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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.
(13 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 14, 2009 Horse Racing Cruelty
Why do we force animals to participae in "sports" which often causes them severe injuries and even sometimes death? If you are interested in gore, you may find it on football fields and in boxing and wrestling matches.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, September 28, 2009 Vote NO on Issue 2 if You Llive in Ohio
November is around the corner. Hopefully, we can get the message out to people of compassion that Issue 2 in Ohio is NOT like Proposition 2 in California which passed in November.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 13, 2010 Leo Grillo/Delta Rescue
I guess we all have our heroes. Here is one of mine. I found Leo Grillo to be incredibly caring and loving when it came to rescuing the dumped dogs in the forests near his home in Glendale, CA. Were there be more like him-many more.
(34 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 14, 2013 Can Veganism Save the World?
There are important reasons why you should become vegan. I'm sure that you think giving up meat, dairy, and eggs is "the pits." Hopefully, you will change your mind after reading the three compelling reasons why you should become vegan. Try it-you may like it. For a certainty, you will be helping to save our world.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 4, 2011 12 Super Foods and 7 That Keep Us Fat
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?
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 12, 2011 So Long, Dr. Oz
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, September 9, 2013 Animal and Dog Cruelty in Spain
Animal cruelty is found all over the world. Sadly, in some places it is worse for the animals than in others. Spain is a country which needs to treat their animals better -much better. Of course, we do too.
(116 comments) SHARE Friday, July 30, 2010 In Defense of President Obama
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.
(14 comments) SHARE Friday, July 18, 2008 2 Million Cats and Dogs Skinned Alive in China.
Can we do anything to stop the horrible skinning of live cats and dogs for their fur in China? For many of us, this is barbarism - plain and simple.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, March 25, 2011 Defending My Post re the Amish Puppy Mills
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.
(48 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 12, 2008 Do You Have to Kill a Turkey this Thanksgiving?
Imagine- you can start making a profound difference in your life and the lives of our food animals by starting out with a turkey-Less Thanksgiving.
(8 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 27, 2013 Saving an Animal Life
I believe saving a life - be that of a human or animal is one of the most beautiful experiences in life. Most of us will have to be satisfied with reading about this, but that too can also be rewarding.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 25, 2012 The Love of Trees and the Power of One
Can you ever imagine a landscape without trees? If we are not careful, this terrible scenario may play itself out. There are just too many "entrepreneurs" out there who would cut our beautiful trees for the almighty dollar without a second thought. I hope I am wrong.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 6, 2012 Philip Wollen's Inspirational Speech
They say you are what you eat. It can be equally said that you are what you read. Sadly, I don't find too many people who want to read how we can make the world a better place for suffering animals. Why is this? Are we hard-hearted, don't care, or just indifferent? I hope you are none of these and will read Wollen's thoughts on this subject of animals and the environment.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 31, 2012 I Could Cry
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 27, 2010 Betrayal of the Wild Horse Annie Act of 1971
If you care about the Wild Horses of the West and see them as part of our national heritage, then please read this. They are in peril.
(8 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 13, 2010 The Dark Side of Horse Racing
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Holocaust Hero: Irena Sendler
I never tire of reading profiles of special people. The life of Irena Sendler would probably have remained largely obscured and unknown but for the history assignment some very enterprising Kansas high school girls took to heart.
(9 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 6, 2008 Sarah Palin- Hunter
Some of us believe that the life of each animal is precious to him or her. I got the distinct impression that Sarah Palin is not one of us.
SHARE Friday, July 3, 2015 Cosmetic Testing Rearing Its Ugly Head in the U.S.
When other countries are banning cosmetic testing on animals, I was quite shocked to read in an In Defense of Animals post that Senator Diane Feinstein of California introduced a bill which would require cosmetic testing on animals. In my opinion, this is unbelievable that in this day
and age we should be moving away from animal cruelty - not embracing it for this or any other reason.
(12 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 22, 2009 Inhumane Slaughtering - Does it exist in the US?
In the early 2000's I heard about some cows going through the slaughterlines alive - their appendages being cut off while alive - probably skinned while alive. How could this happen in America? Sadly, it still is happening. I have no respect for the people who are responsible for this horrible cruelty. If less animals were to be slaughtered- maybe this would slow down these terribly fast slaughter lines.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, January 23, 2012 The Forgotten Korean War Horse Heroine
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.
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, February 16, 2009 Are Rodeos as Cruel as They Say?
If you think that Rodeos are just pure fun and Americana, then there's a great link in this post to educate you to the contrary.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 11, 2015 Goodness-the Most Powerful Force in the World
I think we Depression babies had something going for us. Most of us didn't even know what a depression was - so we were the lucky ones. And then with normality came the joy of going to the movies. They were always close by. For a dime we learned how the rest of the world lived - from the rich and famous to other average people like ourselves. Here I recall one movie which impressed me greatly.
SHARE 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.
(14 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 4, 2011 Dogs and Cats for Dinner?
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.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 30, 2017 Rabbis Promoting a Vegan Diet
It was wonderful to read today re Jewish Rabbis advocating for adopting a vegan lifestyle. I hope and pray that all Jews will recognize what one Rabbi opined- that a vegan diet is in keeping with the Jewish values of compassion, respect for the environment and concern for our physical and spiritual well-being.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 1, 2009 Madeleine Pickens - Another "Wild Horse Annie?"
Madeleine Pickens may well be another "Wild Horse Annie" as her wonderful idea takes shape to save our national heritage and treasure - the wild horses and burros of the West.
(9 comments) SHARE Friday, April 17, 2009 The Death Nell of Puppy Mills
My title may be a little too optimistic, but I'm hoping that the work of Kim Sill and Last Chance for Animals will have a profound effect on the demise of the all too many horrible puppy mills which exist in our country.
SHARE 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.
(26 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 2, 2013 The AKC and Puppy Mills
I hope that this expose of the AKC's hypocritical claims of being the "dog's champion" will result in much needed changes to puppy mills. Hopefully, if they continue to exist, they will be places where dogs are treated well and with respect, though I can't see how making a dog breed ad infinatum can ever result in a pleasant life for them to have.
(11 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 19, 2011 How Much Does That Bacon Really Cost?
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 18, 2017 Shame on VA Dog Labs
For far too long, dogs and other animals have been used in oftentimes cruel medical research. Today there is no need to use animals so cruelly as there are other non-animal protocols available. Sadly the Cleveland VA and others have either not gotten the message or choose to ignore it.
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 9, 2011 Don't Sweat the Small Stuff When It Comes to Animals
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.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 20, 2010 A Past/Present Look into Animal Research
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.
SHARE Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Amazing Animals
For too long animals have been treated as second rate - sadly even by Christians who should know better. God doesn't make anything second rate. Hopefully, we will realize this and make their lives happy as we want our lives to be.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 31, 2015 Why Are We Still Eating Chicken?
Of course -I know the answer to my question - "Why Are We Still Eating Chicken?" I heard a very honest reply to my question many years ago from a fellow City of Cleveland employee. She simply answered -"I have to have my meat." To tell you the truth, I was a bit shocked, but have come to realize that she has giving an all too common reason shared by many, many people.
(10 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 25, 2009 Animal Cruelty Protests
I think if you are passionate enough about a cause, you will join a group of protestors who share your concerns.
SHARE Sunday, March 7, 2010 Calves, CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) and Reagan
I agree with Gandhi that you can judge a country by the way it treats its animals. Any country which uses CAFOs can not claim to use humane methods of farming. I think the people of the US are recognizing the need for more compassionate farming. Sadly, the attempts to implement these better ways are terribly slow as the animals continue to suffer.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 21, 2018 Hell for Piglets at Hormel
I am always astounded at how cruel we can be for profit. I am also astounded that more people are not either vegetarian or vegan when they learn about animal cruelty on farms and in slaughter houses. For me it is a blessing for which I thank God.
SHARE Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Is Corporal Punishment Always Bad?
I have been wondering for a long time re the decision to forego corporal punishment. Seeing what some of today's youth are guilty of makes me wonder even more.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 30, 2013 Walmart and Pig Cruelty
I hope this expose of Walmart's purchasing policies as well as the substandard wages they give their workers will have you deciding that "cheap" goods and food aren't worth the injustices to the animals as well as to the workers.
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 2, 2012 Representative Steve King - No Friend of Animals
We all know that there are all kinds of legislators in Congress. Rep. Steve King stands out as being very different than most. And that's a good thing. I don't think we need more of his ilk unless you think that animal concerns are not important to you. To tell you the truth, I was shocked by his thoughts in their regard. You may be too.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 21, 2013 More Animal Cruelty
For those who have never heard of Puppy Doe, you will be heart-broken to learn what happened to her. Only man sadly, is capable of such cruelty. Animals do not torture another animal as we sometimes do. It is wrong to say of someone who commits a dastardly deed- He is an animal. No, they are less cruel than we are.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Vucko Needs Justice
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, September 8, 2008 Humane Scoreboard of the 110th Congress
I would like the people who represent me in Congress to vote compassionately on not only people issues but animal ones as well. HSUS put out a Humane Scoreboard which I find invaluable. I hope you
will too.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, July 11, 2008 Rescue Ink and Phoenix
We all know that looks can be deceiving. Tight, ripling muscles on men never meant too much to me --but these men captured my attention and admiration.
(9 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 19, 2013 Taiji Dolphin Cruelty Awareness
I think most people look upon dolphins as the beautiful, docile creatures they are. If so, then we should be enraged at what happens to many of them in a village cove in Taiji, Japan.
SHARE Sunday, May 13, 2018 Cruel Factory-Farm Practices
I will never understand how anyone could treat an animal cruelly. The turkeys on this N. Carolina farm are an example of what happens to so many farm animals because some people think they need to eat their flesh. Thank God some of us don't.
(5 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 27, 2011 Will This Cruelty Ever End?
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Let Your Legislators Know How You Feel about Animal Legislation
It takes so little time to effect some good for suffering animals. I've copied the Humane Farming Legislative Guide I received which really tells how some of our legislators think. I hope you care enough to send some e-mails in their behalf.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 18, 2011 Is Anyone Enforcing the Animal Welfare Act?
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, October 9, 2017 The True Cost of Meat
I doubt that most people will change their meat diet after reading this. However, one never knows and some may. For a certainty, I believe vegetarians and vegans are a special "breed" if they are drawn to a plant-based diet life style out of compassion for animals.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 18, 2015 The Power of Empathy
I felt so much joy in reading Roman Krznaric's post about the lives of five extraordinary people who had what he called "experiential empathy."
I think you will also enjoy reading about these five special people. We need many more like them in our world today.
(7 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 10, 2016 Meat Climate Change: The 2nd Leading Cause of Global Warming (Book Review)
If we truly care about a healthy environment, than it behooves each one of us to look at our lifestyle to see if we are helping or hurting it. Obviously, a primarily meat eating diet is not conducive to a healthy environment.
