure to do their job.
ON WJAC they stated "police could not get a warrant." Let's clarify to that to "refused to get a warrant. Didn't try to get a warrant. Didn't even get out of their vehicle or otherwise life a finger other than telling the little women to get home to their menfolk." Yeah, that's more like it.
Watch the video, watch all three videos, and tell the West Hills Police Department you want the following action: 1. You want to know HOW the first St. Bernard died, you want to see evidence of euthanasia by a vet. 2. You want to know WHERE the second thin, matted up St. Bernard is and what is being done to help him. 3. You want to know why this dog's life was not important enough to take action on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsCiOyt0LfQ
Tell them you want: a 24 hour system whereby anyone can get help for a suffering animal at any time. Vet help. The help they need, not a bullet to the head. Period.
Here's the initial email that went out on Friday. It may make more sense for you to start with watching these two and then the third, above, if you haven't watched them yet.
Thayne tries to help two suffering and matted St. Bernards in Johnstown, PA, taking the advice of DA Consiglio and Judge Doyle, who insisted that Thayne would have gotten help for Doogie if she'd just called the cops. Let's see how that works here in Pennsylvania!
The dog pays the price.
Now this dog could be dead even as we type. Because no one will do the right thing for him. Horrendous!
Not only are the cops in PA horribly behind the times, but police are this way in many communities nationwide.
Stop tolerating the abuse! Thayne is not the bad guy. The bad guy is the one who left these dogs in this condition. The bad guys are the cops who refuse to do their jobs. Guess what, West Hills Police, there are these things called warrants, and there's this thing called the law which states that dogs in PA MUST have veterinary care. The guardian of these dogs is breaking the law and is breaking moral laws of both God and man.
Please call these number and demand justice for these St. Bernards and just treatment of all animals within their jurisdiction.
The dogs are located on Sons of Italy Rd. just off St. Clair Rd.
West Hills Police 814.255.4145
Cambria County Humane Society 814.535.6116
Mark Miller Dog Warden 814.623.3945
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FAYveQ2VYg
UPDATE #1: Please watch BEFORE you Call ANYONE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXvOeN9jlY
The dog is dead. Not because no one cared about him, but because the only ones who did care about him were forbidden to help him by those in power to do something about his suffering. This is an update to the Johnstown, PA St. Bernards, matting, suffering, one barely able to stand, and animal rescuers attempts to help then via 'the law'.
Did the dogs a lot of good huh?
If this infuriates you the way it does us, do us a favor. Call these three locations and tell them to STOP allowing the abuse to continue. it is their job to protect animals from abuse, not abusers from the law which should hold them accountable.
Please call these number and demand justice for these St. Bernards and just treatment of all animals within their jurisdiction.
The dogs were located on Sons of Italy Rd. just off St. Clair Rd.
West Hills Police 814.255.4145
Cambria County Humane Society 814.535.6116
Mark Miller Dog Warden 814.623.3945
This is the 2nd update on the St. Bernard case in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Thayne points out the inconsistencies between what the dog guardian has told the police and what he has told Thayne and the media. This case STILL needs to be pushed and investigaged, the police still need to be called on their failure to do their job.
ON WJAC they stated "police could not get a warrant." Let's clarify to that to "refused to get a warrant. Didn't try to get a warrant. Didn't even get out of their vehicle or otherwise life a finger other than telling the little women to get home to their menfolk." Yeah, that's more like it.
Watch the video, watch all three videos, and tell the West Hills Police Department you want the following action: 1. You want to know HOW the first St. Bernard died, you want to see evidence of euthanasia by a vet. 2. You want to know WHERE the second thin, matted up St. Bernard is and what is being done to help him. 3. You want to know why this dog's life was not important enough to take action on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsCiOyt0LfQ
Tell them you want: a 24 hour system whereby anyone can get help for a suffering animal at any time. Vet help. The help they need, not a bullet to the head. Period.
