Published by:Christopher Aust, Master Trainer Master-Dog-Training.com
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Another week, another week. I'm going to be brief this week in the "Drool" section as I have written a little longer newsletter than normal. Not too much longer, but long enough. Just a couple of things to go over ... First, I haven't managed to get the information up on my site about the Paws for Change Foundation. I had a server problem and it just put me behind. I apologize for that and will contact everyone who has inquired personally this week. Things are moving along though, and I think you'll all be excited about what we are doing. Second, some of you may be unhappy at this week's article. It was brought to me and I answered the question and made my opinion clear. What I want you all to remember is we're all dog lovers and here to promote the best care we can for our four-legged brethren. If you don't agree with me that is your right, but I feel a responsibility to you all to voice my opinion honestly when asked a question. With that in mind, I feel I have a good footing in my position with this article. I have checked my facts and applied my own level of common sense (for what that's worth). It's not intended to offend - only inform with my own prospective. Take it for what it's worth. As always, please continue to send your comments and questions. They're all greatly appreciated. I'm outta here! Cheers!
Christopher
Dog Chewing the Sofa? Puppy Eating Your Shoes? Or WORSE?
I read a post you put up on one of the dog bulletin boards regarding PETA. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.) I must say I was shocked at your position! Do you realize how much PETA has done for the animal rights movement? Do you know how much money they spend saving dogs each year? On top of that, you say you support the petition and movement trying to have PETA's non-profit status revoked by the IRS simply because you don't agree with their ideology. What will then happen to all the other non-profit organizations you don't agree with? Will you go after religious organizations you don't understand? I can't believe you of all people have taken this position. Shame on you!
Name Withheld
First, let me say this. I have the same opinion as PETA on several animal rights issues. I would like to see all animals, regardless of their purpose, treated humanely and with respect. I hate abuse and would like to see everyone who abuses an animal locked up in jail. Few things will piss me off more than animals abused and degraded for nothing more than human entertainment and luxury. Second, having non-profit status is a PRIVLEDGE, not a right. Organizations that have been granted this privilege have the duty to ensure they use their income in a manner consistent with their charter and within legal bounds. This isn't an option, it's an obligation. If you are unable to conduct yourself in such a manner, then you shouldn't be granted the privilege of non-profit status. PETA was founded in 1980 with what I believe to be good intentions. Whether it was a change at the helm or just a change in ideology, I believe they've taken on a militant stance that borders on domestic terrorism. What's worse is they target many of their “programs” at children.
One of the programs PETA has is their trading card program. According to PETA's own web site these pictures on the trading cards are "stomach turning." These cards are distributed at schools to children as they leave for the day. These cards feature such characters as:
Cruel Kyle A fourth card features statistics that appear to be designed with the sole purpose of scaring children about what illnesses they'll get from eating chicken. These are being given to eleven, twelve and thirteen year olds! There is also their lovely kids' web site where you can get coloring books which show live baby chicks being placed in grinding machines to be made into fertilizer. From there, you can go to the "kids corner" which has several animated pictures showing people thrusting butcher knives into blood spattered chickens. Next stop, lets play the "Head Up My Butt" game featuring Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Now, just exactly who does PETA think they are to bring these perverse things to children? I was offended at some of the material. How dare they take these things to schools and children's events and distribute them? These tactics are totally lacking in class, and are little more than manipulation. If I want my kids to see such things, I'll bring it to their attention when I know they're ready to understand the issue. These types of actions make me wonder what PETA's real agenda is when it comes to marketing children. Are they trying to inform them responsibly, or are they trying to develop the next generation of militant activists? With slogans like, "Defy authority" it makes me wonder.
According to PETA's financial review for 2003, their revenues totaled $24,302,182. Of that, only $3,796,345 went to Research, Investigations, and Rescue. However, they spent $16,616,698 on International Grassroots Campaigns, Public Outreach and Education, Supporting Organization Activities and Membership Development. When I searched their site, I could not find any information on what these programs are.
