Random Musings of a Curious Mind


"It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, "The Beryl Coronet"

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Swan Loses New Love, Returns to Old Love

Well, ladies and gents - it appears that our lonely, lovesick young lady has been jilted. These fickle white swans. I tell you! It's just not right! Get a woman's hopes up; start her thinking about a nest and little cygnets - then, poof!

Luckily, the zoo in Muenster still had the 'address' of Petra's former love, who was faithfully 'pining' away on the lake where they met. The two 'lovers' will be reunited on Friday.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Swan Finds New Love

This is just the sweetest story. A black swan at the zoo in Muenster, Germany developed a fondness for a swan-shaped boat and refused to leave its side. Rather than traumatize the swan, zookeepers brought her and the boat in for the winter and let them continue to spend time together.

Sadly, this spring, the boat has been jilted in favor of a male white swan, with whom the young lady is building a nest.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Marines Investigate Puppy-Throwing Video

When I saw this headline, I didn't know whether to be shocked, angry, or just sad. So, I settled for all three. What in the world is happening to society?!

Many question whether this a true story - it does make great propaganda against the American military. The fact that there is a Marine, with the name mentioned, stationed at this base in Hawaii is discomforting, to say the least. Is this how we train our military, to have no respect for any life but their comrades-in-arms?

I have known - and know - people who put the value of an animal's life well below the value of a human's life. And we all read stories of animal neglect and abuse, almost daily.

It is, apparently, the religious concept of man's dominion over the 'lesser' creatures that encourages humans to denegrate and damage animals.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: , , ,

Friday, December 14, 2007

Pets for Christmas

At this time of year, puppies and kittens are popular gifts. That means that puppy and kitten mills have been stepping up breeding programs to stock pet stores. A recent Humane Society investigation found that even upscale pet stores, like California?s Pets of Bel Air boutique, get their animals from puppy mills.

I am asking, begging actually, that if you have decided to buy your child or grandchild a pet for Christmas - don't go to the pet store, unless you know exactly where they get their puppies and kittens. In fact, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, why not hold off until after the first of the year? Without holiday plants and ornaments, your home will be safer; without people rushing in and out, your home will be calmer.

If you're certain that you're able to devote plenty of time and attention to a new member in your family, here are some simple ideas.

Check your local paper - there are people, breeding animals responsibly, who would love to help you share your life and love with a warm, fuzzy friend. Try Pet Net USA or Pet Net Canada to find an individual with puppies or kittens.

Visit the breeder. Are the animals allowed to roam their home, or are they crammed into cages? Is the home/cattery clean? Are the 'babies' clean and healthy-looking? Observe the parent animals. Do they seem happy and well-adjusted or skittish and easily frightened, even unfriendly? Are they caring for the young animals or has the breeder separated the generations?

We all want to stop puppy and kitten mills. More than that, consider that animal shelters become filled with unwanted animals, shortly after the holidays. Impulse pet purchases, made with the glow of the holiday spirit, become real responsibilities after the tree comes down.

Dogs and cats live 10 years or more. They need food, exercise, health care, and lots of loving attention - for all of their lives. Please be sure that you, and your children, are willing to provide a lifetime of care, before you bring home that fuzzy friend.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: , ,

Monday, December 10, 2007

Cat Safety at Christmas

I've been searching the WWW for pet safety tips, since we're going through the leave-the-tree-alone phase with Paka. He's developed an unhealthy fondness for the metallic garland, which is bad for him and bad for the decorations. It has to be something about the smell, because otherwise he wouldn't even know it's there.

This article from Cat World has lots of great information. It recommends spraying bitter apple on lights to keep your cat from chewing on the electrical cords. Terrific idea - except the only time I tried bitter apple as a deterrent, my (other) cat reacted by tearing apart everything I sprayed it on. So, I'm still not convinced that that's the solution.

Any ideas would be welcomed!




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: ,

Monday, October 29, 2007

Citizen Advocacy Academy

I just received confirmation from Defenders of Wildlife that I have been accepted to attend the Citizen Advocacy Academy at the Phoenix Zoo on November 4th. Not only will I be meeting other advocates for wildlife and the environment, I'll be developing skills to help me work with my community, the media, and elected officials. Needless to say, I am really excited.

As you know, many of my posts here are about saving wildlife, ecosystems, and the environment in general. This is something that is very important to me and, since I can't support these causes with cash, I compensate by writing and speaking to as many people as I can. Won't you join me?

