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I have been concerned about animal suffering ever since
I received my first puppy Peaches in 1975. She made me take a good look at the animal kingdom and I was shocked to see how badly we treat so many animals. At 77, I've been a vegan for the past 30 years and I thank God every day that I am. I am most disturbed at how little the Catholic Church and Christian churches generally give to concern re animal suffering in their ministry. I wrote to 350 bishops in 2001 and only 10-13 responded. I feel that the very least they can do is to instruct that the priests give one sermon a year on compassion to animals. I am still waiting for that sermon. I also belong to Catholic Concern for Animals - founded in England in 1929. (They are on the internet) I recently sent a sample copy of their bi-monthly publication called the ARK to the 8 Catholic bishops of Ohio. Only ONE kindly responded. Somehow we have to reach the Christian teaching magisterium. There is next to nothing re animal concerns and compassion for them. They basically believe that animals are the lesser of God's creation and that gives us the right to do anything we want to them. Way wrong. We need to change their mindsets. The animals are God's first and He expects us to treat them compassionately.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 Cleveland's Dr. James Herriot (1 comments)
If you gratefully remember the British Dr. James Herriot and his book "All Creatures Great and Small," I think you will appreciate Cleveland's counterpart in Dr. Brian Forsgren. You may even have a great vet in your environs too.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 I Could Cry (3 comments)
Does Glass-Steagall ring a bell? Then you were watching the Bill Moyer TV program on Sunday which was illuminiating and riviting. What do you think of the movie "Grey." I hope not much and lastly, what do you think of the FDA using spyware on some of their employees? I think it is shameful and should be stopped.
Monday, January 23, 2012 The Forgotten Korean War Horse Heroine (5 comments)
I loved reading about Sgt. Reckless who proudly served with the Marines in Korea in 1953. She is one amazing mare and her story should be read, told, and shared. Enjoy.
Saturday, January 14, 2012 Man of Compassion (9 comments)
If you care about animal welfare and never have heard of the Rev. Andrew Linzey - you will want to read this. He is a man of great compassion and conviction. I'm sure you will be inspired by his words and his thoughts. You may even come away viewing animals in a new and compassionate light.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 The Need for Humane Education (3 comments)
I believe that a Philadelphia group has a great idea for addressing animal cruelty. The group-Citizens for a No-Kill Philadelphia, believes that targeting fifth graders in every school will be a start of life-long humane actions. I believe this has merit, and hopefully over time, all fifth graders will be subjected to these same teachings if the idea catches on.
Sunday, January 1, 2012 A Sad Review of 2011 (3 comments)
I hope someone will list the reasons why 2011 may have something to commend it. Sadly, I am so saddened thinking of the reasons 2011 has been a sad year for me, that I am having difficulties calling any positives to mind. But yes, there must have been some silver linings. I hope some of you will address them for people like me.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Horses and Deer "On my Mind" (9 comments)
I am still worrying about horse slaughter returning to the U.S. I am still worrying that it continues in Canada and Mexico where they suffer even more. What can be done? Does anyone have an answer?
Sunday, December 18, 2011 Life's Conundrums
If you think that chain letters were dead - think again. I received one today and was amazed that the person sending it didn't realize that these should be truly retired. However, it provoked some other thoughts on my part which I think and hope are worthwhile to read.
Saturday, December 17, 2011 Animals and Religion (2 comments)
Whether you believe in God of not, I think there will be enough neutral thoughts here to read about why we should care about the animal condition. I was impressed to learn about the "Q" (questions conference), and I think you will be too if you've never heard about them before.
Monday, December 5, 2011 Save Our Horses (4 comments)
If anyone cares about horses, then please take action for them today. They have been slaughtered for the food tables of Europe much too long. Western special interest legislators continue to thwart the efforts of those who feel it is wrong to treat our iconic horses in this way. If you agree, contact your congressional members re this topic as soon as possible and ask them to support the respective bills -HR.2966 and S.1176.
Sunday, December 4, 2011 Happy Raccoon Rescues (2 comments)
It is always good to come away from the computer with a smile on your face. There is usually so much bad news coming our way that a smile is becoming relatively rare. But I think if you care about animals generally, you will like the accounts here of these very caring people in their raccoon rescues. Each is unique and fascinating in its own way.
