Paws For A Cause - WE DID IT!
A Message From Matt
If you’re a routine visitor, I don’t need to go into detail regarding my love for dogs, nor animals in general. I grew up with three dogs, have raised four of them over the last five years, and owe them more than most know. During one of the darkest periods of my life my dogs were there for me, laying beside me on a bathroom floor as I swerved between vomiting from extreme anxiety and laying unconscious in a ball. To me they are not my pets, they are my family, and therefore my equals – and I treat them as such every day of their lives.
My unconditional love for my dogs is equal to that felt for my family and dearest friends. I would, without hesitation, sacrifice whatever need be sacrificed to see them healthy and happy, they are that important to me.
I am certainly not alone when it comes to such feelings. There are dogs out there right now in need of good homes capable of transforming lives, of providing a companionship that people have cherished for almost our entire tenure on this planet. Thus, through them, and for them, initiatives like Paws For A Cause can help animals in need throughout the Province and place us in the fortunate position of being able to give something back in return for what our unquestioning companions have given us.
I sincerely hope that when the initiative is launched here on the website that you will participate. If you are unable to, which is completely understandable, your support in the comments will be more than enough.
My deepest thanks,
Matt
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August 1st, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I will look forward to more information on where to send a few sheckles. Our family has always loved dogs and animals in general as well. My twin daughters birthdays are in February and by their own admission “too close to Christmas to get more presents” so when they had 12 of their friends over for a pyjama party last winter (my friggin’ ears are still ringing) they asked that instead of presents that their friends bring stuff for the Whitehorse Animal Shelter. I of course, was very touched and proud - they came up with that idea on their own.
I remember spending some time with my Grandfather at the cottage - his last time there as a matter of fact - just him, me, and our first Golden named Angus (after Angus Young from AC/DC). One sunny afternoon I put the old man out on the back lawn with a book, blanket, rocking chair, drink, and the dog, and asked him if he was OK:
“Good book. Good drink. Good dog. Couldn’t be better boy-o”.
August 1st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I love it when people admit to their consciousness that their companions are more then just pets; that they are as you say our “equals”, because they really are. We owe much more to them then some may think. What makes non-human animal companions so special is that they rarely let us down, if ever. Sometimes they’re the only thing we can truly count on.
A great cause! :D
I’ll do my best to help support!
August 1st, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I will be proud to support this cause. My dog is my family. I know how that feels. I look forward to hearing more :)
August 1st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
At the moment I have one cat named Skeena and she is everything to me. She is part of my family just like all of my other pets in the past. If i’m upset or having a bad day, she knows it and is there for me. She is the first thing I see when I come home and the last thing I see when I leave my place. I would do anything for her and would not hesitate doing so.
Growing up, my parents used to take us kids to the SPCA, not to adopt, but to look at the unwanted animals. We always had 3 cats in an apartment so we couldn’t take more. People thought my parents were strange for doing so, but it was to teach us a lesson at a young age that there are so many unwanted, neglected, abused animals out there and if people dont take care of them, the SPCA was where they would end up. This would make me appreciate our pets more as we grew up and it taught me to be more responsible for them and any other animal . If I ever go want to get another animal it would be through the SPCA. I dont trust pet stores as I believe their animals to be from cat/ puppy mills.
There’s a reason why I like animals more than people…
August 1st, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I have two cats, both adopted from the SPCA. The one is a clown and purposely does things to make me laugh; the other is a sweet old European grandma in a red tabby body–when I cry she comes and settles herself on my chest, purrs and licks my tears from my cheek. They are my best friends. I certainly will be helping to support this cause. I’ve never been able to volunteer for the SPCA because my heart is too soft. So they can have my money instead.
“Good book. Good drink. Good dog.” I love that. Sounds like heaven to me.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Thats a great cause; A great way to bring attention to a topic such as this.
As a side, that’s a great pic of you and the dogs, especially the shoulders.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:14 pm
You can most certainly count on my contribution. There is certainly no worthier cause than to help animals, in my mind. I grew up with cats all of my life and one of my best friends was my neighbour’s german shephard. (I’m serious! I loved that dog!) Since my boyfriend is very allergic we are unable to have a pet so he and I often venture out to “feed our friends” - chipmunks, squirrels, crows, pigeons, chickadees and even the occasional marmot. We both find it to be therapeutic. The mind becomes focussed on the reactions of these lovely critters, so much so that all worries are completely forgotten.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Nice pic of you and your paw pals!
As mentioned in many previous posts, I’ve got two labs, one who is currently experiencing anxiety when it storms. He was put on meds a couple of weeks ago for this b/c essentially he was damaging things in fear and we were worried that he would injure himself, if not kill himself by these actions. Chewing on pretty much anything: wire, wood and wicker.
He definately has always been a neurotic sort of dog [not sure where he gets that from ~ LOL ~ he’s so my dog!
I’ve got a 2 and a 4 year old who I’ve been preoccupied with over the last few years and Shakes has definately taken a backseat to me. Fortunately, my better half stepped up and cared for both dogs. However, Shakes is definately seeking me specifically these days and so I’m relishing his attention. Imagine that! Usually it’s the opposite eh? I say this with a smile on my face however, the truth is, I suspect that Shakes is realizing his own mortality and so he is needing me even more now and is anxious about everything these days ~ in an extreme way. Last night he climbed upstairs to be by my bedside. We’ve lived here for 3 years and he did it for the first time 2 days ago. When I woke this morning, I tried to get him to come down but he was too afraid. After about 20 minutes of coaxing, I finally sat at the top of the stairs and talked with him about how its just a set of stairs. I got up to down stairs to get Char to carry him down and he followed me!!!!! Unfreakin believable! We just chatted and he did it! I was so proud b/c I know how big that was for him.
The other day I remembered when we brought this beautiful yellow lab home and he sat on my lap in the car ride home the whole time shaking ~ hence the name. I made a silent promise to him then, that I would forever be there and take care of him…and so I am doing my best. Unconditional love is right.
Transforming peoples’ lives…??? That’s putting it mildly.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
We are having an event next Friday at my office to raise money for this cause. I’m lucky to work in an animal-friendly environment, so there will be lots of 4 legged friends at the even. We’re also excited as the SPCA will be on hand with some friends in need of homes. While I cannot take on this responsibility right now due to the amount of travel with my job, I’m hopeful a few of my coworkers are able to take a new family member to a forever home.
Thanks for bringing awareness to this Matt.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Yah, great cause. I’m hoping to tag along that day too.
August 1st, 2008 at 7:04 pm
As a former pet owner (former due to my allergies increasing with age), I’m behind this completely.
