Wolf's Den

This came from the Akita Rescue list.

Yeah, I cried. I'm willing to bet , you will too.


They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen.The shelter was clean, and the people really friendly.

I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.

But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to.

And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.

But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner.

See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.

For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.

I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell.

The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff.

I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."

Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that?? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.

Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.

But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.

"Okay,Reggie, " I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".... .....

To Whomever Gets My Dog:

Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.

I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.

First, he loves tennis balls...the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.

Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel. " He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left.? "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.

Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening.

Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.

He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.

Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time.

I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.

Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.

And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie.

I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank.

Because that is what I drive.

Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with.. and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting too downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. But still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough.

I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter.

I don't think I'll say another good- bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time.

Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.

Good luck with Tank.

Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me."

Thank you,

Paul Mallory

________

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.

I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.

"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.

The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.

"C' mere boy."

He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.

"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished.

I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him.

I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.

"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me."

Tank reached up and licked my cheek.

"So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again.

"Yeah?? Ball?? You like that???Ball? "

Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.

And when he came back......he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Caena learned to play with tennis balls in Michigan last week, courtesy of Cookie, Hondo and Zita.

2008 ARWNY Akita Fun Day 6 by =WolfSilverOak on deviantART

In Rachel's own words...

And on a less happy personal note, Faia - my old VKH, mammary cancer adoptee from the Lorber situation in 2005 - has been very ill and having lots of problems for the past 3 weeks. She is home today after spending nearly 20 days at the clinic on all sorts of IVs and meds for a weekend of spoiling and then she will be crossing the Bridge on Tuesday. She is 14.5 years old near as anyone can figure - lived with VKH (no eyes) for who knows how long and with mammary cancer in her lungs for at least 4.5 years. She has fought the good fight for 4 years longer than anyone thought she would or could - am always amazed by that Akita spirit. She has definitely taught me many things not the least of which is that there is no such thing as handicapped dog b/c no matter what problem they have -- they have no idea they are not normal and live their lives accordingly! No matter how late it comes one is never ready but am struggling to make it a very happy weekend for her. Lots of yummy meals in the works over the weekend!


I am honored to have met you, Faia. Give Dante my love when you see her.

Faia will pass on, June2nd, 2009, at the age of 14.5 years, +/-, the same age as Dante was.

VIA THE AKITA RESCUE LIST-

PLEASE CROSS POST FAR AND WIDE. THIS PSYCHO LITERALLY TOOK THE PUPS AND DOGS FROM THE TRANSPORTER AND FLED AWAY IN HIS VEHICLE. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF HIM PLEASE POST WHERE HE CAN BE FOUND.

PLEASE CROSS POST FAR AND WIDE. THIS MAN TOOK SOME OF OUR ANIMALS AND I AM LITERALLY SICK. HE WAS RECOMMENDED ON THE ADVICE OF SOMEONE THAT I DEAL WITH LOCALLY. HE RUNS UNDER THE GUISE OF THE SPCA OF CT -- I HAVE CONFIRMED REPORTS THAT HE IS NOT A MEMBER OF THIS GROUP. PLEASE AGAIN CROSS POST.


Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 4:41 PM
Subject: Frederick Acker Ct .... Convicted felon .. cruelty charges....

I saw the posts about Fred Acker in Ct and decided to run a background check on this person.

Here's what I found .... convicted felon served time in 05 for many accounts of animal cruelty.

Last known address was/is 359 Springhill Road
Monrow
Ct 06468

I'm still working on getting a phone number.

Date of birth 8/3/52 All
Ct rescues and shelters need to be aware of this man, he is up to no good claiming he is the SPCA, and pulling animals from shelters. Who knows what these poor babies face once in his hands.

If you would like any more indepth details, please email me privately and I will be happy to supply you with copies of the court records I just reviewed.

Judith Homer
Founder and President
Creekside Farm Horse Rescue Inc, Blue Ridge TX
www.creeksidefarmhorserescue.org

http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/news/?cid=203582

Nearly 400 neglected dogs were rescued today from a Logan County puppy mill. The Humane Society of the United States was asked to help by local law enforcement, in preparation for the large-scale raid.

The dogs were found living in horrific conditions in dilapidated structures throughout the 82-acre property. Members of The HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team and the Humane Society of Missouri removed approximately 350 dogs, 17 miniature ponies, six cats and several exotic birds and turtles from the property.

“Most people don’t realize that this is the cruel reality behind those cute puppies for sale in pet stores and online,” said Desiree Bender, Arkansas state director for The HSUS. “These dogs were kept in tiny cages and forced to breed continuously for the profit of the mill owners.”


