Pet Pic of the Day

“Betty in snow, Riga” by viinodzinja

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Pet Pic of the Day

“Gracie–my pretty girl!” by chitownegrl

Want your pet’s mug to be our pic of the day? Join our flickr photo group and upload your images.

High School Sophomore Files Animal Devocalization Bill in Massachusetts

Jordan Star, a high school sophomore in Massachusetts, filed a bill with the state’s legislature to outlaw the devocalization of animals throughout Massachusetts. The bill is currently in the third reading committee.

Devocalization is the practice of cutting an animals vocal cords to stifle its voice. “It’s inhumane, risky, and more common than you would think,” Star wrote via email, adding that some breeders  devocalize their animals in order to keep noise levels from disturbing their surrounding neighbors.

Nearly 60 legislative cosponsors have backed the bill, titled HB 344. Additionally, more than 20 humane societies and shelters and 200 veterinarians have endorsed it statewide. “The public overwhelmingly opposes devocalization. Still, the bill has been facing a lot of opposition from powerful lobbies who profit from devocalization,” Star wrote.

To show support for HB 344, contact House Speaker Robert DeLeo at (617) 722.2500.

For more information…

Meet victims of devocalization: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZPoyuMw870

Hear the experts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ADbMoX4aw

For the love of farm animals

Does Valentine’s Day get your goat?
Too much of a chicken to get a date for the big night?
Reluctant to buy chocolates that you’ll only pig out on later?
Feeling sheepish that you still don’t know what to get your loved one?

Farm Sanctuary has the solution for your valentine’s woes with its Warm Hearts and Save Lives by Sponsoring a Farm Animal in Need program. As the largest rescue and refuge organization for farm animals in North America, with locations in New York and California, Farm Sanctuary has plenty of four-footed and feathered friends who would benefit from your love this Valentine’s Day.

So ditch the romantic jitters and sponsor a barnyard of critters. Donations from sponsors provide rescued farm animals with food, veterinary care, and safe refuge. In return, sponsors receive a certificate featuring a color photo of their adopted animal, the opportunity to attend a VIP tour to meet their new farm friend, and the satisfaction of supporting an organization that has saved more than 12,000 farm animals from abuse and neglect.

Visit action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=15801.0&printer_friendly=1 to check out McDreamy the duck and the other animals awaiting your Valentine’s Day sponsorship. —Joy Schmoll

Take a cue from the farm animals and show your love with a Valentine’s Day sponsorship.
(Photo used with permission from Farm Sanctuary.)

Pet Pic of the Day

“Zena Marie Pugsly” by The Rochester Canine Playgroups

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Punxsutawney Phil Sees Shadow, Texts Report

Yes, it’s Groundhog Day, and that famous prognosticating woodchuck, Punxsutawney Phil, has seen his shadow and thus sentenced us to six more weeks of winter. Today also marked Phil’s foray into the world of text-messaging and Twitter. The psychically gifted groundhog Tweeted and texted his verdict this year from Gobbler’s Knob, PA.

Tails Champions for the Environment CONTEST

Is there a pet-related business in your area that goes above and beyond for the environment? Now is the time to give your favorite green business the attention it deserves by nominating it for a Tails Champions for the Environment award. To enter, simply complete the following questionnaire and email it to Champions@TailsInc.com.

Name of business:

Location:

What this business does to go green:

The submission deadline is February 28. Winners will be featured on TailsInc.com in honor of our April green issue.

Celebrate your Pet, Come On!

Ahh this is the life

If Pebble’s birthday is long gone and you’re dying for an excuse to go above and beyond for your pet, responsible pet guardian month is the perfect occasion. The whole month of February is all about promoting responsible pet guardianship and celebrating those of us who take phenomenal care of our pets.

Besides the obvious ways to be a responsible pet guardian, think: spay/neuter, vaccinations, yearly check-ups and daily exercise, this is the month to get creative and pamper that pooch and coddle that cat.

In case you’re stumped, you’re in luck, because here at Tails our creative juices are always flowing. Might we suggest…

If Lola sits home all day while you’re at work, how about once a week sign her up for doggie daycare so they can make new friends and as a bonus be super pooped when you pick her up?

We all know how much dogs love pig ears and other smelly, messy chew toys, and how much we hate them. Maybe just once in honor of responsible pet guardian month we give in and allow one night of unbridled feasting on these greasy delights?

OK we know pet massages and kitty aromatherapy are a little outlandish but in addition to your pets’ normal grooming routine why not find an animal spa to give Precious some much-deserved R&R? Who knows it could be just what the vet ordered.

Make a resolution to give your pet a little extra of whatever it is they crave. If Ollie loves to get his pads on the pavement and go for walks, stay outside for 10 extra minutes during potty breaks. Or if Snickers adores chasing ribbon even more than making a scratching post out of your favorite armchair, whip out the ribbon and go nuts!

These are just a few of the many ways to be a more considerate, attentive and responsible pet guardian so get creative and make their month!

Pet Pic of the Day

“Punkin” by mariedolphin.com

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Proposed law would ban the consumption of pet meat in China

In China, industry-related crime and protests from an expanding, pet-loving middle class have led to a bill prohibiting the culinary use of cat and dog meat. If passed, the law would be China’s first legislation against animal cruelty. Businesses that continue to sell the meat would incur fines of 50,000 yuan ($7,325), and individual violators would face a 15-day prison sentence.

Opponents question the bill’s disregard for culinary folk customs that stretch back thousands of years. Many of those customs use dog meat for medicinal purposes. Critics also fault the law for targeting only cat and dog meat, claiming that it is hypocritical to exclude other animal meats such as from pigs and sheep.

To counter such resistance, lawmakers might exempt some cultures from the ban. Emphasis is being placed on stopping abusive practices such as the inhumane farming of cats and dogs and the theft of family pets to sell in markets. The legislature and State Council will review the bill in April. —Joy Schmoll