Author: SPCAI Staff

How many times have you walked down the street, passing one person after another, without saying a word to one of them? Plenty I’m sure. It’s often a different situation though when the person approaching you on the street has a dog with them. Then you usually stop and say something – at least to the dog.

Not every dog that you see out for a walk on a leash is a dog that welcomes a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ear though. It’s not necessarily because they are mean, but rather some dogs just don’t like “strangers” stepping into their space. It may be that the dog has fear issues, has just been through a traumatic experience or they are not up to speed yet on good dog manners. How do you know this though?

A dog can’t say, “Keep back,” so it’s up to the person walking them to say repeatedly, “Please don’t touch my dog.” However, there is also the person that wants to take their dog for a walk but does not want to broadcast the fact their dog has some issues. Some people feel this is a negative reflection on them not being able to control their dog.

Even when a person is warned, not everyone listens though, especially children that get extra excited when encountering a dog. To them, the dog is a friend to run up to and hug. When a parent is present, they will try to grab a child’s hand or jacket if they hear the owner’s warning, but sometimes they’re not fast enough. Sadly, that’s when children are putting themselves at risk of getting hurt or even bit. When this happens, the dog can be labeled vicious and that usually puts an end to their public walks or even their life.

We encounter lots of warnings in our daily life – red lights at an intersection means stop, a barricade across a sidewalk is there to direct us to find a safer route and a Watch Your Step sign means there is reason to go slow or else you might end up falling. At an early age, we are taught to pay attention to these kinds of warnings for our own protection. To ensure the message is easy to understand, universally recognized symbols are usually used.

Now there is a new warning and it’s quickly becoming recognized here in the United States and in an ever-growing number of other countries. It’s a yellow ribbon prominently tied to a dog’s leash. What this ribbon says is, “Dog needs space – do not approach.”

The ribbon can be seen from a distance, giving anyone approaching a clear warning to not approach the dog or make any contact with it. When adhered to, this reduces the dog and the walker’s stress levels and potentially keeps a passerby from being unnecessarily frightened or possibly bitten.

There are dogs though that should not be walked in public because they have been confirmed to be repeatedly dangerous and unpredictable. Putting a yellow ribbon on their leash is not appropriate. The dogs that have a yellow ribbon on their leash should be ones that are in the process of being trained or their desire to be “left alone” is only temporary, and when strangers keep their distance, they are fine in public places.

Adults need to be made aware of the yellow ribbon and parents need to educate their children to what they mean. This goes hand in hand with also showing children how to approach a dog safely if they have been told the dog does not mind being touched by strangers. To help ensure a happy encounter, a person should always slowly offer the back of their hand for the dog to sniff first. Most dogs will quickly realize the person standing in front of them is okay and they will gladly welcome the attention.
Dogs have an ever-growing presence in our daily lives and in order for all of us to get along; it’s smart to have ways to communicate clearly. The yellow ribbon does just that, in the same way that the special harness on a Seeing Eye dog says, “Working, do not approach.”

Another assurance for having a dog that behaves well in public is training – the way you communicate directly with your dog. If a dog continues to feel uncomfortable when on a walk, then additional training is recommended to help identify what the problem is and come up with a solution. A walk should be a positive experience for a dog and its owner, as well as the people on the street that naturally want to stop and say hi. Knowing your dog and taking the appropriate actions to keep everyone safe will keep tails wagging.

By Brian Kroeker

Three years ago I was just another burned out cog in the advertising world. In my decade of working long hours at the computer producing ads for giant corporations with questionable practices, I did my best to balance the harm I was causing my body and the world by exercising, volunteering and fundraising for various charities, but I was starting to feel like Sisyphus in an unwinnable battle with the boulder of stress and dissatisfaction I was facing.

So I got out.

Within a month I quit my job and we traded our little 700 sq ft. house in the Junction neighbourhood of Toronto for a 20-year-old VW camper van, sold most of our belongings and set out to see the country with our two Boston Terriers, Kingston and Sweetie.

We spent a few months going from coast to glorious coast, falling in love with our country and our new bohemian lifestyle.