August 1st, 2008 at 7:36 pm
what a great cause, I am a huge animal lover!!! If I had money that’s where it would go =)
August 1st, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I received a nice present from Skeena tonight, I came home to puke and a furball on my bed. Didn’t bother me, I still love her, just reminded me to brush her more often. :P
August 1st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I love my dog Bandit more than any human I know. Actually, I love Bandit more than anything else in the entire world. Which is why I have a small B tattooed on my wrist, so he is always, and will always be with me.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:10 pm
That picture is adorable. My 3 dogs are my best buddies. If I wasn’t a nurse, I would of worked in the Vet field for sure.
If any of you have some extra time, please consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. This is also a wonderful way to give back.
This entry made my day. :)
Happy tails to you.
August 1st, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Great job K.
You’ve triggered something here…I’ve just gone onto the site to find out that there’s an event here in Richmond (and all over the place, for that matter).
Couldn’t think of anything I’d rather donate my time/energy and money to (if I have some at that time).
August 1st, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I used to work at the city pound.. The SPCA is great, they do a lot of good work, but people tend to forget about city pounds and their need for more room, more/better equipment etc. I had plenty of sad days working there.
I donated as much money as I currently can, and I love that so many people are doing what they can to provide more for these animals.
August 1st, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Oh my god, love, love, love YOU for doing this - wish you could be on the walk with us but I know you’ll be there in spirit - hugs buddy!
Angela Mead
Special Provincial Constable (in training), BCSPCA
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:54 am
You sure know how to tug at a girl’s heartstrings…
Another donation is on its way (that’s it for this month, you’ve cleaned me out already! ;0)
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 am
Almost every day, when I look at my little bunch of fur named Holy, I ask myself if he feels well being with me, if I am a good company for him. Then I also remember times when I was angry about him turning the carpet into a mess or eating my plants. That always gives me sort of a bad feeling.
I know that him being with me in my little 58 m² flat is kind of owed to my very own selfishness to a great degree. That also gives me a bad feeling sometimes since I wonder how he would find it if he was given the chance to stroll around the backyards, catch some birds and find a “girl”. So he is all the time with me and thus is totally fixated on me, following me nearly everywhere I go. I find that worrying sometimes. I wish I had the opportunity to offer him more freedom and space. But being that I live in an urban district this is simply not possible since I am too much in fear he could get knocked over by some stressed out car driver or even be attacked by some stupid cat hater. So the only way remaining for him to keep contact to the outside world is spending as much time out on the terrace/balcony as possible. Spring to Autumn he is out there most of the time, hunting sparrows or waiting for other cats to come by.
Why do I feel so bad about it sometimes? I simply think that - especially in the past - I took more of him than I gave. When I went through the darkest times of depression and selfhatred he patiently endured my constant mood swings. There were days when I barely managed to get myself to do the most necessary things for his care like feeding him and keeping his toilet clean. I simply wasn’t able to give love to someone as it was all dead inside me. Not only did he endure my emotional disability but also he felt that I needed solace and stimulation. So it was him that regularely pulled me out of the fog of abandon by insistantly demanding his time and my attention. I think there were weeks back in last year that I was only alive because he needed me.
I wish I could give much more in return for his unconditional trustfulness and help, now that I am far better. So I recently bought some sort of a harness with a leash to put on him that now enables me to get him out of the house and have him a walk out in the park.
I know there are many pets that are in a truly bad condition and that compared to them Holy is rather lucky. I sometimes donate food to animal shelters. In my country there are bowls set up in most super markets and pet shops where people can deposit cans of cat or dog food right away. I think this is a nice way of ensuring a better care for many animals in shelters as the money that can be saved through food donations can be employed far better in modernization and other such improvements to the benefit of the furry residents. It’s also a decent but steady way of sensitizing people for the fates of these creatures having to spend a rather sad life in relative loneliness. I leave my donations there whenever I purchase food for Holy, one 400g-can being worth about 1,45 CAD. Summed up, I make about 130-160 CAD per year in food. In some way I feel more comfortable with that than I feel about donating money for humans. Not that I had never donated for humanitarian issues, but I am usually too distrustful when it comes to the fair distribution of the donated goods and money.
This is Holy:
[Link]
He LOVES toilet paper ;DDD
A nice article that brought me close to tears as all your animal related entries do, Matt.
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:05 am
Ok, I see, the link doesn’t work. But anyway, he is sweet little rascal ;)
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:22 am
Tuuli22, the link works, you just need to sign in to myspace to see that page, here’s a more direct link to the pic:
http://a90.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/79/l_fd00389429e7d012665968979537f059.jpg
he’s cute!
Reading this post makes me wish i could have a cat again. Maybe i could change my landlord’s mind about that rule!
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 am
[quote comment="60385"]Tuuli22, the link works, you just need to sign in to myspace to see that page, here’s a more direct link to the pic:
http://a90.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/79/l_fd00389429e7d012665968979537f059.jpg
he’s cute!
Reading this post makes me wish i could have a cat again. Maybe i could change my landlord’s mind about that rule![/quote]
Yea, I just realized that myself ;)
But thank you for the other link. Didn’t know how to extract the picture out of the myspace-framework, but I have my profile locked private anyway.
That’s so ignorant of landlords, not wanting cats in their facilities. I mean what can they do? If you offer them enough to play and keep them entertained it is very unlikely that they will go for the doors, carpets or wallpaper. But I had to do some bargaining too over that issue to persuade my landlord.
What happened to your cat then?
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:51 am
[quote comment="60379"]Almost every day, when I look at my little bunch of fur named Holy, I ask myself if he feels well being with me, if I am a good company for him. Then I also remember times when I was angry about him turning the carpet into a mess or eating my plants. That always gives me sort of a bad feeling.
I know that him being with me in my little 58 m² flat is kind of owed to my very own selfishness to a great degree. That also gives me a bad feeling sometimes since I wonder how he would find it if he was given the chance to stroll around the backyards, catch some birds and find a “girl”. So he is all the time with me and thus is totally fixated on me, following me nearly everywhere I go. I find that worrying sometimes. I wish I had the opportunity to offer him more freedom and space. But being that I live in an urban district this is simply not possible since I am too much in fear he could get knocked over by some stressed out car driver or even be attacked by some stupid cat hater. So the only way remaining for him to keep contact to the outside world is spending as much time out on the terrace/balcony as possible. Spring to Autumn he is out there most of the time, hunting sparrows or waiting for other cats to come by.
Why do I feel so bad about it sometimes? I simply think that - especially in the past - I took more of him than I gave. When I went through the darkest times of depression and selfhatred he patiently endured my constant mood swings. There were days when I barely managed to get myself to do the most necessary things for his care like feeding him and keeping his toilet clean. I simply wasn’t able to give love to someone as it was all dead inside me. Not only did he endure my emotional disability but also he felt that I needed solace and stimulation. So it was him that regularely pulled me out of the fog of abandon by insistantly demanding his time and my attention. I think there were weeks back in last year that I was only alive because he needed me.
