Yes you can but you may not - about abuse of power

I came across this quote which stopped me in my tracks:
 
    "When I was in the military, I was given a medal for killing two people, and a discharge   for loving one." (Epitaph of Leonard P. Maltovic)

Against the landscape of the future of "don't ask don't tell" and the issue of same sex marriage surely headed to the United States Supreme Court- I have to sadly say - no matter the outcome - we cannot cure or legislate against bullies. There will always be abuse of power and tyranny over a weaker entity. That is the elixir of the strong - license to trample.

spcaLA is on a mission to protect voiceless and defenseless animals from the infliction of cruelty. A variety of laws exist to protect the disabled, children, elderly, consumers and a host of vulnerable classes weaker than the reigning clique. Our constitution defends minority rights, religions, and the right of a single voice to speak against the government. And still - the large pummel the small, the majority taunts the minority, the big kid throws sand on the little kid and the little kid kicks the puppy.  As if that wasn't bad enough - our system allows the use of these minorities to further the agenda of those in power at the conclusion of which they are discarded.  Leonard P. Maltovic, a decorated Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air-force during the Vietnam era, was allowed to risk his life for his country until they discharged him as "unfit for military service" when they learned he was a homosexual.  Seriously, does that make sense? He was fit as long as other people didn't know he was gay?

As long as we ravage the environment because we can, exploit and torture animals because we can, subjugate women and children because we can, decimate minority constituencies because we can, and laud power over the weak because we can - we are doomed to forever travel in a circle powered by whichever big wind blows.

We are clearly unable to legislate against every bully or abuser who torments those who are weaker. Could we legislate for truth, justice, respect and equality? Maybe we write a law that strives for the positive and states - "yes you can, but you may not".  Jean de La Fontaine, the French fabulist and poet said:
  
   "Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people."

Who do we see about that?

Where does all the funding go? Where did Haiti's go?

I have been watching a lot of coverage about the 6 month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti and it is awful. Nothing is happening. People are still living on the streets, roads are not built and hurricane season is fast approaching. Where are the funds that were raised to facilitate the recovery? What is going on? Creative accounting? Diverting funds elsewhere? Sham entities? Government corruption?

Disasters can be goldmines for the unscrupulous whether they are charities or government bureaucrats. With every outpouring of generosity there are tales of fraud, fake victims, fine print loopholes and official corruption. There are websites alleging to be those of legitimate organizations, or legitimate organizations trying to benefit from disaster fund-raising who aren't really helping. Confusion, both deliberate and accidental is everywhere. We are a people that always respond to pleas for help, yet how many times can we hear of these disappointments and still continue to give. As one who runs a charity, I can tell you, I am disturbed by this. spcaLA's animals depend upon the kindness of strangers and philanthropic citizens as does any vulnerable group. If those who can give, stop, believing that they are not making a difference, what will happen to those in need?

Rather than souring on giving, research the situation, ask questions and make sure your gift is going to whom and where you so intend. (For example - the animal welfare world has no umbrella organization. Funds to ASPCA and HSUS are not distributed by donor zip-code as is the case with other nonprofit models. There are no chapters. In fact, both have been asked to simply provide meaningful disclosure on their ads to avoid confusion - and both have refused) Rather than getting upset that you gave in response to a commercial that you believed suggested that your gift would be local and thus donated to an organization that did not fulfill your intention - research the charity. Rather than feeling fooled or ripped off that you sent funds and people are still suffering - research the entity responsible for distribution and recovery measures.  Absent a catastrophic occurrence like an earthquake or 911, donating to a local organization that you can visit, talk to, and just see in action is reassuring to the donor.

Often, even a local charity that you know and trust may be providing international relief as well. Giving locally also helps to strengthen the community in which you live. New Yorkers reading this may recall the tag line for Sy Sims clothing - "An educated consumer is our best customer." Ultimately this is the best advice and a policy which ensures satisfaction all around.  It is especially true in these horrid economic times where the philanthropic entities are filling essential financial and service gaps left by the government and for-profit sectors and who desperately need help to keep up with the demand. If the reputable nonprofits fail - there will be no relief. Conversely, the combination of generosity and disaster can add up to a veritable "candy store" for the unprincipled, greedy and the opportunistic.

I sincerely hope that the citizens of Haiti receive the monies meant for them - I hope that this is so for their sakes, and for those in need everywhere.

Be kind to the hens if you want healthy eggs.

It is so often that doing the right thing for another living thing helps us all. Or-good deeds can produce their own rewards.

Effective January 2015 it will be a misdemeanor to sell eggs in California that are the product of inhumanely confined hens. In other words, the hen must be able to move around, extend her wings, and lie down without touching another hen or the sides of the cage.(AB 1437) This is a derivative consequence of the Prevention of the Farm Cruelty Act (Proposition 2), passed by us in 2008 which goes into effect at the same time. It is interesting to note that the reasons stated in the bill relate to the protection of people! The language states:     "Egg-laying hens subjected to stress are more likely to have higher levels of pathogens in their intestines, and the   conditions increase the likelihood that consumers will be exposed to higher levels of food-borne pathogens. Salmonella is the most commonly diagnosed food-borne illness in the United States."     This is a well known fact which has come up time and again regarding the sale of Easter chicks and duck plague where the release of chicks into our ecosystem, affect the water, where ducks and migratory birds bathe and drink.