(17 comments) SHARE Monday, July 24, 2017 Why Are Some Youths Cruel?
There are times when I feel ashamed to be a member of the human race. This is such a time after reading about the cruelty teens inflicted on an innocent dog and kitten.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 26, 2013 Horse Tripping in Oregon
It seems that there isn' even one day when I don't read about some kind of animal cruelty. This time it is about horse tripping. I wonder why we treat these beautiful animals so cruely. They certainly deserve better from us. There is no excuse for mistreating them as we do in other venues as well.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 7, 2008 How Rare is Animal Cruelty?
WARNING: Graphic animal cruelty described. Last night I heard a TV news account of a Wisconsin dog actually frozen to the ground. His had a happy ending. Sadly, Nikko in 1998- also a Wisconsin dog was not so lucky. I am not trying to lay animal cruelty charges only at Wisconsin's door. Every state of the Union has its accounts of animal abuse.
SHARE Thursday, May 27, 2010 Dairy Factory Farm Misery
I am grateful to "John" who spent 5 weeks watching helplessly but videotaping and documenting the cruel treatment accorded huge numbers of cows in a New York Dairy Farm. Think you've heard it all? So did I, but I assure you I hadn't, and unless you have worked in one of these "fatories" from hell, you haven't either.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 25, 2014 Bone Health Which May Surprise
I wonder how many of you will pass over this topic -BONE HEALTH with a ho-hum attitude and think - not today- maybe some other time. I hope that most of you are not of this ilk because reading this post may well give you some vital information you can use today.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 9, 2008 Bittman on Girth and the Environment
Tho not intending to become a vegetarian, writer Mark Bittman realizes the importance of a greener diet in his article, Simple Till Six: An Eating Plan for Busy People. He lost 35 pounds this way, and made a smaller footprint on Planet Earth.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, January 5, 2009 Education for Peace: Greg Mortenson
Some of you may have read "Three Cups of Tea" - the story of Greg Mortenson and his concept: Education for Peace. If not, and you missed CBS Sunday morning this past week, I think you will enjoy reading about him here.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 19, 2017 NRDC's Nature's Voice
I receive a newsletter put out by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Today I took the time to read it in depth, and I'm glad I did. If you care about the environment, you may also want to receive this informative newsletter.
(6 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 12, 2015 Blowing the Whistle on the USDA
I don't expect a perfect America, but I do think we should distinguish ourselves by being compassionate. Yes, it is quite laughable at how naïve I really am. By and large, we are hardly that, and this post will only prove it.
(13 comments) SHARE Sunday, April 19, 2009 A New Respect for William Blakes' Auguries of Innocence
If you've never read William Blake's "Augueries of Innocence," you may want to. You may also enjoy the poem as much as I have - especially the first part which views creation with a knowing and loving heart.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 16, 2015 Special People Among Us
Resurrecting an old unfinished post from 2007 seems to be as relevant today as it was when first penned. I hope you agree.
(8 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 31, 2011 What Makes Your Day?
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, February 28, 2011 Crimes Against Dogs
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.
(14 comments) SHARE Friday, August 22, 2014 Thank You Nestle Corporation
It seems that there is really light at the end of the dark tunnel of farm animal cruelty. Nestle has made an astounding announcement - that they will overhaul farm animal treatment across the globe.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Kachina's Nightmare
People of compassion realize that this beautiful virtue extends not only to humans but to animals as well. Sadly, though- the word hasn't gotten out enough because we will find people like Gordon Bates and his daughter who have no inkling at all as to the meaning of this beautiful word -compassion.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 13, 2014 2014-Will It Truly Be the Year of the Horse?
Anybody who truly cares about horses and especially the wild horses of the West - for you this is a must read. They need your help in Congress.
(7 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 25, 2014 Do You Really Need that Prescription Drug?
If you take prescription drugs, you may want to read this. I am so happy that for the past 15 years plus or even more, I have not had the need to take prescription drugs. My recent blood work because I landed in the doctor's office because I sprained my foot is fine per the doctor. Small praise that - right?
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Mustangs in the Rose Parade
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, July 6, 2015 Premarin Again
Where are the voices of protest re the tethering of pregnant mares for the whole of their pregnancy so that their urine can be harvested? Why are we so indifferent to their suffering and for what - vaginal cream?
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Need New Leadership in the USDA
I believe no facet of government is perfect, but sadly the USDA, in my opinon, needs and overhaul. You may agree too after reading this post.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, April 6, 2015 Some People Would Not Understand
Is it okay to continually employ sharp shooters to rid us of a supposed deer problem? Is it all right to keep cows in darkened factory enclosures where they are milked day in and day out without any respite? If you said yes to both of these questions, then you are a person who just doesn't understand.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 31, 2017 Vivisection Cruelty Persists
In this day and age you would think that we would have progressed to the extent of not having to use animals in cruel vivisection research. You would be sadly wrong.
SHARE 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.
(15 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 19, 2008 Should we ban pit bulls?
Should we be playing God by deciding to ban pit bulls from our cities, states, and even countries?
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, January 19, 2015 A Classic Argument for Veganism
I am a simple writer so it should not come as a surprise to anyone that I am guided usually by simple life statements and principles. Here I have copied David Coats "classic" and simple explanation re the benefits of veganism--though I only needed one reason to become vegan and that was compassion.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Ohio's Sister State of South Korea
You may be surprised as I that there are laws in South Korea banning the cruel killing of dogs and cats for food. The question has to be - why is this horror continuing in this country to this day?
(16 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 6, 2014 Live Horses Eviscerated for Fun
I thought I knew all the cruelty that some people of Spain and other Latino countries inflict on its innocent animals. Well, today I received yet another account of horror coming from the state of Yucatan, Mexico. I pray that this animal cruelty and all others there will stop. A big prayer because animal cruelty exists everywhere, but if enough people will pray - we might stop each horror - one by one.
(10 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 10, 2009 Lily Tomlin Speaks out for the Elephants
I am very happy that Lily Tomlin is helping In Defense of Animals get out the word for a hoped-for global awareness that elephants don't belong in zoos (or in circuses for that matter.)
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 29, 2013 Saving Our Wild Horses
I believe the wild horses of the West are beautiful. They are also a part of Americana. Sadly, not everyone agrees. For years now they have been rounded up by the cruel BLM helicopters. They have also been sold for slaughter to Mexico and Canada. This will stop if we get passed the SAFE Act. Please care and help.
SHARE 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.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Tracking Animal Abusers
If you could do something to stop animal abuse in your neck of the woods, would you? You can- by asking your legislators to enact an Animal Abuse Registry. We hope our youngsters are safer because of a Sex Registry. Let's do the same for our innocent and abused animals by promoting an Animal Abuse Registry nationwide. We will be telling those cruel sickos that we know who they are and where they live.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, May 25, 2012 50,000 Chickens Abandoned
Animal Place's new booklet takes us back to that fateful day in February of this year when they were able to rescue some 4,460 chickens from a death by gassing. It was the largest rescue they had ever undertaken. Those 2 days of rescuing these hens were frustrating, tiring but exhilerating as well. You will want to read this if you care about the suffering of battery chickens.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 21, 2010 Who to Vote For?
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.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, June 23, 2017 Animal Laws
Does your compassion extend to animals? I hope so and this post may even help you move up a notch in this direction. We are all God's creatures and animals should not be excluded from this circle of care.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 26, 2014 Justice for Andra Grace
Humans are guilty of cruelty to other humans, but I think they often are even more cruel to animals who can't defend themselves. Andra Grace, a young pit bull was one such and Nikko and others mentioned here were also cruelly treated brutally by men without consciences.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 21, 2015 A N.Carolina Puppy Mill
I hope that one day we will all realize that having a pure breed dog is really not all that important - especially since this "need" has spawned so many terrible puppy mills. I loved all my 7 mix-breed dogs because I saw something beautiful in each one. I feel fortunate because of this. The puppy mills would be out of business if there were many more people of my ilk.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 24, 2017 Christmas Gift for Animal Lovers
Christmas is not only the time to remember family and friends, but for people like me -it's also a time to remember animals because they too are God's creatures. I was happy to read today One Green Planet's 10 Wins for Animals. You might be too.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 4, 2011 Happy Raccoon Rescues
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.
(9 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 26, 2015 Dairy Farm Cruelty
At one time I was very proud to be American. Sadly today - looking at how we treat our farm animals generally makes me realize that America has lost its way. How can we treat fellow living beings with the same basic needs as our own -the way we allow the cows in this Wisconsin dairy be treated?
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 5, 2011 Cows are Mothers Too
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 29, 2017 Puppies Need Justice Too
There was a time not too long ago when if you hurt an animal nothing much was done. I believe we have since made progress in this department. Animals too deserve justice when they are mistreated.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 27, 2017 Justice for Animals
In my case a small puppy was cruelly mistreated and abandoned. In another case our wild horses again are threatened by selfish interests. Isn't this world large enough for us AND the animals?
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 8, 2011 A Need for a Compassionate Teaching?
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 5, 2009 Time to Get Rid of Plastic Grocery Bags
Can you part with the ubiquitous plastic grocery bag or are you one who looks at this attempt to help our environment as a "bone-headed" idea?
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Horses on the Hill Conference
If you really care about horses and missed the run down of the April 25th conference held on their behalf in Washington D.C., you wil find happenings at this meeting to gladden your heart. I hope there is more than a glimmer of hope that we can stop the building of horse slaughterhouses in the US as well as stop them being exported to Canada and Mexico.
(7 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 28, 2011 Interested in Veganism?
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."
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Glass Walls
During the years I have often read about the cruelties re animal slaughter, but just recently I found an article that made me even more aware of what happens to - in this case- a 1,100 pound steer named "Angus." Yes, for me it is close and personal. It maybe for you too if you decide to read about his fate in a slaughterhouse.
(30 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 19, 2015 USDA - Wrong About Dairy
How much stock do you put in the USDA's Food Guidelines? I hope very little- if anything at all. Why would they promote dairy when people like Dr. Willet of Harvard warned about the dangers associated with it?
(12 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 13, 2016 The BLM Has No Heart
If you care about the wild horses of the West, this news will devastate you as it has us who look upon them as a national treasure. Why are they not being protected by an Act of Congress?
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 25, 2014 Does Pope Francis Care about Animal Suffering?
Hopes were high for those of us who heard that the new Pope took the name Francis. While he does exhibit a love of the poor like St. Francis did, he has yet to show real concern for all of God's creation - especially the animals.
(9 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 14, 2012 Man of Compassion
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, June 11, 2012 A Heroic Chaplain of the Korean War
In my opinion, very little has been written about the Korean War. I wondered why, but was glad to come across this account of some of the suffering our soldiers experienced during it. War is horrible. Why hadn't we learned that lesson yet?
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 20, 2011 No Live Bunnies for Easter, Please
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.
