November 6, 2009
Blind Woman Wins Legal Battle Over of Service Dog
"Seeing eye dogs" are one of the most valuable aids for the visually impaired. These highly trained dogs both enhance mobility and enrich the daily lives of the folks who have come to depend on their canine companions. With the various types of support that these service animals provide today, folks who are utilizing the assistance of these dogs, have a far greater degree of independence, and opportunities available to them through this incredible partnership.
Photo credit: Golden Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines service animals as, "The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment."
It is very commonplace today to encounter guide dogs along with their owners at hotels, stores, on airplanes and trains or just walking around through the neighborhood.
And while Seeing Eye dogs are now readily accepted around the world today, apparently 36 year-old Laura Eitjes, a resident of Tauranga, New Zealand, ran into a disturbing situation while vacationing with a friend and her guide dog, Rua, according to a recent "Bay of Plenty Times" report. She and her friend and dog were asked to leave the holiday accommodation where they had been lodged for one night.
On the second night, the owners of the inn, a husband and wife couple, forced them out of their lodgings due to Rua's presence, even though Ms.Eitjes explained that Rua was a guide dog.
And when the wife blatantly refused to listen, Ms Eitjes tried to reason with the owner of the inn to no avail. Eitjes said, "I tried to explain to her that Rua was a guide dog and guide dogs had certain rights. But I was cut off at every attempt, and she flatly refused to let Rua back in."
Fortunately they were quickly able to find other accommodations and were welcome to remain for the remainder of their vacation.
Upon returning from holiday, Ms Eitjes complained to the Human Rights Commission about her ordeal. The HRC offered the two parties mediation. The inn owners refused and took the case to the HRC Review Tribunal. Robert Hesketh, the OHR Proceedings director said that this was the first time proceedings were issued in a case where a visually impaired person was denied accommodations for the use of a guide dog.
Following a long and drawn out battle, the inn owners agreed to an out-of-court settlement in Ms. Eitjes received an "unreserved apology" and in a "landmark" settlement, won $8,000 in compensation. Eitjes has donated $5,000 from the proceeds to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's guide dog services.
My blood was boiling when I read about this very unfair incident. The saying that "ignorance is bliss" certainly does not apply here as the ending of the story may not have been as fortunate. What were your reactions as you were reading this item? Leave a comment and share.
November 5, 2009
Sanity Claws May Arrive a Bit Earlier In California
Good "mews" for cats residing in several California cities! Yesterday the San Francisco Chronicle published the long hoped for announcement that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, with an overwhelming vote of 9-2 approved a proposed ban on the practice of declawing cats, unless it is for legitimate medical reasons. Supporting Council members referred to the procedure as a "barbaric practice". Supervisor Bevan Duffy spoke before the vote was taken saying, "This is important legislation to recognize that the de-clawing of cats is unnecessary, cruel and creates more problems than it solves." The two dissenting votes were cast by Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier and Sean Elsbernd
The legislation, written by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, includes a provision that anyone violating the ban may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or up to six months in jail. Supervisor Mirkarimi said, "It is well documented that it is a form of torture, and animal cruelty." The ban now needs Mayor Newsom's signature, and due to the 9-2 margin it will withstand any veto attempt. West Hollywood already has a ban in place prohibiting the declawing of cats since 2003.
On November 2, 2009, a key committee of the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance banning the procedure, calling it animal cruelty. Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Paul Koretz voiced the opinion that the surgery causes cats "unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability". A cat lover and owner himself, Councilman Rosendahl added, "Anyone who cannot handle the claws of a cat should not have a cat to begin with". Councilman Koretz in his capacity of lawmaker in Sacramento unsuccessfully tried to enact a statewide ban in 2003. However he was able to win the passage of a bill prohibiting the declawing of exotic animals, which of course, includes the "big" cats.
On October 12, 2009 Santa Monica passed their ordinance banning cat declawing.
On Tuesday night, November 3, Nancy Krasne, Mayor of Beverly Hills sent an email message to people who contacted her in support of their pending ordinance banning declawing in the city. It read, "We are banning this cat mutilation procedure in Beverly Hills, but on all animals.", and thanked them for their support.
Even though Malibu recently rejected their pending ordinance, they are now discussing a city-wide resolution recognizing that it is an inhumane procedure.
Declawing is illegal or considered grossly inhumane presently, in over 37 countries around the world as it is considered extreme cruelty to animals.
Just think: the passage of these humane ordinances will even lead to a boost in California's economy. Over the lifetime of a pet cat, professional nail trimming provided by veterinary clinics far exceeds the cost of one declaw surgery. Couple this with sales of cardboard and sisal scratching posts nail clippers, plastic claw covers and attractive cat trees will fetch tidy revenue.
If you wish to help, your supportive phone calls and emails are needed before Friday morning for Los Angeles. Please send "thank you "emails to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as well. For further information visit The Paw Project at http://pawproject.org/
Personally, I am hoping that the rest of the country will soon follow in the footsteps of the courageous and forward thinking legislations which are being passed in these California cities. We must end the common practice of routine cat declawing. It is barbaric.
Please share your thoughts about what is generally considered to be a controversial issue by leaving a comment.
November 4, 2009
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPIONS: Biggie and Louie
Biggie and Louie are this week's CUDDLE CHAMPIONS! Congrats guys! You look ever so cuddly rolled up together in the tiny bed!
Submitted by Alyson Fischer Amsterdam
Biggie and Louie are brothers who love each other so much that they share a bed that's only meant for one kitty! They have to snuggle up to stay on it and they look super cute! They were found in a box on the side of a road a few years ago but now clearly have a loving family who just adores them.