This chant of interconnectedness is not one that is illusory, the ravings of a Henny-Penny, or those of a single-minded activist. It is real. So - if you don't care about the humane treatment of animals - care about contracting salmonella - and be kind to them for that reason.

A Dog Dyed Any Other Way Is Still A Dog

What is the obsession of decorating live animals about? Painting turtle shells, and dyeing Easter chicks (illegal in California) are practices that have fallen out of style and/or been outlawed as cruel and wrong. After many years of humane education and the evolution of a society more inclined towards the protection of animals, I fear we may lapse. China is featuring dogs fully dyed and painted to look like other animals, or to look like nothing else. In other words, for a few hundred dollars your dog can be a panda or a psychotic hallucination.  http://bit.ly/b2SbZJ  My fear is that the fad will catch on here with dire results. Uses of toxic dyes, untrained practitioners, and children "trying it at home", will, of course, result in pain, illness and blindness to pets. An ancillary consequence would be the devolution back to the idea that pets were things and at our disposal to paint, manipulate and harm as we so please. This would be a giant step backward in our collective sense of morality and ethics.

I am not a fan of excessive and constant regulation or of legislating behavior to our lowest outliers. I do not want to have to deal with this on any level because someone wants to have a unique "toy" i.e. a dog that looks like a giraffe.

So please - We said "yes" to China when they gave us melamine in pet food, "yes" to lead paint in  toys, and "yes" to cheap and often unsafe products. Let's say no to dyeing pets and dying pets. Instead, let us export our condemnation of this fad along with specialty pet clothing for those times a pet must stand out.

The Heartbreak of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm - a disease potentially fatal to dogs and cats - is now a local problem as more and more cases have been contracted in our area. It is a worm that embeds in the pet's heart or lungs and is spread by the Western Treehole Mosquito. Endemic to humid and tropical climates more hospitable to the breeding and thriving of mosquitoes, California, a desert, has been relatively free of this problem. Consequently, we do not consider Heartworm testing and prevention as part of our routine veterinary care for our pets. This has to change. Originally, hurricane Katrina was blamed for the local cases as many of those rescued pets had the disease or were carrying it. This is only partially true. When spcaLA accepted Katrina animals we knew to test and treat for it so as not to accidentally put an infected pet into the population. The better explanation for recent cases is simply, that, people travel with pets, import them, or buy them via the internet, to and from places where Heartworm resides, and bring the problem here.

Heartworm can afflict both dogs and cats and is fatal if not treated in time. Lethargy, weakness, respiratory difficulties, coughing, gagging, and vomiting are some of the typical symptoms. Testing,  preventative drugs, insect repellents, and common sense precautions can prevent the illness. Start by talking to your veterinarian about what is right for your pet. Then - keep your environment free of mosquitoes by being mindful of standing water, using repellents, and window screens.   As mosquitoes do come inside, indoor pets are also at risk!

Prevention and early detection are your best friends in keeping your friends for life healthy and safe.

The Gulf of Tears

The spill in the gulf is ripping my heart out. I stare for hours at the gusher video feeling alternately helpless and enraged. I watch as turtles, sharks, birds, marshlands, reptiles, fish, and mammals die every second.  I weep with the families of the 11 dead workers as I stare at that watery grave.

It feels as if the oil flood was avoidable had laws been followed and enforced. It feels as if things are disappearing in the dark of night like dolphins and business records. It feels as if energy is being spent posturing, laying blame, theatrical apologies and calculated rage. It feels like death by ensanguination.

Extinct species, dissolved coastlines and fragile wetlands don't return. There could be ramifications by way of pollution, chemical poisoning, dead ecosystems, and toxic food for decades to come. Of course, the politicians, CEOs, bureaucrats and the like will have moved on to other jobs as their tenure and brief era of responsibility will have passed. The story will become a footnote or game show question - and the ocean will continue to fight for its life unless we seize this opportunity to find alternative energies that will preserve our planet and protect its species- including us. Some politician suggested nuclear energy. Really?  Given the management fiasco we are witnessing now - what could go wrong with that?

P.S. spcaLA's elite disaster unit has been asked to stand by and be ready to respond if needed. Rest assured - we are and will.

Say no to a Great Dane and I don't mean Hamlet!

While "to be or not to be" ranks as a great philosophical question for the ages - in my world, it is always answered "to be" by unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills. These opportunists are already cranking out Great Dane puppies to answer the demand of those who must have their own Marmaduke. Like Collies,(Lassie) Dalmatians, (Pongo) Chihuahuas, (so many films), and Portuguese Water Dogs, (Bo, the first dog) the Great Dane breed is about to be exploited and likely decimated.

Great Danes, though wonderful, affectionate and loyal, have problems associated with the breed, such as hip dysplasia heart disease, tumors and digestive issues that must be carefully monitored by accountable breeding and attended to by conscientious pet owners.Those that simply breed to supply the demand of a fad exacerbate those weaknesses and bring additional recessive negative traits forward. The result is a slew of sick dogs, unhappy children and a surge in the number of dogs turned into animal shelters.

How about we just enjoy the movie and not create the demand in the first place by saying no to the impulse to have a family Marmaduke. It is much easier to explain to our children why we won't get the dog in the first place, than to explain why the dog we acquired died or had to be relinquished.

To be responsible or not to be responsible? That is the question.  What do you think!