I wish I could give much more in return for his unconditional trustfulness and help, now that I am far better. So I recently bought some sort of a harness with a leash to put on him that now enables me to get him out of the house and have him a walk out in the park.
I know there are many pets that are in a truly bad condition and that compared to them Holy is rather lucky. I sometimes donate food to animal shelters. In my country there are bowls set up in most super markets and pet shops where people can deposit cans of cat or dog food right away. I think this is a nice way of ensuring a better care for many animals in shelters as the money that can be saved through food donations can be employed far better in modernization and other such improvements to the benefit of the furry residents. It’s also a decent but steady way of sensitizing people for the fates of these creatures having to spend a rather sad life in relative loneliness. I leave my donations there whenever I purchase food for Holy, one 400g-can being worth about 1,45 CAD. Summed up, I make about 130-160 CAD per year in food. In some way I feel more comfortable with that than I feel about donating money for humans. Not that I had never donated for humanitarian issues, but I am usually too distrustful when it comes to the fair distribution of the donated goods and money.
This is Holy:
He LOVES toilet paper ;DDD
A nice article that brought me close to tears as all your animal related entries do, Matt.[/quote]
Tuuli22, your comment brought me to tears…What a beautiful tribute to your friend. I saw his photos, he is gorgeous. I’ve been away from my two for two weeks and reading your comment makes me all teary because that is what they have been for me—life savers, literally–and I miss them!!
I think we should all start a page somewhere to share photos of our animal friends. Can we do it through Flickr?
Susie
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:10 am
I see I am a complete loser in terms of the internet… another security-leck of myspace being discovered :/
Didn’t know that everyone would have access to my profile, which I made private, once I try to link to a single photo. But well, I have nothing to hide ;)
I always thought about doing flickr for photos, so that’s kind of a nice idea Susie. But I have to admit that I have no idea of how flickr works so far.
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
[quote comment="60397"]I see I am a complete loser in terms of the internet… another security-leck of myspace being discovered :/
Didn’t know that everyone would have access to my profile, which I made private, once I try to link to a single photo. But well, I have nothing to hide ;)
I always thought about doing flickr for photos, so that’s kind of a nice idea Susie. But I have to admit that I have no idea of how flickr works so far.[/quote]
Flickr’s dead simple Tuuli22, and so easy to use. Once you’ve started you’ll be away in no time. Liked your story BTW. :0)
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:53 am
[quote comment="60379"]Why do I feel so bad about it sometimes? I simply think that - especially in the past - I took more of him than I gave. When I went through the darkest times of depression and selfhatred he patiently endured my constant mood swings. There were days when I barely managed to get myself to do the most necessary things for his care like feeding him and keeping his toilet clean. I simply wasn’t able to give love to someone as it was all dead inside me. Not only did he endure my emotional disability but also he felt that I needed solace and stimulation. So it was him that regularely pulled me out of the fog of abandon by insistantly demanding his time and my attention. I think there were weeks back in last year that I was only alive because he needed me.[/quote]
This discribes my relationship with my best friend, Mitzy, to a T. When we got her, within two days she had gone missing and I remember my parents getting really tense about it. I was the one to find her, under a cabinet, I was the one who got her to come out. For years following, all she would do when I was home was follow me and just sit by me where ever I ended up - which meant on occasion she was the only one in my house who showed me some effection when I was in tears because I just couldn’t understand a math problem. I remember when things got really low for me around that time, I had actually attempted to come up with a plan to run away, but the only way I would do it is if the cat came with me. I tried to figure out a way to keep her safe in my bag, but I knew it wasn’t possible, so I just stayed because of her.
That was at least 15 years ago. These past few years have been just as bad, and yet, was still here through the thick of it. When my ex used to drop me off at home after our glorified Timmy’s run, she would be standing there at 3am, waiting at the door for me to come home. When I didn’t come immediately, she would pase at our feet while we chatted - which sometimes got on the nerves of my ex. (Warning sign going fowards: if he hates Mitzy, than it’s probably not going to work out.) And, going forward from there, I’ve had to remind co-workers giving me a lift home at 1am to watch out when they’re pulling into the drive way during the spring/summer months (”Hit the cat and you die.”)
In these past three weeks since my mom and my sister have been away in Europe, my dad has had a little one on one time with Mitz. He still doesn’t get it that when she meows really, REALLY loudly, she doesn’t want food, she doesn’t want water, she doesn’t want out. No, she wants you to pick her up so she can give you her sweet little headbumps of effection. You pick her up, she quits meowing, but the purr is just as loud, and when you go to put her back down, she’s content. In the mornings when I wake up, I’ve realized that although it may get uncomfortable at times with her sleeping on the bed with me, all she really wants is to make sure she’s cuddled up to me in some way - even if it’s just a hand.
Oh how I love my Mitz. :)
Matt: make sure to keep this post at the top the main page. I want to help out, but I don’t get paid until Friday - if it’s gone from the top, I’ll probably forget.
For the cat owners on the page (if they haven’t seen them):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rb8aOzy9t4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13dLaTIHSg
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Marketing 101 - you guys need to put that photo back up.
Dog profiles on the pledge page are great.
I’ll be happy to pitch in next time I get paid…
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thanks for everyone’s support so far!
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
After losing our girl Echo in June we are looking to adopt an adult rescue.
Reasons being, our young children are used to the clamness of an adult and we know there are so many wonderful dogs waiting fo a forever home. We donate regularly to BARC inc (Bernese Mtn Dog rescue) and I’ll put in an extra donation locally when we do adopt here.
Great initiative!
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Animals do show “bad behavior” but unlike us humans, it is lacking malicious intent. For that reason, and about a million others, I consider myself to be Maggi & Naysa’s pet, rather than the inverse. I’m sure I amuse them daily.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:56 pm
As a former animal shelter worker I know the importnace of raising money for homeless pets. Many peple don’t understand the huge amount of money it takes to keep a shelter running. Every penny makes a difference. It truly warms my heart to read everyone’s comments about their love of animals. Kudos to everyone for supporting the cause in whatever way possible.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Just added my donation to this wonderful cause. All the best to the many walkers - both four- and two-legged!
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Are pets better “people” than most people?