When rescuers arrived at the property, they encountered a disturbing scene. The dogs, ranging from Shih Tzus and Poodles to Akitas and Shelties, were suffering from serious medical ailments and housed in filthy conditions. Many of the dogs were severely matted and suffering from untreated lacerations and serious skin and eye infections.

Some of the first to be freed were day-old puppies. It was obvious that many of these animals had never known life outside their wire cages.

“Puppies were being sold over the internet among other avenues. We also recovered purebred registration papers from several kennel clubs,” continued Bender. “People were buying the puppies without knowing the cruelty they were supporting. It is vital that anyone buying a puppy go and see where they were born, meet the parent dogs and ensure they are being well cared for.”

All of the animals were swiftly removed and transported to a nearby emergency shelter set up specifically for this rescue mission. After arriving at the shelter, the dogs were checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care.

Volunteers from United Animal Nations are on hand to assist with the temporary shelter for the rescued animals. Much-needed supplies were provided by PetSmart Charities, which sent its Emergency Relief Waggin’ full of donated goods such as wire crates, dog food and bedding.

“United Animal Nations volunteers are working hard to get the dogs settled and cared for,” said Janell Matthies, UAN emergency services manager. “They seem to be acclimating nicely and are beginning to interact with their caretakers. We are even seeing an occasional tail wag.”

Lawsuit Aims to Shut Down Petland and Hunte

Posted Mar 21, 2009 by lauraallen Companion Animal Breeding

Jodell Martinelli, Stephanie Booth, Melia Perry, Abbigail King, Nicole Kersanty, and Ruth Ross are the named plaintiffs who hope to convince Arizona federal District Court Judge David G. Campbell that their case should be a class action.

They have sued Petland, Inc., the notorious retail pet store, and its broker, the infamous Hunte Corporation which is the leading distributor of puppy mill dogs, along with unnamed suppliers for violations of Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, 18 U.S.C. §1962, ("RICO") and state consumer protection statutes.
Petland has approximately 140 retail locations in 31 states, either owned or operated as a franchise.
RICO is a statute typically used by federal prosecutors to go after organized crime.

The lawsuit is the next step following the report last November by The Humane Society of the United States that its eight-month confirmed Petland's practice of selling puppy mill dogs but misrepresenting and concealing the dogs' origin. The HSUS investigators "witnessed and documented the deplorable conditions at some of these puppy mills, including puppies living in filthy, barren cages reeking of urine, with inadequate care and socialization. ... A review of USDA inspection reports from more than 100 Petland breeders revealed that more than 60% of the inspections found serious violations of basic animal care standards, including sick or dead dogs in their cages, lack of proper veterinary care, inadequate shelter from weather conditions, and dirty, unkempt cages that were too small."

According to the plaintiffs' Complaint filed in the Arizona federal court, "Petland requires that each of its retail locations purchase puppies from suppliers it has approved, such as Hunte, and nearly everyone is either a puppy mill or a puppy mill broker." They cite to a definition of puppy mill offered in a Minnesota case: "a dog breeding operation in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits." Avenson v. Zegart, 577 F. Supp. 958, 960 (D. Minn. 1984). Puppy mills are described as like "an assembly line manufacturing process" for dogs:

"To operate this puppy production line, female dogs are bred at every opportunity without sufficient recovery time between litters. Once these breeding females are physically depleted to the point they lose the ability to reproduce, they are generally destroyed using inhumane methods.

Thus, following a cruel life of breeding litters upon litters of puppies, the sire and dam of that puppy mill puppy is highly unlikely to ever make it out of the mill alive. While alive and forced to reproduce, the breeding female and her puppies are confined to a wire cage barely large enough to turn around in, sometimes exposed to the elements, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and three hundred sixty-five days a year. These cages are frequently stacked upon one another in columns to conserve space so the puppy mill can maximize its number of breeding females, and therefore, its production of puppies. These cages in which the breeding female spends her entire life, and the puppies' first several weeks of life, are floored with wire mesh to facilitate waste removal and cleanup without regard for the health and wellbeing of either the puppies or their mother.
The conditions at these puppy mills have degenerated to a point of disregard for the welfare of the dogs leaving them in unsanitary, overcrowded conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, exercise or mental stimulation and socialization.

As a result of these conditions and a disregard for proper canine husbandry practices, puppies whelped at puppy mills are highly prone to debilitating and life threatening conditions".
The Complaint charges that Petland and Hunte have schemed to "defraud consumers by manufacturing a fictitious market for puppy mill puppies.... Because of the increasing awareness of puppy mills, including the inhumane treatment of the breeding dogs and problems associated with the puppies bred there, the demand for puppy mill puppies has virtually been eliminated."
There would be no market for these puppy mill puppies from Petland, according to the Complaint, "given [the dogs'] well-documented health and socialization issues."
To manufacture a demand for these puppies, Defendants are said to conceal their place of origin. The puppies sold by Petland, say the plaintiffs, "are misrepresent[ed]... as ‘the finest available' puppies from ‘professional and hobby breeders who have years of experience in raising quality family pets,' which are ‘USDA approved'".
The plaintiffs say that "Petland further misleads consumers by exploiting the low standards of the many breed registry companies. Petland deceives consumers into believing that a pet's registration or ability to be registered at one of these many registry companies reflects the quality of the puppy while further concealing its puppy mill origin. In reality, the registration of a puppy purchased at Petland provides no indication that the puppy is of a better quality than non-registered dogs, is capable of being shown or is healthy and free from congenital or hereditary defects."

