Oh, Joyous Day!

As I'm sure most of you have heard, Michael Vick, the shame of Virginia Tech, has been indicted for dog fighting. I can barely contain my excitement, but I must; I don't want to get my hopes up. We all know that celebrities, sports figures, and the wealthy have a history of doing whatever they please; Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, and that British dude that killed his wife, for example. (Funny how they lynched Martha Stewart, though. I've always wondered about that.)

The dog in the pics above and to the right (from the HSUS website) was one of 52 who were seized from Vick's Surry County property. Most of you are well aware of my soft spot for pit bulls, especially after my time in New Orleans. I don't want to imagine what this poor baby went through. And although I know the HSUS will do everything in their power to make this baby's life the best it has ever been, I fear she will never know what it's like to snuggle on the bed or romp untethered in the grass, like my babies. I hope I'm wrong.

All the big groups have something to say about Vick, which I love, since we are all on the SAME TEAM! Check out what the ASPCA, HSUS, and PETA have to say (and please be sure to take action where indicated!). Wayne Pacelle's blog is informative as well (and not just today; I'm a frequent reader). Another of my favorites, Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare, has compiled an extensive list of whom to contact about Vick or for legislative change in general. It is not yet on their website, but I'm sure it will be soon. Believe me, Lillian Clancy and Don Marro are on top of things!

Get your "Neuter Michael Vick" t-shirts here. The title on the page reads, "Dog fighting is for savages," but I'm sure they did not intend to insult savages like that.

New Position: Office Manager

Hey Everyone!! After an awsome meeting at the Tiki Bar last night, the Board approved an office manager part time position. Tell your friends that have a love for animals and are computer whizzes to apply. See our website for more info or email resume and references to pchumane@verizon.com. Thanks to all who made the meeting and for those who didn't, we missed you! Thanks also to Becky and Rebecca who stayed late for a financial committee meeting to educate me on the budget and develop it for this year. WE need to do a little more fundraising and we're home free!!

Also, did you hear about the lumber donation!!! Great start for the barn! Thanks to Julie for facilitating that!!

Clementine

Earlier this week, Pulaski County Animal Control was called out on an emergency run to rescue little Clementine.

Clementine was found by a citizen that had been feeding her outside at her home. The little calico was alone, scared, and seriously injured. She was carefully rescued by Animal Control and rushed to Tipton Ridge Veterinary Medical Center for emergency surgery to remove a full sized arrow from her front leg. Apparently, some cruel neighbors had used her as target practice and left her to suffer. Her leg could not be repaired, so the Humane Society decided to give this little girl a chance -- we would figure out how to pay the bill later. In addition, Clementine was pregnant and unable to carry her babies due to this horrific injury.

Animal control is currently collecting evidence and is attempting to prosecute this case.

Please keep in mind:

• 20% of all intentional animal abuse crimes are committed by teens and 95% of those teens are boys. (source)
  
• Serial killers almost always started their killing sprees on animals before moving on to people. Studies of violent offenders in prison show that nearly 75% of them had earlier records of animal cruelty. (source)
• In 85% of homes where a woman or child is being abused, there is also an animal who suffers abuse. 60% of women who have been abused have had a pet violently killed. People who abused pets as children are much more likely to commit violent crimes against people. (source)
• Children who abuse animals are often abused and neglected themselves. In one study 25% of domestic violence victims did not try to get help because they feared for the safety of their pets. If you see a child abuse an animal, take it seriously and report it to animal control. It may be a clue that other problems exist in their family situation. (source)

If you see ANYONE abuse an animal, please contact your local Animal Control officers or the Police.

UPDATE: In Clementine's case, a special donor has agreed to pay her vet bill and care for Clementine for THE REST OF HER LIFE !!!! Clementine is in the process of being adopted as a solely indoor cat. She will live the rest of her life in peace, with no fear of injury by a cruel stranger. Her leg is healing very nicely, she LOVES belly rubs, and she is a big purrer. She will live a happy, normal life even though she only has 3 legs. Her fur will grow back over her "scar of saddness".

Please consider making a special donation to help our stray pets that come to us without a home to pay for their care. We have at least one animal each year that needs a limb removed . It is an expensive procedure, and although the vets always reduce the fee for us, it would be nice to have the money set aside for these emergencies. Having reserve funds for emergency care often means the difference between life or death.

Donations may be made to PCHS, PO Box 1046, Dublin, VA 24084 or online through PayPal --- please mark in the memo line on your check "Clementine Emergency Fund" or select the "Clementine Emergency Fund" option on our online donation page.

Animals need our love and help. How they continue to be so forgiving to humans remains a mystery. Thanks to each of you for caring and a big, BIG THANK YOU to officers McMillian and Lorton, Dr. Vaughn, the citizen that was so upset for poor Clementine, and our wonderful donor!

-- Rebecca English, Executive Director, PCHS

April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

Take Action to Protect Seals

HSUS MySpace Page Get web badges

Recalled pet food information

Information regarding Menu Foods recall of canned/pouch dog and cat food can be obtained here:

Dog food:
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

Cat food:
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

Thanks to Jennifer Smart for finding and sending out these links!