Walking the Hedge

The article I wrote about Maia the beagle was posted on Witchvox on Sunday. I have received many wonderful emails from folks, so I thought I should address things.

There are a few posts on this blog about Maia and her babes, including pics.

Only The Good Die Young

The Babes Are Coming Home

Update on Maia’s Babes

Maia’s babes have all gone to loving homes, except one.

One contracted Parvo because the new owners did not follow instructions and took the pup to around town and to the Pet Store before he had gotten his final vaccinations. Sadly, that pup died. Please people, when your vet, or breeder etc, tells you NOT to do something LISTEN to them, don’t be an arrogant ass who thinks you know everything. You don’t. I know its a pain to have a 9 weeks old pup in the house, who can’t be taken to the dog park, nor can you have visitors until he has had all his shots, but socializing and showing off your new friend is not worth risking his life.

And a related blog post, inspired by a puppy mill mother named Puggy Sue:

The Last Litter

Now folks are asking me what can they do? How can they help create change? Here’s a few ideas:

Please, let us not holler at politicians or throw paint on politicians wives for wearing fur and such, as it makes ME less credible when I walk into City Hall to talk to said politicians.

Rather you can always volunteer even just one hour a week at the local shelter, walking, bathing, loving and brushing an animal species of your choice (dog, horse, cats etc) this is a great activity for kids and teens.

If you can’t do that for whatever reason, keep old blankets and towels, animal safe toys, food dishes, collars and leashes, pennies and donate them to your local shelter or rescue. You can find them online or in the phone book. We never have enough beds, enough dishes, enough treats, enough toys and enough money in the food budget here at Misty Acres! Even a ratty old bath towel, or your kids old soccer ball, is welcome.

You can also contact your local shelter about volunteering at fund raising events, or start your own fund raising event, like a car-wash. You can organize a penny drive in your school or community.

Foster a rescue animal in your home while they search for a forever-home for him.

You can collect cans of dog & cat food for the shelter along with collecting cans of food for the Food Bank at Open Circles and such.

When you think an animal in your neighborhood is being abused or neglected, do something. Take pictures of the dog tied out all night in the cold, break windows of cars with dangerously panting dogs in them, keep notes of how many hours an animal is locked out and what the weather is like, call the authorities.

If you are brave and daring, knock on the door and offer to help out with the care of the animal. Many times it is an older person, or someone working many hours, or a person with health issues who wind up neglecting their pets. Often they are willing to let you take the dog to the groomers for them and so forth, if only you ask.

If you suspect a person may be brokering pets, or be a puppy mill or irresponsible breeder contact the authorities, even your local Vet.

Don’t buy dogs from brokers or Pet Stores. Don’t assume that just because a dog is registered he comes from a good breeder, I have seen CKC and ACK breeders treat their dogs as bad as any mill. Go and see for yourself, bring your camera.

Cheers!

Juni

Related posts:

1. I Buried Maia Today
2. Update on Maia’s Babes
3. Only The Good Die Young