Here's the initial email that went out on Friday. It may make more sense for you to start with watching these two and then the third, above, if you haven't watched them yet.
Thayne tries to help two suffering and matted St. Bernards in Johnstown, PA, taking the advice of DA Consiglio and Judge Doyle, who insisted that Thayne would have gotten help for Doogie if she'd just called the cops. Let's see how that works here in Pennsylvania!
The dog pays the price.
Now this dog could be dead even as we type. Because no one will do the right thing for him. Horrendous!
Not only are the cops in PA horribly behind the times, but police are this way in many communities nationwide.
Stop tolerating the abuse! Thayne is not the bad guy. The bad guy is the one who left these dogs in this condition. The bad guys are the cops who refuse to do their jobs. Guess what, West Hills Police, there are these things called warrants, and there's this thing called the law which states that dogs in PA MUST have veterinary care. The guardian of these dogs is breaking the law and is breaking moral laws of both God and man.
Please call these number and demand justice for these St. Bernards and just treatment of all animals within their jurisdiction.
The dogs are located on Sons of Italy Rd. just off St. Clair Rd.
West Hills Police 814.255.4145
Cambria County Humane Society 814.535.6116
Mark Miller Dog Warden 814.623.3945
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FAYveQ2VYg
UPDATE #1: Please watch BEFORE you Call ANYONE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eXvOeN9jlY
The dog is dead. Not because no one cared about him, but because the only ones who did care about him were forbidden to help him by those in power to do something about his suffering. This is an update to the Johnstown, PA St. Bernards, matting, suffering, one barely able to stand, and animal rescuers attempts to help then via 'the law'.
Did the dogs a lot of good huh?
If this infuriates you the way it does us, do us a favor. Call these three locations and tell them to STOP allowing the abuse to continue. it is their job to protect animals from abuse, not abusers from the law which should hold them accountable.
Please call these number and demand justice for these St. Bernards and just treatment of all animals within their jurisdiction.
The dogs were located on Sons of Italy Rd. just off St. Clair Rd.
West Hills Police 814.255.4145
Cambria County Humane Society 814.535.6116
Mark Miller Dog Warden 814.623.3945
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Dog a Day this Summer, Plus Chain Off 2009 Update
Read the latest DDB e-news, with Chain Off Update and Dog a Day This Summer Challenge, at http://tinyurl.com/rc2f8c
DDB News 6/1/09: A Dog a Day This Summer Challenge!
The Dog Days of Summer will quickly be upon us...and dogs will languish, suffer, even die in the heat.
DDB has a unique challenge this summer: Let's Rescue a Chained or Penned Dog a Day! That's 90 Chained or Penned Dogs in need of foster and vet care, not to mention new, inside, loving homes and families. Can we do it?
Read the latest DDB e-news, with Chain Off Update and Dog a Day This Summer Challenge, at http://tinyurl.com/rc2f8c
DDB News 6/1/09: A Dog a Day This Summer Challenge!
The Dog Days of Summer will quickly be upon us...and dogs will languish, suffer, even die in the heat.
DDB has a unique challenge this summer: Let's Rescue a Chained or Penned Dog a Day! That's 90 Chained or Penned Dogs in need of foster and vet care, not to mention new, inside, loving homes and families. Can we do it?
Read the latest DDB e-news, with Chain Off Update and Dog a Day This Summer Challenge, at http://tinyurl.com/rc2f8c
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Chain Off 09 Update: Why Did the Hound Dog Cry All the Time?
Cause she was chained outside, of course! But this year, that Hound Dog is a darn lucky dog...cause she has the Duke of Elvis pulling up a doghouse on her behalf down in Greenville, South Carolina!
That's right...this year the official Duke of Elvis, Steve Cates and his wife and partner Trish Cates will be chaining with us in Greenville, South Carolina. We've even got wind of a possible specially designed Hound Dog doghouse for Steve and the Duke of Elvis singing while chained...who knows what will happen, stay tuned for more details!