Thursday, December 1, 2011 Is Anything Right with the World? (2 comments)
I hope this Thanksgiving time has put you in a better frame of mind than mine. However, if you read this, it too may disappear. I seem to find more bad news than good. What about you?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Vucko Needs Justice (2 comments)
Sometimes it is almost hard to imagine the cruelties we can devise, but sadly history provides a lot of incidences of this - to not only animals but to people as well. This account involves a brutal treatment accorded to a simple, loving German Shepherd dog in Bosnia. The perpetrators of this crime need to be found and brought to justice. Vucko was clearly an innocent victim of their brutality.
Sunday, November 27, 2011 Romania Needs an HSUS (1 comments)
There is good news from the HSUS, but anything but from Romania which is planning to cruelly kill thousands and thousands of their stray dogs as well as those in their shelters. Please e-mail the 4 people listed. At least the leader of this effort feels there is a chance to convince Romanian officials that this is a bad move on their part if followed through.
Thursday, November 24, 2011 Civic Lessons Gone Awry (2 comments)
What has gone so wrong with our check and balance three-branch type of government? On paper it sounds foolproof, but in reality, it is anything but.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Beyond the Call of Duty (7 comments)
What would you do if you saw a skunk with a jar on his head - which clearly was stressing him out? Maureen and Janet knew what they had to do, and it was not making distance from this creature in need.
Sunday, November 13, 2011 In the News: the Good and the Bad (3 comments)
As all weeks I suppose, this past week
for me has been one of ups and downs. From the outcome of the Ohio Issue 2 vote -to the poisoning of the Ukrainian street dogs - to a pit bull receiving a good neighbor's award, I am not sure the positives outweighed the negatives. However, it probally is typical of life in general.
Sunday, November 6, 2011 A Man Of The People
After being so despondent over the general calibre of our elected officials, I was truly happy to read about State Senator Michael A. O'Pake who served the people of Reading and Berk County, Pennsylvania selflessly and with distintion for 42 years. Sadly, his career of truly caring for his constituents ended with his death at age 70 in December of 2010.
Thursday, October 27, 2011 Nathan And His Obligate Carnivore (2 comments)
I've read quite a few people's "journeys" into veganism, but Nathan Rivas' story in this regard I found especially compelling and forthright. Who knows but you may find something in his story that will point you in the same direction.
Sunday, October 16, 2011 Good News from the Animal World (3 comments)
Anybody who cares about animals- rejoices in any successes to alleviate their suffering. Here are five recent events in this regard, as well as the wonderful account of a brave little puppy named Freckles.
Thursday, October 13, 2011 Animal Cruelty: Update on Star (1 comments)
Will there ever be a time when we will learn to respect our precious animal lives? I truly believe that most of man's ills will be LESS if we ever learn to treasure the lives we consider "LESS." We will be a different people I assure you because kindness and goodness is infectious.
Thursday, September 29, 2011 Glad I Missed That! (10 comments)
I bet that you as I have been glad that at periods in your life you have missed some seemingly wonderful opportunities which at the time seemed so right. Here, I share some of mine which seemed right but were clearly not. Thank goodness, God or fate intervened and I was able to avoid them.
Saturday, September 24, 2011 An Animal Mission of Mercy (9 comments)
When it comes to animal suffering, I have always been greatly saddened that neither the Catholic Church or even any major religious body for that matter has been concerned about animal suffering. I can't underderstand the lack of compassion for God's animal creatures. Today's post may show a glimmer of hope when one far-seeing superior sends one of her nuns to help rescue suffering animals in places of disaster.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 500 Canadian Puppy Mill Dogs Saved
For anyone who feels deeply about the poor dogs who are so cruelly victimized in puppy mills - this rescue will make you be glad and feel good. Imagine - 500 dogs trapped in this huge Canadian puppy mill have been finally released from hell by HSI (Humane Society International) and other Canadian groups.
Monday, September 19, 2011 Gentle Barn's Angel (2 comments)
For years I have been reading many accounts of dairy cow suffering. It just seems to me that each story has something more to add to the realization that we aren't doing nearly enough to help and protect them and their babies. Cleveland Armory of blessed memory would ask us - "Why can't we be kind?" A simple question, but sadly, no easy answer for most of us.
