Compassionate Vegan

All 60 dogs were killed in the dog lab. The protest was extended for all 3 days of the lab, and 4,000 people emailed. Poor Pups :( ************************************************************ *************************************I grew up vegetarian (thank you Mom!) and went Vegan 12 years ago. I guess I'm lucky my parents never figured out the 60's ended. I am a vegan for ethical and environmental reasons.My first job out of college was managing my local animal shelter for five years. I needed to move on for my sanity so I got my masters and am moving forward. My true calling and passion though is for animals, and nature. ..NEED OF THE WEEK: Neglect Case West Virginia.*************************************************** **Here is the background story. Anyone who has a rescue PLEASE think about helping out these poor dogs. They have been in cages since May of 2006.Please repost and help get these dogs a real life!!I am told that every story has two sides. I am just posting to help these dogs not get into the politics.*************************************************** ****** Kennel Director Accused Of Cruelty W.Va. Woman Worked With Loudoun StoresBy Candace Rondeaux Washington Post Staff Writer The Washington Post Sunday, July 16, 2006; Page LZ01A West Virginia woman who arranged adoptions for hundreds of dogs at several Loudoun County pet stores and a local veterinary clinic has been charged with animal cruelty.Animal control officials in Berkeley County, W.Va., charged Mara Spade, 61, on Wednesday with keeping 149 dogs in inhumane conditions at Second Chance, the nonprofit animal shelter she operated near Harlan Spring Road there. Spade allegedly kept 60 to 80 of the dogs confined together with only two bowls of water and insufficient food, said Berkeley County animal control officer Donna McMahan. A search of the property last month revealed that conditions at Spade's kennel were so bad that many of the dogs were malnourished and in poor health, McMahan said. "It was disgusting," McMahan said. "I was appalled by anyone calling themselves a rescuer and keeping those animals like that."Spade's attorney, Paul Taylor, said his client, who was released on $2,000 bond, has done nothing wrong. She paid for the dogs' care out of her pocket to keep them from being euthanized, he said."There's no abuse. She may be a little overwhelmed, but she is not a cruel person by any definition," Taylor said. "I think it would devastate her if she was forced to shut down the shelter."Loudoun authorities said Spade, of Inwood, W.Va., charged people $200 to $500 to adopt the dogs and arranged the adoptions through deals with several Loudoun PetSmart and Petco stores and a local veterinary clinic.Loudoun County Department of Animal Care and Control director Thomas Koenig said his agency had received nine complaints about Spade and the dogs since 2003. All but one complaint was resolved without incident. Last month, a Loudoun animal control officer issued Spade a written warning in Leesburg after several dogs were left unattended in a closed van that she used to transport the animals, authorities said.Koenig said no charges are pending against Spade in Loudoun."We've received complaints about her. We've responded to them, and she's gotten herself into compliance," Koenig said.McMahan said her agency had tried for several years to inspect Spade's property but received a search warrant only in June. The search revealed that many of the dogs suffered from worms, malnutrition and infections, she said. Several had festering bite marks and puncture wounds.If found guilty of the animal cruelty charge in Berkeley, Spade could be sentenced to up to six months in jail, be fined up to $2,000, or both. Berkeley County authorities said Friday that the investigation into Spade's animal shelter is ongoing.A Berkeley County magistrate ordered county animal control officials to take custody of the dogs. Most are being housed at the county shelter, and some local families have also agreed to take dogs in temporarily, McMahan said. There is no plan to euthanize any of the dogs, and animal control officials hope they'll be adopted."Most of them are pretty good dogs as far as their temperament and demeanor," McMahan said.Copyright 2006, The Washington Post **************************************************** Please contact ACO DIRECTLY. BERKELEY COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROLPhone: 1-304-263-4729Address: Berkeley County Animal Control, Animal Warden 700 South Queen Street Martinsburg, WV 25401Fax: 304-267-7194Email: NA Here are some dogs who were taken from this situation and are currently in desperate need of homes!****************************************************** This is a GREAT DOG!!!INFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 30 (OLD #??) BREED: LAB MIX SEX: FEMALE AGE: VERY YOUNG ( LESS THAN 1 YEAR) SIZE: ABOUT 55 POUNDS LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC CITY FACILITY SPAY/NEUTER: ??? NOTES: She's still a happy hand-full - I'd say she is some kind of lab mix, although she has VERY long and lean lines and alot of leg - she is young, probably only 11 months, and she is very green and gumby like. Still very babyish and coltish - would be a very fun dog to work with - she is extremely open and friendly, and great with other dogs - actually very kind to them.This is a GREAT DOG!!! NFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 3 SEX: MALE AGE: YOUNG (2-3) SIZE: STANDARD BEAGLE (STURDY) LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC COUNTY FACILITY NOTES: A friendly and composed guy who has a "beagle bubble" around him and appears to be keeping it together as a result. He should be quite placeable and might be a good bet for a rescue that wants to help out by taking one of these dogs. SPAY/NEUTER: NeuteredINFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 26 (OLD #??) BREED: BEAGLE/LAB SEX: ??? AGE: YOUNG (1-2 YEARS) SIZE: ABOUT 45 POUNDS LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC COUNTY FACILITY NOTES: We didn't get to spend much time with this dog because we didn't know s/he was there. We will visit more with him/her next time. However, the body language tells a lot -- s/he is right up at the front of the kennel, not cowering in the corner, and his/her glance up at the camera is positively languid. Seems like a nice, confident dog who would quickly take advantage of his/her adopters and have them eating out of his/her little paw.INFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 10 (OLD #??) BREED: COLLIE/SHEPHERD MIX SEX: MALE AGE: YOUNG ADULT (2-3) SIZE: ABOUT 65 POUNDS? (SEEMS STURDY BUT FLUFF IS MISLEADING) LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC COUNTY FACILITY NOTES: Calm and friendly, this guy allowed our volunteers to groom him and wash him without complaint, even though it took hours. Exceptionally beautiful. A great dog and probably a very easy keeper. We are a little worried about him because he seems to be losing hope. SPAY/NEUTER: ???INFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 42 (OLD #??) BREED: LAB/POINTER MIX SEX: FEMALE AGE: ADULT 5-6 YEARS SIZE: ABOUT 50 POUNDS LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC CITY FACILITY SPAY/NEUTER: SPAYED NOTES: VERY plush coat - plump, sweet, gentle dog - she is mature, but again - clear eyed, spry and so happy. I was keen on her because of her kind expression.This is a GREAT DOG!! INFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 40 SEX: MALE AGE: YOUNG ADULT (2-3 YEARS) SIZE: ABOUT 75 POUNDS LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC CITY FACILITY SPAY/NEUTER: NEUTERED NOTES: he is a lovely black lab - white patch - dense and plump - filled with eager, happy enterprise and good will. He is probably 75 pounds, 2/3 years old - still a bit puppy-ish, but he was so delighted to be outside, and so happy to be with the animal control officer he just could not decide which was better. A GREAT dog.INFORMAL TRACKING NUMBER: 37 (OLD #??) BREED: KARELIAN BEAR DOG MIX SEX: FEMALE AGE: ADULT (5-6) BASED ON TEETH SIZE: ABOUT 50 POUNDS LOCATION: BERKELEY COUNTY AC CITY FACILITY SPAY/NEUTER: SPAYED NOTES: plump and has adorably short legs - a thick, plush coat - she absolutely frolics about and she is so gentle and loving. She has a very happy face and a busy dispatch - no nervousness, just lots of good will and shining, bright eyes. She is probably over 50 pounds, but she is not really a big dog, just a solid one. We are guessing her out at maybe 5/6 years of age, but this is based only on her teeth. Her movement is grand and bustling, eyes are clear and open. A lovely dog. ..********************************************************** ***************** "The essence of nonviolence is love. Out of love and the willingness to act selflessly, strategies, tactics, and techniques for a nonviolent struggle arise naturally. Nonviolence is not a dogma; it is a process."~Thich Nhat Hanh ************************************************************ ********************************On October 12, 1999, the population of the world hit 6 billion, at least in theory. This number is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. The Green Revolution, which fueled much of the recent growth, appears to have come to an end. Indeed, grain production worldwide has been declining since 1983, and biotech is not likely to reverse the downturn. Today, 70 percent of grain in the U.S. and 40 percent of grain worldwide lavishly goes to feed livestock. And just when the world seems to think it needs more land to cultivate grain to feed to animals so more people can eat them, per-capita world cropland has declined by 20 percent in the 1990s alone. The World Health Organization says 1.2 billion people in the world don't get enough to eat. Increasing meat production is definitely not the answer. ************************************************************ **********Natural diet. Our hands, teeth, feet, intestinal tract...even our body chemistry is that of an herbivore. ******************************************* Reciprocity. If I partake in the slaughter of animals, I will have to repay my contribution to that act. ******************************************** "Protecting the Temple". "Whatever affects the body has a corresponding effect on the mind and soul" (E.G. White) ******************************************** I believe in nonviolence. Slaughter isn't. Conservation of Fossil fuel. It takes 78 calories of fossil fuel to produce 1 calorie of beef protein; 35 calories for 1 calorie of pork; 22 calories for 1 of poultry; but just 1 calorie of fossil fuel for 1 calorie of soybeans. By eating plant foods instead of animal foods, I help conserve our non-renewable sources of energy. ******************************************** Water Conservation. It takes 3 to 15 times as much water to produce animal protein as it does plant protein. As a vegetarian I contribute to water conservation. ******************************************** Efficient use of grains. It takes up to 16 pounds of soybeans and grains to produce 1 lb. of beef and 3 to 6 lbs. to produce 1 lb of turkey & egg. By eating grain foods directly, I make the food supply more efficient & that contributes to the environment.