SHARE Thursday, January 15, 2015 Thank You Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois for Your Concern for Animals
I am always happy to read that there are indeed political leaders of compassion and that one of them is outgoing Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois. May God bless him for his compassionate concern for animals while governor. Sadly, I also read that outgoing Nebraska Governor David Heineman is the opposite of Governor Quinn, lacking in compassion. I hope whoever succeeds him will be a much needed improvement for the animals.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 30, 2013 Catherine, a Sandy Hook Angel
For people of faith- everyone of the 20 massacred children of Sandy Hook School are today angels in heaven. Guidepost featured the story of one of them - Catherine Hubbard. Her mother did a great job at Guideposts describing her angel when she lived.
For one so young, she learned at a tender age to appreciate all of God's animal creation.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 19, 2017 The Resilience of JoJo
Should people be prosecuted for cutting off the ears of an innocent puppy? Sadly, too many people get away with this type of cruelty to animals. Happily for this dog, he would find love and happiness after much needless, cruel suffering by some humans.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Are We Inherently Cruel to Animals?
I hope that everyone will consider this question. Maybe, it will cause us to rethink the way we treat animals generally, and especially those who suffer in the CAFOs to satisfy our meat and dairy lust. And then of course, people are often cruel to their companion animals - keeping them chained all day in all kinds of weather. Some even starve their animals to death. These occurrences are not as rare as you might think.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 13, 2014 Our Horses Still Suffer
Even though I can only love horses from afar, they are still often in my mind as I have recalled the many ways we as a nation mistreat them. They are such beautiful vegetarian creatures who have used their strength in so many ways in by gone days to help a young nation get on its feet. But how do we treat them today for their gifts to us so long ago?
SHARE Monday, April 13, 2009 A Righteous Gentile Couple from Slovakia
I never tire reading accounts of self-sacrifice and courage. Here's one such story of a Righteous Gentile couple from Slovakia who made a difference for one family. This family would never forget.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 27, 2011 Animal Souls
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.
(20 comments) SHARE Sunday, September 22, 2013 Injustice in Catholic Academia
If any of you ever felt you were not getting fair treatment at work, reading about this Catholic professor will put things in perspective for you. It did me, as I too have realized unfair treatment at times in my working career.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 19, 2017 EDF and Trump
I am glad that there are dedicated lawyers who worry about and do all they can to protect our environment. They belong to a group called The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Their recent concern is Trump's desire to do away with the EPA.
(9 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 9, 2017 Change of Heart
I think every one will agree that veganism is a compassionate lifestyle. Here is an account of a conversion to veganism at a cow factory farm - a place you probably would not guess would produce such a lifestyle change but it did in this case.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, December 6, 2010 The Long Suffering Bull
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.
(25 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 20, 2015 A Needed Miracle for Yulin, China's Dog Eating Festival
We need a miracle to stop the Dog Meat Eating Festival in Yulin, China this Sunday. If there are Catholics among this populace, then hopefully they will have read and studied Pope Francis' encyclical "Praise be to you: On Care for Our Common Home" and take it to heart. Killing innocent dogs cruelly for a meal can never be construed as caring or humane.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 2, 2014 US Senate Midterm Report on the Animals
If you care about legislation which will help the animals, I have copied the voting records of the US Senators for the Midterm of the 113th Congress. I hope this will entice you to check as well your US Representative's voting record as well in the Humane Scoreboard which can be found on the internet.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, September 3, 2010 FIP - A Frightening Illness in Cats
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.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 16, 2013 What Countries Lead in Animal Compassion?
How wonderful it would be to find a country leading in animal compassion. That is task of humongous porportions. I hope someone will be able to achieve it.
(7 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 3, 2016 Meat and the Environment
This is a topic which sadly most people would rather not address since for so many- meat is important to their dining lifestyles. Hopefully, some will at least realize that for a healthy environment we should at least try to curb eating meat as much as possible.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 13, 2011 Animal Cruelty: Update on Star
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Federal Labs Torture Farm Animals
I hope you have already read New York Times' Michael Moss' expose on the research cruelties to our farm animals in Federal Labs in Nebraska. If you haven't, here is a short post re it.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 25, 2012 Plush Bunnies for Easter
Every Easter time my thoughts go to the little Easter bunnies who are often impulsive buys by parents for their children. Please don't do it. It will only mean unnecessary suffering for them -unless you are great at animal husbandry. Yes, they do require specialized care. How many of you have time for it? Buy them a plush bunny and/or a chocolate one instead.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, September 4, 2009 Who is Mucking up the Missouri River?
Anybody living near the Missouri River can answer the question re who is mucking up their river. The answer is Tyson and they were recently fined $2M for doing so.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, July 16, 2010 Will the Legacy of Wild Horse Annie Survive?
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 5, 2016 Male Calf Cruelty
We make choices every day. We have to admit that not all of them are wise. We have to admit that regarding animals- not all of our decisions are compassionate. If you don't eat veal, then you have made at least one wise and compassionate decision.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 16, 2011 Good News from the Animal World
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, September 17, 2010 Can No Longer Support Obama
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.
(19 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 20, 2014 Sportsman Act/Filthy Chicken Rule
I think most of us are unhappy with Congress. I believe this one is considered a do-nothing Congress. Truly this seems so re the much needed horse protection SAFE Act where there seems to be no movement at all on its passage as far as I can determine. However, thankfully, they did not pass the Sportsman Bill which would have benefited a precious few and been harmful to our public lands and wildlife.
(34 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 26, 2018 Attached to My '72 Comet
Some of you have probably gone through a few cars already, so hopefully, you haven't felt the separation anxiety I am experiencing now at this point in my life--having to say good bye to an old friend.
(8 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 30, 2011 Dog Show in Romania?
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 3, 2010 America- Food Problems, etc.
Is this the America I once so loved? Imagine that there are 12 common fruits and veggies which are considered "toxic" by one writer on Care2, though she is not alone in this view. Then there are the inequities of paying taxes. Arianna Huffington writes about her disgust in this regard. And sadly we've heard about these problems and others before, but nothing ever seems to change.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 10, 2015 China's Horrific Treatment of Dogs
I can't help thinking about the expression - if I live to be 100 and then expressing a hope. My hope is that if I live to be a 100 the world will become more compassionate. Yes, there is a lot of human suffering, but even more - much more animal suffering for which we are the cause. We should be ashamed.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 10, 2010 600 Million Stray Dogs Need You
I think the title is self-explanatory. Will you take the time to see how you can help them? Thanx
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 27, 2017 Eight Years of Suffering for Joey
I can't understand why states in the U.S. allow people to run puppy mills. Something so evidently cruel has no reason to exist anywhere in our country or, for that matter, in any country as well.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, December 26, 2014 One Good Man
On this past Christmas Day, I became re-acquainted with two men whom I admire--Thomas Merton and Senator Cory Booker. I have only started to read the Christmas book I received re Thomas Merton, but here I recall the wonderful Care 2 post on Senator Cory Booker. For me he is truly a man of inspiration.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, June 17, 2011 Farm Animal Rescues Highs and Lows
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 26, 2016 Mohan- Free at Last
Thank God for compassionate organizations like Wildlife SOS. They were instrumental in freeing an elephant in India from 55 years of abuse. I only hope that he will have some years left to enjoy.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, August 31, 2015 A Bald Eagle and a Ground Hog
Two different species - an eagle and a ground hog. Both ended up in precarious positions, but only one would survive though each had people who cared about them.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, September 16, 2016 The Dairy Price-Fixing Episode
I was shocked to learn about the price-fixing episode of the Dairy Industry some years ago. Really, I should not have been since I feel that our cows and calves suffer greatly to provide milk and meat for the people who demand it.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, August 10, 2012 We Need Religions of Compassion
I truly believe the world would be a better place for all of us if we had relgions which taught us to be compassionate to our fellow living beings - the animals. It would translate into a more gentler world which we surely can all use and appreciate in our everyday lives.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 4, 2012 The Need for Humane Education
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.
SHARE Saturday, August 10, 2013 Nosey, a Suffering Elephant
We all want to be treated kindly and compassionately. Don't we realize that the animal world wants the same thing? Anyone who lacks compassion for the animal world, I truly believe, will not treat the human world well either.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, June 24, 2011 An Abused Pony and Two Tortured Kittens
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.
(12 comments) SHARE Friday, June 17, 2016 Do You Still Drink Milk?
I hope that people who become aware of cow suffering will try to become dairy free. After all, there are many alternatives today that should satisfy even the most discriminating palate.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 12, 2016 Why Does Farm Animal Cruelty Persist?
As often as I read these exposes of cruelty to farm animals, I still read them with incredulity. Why aren't humane changes being made? I'm afraid that it must be a general lack of concern from most of us.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 25, 2014 Compassionate Legislators
Animals have played a big part in my life. My life has been made richer from the realization that they are special. I see them as God's creatures, and I believe they deserve better from us. Sadly, our Congress has comparatively few legislators who see things as I and others of the same ilk do. I learned a lot from Michael Markarian's Humane Scoreboard. I have shared some of it here for you.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 4, 2015 Worthy of Praise
We all have heroes I am sure, and not surprisingly, the kind of heroes we have will reveal much about our character. While mine leaves much to desire, my concern for lessoning animal suffering is my saving grace. I hope it is yours too.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, May 16, 2011 Animals in Labs
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?
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, April 16, 2018 Legal Help for Animals
I think we all recognize that not only humans but animals also need the help of a lawyer at times. Thank God for the lawyers at Animal Legal Defense Fund who have stepped up to the plate in this regard.
(19 comments) SHARE Monday, September 16, 2013 This Needs Challenging: Hunter Harrassment Law
Whether you approve of hunting or not, isn't there something wrong about having to relinquish your property rights to hunters?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 30, 2014 Unbelievable Cruelty to Man's Best Friend
Reading about animal cruelty can be very painful. We wonder how could such cruel people ever exist? But then on the opposite of the coin - thankfully, we find there are good and kind people as well who will do all they can to make up for the cruel ones.
(7 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Beyond the Call of Duty
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.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 31, 2012 Nine Year Old Comes to Washington
And a ittle child shall lead. God bless 9-year-old Declan Gregg of New Hampshire. When his mom told him about what happens to too many unwanted horses, he felt he had to do something. And God bless him-he did.
Speaking in the House of Representatives is an accomplishment few 9-year-olds can only dream of. For Declan it became a reality.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 30, 2014 Who Wears Fur Today?
Cleveland Armory, who was truly a defender and champion for animal welfare and concern for suffering animals, would often end his talks with - Why can't we be kind? Much kinder than would be my question - Why are we so cruel?
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, March 31, 2014 Distressing News -- Just in March This Year
I guess we all have distressing news to report. Mine might be different than yours, but I bet you will agree that mine are also worth mentioning and reading.
(26 comments) SHARE Friday, June 13, 2014 Almond or Soy?