Trish tells us "We are currently working to locate our doghouses (5 furdogs in the house and not one doghouse, bet you can't figure where they all stay??) As for the chains from the dogs we rescued, they quickly found their way to the trash!!!"
http://www.dukeofelvis.com
Join us, either at our main event in Greenville, South Carolina, or stage your very own event in your backyard or local area.
So far we have 26 people in 18 states, plus Canada and Romania.
Call me crazy, but I want to see 100 MORE PEOPLE STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE AND CHAINING WITH US! HELP US MAKE A HUGE IMPACT THIS YEAR by standing in your local community or with us in South Carolina.
And, while it's unbecoming of me as organizational founder to whine, here I am a-whinin'...because did you all see how that Rhonda Sims is kicking my butt in fundraising again? For the second year in a row? It's unconscionable! She's already raised a whopping $2,960 dollars, and here I am at only $130.01 (and the $5.01 was donated by my boyfriend-I suspect he's in cahoots with Rhonda, next he claims he's gonna send $500 her way! For his sake, let's all hope he's joking...)
Far be it for me to beg, but yes, here I am beggin'...sponsor me for Chain Off this year! My personal goal is to raise $4000 for the chained dogs, and while that may be a lofty one, Dogs Deserve Better is surely an organization worthy of our support.
http://www.firstgiving.com/tamirathayne
Check out our main fundraising page to see all the teams and personal fundraisers and get in on the friendly competition (join us, create your own page and get started making a difference for Chain Off!) If you are chaining and fundraising, please make sure your pages are linked up; if you have updated information, please send it along to dogs@dogsdeservebetter.org.
Join US this year! Let's make it the year the world will sit up and take notice of this issue because of our actions on behalf of chained dogs.
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ChainOff09/chainoff2009.html
That's right...this year the official Duke of Elvis, Steve Cates and his wife and partner Trish Cates will be chaining with us in Greenville, South Carolina. We've even got wind of a possible specially designed Hound Dog doghouse for Steve and the Duke of Elvis singing while chained...who knows what will happen, stay tuned for more details!
Trish tells us "We are currently working to locate our doghouses (5 furdogs in the house and not one doghouse, bet you can't figure where they all stay??) As for the chains from the dogs we rescued, they quickly found their way to the trash!!!"
http://www.dukeofelvis.com
Join us, either at our main event in Greenville, South Carolina, or stage your very own event in your backyard or local area.
So far we have 26 people in 18 states, plus Canada and Romania.
Call me crazy, but I want to see 100 MORE PEOPLE STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE AND CHAINING WITH US! HELP US MAKE A HUGE IMPACT THIS YEAR by standing in your local community or with us in South Carolina.
And, while it's unbecoming of me as organizational founder to whine, here I am a-whinin'...because did you all see how that Rhonda Sims is kicking my butt in fundraising again? For the second year in a row? It's unconscionable! She's already raised a whopping $2,960 dollars, and here I am at only $130.01 (and the $5.01 was donated by my boyfriend-I suspect he's in cahoots with Rhonda, next he claims he's gonna send $500 her way! For his sake, let's all hope he's joking...)
Far be it for me to beg, but yes, here I am beggin'...sponsor me for Chain Off this year! My personal goal is to raise $4000 for the chained dogs, and while that may be a lofty one, Dogs Deserve Better is surely an organization worthy of our support.
http://www.firstgiving.com/tamirathayne
Check out our main fundraising page to see all the teams and personal fundraisers and get in on the friendly competition (join us, create your own page and get started making a difference for Chain Off!) If you are chaining and fundraising, please make sure your pages are linked up; if you have updated information, please send it along to dogs@dogsdeservebetter.org.
Join US this year! Let's make it the year the world will sit up and take notice of this issue because of our actions on behalf of chained dogs.
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ChainOff09/chainoff2009.html
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