Sunday, September 11, 2011 HSUS on Snakes and Special Interests
While the topic of snakes may turn some people off, I believe that we should all be knowledgeable about how this part of the pet industry is putting some of us at risk as well as even being unfair to the exotic snakes themselves.
Friday, September 9, 2011 The Last Mountain (5 comments)
I really feel bad for the people of Appalachia. Strip mining is taking away their once beautiful, majestic mountain tops and with this destruction - the once beautiful forests and the animals who called it their home are gone forever as well.
Monday, September 5, 2011 Mourning Chesney Anew (3 comments)
I truly hope that cockfighting will be federally banned in all the states. Even though I had earlier read about Chesney's horrible experience as a cockfighter, I needed to be reminded again of just how cruel this type of "entertainment" really is. I hope you will be just as horrified and then amazed at Chesney's story as I was. We can truly learn from our smaller "brothers" if we are imbued with a sense of humility.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 What Makes Your Day? (8 comments)
I came across an internet site encouraging the rescue of ONE MILLION animals. How wonderful if we could all be part of this great endeavor. And yes, there are people of this ilk. Ed Kostro is one of them.
Saturday, August 27, 2011 Animal Souls (6 comments)
Those of us blest with having companion animals in our lives will probably not be too surprised by some of the accounts of their love, concern, and even bravery as found in their stories here. We are richer for having them in our lives.
Friday, August 19, 2011 Passing the Cap for a Teammate
Sometimes I have become a little jaded re the huge amounts of money some professional players make, but then when it comes to a group of young players just starting out and dipping into their relatively small salaries to help a teammate in need, well, that's a different story. Here it is.
Thursday, August 18, 2011 Is Anyone Enforcing the Animal Welfare Act? (1 comments)
It is hard to believe but we have an Animal Welfare Act which seems to be
ignored by the very people who are suppose to enforce it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 My Last Animal Rights Protest? (1 comments)
This past Saturday I joined other protesters world-wide re the cruel killing of dogs and cats for food in S.Korea. I was also reminded of the other animal rights protests in which I participated over the years. I share these reflections here.
Monday, August 15, 2011 Accounts of Inspiration (3 comments)
A little girl shall lead and for me -not too far behind are animals who inspire. Here are the stories of Rachel a sweet litle girl, Bella, a feisty little dog and Yvonne, a Bavarian cow with a mind of her own.
Monday, August 8, 2011 Companion Animal Cruelty (5 comments)
As the incidences of companion animal cruelty accelerates, so should our resolve that these cruel perpetrators get their just desserts.
Saturday, August 6, 2011 Are We Hypocrites? (5 comments)
I find that many of us do not back up our views with our actions or perhaps lack thereof. How do you stand in this regard? Are you a person of resolve or one who says "Let George do it?"
Thursday, August 4, 2011 12 Super Foods and 7 That Keep Us Fat (1 comments)
I think even the medical community is beginning to realize that Hippocrates of old got it right all along when he said- "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food." Why has it taken us so long to realize this?
Saturday, July 30, 2011 Dog Show in Romania? (8 comments)
I was well aware of the horrendous dog problem in Romania- thanks to the dedicated Americans from California who are trying to address it - one dog at a time. Sadly, the European committee who chose Romania for a dog show venue are terribly ignorant of this travesty or are hoping to bring attention to it. If so, somehow I think they could have chosen a better way of doing so.
Sunday, July 24, 2011 I Wish I Had Said That (2 comments)
Maybe you have read this in the New York Times or it has been reprinted here on Oped. In which case, if you have missed it - here is a very abreviated take on Nicholas Kristof's wonderful "Bonuses for Billionaires."
Friday, July 22, 2011 The Joyful Vegan
For some of us the road to veganism was almost instantaneous. For others it is a longer and more drawn out process. I think Deb belongs to the latter group but her story along the way I found interesting. You may too.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 Caring for Companion Animals (5 comments)
Have you ever given any thought to how people who have multiple companion animals spend their day? If not, I hope you will read my fulfilling day with them to get some idea of what we do.
Friday, July 15, 2011 Mente, the Broodmare (13 comments)
Mente, a broodmare had a terrible start in life. But now enter Best Friends and read the happy turn around she experiences at their helm.