"Additionally, Petland relies upon lax government licensure standards and infrequent inspections to dispel consumers' justifiable concern that their puppy may be whelped in a puppy mill. To instill a false sense of consumer confidence, Petland characterizes its "Approved Suppliers" as "USDA Approved" or as a USDA "licensed breeder," but this does not alter the fact that these breeders are indeed puppy mills. Moreover, a large number of Petland's puppy mill suppliers are not even USDA ‘licensed breeders.'"

"This scheme ultimately results in a drastically inflated price to the consumer who purchases a puppy mill puppy, where the consumer would not otherwise pay such a high price for a dog of such origin. Additionally, by fraudulently misrepresenting the origin of the puppies Petland offers for sale, consumers are duped into indirectly supporting the deplorable puppy mill industry."
The named plaintiffs, for example, each paid between $800 to $2000 for Petland puppies that turned out to be ill or diseased. The Complaint details the horrific experience of a number of people who purchased Petland/Hunte puppies at exorbitant prices only to find they were seriously ill or diseased and cost them hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary care and in some cases, died. A copy of the Complaint is attached to this article and can be downloaded.

Plaintiffs say this "scheme to conceal the origin of these puppy mill puppies from consumers has left thousands of families in its wake suffering from emotional turmoil and significant monetary losses as they grapple with diseased and dying puppies purchased at Petland stores throughout the United States."

The plaintiffs argue, "No consumer seeks to obtain, and/or pay a premium price for a puppy mill puppy, given the emotional turmoil and additional expense associated with these puppies. And most purchasers would be appalled to learn that any portion of their purchase price was used to encourage unsafe and inhumane breeding practices."

Go here and here for information about franchisees that have brought suit in Ohio for what they claim are Petland and Hunte's sleazy, fraudulent business practices.
The plaintiffs seek declarations that the defendants have violated RICO by committing mail and wire fraud and that their conduct constitutes unfair, deceptive or unconscionable sales practices; damages including treble damages, costs of litigation and attorneys' fees.

Karena Carlson with Blue Moon Akita Rescue in Colorado and MARS have been trying to get a littler of Akita pups out of Kansas City healthy and unfortunately although our best efforts have been put out there, shelter state regulations held up their release along with kennel cough delaying the mandatory spaying and neutering. We have now found out today that they think the pups have come down with Parvo and we are asking for your prayers and healing thoughts for these babies that they may come through this last turn of events. We are trying to treat them with Tamiflue and fluids.

These babies were put into a shelter at the age of 7 weeks and deserve a better outcome than dying of Parvo. Any donations for their care is appreciated by both of our rescue groups so prayers, thoughts and/or donations will be greatly appreciated. There are a total of five pups, two of which are the sickest.

Deanna
MARS

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - Rescuers who have saved hundreds of dogs from stinking, filth-choked puppy mills over the past few days have made an eye-popping discovery - most of the animals are pregnant and due to give birth to roughly 1,500 puppies.

Some 600 abused and neglected dogs have been rescued from three different kennels since last weekend, and animal shelters were are already struggling to care for the crush of animals they already have.

Now they know there are many more on the way.

Animal rescue officers say a typical litter for a stressed dog is about three pups, and roughly 500 of the dogs are pregnant.

"We're going to be having puppies born here probably every day as long as they're here," says Animal Services Director Bud Wessman.

It heaps a whole other crisis on top of the one shelters are already struggling with. After the puppies are born, rescuers will be trying to cope with more than 2,000 dogs.

"You can see it on TV and go 'ooh' and 'aah,' but when you walk into something like this ... that's where the reality is," says Teresa Letellier, who took part in the dog rescues.

Deputies and animal control officers conducted several raids on what they call puppy mills in Skagit and Snohomish counties.

They found dogs packed inside tiny crates, living in their own feces, without enough food and water - many with health problems. Conditions were so disgusting they shocked even veteran animal control officers.

And all the dogs will need new homes.

Families and volunteers are rushing in to help - Lorraine Monroe and her daughters want to provide foster care for some of the dogs.

"We need people to step up and help - families and everybody taking a dog or two," Monroe says. "We can really alleviate the problem."