It's really very easy. Just go to the Defenders of Wildlife's Wildlife Action Center and find the activity that appeals to your interest and available time. There are many, many ways that you can get involved. Please help.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Protect Alaskan Wilderness ** Urgent Request **

The Wilderness Society is sponsoring a petition to stop the Bush administration from allowing drilling in the area of Teshekpuk Lake in Alaska. After years of protecting this region, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering opening it up for oil drilling. This simply cannot happen.
Scientists rate the Teshekpuk Lake area as one of the most important Tundra-Wetland ecosystems remaining in the world. It is home to lagoons, lakes, rivers, streams, meadows and more.

It also provides critical habitat to a million birds, more than 45,000 Caribou and other mammals, and seven Native communities. Even Polar Bears occasionally find their way to this area in the warmer months.

We have until November 6th, the BLM cutoff date, to comment and make our voices heard. Please sign this petition ~ by October 29th, to ensure Care2 can deliver all comments before the deadline. Help keep the oil industry out of this fragile ecosystem.

If you don't, who will?






grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to
Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Labels: , , ,

Monday, October 22, 2007

Bathing A Cat

There are many people who will tell you that it is rarely necessary to bathe a cat. I suspect that these are people who have actually tried this exercise without proper psychological preparation and are still nursing a range of feline-inflicted wounds. Of course, it is possible to introduce a cat to soap and water safely. But why risk it?

Mark is of the opinion that Paka is in need of a go-round in the tub. Because we are now able to keep the windows open, we are regularly inundated with dust. Paka, as cats are wont to do, loves to roll on the floor and climb on every flat surface in sight - the very surfaces that are routinely covered with a layer of black crud that blows in from the nearby freeway and high-traffic roads. Needless to say, this contact causes Paka to also have a light coating of dust, no matter how well he bathes himself.

Naturally, I could dig out the chain mail, fill the tub, and take my chances. But - again - why risk it? Eventually, Paka will manage to take care of the dusting and, frankly, I'm really rather fond of having my skin remain exactly where God put it.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , , ,

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Protect Critical Habitat for Polar Bears

As the poster children for global warming, polar bears are in grave danger - as a species - from melting sea ice. Already birth rates have dropped and documented reports tell of bears drowning and starving, of dens collapsing on mothers and cubs because of rainfall too early in the season. A new study by US Geological Survey shows that the ideal polar bear habitat is declining and, worst of all, is projected to be mostly gone by 2050. Where does that leave the animals dependent upon this ecosystem?

A new petition, sponsored by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and targeted at Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Department of the Interior, is urgently asking the US Administration to not just designate the polar bear as a threatened species, but to take the necessary steps to protect its critical habitat. Without this additional provision, listing polar bears as threatened will do little to save them. Global warming is the primary threat to these beautiful animals and acting to protect the Arctic sea ice is the only way to truly help.

Please show your support for the polar bear and our planet - sign this petition. It only takes a minute and can mean the world to the world.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , , , ,

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Owners of Massacred Pets to Receive Help

I don't know if you've been following this story, but it's horrendous. Apparently, residents of some Puerto Rican housing projects were told that they were not allowed to have pets. In order to ensure compliance with this policy, the owners hired a company to come in and remove the pets.

If that weren't bad enough, the contractor that removed the animals is reported to have injected the animals and taken them to a nearby city where they were thrown off a 50-foot bridge. Many of the animals, though seriously injured, survived the fall. The company's owner responded with, to paraphrase, "You can't prove those were the animals we removed."

Happily, if that's a term that can be applied to this situation, Friends of the Animals and other groups, are helping the pet owners pursue claims of animal cruelty and civil rights violations. I'm not sure that being able to own a pet is really a civil right, but I'm happy to see the animal cruelty charges being aggressively pursued.






grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Wolf Awareness Week

October is a busy month - Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blog Action Day, BP Solar Decathlon - and Wolf Awareness Week, October 14-20, 2007. Defenders of Wildlife sponsors events around the country during the 3rd week of October, to celebrate wolves, as well as encourage conservation of all wildlife.

Please take time to learn about these beautiful creatures and their important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Find out what you can do to support the PAW Act and urge your representative to help stop Alaska's aerial hunting program. This Act will also help to curb the spread of such hunting programs to areas like Yellowstone.

If you live in or are planning to visit Golden, Colorado this month, please drop by the Lookout Mountain Nature Center between 1pm - 4pm on October 14th for An Afternoon of Wolves. A wolf expert from Yellowstone will be at the Center to share his knowledge of and experience with these amazing animals. The event is free and you can stop by at any time during the afternoon.