Some very simple reasons why milk need not be that important in your diet. I hope you will take the time to read them.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, September 25, 2015 In Memory of Jack, my Rabbit
Hunting by its very name is frightening. Who of us wants to be hunted? Of course -none of us. So the question arises - why do some people find pleasure in hunting defenseless animals? And, of course, worse yet -why do they find pleasure in killing them?
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 21, 2016 Angel, a Coyote in Need
If you like accounts with happy endings, this one will suit you. Julia Di Sieno and her helpers made a big difference for a coyote whose sufferings were acute, but with their help she overcame all her adversities.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, September 21, 2008 A History Lesson on Slovakia
We in America are going through some hard times, but I submit - they're nothing compared to what the people of Slovakia had to endure in their early history.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 19, 2015 The Torture of Patagonia's Lambs
I think all animals are special in their own way, but there is just something very beautiful about a lamb. No wonder Jesus called Himself the Lamb of God. Sadly, these dear innocent creatures are being violated in the most cruel way for their wool. I can't understand how we can treat them so horribly.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, February 11, 2011 John Henry, a Story of Redemption
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?
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, August 14, 2015 Beautiful People
If you are into animal welfare, you will be often deluged with accounts of animal cruelty. So, whenever you find an account of love and goodness for animals, it brings one great joy. This story did that for me.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 25, 2008 How Much is that Doggie in the Window?
For a nation which purports to have a love affair with its dogs (and cats), how is it that we do so little to protect them from abuse in puppy mills?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 17, 2014 Remembering Lidice and Lezaky
If you have never heard about Lidice and Lezaky Czechoslovakia during WWII, I assure you that while reading this post -you will experience many different emotions - among them pride, fear, anger, sympathy, sadness, and then probably more anger.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 29, 2011 The Slaughter Summit and Miss Little Ears
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 12, 2016 News that Brings Smiles and Tears to this Animal Lover
There is something to be said for living in simpler times when there were no TV's nor computers. At least for me this is true. I lived when radio and newspapers were the chief dispensers of news. We survived.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 24, 2018 Animal Action Issues
Sadly, human and animal cruelty in all its forms will always be with us. In this post I am addressing some animal cruelty I found listed in the animal-action issues found In Defense of Animals.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 4, 2012 A Puppy's Hell
I always hope that I have read my last account of animal cruelty, but they never seem to stop. Today I read a story of a puppy who went through a hell he did not deserve. Thank God for 3 angels who saved him.
SHARE Thursday, October 9, 2008 Sgt. Gwen Beberg and Rachet
You may have read the same e-mail account which I received today re Sgt. Gwen Beberg and her dog Rachet. If true--yet another reason to wonder about US Military protocul when it comes to befriending animals in Iraq.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 14, 2015 No Island Paradise for Dogs
I am grateful to the New York Times for recently exposing the cruelty to dogs and cats in Puerto Rico. Hopefully, this will result in much needed concern, reform, and care for their poor ill- treated dogs and cats.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 17, 2011 Animals and Religion
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, February 15, 2015 Dr. Osman of Turkey - A Man of Compassion
I am glad that I took the time today to view the segments Harmony Fund posted re their work for animals. I was deeply impressed by their account of veterinarian Dr. Osman of Turkey- truly a man of compassion.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Sarah Palin and Betty Sutton --Betty who?
Do you know whose idea it was to give "cash for clunkers?" I didn't til I read a post this morning on Cleveland.com.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Animal Lives Matter
I have been reading about animal cruelty now for over 40 years. Will it ever stop? Sadly, probably not, because there will always be people who don't believe in the sacredness of all life. Hopefully though, incidences of cruelty may lesson because of the good work and education of animal-rights groups.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, January 2, 2015 Tears of Joy on 2015
I think we as a people have far to go before we can ever consider ourselves a truly humane nation. As long as we support CAFOs and their cruelty to animals, we should be ashamed of our lack of compassion to our fellow living being and God's creatures.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 8, 2016 BLM Complicity in sale of 1,794 Wild Horses
Many of us love the wild horses of the West. They seem to embody the American spirit -free to run at will and unimpeded by constraints. Well, not so any more. The BLM is rounding them up with helicopters which force these beautiful animals to run for their lives and some will lose them in these cruel roundups and in future cruel sales.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 31, 2015 Who's to Blame for Poultry Suffering?
We all have made mistakes in our lives. Thankfully, they were usually not serious ones. But causing harm and suffering- whether to humans or animals is inexcusable. One conscientious poultry farmer came to this realization and did something about it. His name is Craig Watts.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Run Bambi, Run
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
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, August 21, 2015 Animal Stories With A Wide Range of Emotions
Who of us as a child didn't wish that they could have either a pony or horse? This 8 year old wanted a horse and she tried her level best to convince the Doris Day Horse Rescue and Adoption Center that she deserved one.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 5, 2011 Understanding and Forgiveness
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.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Who Says that Animals Aren't Intelligent?
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 1, 2011 Is Anything Right with the World?
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?
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 27, 2015 A Special Forgiving Dog
I have been lucky. The 7 dogs in my life were special - some more so than the others. But none were tested by fire as was Pudding, and she came through it with amazing grace and love despite it. I believe I will meet her and the rest of my animal family at world's end. Something to look forward to.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 31, 2008 A Passion for Loggerheads
Two intrepid women find gratifying purpose in helping the loggerheads and so the environment. Their inspiring story may help us also to learn to appreciate the earth more fully as real and true stewards of it.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 24, 2011 I Wish I Had Said That
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."
(8 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 8, 2014 Horses, Pigs, Wolves, Bison (2014)
Gandhi was so right about saying that you can tell so much about a nation by the way it treats its animals. Americans have very little to be proud of in this regard.
(9 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 24, 2011 An Animal Mission of Mercy
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 30, 2016 Horse Drawn Carriages in New York City is Animal Cruelty
Should New York City keep their horse drawn carriages? Mayor Bill de Blasio thinks that it should not. I do not and people of compassion to the suffering of the horses do not. Yes, there are many viewpoints, but somehow I hope it will work out- not only for the long-suffering horses, but for their owners as well.
SHARE Wednesday, November 25, 2009 A Presidential Turkey Pardoning
Do we really need to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day or any other day for that matter? CBS's Sunday Morning Offering this week was all about celebrating Thanksgiving with meat. How disappointing. Don't they have any vegetarian or vegan reporters? Don't they care about the impact of so much animal raising on the environment?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 7, 2014 I Hope Pope Francis Would Read This
I think we would all love to have the "ear" of Pope Francis because we think we have something worthwhile to share. What are my chances of his reading this? Maybe as good as my winning the lotto.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, August 17, 2015 Subsidizing Big Pork
No matter where you are on the spectrum of animal welfare, I think you will agree that the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) acted selfishly and irresponsibly in using funds supposed to promote the sale of farm products generally.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 1, 2016 Missing Cleveland Amory and Michael
I have always had a deep appreciation for Cleveland Armory whose concern for suffering animals was evident in what he did for them during his lifetime. Michael was a dear nephew whom I also recall with gratitude.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Premarin - Still a Cruel Product
I am saddened that this is still a topic. I had hoped that by now women would have stopped using this product of cruelty. Hopefully, after reading this post or any other on this topic, some may decide to say no to Premarin.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 3, 2014 Deja Vu in a Wisconsin Primate Center
I have always been saddened by the National Institute of Health's requirement that a research grant would be given only to those who used animals in it. It always seemed cruel to me and I haven't much changed my opinion in this regard.
SHARE Thursday, November 27, 2014 Thanksgiving Gratitude
Have you taken the time to give thanks to God this Thanksgiving? I really think that those who have will find the day especially pleasurable, because after all - isn't this day about doing just that?
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, July 17, 2015 Those Amazing Wild Life Veterinarians
Sometimes we forget that animals have the same basic needs as our own. To their credit "animal" doctors realize this, and here are some accounts where they show their wonderful healing skills in often challenging subjects.
(20 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 30, 2013 Please Ask China to Stop Dog Cruelty
I shutter to think about all the suffering which the poor, innocent animals in China undergo. I keep on hoping that things are changing for them, but with this new information on Facebook, the news is not good. However, hopefully, together we can do something to convince the Chinese how unfavorably so many of us view their cruel treatment to animals -in this case to so many of their innocent dogs.
(17 comments) SHARE Friday, June 15, 2018 Dog Hoarders -the Woodleys
As long as I live, I will not be able to understand people like the Woodleys who cared not one iota about the suffering they were causing innocent dogs and puppies.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 8, 2016 Gestation Crate Cruelty
I am sure most of you have heard about pig gestation crate cruelty. Even so, I think it was great that two Chicago reporters wrote about one of the big pork producers in their state. This is good. It is not just Mercy for Animals or another animal rights group writing about this subject. Hopefully, it will mean more for these suffering pigs.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 13, 2010 Food Subsidy Scam
It is probably not news to most of you that our government wastes money. If you haven't read Michael Crowley's latest article in the Reader's Digest re "Phony Farmers," I have condensed it here.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 21, 2016 Derivative Contraband Ruling Saves Luke
For a long time animals were not protected by law, but, thanks to organizations like In Defense of Animals, animals are now getting their just due. But for them and a compassionate assistant prosecutor, Luke, an abused puppy, would have been returned to an abuser.
SHARE Tuesday, July 17, 2012 The Bible and Vegetarians
Maybe you are interested in how someone has interpreted how the Bible views vegetarians. I know that I was. I hope others too will find that vegetarians indeed have a place in the Bible.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 16, 2011 My Last Animal Rights Protest?
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 16, 2014 The Story of One Rescued Battery Cage Hen
We probably will soon be using a lot of eggs because it is Easter time. But do we ever give any thought to the poor battery cage hens who produce them? Here is the story of one of them.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, May 2, 2014 Our Wild Horses and the President
You know- my title could refer to almost any president of the recent past, but I had Pres. Obama in mind when I wrote this. However, none of the other presidents either to my knowledge fought to implement the 1971 Wild Horses and Burro Act which bequeathed them the lands of the West.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 2, 2015 Need New Olympic Committee
I was crestfallen when I heard that the Olympic Committee had chosen Beijing again for the Winter Olympics in 2022. In my opinion, they don't do their homework, unless of course choosing a country with a poor record of humane treatment of animals is not important to them.
SHARE Thursday, October 29, 2009 DNA/Rosalind Franklin
How many of you ever have heard of Rosalind Franklin? Somehow, I doubt there are many. And yet, in my opinion - this woman who died at 38
made a great contribution to our justice system with her science -which led to the use of DNA in solving crimes. Shouldn't we give her due recognition?
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 2, 2015 Good News for Nigerian Girls
Someone commented on my last post re the cruel Yulin, China Meat-eating festival that it would be nice if we would concern ourselves with human suffering. In fact, I told him that I felt that we who care about animal suffering also do care about human suffering. I think this post exemplifies well this compassionate duality.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 15, 2014 Do You Really Need a Down Jacket or Pillow?