1) Defense funds for criminals who have broken into private property and vandalized property 2) Defense funds for criminals who have released research animals into the public causing a possible public health hazard 3) Comic books for children that portray their parents as murderers for eating meat and show graphic pictures of housewives covered in animal blood 4) Protests outside of Jr. High and High schools where they yell obscenities at children about owning pets. (More child abuse, in my opinion.) They are also accused, and supposedly have admitted, funneling over $70,000 to a convicted arsonist who burned down a Michigan State University research lab.
Any non-profit organization needs to be monitored and live up to the PRIVLEDGE of being a non-profit organization. I'm certain the First Baptist Church at the end of my street is not concerned about PETA setting precedence in non-profit law. Give me a break! It's a privilege, not a right. What makes a free nation great is we all have to live up to and respect the laws of the land. If you don't like the laws, then contact your legislators and voice your concerns. It's called a democracy. Lobby for law change but don't become a criminal and chalk it up to a "better good," especially if mentally abusing children is part of your plan. PETA started with the right ideology. They simply decided to take a militant approach at some point. I think this is not only sad, but speaks clearly of the individuals who run the organization. They could have done great things for all animals. Instead, they've made it more difficult for many other non-profits to raise funds that will be used constructively. Why? Many people hear "animal organization" and clump all into the same category as PETA. It is not only unfair, but in my opinion, almost criminal. How dare they!
I could go on for another 20 pages but won't. Anyone who would like to debate this issue, I will gladly accept in advance. Don't come to me with ignorance though. Review the facts and know of what you speak. PETA has a long way to go before they will ever have any type of credibility with me.
I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they chose a king,
they don't just go by size, because I bet there are some
Chihuahuas with some good ideas.
Making a Difference
"The idea of the program is simply recognizing that (seniors) have pets too, and those pets have the same needs," Chavez said. "There are so many studies out there that show what animals do for people and how good they are to us, especially as we get older and we can't get out," said program supporter, Vicki Elkey. The department of senior affairs estimates about 60 homebound seniors will potentially receive the pet food.
Since founding Furkids Rescue and Adoption in 1998, Linn has "rescued" about 500 Chihuahuas and other toy breeds from traditional animal shelters and placed them with adopters from New York to New Mexico. Thirty caretakers in six states have joined her network. Despite the best-laid plans, most matches are imperfect, said Ruth First, spokeswoman for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. While the ASPCA favors Internet linking, it recommends meeting prior to adoption, First said. Linn rises by 5 a.m. to feed, water, medicate and clean the dogs. She repeats the process by evening after eight hours' work at a county social services agency. Then, she handles administrative chores. "We have to be really careful about getting attached," said Linn, who lives with her husband and 9-year-old daughter. "I gave one up that made me cry. When I handed her over to the mom, the tears just started."
Over the weekend, "Pepper" and his owner Chris Perondi captured the freestyle flying disc competition's gold medal at the Incredible Dog Challenge national finals. An ironic twist to the whole story is that Perondi rescued "Pepper" from a shelter when the dog was just 3-months-old.
A $75,000 check in the name of Perondi and "Pepper" will be
donated to a shelter that helps rescue animals.
I just wanted to thank you for the great information you send out each week. I have learned so much about my dog and have been able to correct many behaviors in my dog just from reading your articles. You're the best!
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Texas Chili
Here are the scorecards from the event:
Judge # 1 A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick. Judge # 2 Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild Judge # 3 (Frank) Holy *beep*, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang. Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously. Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans. Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers. Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels likeI have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting *beep*-faced from all of the beer.
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing. Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili. Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-lb. vixen is starting to look HOT -- just like this nuclear waste I'm eating. Is chili an aphrodisiac?
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive. Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement. Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed the paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers. Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb. Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I *beep* myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that barmaid Sally. She must be kinkier than I thought. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers. Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably. Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava-like *beep* to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful. Screw it, I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold, but spicy enough to declare its existence. Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balance chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge # 3 passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor dude, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?
Thank You For Reading! Have a Terrific Week!
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