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Matt’s sister-IN-law will be attending? Hmmm, I think we have a hint folks! Somebody slipped away to Vegas and than let the secret slip, so to speak. Congrats Matt! Maybe it is old news to regular visitors, but I am shocked. I had no idea. You deserve only the best and all the happiness after all you have fought through and endured. Congratulations on finding “True Love” in the end.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:44 pm
[quote comment="60441"]Are pets better “people” than most people?[/quote]
I think a conservative estimate would be at least 51% are better. More intelligent as well.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:59 pm
After reading the recent most several posts by authors and commentators I’ve decided that one must come to a conclusion only by recognizing one’s own thoughts:
but, there is a time when you should borrow:
all these tapes in my head swirl around
keeping my vibe down
all these thouhgts in my head aren’t my own-
reeking havoc.
kind regards,
(remember there is no anger)
__M__
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
[quote comment="60445"]Matt’s sister-IN-law will be attending? Hmmm, I think we have a hint folks! Somebody slipped away to Vegas and than let the secret slip, so to speak. Congrats Matt! Maybe it is old news to regular visitors, but I am shocked. I had no idea. You deserve only the best and all the happiness after all you have fought through and endured. Congratulations on finding “True Love” in the end.[/quote]
That would be Chloe, Matt’s brother’s wife.
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Keira-Anne,
Uh huh. Sure. Now you try and cover it up. Did you all have a damage control conference call? What’s in it for you? Is he paying you? An early listen to the new tracks or a signed copy of an albun maybe?
Now I suppose all of a sudden people will be posting that they agree with you and I am wrong. They will all back you up. Well I won’t fall for it. I’m not going along with your conspiracy tale. I am not a push over you know.
I know how you all work on here. Every last one of you are in on this and friends. The registration part of this website is just there to throw me off and make me think strangers are joining the “MG.org FAMILY”. Well I got it all figured out. All of you.
I’m no moron you know. It’s not like all you Canadians live in a different country from from me living in the US or anything. We all play the same games! And I can play to.
Fuck I got a headache.
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Me and my little one, just a few days ago. Crappy quality, but this is him.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27032197@N08/2721753818/
:)
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:49 am
Sorry, if I could, I would.
I wish I had a dog. Best of luck reaching your goal, its almost half way there!
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 am
[quote comment="60451"]Keira-Anne,
Uh huh. Sure. Now you try and cover it up. Did you all have a damage control conference call? What’s in it for you? Is he paying you? An early listen to the new tracks or a signed copy of an albun maybe?
Now I suppose all of a sudden people will be posting that they agree with you and I am wrong. They will all back you up. Well I won’t fall for it. I’m not going along with your conspiracy tale. I am not a push over you know.
I know how you all work on here. Every last one of you are in on this and friends. The registration part of this website is just there to throw me off and make me think strangers are joining the “MG.org FAMILY”. Well I got it all figured out. All of you.
I’m no moron you know. It’s not like all you Canadians live in a different country from from me living in the US or anything. We all play the same games! And I can play to.
Fuck I got a headache.[/quote]
*shake head*
Whatever it was you had been taking last night, you should definately abstain from it in the future, dude.
How can I be “friends” with someone I have never even met? Neither am I Canadian nor US-American and I personally don’t feel as a part of some sort of “MG.org Family”. Most of the people here regularely step by because of the entries making sense to them, because they are of high educational value or simply of an honesty about personal problems that is in a way moving and also sort of liberating to people who may have experienced such problems themselves and too often came across heavy barriers in terms of societal tabooing and intolerance.
And as for the Sister-in-law-thing: what is so unclear about that term? Sorry, I really don’t see the point in your complaint.
August 3rd, 2008 at 2:44 am
I will definately be in attendance!! I love animals to tears, and would love to help out in anyway I am able.
I have volunteered at SPCA’s in the past, and though I loved helping and maikng these creatures lives a little better, (usually batthing flea infested cats and pups)- it brought me so much sadness to be in that environment. Not knowing which wouldn’t have a certain future etc. I simply wanted to take them all home if i could.
I swear if I won the lotto, all I would like to do, and it is only a start- would be to open a huge animal rescue shelter, that for me- would be bliss.
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:41 am
[quote comment="60408"]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q
[/quote]
THIS is so fucking cute and so damn realistic, I almost fell of the chair of laughing so excessivly! ;DD This is how our all-morning routine looks like, ok Holy does not hit me with a baseball bat ;)
Thanks for that one, Emily Plunkett!
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:04 am
It was sarcasm not a complaint at all. I am a regular and it stems from something some regulars were joking about aimed at me over a week ago. I can laugh at myself from time to time as I am not, well nevermind. You had to be there. As a dog owner and lover, it has nothing to do with not liking dogs. I never mentioned that. I do know the US and Canada are seperate countries. Those that got it undrstand. Don’t worry about it. Sorry, you misunderstood.
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:37 am
[quote comment="60461"]It was sarcasm not a complaint at all. I am a regular and it stems from something some regulars were joking about aimed at me over a week ago. I can laugh at myself from time to time as I am not, well nevermind. You had to be there. As a dog owner and lover, it has nothing to do with not liking dogs. I never mentioned that. I do know the US and Canada are seperate countries. Those that got it undrstand. Don’t worry about it. Sorry, you misunderstood.[/quote]
Well, you were quite convincing ;D
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:37 am
Hey Matt…love the new photo of you pups!
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 am
Crap…read YOUR pups… ;0)
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:12 am
Tuuli22, sad kinda story, but it was a fast move from a country side home to one in the city. so because of little time and little money, i couldn’t place him elswhere, and the spca in that county was closed down due to mold in the building or something of that nature, my mother-in-law brought him to the vet to put him down since no one could take him on such short notice. almost everyone i could ask already had a pet or pets! he was a little worse for ware at the time aswell, since he was free to roam the area, he had been in a cat fight or two and had some injuries to his face and such, he wasn’t as cute as usual. terrible, i would of taken him with me if it were allowed, but since i’ve been leasing this place for two years, and planning to stay very long term, i’m sure i could get the landlord’s permission by now.
hope this doesn’t upset anyone too much.
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I hope everyone who can,will support the Paws for Cause campaign.The SPCA does a wonderful job year after year caring for those with no voice and the support they receive is greatly appreciated.As a lifetime animal lover and “parent”to three cats,all strays I might add,I’ve been making monthly donations for a couple of years now.As Sarah McLachlan says in the ads,eighteen dollars a month goes a long way in helping the
SPCA with their great cause and doing it monthly eases the burden on a one time contribution.I realize that
peoples finances are strained these days but whatever you can contribute,be it monetary or your time as a volunteer,we have to help the creatures who mean so much to our very existence.
August 3rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Why was the goal to raise moneydropped to $6,000? You can easily raise $7,500 in over a month!!! I promise to donate $100 if it goes back up to $7,500.
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
[quote comment="60505"]Why was the goal to raise moneydropped to $6,000? You can easily raise $7,500 in over a month!!! I promise to donate $100 if it goes back up to $7,500.[/quote]
Fair enough :) I’m totally excited at the amount of support - financial and through encouraging comments - that Paws For A Cause is getting. I changed the goal and placed it back up to $7,500.