Eventually my wife Debbie and I planted roots on rural Vancouver Island and set about rebuilding our life on the foundations of personal health and wellbeing and being of service to others. In the summer of 2013, inspired by reading Blake Mykoskie's book about the origins of TOMS shoes, I had an epiphany. What if I combined my passions for yoga, dogs and charity?

"Up Dogs" was born.

See, I grew up with dogs in our home and have felt a deep connection with them my whole life. I truly feel that we owe a big part of our evolution as a species to these brave guardians and loyal companions.

I have this theory that yoga began when the monks in the temples of the east would come outside after long meditation periods and observe the temple dogs stretching in the sun after their naps. What's the first thing dogs do when they wake up? The poses we now call "Downward Facing Dog" and "Upward Facing Dog", or "Down Dog" and "Up Dog". I watch my own dogs do these poses dozens of times a day!

The name "Up Dogs" refers not only to the yoga pose, but also my mandate to uplift the lives of dogs in need through the sales of yoga-themed t-shirts and holding donation-based yoga classes and events.

Up Dogs is a way for me to combine the things I'm really passionate about and focus some of that energy towards giving back to these amazing animals. If you connect with my vision, I hope that you will support us by buying a shirt or simply sharing this story with your friends and family.

Peace,
Brian
http://www.updogs.org

By Marthe Love

How does one begin to thank two heroes who, by their generosity of spirit and tireless efforts, have forever enriched the lives of many strangers? Publicly acknowledging their important, selfless work is a start.

It began three years ago in December, 2010, when I wandered into my local SPCA to deliver some much-needed supplies. We had sadly lost our wonderful Black Labrador, Jake, several months before and we were all missing him greatly, including our other dog, Stella. When Jake passed, Stella would lie in his bed, face the wall and stay there – disinterested in her regular routine of play and walks. By the time December rolled around, I knew we would need to get her a mate in the coming months. After dropping off the supplies, I mentioned I would start checking their site after the holidays to look for a suitable puppy for Stella. The woman immediately told me about an amazing litter of nine puppies that had just that morning been posted on their site for adoption…and four were already gone! Would I like to have a peek at the remaining pups…? At that precise moment, the Mom – a beautiful mix of Collie and Border Collie breeds was brought to the front for her daily walk. She looked and acted like the epitome of sweetness and calm – everything I would look for in a puppy. Of course, I would take a “look” at the puppies. Suffice to say, it was confirmed that my Christmas present from my family that year would be a playmate for Stella and on December 4, we welcomed a new puppy into her forever home.

Charlotte was gorgeous, gentle, calm and very affectionate. Stella was polite when we arrived with a “visitor”. They played and hung out together. Then Stella (who was nine at this point) sat in front of me and gave me that “when is she leaving?” look. When it was apparent this young thing wasn’t leaving, she seemed a bit unimpressed but after a couple days, she resigned herself to the fact that this was her new roommate, they resumed their play and quickly became best of buds.

My sons pointed out, and rightly so, that although gentle Charlotte was a loving soul, she was also a wonderful tomboy and we changed her name to Charli.

The local shelter had given me a few details of our new puppy’s past – such as their approximate birthday and that they had come from northern Manitoba. But when Charli was about 12 weeks old, a woman approached me at our local dog beach. And, after watching the two dogs frolicking in the surf, she asked me Charli’s age and where she was from.

After a bit of conversation, the woman introduced herself as Kathryn Poole and explained that it had been her husband, Larry, and she who had rescued the Mom and her litter in Manitoba and brought them to our local SPCA. She proceeded to tell me this remarkable story of their rescue, at which point, I got choked up and I believe I gave her a hug. We had been sitting on a log at the beach and Charli came up to Kathryn, gave her a good sniff and then practically got in her lap in an attempt to give her a puppy hug. It was a fantastic coincidence that we met!

Since that day, Kathryn and I have become friends. My only regret is that I have not yet had the pleasure and honour of meeting her husband, Larry. Perhaps he’s been avoiding the occasion because his wife has warned him of my enthusiasm and the inevitability of a heartfelt hug! More likely, he has been working another long six-month stretch, but I am hoping that when he returns I will have the opportunity to thank him in person.

