Discussion on topics relating to religion and animals can be, oddly enough, very heated. So here are a few guidelines you need to be aware of. By posting a comment to this blog, you are agreeing to this policy. I am not responsible for the opinions expressed in the comments section and will not be held responsible for rude, ignorant or otherwise offensive comments. Or any comments, for that matter. While I try to moderate the replies to posts, it’s not... Read more
The Gorham Town Board opened their meeting tonight to comments from residents about the dog breeding facility proposed by Curtis and Jolene Martin. The board initially approved a special use permit last week for the couple, who currently own a commercial dog breeding facility in Seneca County. The residents and animal welfare activists from around the area responded to the news with an uproar of protests, sharing their thoughts in emails, phone calls, and across the internet. According to MPNnow.com, 400... Read more
Last fall, dog lovers around the world were captivated by the story of Lily the blind Great Dane and her companion Maddison. Lily became blind after doctors removed her eyes when she developed a condition called entropion and Maddison became her eyes to the world. The dogs were turned over to Dogs Trust Shrewsbury in the UK when their owner couldn’t care for them. Their photo made the rounds on Facebook, until a family in Crewe, Cheshire, UK offered a home to... Read more
Tonight the Gorham Town Board will hear from residents about the proposed wholesale commercial dog breeding facility proposed by breeders Curtis and Jolene Martin. The couple currently own a facility in Varick, NY where they breed roughly 300-400 dogs. (If you’re behind, here are the posts about the proposed facility in Gorham, NY.) Over the last few days, I’ve listened while radio talk show hosts and even news reporters have mentioned the Martin’s USDA violations at their Seneca County facility.... Read more
In the wake of the last week of outcry over proposed plans for a commercial dog breeding facility for Gorham, NY, Town Supervisor Fred Lightfoote has suggested that the Town Board enact a moratorium on dog- breeding facilities. People from all over the country have emailed and called the town to voice opposition to the board’s approval last week of a special use permit for dog breeders Curtis and Jolene Martin to open a large, wholesale commercial dog breeding facility that would house between... Read more
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) has released the results of their fifth annual veterinary survey, which found 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats to be classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian. That equals 88.4 million pets that are too heavy, according to veterinarians. As with humans, some of the common weight-related conditions in dogs and cats include osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, kidney disease, and shortened life expectancy. APOP founder Dr. Ernie... Read more
This news from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) couldn’t have been more timely: The Humane Society of the United States announced the newly formed Breeders Advisory and Resource Council (BARC) which is composed of responsible dog breeders from across the country. Council members will advise HSUS on dog health and welfare issues, and talk to the general public about what constitutes proper breeding practices, promoting the health of the parents and the puppies. In the press release announcing the council,... Read more
This video from the Humane Society offers a glimpse at puppy mills and commercial breeding operations. The story that hit the news this week that a dog breeder is planning to build a large, wholesale commercial dog breeding facility in Gorham, NY has struck a nerve with animal lovers across the U.S. Unfortunately, emotions run high in situations like this, and there are lots of people who are all fired up with nowhere to direct that passion. So before everyone... Read more
If you’re like me, you’ll spend Sunday watching something fun on Netflix and skipping that sporting event that will capture everyone else. The only bummer: I’ll miss the commercials. Well thanks to Volkswagen, I don’t need to! Here is Volkswagen’s Game Day commercial and a fun little performance by some talented dogs, who bring you one of filmdom’s most iconic movie themes. And for even more fun, you can get a behind the scenes look at how Bolt the dog... Read more
This week has seen a lively discussion about wholesale commercial dog breeding facility planned for Gorham, NY. It’s been interesting to hear from both sides and to see the passion that people have for the humane treatment of dogs. Here’s a story from the Humane Society of the United States that should make you think beyond puppies: cockfighting. When animal lovers think of blood sport in the animal world, they usually think of pit bulls and Michael Vick. But Dr.... Read more
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