This and that

It's been a really busy week so blog posting has been down a little. But there have been several things this week that I wanted to get out there -- interesting, fun, and just downright wrong:

Yes Biscuit! has a great post about HSUS's document from their website on "Selecting Animals for Euthanasia." It's a really detailed report that specifically recommends how animals should be selected for euthanasia.  She does a great job of breaking down the document and what is wrong with the rationale in it.  Meanwhile, apparently someone from HSUS contacted her and noted that the document was "outdated" and would be taken down (which it has). My hope is that they replace it with a document that is equally thorough and helps provide guidance on how to SAVE animals, not kill them.  Meanwhile, I think this might be a good note for all of us that have organizations that have websites to look at all of the old material on there and ask the question -- is that information still current in the mindset of a nation that is quickly moving toward no kill?  We should really take a hard look at the information we are making available to the public and be sure the information we have out there is current, accurate, and helpful in moving us toward a no kill, no BSL nation.

According to most reports, it looks like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is likely to conditionally reinstate Michael Vick into the NFL with a 4-6 game suspension to start the season. I know many in the animal welfare community are (rightfully) upset at this development. I am not sure why Goodell would think that the NFL -- which right now is the most successful sports league in the world -- needs or wants Vick who will only be a distraction from their on-field product. So keep sending letters to the commissioners office. But with that said, even if Vick is reinstated, and signs with a team, you can still make your voices heard. Money is a powerful motivator, and we need to continue to speak with our pocketbooks. If an NFL team signs Vick, wouldn't it send a powerful message if all of the pet owners who have season tickets cancelled them. Sixty percent of the US owns pets, and if a team signed Vick and the next day had 60% of their fan base call and cancel tickets it would send a very powerful message.  If he signs with your team, don't go to games. Don't watch them on TV. Don't buy jerseys. Money can be a very powerful motivator.

Meanwhile, I still can't help but think of the irony that could come out of all of this. One team that is notorious for bringing in players with troubled pasts is the Oakland Raiders -- and its a team that has struggled at the QB spot for several years. I can't help but think of the irony if he begins playing in the same city as the organization that is probably most responsible for giving his dogs a new and better life.

The stories of two of my three dogs are now up at the National Canine Research Council. Stella and SweetP both came to us under pretty horrible circumstances -- SweetP had nearly been starved to death and Stella had been hit by a car and left for dead along the side of the road in downtown Kansas City.  Both are doing great now -- are best buds and Canine Good Citizens. Thanks to Karen for posting their info.

And finally, over the weekend I was watching Kansas City native Tom Watson nearly making history at the British open, and got to see a new TV commercial from Traveler's Insurance. This is a great spot that really takes a neat twist on protecting your most prized possessions. It also is nice to give a nice nod to the large percentage of the population that loves their pets and can really associate with the spot.

It's really unfortunate that while Traveler's Insurance hit a home run with their advertising campaign, that they don't with pet owners. Traveler's does discriminate against owners of certain types of dogs. So A+ for your commercial...Fail for your internal insurance policies.

Comments

[PAMM - People Against Malevolent Mike]

What is upsetting is the biggest NFL fans are quite often big rednecks. I can't believe how many people think "he did his time" and should be able to pick up where he left off...

If I needed another reason why I quit following professional sports I'd need look any further...will get my protest sign ready in case he comes this way.

[Marc]

Brent,
And you can find me and Ralphie under Ohio at NCRC.

[Marthina McClay]

Brent,
Awesome!

[PoochesForPeace]

Beautiful dogs!

[Lauren Harrington]

Thank you for rescuing these dogs. We need more people like you. Every dog deserves a chance!