Saturday, July 9, 2011 Archery Abuse (2 comments)
Years ago when I first heard about using the bow and arrow to hunt deer, I winced. No way- in my mind could this ever be considered compassionate. According to what I read today in a Wildlife newsletter, sadly this is apparently true.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011 An Unbelievable Massacre of an Israeli Family (4 comments)
I have to admit I can't keep track of the Israel/Palestian conflict and don't know whose right and whose wrong except in this incidence. Whoever killed an innocent Israeli family is definitely wrong and even more than cruel. Civilized people don't act this way in my opinion.
Friday, June 24, 2011 An Abused Pony and Two Tortured Kittens (3 comments)
Will there ever be a truly peaceable kingdom on this earth? Probably not, but hopefully we sill continually strive to lesson the incidences of cruelty as outlined in this post.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Who Says that Animals Aren't Intelligent? (6 comments)
I was amazed at the intelligence shown by Gilligan, a Golden Retriever, with what he did to get Michael out of a precarious situation. I think you will share my awe re this beautiful dog.
Sunday, June 19, 2011 How Much Does That Bacon Really Cost? (11 comments)
I pray each day for the dismantling of the cruel CAFOs. I keep on wondering why we, as a people, cannot do something to hasten their demise. Thankfully though, more and more people are realizing that eating the products of farm animal misery is not that important anymore and are becoming vegan. Even some doctors are in agreement that a plant-based diet is better for our health.
Friday, June 17, 2011 Farm Animal Rescues Highs and Lows (7 comments)
I hope that one day there will not be a need to rescue farm animals in distress. But until that time, I am grateful that New York has the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and Farm Sanctuary; California has Animal Place and Animal Acres; and Ohio has Happy Trails. I hope you have some farm animal rescue sanctuaries in your state as well. Sadly, there is surely a great need for them because of our insatiable craving for meat.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 A Need for a Compassionate Teaching? (3 comments)
Please do not be put off by what seems like a "religious" post. No, it is more of a plea for compassion to a silent and seemingly indifferent Church. I can't believe that we do not have a teaching on compassion for the animals.
Saturday, June 4, 2011 Dogs and Cats for Dinner? (14 comments)
I think most of us will be shocked to know that the cruel dog-eating practices in some parts of S.Korea still exists. Cats are not immune from cruelty either as some of them are boiled alive for supposed "medicinal" purposes. Hopefully, In Defense of Animals will succeed in stopping this cruelty.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011 The Power of a Letter
If you love inspirational stories as I do, I feel sure you will enjoy this one. And if you are a teacher as well, it may also prove doubly rewarding as you may recognize yourself in this experience of struggling to make a difference in your students' lives.
Saturday, May 28, 2011 Interested in Veganism? (7 comments)
I think medicine may be catching up to science when it comes to our diet. And then of course, Hippocrates got it so right so very long ago when he said "Let food be your medicine."
Saturday, May 28, 2011 Thank you Oprah (1 comments)
I bet there are a lot of people like myself who just simply want to say to Oprah - Thanx for a great 25-year run! Many of your programs were inspiring and educational. Good luck and God speed for the next 25 years wherever they may take you.
Saturday, May 21, 2011 Justice for Abused Companion Animals? (3 comments)
I think our schools, our churches, and parents are failing to teach compassion and respect for animal life. I think these examples of animal cruelty will prove my point.
Thursday, May 19, 2011 Ian and the Tipsy Snowmobiler
You would think that drunken snomobilers would pose no or little threat to the wild mustangs of S.Dakota, but you would be wrong. Ian's life changed dramatically because this person was drunk when snowmobiling.
Monday, May 16, 2011 Animals in Labs (7 comments)
Why are live animals still being used in labs? How sad that we can send a man to the moon and we can't find humane alternative means to stop the cruel use of animals in labs. I think its more a lack of will and a general indifference to animal suffering. The continued use of CAFOs also indicates that animal suffering is not a priority. Shouldn't it be?
Friday, May 13, 2011 Boehner Gets a Message from Catholic Professors (1 comments)
I almost missed a great post on the Education section of Care2. But I did find this post re the 75 Catholic professors from different colleges and universities signing a letter which they co-authored to House Speaker John Boehner telling of their dismay re his Republican policies.