August 3rd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Thats more like it! I’ll make a donation under Shaunna Hynes for $100.00! I think it’s great that you guys are doing this! Keep up the great work and see you on the walk! :)
August 4th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Great picture Matt! Dogs are the best, I think it’s because they can be so affectionate.
August 4th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
here is my adorable little mutt & a related story about non-dog people from my blog. Other than allergy or childhood bite reasons I am always suspect of people who don’t like dogs.
http://repliderium.com/crap/misanthropic-dog/
August 4th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
[...] to hear Matt’s story and find out about his love for his dogs, you can read his blog post here. Back to the [...]
August 4th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
This is a great cause. While I cannot afford to support it financially, I fully support this great cause.
I got my last puppy from an SPCA and she is still my best friend.
I’ll be adding another friend at the end of the month, as well. I am quite excited.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Before I got my doggie, I went to the SPCA to see if could adopt one. To my surprise, because I was a student, I couldn’t. While I can now understand that to a degree, a big part of me was pretty disappointed that I couldn’t help out. It made me sad that they assumed that I was unstable (financially and otherwise) to take on a pup. I realize that that would be the case for most students, but I would never adopt a pet if I couldn’t afford to keep it.
Fortunately I found Denny, and got him from a local breeder. I might be a student, but there is no one who could love him more than I do.
Congrats on all contributions so far :)
August 4th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Riley (our 6-year old Golden Retreiver) and I went fo a long drive yesterday, long hike, and he had a much deserved swim in the chalky blue water of Kluane Lake at Destruction Bay (Yukon Territory - up toward the Alaskan border). Saw an extremely large grizzly bear which cut the swim short (actually all grizzly bears seam extremely large) but it was a good reminder of the great relationship we have, how lucky we are, and to make a donation tonight before we hit the sack!
Thanks.
Brian
August 4th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hey Matt… great cause for lovers of all types of paws. Much like you, my animal friend literally got me through the darkest period of my life. We have much to learn from their unconditional love. You and the SPCA have my unconditional support.
j
August 5th, 2008 at 2:31 am
$3,300 dollars! Wow, that was fast!
Right on to all those who’ve supported so far!
This is awesome :D
August 5th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Mhmmmmm… how can we donate if we don’t own a credit card???
August 5th, 2008 at 6:30 am
[quote comment="60647"]Before I got my doggie, I went to the SPCA to see if could adopt one. To my surprise, because I was a student, I couldn’t. While I can now understand that to a degree, a big part of me was pretty disappointed that I couldn’t help out. It made me sad that they assumed that I was unstable (financially and otherwise) to take on a pup. I realize that that would be the case for most students, but I would never adopt a pet if I couldn’t afford to keep it.
[/quote]
I think it’s a shame they won’t let students adopt, because many students are responsible and don’t treat animals like possessions they can discard when they’re done with them; unfortunately, the opposite is also true for far too many students. A lot of them don’t so much “adopt” animals as “rent” them for the time they’re in school. My local SPCA gets inundated with cats at the end of the school year once students take off for new cities or travels or summer jobs. (Sometimes they’re not even dropped off at the shelter– they’re just left alone in the apartment once the student vacates.) I’m sure it’s the same across the country. Incredibly sad for the animals who’ve formed bonds with humans who just ditch them like an old textbook. I just went on vacation and bawled at having to leave my “kids” for just a week; I’ll never understand how anyone can abandon their pets for good.
August 5th, 2008 at 6:39 am
As for the subject of the post itself: a million kudos for doing this. It’s a cause extremely near and dear to my heart as well.
August 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
[quote comment="60676"]Mhmmmmm… how can we donate if we don’t own a credit card???[/quote]
Amanda, there are many ways those who don’t have credit cards can help - and it’s equally important! SPCA shelters are in constant need of blankets, toys, food and treats, among other things. Visit the SPCA’s website to find a list of items needed and the location of your nearest shelter. Thanks!
August 5th, 2008 at 9:21 am
[quote comment="60679"][quote comment="60647"]Before I got my doggie, I went to the SPCA to see if could adopt one. To my surprise, because I was a student, I couldn’t. While I can now understand that to a degree, a big part of me was pretty disappointed that I couldn’t help out. It made me sad that they assumed that I was unstable (financially and otherwise) to take on a pup. I realize that that would be the case for most students, but I would never adopt a pet if I couldn’t afford to keep it.
[/quote]
I think it’s a shame they won’t let students adopt, because many students are responsible and don’t treat animals like possessions they can discard when they’re done with them; unfortunately, the opposite is also true for far too many students. A lot of them don’t so much “adopt” animals as “rent” them for the time they’re in school. My local SPCA gets inundated with cats at the end of the school year once students take off for new cities or travels or summer jobs. (Sometimes they’re not even dropped off at the shelter– they’re just left alone in the apartment once the student vacates.) I’m sure it’s the same across the country. Incredibly sad for the animals who’ve formed bonds with humans who just ditch them like an old textbook. I just went on vacation and bawled at having to leave my “kids” for just a week; I’ll never understand how anyone can abandon their pets for good.[/quote]
Unfortunately, the same thing happens in New Brunswick where I am. A lot of students try to give their cats away when they graduate, and a lot of them probably don’t find homes for them. It is very sad that this happens. I’m currently visiting my family in Ontario and I insisted on being allowed to bring Denny (my doggie) with me or I would only stay for a week. I love my dog far too much to even be okay for leaving him that long, haha. I went on vacation at the beginning of Spring for a week and I had to leave my dog behind. I missed him every day. I’m so used to him sleeping right up next to me. I know how you feel about missing your pet. They’re just like family. Denny is like my little furry child. :)
August 5th, 2008 at 9:35 am
[quote comment="60684"][quote comment="60676"]Mhmmmmm… how can we donate if we don’t own a credit card???[/quote]
Amanda, there are many ways those who don’t have credit cards can help - and it’s equally important! SPCA shelters are in constant need of blankets, toys, food and treats, among other things. Visit the SPCA’s website to find a list of items needed and the location of your nearest shelter. Thanks![/quote]
Thanks Keira.
I actually just donated a garbage bag of blankets a couple weeks ago :D
August 5th, 2008 at 10:03 am
[quote comment="60688"]
Unfortunately, the same thing happens in New Brunswick where I am. A lot of students try to give their cats away when they graduate, and a lot of them probably don’t find homes for them. It is very sad that this happens. I’m currently visiting my family in Ontario and I insisted on being allowed to bring Denny (my doggie) with me or I would only stay for a week. I love my dog far too much to even be okay for leaving him that long, haha. I went on vacation at the beginning of Spring for a week and I had to leave my dog behind. I missed him every day. I’m so used to him sleeping right up next to me. I know how you feel about missing your pet. They’re just like family. Denny is like my little furry child. :)[/quote]
Heh, I’m in NB, too! Moncton. :)
August 5th, 2008 at 10:42 am
This is beautiful. I never thought there was a bigger dog lover than me out there. My dog is my family, my best friend, my constant. I would give my life for my dog without hesitation. Some may call that irrational, but the truth is that love is the only rational act there is… be it love for a human or love for a pet. Love is love.