And that problem will only get bigger over the next few months.

Five pugs found together at one puppy mill illustrate the problem, Wessman says.

"All five are in different stages of pregnancy, so they'll be giving birth one a week for the next several weeks," he says.

Most of the dogs currently are being housed at the Skagit County Fairgrounds and the Everett Animal Shelter.

With the cost of veterinary car, medication, grooming and dog food, rescuers estimate it will cost $20 per day to take care of each animal.

"It will break us unless we get help from the public," said Joan Crane, co-founder of S.P.O.T.

Anyone who wants to make an online donation to help pay for the dogs' care may donate to the KOMO Problem Solvers Fund.

No arrests have been made yet, but it is anticipated that animal cruelty charges will be forthcoming, said Will Reichardt, chief criminal deputy with the Skagit County Sheriff's Office.

Animal control officers are asking that anyone who has purchased a dog from the Mountain View kennel belonging to Sundbergs to call the Skagit County Sheriff's office as this information may be important to their investigation.

The contact is Animal Control officer JoHannah Deterding, who can be reached at (360) 336-9450 or at johannad@co.skagit.wa.us.


S.P.O.T.(Saving Pets One At A Time) is here.

Richard Gere appears in Hachiko remake Thursday 18th December, 05:35 AM JST

A new statue of the Hachiko dog will be installed in front of Fuji TV in
Odaiba next year, to celebrate their 50th anniversary of broadcasting and
coinciding with the Japan release of “Hachiko: A Dog’s Story” – a Hollywood
remake of the 1987 film “Hachiko Monogatari.”
The story of the Akita dog, who in the 1920s and 1930s waited for his master
at Shibuya station for nearly a decade after his death, was made into a movie
in 1987. “Hachiko Monogatari,” starring Tatsuya Nakadai, made more than 4
billion yen at theaters across Japan.
Richard Gere, 59, a reported dog-lover himself and star of the remake filmed
on Rhode Island this year, was confident of the film’s success, and said: “It
’s something I want my kids to see.” One critic wrote in an article on the
web edition of the Los Angeles Times that the movie could shape up as a
candidate for next year’s Oscars.
Chihiro Kameyama, head of movie production at Fuji TV, said they will
distribute the film together with Shochiku, and said: “We felt the dignified image
of Hachiko was an appropriate choice to help celebrate our 50th anniversary.
We decided against a temporary statue made of paper-mache or something, which
would only be there while the movie was showing, and instead opted for
something more real and permanent that can be loved and appreciated over a long
time.”
The new statue will be 88.8 centimeters tall, weigh 88.8 kilograms and
installed on May 12, 88 days before the movie’s release in Japan on Aug 8. The
statue is expected to become a famous meeting spot, similar to the one in
Shibuya.



Some of the comments annoyed the crap out of me. So naturally, I had to register and tell them what I thought. Heh.

Something that came up this weekend in a friend’s journal, poor guy is getting the brunt of it… is that people consider what Rescue does to be ‘ordinary every day rescue work’, something that’s just done daily, and deserves no recognition.

Something taken for granted because it’s made out to be ordinary.

So when groups such as ‘Rescue Ink’ pull ‘180 kittens’, oh my! That’s amazing! That’s awesome! Let’s give them major write ups!

So? That’s *ordinary, every day Rescue work*.


Yet, when Rescues go above and beyond their means to pull as many dogs as they did in the Palmdale fiasco, when Rescue goes above and beyond their means to help the Arkansas 8 from the puppy mill, when Rescue goes above and beyond to pull a Dam and her litter, resulting in one extraordinary little girl named Caena… no one outside of Rescue cares, because.. it’s ‘ordinary’.

Just because Rescues don’t look like big, bad tattoed bikers does not mean their work isn’t extraordinary. Does not mean what Rescues do doesn’t deserve a news article or a write up in People Magazine. Does not mean people need to simply dismiss it as every day.

What Rescues do as ‘ordinary, every day rescue work’, is *extraordinary* and the world needs to know it.

wners_Name: SHARON MCFALL
Owners_Email: VICKIE1118@AOL.COM
Owners_Day_Phone: 865-310-6433
Owners_Night_Phone: 865-995-9132
Akitas_Name: LADY
sex: female
Altered: intact
Any_ID: No
ID_Type:
Collar_Tags: yes
B1: Submit Lost Akita Information
Date: January 05, 2009

Lost_Location:

222 SPEARS ROAD FRIENDSVILLE, TN 37737
HER HOME. 12-27-2008

Additional_Contacts:

DAUGHTER ANGIE 865-995-9598

Akita_Description:

SOLID WHITE, BLACK EARS AND BLACK AND WHITE SPLIT
MASK

Additional_info:

LOVES TO PLAY. SPRINGS UP LIKE A DEER WHEN HAPPY OR EXCITED. DOES LOVE
TO CHASE CATS AND SQUIRRELS. LOVES HER FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES
GRANDCHILDREN

These are the ones that have a photo of Dante-Inu in them.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Remember...the 2009 MARS calendars are now back from the printers and
available for ordering!