Thursday, May 5, 2011 Understanding and Forgiveness (2 comments)
I am always grateful for people like Jason Hotchkiss who was called to make a judgment on a young man who accidentally killed his beloved wife Cass in a car accident. A difficult undertaking -but one which he tackled equitably both with kindness and justice.
Thursday, May 5, 2011 Cows are Mothers Too (3 comments)
Inspired by Janet and other Californians who were asking that the live cow birth exhibit be not featured this year because a mother cow bolted during the one last year and was killed in her desperate attempt to escape. I knew she would appreciate these thoughts on mother cows and was right. She thought it deserved to be shared on Facebook. It was well received by her friends.
Monday, April 25, 2011 Through the Third Door (6 comments)
Lucky the disabled dog or cat who finds a "Third Door." Kitchee was one such lucky dog and the third door for her was Home for Life in Minneapolis.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 A Big to do About Nothing in Cleveland
I don't know about you but I was grateful when alternative medicine doctors clued us into the pitfalls of using products made with trans-fats. Finally, even the allopatic doctors clamored onto the bandwagon. Now, a new carcinogenic pesticide -- methyl iodide -- is being used in the spraying of strawberries. It has been approved by our governing bodies. They should be sounding a warning signal instead.
Saturday, April 16, 2011 Soda Fountains and Bernie Sanders
I was glad that I finally read some of Senator Bernie Sanders speech re corporate greed. You may be "Johnnie Come Lately" too in this regard as well. Here are my thoughts on him, soda fountains, and medicare.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 So Long, Dr. Oz (3 comments)
For some months now I have been tuning in to the Dr. Oz show. I thought he had it "altogether" until he told the audience that we need to eat meat at least once a week. I don't agree. Sorry, Dr. Oz. Your program is no longer for me.
Saturday, April 9, 2011 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff When It Comes to Animals (4 comments)
I think the Chinese are correct in reverring the wisdom of their senior citizens. I'm hoping to catch up with them (its senior citizens) and even am beginning to believe that I have some wisdom to pass along to anyone who has companion animals. Dr. Carlton's - "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff..." is my inspirtion.
Sunday, April 3, 2011 Animals Who Inspire
For many of us- animals are special. We even see some having impressive and inspiring attributes. Sadly, Patrick's story reveals that not all people realize the beautiful bond which should exist between us. Hopefully, the woman who almost starved her dog to death will get her just dues in prison.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 The Slaughter Summit and Miss Little Ears (4 comments)
If you care about the wild mustangs of the west - this post may be of interest to you. I commend Wild Horse Annie's original group- the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros for carrying on her hard work which culminated in 1971. She was able to convince both the American people and the Congress to cherish these noble creatures by setting aside public lands for them. I hope this never changes.
Sunday, March 27, 2011 Will This Cruelty Ever End? (5 comments)
Sadly, the accounts of cruelty- whether to humans or animals seems never to end. Here are some accounts of animal cruelty which I received JUST in a week.
Friday, March 25, 2011 Defending My Post re the Amish Puppy Mills (4 comments)
All Puppy Mills are places of horror and they should be outlawed. Easier said than done. Even an attempt by the people of Missouri who passed Proposition B to better conditions in them is being removed by an uncaring legislature. Since a reader of my original post re Amish Puppy Mills questioned its authenticity, I found a Newsweek letter to the editor written by a former Amish. Her words affirmed what I had written.
Thursday, March 24, 2011 Fr. Horace McKenna, a Defender of the Poor
A "distinguished" writer was being interviewed on 60 Minutes recently. Among the things he said was that Mother Teresa was an Albanian Dwarf. I would have loved for a chance to characterize him, but Mother Teresa would not have approved of my "choice" words. Fr. Horace McKenna is another beautiful soul who did much for the poor of Washington, D.C. before he died. He came from the same mold as Mother Teresa.
Monday, March 21, 2011 Right or Wrong?
I wondered why President Obama had so much difficulty making, what in my view, were compassionate statements for animals and the environment. Wisconsin's collective bargaining experience also taught me - that as a country and a people we are so often on different sides of an issue. What should be abundantly clear to me, is not abundantly clear to others and vice versa. So how do we decide what is right or wrong?