In the meantime, I organized a Reunion Party to celebrate their 3rd birthday on September 29. With the help of my local SPCA and one of the other owners, I was able to make contact with almost all of the pup parents. September 29 was unfortunately a blustery, rainy day of almost epic proportions. But that didn’t stop the owners of eight out of nine puppies from showing up with dogs in tow. I had arrived early with balloons, pup party bags along with my homemade meatballs as an enticement for the all-important group shot. Most of the owners had never met and most of the dogs had not seen each other since they were littermates. In an amazing case of serendipity, one of the owners who I had met in the past just happened to be walking by when she saw me and my balloons. She hadn’t seen my email but had decided to go to that particular place for a walk that day! I had also invited Kathryn as an honoured guest as none of the other owners had met her or heard the full rescue story and she had only seen Charli since the puppies had been adopted. It was great fun to meet everyone and see so many of the dogs. I am planning to organize a spring reunion with hopefully all nine of the dogs and their Mom, Luna.

The real story I wanted to tell you was that of Charli’s wonderful rescue from a tentative beginning to the best life a dog could have.

Bush Pilot, Larry Poole who flies all over northwestern Canada, has been rescuing puppies and dogs in need since 2001. He works with local natives to get dogs and litters off the reserves and brings them to shelters – and in some cases, Larry and Kathryn foster and/or adopt the dogs into their home.

On this occasion, he went to the Wasagamack First Nations Reserve, 300 miles south of Churchill, Manitoba. There he visited a female dog named Lady Di, who had produced a new litter about three weeks before. Unfortunately, she had developed a case of mastitis so bad one of her nipples was ripped open and she was very sick. Although, she was still trying to breastfeed her litter, she was having great difficulty doing so. Larry visited her, bringing her food to try and keep her strong, but she was not doing well. He was given permission to take the litter but it took several days, some negotiation and $200 on his part to get the owner to agree to let him take Lady Di with her pups.

Larry took the Mom with her litter in a box on his Beaver bush plane to Winnipeg. It was there that his wife, Kathryn, met him to assist with the care of this family in need. They took them to the Brandon SPCA, where their veterinarian immediately put Lady Di on puppy-safe antibiotics. He told them that if she had gone much longer in this state, she could have died and possibly her puppies along with her.

As soon as the Mom was a bit stronger, Larry and Kathryn made the three day drive from Winnipeg to Vancouver, supplementing the Mom’s bit of feeding with regular intervals of formula out of baby bottles.

Upon their return home, they took the family to the West Vancouver SPCA. Larry and Kathryn visited them every day. Lady Di healed up very quickly after the vet’s care and they took her for daily walks.

On December 4 and 5th, 2010 all of the puppies were adopted out of the shelter. Two weeks later, Lady Di (renamed Luna) was adopted by a wonderful family who drove all the way from their home in Sechelt, BC to pick her up.

Larry and Kathryn are dedicated and proactive dog rescue supporters who are involved with helping several organizations and, who deserve much recognition for their diligent efforts and success stories.

They are also huge proponents of the 3 Month Birth Control Pill for female dogs. They both believe this pill is the best chance there currently is of cutting down on the overpopulation of dogs on native reserves. If people like Larry are willing to bring the pill onto the reserves and administer them to the female dogs, then the locals are more willing to support the program. It may not stop the pregnancies entirely, but it can reduce them significantly to a point that is more manageable. The problem with spaying the females is the cost and complexity of the program. It requires vets and their staff to volunteer their services and it is not easy to make arrangements to set up near or on the reserves to perform the surgeries. The other problem is when the medical personnel leave the community; the dogs may not get the proper after-care to ensure their health and sometimes survival. The Birth Control Pill, however, would virtually eliminate all of these difficulties.

In sitting down with Kathryn recently to confirm details of the rescue story, I was struck, not just by their selfless efforts to save and improve the lives of dogs, but also by the fact that it takes a network of individuals in order to succeed. And that anyone, with any means can help.

I am often told by friends and associates that they would love to do more, if only they had more time and/or money. From talking with Kathryn and from my own experience, it is possible to make a significant difference with little or no money and without large time commitments.