Did you know that down from a goose to make your warm jacket or your cozy pillow oftentimes causes immeasurble suffering to geese?
SHARE Sunday, October 20, 2013 A Message to President Obama Re Diet
Do we give enough thought re where our food comes from? Someone on the Catholic Vegetarian site thought not. Sadly, I disagree. By now we have all heard about the evils of factory farming and the horrors of slaughterhouses. However, George Carlin approaches diet from other ways which hopefully should make a lot of sense to those who are not concerned about animal suffering.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 7, 2014 December 5, 1933- Repeal of Prohibition
I regret that I didn't pay more attention to my History courses. I am even sorry that it wasn't my Major in college. However, I should forget the regrets and turn to history books to learn more about the struggles of our nation. Here is my new appreciation for the Constitution of the US which has with stood the ravages of time.
(9 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Horses and Deer "On my Mind"
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?
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 18, 2012 A "Tiny" and "Sleepy" Slovakia?
I am glad that former ambassador to Slovakia - Vincent Obsitnik found the depiction of Slovakia as "tiny and sleepy" by a Washington Post reporter inaccurate. He produces facts instead of speculation which I think you will find interesting and newsworthy.
SHARE Monday, August 20, 2012 The Importance of a "Dash"
Nothing makes me happier than to read the account of a life well-lived. Woody Davis of Corbett, Oregon is such a man, and if you missed seeing his story on TV recently, here is a short written "replay" of it.
(11 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Disappointing Giveaway from Oprah
I was really disappointed to read about Oprah's recent KFC Giveaway. I naively believed her to be compassionate when it comes to CAFO suffering. I was wrong.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 14, 2014 Pig Slamming and Dog Burning
Anyone who has a respect for God's animal creation will be saddened by these two events. As bad as they are, the world is full of cruelty to animals. What can we do? Let's try to tackle each cruelty by doing something. And please don't discount prayer. That always brings me some relief. If enough of us would pray, I believe there would be less animal and human suffering.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 20, 2014 Grace's Hell on Earth
I will never understand how man can be so cruel to his fellow living creatures. What Grace and other cows endured was pure hell for most of them -if not all. I do believe that the world will be restored at the end of the world. There these brutalized cows and their calves will find peace and love as will all good people and all the other animals.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 30, 2018 BLM Betrayal
I think someone should make the BLM aware of the 1971 Wild Horse Annie Act which assured that the wild horses and burros would be allowed to roam BLM lands in freedom. And recently the SAFE Act banned the sale and transportation of equine animals to be butchered for their meat.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 21, 2010 Writing for Catholic Publications
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.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, April 25, 2011 Through the Third Door
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, May 22, 2015 Octupus Gnocchi- Anyone?
This may be the shortest post on why we should adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, but I believe it's the most honest and sincere one you will ever read because it comes from the heart of a 3-year old.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 31, 2015 The Pear - An Act of Kindness
Are you glad 2015 has finally come to an end? I hope it hasn't been all that bad, and if you try really hard, you may find some redeeming aspects to it. I had to do the same. Lucky you if it was all great. I hope the new year will be great too for all of us.
SHARE Saturday, June 22, 2013 Animal Suffering is a "Plague" Too
I guess we all have our thoughts on what's wrong with the world. I certainly have mine, and I hope that a lot of people will agree with me in this regard, because it will lead to humane changes. There is power in numbers.
(17 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 16, 2013 I Miss Dennis Kucinich
I sign a lot of online petitions each day -for the environment, for humane treatment of people and animals. I believe they serve a useful purpose. This time I decided to e-mail my legislators re the SAFE ACT. It was an exercise in futility. I hope you have more success than I in this regard.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 25, 2010 A Veggie Hot Dog, Please
Do you know what's in hot dogs? I think we all were exposed to this question at one time or other. Well, its back, and if you take the time to read this post, the next time you are at a ball park you just may well decide to ask for a veggie dog - providing they serve them.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 8, 2013 A Very Special Great Dane
Most of us who have a companion animal don't need any more reasons to love and appreciate them more. However, this Great Dane's story may just prove otherwise.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 27, 2016 A New Market for Wildlife Pain
As long as there are greedy and uncaring people, there will be a market for wildlife pain. Zimbabwe and China are today exploiting baby elephants for their own selfish purposes. Hopefully, a compassionate resolution from CITES will stop this cruelty once and for all.
(4 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 26, 2012 In Memory of Dexter
It took a year but finally kittens Dexter and Drake had their day in court and a measure of justice was awarded to them.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 19, 2013 Growing Old With Joy
How do you feel about growing old? I guess I am one of the lucky ones. It doesn't bother me at all.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 23, 2014 A Holy Thursday Like No Other
This information may prove healthful to whomever may suffer a serious fall. I wish I had been wiser in addressing mine.
(10 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 16, 2008 Greenpeace's 10 Reasons to Say No to Off Shore Drilling
I commend House Speaker Pelosi et al for fighting against Off Shore Drilling. I also believe that Greenpeace's 10 Reasons for saying no to it are reasons worth reading and considering.
(13 comments) SHARE Friday, July 15, 2011 Mente, the Broodmare
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 10, 2014 Dog Eating in the Philipines
To know that many thousands of poor dogs are still being killed in the Philippines and many Asian countries is truly tragic for people like me. I hope that you too find this problematic and cruel.
(10 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Downer Calf Cruelty
I hope that after realizing that male calves are often brutally treated, you might want to consider if you really need dairy. Man is the only animal who takes milk from another animal. Of course, we vegan don't.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 9, 2011 Archery Abuse
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, April 6, 2009 The European Union Leading the Way for Compassion
Kudos to the European Union and especially the British contingent for leading the way in banning cruel cosmetic toxicity tests on live animals.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 13, 2010 Bursting the Milk/Osteoporosis Connection
I think men know by now that while women are more likely to suffer osteoporosis breaks as we grow older, men are at risk too. Should we all be drinking more milk? For me the answer is a resounding no.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 6, 2011 An Unbelievable Massacre of an Israeli Family
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 24, 2016 America-We Can Do Better
Thank God that there are people like Will Potter. He found out that even distributing animal right leaflets can bring the FBI to your doors- especially if you are a well known reporter.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, December 5, 2011 Save Our Horses
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.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 12, 2015 Farm Animals and Climate Change
Will the Global Warming talks in Paris produce fruit? Yes, if they realize that fruit, veggies, and grain are more important to curb global warming, to ensure better health for us, and not least of all- to hopefully open the doors of the cruel factory farms and let the animals out to live and breathe as we do.
SHARE Friday, June 22, 2018 Florida's Illegal Slaughter Farms
At this point in my life, I am no longer surprised at how cruelly man often treats his fellow inhabitants of this earth - the animals. If you believe in Judgment Day as I do - there will be a reckoning.
(14 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 26, 2014 A Dashed Hope
I had hoped that President Barack Obama would be the compassionate president many of us felt our country needed. Maybe he is in some ways, but I am generally unimpressed in his lack of concern for suffering animals, although HSUS has noted some good moves for them recently through his efforts. Way too little in my opinion.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, April 9, 2018 Two Ways Pigs are Raised
If you care about animals, then I know you will want to know how pigs are raised- even if you are a vegan like myself. You may be in a position to do something for them. Sharing this post may change someone's heart and diet.
SHARE 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.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 3, 2016 Puppy Mill Mothers
Mother's Day should be celebrated for ALL mothers including the animal ones. Why not? Are only human mothers endowed with motherly instincts?
SHARE Sunday, October 4, 2009 Short-changing Our Bone Health with Milk
If you are not worrying about your bone health- maybe you should be. But please don't buy into the need for milk and dairy. Michael Castleman gives good reasons why this is foolhardy and unwise.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 6, 2014 Can We Judge a Country by Its Food Choices?
Are you one of the people who thinks butter is better than margarine? If so, then you are probably one of many who don't care about animal suffering.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 21, 2016 Degrees of Cruelty and Yoda
I know one thing, I could never give this account of a Bulgarian kitten's suffering to my sister to read because she would dissolve into tears. However, Yoda's story needs telling as does the reminder of what happened to Puppy Doe in our own country.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 5, 2008 Kudos to Spain
I have not thought of Spain as a country of animal concern. In fact, quite the opposite. However, with their parliament considering a resolution to grant legal rights to members of the ape family, I am changing my mind.
SHARE Tuesday, June 26, 2018 Justice for Justice
We have all heard or read about animals and humans being cruelly treated. It never gets easy. However, knowledge is wisdom. Hopefully, we can do something about these incidences of cruelty. And don't discount the power of prayer. I always feel that a loving God is always there to not only hear our prayer requests, but to answer them as well.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, December 24, 2010 Christmas Legends
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 17, 2015 No More Pity Parties for Me
As we go through life, we will meet an assortment of people. Some will inspire. Some will disgust you. I think I have captured some of them in this post, and not surprisingly, the ones who inspire do not waste time indulging in pity parties.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 12, 2015 A Walk Down Memory Lane
Where were you on August 15, 1996? It probably doesn't ring a bell or mean anything to you -simply because it's not a date which had particular significance to you. However, this date was important to me as it was my retirement day.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 7, 2013 A Needed Change in Research Protocol
I hope there will be a time when we realize that animal suffering counts for something. Sadly, some people I know don't even want to hear about it. I'm a firm believer that if you care about animsl suffering, you will also care about human suffering.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 29, 2018 Professor McLaghlin/Meat-free Diet
It is always great to find someone more talented and persuasive in their writing abilities than oneself. False humility? Hardly; I appreciate all those people who write compassionately for the animals. God bless them.
SHARE Monday, July 15, 2013 Should We Care About Animal Suffering?
I have lived over 4 score years already and I am still waiting for the greater majority of people to be compassionate towards their fellow living creatures- the animals. I hope you are one who is.
SHARE Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Heroes Come in All Stripes
The NIH often liberally dispenses
our taxpayer monies for questionable research which often causes cruel and unnecessary suffering to the animals. What can we do?
SHARE Wednesday, November 2, 2016 A Bachelor Party Like No Other
If you are like me, you need a diversion from all the political posturing and news, though I've been getting some relief from watching the World Series. And then I found this post on Care 2, which made me smile broadly. I hope it will do the same for you.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, March 4, 2011 Ziggy
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 14, 2013 Deer Slaughter in Washington, D.C.
Oftentimes I find Wildlife management practices cruel and unnecessary. What happened to a herd of deer in Washington D.C. is a case in point.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 25, 2016 Chesty, Pit Bull Ambassador
I live in a city that bans pit bulls. I think it is very unfair to engage in this unneeded and misguided profiling, and I believe that any responsible dog organization will agree.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, August 29, 2016 Pixie, Kiri, and Me
Companion animal ownership is as most of us have learned is a responsibility and a blessing. And, of course, it is always sad when they too must die as does man. This account may provoke memories if you too were blessed with their companionship.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, August 8, 2011 Companion Animal Cruelty
As the incidences of companion animal cruelty accelerates, so should our resolve that these cruel perpetrators get their just desserts.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, September 19, 2011 Gentle Barn's Angel
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.