Other events are planned from Anchorage, Alaska to Smyrna, New York. Check back often for the latest listings.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , , ,

Friday, October 05, 2007

Michael Vick and a PSA

I found this story quite interesting, if that's the right word. Michael Vick, it has been confirmed, voluntarily took a PETA class on 'respect for animals'. He is now in negotiations, again confirmed, with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to do a public service announcement.

Apparently determined to improve his public image, Vick told PETA that he was interested in taking an animal rights course in order to show kids that education is the way to better oneself. Okay? In my opinion, the only thing Vick has learned throughout this debacle is how to say and do whatever it takes to make people forget what kind of person you really are.

Now I know that sounds unfair, but come on! He lied about his involvement in the dogfighting ring and then, when he couldn't get away with the lies anymore, tried to place most of the responsibility for said ring onto his partners in crime. After being beaten badly in the press by animal rights groups and the public, Vick made a 'humble' plea to the court, complete with 'liner notes', if you recall.

Still not fairing well in the public eye, Vick found God. That should have served to set an entirely new group against him - when in doubt, get religion? I don't think so. Now, in a last ditch effort, he wants to do PSAs for PETA.

I'm sorry, but I just don't buy it.




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Michael Vick Tests Positive for Pot

One would think that, after all of the legal problems he's facing for fighting, abusing, and killing dogs, Michael Vick would be on his best behavior. He pleaded guilty to federal charges and has been indicted by a Virginia grand jury on similar charges. One would think he would toe the line! Unless, apparently, that one was Vick himself.

The fact that he's now tested positive for marijuana tells me that he continues to think that he's above the law. I didn't actually believe his 'heartfelt' apology, especially once I saw his severely incriminating notes. Like my 16 year old stepson, I believe that Vick is only sorry that he got caught, not that he did anything wrong. In fact, like my Michael, he probably feels that he's being unfairly persecuted and never actually does anything wrong.

What struck me as even more stupid than the substance abuse is that "As a result of the positive drug test, probation officer Patricia Locket-Ross asked for Vick to be barred from using or possessing narcotics or other controlled substances." Say What!?

Since when is using or possessing illegal substances an option for anyone, let alone an admitted criminal?




grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Vick Finds Jesus

Between telling the press that he wasn't quite as responsible as the other people in the dogfighting ring - that he financed, Michael Vick has apologized "from the heart," explained that "Michael Vick" behaved immaturely, and promised that "Michael Vick" would be working on this immaturity.

I don't know about you, but referring to himself in the third person smacks to me of trying to actually distance himself from his actions by blaming "Michael Vick" - not to mention it's just creepy. (When I was a teenager I babysat a little girl who never said "I want" or referred to herself as "me". She ended up in therapy for years.)

Now - he's found Jesus! Click on the post title to read the article in Fox News - Mike Straka says it all so well!

Espousing, what he considers to be, the right thing, doesn't really count in my book because I don't, for a minute, believe that he actually means it. Just like many dysfunctional children I know, Michael Vick isn't sorry because he did something wrong; he's sorry that he got caught.

I'm just waiting for the crocodile tears!


grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Amazing Cats

I've been owned by cats since I was about 20 years old, when my kids' dad brought home a little orange ball of fluff from the local Humane Society to keep me company in the evenings while he was at class. She was totally an indoor cat and couldn't be persuaded, for any reason whatsoever, that 'outside' was some place she wanted to be. While I was pregnant, the first time, she would lay across my belly when I took my afternoon nap, so that she could listen to the baby's heart.

In Michigan, we had 4 cats - Dad, Mom, 2nd son and a stray that adopted my husband. The dad, 'Doc', was a cream and white Persian who loved to race us up and down the hall. Not too bad an idea during the day, but if one of us got up at night, we were likely to trip over him in the dark. My favorite habit of his, though, was when he decided it was bedtime. All of the cats slept with us, in one corner of the bed or another, at different points during the night. 'Doc' was usually the first to bed and he didn't like to go to bed alone. He'd walk from the bedroom to the living room, stop in front of me and shake his head back toward the bedroom, before walking back. If I didn't show up in a few minutes, he'd repeat the exercise until I got up and went to bed.