I am a supporter of my local SPCA shelter and although my funds are limited, I make a pre-arranged, modest monthly donation to the BCSPCA. Last year, I also discovered a wonderful program through SPCA International called Operation Baghdad Pups. Although I don’t make a monthly donation to them, I subscribe to their regular emails. When certain stories tug at my heartstrings and my purse-strings cooperate, I make a donation to help re-unite a soldier with an amazing animal – that in most cases has made a remarkable difference in a soldier’s or units’ peace of mind and in many cases has been responsible for assisting in their safety and survival. When a soldier returns home from duty they are unable to bring these animals with them. But with the funds that are raised, SPCA International is then able to go into these war-torn areas to get the animals to safety while making all of the necessary arrangements for quarantine, health checks and international travel. It takes significant funds and an army of their own to ensure a happy reunion. The success stories are heartwarming and amazing!

Every year at Christmas, my kids know to expect an extra donation made in their names as part of their stocking stuffers. As well at Christmastime, I always go to our local SPCA shelter to ask what supplies they are short of and then deliver a box of those items (plus a special supply of bickies and treats).

When my kids were young and having a birthday party, they often asked for donations for the SPCA instead of gifts from friends. I found it inspiring that although I suggested it the first time, they were happy to do it for many years (until they were too old for parties). I’ve also had several garage sales where part-proceeds go to the SPCA. And, I regularly support their fundraising programs such as bringing my dogs to their dog washes and baking cupcakes for National Cupcake Day. In the past, I have participated in the Paws for the Cause dog walk by creating my fundraising page online and walking on the day with my dogs.

I also subscribe online to the animalrescuesite.com, which sends me daily notices so I can easily link to their site. There it takes me all of about five seconds to click the box to give food to shelter animals – for free! I do this every day.

I believe that every little bit can make a big difference. But aside from my own small efforts, I have always felt I wanted to do more to support the cause of animal advocacy. I know full well that I am someone who is easily traumatized by the horrible details of some stories and as a result, I would not be good on the front lines of animal rescue from abusive situations. In speaking with Kathryn, however, I am reminded there are many programs and organizations already in place where more help is always needed. If you have a bit of time, it takes little or no money to offer your services to support one of the many groups. You can take a look at your own interests and experience and offer services suited to you, such as dog walking, baking, office help, telephone and online support, driving, buying or picking up and delivering supplies, photographing animals to be listed online for adoption, fostering and of course, adopting animals into your home.

It does take a network of people and organizations such as the SPCA and SPCA International to save animals and in doing so enhance our lives as lucky owners. But in fact, it can take only one person’s (or in this case, one couple’s) caring and willingness to make a huge difference in the lives of ten dogs, including our sweet Charli, and to enrich our lives by saving hers.

So, thank you Kathryn and Larry for all you do.

M.

You can now help homeless, abused and abandoned animals all over the world by celebrating your special day with our Wedding Donation Program. Requesting that your guests make a tax-deductible donation in lieu of wedding gifts is a fantastic way to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

We are excited to provide you with all the tools that you need to help your guests make a donation in honor of your wedding in lieu of traditional wedding gifts.

Announcement Cards: We can provide you with a template for our uniquely designed cards to include with your wedding invitation and display on your guests’ tables. The card will include a direct link to our program in your honor. You can also choose to customize these cards to your liking.
You may consider featuring a special animal in your life, or feel especially connected to one of our programs that you would like to acknowledge.

Letter of acknowledgment: You will receive a personalized letter that acknowledges your gifts to give animals a second chance through SPCA International. We recommend that you frame and display it next to the guest book or in another prominent location at your wedding.

If you have a wedding website, consider posting your preference for donations to SPCA International in lieu of gifts and link to the SPCAI.org wedding donation page.

For more information and materials, please contact us.

By Pat Chan

Update from Oct 1st 2013

The third consecutive mega spay event done in Panama in association with SPCAI kicked off at 8am in Las Mañanitas at the Santa Ascencion del Señor Church.