We have been shipping them all week and the feedback has been great :)

Please forward this email to other Akita enthusiasts, family members,
email lists, or anyone you think would be interested in purchasing a
calendar. It is our MARS grass roots supporters that help us promote
and sell our calendars each holiday season. Every purchase counts and
makes this a successful fund raiser for our orphans!

Please order early, especially if your dog is in the calendar, as we
only printed a certain number of calendars and we want everyone that
desires one for themselves or for gift giving to be able to purchase one.

Please see below for an order form that you can print out, or you can
order on-line with your credit card from the Moongazer website
(http://www.moongazer.com).

**For international orders, please email me privately for specific
instructions.**

The calendars are the featured product on the Moongazer website and are
listed under "Unique Items" and then just click on "MARS Items."

Or follow this direct link:
http://www.moongazer.com/Boulder/web_store.cgi?category=Artwork&page=2051.html

Or, see a complete listing of various MARS items at:
http://www.moongazer.com/Boulder/web_store.cgi?category=Artwork&page=MARS_Items.html

This year the calendars features over 90 Akitas just being Akitas and
with over 1500 entries, we tried to pick some great shots! We have a
detailed Who's Who page, dedications, and every month has a miniature
calendar of the month previous and the month following in the top right
and left corners.

We are sure you will love them!

100% of the proceeds from calendar sales benefit the orphans under the
direct foster care of MARS. Many thanks to all who have supported MARS
efforts and to those who made the calendar possible this year!

Take Care,
-- Lisa
***********************************************************************
Lisa R. McCluskey, BS, CPDT
MOONGAZER.COM - "Intelligent Instruction Pets Enjoy"
Accredited Pet Behavior Counselor - Pet Behavior Institute of the UK
Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Certification Council for Prof. Dog Trainers
American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator #3950
Certified Delta Society Pet Partner, Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Professional Member #2713
Assistant - John Rogerson's 21 Day Instructor Course - Kusur, India
Akita Club of America Public Education Committee (PEC) Chair
Midwest Akita Rescue Society (MARS) Co-Founder


***********************************************************************
MARS ORDER FORM - 100% of Proceeds from Sales Go to MARS Orphans

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Reading comments like this...

"Oh, and they can be really aggressive towards kids. edit Actually nvm, I think the aggressiveness is from american Akitas, not shiba inus or even akita inus :3" From this post.
*headdesk**headdesk**headdesk*

Sorry, Caena! You, as an AMERICAN AKITA, have to stop being so nice! You're supposed to be AGGRESSIVE! What's wrong with you?!? You're doing it wrong!!!!

Oh and Shiba-Inus aren't aggressive? Bullshit. Tell that to the little fucker that threw itself at the fence, growling, snarling and barking like mad everytime Dante and I were out walking back in North Carolina.

ANY dog can be aggressive. It all depends on the OWNER.

Yes, there is such a thing as an American Akita-Inu line and a Japanese Akita-Inu line. The American line tends toward stouter, larger(heavier) with a more boxy face. The Japanese line is leaner, deeper chested with a more fox like face. Most times they are very hard to distinguish between though.

But they are ALL Akita-Inus.

Oh and thanks to that damn live feed video, Shiba-Inus will most likely become the next 'Hot Ticket Item' for Christmas.

ARSF Auction scarf II by *WolfSilverOak on deviantART

At nearly any given time, various Akita Rescues ae trying to raise money to offset costs. Relying mostly on donations, you can imagine how difficult this task can be. One type of fundraiser they do is online auctions.

Recently, I donated 2 silk scarves to the ARWNY auction. Well, I put it out there that I could and would, gladly, donate scarves to other Akita rescues who would be interested in some for their auctions.

Akita Rescue Society of Florida (ARSF) recently took me up on that offer. Their auction will be held, online, around the beginning of next month. I will post the direct link when it becomes available so you can bid on these scarves if so inclined.

Remember, all proceeds go directly to the Rescue's funds and aids in the care, and rescue of Akitas in need.

( ARSF scarves )

It's been 14+ years since we've had either of those.

Caena Kamikaze Ryu is a 3.5 month old Rescue Akita puppy, from Heart of Dixie Akita Rescue. She was born June 15, 2008.

Calliope and her 7 pups were dumped by her owner in a shelter in Georgia when the pups were 2 days old.