SHARE 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?
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Picking Up the Pieces in N.Carolina
I think most of us who care about dogs are well aware of the horrors of puppy mills. But then again, we need to be reminded of them from time to time - hopefully to try to do something to abolish them. If you live in a state like N. Carolina, your work is cut out for you.
SHARE Saturday, June 27, 2015 The Price of Fashion
Sadly, there is much suffering in our world. But whether the suffering is to humans or animals, we should try to do what we can to alleviate it. One thing for sure - we have to be aware of it first. The post I read on TAKE PART brought home another incident of needless animal cruelty.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Thank You Nicholas Kristof
I know that Nicholas Kristof is a well-known writer. My hope is that I may have included something new and interesting about him.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 2, 2014 Voting Intelligently
I doubt that I vote well, though I certainly try. We should be given more written information re the candidates and the issues without having to laboriously explore the internet for such information.
(6 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 29, 2015 Death of a Dairy Cow
If more people would recognize the horrors experienced by those poor cows who find themselves in the never ending milk lines of Cafo dairies and decide to give up dairy, hopefully one day those Cafos from hell will be dismantled. and the cows would be freed from suffering bondage.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, June 30, 2014 Two Very Different Women
Serendipity - reading about two very different women in one week. One is a beautiful inspiration to me. The other isn't.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 21, 2011 Justice for Abused Companion Animals?
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 9, 2012 Cleveland's Dr. James Herriot
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Precious Lives
Sometimes we don't realize how precious are the lives of our companion animals until we are about to lose one.
(5 comments) SHARE Sunday, April 21, 2013 No Compassion for Coyotes
I believe that God made us all and that includes predators like the coyote. How I wish that our philosophy could be - Live and let live. Life is precious to us all. Will we ever realize this? Will we ever care about other species the way we care about ourselves?
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 16, 2013 Our Collective Shame
Are you and I satisfied going through life- doing absolutely nothing to rectify its ills or make it a better place for humans and animals alike? Maybe this post will help you decide.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 17, 2010 House Bill 4733 - Farm Animal Bill
We need HR 4733 - a bill which addresses some of the misery of our farm animals to pass. I hope you agree and will ask your legislator to co-sponsor and support it.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 28, 2012 Need More Rachel Carsons
If you missed reading "Is Your Backyard Toxic" in July's Reader's Digest, you won't want to miss this condensation of it- especially if you chemically treat your lawn.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, November 17, 2014 What is Animal Truth?
It amazes me how differently we view "truth." However, I think if we would truly look to the life of Christ that we could easily find it. However, you will admit -that either my notion is wrong or we just don't look to Him for truth and guidance.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Linda McGibney- One Special Lady
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 1, 2012 More CAFO Suffering
While news on the human front is often less than encouraging, sadly there is always more bad news for our farm animals and animals in general as well. However, none of it should discourage us if we ever want to change the conditions of both humans and animals for the better.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 28, 2011 Thank you Oprah
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 29, 2009 Let's Have a Humane and Compassionate Easter
As puppies and kittens are inappropriate "gifts" at Christmas time because they have needs which are not usually met in these circumstances, so giving children living bunnies and chicks at Easter time is only inviting needless suffering to them. Why don't parents get it?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 9, 2010 A Million Acts of Kindness
I don't know about you, but I am always eager to read about inspirational accounts. Here is a man who provided one for me. His goal is to promote the doing of a million acts of kindness in one's lifetime. Doable? Only you can answer that.
SHARE Wednesday, May 2, 2018 A Cautionary Tale for Parents
Today I sadly read about two innocent girls in the 1950's being bullied and the pain they suffered from it as a result. Is bullying still happening in our schools today? I hope not, but if you are aware of it, I hope you will do something to make it stop.
(7 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 13, 2013 Ghost is Vindicated
Pit bulls are often wrongly accused of crimes they don't commit. Ghost is such a pit bull, but thankfully his owner went the whole 9 yards to vindicate him. And she won!
SHARE Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Some War Dogs Get PTSD
I shouldn't have been surprised to read that some war dogs suffer PTSD too. Why wouldn't they? Animals have the same basic needs as we, so it stands to reason they will suffer from our same traumatic disorders as well.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 26, 2009 I Was Blind but Now I See [Reposted]
Two lucky people - one a tot and the other a grown woman -both afflicted with problems met two inspirational doctors. Both owed their doctors much gratitude and responded well.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 29, 2015 In Praise of the HSUS
Recently, in a post re animals, some people decided to find fault with the HSUS -one of my favorite animal right organizations. I found this incredible. Did they bother to do any research on the HSUS? If they had, I doubt they would have been so negative.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, March 18, 2013 The Slaughter of American Horses in Mexico
We in America do not have a history for slaughtering horses for food. Yet, "we" seem to have no qualms to send them to Canada and Mexico for slaughter. Of course the "we" are a comparatively few who have no qualms of benefiting monetarily from the suffering of our beautiful horses.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 1, 2008 Gandhi Remembered
All of us have heroes. One of mine is Gandhi and his "seven sins of the world" aptly expresses the condition we find ourselves in.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, August 15, 2011 Accounts of Inspiration
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.
SHARE Thursday, May 17, 2012 2012 Senate Votes Tally for the Animals
I am grateful that the Humane Society Legislative Fund sent us the results of the Senate's 2012 midterm votes re animal issues. I wish that I could say that they voted wisely and compassionately. However, you be the judge.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 27, 2010 Susie's Law
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.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, January 18, 2010 Do We Really Need Fur Coats?
If we needed to kill animals for fur,
few of us would object. But sadly, this is just not the case, and the fur industry seems to be still thriving despite the inherent cruelty associated with it and the many years of protests by people who care about the lives of animals and their suffering.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 25, 2012 St. Francis and Wolves
I never tire of learning something more about my favorite saint: St. Francis. He may be one of your favorites as well. You don't have to be Caholic to appreciate this compassionate saint.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 7, 2010 Two Needless Deaths at a State Fair
A sorrowful event at a State Fair. Why am I not surprised even though I never attended one in my whole life?
(4 comments) SHARE Sunday, April 28, 2013 One of a Kind -John Muir
Last year I had enjoyed watching a documentary on John Muir. This year I was happy to read about him in the Guidepost. I was now more enambored of his gifts because of this.
SHARE Friday, June 7, 2013 Three Very Different "Poles"
No matter our ethnic backgrounds, I am sure we will find people in it who we are proud of and of course, some who never measured up. Here is the account of three men with a Polish background. Two comported themselves in an exemplary manner. One did not.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, September 7, 2015 Remembering Some Special Dogs on Labor Day
I think animals need to celebrate a Labor Day too. Its too bad that we don't let them out of their cages, crates, and factory farms. But sadly, it's always about us. This post is about dogs who I find to be so loving and loyal. Could we but learn from them, this world would be a better place.
SHARE 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.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 30, 2013 Fresh Air from an Austrian Priest
I was so surprised to learn last week that an Austrian priest had been invited by 10 US liberal groups to come to various cities in the US and give his vision for addressing priest shortages and related issues. I believe that he brought with him an abundance of much-needed fresh air for people who endorse his message of caring and concern.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 24, 2008 A Tribute to Mindy, a Pit Bull Dog
Another needless banning of pit bulls in Lakewood, Ohio. It is wrong for the media to just report pit bull bitings. Other dogs bite as well. The Center of Disease Control has not zeroed in on any specific breed responsible for dog bites.
(10 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 21, 2009 How Large is your Carbon Footprint?
I admire people like Dave Chameides who really do care about the environment. We would do well in trying to follow him in his carbon footsteps if we care.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, May 24, 2013 Help Pass the PUPS Act
Why does it take us so long to address puppy mill cruelty? Hopefully, this Congress will pass the PUPS Act which would hopefully stop further dog cruelty in puppy mills.
SHARE Tuesday, August 16, 2016 Failing in Compassion
This account of "Libre" a rescued puppy mill puppy reveals how sadly different we are when it comes to compassion or the lack there of. Thank God, Libre was lucky to find and experience the kindness of caring people in his darkest moments and survive the cruel treatment he had experienced.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 28, 2009 Can a Win in Ohio Embolden Big Ag?
Big Ag is trying to make a power grab in Ohio by trying to write themselves into the Ohio Constitution. No state constitution was written to back the interests of any one group. Their move in this direction is frightening. Hopefully, the Ohioan voter will recognize this blatant attempt at control of all the farm issues in Ohio and will vote NO on Issue 2.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, September 10, 2012 Happy Cows
I look forward to the day when America will not only be a land of the free for people - but for its animals at well. I think we could learn from Switzerland whose people still treat their cows wonderfully by allowing them to be in the fresh air and grassy pastures. We have a long way to go to emulate them.
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 6, 2008 Why Destroy?
I've read that Europeans rarely demolish their old homes or buildings. Thankfully, because of this, they have preserved a lot of rich history and probably saved beautiful pieces of architecture. We, on the other hand, seem to care next to nothing about history and tear down buildings willy-nilly. Personally, I prefer the old to the new - but then it seems I belong to a small minority.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Need to Go to Mars?
I am hoping for the day when NASA will stop using live primates in their research protocols. Too many have suffered so cruelly in the past. Today there are alternatives to choose from. I think it's about time NASA explored some of them.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 13, 2011 In the News: the Good and the Bad
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.
(17 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 13, 2008 Open Letter to the Gates Foundation
I was devastated reading Martha Rosenberg's article on the Gates Foundation intending to use Heifer International to promote animal husbandry in the poor parts of Africa. I couldn't help thinking --when will it stop? We and the poor of Africa don't need meat to be healthy and it is not even cost efficient, good for the animals or the environment.
SHARE Thursday, August 16, 2012 Gestation Crates Begone!
There are positive movements toward the abolishing of the cruel gestation crates for sows. However, this movement is not universal and it will certainly not even come soon enough for the poor sows incarcerated in them now.
(5 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 6, 2011 Are We Hypocrites?
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?"
(8 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 29, 2008 Thanksgiving Reflections
I almost missed reading the Opinion section of the Lakewood Sun Post, our suburban weekly. But I was glad that I did. Here's why.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 20, 2013 In Praise of ABC's Unbiased Reporting on Animals
When I want to find out about what's happening re the animals - the only network which provides me some information in this regard is ABC. In my opinion, every network which claims to be impartial should cover news about them. Animals are important to many of us. Animals were important to St. Francis too as we all know.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 20, 2011 Caring for Companion Animals
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.
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 29, 2011 Glad I Missed That!