Sadly, I had to put one of my dogs, Mikey, to sleep in April. He had liver cancer and after force-feeding him with a syringe for 3 weeks, it was hopeless and he was suffering and I knew he was only hanging on for me. It was the hardest day of my life. Hands down. And the guilt I still feel for the decision to end his life is overwhelming and haunts me daily. But I have to believe I did the right thing for him. I hope. I still have one boy left, Benny the bug-eyed Beagle, my needy, adoring little shadow whom I love more than words. I know Mikey can never be replaced, but I’ll be in the market again to rescue another dog soon.
I’m in Toronto, and I support the Toronto Humane Society and will obviously adopting again here too… but wanted to just thank you Matt for supporting this cause and for being such a good daddy to all your lucky canine kids!
August 5th, 2008 at 11:11 am
[quote comment="60688"]Unfortunately, the same thing happens in New Brunswick where I am. A lot of students try to give their cats away when they graduate, and a lot of them probably don’t find homes for them. It is very sad that this happens.[/quote]
What I have actually some problems with to understand is, why there is at all such an incredible tendency of “students having to give their pets away when graduating”. Maybe anyone could help me with that, WHY is that?
I am with my cat for almost 7 years now, from the day of his birth (yes, I was there) to this very day. During all this time I made my professional training, I have been a fulltimeworker AND I am studying in addition. I also had to change residence for about 3 times during that time. It never came to my mind to give him away despite the fact that there were hard times I had to face - economically as well as personally - and also the landlords always gave me a hard time to finally get them persuaded.
One might almost get the impression that some people out there just tend to be taking the easy way.
August 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Please adopt!
Most here won’t know, but I am a Veterinarian in Arizona. I do a lot of work with local breed rescues. One that I probably do the most with is the local Husky rescue. Last night they brought me two puppies they had just rescued. About 12 weeks old these two were covered in urine, fur stained yellow from it. Bathing couldn’t get rid of it. Their story - They arrived in Arizona after a 36 hour non-stop drive in the back of a Quest mini-van with 85 other puppies. Most were small breeds, just 2 huskies. 36 hours before they were in Missouri at a fairly well known (at least in the pet store industry) puppy broker. They had been slated for “disposal” (aka death) by the broker as these 85 puppies were “surplus” that they couldn’t sell to pet stores. The broker didn’t just give these puppies to the rescues, no. They charged them $100 a puppy. Either pay $100 or we’re disposing of them. If it’s not bad enough knowing how many dogs (and cats for that matter) die every day in shelters - there is this. Spread the word, when you buy from a pet store - THIS IS WHO YOU ARE SUPPORTING! To these people, puppies are products. BOYCOTT PET SHOPS! ADOPT!
Luckily these two appear to be in good health and now they are safe. From what I was told many, especially the really tiny breed ones, are not in such great shape. As I was told about one small Yorkie pup with pneumonia - they just didn’t want her to die there in that awful place. :’(
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
- Mahatma Gandhi
(Feel free to read into that quote. I feel it holds very true.)
August 5th, 2008 at 11:53 am
[quote comment="60701"]
One might almost get the impression that some people out there just tend to be taking the easy way.[/quote]
It’s absolutely taking the easy way– pets are a lot of money, especially if they happen to have medical issues that require ongoing care and medication, and they’re a lot of work. (I always joke, “Tell me again why we voluntarily invited these furry, smelly freeloaders to come dirty up our house and eat our food and sleep on our beds and disrupt us in the middle of the night?”) So, if you for some reason fail to bond with your pets, then they’re just another possession to get rid of when they become inconvenient or expensive. I can’t tell you how often I see on our work e-bulletin board, “Cat to give away, I’m moving and can’t take her with me” or “Dog for sale, I don’t have time to take care of him.” I can’t imagine where one would move that would preclude taking your pet with you (landlord doesn’t allow it? negotiate, or find a new apartment), but I think for some people it’s just a nuisance and why bother trying to work it out? Just today I heard of a couple who’s expecting their second child, so they dropped their pug off at the SPCA because two kids and a dog would be too much trouble. Well, they weren’t dropping their first kid off at the orphanage, so I imagine they just didn’t care about their dog enough… why some people see animals as expendable while others would do anything in the world for them, I just don’t know. It breaks my heart because, even if you failed to bond with your pet, your pet surely became attached to you, and will be sad and confused and scared and possibly depressed when you abandon it. People just don’t care.
August 5th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
ket…that bulletin wasn’t from my ex sister in law by any chance? She’s one of these (horrible) people who looks at pets for her child (my nephew) as little more than items that she discards when the novelty’s worn off. I wasn’t surprised when she told me of her fish…had a bowl with two fish on her desk at work - got tired of “those ones”, flushed them, then bought some different ones that same day. “Prettier” ones. She giggled while telling me this (knowing full well how I felt about any living creature and that my beta, “Nazzy” had been with me for 6 years at that point….not impressed). But it’s how she rolls - there must be some serious, deep rooted character issues involved and I feel sad for my nephew. Concerned. What is she teaching him? Last Christmas she was ready to shell out nearly $1,000 for a large lizard because it would be “cool” to get it for her son for a gift…thank God she changed her mind at the last minute. I recall Dad & I trying to dissuade her by bringing her up to speed on the life span, etc. but it was the cost that ended up being the dealbreaker….”too much”. She gives little no, change that - NO thought to these decisions. It’s always a spontaneous decision and comes with no regard to commitment or responsibility.
She “bores” easily and, when she does, the pets are then sent on their merry way…no attachment, no regrets. She had two gerbils that got stuffed in cages in the garage because they were smelly.
Dad and I ended up with her bird and two cats because, again, she was tired of them. We love them dearly and they have good lives (now).
I no longer associate with her. She and another close friend who both had no regard for animals beyond “I want one”. I just couldn’t fake that I liked them anymore. I actually made the decision to call the SPCA on that former friend when I realized that she neglected her beautiful dog. Tied him up to a doghouse that was in the back with debris/nails, etc….he somtimes went for days without food/water. I used to sneak over and care for him when she was asleep (she was a control freak). I can not call someone like that a friend.
August 5th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
My dog was a stray that used to follow me on my evening walks. He was the scruffiest, long haired, dirtiest dog I had ever seen - mutt, terrrier/poodle/who knows mix. I knew where he lived, and one day asked the owner about him. She stated he wasn’t really her dog, the people who rented the house before her just left him there and she kept feeding him. I asked her if I could have him and lucky for me she said yes. The rest for us is history. The “free” dog quickly turned into the thousand dollar dog after I brought him to the vet, cleared up a nasty ear infection, shots, fixed, then off to the groomer for a good clean up. However, he was worth every cent.