This litter was so sick, that Rachel (of HoDAR) wasn't sure at times they'd make it. As a possible result, they are smaller than average Akita pups at their age. Whether this is due to their being so sick, or it being Chrondrodysplasia(a hereditary genetic disorder that affects the bone growth and joints, as well as heart and liver issues), they simply don't know.

Other than small size, no other symptoms have manifested as of YET. So, Caena and her siblings could simply be small/petite Akitas. We think she may top out at around 50lbs, 60lbs if we're lucky, although she will always be short- or as I say, small in stature, and will most likely have arthritis early on and other joint issues. Which is why we want to get her into agility classes, to help work those joints and strengthen the muscles.

She's fiesty, and a lover. HATES being alone in her kennel at night. She's just not used to being by herself. Last night was the first night without a sibling. NO accidents in the house!

She's all Play!Play! with Mark and I. Very curious, wants to explore, can't figure out why the cats are bigger/as big as her and don't want to play. Loves the backhill. She's a digger too, roots out the grass, throws it around, chases leaves. Loves her puppy Kong.}:)

Aries came down twice on his own last night, to check her out. Came down again today, was going to hang out on the couch because she was sleeping, when Caena woke up, saw him, and wanted to play. Needless to say, Aries got scared and went back upstairs. I think within a week or two, he'll be fine.

Max on the other hand. He hasn't come downstairs on his own yet. I brought him down last night. He pointedly ignored Caena until he couldn't anymore, then hissed, snarled, fluffed up bigger than his 20lb self(at which he is 5lbs HEAVIER than Caena!), if that is possible and stalked across the back of the couch, then up the stairs. Where he has stayed since. He will take awhile. He never really cared for Dante either though.

When we take her down for a 6 month checkup in Dec, I'm going to talk to my vet about genetic testing for the Chrondrodysplasia, as IF she does have it, we want to know what to expect. If she does, she won't live as long as Dante did, but nonetheless, she will have a very full, VERY happy, love filled life.

There's nothing like a Rescue puppy. This was definately the right choice.

Expect to be spammed with photos over the coming days, weeks, YEARS.

(I'm on Mark's computer right now, later this evening, I'll have to make and upload Caena icons.}:) )

Eight Akitas were taken from a long-established puppymill in western Arkansas last week. These Akitas are safe and currently at a temporary location until they can be transported to various Akita rescue organizations in the mid-west, northeast, east and southwestern United States. All eight need to be spayed/neutered and seven need treatment for a tick born disease. Six, five males and a female, will need extensive socialization, as clearly they have had little interaction with people.

Transport costs to the various rescues alone will cost $2,000. Medical treatment and spay/neuters will add to that cost.

Please find it in your heart to donate whatever you can to assist in the overall costs. These eight Akitas deserve a chance at a better life.

To submit a donation please visit ARMAC’s website, http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/, and click on the “Donate” button. You will also find on the webpage a link to photos of the Akitas.

Thank you so much for caring.

Sincerely,
Lisa Gray
ARMAC
http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/
ACA Rescue Committee
http://www.akitaclub.org

Via Lisa Gray-

" I spoke with Rebecca at length last night regarding her visit with the 8 Akitas from the puppymill in Arkansas. This is what we know about them… (please note that the ages are estimates, except for the puppies, which were born last December).

Pen #1 contains one male (age 1-3 years), not socialized at all, seemed like he wanted to approach Rebecca but was fearful, but not aggressive. 3 male puppies 10 months old, along with one female puppy from same litter. All four puppies were fearful of people, but not aggressive. One adult female (about 5 years old), the puppies mother, who was extremely friendly and affectionate. She also approached the toys and seemed to know what they were. She does appear to be pregnant. The puppies are relying on their mom for reassurance after being taken from the mill.

Pen #2 contains one adult male (age 3-5 years), not social, but did approach Rebecca for petting. One long-coated female (age 2-4 years), she was extremely friendly and wanted lots of love. A small “terrier” type dog got into the pen with these two, but both showed no aggression toward the terrier at all.

All the Akitas, except the long-coated female, tested positive for that tick born disease and will need treatment. The “momma” will need xrays to determine whether she is in fact pregnant, and if so, how far along. It may be possible to abort the puppies. Otherwise, she will need to go to a rescue that will be able to handle her before, during and after delivery of pups. Let’s hope she is not pregnant.

These Akitas need to go to rescue ASAP. At the moment they are exposed to flies, ticks, feces and each other (which could result in a pregnancy).

I am sending pictures under separate email of them. Please let me know ASAP which one(s) your rescue is able to take. Since MARS already has an approved adopter for a male and female, I think MARS should choose first. ARSF has transport all set-up, so Dorie should choose after MARS.

The older male, penned with the long-coat female, may be difficult to socialize at his age. I think a second opinion on his demeanor is in order; I will work on that.