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.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, September 8, 2014 This Made My Day
Where do you draw inspiration? I find it in people like the Sleeths, who recognizing the importance of the environment and the compassionate treatment of animals, are spending their lives sharing their message of concern and compassion.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, April 20, 2012 Buckeye - An Ohio Horse
You might call Buckeye - a miracle horse because he was able to rise up from the smoldering ashes of a life of cruelty. Happy Trails of Ravenna, Ohio helped him mend and heal. It was not easy, but Buckeye made it. God bless Happy Trails and Buckeye too.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, March 12, 2012 "Chicken" I Could Eat
You may admire the writings of Mark Bittman as I do. You may have also read "Finally, Fake Chicken Worth Eating" in Sunday's New York Times. If not, this post will hopefully wet your apetitite for more.
(7 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 11, 2014 USDA: Chickens Need to be Protected
How many of us ever give a thought to the suffering of the chickens we consume? What about the workers who have to gut them?
(12 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Try Being Positive?
Well, I guess it makes sense to look for a silver lining if you can, but sadly, these are rare occasions in my opinion. There is just too much cruelty, injustice, and sadness in this world and both people and animals suffer. Please don't paint rosy pictures of pain and suffering. There is no justification for doing so.
SHARE Monday, May 9, 2016 An Inspirational Romanian Grandmother
Sadly, Gandhi was so right about judging a nation by the way it treats its animals. Unfortunately Romania isn't the only country that could learn to be more compassionate to animals. However, the grandmother in this post could well teach her fellow Romanians and us a thing or two about compassion.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 19, 2010 The Humane Scoreboard
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
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 17, 2012 Two Strikes for Ddraig
Most of us recognize the horrors of greyhoud dog racing for the dogs conscripted for this. We also are grateful for the existence of greyhound rescue groups. Here is a story of a "bounce back" greyhound who finally found the home he deserved.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, May 30, 2016 Right to Farm or Right to Harm?
I believe any thinking person will be astounded at the degree which some animal farm corporations will go to insure that they are not policed. To me it says something about their lack of humane compassion for their farm animals.
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 8, 2011 Reflections on a Snowy January Day in 2011
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 18, 2011 The Power of Awesome
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 11, 2012 Animal Rights Thinkers of the Past
I've always admired the English for championing the rights of animals, though Fr. Andrew Linzey, cleric of great compassion, seems to notice a lessoning of concern recently in England. It should be the other away around. However, I am grateful for the compassionate English voices I found today on the internet from the 19th and 20th centuries.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 11, 2010 Jack/Jackie, the Castaway
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.
SHARE 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.
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, August 26, 2013 A Humane Egg
There are so many things in this world that need changing. There is also so much suffering to be addressed both regarding humans and animals. Changing the way we eat can affect both positively if we are courageous enough to try new things.
SHARE Saturday, July 26, 2008 Counting Calories and Health Tips
So much good information out there re our diets and health, but sadly we ignore so much of it too. Kudos to New York City legislators who are helping New Yorkers make wiser menu decisions in the restaurants they use.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 13, 2008 The Spirit of Christmases Past
Do oped writers and readers have time to put aside their usual political agendas to read some Christmas stories? I hope so. Here are some which may warm even the coldest of hearts. Just kidding. There are NO cold hearts on oped.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 22, 2012 A Muddy Calf Rescue
If you came upon a calf struggling in the mud and there was no one to help him except you and your friend- what would you do? Sam and Josh did all the right things. What guys!
SHARE Monday, October 28, 2013 Thank You, Dennis
I think Dennis Kucinish has first name recognition -hence I used it in my title. I wish that I had cornered him in the license bureau when I saw him recently, but I guess I didn't think of it then. Now, I wish that I had asked him about his future plans. Always an interesting and enterprising man, I wish I had.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 25, 2013 Dairy I Might Eat?
You never know what you will find in a magazine that's not usually your fare. And so I was pleasantly surprised to find something I ould "chew" on in Martha Stewart's "Living" magazine.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 27, 2011 Nathan And His Obligate Carnivore
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 18, 2014 15 Years of Mercy for Animals Compassion
Nathan Runkle is one of a kind and for that I am grateful. If you have heard about Mercy for Animals, then you have heard about him. We need many more compassionate people of his ilk because there is just too much cruelty to animals nationwide and of course world-wide as well. God cannot be pleased with our "stewardship."
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 26, 2013 Stella, a CAFO Pig
Another plea to consider the life a an incarcerated pig. She wanted to enjoy life like all of us, but she and all the other CAFO farm animals are not given that chance. Shouldn't we be ashamed?
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 12, 2010 A Mother Cow's Lament
I missed the "Power of Song" but did see a Pete Seeger special on PBS a while back. Who can forget this man who wrote "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" and "We Shall Overcome" - to mention only two in his folk song repertoire? I decided to write him about my cause - the suffering of mother cows. He kindly responded.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 18, 2016 One Brave Chicken Farmer
Will there ever be a time when the nation as a whole will say as did chicken farmer Craig Watts - enough is enough? Will we ever as a people rise up and speak for the farm animals we brutalize and say enough is enough? Sadly, at my age I don't feel at all optimistic that this will ever happen.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 25, 2015 My Thanksgiving Reflections
I don't often write reflections re Thanksgiving but somehow this Thanksgiving I've found quite a few reasons to be grateful. Even trees have become a source of gratitude for me,thanks to something the Rainforest Alliance sent and which I have shared here.
SHARE Wednesday, July 3, 2013 A Special Farmer Named Jack
James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small was a wonderful book to read. Now I found an excerpt from a second book - The Lord God Made Them All - where he in one part tells the story of Jack the Farmer who loved and cared for his animals much as he did his own family. Truly an amazing, loving man.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 11, 2013 We Are Failing Our Companion Animals
You will find many stories of animal abuse on Facebook and other places. Here is the story of Toby. This little innocent dog found himself in the hands of boy monsters. There is no other word to describe what they did to him.
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 16, 2008 Blackout 2003
A large portion of NE Ohio, Ontario,Canada and the NE--including New York City experienced a Blackout in 2003. Those of us who did now have a new profound respect for the gift of electricity.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, March 25, 2016 Russell Simmons, A Happy Vegan and Others
In the Mercy for Animals magazine Compassionate Living, I found wonderful examples of why some have become vegan. For Russell Simmons it was a karmic experience. For others it was an answer to weight and health problems. And for many of us -it is the only diet lifestyle which is compassionate.
SHARE Wednesday, June 27, 2012 A Baby Whale, A Tortoise Cat, and a Cruel Horse Round-up
Life is often a struggle for both man and animals. The following three accounts reveal some of this struggle in the animal world. Sadly, we often are the reasons for their suffering.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 26, 2015 Gifts of Inestimable Value, A Christmas Story
I think we sometimes lose site of what Christmas is all about. I think it would be nice if we gave gifts to the Christ Child instead of each other. However, it is still not too late to incorporate that mindset this Christmas even though we have already exchanged gifts. This post may give you some ideas in this regard.
SHARE Thursday, August 20, 2009 Will the Reader's Digest Pull out of Bankruptcy?
I doubt there is anyone who has not enjoyed the Reader's Digest at one time or another. And hopefully there are many, many faithful readers like myself. I can't envision not getting it in my mail box each month. What about you?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 13, 2011 Boehner Gets a Message from Catholic Professors
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.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 19, 2009 Tears of Joy
Maybe the 111th Congress will be the most compassionate ever when it comes to animal issues. Only time will tell
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, March 7, 2011 Speak Out for Ohio Veal Calves
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 10, 2008 Another Look at Palin
Can you "stomach" yet another Palin article? I hope so. Mine isn't very long, and maybe it covers nothing new, but you never know unless you read it.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 5, 2015 A Judge of Compassion
I shall never forget the name - Judge B. Lynn Winmill - for I find him to be a man of compassion. Seven states passed Ag-gag laws and none had a judge of the stature of Judge Winmill, who was brave enough to say the ag-gag law in Idaho was unconstitutional.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, January 1, 2012 A Sad Review of 2011
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 27, 2011 Romania Needs an HSUS
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.
SHARE 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.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 6, 2013 Another Reason to Kick the Meat Habit
Knowledge is a powerful thing. Hopefully, at the very least, everyone who eats chicken will be grateful to the Physicians for Responsible Medicine. They have made known the possiblilty of poop residue being on the chicken you buy in the grocery store. What you will do with this knowledge is completely up to you.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 17, 2010 The True Costs of Cheap Meat
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.
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, May 6, 2013 Who Is the Real Predator?
I guess there will always be a difference in opinion re our "stewardship" of the earth and its animals. Some people think its all right to exploit animals. In my opinion, this makes those people the real predators - not the animals.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Cruel Cultural "Prerogatives"
Fortunate the countries whose culture is not linked with cruelty to either humans or animals. Sadly, there are some countries with ties to animal cruelty. We are reminded of them in this blog.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 24, 2016 USDA's Short Supply of Empathy
When information requires us to tap into our empathy -do we rise to the occasion and process it or do we retreat into our comfort zone? Kate Medlock on Care2 asked us to examine ourselves in this regard. Self-knowledge is a good thing. Let's be honest.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 27, 2014 Vet Saves Baby Calf
People come in all stripes - some compassionate and some not. The same can be true about vets too, though I believe the vast majority are compassionate. Here is the account of one who saved a calf's life.
SHARE 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.
(9 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 16, 2008 TNR-The Grey Twins and the Black Prince
TNR-(Trap,Neuter,Return)is a program which helps people like me to address the ever present problem of irresponsible people who let their unaltered cats roam outside freely and breed--usually causing them and their offspring much suffering and even death.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, February 13, 2012 Stone Soup and More
Before I wrote about the two inspiring accounts I read today, I fortified myself with my version of "Stone" Soup. How true the tale which inspired it, I am not sure, but the two inspirational accounts are true.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 22, 2014 Friends Forever
Animals are special creatures. They are so much like us, and for far too long we have treated them as inferior beings. If we believe that- then here are three animal accounts which will hopefully change this erroneous perception of them.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, September 1, 2013 Old Animals and Me
I guess thinking about old age whether in humans or animals can be discouraging. For a certainty old animals don't fare well in this world where man often cares only about himself. I hope one day this will change and we will show compassion
to old animals as well.
SHARE 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.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, May 13, 2013 A Requiem for Wolf 527
Hopefully, one day soon we will live in harmony with the animals. They are God's creatures as we. Isaiah fortells a time when the lion and kid will be friends. Right now, I am only hoping that man will be kinder to his fellow animal inhabitants.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Reducing Our Country's Huge Debts
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.
SHARE Thursday, August 21, 2014 There is a Season......
I am grateful to people like Ric O'Barry, who with Director Louie Psihoyos produced the documentary "The Cove." Despite being shown in 45 countries, the cruel dolphin slaughter continues in Taiji, Japan each year in September.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 13, 2014 The Need to Spay and Alter
You may be thinking - considering all the problems in the world today, this one is hardly worthwhile to tackle. You are wrong if you think this way. Every living being -including animals deserve the very best and this is one way to assure them of it.