Sunday, March 20, 2011 No Live Bunnies for Easter, Please (2 comments)
I think it is wrong for pet shops and stores to entice people at Easter time to buy live baby bunnies or chicks. Neither make good companion animals, and they often wind up being dumped or killed. Buy a cuddly stuffed bunny or chick or buy a delicious chocolate one. The bunnies and chicks will thank you for being saved from often cruel and excessive "child"-handling or being dumped to suffer and die in the elements.
Sunday, March 20, 2011 Where is Jim Mason Today?
If you have never heard of Jim Mason, then I imagine that you are not in animal rights. He is one of the many earier pioneers to whom I am grateful in cluing me in to the many ways we as uncaring people treat our animals. They are not really ours to begin with if you believe in God and I do. They are His first and too much is made of "dominion rights" and not nearly enough of being kind and just stewards of His creation.
Monday, March 7, 2011 Speak Out for Ohio Veal Calves (1 comments)
I truly hope that the Ohio Livestock Care Standard Board will not give into the pressures of big CAFO owners who want veal crates and tethers used indefinitely. A promise was made to the people of Ohio that the veal crates would be phased out in 2017. It should be kept.
Friday, March 4, 2011 Ziggy (2 comments)
Many times a story about a traumatized and brutally treated animal has a sad ending. However, Ziggy's story has a happy ending that I know you will appreciate.
Monday, February 28, 2011 Crimes Against Dogs (1 comments)
Everyone knows about Michael Vick and his horrendous treatment of his pit bulls. I wish that everyone would also know about the horrible puppy mills of the Amish. It should not be a carefully guarded secret.
Friday, February 11, 2011 John Henry, a Story of Redemption (5 comments)
For a few years now I have known about the disgusting practice of soring which has been endured by the unfortunate Tennesse Walking Horses. Today I was horrified to find out that it still continues. What ever happened to compassion?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 The Power of Awesome (4 comments)
As a baseball fan, I never heard of an inside-the-park home run. If you haven't either, then you will enjoy reading New York Yankee's Brett Gardner's description of his as played out in May of 2009.
Saturday, January 8, 2011 Reflections on a Snowy January Day in 2011 (4 comments)
A Robert Frost poem, a mustang float, a bunny "wabbit," a clever canine, and a bit of Ignatian spirituality were the varied and diverse thoughts for me at the beginning of this 2011 new year.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Mustangs in the Rose Parade (3 comments)
All horse lovers - please don't miss seeing 6 mustangs in the 2011 Rose Parade. Many of them have been killed in cruel BLM roundups. This shouldn't be. There are other humane ways to manage public lands. I hope you agree.
Friday, December 24, 2010 Christmas Legends (2 comments)
I've been reading so many posts lately of gloom and doom that I am ready for something different - especially since this is the week of Christmas. I hope you are ready too.
Saturday, December 11, 2010 Jack/Jackie, the Castaway (3 comments)
I'm always glad to meet people of compassion. Monica and her children are such. Together we are trying to find a home for an Easter bunny rabbit who didn't even survive Spring with the people who bought him. He was only a toy to them - one which was no longer appreciated or wanted.
Monday, December 6, 2010 The Long Suffering Bull (3 comments)
We all know about the horrors of bull-fighting, but recently I learned about two more terrible cruelties inflicted on these poor, innocent bulls. One involves setting the bulls horns on fire, and the other is having 40 young Zulus tear apart a live bull as a form of machismo. Man's depravity is clearly apparent to me in all three cruel practices.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Reducing Our Country's Huge Debts (1 comments)
I don't know about you, but I am deeply concerned about our nation's debts and deficit spending. Maybe some of you have already broached the subject here. Sorry if I missed it. But here are my simple, practical thoughts in this regard.
Saturday, November 13, 2010 The Dark Side of Horse Racing (8 comments)
Zenyatta may have given us some unexpected pleasure, but when we look at horse racing as a whole, we will also find Freedom Flight who was relegated to a slaughter farm after breaking his leg in a race.
