 ecently,
the California Animal Association (a coalition of 15
animal protection groups) sponsored an
anti-dog-chaining bill that was submitted to the
California State Legislature. According to Pam
Runquist, Director of the coalition, the bill
represents “a precedent-setting animal protection
and public safety measure.”
Long-term chaining of dogs is considered inhumane by
many, as these animals are rarely exercised or
socialized, and they tend to be ill-cared for.
Additionally, animal control agencies report
numerous cases where chained dogs have suffered
severe injuries or even strangulation.
Runquist added that this cruel practice also
“creates a serious public safety threat”, citing
studies indicating that these dogs are nearly three
times more likely to attack humans than unchained
dogs. She hopes that the bill will help establish a
new legal standard for protecting our canine
companions.
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Hurricane Katrina – One Year
Later …
It is estimated that 100,000 companion
animals were left homeless in the wake of
Hurricane Katrina.
One year later, tens of thousands have been
rescued and are now in adoption shelters
around the country. But due to the enormous
numbers displaced by the storm, there is now
very little space left in U.S. shelters to
send the many thousands yet to be rescued.
If you are considering bringing a new
companion animal into your home,
HealthyPetNet urges you to consider visiting
your local animal shelter. By adopting one
of these pets, you’ll be helping to make
room for those still being pulled from the
destruction.
Be a part of this incredible, ongoing cycle
– by saving a life today, you’ll make it
possible to save another life tomorrow. |
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Inspirational Story
 hen
Gloria, a six-month-old Akita, arrived at the animal
shelter, she was in pretty bad shape. She was very
frightened of noises and people, had infections in
both eyes, her fur was falling out in clumps and
some of her leg bones were malformed, causing her to
waddle rather than walk. Her anxieties seemed to be
the result of being caged most of the time. She had
little or no socialization skills. Knowing that no
family would take her home, one of the workers at
the shelter adopted her.
Gloria’s
new mom lived with her disabled grandmother who was
confined to a wheelchair. Although Gloria was
distrustful of most people, she took an instant
liking to the elderly woman.
As
Gloria became more accustomed to living in a
dog-friendly home, her true character began to
shine. She would spend hours with the grandmother,
positioning herself so that her body provided warmth
to the woman’s cold feet. Gloria grew to be more
affectionate and her health seemed to improve
dramatically.
Sadly, when Gloria was three, it became necessary to
amputate one of her front legs, due to bone
degeneration. Gloria’s mom was heartbroken. To make
the situation even worse, the grandmother decided to
move out-of-state to live with other family members.
Gloria grew increasingly despondent and had
difficulty moving about the house. Desperate,
Gloria’s mom called an animal communicator. After
meeting with them, he said that Gloria was not
depressed due to the loss of a limb, but due to the
loss of “her work” – caring for the older woman.
Soon after, Gloria made her first visit to an
assisted care facility. She moved from room to room
with purpose, visiting the residents. Gloria’s mom
was shocked at how well Gloria walked and jumped
with only three legs. Gloria would lean against the
older folks, putting her head in their laps and
loving them with all of her might.
Gloria has visited the senior care home every week
for the last several years. Every time she enters
the building, her tail wags incessantly and her eyes
sparkle. As soon as she enters a room, the residents
instantly smile. Many sing to her or tell her
stories, and all find comfort in her adoring
presence.
Gloria is an inspiration to us all, to find our
purpose and make the very best of the life we have.
If you have an inspirational story to share, please
send it to
stories@healthypetnet.com
– we’d love to hear it!
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