Now, we've got Paka. Of course, all animals will let you know when they're hungry; that's nothing too unusual. But, Paka's unique habit has to do with his litter box. Admittedly, I'm not great about cleaning it every day, since there's only one cat in the house, I usually get to it every couple of days. If, for some reason, it's not clean when he wants it cleaned, he'll walk to the box, look at it, meow at me, and look back at the box. I have never had a cat do that, ever. Cracks me up!


grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Monday, August 20, 2007

Michael Vick to Plead

Well, we all knew that this was coming. With his 'partners-in-crime' pleading guilty and pointing fingers, and lengthy written statements, at Michael Vick, it was only a matter of time until he entered his own guilty plea. Technically, his formal plea won't be entered until August 27th. But Vick's attorney and the judge in the case announced today (August 20th) that Vick is pleading guilty to, sadly, lesser charges.

In case you haven't heard, the state prosecutor for Surry County, Virginia is also planning to bring charges against Vick and his cohorts on September 25th.

I have never in my life wished anyone ill, however, these hideous deeds cannot go unpunished and the men involved need to be shown for the murderers that they are.


grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Friday, August 17, 2007

Co-defendants Point Finger at Vick

Okay, I'm not a happy camper!! Despite the fact that Vick jerseys are being used to clean kennels in Atlanta, the news is not good.

Vick's co-defendants have taken plea deals and confirmed that virtually all of the money used in the "Bad Newz Kennels" came from Vick. Not to mention, they confirmed that all of the charges in the 18-page indictment are true. Yet ...
Federal prosecutors want Vick to accept a plea deal that would require him to spend at least one year in prison on federal dogfighting conspiracy charges, reports say.

... If Vick, 27, rejects the deal, he could face an additional charge under the federal Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, known as RICO, a source with knowledge of the investigation told the newspaper.

According to the source, who requested anonymity, conviction under that charge would be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The new charge would be considered by a grand jury that convenes Monday.


Excuse me?! But why are prosecutors trying to reduce the possible sentence for this disgusting individual? Who has gotten to the Atlanta court system and put pressure on them to give this 'star' a break? Why, in the name of all that is holy, does he deserve a break? Because he's a great quarterback? So what! He's a hideous human being - and if he weren't an NFL player, we wouldn't be having this conversation, would we?


grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Vick Jerseys Helping Clean

I was surfing the 'Net, looking for the latest updates in the Michael Vick debacle and found THE greatest story! (Click title to read full article.)

It seems that the Atlanta Humane Society, which collects towels and such to be used for cleaning and bedding in their kennels, has been receiving an inordinate number of Vick t-shirts. Angry former fans, seem to have found a marvelous, productive use for the detritus of a man gone bad.

Personally, I have never purchased a player jersey, preferring to put my money behind the teams that I support. But, I almost wish I owned one of these shirts, so that I could personally send it to my local shelter for scrubbing dirty cages. What a perfect idea!

Big thumbs up for those donating their Vick shirts! Good call, folks!!


grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: , ,

Friday, July 27, 2007

Endorsers Back Away from Vick

Sports Illustrated published a story today that will make a lot of animal lovers very happy - three endorsers have backed away from Michael Vick.

First Down: Facing protests from animal-rights groups at Niketown stores across the country, the company announced that it was suspending its contract with Vick - without pay - and halting sales of any Vick-related items in all of its retail stores. (Sacked)

Second Down and 20: Reebok, official apparel and equipment supplier to all 32 NFL teams, has announced that it will stop selling Vick-replica jerseys at all of its retail stores and on its website. This is the first time Reebok has ever pulled a jersey from the market. (Sacked for a huge loss)

Third Down and Long: Donruss, one of four major trading card companies, announced that it will pull Vick's cards from all future 2007 releases. Donruss' owner, Ann Powell, who takes her 5 dogs to work, asked that Vick's cards be pulled. According to a spokesman for Donruss: "We met as a company and the idea was brought up to pull him. There was no opposition from anybody in the room." (Intercepted and run back for a touchdown)


Congratulations and thank you to all of the organizations and individuals who have been pressuring these companies to step back and consider whether making money is worth seriously damaging their reputation and relationship with the public.

grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: ,

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Why I Don't Own a Gun!

Or - why I seem angry all the time!


The NFL is disappointed in Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who has been indicted for promoting and engaging in dogfighting. If you read the story, There are allegations that Vick and his cohorts executed losing dogs in sickening manners: hosing down the dogs and then electrocuting them; hanging injured dogs; or repeatedly slamming them to the ground until they were dead. The Humane Society removed 52 dogs from Mr. Vick's property and is in serious need of financial assistance to care for the animals. Yet, because he is considered a super-star, the NFL is taking a "wait and see" attitude. Wait and see what? How many more animals he can abuse and destroy? Tell the NFL to take action against this monster!