Thanks,

Lisa Gray

ACA Rescue Coordinator"

Also-

"Estimated cost to transport the Akitas that are coming to the east coast is $2,000. I’m skeptical as to whether the ACA Board will approve that high an amount. If anyone would like to donate toward the overall costs (spay/neuters, medical treatment, transport) please visit ARMAC’s website, http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/, for a link to make a tax-deductible donation.

Sincerely,

Lisa Gray"

Most recent email with most recent info...

I spoke with Joanne at the humane society late this afternoon. There are a total of 8 Akitas at this farm. She was told by the owners that there are 3 males that were born last December. The rest are adults, one male has a questionable temperament, described as a very dominant male that the owners are afraid of.

Joanne said that an all breed rescue has stepped forward and offered to temporarily house the Akitas, get them vaccinated and tested for heartworms, brucellosis and erhlichia. All 8 Burmese Mountain Dogs that came out tested negative for heartworms and brucellosis, BUT tested positive for erhilichia. The all breed rescue will not be able to treat the Akitas for any insect borne diseases. BMD rescue stated that all 8 of their breed that came out were in fairly good health and appeared well fed. But they have not scene the "outside world" and "showed no signs of mishandling, just NO handling".

Rebecca Payne has offered to travel to Paris, AR next weekend to assess the temperaments and get a better handle on their medical conditions. I have provided Joanne with Rebecca's contact information and asked her to coordinate with Rebecca date/time for the evaluations. Rebecca does not feel, at this time, that she will need additional help.

The all breed rescue that will be temporarily housing the Akitas has a vast transport network to the northeast, so getting a couple of these Akitas to ARWNY should not be a problem. Joanne Dimon has several contacts that can assist with getting a couple transported for ARSF to Georgia. I'm not sure if MARS can take one or two, but ARMAC has offered to take one.

So we should wait to hear further from Rebecca as to what she finds when she meets the Akitas. Rebecca will be taking pictures of the Akitas and providing us with further details. In the meantime, please have your groups prepare a transport plan to your respective areas. And if there are any other Akita rescue groups that can even one of these dogs it would help alleviate the burden on everyone involved. All our rescues are overflowing and many of us will need to board these Akitas because no foster space is available. The expense of boarding of boarding yet another Akita is one that we could all do without.

PLEASE remember to save all receipts associated with these Akitas. The ACA Rescue Committee will be urging the ACA Board to reimburse for many expenses that might not otherwise be covered under the Rescue Fund Guidelines.

For those rescues that will be taking an Akita(s) from this mill, please start soliciting your supporters for donations to help defray your costs.

I will update everyone again soon.

Sincerely,
Lisa Gray

Akita Rescues need donations. They need your help. If you can help, even if it's only a few dollars,by all means, do so.

"The dreaded call came about a puppy mill that includes Akitas.

They expect 8-10 of them tomorrow.

Reports include 4 who are older and in bad shape as well as 6 or 7 older with symptoms including bowed legs, broken ears, matted coats and eyes, etc.

They are near Fort Smith, Arkansas. This hasn't hit the press yet as they are hoping the "owner" will surrender the animals before being prosecuted.

A volunteer is working with the sherrif's department and contacted me. They have American Eskimos, Akitas, Burnese Mtn Dogs, and other pbs and mixed dogs.

Please feel free to pass on to ANY other rescue groups, especially Akita ones as I'm a little geographically challenged ;0)

Thank you,
Mich"

Akita Rescues are filled to the max. They can't handle an influx like this.

This area sits right between Tulsa, OK & Little Rock, Ark. Fort Smith is on the boarder of Oklahoma. Tulsa, Ok is about 100 miles south of this location.

Fort Smith is 100 miles north west of Little Rock.

More info forthcoming as I get it.

County actions could lead to the disbanding of animal rescue groups who rely on foster homes to house the pets in their care. This would result in additional thousands of pets being needlessly euthanized.

CHANTILLY, VA September 11, 2008: In two separate Virginia counties, animal rescue group foster homes have been cited for zoning violations with respect to the temporary housing of dogs as a volunteer service to a legitimate 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization. In neither case are the foster homes being cited for exceeding County zoning guidelines concerning the number of dogs being kept; the assertion is that dogs are being housed for commercial purposes.


In Fairfax County the relevant sections of the Zoning Ordinance are Paragraphs 5 and 6 of Sect. 2-302. The notice of zoning violation states, in part:
“The keeping of dogs and/or cats in conjunction with an animal rescue service is not a permitted use in the R-3 District. Therefore, … these animals are not for personal use and enjoyment; rather they are kept for commercial purposes.”

