31 Chihuahua's on death row - Please adopt

Viewing the latest dogs housed in the Maricopa county west shelter this morning prompted me to write this blog post. There are currently 31 Chihuahua’s on Maricopa west’s death row right now, including puppies, apple heads, deer heads and teacup. Chihuahua’s hold a special place in my heart and to see one in trouble breaks my spirit. Of course I wish that people didn’t dump their dogs at shelters or onto the streets to fend for themselves. However, humans are selfish irresponsible beings that for the most part do not have a heart when it comes to animals. “It’s a dog!” those words I hear way too often from humans that just don’t get it. Animals have feelings just as you and I and unlike us they cannot speak for themselves. So this is where us animal lovers come in, explaining to the heartless, that animals are not here simply for humans. If you are an animal lover then you have been down this dirt road many times. If there is a shred of goodness in a person they will know this without any explanation. The problem is that these little dogs are over bred, most breeders are in it for the money and do not care what happens to the dogs once they are purchased. Always adopt and never buy a puppy or dog; for every dog purchased from a breeder or store one dies in the shelter.

This brings me back to the “31” tiny Chihuahua’s at the Phoenix Arizona animal shelter, waiting in a scary and loud pen for someone to find them and take them home. If you know Chihuahua’s they are not a very resilient breed. They are generally fearful, and enjoy tucking themselves under anything that will shelter them from their surroundings. My Chihuahua is currently being used as a lumbar support; she has rooted like a pig into the sofa to where she has ended up right where a good lumbar pillow would go. It can be 90 degrees and my girl will find the softest thing in the room and make herself a bed to get under. Those poor chi’s at the shelter are frightened and should never be there in the first place. They are not built to handle the surroundings of an animal control shelter. This is why most of them are thought of as being mean or aggressive in shelters, it is because of the shelter itself. Think about it how would you like it? You’re facing death unless someone adopts you and adopts fast! With that in mind usually Chihuahua’s need to warm up to a person before they are comfortable, it may take 10 minutes or one week, but once they know you are good they will become your new shadow. 

Owning a Chihuahua is one of the most rewarding gifts a person can have. One must experience it to understand and feel just how much they care for their guardians.I know I could not imagine life without mine.

The Chihuahua’s facing death at the shelters around the world is hoping you will take a chance on them and give them a home where they are safe and loved.  Visit your local shelter today to see Chihuahua's for adoption and if in the Phoenix Arizona area please visit the Maricopa county west shelter today before it is too late.

Maricopa County West Shelter.  2500 South 27th Avenue. Phoenix, AZ 85009

602-506-PETS(7387)

SEE THE LATEST PET PHOTOS FROM PHOENIX ARIZONA HERE
Chihuahua's come in new each day! Please save at least one. 

EAST SHELTER : http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-phoenix/amanda-chilcher
WEST SHELTER: http://www.examiner.com/dog-rescue-in-phoenix/carla-walters

Make your day better -- adopt a pet from your local shelter -- and save their life.

Utah animal shelter running over pets with trucks & shooting them!

The Millard county animal control in Delta, Utah has officially marked their county as a death camp for stray animals. According to witnesses Millard animal control workers are shooting animals that have been held for more than 72 hours. If they then run out of bullets, they run over them with trucks and dump their bodies into a sewage pit. This as you well know is animal cruelty and it is illegal.


The mayor Christie Tolbert believes that this is a fair and cost effective way to rid them of unwanted animals as she is not doing anything about it. Sounds to me like the mayors in this town should be called Führers. It is obvious by their actions that this county doesn’t have an animal loving government. The city of Delta which lies within the Millard county borders has a breed restriction ordinance their website states no pit bulls or hybrids allowed. Unfortunate and callous to ban a breed of no wrong doing on its own, but that is trained by the owner to be aggressive; just another stick in the mud for this county.


According to a press release from the mayor’s office, Christie Tolbert states that the animals are taken to a county contracted vet; the Gunnison Bend veterinary clinic in Delta, Utah. The Gunnison Bend clinic also holds a federal contract from the Bureau of Land Management or BLM. This small clinic reports earnings of $700,000 for 2009. This information comes directly from the FedSpending.org website.
Prior to writing this blog, I searched the web and found nothing pertaining to adopting one of these poor animals. There aren’t any photographs of pets available, nor an adoption location. Something isn't right about this town  it just doesn't add up. These precious dogs and cats are doomed from the very start. Please take the time to share and sign the following petition and contact the Governor of Utah, Gary R. Herbert regarding these brutal murders.

PETITION
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tell-utah-mayor-stop-shooting-and-running-over-animals-with-trucks/

Governor Gary R. Herbert
801-538-1000
1-800-705-2464
Email: http://governor.utah.gov/goca/form_comment.html

Read the FOX news report
http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-hinckley-strays-shot,0,6584876.story


*Update-  The Gunnison Bend Veterinary Clinic states they do not have a contract with Hinckley Town and have no affiliation with them.