Not to mention, Nike, the only corporate sponsor that hasn't terminated it's relationship with Vick, continues to market "Vick Hero" t-shirts to young boys. The man is no hero!

Please add your voice and urge Nike to stop their endorsement of Michael Vick.


Then, we have the 83 Dolphins Killed by Brazilian Fishermen. Caught on camera slaughtering the dolphins, the fishermen joked about their illegal catch: "Everyone's going to jail after this filming!" While Ibama, the Brazilian environmental protection agency, has confirmed the report that aired on Globo TV Monday night, no charges have been brought as authorities are still trying to identify the fishermen in the video.

What is WRONG with people!?


I much prefer my son Michael's attitude. He and I were at the pool a couple of weeks ago and a bee was hovering near us. I am highly allergic, so I was trying to encourage the insect to go away. After the bee got wet and was walking toward us at the edge of the pool, Michael jumped out, grabbed a leaf, scooped up the poor creature, and moved it to a rocky area where it could dry off and wouldn't be near us. All that just to help a small insect! Pretty cool kid, huh?!

grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: ,

Friday, July 06, 2007

Pet-Super-Store

While we don't have a dog, yet, I am always surfing the 'net for cool pet stuff. Today I found Pet-Super-Store and just had a blast checking out their dog beds, among other fun stuff. Paka's outgrown his 'little house' that we bought when he was a baby, so I was in the market for a great new space for him. Boy, did I find some great options!


Beyond the cool pet beds and houses, which I'll get to in a second, I just love the additional features that they offer - 100% money back guarantee, free UPS shipping, and FREE advice from a pet expert. It's really tough to get good advice for free and I, personally, am loathe to pay for a vet visit for simple questions. So this is really cool to me.


Okay, I'm telling you, if you have a pet, you have got to check out these cool dog beds! These are just 2 of over 40 available styles.







Bean Bag Ultra Comfort
Bean Bag Ultra Comfort
This one made me want to curl up and take a nap, too. I remember bean bag chairs from my youth and they are just the most comfy things in the world.

No dog will be able to resist!
Soothsoft Canine Cooler
Soothsoft Canine Cooler
Now, pardon the pun, this is cool! Especially in Arizona in the summer! Can you imagine having your very own soft, cool place to lie down in the middle of a hot afternoon?!
I wanna be a puppy, too!



Not only are these beds terrific, and I don't see why many of them wouldn't be great for my cat, I fell in love with the pet furniture, too. In fact, there is just so much to look at, you'll spend hours oohing and aahing, and ordering, these great items.

You won't be sorry!

grape_vine.gif


Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels:

Monday, June 11, 2007

My Daughter - The Doctor

I just couldn't be more proud - and my cat more thrilled that his "big sister" is a veterinarian!



grape_vine.gif

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!


Jules

Labels: ,

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Stop Animal Cruelty

Please help stop this! Horses are the most gentle, loving animals God created. To abuse one of these beautiful creatures is unthinkable. Yet, as you can see, it exists.

MY PERSONAL OPINION: Whoever decided that humans are the most important "people" on this planet, needs to be SHOT! And those who agree with them, should be lined up beside them!




The Louisiana Mare - Please read and forward - warning, this is a horrible story, but people need to know!

Please crosspost extensively, read the story, and please donate what you can to help Habitat For Horses
in their effort to rehabilitate this brutally abused Mare!!


June 9, 2007


Two of our members are making their way to Southern Louisiana this morning to bring back a very special mare for some intense rehabilitation. We know very few of the details at this point, but what we do know is this ? (written by one of our investigators)


?Her owner sold her for around $100.00 when he went to load the mare into the trailer she balked and refused to load, so he made a bridle out of barbed wire and placed it on her, he then tried to make her load again and again she refused. By this time her owner was MAD so he tied her behind the horse trailer and drove off, dragging the mare behind. This mare has a hole thru her nose all the way into her sinus cavity from hitting the trailer while he was dragging her and almost no left back hoof; her hoof was "sandpapered" down by the road. She is on anti-inflammatory medicine, pain medicine and antibiotics. She is bruised all over her body, her neck and head are extremely sore. ?