We’ve had Max the wonderdog for 9 years now. He is a constant source of joy and laughter. He’s the only dog I know that loves to dance and plays soccer. I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.
Great cause - awesome job Keira:)
August 5th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
What a great cause and a great group to participate.
It’s too bad that I am out of town that weekend as I’m sure Peanut would love to walk with Benji.
I’ll find another way to support the cause and will be there in spirit!
August 5th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
KET - I go to MTA :)
August 5th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
[quote comment="60701"][quote comment="60688"]Unfortunately, the same thing happens in New Brunswick where I am. A lot of students try to give their cats away when they graduate, and a lot of them probably don’t find homes for them. It is very sad that this happens.[/quote]
What I have actually some problems with to understand is, why there is at all such an incredible tendency of “students having to give their pets away when graduating”. Maybe anyone could help me with that, WHY is that?
I am with my cat for almost 7 years now, from the day of his birth (yes, I was there) to this very day. During all this time I made my professional training, I have been a fulltimeworker AND I am studying in addition. I also had to change residence for about 3 times during that time. It never came to my mind to give him away despite the fact that there were hard times I had to face - economically as well as personally - and also the landlords always gave me a hard time to finally get them persuaded.
One might almost get the impression that some people out there just tend to be taking the easy way.[/quote]
Yes, that seems to be the idea. Students just don’t seem to want the responsibility of having a pet once they need to move away from university. It is an easy way out, yes. It’s not good. not good at all.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Nineteen years ago I was blessed with one seal point kitty whose love has known no bounds. Yes she is an old cat, which shocks alot of people that she is still around, but she also gives hope to all those other pet owners that maybe their pet with live just as long., and I like that.
Way back when Mishi first came into my life I have to admit my love & devotion belonged to another cat, but then one day that cat didn’t come home (sadly I believe coyotes were the culprits). When I realized my cat wasn’t coming back I consoled myself by bringing Mishi to sleep in my room, and she’s been at the end of my bed ever since. She has licked the tears from my face, gave me kisses when I came home , licked my yogurt cup clean, and has recently decided to help herself to my alcoholic beverages as well (gin seems to be her personal preference). Even when I have moved away, when I come back she has still been my ever faithful companion…always by my side - a best friend for life.
She has been through a lot, and even witnessed two dogs attack and kill another one of our cats & her best friend. But, through it all she has ruled our house and kept the other animals in line. To this day she can still send a cat half her age running down the stairs as she hobbles slowly behind and glares. Always a source of entertainment I am never at a loss for a funny story.
This is one feline who could never be considered “just a pet” and is a part of my family. When I was 16 I developed an allergy to cats, and still I would never consider getting rid of her. My discomfort is a small price to pay for the years of happiness she has brought into my life. Over the years she has let me dress her up, seen me through some dark times, listen to me sing, and to this day I still have the best naps when she is cuddled up next to me.
Now that she is older she has become noticeably deafer and her eyesight is not what it once was I realize that she won’t be around forever. A few years ago we found out that she was in stage two of kidney failure, and everytime I hear her meow in pain it breaks my heart and I question if I’m being the selfish one now. When her time has come I want to be there for her like she has been there for me. The love and devotion Mishi has provided all this years is unparallel to anything else. In the end I know the heartache will be immense, but I wouldn’t give up a single day I’ve had with her. Nothing will replace my mishi-moo.
If only all pets could be loved so much think of how different things could be.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Well, here’s my support in the comments, for now - I think that’s a great cause.
I love dogs, and I want to get one, but I won’t until I have more time to take care of it and more space for it to run around. But when I do…Samoyed! Well, possibly. :)
August 6th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
It is all kinds of awesome that you guys are teaming up for this great cause.
I adore dogs. I have one of my own and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him. A love so unconditional and so hard to match.
Anyway, just wanted to put down some words of support.
Keep up the great work.
Have a great walk!
I’m rooting for ya from Toronto
August 6th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Good job! You guys are almost half way with just over a month to go! I’ll let my family and friends know about this. You’re the top fundraise so farr! YAY!!!
August 7th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
[...] a great cause, and I’m more than happy to support it as well. So head on over to Matt’s blog entry or to their Paws For A Cause page if you’d like more information, or to donate to the SPCA. [...]
August 7th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
WOW!!! What a wonderful cause!!! This makes me soo happy!! :D wooo!
August 7th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
Done!
http://flickr.com/photos/kczarzasty/1300053698/ <–thought this pic was appropriate for the subject matter of the thread. :)
August 8th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I have been trying to think of a way that I could help, as I may or may not be able to do what it’d take to be able to donate. I have the money, but it is all in cash, and I have no credit card.
But if there is anyway I can think of to contribute, such s advertising it to some people, I will try.
August 9th, 2008 at 9:16 am
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29388204@N04/
Put Holy up on flickr ;)) Thanks to Susan for the idea.
August 9th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Finances blow but I am behind you 100000% on this one. I’ll toss a link up on Facebook. We need something similar for the Toronto Humane Society (but only after ousting Tim ‘Trouble’ from the board… Things are truly awful and no one is doing anything).
My cats are rooting for you!
Do you have Dogster profiles for Benji and Casey? Great places to network with fellow dog lovers who may be happy to support the cause.
August 11th, 2008 at 9:42 am
[quote comment="60702"]Please adopt!
Most here won’t know, but I am a Veterinarian in Arizona. I do a lot of work with local breed rescues. One that I probably do the most with is the local Husky rescue. Last night they brought me two puppies they had just rescued. About 12 weeks old these two were covered in urine, fur stained yellow from it. Bathing couldn’t get rid of it. Their story - They arrived in Arizona after a 36 hour non-stop drive in the back of a Quest mini-van with 85 other puppies. Most were small breeds, just 2 huskies. 36 hours before they were in Missouri at a fairly well known (at least in the pet store industry) puppy broker. They had been slated for “disposal” (aka death) by the broker as these 85 puppies were “surplus” that they couldn’t sell to pet stores. The broker didn’t just give these puppies to the rescues, no. They charged them $100 a puppy. Either pay $100 or we’re disposing of them.
If it’s not bad enough knowing how many dogs (and cats for that matter) die every day in shelters - there is this. Spread the word, when you buy from a pet store - THIS IS WHO YOU ARE SUPPORTING! To these people, puppies are products. BOYCOTT PET SHOPS! ADOPT!