How Can I Help Animals?

We get emails all the time with the question; “What can I do to help animals?” The abuse of animals is so overwhelming it is hard to decide exactly where to start. There are so many animals suffering right this second. By the time this article is completed, tens of thousands of animals will have died.
You must determine which animals you want to help, as helping all of them is quite difficult although it can be done; with a lot of time. Do I help save the whales? Save the seals? Save the animals being slaughtered for food? Save shelter pets? Save animals being exploited for entertainment? Save animals being used in brutal un-needed animal test? Save animals being skinned alive for their fur? And those are just a few to think about. So to answer all of those wondering, this list has been compiled to give anyone a head start.

1) Once you have found your niche, gather as much data about the issue as possible. The facts are what matters, opinions are fine, but some are not helpful. Unless they come from someone with great experience in the matter. Think Paul Watson, from Sea Shepherd when asking about whales, seals or other sea animals.


2) Get involved with others who feel your passion. Search for groups on social networking sites and the internet in general. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself as a newbie. You will find that just about anyone will stop anything they are doing to help you understand the current issues. In fact, I personally have never had anyone turn down information or not return an email message; including celebrities.

3) Find online flyers or pamphlets created specifically for your cause. Print them out and make many copies. Pass them out to everyone you see. Be careful about putting them on cars as this is illegal in some areas. Make sure you ask the appropriate authorities. Some organizations such as PETA will happily mail you canvassing materials all you have to do is ask. Or as a final resort you could make your own.

4) If you have your own website, some animal welfare/rights sites offer banners for webmasters to use. The more people see the better chance the animals will have.
5) It is shocking to find that some people do not know where fur coats come from or how food animals are treated in general. Awareness is the best way to help animals. Simply educating people has increased the world’s compassion for animals. Welcome questions that people may ask, even if they seem a bit odd. Answer as best as you can and if you don’t know the answer find out.

6) Become a vegan! Did you know that by not eating animal products you personally save over 110 animals a year? It is a fact. You may think that how is my one hamburger going to help animals. Well every time someone purchases an animal product (meat, eggs, cheese etc) it must be replaced. The more that is eaten the more the item is replaced. Thus the deaths of at least 110 animals are your responsibility. True animal lovers would never kill an animal simply for their appetites. Yes, it sounds a bit harsh however I am not here to sugar coat anything. (I will be posting information about your transition into veganism soon, so stay tuned) *A vegan does not eat anything that is derived from an animal or contains any animal products.*

7) Another great way to help animals is by not purchasing products that are tested on animals. Proctor & Gamble is one of the largest companies in the world and they kill thousands of animals every year performing un-needed, brutal test. Did you know that over 13,000 animals were killed testing Splenda? Crazy? YES! Now, this doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive shampoos, soaps or cleaning supplies. In fact it is just the opposite. Did you know that Alberto Culver doesn’t test their hair products on animals? It’s true and the last time I looked their shampoo and conditioners were around $1 each! And the products are as good as the high dollar stuff. Check out these links for current companies that do and don’t test on animals, and don’t forget to order your free pocket guide to carry with you wherever you go. http://www.caringconsumer.com and http://www.leapingbunny.org

8) In most cities animal welfare or animal rights groups hold protests to spread the word of animal abuse. These protests are typically quiet and well organized. If you find one you’re interested in attending contact the manager of the event to find out what to expect. It is a good thing to create your own signs or banners, if you are able to. Express your voice in your own way. This includes your clothing as well. If you wear anything made from an animal you are setting yourself up to fail; on lookers will notice. Go cruelty free.



9) Report any and all animal abuse that you witness. Do not be afraid. You do NOT have to provide your name if you chose not to. Even if it is a neighbor you will be protected. Just like the America’s Most Wanted hot-line, you are anonymous. It is imperative to keep an eye on the abuse you may have witnessed. If you are able please take photos or video of the abuse and provide it to the police. Do not cross property lines at anytime, this is considered trespassing and you can be charged. Make sure the authorities are doing their jobs to protect the animals. If they are not, please let your issue known to animal welfare groups online. There is magic in numbers, it works. You will be amazed at how many people around the globe are willing to help.

10) Stand your ground. Never let anyone stop you from helping the voiceless. You will come in contact with those who do not consider animals worthy of respect. They feel animals are here for a reason and nothing more. Do not let that get you down. Explain your position and if they don’t like it, then that is their right. At least you tried and if you only change one persons mind, then it was all worth it.




One thing to remember is even if you think that your one action can’t do anything, it can. One person can begin a snowball effect on the net, spreading the word to others. One message posted on a large Facebook group automatically gets sent to everyone on the group, and then they share with others. It is possible for one message to reach millions in a matter of minutes. We are now able to get into people’s homes, via the web and show them the truth and it has been a major breakthrough, for changing thought process of humans. With hard work, long hours, no pay, and dedication of people like you, one day the animals will finally be safe.
Good luck and thank you for your support.