Thursday, October 21, 2010 Who to Vote For? (2 comments)
Because I care about animal issues, I am deeply indebted to the HSUS' Michael Markarian who heads the Legislative Fund. He and his helpers keep us appraised re the issues and how the legislators voted on them. Not surprisingly to me, the Democrats-as a group are generally more compassionate than the Republicans.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 A Past/Present Look into Animal Research (3 comments)
There are good people who continually try to make us aware of animal suffering wherever it is found. Two such - Michael Budkie and Philip Zwerling report on their findings in this regard from the past to the present.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 The Humane Scoreboard (5 comments)
If you care about how your legislator voted on animal issues in the 111th Congress, this post has a link which will give you this information
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Linda McGibney- One Special Lady (2 comments)
I wish we had thousands more like Linda McGibney - a "have" who is willing to pay more taxes. How refreshing, and you'll have to admit very rare.
Friday, September 17, 2010 Can No Longer Support Obama (5 comments)
In my opinion, compassion should be the hall mark of any great person. I believe President Obama needs to considerably bone up in this department. If he doesn't, we will forever lose the Wild Horses of the West.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010 Two Needless Deaths at a State Fair (4 comments)
A sorrowful event at a State Fair. Why am I not surprised even though I never attended one in my whole life?
Friday, September 3, 2010 FIP - A Frightening Illness in Cats (6 comments)
Whoever has a cat in the family may want to read my post. Though I have had many cats over the years, I only today learned about FIP-Feline Infectious Peritonitus. Sadly -this frightening-sounding disease is in indeed frightening because so far there is no real cure for it.
Thursday, September 2, 2010 I Let You Down, Friendly (4 comments)
Why can't we be responsible stewards of this earth? Too many people, in my opinion, care so little re animal creation. I feel blest that I do. I hope you do as well because they need all the friends they can get.
Saturday, August 21, 2010 Writing for Catholic Publications (6 comments)
In writing my thoughts on Thomas Aquinas, I was glad to find an updated article by Jesse Ramirez re the "Angelic" Doctor's "Utility Principle." He has us inviting Jesus to lunch. It reminded me of Astrid Lungren who also invites Jesus- not to lunch but to a pig slaughterhouse. Both ploys are a stroke of genius in my opinion whose aim was to expose animal farm cruelty.
Friday, July 30, 2010 In Defense of President Obama (116 comments)
I cringe when I see so much criticism of President Obama in a lot of posts. I think we should try to put ourselves in his position more often. Despite his efforts, I don't believe he is given the credit he deserves. Has he made mistakes? If not, he is not human.
Friday, July 16, 2010 Will the Legacy of Wild Horse Annie Survive? (7 comments)
We need more people like "Wild Horse Annie" (Velma Johnston). In stark contrast are three Senators who in 2004 attached a silent rider to an appropriations bill which allowed wild horses of any age to be sold to the highest bidder (slaughter). The three involved were ex-Senator Burns (R-MT), Sen. Dorgan (D-ND) and Sen.Harry Reid (D-NV) I certainly wouldn't want this to be part of my congressional legacy.
Saturday, July 10, 2010 A Sense of Values
We humans are a strange lot. We spent so much needless time in trying to convince people like LeBron James to do what we want. I would rather spend my time in trying to do acts of compassion for suffering animals. No time for fun? Sure, but the first is more important than the second.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 What would Senator Byrd say about this? (5 comments)
I know that in states seeking to effect humane changes in factory farming does not occur as fast as most of us would like it to. I believe California's Proposition 2 allows for a 7 year period before humane changes need be fully implemented. But in Ohio - the new brokered deal for humane treatment is a farce in my opinion.
Sunday, June 27, 2010 Susie's Law (2 comments)
Every state has its animal abusers. Sadly, too many state animal abuse laws are very weak and the perpetrators of cruelty often get off with only a slap on the wrist or probation. Finally, what happened to Susie made the N.Carolina legislators realize that they needed to upgrade their animal cruelty laws and they did.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 The True Costs of Cheap Meat (1 comments)
We are rightfully concerned re the damage done in the Gulf from the millions and millions of gallons of escaping oil into the ocean and onto our beaches. Should we not be equally concerned about the incredibly harmful practices of CAFOs which pollute our waterways and surrounding land? If you think not, then you should go out and buy David Kirby's "Animal Factory." I haven't read it but then I don't need to.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Run Bambi, Run (4 comments)
I must confess that I believe that some of Ohio laws re our animals and birds don't make much sense to me. Even trying to help a newborn fawn got Sgt. Mark Fry of Toledo, Ohio into trouble. I am waiting for the day when we treat animals compassionately in Ohio