Low-income families love their pets but cannot keep all the litters of puppies and kittens that are born up to three times a year. Where do they go?…to the streets to suffer hunger, mistreatment, cruelty.

Thanks to your support to SPCAI and SpayPanama, you can help avoid unwanted litters.

Update from Oct 2nd 2013

Second day of mega spay event in 24 de Diciembre, thanks to SPCAI.

Thanks to your support, you will be saving thousands of animals and improving the lives of their guardians that won't have to continue with the horrible practice of dumping the puppies and kittens in the garbage dumps.

Animals deserve respect and care from human beings. But we cannot allow indiscriminate reproduction. Overpopulation of dogs and cats promotes cruelty and mistreatment.

Update from Oct 3rd 2013

Third day of mega spay event thanks to SPCAI. Despite a torrential rain, people like Senora Anayansi brings her seven dogs to be spayed.

Update from Oct 5th 2013

We did it! Thanks to our amazing team of volunteers and veterinarians, a total of 1,317 animals were sterilized. These animals will all live longer, healthier, safer lives thanks to this life-changing surgery. Thank you to SPCA International for the financial support that allows this campaign to happen.

It was a grueling spay event. Torrential rains and stifling heat. On behalf of the most needy, thank you very much SPCAI for making this mega spay event possible. Together we can make a difference.

By SPCA International Staff

In a country known for its beauty and expansive culture, lies a dark and gruesome secret – hundreds of thousands of Greyhounds are openly abused, abandoned or cruelly killed each year by local hunters.

The age old tradition of hunting hares with Galgos, or Greyhounds, in Spain has been around for thousands of years, and the method by which these gentle dogs are repeatedly tortured and disposed of is by far and large one of the most appalling acts of cruelty that SPCA International (SPCAI) has to come learn of in the past year. As many as 60,000 of these hunting Greyhounds are barbarically tortured and killed each year in Spain.

SPCAI is sending a team to Spain to investigate this ongoing systemic cruelty and to work in collaboration with a local Greyhound rescue organization on the ground so that we can help put stop to these cruel and barbaric customs.

Please stay tuned this month as SPCAI spreads the word and work to save the beautiful Greyhounds like Maga, Jack and Guinda all who were abandoned, injured and left for dead.

This is Maga, she was found in a gutter by a woman who had driven past her thinking she must be dead, but then couldn't bear the thought if she were wrong and doubled back to check. She found she was alive, struggling with a horrible leg fracture and very much alone. It is likely Maga was being trained for hunting, sustained this injury and was tossed in the gutter and left for dead because of it.

This is Jack, he was found on a road having been run over causing to break his two hind legs. Jack may have been run over by his owner in an effort to kill him, or could have simply been abandoned on the street after preforming badly, and hit by a passing car.

This is Guinda, she was abandoned after hunting season with a broken leg. She was found wounded and alone by a compassionate villager who took her to the vet, but when the villager learned she would have to pay for Guinda’s surgery she abandoned her on the streets with no treatment or hope of survival.

By Mary Ramirez

There’s a line from one of my favorite movies—Ever After—which sums up quite neatly why many people choose not to get involved in charitable giving. It’s part of a conversation between Crown Prince Henry II, and the woman he believes to be a courtier—Countess Nicole de Lancret, aka the commoner Danielle de Barbarac. He’s explaining to the very philanthropic (at heart, because she’s flat broke) Danielle why he hasn’t done much to help others with the plethora of resources at his royal disposal. He says:

“Oh, last night, I had a revelation. I used to think, if I cared at all, I would have to care about everything…and I'd go stark raving mad. But, now I've found my purpose. It's a project actually inspired by you. I feel…the most wonderful…freedom.”

There’s a line from one of my favorite movies—Ever After—which sums up quite neatly why many people choose not to get involved in charitable giving. It’s part of a conversation between Crown Prince Henry II, and the woman he believes to be a courtier—Countess Nicole de Lancret, aka the commoner Danielle de Barbarac. He’s explaining to the very philanthropic (at heart, because she’s flat broke) Danielle why he hasn’t done much to help others with the plethora of resources at his royal disposal. He says:

“Oh, last night, I had a revelation. I used to think, if I cared at all, I would have to care about everything…and I'd go stark raving mad. But, now I've found my purpose. It's a project actually inspired by you. I feel…the most wonderful…freedom.”