The mare spent the last couple of weeks in a vet clinic with IV fluids while she fought for her life. Needless to say, most of her hooves are missing and her body is pretty damaged, but her will to live gave the local ACO and the vet every reason to keep trying. So far, they succeeded. They called a couple of days ago to ask if we could take her. There was never any doubt.


Now it?s our turn to amend the cruelty this mare has experienced. It?s a long trip, but she will arrive this evening to a local foster home and be given the very best of love and care we can provide. If you are so inclined, little prayers can sometimes produce big results.


Jerry Finch
Habitat For Horses


June 10, 2007


The Louisiana Mare


(Warning ? This is not for little kids or grown adults who believe in the goodness of the human heart. The pictures are graphic.)


What the owner did to this mare is beyond comprehension of any rational being, all because the mare was difficult to load. Bought for $35, the owner found a buyer willing to pay $100 and tried to load the mare to take her to her new owner. When the mare wouldn?t load correctly, he twisted barbed wire around her halter. When that didn?t work, he tied her to the back of the trailer and dragged her down the road. Angry that she fell, he then disconnected the trailer from his truck and let it roll over her.


All of this happened on June 1st. The mare was taken by the local Animal Control Officer to a local vet who, thankfully, did all he could to try to save her. They called Habitat for Horses on Thursday to ask if we would take her in and attempt to rehabilitate her. She was picked up Saturday and brought back to a location close to the ranch.


The owner is facing two counts of Animal Cruelty charges. Since June 1st, he purchased two more horses. We will be working with the parish to help them apply stricter controls on the former owner. As with any case, we will not release any information on the ID of the owner nor the name of the parish in which this occurred until the case is completed.


Certainly the level of anger we all feel towards the owner is overwhelming and no amount of punishment seems adequate. The Justice system, no matter what state, must restrict the punishment to the measures allowed by the individual laws related to animal cruelty. They can do no more. This incident strongly points out the need to increase the strength of all animal cruelty laws.
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Close-up of face at scene:


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
After almost two weeks:


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Lower chin showing twisted barbed wire in halter:


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Mare standing up at scene:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Blood on trailer after being dragged:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Trailer after being pulled off mare:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
June 6th ? arriving home after the trip from Louisiana :


In her new stall:


The rehabilitation, both physical and mental, will take a very long time. She is filled with fear of humans, something easily seen by her constant shaking when someone comes close or touches her. There is absolutely no sign of attempting to protect herself, something that has obviously been beaten out of her. She?s severely underweight and in pain, but she has a strong will to live. We?ll do everything we can to grant her that ability and to see that at some point in the future she?ll end up in the arms of a loving, caring, gentle adopter.


Your support, both financially and emotionally, will make it possible.



God Bless!


Jules

Labels: ,

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Charitable Donations for Free

While traversing the Internet recently, I found some amazing items on the Humane Society of the United States' website that I just had to share.Continue reading: Charitable Donations for Free

  • Everyone I know has a cell phone, including our two sons. But what I didn't know was that there is a service, called Humane Wireless. And I quote: "The Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with Working Assets to bring you a unique phone service that provides an amazing 10%* of all phone charges to protect animals ? at no extra cost to you!"
    • I checked out the plans and the prices, and was amazed to find that there was absolutely no difference between their rates and those of our current service. (Unfortunately, we're in the middle of a 2-year contract, so we're not eligible to change carriers.) If you're in the market for a new wireless service, or were waiting to take the cell phone plunge ~ why not check out Humane Wireless? You know you're going to use that cell phone. Wouldn't it be terrific to help protect animals while you're doing it?

  • Just when I was about to write off Microsoft, I found out about the Microsoft i'm Initiative. And I quote: "i?m is a new initiative from Windows Live Messenger?. Every time you start a conversation using i?m, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with some of the world's most effective organizations dedicated to social causes. We've set no cap on the amount we'll donate to each organization. The sky's the limit."
    • It's incredibly easy to sign up, especially if you already use Windows Live Messenger?. The Initiative supports 10 organizations, from the American Red Cross to UNICEF, and all you have to do is chat, which you know you're going to do anyway. Right? Why not show your support? I did.

Labels: , ,

Monday, January 29, 2007

Barbaro euthanized after complications - Monday January 29, 2007 1:19PM

Sadly, as much as I had hoped that he would make a full recovery, it seems that that is not the case.
SI.com - More Sports - Barbaro euthanized after complications - Monday January 29, 2007 1:19PM

Labels: , ,