To submit a picture to "WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION" post your pet's picture on the petside facebook fan page wall with the caption "I think my pet is the CUDDLE CHAMPION"! Make sure to tell us your pet's name and a little bit about them!
Baby Cheetah Adopted by World's Fastest Man
When I first visited Jamaica many years ago, I found myself falling in love with this magnificent country. But it was not only the view of emerald green mountains peering over the lush trees, and the sound of the crystal clear blue-green ocean crashing against the white beaches and the delightful music that captured me, it was the heart of the people who were so hospitable and gracious. I yearn to return for another visit in the near future.
So the other day, while perusing the news online, I ran across a story that I had to share with our readers. It is about the world's fastest man . . . Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt . . . and the work he is undertaking to promote and boost Kenyan conservation efforts for their endangered wildlife. These fabulous animals are at serious risk for extinction due to climate change, habitats threatened through human encroachment, and trophy hunting.
Bolt, who is presently the world's record holder in the 100 and 200 meter races has adopted Lightning Bolt, a three month-old cheetah. He paid $13,700 for the formal adoption and will be contributing $3,000 annually to help pay for the cat's care at an animal orphanage in Nairobi. The Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) is the recipient of these funds. Three cubs, who were abandoned by their mother in a game park, were rescued by the KWS. Lightning Bolt is one of these lucky babies.
Bolt, on a four-day visit to Kenya was eager to see the various species of Kenya's wildlife, but admitted he was scared of the lions. While he was initially uncomfortable to pet an adult cheetah named Sharon for a photo shoot with Raila Odinga, the Kenyan Prime Minister, but after he saw that she seemed rather harmless when a stand in petted her, he relaxed. He seemed quite at home when handling his cheetah cub. Lightning Bolt is presently the size of a mature domestic house cat. He seemed delighted to bottle-feed the cub while the cameramen photographed them. When asked if he was still afraid of the cheetahs, he replied, "Yes, I was, but not anymore.".
Julius Kipng'etich, the head of the KWS, described Bolt's meeting with the cheetahs as "the first time in history where the fastest animal and the fastest man will meet." Cheetahs are incredibly swift animals, and very accomplished predators. They can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
And while this baby cub is adorable and friendly, Cheetahs are, and should remain wild animals. It breaks my heart how some people even consider that these majestic felines are suitable to become house pets. In my opinion, no matter how tame they may appear, these cats must continue to live in their home environment whenever possible. I so admire the work that the KWS is doing to protect and maintain these beautiful animals. It is crucial to the survival of this species.
Check out the video uploaded to You Tube by the Associated Press for a charming minute of Cheetah delight.
Don't you agree that if adding a "touch of the wild" to our home is our heart's desire, we can more appropriately adopt a beautifully spotted domestic cat in need a forever loving family?
Leave a comment and share your opinions.
November 3, 2009
Miniature Donkey Stolen: Owners, Bereft
As far as I am concerned, and I think that most animal lovers would agree, it makes absolutely no difference which animal species touches our hearts and with whom we fall in love. Whether it is a cat, dog, horse, bird or fish, these delightful beings quickly weave their way inside us and become part of our extended family. They give us an inordinate amount of unconditional love and acceptance so it goes without saying that if something happens to disturb that relationship which has developed with our beloved pets, it can be extremely stressful and emotionally draining.
So you can just imagine how upset I was yesterday when I ran across a very disturbing e-mail with this story. I decided to write about it, just in case there are any folks who live in Texas or surrounding environs who may be in a position to lend a hand to help these people become reunited with their very special four legged family member.
Apparently, three days ago, while waiting for assistance to fix a flat tire on their white Ford F-350 truck parked at the Town East Mall in Mesquite Texas, Ed and Angela Preston of Sunnyvale decided to have a bite to eat. When they returned to the parking lot they were horrified to discover that the truck and trailer in which their miniature donkey, Red Sunset, or "Sunny", (the name the little guy prefers), was loaded, had been stolen.
The Prestons who have shared their hearts with dozens of miniature donkeys for more than eleven years are particularly concerned about Sunny since he is only 6 months old and needs a special diet and shelter. Mrs. Preston said, "He's just a little baby, and he can't fend for himself. Time is really of the essence at this time. He's been gone three days now, and he's a baby."
People have already contacted the Prestons informing them that they have seen their truck and trailer glimpsing what may be Sunny around the Metroplex. They also received a call from a woman who spotted some children playing with a donkey near Kiest Boulevard, but at this time Sunny and the truck and trailer are still missing. Apparently none of these contacts have panned out. The Prestons are naturally very worried.
The Prestons are afraid that Sunny and the trailer were dumped in favor of scrapping the truck for spare parts. Mrs. Preston and her husband don't care a hoot about the truck and trailer. Their little donkey is all that matters to them. Mrs. Preston commented, "You know some people say, 'Oh, it's a donkey. No, it's like our kids."
The white Ford is carrying the license plate "DNKEY". The trailer is gold and tan and has a bumper sticker "Got Donkey". The Trailer license plate is DDXX20.
If anyone in the area has any information about this lost donkey, please contact the Mesquite police and e-mail the Prestons at infor@hillcountryminiatures.com.
Let's send out some special "vibes" to help the Prestons find Sunny very quickly. I am sure they would deeply appreciate some of our prayers as well
I can't understand how some people are so thoughtless and cruel when it comes to animals, do you? What are your thoughts about this situation? Leave a comment and share.
Photo Credit: Preston family photo of Sunny
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