Luckily these two appear to be in good health and now they are safe. From what I was told many, especially the really tiny breed ones, are not in such great shape. As I was told about one small Yorkie pup with pneumonia - they just didn’t want her to die there in that awful place. :’(
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
- Mahatma Gandhi
(Feel free to read into that quote. I feel it holds very true.)[/quote]
Pet shops must be Boycotted. I urge everyone to sign the pledge to stop puppy mills!!!
http://www.stoppuppymills.org/
August 11th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Wonderful cause. I am happy to lend my support.
August 11th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Who is this Sean Crawford??? and let me give this guy a kiss!!! Wow, $875.00 was it???? Holy shit way to go! You guys can totally do $7,500!!!!!
August 11th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
:)
August 11th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
“If man could be crossed with a cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.”
-Mark Twain
Warning!: My philanthropy with this Paws cause probably won’t overshadow, for example, what Bill and Melinda Gates have accomplished so far in their ongoing effort to eradicate malaria globally.
August 11th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
And a pilot too!!! I’m liking Sean Crawford more and more…. One day i’ll go for my pilots licence. Way to go on the donation!!!!
August 12th, 2008 at 1:45 am
[quote comment="61244"][quote comment="60702"]Please adopt!
Most here won’t know, but I am a Veterinarian in Arizona. I do a lot of work with local breed rescues. One that I probably do the most with is the local Husky rescue. Last night they brought me two puppies they had just rescued. About 12 weeks old these two were covered in urine, fur stained yellow from it. Bathing couldn’t get rid of it. Their story - They arrived in Arizona after a 36 hour non-stop drive in the back of a Quest mini-van with 85 other puppies. Most were small breeds, just 2 huskies. 36 hours before they were in Missouri at a fairly well known (at least in the pet store industry) puppy broker. They had been slated for “disposal” (aka death) by the broker as these 85 puppies were “surplus” that they couldn’t sell to pet stores. The broker didn’t just give these puppies to the rescues, no. They charged them $100 a puppy. Either pay $100 or we’re disposing of them.
If it’s not bad enough knowing how many dogs (and cats for that matter) die every day in shelters - there is this. Spread the word, when you buy from a pet store - THIS IS WHO YOU ARE SUPPORTING! To these people, puppies are products. BOYCOTT PET SHOPS! ADOPT!
Luckily these two appear to be in good health and now they are safe. From what I was told many, especially the really tiny breed ones, are not in such great shape. As I was told about one small Yorkie pup with pneumonia - they just didn’t want her to die there in that awful place. :’(
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
- Mahatma Gandhi
(Feel free to read into that quote. I feel it holds very true.)[/quote]
Pet shops must be Boycotted. I urge everyone to sign the pledge to stop puppy mills!!!
http://www.stoppuppymills.org//quote
Are you saying that in Canada you can buy little dogs and kittens in pet shops??
That’s something I have last seen in the Czech Republic and Poland. Unbearable.
August 12th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Englebert Humperdinck.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I went to my local SPCA today to drop off dog food and goodies to help with the dogs found at a local puppy mill that was discovered in my community. 46 dogs were saved. I was disgusted. I went in happy to help and left crying. I am a proud supporter of PAWS for a CAUSE. My hat is off to the people that work at shelters giving love to the little lost souls that look beaten and have lost hope in being cared for in a proper way. Thank you Matt for making Paws for a Cause a priority.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:28 am
[quote comment="61481"]Englebert Humperdinck.[/quote]
??
:DDDD
That man’s name is Engelbert ;)))
Was that to be a name suggestion for Roy’s puppy?
August 14th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I’M SO ANGRY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just found out in the paper that some FUCKING puppy mill breader shot and killed 80 dogs for fear of getting fined from inspectors. This breader is in Kuntztown, Pa. and not too far from where I live. HOW IN GOD’S NAME could someone do something like this??? I’ts all over the news. I am going to a Humane League meeting on Monday about stopping puppy mills. I’m sure this horrific news will get more people involved.
Sorry for the curse word, but I’m sure you understand.
Here’s the story
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/tih/story/273716.html
August 14th, 2008 at 11:29 am
“Kuntztown”…yep, sounds about right. Ba$tard!
August 14th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
[...] whatever need be sacrificed to see them healthy and happy, they are that important to me.” - Matthew Good. You can also read Keira’s post [...]
August 14th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Polarbear:
That article made me so sick to my stomack ..and livid…
I’m so saddened to hear that those poor dogs weren’t given up to any animal shelters and instead brutally destroyed as a result of this asshole’s clear neglect and lack of heart.
Him and his veterinarian should be prosecuted to the enth degree..what are the chances though?? Disgusting that that is even LEGAL.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
That’s appalling! :(
August 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I am angry without cats in my life. Animals are beautiful in every way and i support any cause for their beneift
August 18th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Sorry I’m not in a position to give right now, but you definitely have my support! A good friend of mine rescued one of her dogs; she had been abandoned with a litter of pups and was literally starving at the time, curled up under her owner’s front porch. The owner didn’t care and told her to take the lot of them (mutts, after all, no monetary value I guess); it took time, but she found homes for all the babies, and the mother she kept is the nicest, quietest dog. Her favorite activity is cuddling! So, for anyone who is thinking of adopting, please do. Lots of pets need love, and caring is always in fashion. Best of luck with the fundraising Keira!
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Glad to have been of help from the beginning…keep it up Kiera. hope you guys reach your taget soon
x
August 24th, 2008 at 9:49 am
A very noble and worthy cause indeed! As a veterinary student in Saskatoon graduating in April, I plan a lifetime of giving back to the animal world. I couldn’t agree more about the value of animals in our lives and the enrichment of perspective that they offer. Hope to see you in Saskatoon again soon Matt.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Vancouver (as far as pictures are telling) looks pretty “north american” ;)
These high buildings that close to one another would give me a feeling of claustrophobia I’m afraid. But these beaches and sunsets are irresistable of course…
August 28th, 2008 at 6:21 am
oops, wrong place.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:52 am
When is the exact date? I may be able to give some. Just need to know how long I have.
August 30th, 2008 at 11:55 am
The walk itself takes place on Sunday, September 14 at various locations around British Columbia, so I assume that the online pledging will stop at that time, though I can’t be 100% sure.
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:28 am
I think the ethical treatment of animals is of course important
that said, i’d like to see more young urban professionals supporting causes like Children’s Services and being public about it instead of anmials seemingly taking such a center stage role - that isn’t to say it doesn’t matter
there is a part of me that wonders where the priorities changed from humans to animals in so many people I see in day to day life now
it saddens me
none of this is an attack on anyone here, simply a statement of conscience
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:22 am
[quote comment="63722"]…that isn’t to say it doesn’t matter
there is a part of me that wonders where the priorities changed from humans to animals…[/quote]
I see what you’re saying, entropy71, and I totally understand what you mean. I wouldn&#