Gorham, NY approves one year moratorium on dog breeding

Last updated on: March 22, 2012 at 2:58 pm By Joanne Brokaw

Last night, the town of Gorham unanimously approved a one year moratorium on wholesale dog breeding kennels, according to 13WHAM. And all animal advocates said, “YAY!” The wholesale dog breeding facility proposed in February by Curtis and Jolene Martin, and the town board’s initial unanimous approval of their special use permit, sparked a controversy that quickly spread from coast to coast. (There is a list at the end of related posts about the issue.) Calls, emails and petitions flooded in... Read more

Wisdom, wonder and the nature of creation

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 at 5:07 pm By Joanne Brokaw

I should know better than to volunteer to read and reflect on a book written by an historically renowned theologan. I usually take my theology with two dog biscuits and a pot of tea. But when offered the chance to reflect on “Wisdom & Wonder: Common Grace in Science & Art” by Abraham Kuyper, I raised my hand before I realized what a challenge it would be. Not intellectually challenging. Despite my “aw shucks, I’m a dummy” attitude, I’m actually a... Read more

Humane Society announces Fifth Annual Dog of Valor Award winner

Last updated on: March 21, 2012 at 11:08 am By Joanne Brokaw

When “McKenzie” suffered a severe beating with a hammer at the hands of her boyfriend, her dog Hank stepped into protect her, earning him a beating that shattered ribs and a hip. It was this story of valor, along with the healing both McKenzie and Hank experienced, that earned this Great Dane the title of Fifth Annual Dog of Valor. Sponsored the Humane Society of the United States, the Dogs of Valor Awards honor and celebrate dogs who have shown... Read more

Sgt. Rex to be reuinited with Iraq War veteran Corporal Megan Leavey (Updated)

Last updated on: April 6, 2012 at 1:07 pm By Joanne Brokaw

Iraq War veteran Corporal Megan Leavey and Sgt. Rex (photo http://schumer.senate.gov) ** See end of post for updates!** U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer launched an online petition last week, urging the United States Air Force to reunite Sergeant Rex*, a military working dog, with his former partner, Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient Corporal Megan Leavey. The two had served together helping to identify and disable roadside bombs in Iraq. Leavey and Sgt. Rex were severely injured in 2006 when... Read more

Lily the teacup Chihuaua naps in a hat (photo)

Last updated on: April 19, 2012 at 9:48 pm By Joanne Brokaw

When I saw this photo on my friend Shannon Becker’s Facebook page, I thought it was so cute I had to share it with you! Lily is a 9-week-old, long haired, teacup Chihuahua who recently came to live at the Becker household. On a car ride this week, Shannon’s 8-year-old daughter Elle tucked the tiny pup into the hat, where Lily promptly settled in for a nap. Too cute! Shannon Becker is the Sr. Director of Promotions and Marketing at Big Town Productions,... Read more

Man ticketed after taking cat for a jog, then tethering it to a rock

Last updated on: March 15, 2012 at 2:44 pm By Joanne Brokaw

Video: Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy explains how to read a cat’s body language I’ve venture a guess that most cat owners don’t leash up their kitties and take them out for a walk in the neighborhood. Not that it can’t be done. But as a man in Boulder, CO found out this week, if the cat doesn’t want to go for a walk, you’d better take him home. According to DailyCamera.com,19-year-old Seth Franco, of Lafayette, CO, went out for a... Read more

Mt. Hope Cemetery – and wildlife habitat

Last updated on: March 12, 2012 at 7:53 pm By Joanne Brokaw

I’ve been neglectful in posting this last week because here in the Northeast, spring made an early appearance and I wanted to be outside as much as possible before another snowstorm hits. That’s life in Western NY. One of my favorite places to walk with a dog is a local historical cemetery, but last week I visited Mt. Hope Cemetery for a change of scenery. It’s ironic that I’ve lived in Rochester my entire life and have only... Read more

Chipolte’s “Back To The Start” video – what’s the big deal with factory farming?

Last updated on: March 4, 2012 at 8:07 pm By Joanne Brokaw

As always, I’m a bit behind this week on pop culture topics – other than the death of Davy Jones. I am, after all, a fan of bubble gum pop, and quirky, cheesy TV from the 60s. So I missed the video that’s making the rounds from Chipolte Restaurants, an animated short called “Back To The Start”, which depicts a family farmer who moves to a factory farming operation and then back to a family farm. The music is Willie Nelson performing Coldplay’s “The... Read more

Meat consumption down, fur sales up?

Last updated on: March 4, 2012 at 8:08 pm By Joanne Brokaw

Last week, I stumbled upon an editorial New York Times’ columnist Mark Bittman did for American Public Media’s Marketplace questioning whether America is still the land of “meat and potatoes”. In the commentary, Bittman cited a Department of Agriculture statistic that predicted meat consumption in America will be 12 percent less for 2012 than it was in 2007. I’ve been mulling that over for the last week as I contemplated why that might be – more people aware of their food choices? Meat too expensive?... Read more

Update on 9News anchor Kyle Dyer, who was bit by dog on live TV

Last updated on: February 24, 2012 at 9:38 pm By Joanne Brokaw

Last week, I told you about Colorado’s 9NEWS morningKyle Dyer, who two weeks ago was bitten in the face by a dog while interviewing the dog’s owner, Michael Robinson, and the firefighter who rescued the dog after he had fallen through the ice. Dyer suffered serious injuries that required 70 stitches to her face, as well as reconstructive surgery. In an interview this week, she talked about the incident with her morning show co-host, Gary Shapiro. She’s right when she says the incident could have been much... Read more