Arlington County is more succinct:
CODE OR ORDINANCE VIOLATION
Arlington County Code, Zoning Ordinance,
Section 31.12.b.(6) and Section 31.12.b.(6)
(amended)
Operating a kennel, boarding facility or
adoption center form [sic] a residence
in an R2-7 Zoning District.

The zoning ordinances in each county allow for citizens to keep dogs, within
guidelines, for their own “personal use and enjoyment”; however, since the animals in question are kept in conjunction with a rescue organization, they are being considered “commercial use” and thus the right to house them is being challenged. A primary consideration for classifying something as “commercial” is a profit motive. The foster care providers that work with animal rescue groups are volunteers who offer their services without compensation, and frequently at great personal expense.

If the Counties are successful in classifying these volunteer services as commercial in nature, the ruling would force the closure of many hundreds of foster homes throughout Arlington and Fairfax Counties and would establish a precedent that could be emulated throughout the Commonwealth. These closures would cause an immediate influx of hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs and cats into the County shelters which are neither prepared nor funded to handle such volumes of animals. Since the shelters would be filled beyond capacity, this would mean the immediate euthanasia of many, if not most, of these highly adoptable animals.

Additionally, the classification of volunteer services as a commercial activity could logically be extended to non-profit organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America (troop leaders, annual cookie drive), the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation (fundraising events), church functions (bible study classes, fundraising activities), and innumerable others.

Ironically, even though Fairfax and Arlington Counties are citing rescue volunteers for fostering in their homes, the Counties themselves use citizen-based foster programs within their shelter program (Fairfax) or by their contracted shelter provider (Arlington). (Double standard much?)

The Commonwealth of Virginia has received national recognition for the adoption of strict new dog fighting and puppy mill laws. In a 2007 study, the HSUS found nearly 1,000 puppy mills operating in Virginia. Of those, only 16 were properly licensed. As of January 1, 2009, the date that the new Virginia puppy mill law goes into effect, each of these puppy mills will be limited to 50 dogs over one year of age. The remainder will be surrendered to shelters, sold, or killed.

As evidenced by the recent puppy mill bust in West Virginia, where over 1,000 dogs were saved, it is the rescue groups who step up to handle the sudden glut of dogs – publicly supported shelters do not have the capacity. A finding that volunteer foster homes are serving a commercial purpose could put the rescue group safety net out of service, forcing the euthanisia of untold thousands of dogs and puppies all at tremendous expense to Virginia taxpayers.

A Forever Home Rescue Foundation (AFH) is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit (Tax ID: 43-1977921) incorporated in Virginia on September 11, 2002. AFH rescues at-risk dogs, provides them with needed medical attention and places them into loving new “Forever Homes”. In an average year, AFH places over 1,000 dogs into new adoptive homes. The organization is also instrumental in the transport of thousands of dogs from rural shelters to other pre-screened, reputable rescue organizations all along the eastern seaboard.

AFH has also been a key participant in many animal-related activities over the years. The rescue group made five separate trips to the New Orleans area following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, rescuing nearly 150 stranded dogs. It was also a keyparticipant in the recent shutdown of a West Virginia puppy mill that rescued over 1,000 dogs from the hardships of a puppy mill life (see www.aforeverhome.org).

During the 2007 reporting year, the A Forever Home Rescue Foundation alone placed 875 dogs with new adoptive families and had 105 animals on hand at the end of the year. When aggregated with all reporting entities in the Commonwealth, the number of dogs and cats that could potentially be impacted by this action on an annuallized basis approaches 250,000.

A Forever Home Rescue Foundation is expending thousands of dollars in legal fees to protect its foster home network. These are funds that would be better spent taking care of the animals. (And they aren't the only rescue group who will end up doing this. EVERY Rescue group with a foster home in Virginia will end up having to use the funds better spent on care for the pets, on legal fees instead.)

####

Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Paragraphs 5 and 6 of Sect. 2-302:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/zoningordinance/articles/art02.pdf (see Page 9)

Fairfax County Animal Shelter Foster Program:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/animalservices/pdf/FCASDOnlineApplication.pdf

Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals - Appeal Number: A 2008-SP-025
Arlington County Zoning Ordinance Section 31.12.b.(6):
http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/CPHD/planning/zoning/pdfs/Ordinance_Section31.pdf (See Page 5)

Arlington County Animal Shelter Foster Program:
http://www.awla.org/foster.shtml
Arlington County Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development
Planning Division – Reference Number: CE083516

Virginia Puppy Mill Law:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6507.1
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6507.2
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6507.3
http://www.animallawcoalition.com/companion-animal-breeding/article/357

Virginia Dog Fighting Law:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.2-6571
Virginia Department of Consumer Services Online Animal Reporting:
http://www.virginia.gov/vdacs_ar/cgi-bin/Vdacs_search.cgi

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For additional information, contact Ken Cline at ken@aforeverhome.org