******************************************** ****************************************** “Imagination disposes of everything; it creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which is everything in this world.” ~Blaise Pascal ************************************************************ *********************** I am a foster parent for German Shepherd Rescue of New England.These dogs are in desperate need of homes. Please let anyone you know that might help about them. Donations, fostering, and adoption are all needed.Six Dogs Still In Need ******************************************Bennington (VT) animal control has finally been awarded custody in a forfeiture hearing for a large number of German Shepherd Dogs whose owner was charged in July with cruelty for the horrific condition of the dogs and the school bus they were being housed on. ALL of the dogs have emotional issues as a result of the abuse they were exposed to and varying degrees of socialization (mostly lack of) with individuals add ,more complexities to their needs. These dog will require tons of patience, understanding and consistency and there are no quarantees as to how well they will cope in the real world. We have assessed, observed and worked with them for 5 months and new homes must be aware that we don't know what might trigger fear/flight in them at any point. For this reason fenced yards and/or strict leash walking are necessary for their safety. They have suffered far too much in their lives to allow a situation where more harm could result. Being raised in a huge pack where survivial of the swiftest was a way of life we are seeking homes without small pets or children so that no accidents might happen. None of the offered dogs have displayed overaggressiveness however most can be assumed to have at least some hidden fear aggression/flight due to their abusive background.. Housebreaking is another issue as they were never given the opportunity to chose cleanliness but were forced to live in filth. This will take time, consistency and understanding as well. Obviously these dogs are not without serious issues but we do feel that knowledgable homes that can offer the right circumstances may very well find great rewards in rescuing one of these dogs; they are truly "rescues" in every sense of the word. We are not sugar-coating their needs as we are desperate to find LifeLongLoving homes and that means their new homes need to weigh the big picture before making this commitment. Only serious inquiries please, these guys are taking all our available time as it is and we simply can't be answering casual questions. I hope you can appreciate this. We will get back to you as soon as time allows. ********************************************** Luckydog Animal Control Adoption Program Arlington, VT (802) 375-6121 [email protected] LorettaGuardian angel desperately wantedLoretta was one of 32 dogs seized, and nearly 6 months later ordered forfeited by a judge. The previous owner is still facing criminal charges on 2 counts of cruelty. These dogs entire lives were a nightmare which culminated with their owner's arrest after the dogs were found crammed into a school bus, living in filth and in despicable physical condition. Most of the dogs are emotionally scarred by the inhumane handling and abuse they suffered or witnessed as part of everyday life.Loretta is a special case and really needs an angel to come into her life. She is between 2-3 years old and has been discovered to have a rather severe heart murmur. A recent ultrasound diagnosed SAS (Subaortic Stenosis). The vet, who initially heard the problem on a pre-court hearing physical, was surprised to hear that Loretta doesn't display the usual symptom of exercise intolerance. She is a very active and lively girl and could be better described as over-active rather than under.Specifics of medications appropriate to her condition are still not available and there is a real dilemma over whether she should even be offered for adoption in light of her condition. She could suffer a heart attack at any time, tomorrow or years from now, and that is a lot to ask someone to open their own hearts and homes to. I am hopeful that there is just such a home out there as I can't bear facing having to put her to sleep when she's suffered so much neglect in her short life and still has so much good in her. She is not as emotionally traumatized as the majority of these Shepherds were and actually seeks out attention from people. I would not recommend her for a home with an alpha female although she has done very well with a male and a subordinate female would probably be fine.******************************************** Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. ~Old VT Farmer******************************************** ******************************************** I am open to daily learning experiences, meeting new people who are liked minded, and truely believe tolerance, and education is the key to turning all that is wrong in the world around.***************************************************** ********************************** I honor diversity and look to befriend those who also practice tolerance, and believe all life is sacred. I have no tolerance for animal or child abusers, or people that wear fur! Be forewarned! ************************************************************ **************************** "Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand"-Unknown Tribe ************************************************************ ****************************Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight. ~Albert Schweitzer ************************************************************ *************************** I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. - Edward Everett Hale******************************************************** ************************************************************ ************************************************************ **** Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander. - Holocaust Museum, Washington, DC********************************************************** ******************************* We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. - Aldo Leopold ************************************************************ ************************************************************ *********

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