To be perfectly honest, this is how I often felt. If I helped one charity or one good cause, shouldn’t I help all good causes? I wasn’t so worried, as Henry was, about going “stark raving mad;” Rather, my worry was simply “How can I possibly choose?” Financially, I wouldn’t be able to help everyone and everything. When Henry found his purpose (which the movie later reveals is to build a university) he reveals to us all the secret behind choosing the charity or good cause to support—it has to truly mean something to you; it must be near to your own heart. To be certain, I care deeply about many charitable organizations, and it’s hard to choose between them all. In my case I’ve searched my heart and found that what calls to me are those things that help my church, the military, animals, and children. Imagine my joy when I came across an organization that covers two of the four bases! By donating to SPCAI, I’m thrilled when I think about how each month my money (limited though it may be!) goes to helping soldiers through programs like Operation Bagdad Pups, and to SPCAI’s rescue and shelter endeavors which help animals in crisis across the globe.

From my childhood shelter dog Chelsea, to the puppy mill rescue (Zuzu) that my husband and I own today, shelter animals have always held a special place in my family’s hearts. There really is something unique about an animal that has been rescued; they seem to know that you’ve given them a second chance, and they show their gratitude in special ways each day. Some may find that hard to believe, or even impossible, but just ask people who’ve rescued animals—they’ll tell you it’s absolutely true. Take Beau, a young puppy looked over time and again in the local shelter. After the death of our dear dog Chelsea, my parents decided to bring the family to the animal shelter. Naturally my parents (with a gaggle of very young children in tow) didn’t expect to bring home a Doberman that day, but indeed we did. Beau, for whom my mom chose that name because she was just “so beautiful,” was simply spectacular. When we walked into the shelter, they had many of the dogs out in the “common” area interacting with other prospective owners. Beau was by herself. When we walked out, she came running over . . . and literally groveled at our feet. It was so surreal—it was as if she was saying “Please! Pick me!” Totally smitten, we brought her home.

We had one whole glorious day of playing with our new friend, before something unbelievable happened. Towards the end of that day Beau began acting strangely, and within just moments we could tell she was dangerously ill with something. The vet confirmed our worst fears—Beau had an extremely aggressive condition called Parvo Virus. She died within the week, after spending just one day in our home. Years later, I’m still convinced that Beau knew her time was limited, and she wanted desperately to go home. I’ll never forget the words of my mother, who (devastated herself) in trying to comfort her broken-hearted children, said “But kids, just think! She didn’t die in a shelter. We gave her a home.” As a young child I had many plans for what I wanted to do with my life, and that day solidified another one: “I’ll always give shelter animals a home.”

I’m one of four children. I am immensely proud of all of my siblings and their accomplishments—especially those of my brother, who served a tour of combat duty in Iraq. Those months were some of the hardest of our lives, as we waited for that next phone call or email from him telling us he was ok. One of the things we began doing to help ease our nerves was to write letters to soldiers, send care packages, and get the word out about organizations that helped soldiers in a variety of ways. To know that were really doing something helped to pass the time. It wasn’t long after his tour that I came across Operation Baghdad Pups, and fell in love. To be able to help and promote an organization that fulfilled my heart’s desire of helping animals AND soldiers, was a dream come true.

To be certain, times are very hard. In our tough economy people have lost jobs, possessions, homes, and most of all—hope. Yet, no matter how hard things get, or what tough times may befall my family, one of the few constants in this world is the bouncing ball of fur who comes bounding towards the front door each evening to greet us with joy; a dear little dog who, if not for a rescue organization not unlike SPCAI, wouldn’t be alive today. If one little animal can bring such hope and encouragement to two regular people, imagine what an animal can do for a soldier—someone whose life is far more complicated than we’ll ever fathom; someone who lives and breathes to fight for our freedoms. If (like Prince Henry) you discover your purpose in life, and if it is to be there for our brave military or our world’s needy animals, consider the SPCAI. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.