(5 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 15, 2014 Defaming a Sacred Place
I hope you never find yourself in this position - a place of worship that has meant so much to you is closed because of diminishing membership. How should the building now be used? Hopefully respectfully.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, February 28, 2016 Greyhound Holocaust
Greyhound dog racing is certainly not a great sport for the poor greyhounds who are forced to compete. They are also used in Spain for hunting. Are they treated well there? Sadly, not at all and probably worse.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 30, 2008 A Special Guest on the Ellen Show
I don't watch the Ellen DeGeneres show every day. In fact - rarely ever, but this day I was clued in re her "special" guest and watched. I was glad I did.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 2, 2014 Fifteen Years of Animal Mercy
I think a lot can be said about ourselves by the people whom we admire. I admire people of compassion and kindness. Nathan Runkle is such a person and it is amazing that he acted on his desire to help suffering farm animals at the tender age of 15.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, July 2, 2012 4th of July Thoughts
I am sure that past 4th of Julys have brought memories to all of you as they have for me. This 4th has made me remember the sacrifices of the early immigrants. It has also brought back memories of a very "patriotic" horse -Sgt. Reckless who I never tire of bringing to mind. This 4th has made realize that I should love America despite all the reverses we have been experiencing.
SHARE Saturday, July 18, 2015 In the Footsteps of St. Francis
It is not news that America no longer has a true middle class. So much of our wealth has gone to the top 1 percenters. As there are givers and there are takers--these 1 percenters are clearly takers. They could learn from people of compassion like Chip Paillex.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 19, 2016 The Power of Love
Life is often hard and taxing. What sometimes gets us through difficult times is not only the love and support of family and friends, but the love of companion animals.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 4, 2012 It's for the Birds
There was a time when the "great" thinkers of the Middle Ages proclaimed that animals were mere automatons. Thankfully, we have moved forward since then- not nearly enough for most of us. Pope John Paul II admitted that animals have "souls" - and certainly it should be evident in the stories of Hildy, a turkey, and Rafinha, a chicken. Both birds were lucky to have been loved by people who saw their souls.
SHARE Thursday, March 8, 2012 Unjust Ag Gag Legislation
Sometimes I wonder what happened to the America I thought I once loved so much? How proud I was to call myself an American. Now with living under a system which rewards big corporations to the detriment of the Middle Class, and even worse- condoning animal cruelty in CAFOs with an Ag Gag law like one recently passed in Iowa, what am I and others to think about America?
(4 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 23, 2013 Women Deserve Better
I haven't always been a women's rights advocate, and for that I have my regrets. But now -in my opinion, God made men and women equal. We may have different gifts, but that doesn't make man superior to women. And I cannot envision a loving God creating one sex superior to the other in the first place.
(10 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 16, 2008 No Beijing Olympics for Me
Do we even care that cats and dogs who are living, sentient beings like ourselves are skinned aive for their fur in China?
SHARE 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.
SHARE Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Monet and Mattisse, Foie Gras Ducks
For anyone who has feelings for suffering animals, you will hope that foie gras disappears forever. Farm Sanctuary has helped some of the lucky ones who made it out of these cruel foie gras factories alive.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 24, 2011 Civic Lessons Gone Awry
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.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, September 9, 2011 The Last Mountain
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 24, 2015 A Beautiful Soul
I am always enamored by reading the lives of some special people who thankfully become aware of injustices - whether to animals or to people and try to rectify them. Elizabeth Fink would turn her gifts to trying to address what she perceived as an injustice to the Atticus prisoners after the
revolt of 1971.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, February 5, 2010 Animal rights and Appreciating the Personal Computer
Some of us lived before the advent of the computer. I think we are the only ones who can truly appreciate them for the vast amounts of knowledge they provide us with. Today I learned that the expose of the Willet Dairy Farm cruelty reached many ears (TV) and many eyes - all other written media. What a blessing for those of us who want to learn, grow, and change things like the cruelty of factory farms.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 30, 2010 A Crusader for Healthier School Menus
School lunch programs are a good place to start to make necessary changes in the way we eat. I think you will agree with Chef Jamie Oliver's approach here.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 22, 2009 A Change from the Political
I am daily nourished by reading stories of inspiration. If you like to smile or laugh or even cry at touching moments, these events may do the trick.
SHARE 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.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 6, 2010 What would Senator Byrd say about this?
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.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 31, 2009 Whole Foods, a Trend Setter
Hopefully, Whole Foods attempt at banning the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags has been successful. I see little attempts to emulate them in this regard in my local grocery
stores. We're in this together-so I hope it works.
SHARE 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.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, August 14, 2009 California Dreaming....
There was finally some hope for our poor farm animals languishing in inhumane confinement in factory farms all over America. Californians took the leap and said--this was wrong and passed Proposition 2 last November.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 2, 2010 I Let You Down, Friendly
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, February 10, 2014 A Letter Exchange with Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger's death this year at 94, had me recalling a letter exchange with him in 2010. This remembrance made me appreciate this wonderful man all the more.
(10 comments) SHARE Friday, May 2, 2008 A Holocaust Hero
You've probably heard of Schindler who was immortalized in the movie "Schindler's List." He amazingly was able to save a 1,000 Jews from the gas chambers of Auschwitz. But have you ever heard of Rudolph Vrba who probably saved thousands more?
SHARE Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Tiger Lily's Cruel Fate
There are so many cases of animal cruelty that you would think some of us would become use to hearing about them. No, thank God, that is not the case. Here is one particularly cruel case involving Tiger Lily, a kitten.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Big Is Not Better
Big Pharma, Big Agri-business, Big CAFOs - Is BIG really better -- not in my opinion.
SHARE Friday, June 26, 2009 Ohio Voters - Don't Let the Fox Guard the Henhouse
This week Farm Sanctuary sent out an e-mail message which said- "Don't let the Fox Guard the Henhouse." If you live in Ohio, then it is up to you and me to prevent Big Agribusiness from wresting complete oversight on how our farm animals should be raised. In my opinion- both the farm animals and the environment have suffered from their policies.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, November 8, 2013 November 1st - World Vegan Day
It is interesting to me how some people justify their meat-eating lifestyle. I think I would prefer if they simply would say that they find that eating meat and meat products addictive. Wouldn't that be closer to the truth then most arguments?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 11, 2013 If Gracie Could Talk
Hope some oped readers like cats. If so, you will probably feel for Gracie. Sadly, there are too many Gracies out there because we lack the integrity of getting our companion animals altered. All of mine were and none ever gave birth.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, February 20, 2012 In Praise of an Animal Protective League
I am proud of the Animal Shelters which are truly so - giving animals protection and care while trying to find good homes for them. It is a difficult job because of so many irresponsible people who don't alter their companion animals. However, to those which are no-kill- shelters, God bless their efforts. This post tells of one such.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, September 21, 2008 The Week That Was
Journaling, I was bemoaning my past week, but it pales in comparison to the melt down on Wall Street and its implications as it applies to our daily lives.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 31, 2014 Saving a 4H Pig
I am always in awe and admiration of people who leave their comfort zone and do what they feel needs to be done. Laura Guttridge of Florida was one such lady, and she responded to the plight of Dragon, a 4H pig, who was probably headed for slaughter before she intervened.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, February 26, 2012 Four Bishops Adopt Meatless Lent
Lent has started for Christians. Have you decided on a Lenten practice yet? If not, I think the four Bishops profiled here may give you one which can be a blessing for you and even the world.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, June 2, 2008 Boycott the Chinese Olympics?
The 1988 Korean Olympics shocked us with the revelation that they killed dogs for food by oftentimes hanging them and beating them as they were dying to make the meat "tastier." Will the 2008 Chinese Olympics prove kinder and gentler to the animals?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, April 22, 2013 News on the Animal Front
Some of the news re the animals reently is good. Sadly, most of it is not. However, we must be grateful for whatever good we can achieve for them. The earth was made for all of us. I think some people forget this basic notion.
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 1, 2012 All Life is Precious
Nobody ever said that life is easy. And two accounts here only proves this. Three young lives snuffed out in an Ohio high school for reasons yet undetermined. Then the destruction of almost 50,000 abandoned chickens in Cafos - most of whom were eutanized by the state makes me wonder about our lack of compassion.
SHARE 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.
SHARE Saturday, April 19, 2008 A Challenge for Al Gore
It is time for the State of Tennessee to stop allowing horse trainers use the "Big Lift" which causes much suffering to these poor animal.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, September 5, 2011 Mourning Chesney Anew
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.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, March 12, 2010 Kudos to Switzerland
I'm always happy to learn about countries who have a much better record then we when it comes to animal concerns. It is said that the Swiss have the strongest laws of all the nations in this regard.
There is one disappointment though and they failed recently to pass a law which would provide for 25 more animal rights lawyers. Presently, they have only one whose services are free to the people of Zurich.
SHARE Wednesday, July 2, 2008 What's in a name?
I hope you are proud of your namesake. I am proud of both of mine.
SHARE Saturday, May 17, 2008 CAFOs Have to Go
Hilary, Obama, and John McCain- what is your position on CAFOs? Your answer may well help me decide who I
want to be the next president.
SHARE Thursday, April 22, 2010 Earth Day Reflections -2010
I am always in awe of people who are not afraid to take on the big corporations or the scientific community. The producers of Food,Inc. and Rachel Carson are of this rare stripe. I am forever searching for truth and both the film and the story of Rachel Carson provided what I consider genuine efforts to enlighten. They certainly succeeded for me.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 13, 2008 A Compassionate Sandwich
Do we really know how our food animals are raised. Do we even care?
SHARE Sunday, January 18, 2009 Musings on President-elect Obama
I wanted to cross/post a picture of a beautiful "black" swan stuck in the "Black" River in Lorain, Ohio. She was happily rescued by the Coast Guard. Unhappily, I was having problems in effecting this. So, I turned instead to another "black" topic - President-elect Obama.
SHARE Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Buying American
When NAFTA was being bandied about during the Clinton Administration, I only know that people in Animal Rights were rightfully concerned. Animals would probably suffer as a result. It seems that the average Joe and Jane should have been concerned as well for different reasons.
SHARE Tuesday, June 10, 2008 A new citizen in June
I never witnessed the swearing in of new citizens until this past Friday. I was grateful for the experience which I am sharing with you.
SHARE Saturday, April 5, 2008 Change
Everybody is agitating for change in government. I am hoping that all the states will upgrade their animal cruelty laws. It is time. It is past time.
SHARE Monday, August 11, 2008 No Beijing Olympics for Me
Are you blissfully watching the Olympics in a country where they skin alive cats and dogs for their fur?
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 11, 2008 The "Joys" of Renting
Renters and landlords may each find something interesting and of use here.