This was on www.thediscerningbrute.com and is just too sweet of a story not to share…

As you all know I am EXTREMELY against purchasing pets from pet stores.  There is not a single reputable breeder who would allow their animals to be sold in a shop.  Regardless of what they tell you, all pet stores get their animals from mills.  Of course they wouldn’t tell you the truth – that would be bad for business!  If you purchase a dog from a pet shop you’re fueling the industry – continuing the cycle!  Please, please, please DO NOT BUY A DOG FROM A PET STORE!  I can’t beg you enough.  The conditions at these mills are disgusting!  Check out this video from CNN…

The Companion Animal Protection Society (www.CAPS-web.org) organized this multi-org protest to uphold CA Supreme Court Law, making history for animal rights and for free speech in the state of California. Barkworks is supplied by puppy mills in the midwest with many USDA violations. It is unconscionable to breed, sell or buy, while 5 million companion animals die in our nation’s shelters every year. The pet trade industry is mistreating companion animals in order to supply pet stores and Internet dog dealers who call themselves “responsible breeders.” Puppy mill fronts will no longer be able to hide inside CA malls as they have before this peaceful assembly by concerned citizens. The USDA licenses commercial breeding factories. These are not responsible breeders. Responsible breeders do not sell to pet shops or ship animals to the public.

I’m so happy to hear that West Hollywood has banned the sale of pets or I should say companions within their city limits!  This is a fantastic move to show people this practice is horrid.  It doesn’t surprise me at all that WH is one of the first to make this move – everyone in WH has a companion and it would be rare to NOT see several dogs with their guardians dining at local outdoor restaurants!

Check out the LA Times article

I wish I could go to this event but I’ll be off getting some sun in Mexico   If any of you are in Chicago February 27, please try to attend!  This is a great cause – dogfighting is a disgusting industry.  I’ve seen some pretty disturbing videos.  One thing that stands out is how loyal these dogs are to their owners.  They’ll be put in a ring and told to fight and even while they’re getting their faces ripped a part, they keep wagging their tails as they hear their owners shouting, encouraging them on – in their mind they’re being obedient and they’re pleasing their owners.  It’s extremely depressing

The annual Spotlight Humane gala features dogs, drinks, and fine dining…

Jorja Fox, of the CBS hit crime drama “CSI,” will host the fifth annual Spotlight Humane: Chicagofundraiser at the Hotel Sofitel Water Tower on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010.

The benefit will support End Dogfighting in Chicago, a program of The Humane Society of the United States. EDC is an innovative, community-based program that works to turn Chicagoans away from dogfighting through street-level intervention, free dog training classes, humane education in Chicago public schools, religious leader outreach, and collaboration with law enforcement.

“As a dog lover, I am honored to be the host of The Humane Society of the United States’ Spotlight Humane: Chicago,” Fox said. “All proceeds from this event benefit the End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign, which reaches directly into high-risk communities. No one else in the country is doing more than The HSUS to end dogfighting.”

Spotlight Humane: Chicagois a festive evening of live music, dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and extra features, including:

• A special presentation by HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle
• The Humane Chicago Awards, presented to those performing outstanding charitable work for animals in the Chicago region
• Silent and live auctions for items such as Oprah Winfrey Show tickets, trips to sunny getaways and autographed sports memorabilia

Spotlight Humane: Chicago
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010
7 p.m. to midnight
Hotel Sofitel – Water Tower
20 East Chestnut St.
Chicago, IL 60611
To register, please call 866-448-5052 or visit spotlighthumane.org.

I’m SO EXCITED for this new line of dog food to come out!  Winston is going to love it and I’ll love the peace of mind knowing that not only is this food organic and good for him but 6% of the wholesale price will go to the Humane Society of the US!  I completely trust this organization.   Their stamp of approval on this food means a lot and I’m happy knowing that part of the profits will be going to a very important cause.

‘Humane Choice’ brand to be sold at PETCO, Whole Foods (in NY & NJ), and other stores

Selecting a high-quality pet food is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make. To celebrate pets, The Humane Society of the United States announces the nationwide launch of a cruelty-free, all natural and certified organic “Humane Choice” dog food. The HSUS developed this new product to offer consumers a wholesome and nutritious dog food that does not contain animal-based proteins or support the factory farming industry. 

Consumers have become more aware of the quality and humane standards of their pet’s food after the recent pet food adulteration scandals, massive pet food recalls, and the increased exposure of inhumane factory farming practices. The HSUS’ new Humane Choice dog food is nutritionally complete and balanced, contains the finest quality organic plant-based ingredients and meets the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials for adult dog food. The food was not tested on laboratory animals, is cruelty-free and does not contain any fats or proteins derived from animals.

“Americans are concerned about the food we eat, and it just makes sense that we’d be concerned about the food we provide to our pets,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the HSUS. “Humane Choice is a nutritious, environmentally friendly and ethically responsible food for our best friends. Every bag of Humane Choice helps us celebrate the pets we love, and provides us with additional resources to help animals through our programs.”

The Humane Choice dog food is currently available in several independently owned pet supply stores and at PETCO.com and will soon be on store shelves at selected PETCO locations and selected Whole Foods locations in New Jersey and New York. More PETCO and Whole Foods locations will carry Humane Choice in the spring. The HSUS will receive 6 percent of the wholesale price of each 6.6-pound bag sold and will use the funds in its programs to provide spaying and neutering and other veterinary care for animals, to rescue animals from natural disasters and cruelty cases, to conduct undercover investigations of animal abuse and more.

Humane Choice is produced by a USDA Organic-certified grower and manufacturer in Uruguay. The family-owned and operated business has been growing grains and vegetables and making and exporting organic and vegetarian dog food for many years. Humane Choice does not contain corn, dairy, artificial coloring, wheat, wheat gluten, animal-based protein, or ingredients produced by genetic engineering.

For more information on Humane Choice dog food, click here.

It was a remarkable year for animals in 2009. Please take a minute to see what the Humane Society Legislative Fund helped achieve for animals.

Last week, federal courts dismissed a case brought forward by animal activists on cruelty charges against Ringling Bros. Circus.  Despite the dismissal, animal activists continue their protest of the use of animals for entertainment purposes.

Please, please NEVER buy a pet from a store – ADOPT, but if you must purchase a pet go to a breeder, meet the people, meet the dog parents, see where the dogs live, where they play, ask lots of questions and make sure they’re breeding out of love and not for money.  Pay close attention to the care given to the dogs and if you don’t like what you see report it!

I love rescue stories – sometimes they’re hard to watch but they are good reminders for us.  We need to continue to be aware of what is going on around us and to turn people in before its too late for the animals.  We need to continue to educate people on proper care and treatment of animals so these situations don’t happen.

I’m very excited to invite all of you Chicagoans to PAWS Chicago Animal Magnetism on Friday, February 5.  The event raises money for PAWS and all the great work they do saving animals and dramatically lowering the number of euthanized pets in the city.  I’m on the committe for the second year in a row and I absolutely can’t wait for the event.  It’s a fun, young event where you can even bring your four legged furry friends!  There will be buffet for humans and a buffet for pooches, cocktails, dancing, a fun photo book, a silent auction and a live auction.  Click on the graphic above to go directly to the site – you’ll even see Eric, Winston and I at last year’s event in the little slide show on the front page!

On a side note we’re looking for donations for the silent auction, if you or someone you know may be interested in donating something let me know!  I really appreciate it!