Sue happy

Seriously...you can sue anyone for anything these days. What the hell is wrong with us? These are just my initial thoughts - will do more research tomorrow... Girl trying to sue Gatorade for an animal by product that COULD cause possible ailments. Ok...really honey? Don't drink it. Gatorade is not forcing anything down anyone's throat. Not everyone has to believe as you do. The severe cases that this product COULD cause are few & far between. Do you take over the counter medication? Have you not seen the side effects of Advil? What is it you are trying to fight for?
Don't get me wrong - when I first "awoke" to the cruelty that is done everyday for mass consumption, I was pissed. I couldn't believe anyone would still want to eat a rib-eye. But at the end of the day, the only person I can control is myself. When has force ever prevailed? What you eat is a personal choice, just like religion or any other "moral" based belief that unfortunately there is no right answer & we still are going to beat the hell out of each other & the topic - it is like the mouse going for the cheese that when he reaches it, it shocks him. But the mouse keeps going back - does it ever change? No. Continuously going back & repeating the same process as before thinking maybe there will be a different outcome, when there never is, is the definition of insanity.
But I'm getting distracted...back to the Gatorade thing. I think that is absolutely ridiculous. Seriously-what are you fighting for? You have a choice...don't drink it. We have the choice to be vegan and/or vegetarian - those who consume meat should have the same right to choose. I think people lose sight of the the core objective when it comes to animal rights/welfare. It's not us against the "meat eaters" - it is not about the label or being superior...it's about the animals. You want to "hurt" Gatorade? Hit it where the money is. Gatorade is like any other business - they want to make profit. You stop drinking that particular drink, that's one less customer they have. You have 1/2 the population do the same thing, sales decrease - what do you think Gatorade will do? Well, if it it not a profitable flavor, why would they want to continue to sell? Supply & demand people.
Now I'm not saying just sit back & do nothing if it is something that you're passionate about, create awareness. Lead by example. But create a lawsuit? Really? Would we want someone to tell vegans what they can & can't eat? Ummm no, so what gives us the right to treat "meat-eaters" that way? The world isn't perfect....we are not perfect. You're not going to do everything "right". We humans are flawed. And, if the basis of the argument is animal welfare, humans are animals too. Shouldn't the same general concept apply to humans? If you want to fight for a compassionate lifestyle for animals, how is being forceful & hateful going to achieve that? And seeing as we humans cannot do EVERYTHING or be PERFECT doesn't mean you can't make a difference, you can. But attacking each other isn't necessarily the best way or only way to approach these issues. And I believe if your main goal is to achieve "perfection" the focus has shifted to yourself. How YOU feel, what YOU want, but it's not just about you. If you're fighting for animal welfare, where are the animals there?
And seriously, if you have that much time to try & prove someone else wrong or whatever, why don't you go and exert that energy in a positive way. Create awareness, educate people, show alternatives...because at the end of the day the only satisfaction you get with winning a ridiculous lawsuit such as this, is money & the chance to point your finger at someone else. God help us all.
Random thoughts of the day....and yes, my opinions and viewpoint may change after my research but I'm allowed to do that. Any person's opinions/beliefs can change. Just saying

Outrage against the capture of a Giant Pacific Octopus...

As there should be! The fact that this kid said he killed this Octopus for an art project & its meat is disgusting. Do I think he should be recieving death threats, probably not. But I would be horrified if my child brought home a "trophy" & treated other living beings in such a disrespectful manner. I hope something is done to protect these creatures & kudos to those speaking out for them. We are their voices.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/40201/divers+capture+of+a+beloved+giant+pacific+octopus+sparks+outrage/

Butterfly Massacre

This is just gross and it's even more disturbing to know that people were attracted to it. Nature is beautiful, yes, but that doesn't make it something that we have the right to bottle up & exploit. I'm sure the sight of all the butterflies was beautiful, but you know where else you can see butterflies? OUTSIDE, IN THEIR OWN ENVIRONMENT!!! And really, you call placing a shark into formaldehyde, ditto a bisected cow and calf, art? Umm, really? Then why doesn't he take it a step further - throw in a disected human body....yeah, that's gross & completely disturbing. But why should there be any difference w/ displaying a dead cow or a dead human body? The human body can be seen as a form of art. But then, who would go see a decapitated human head being plunged into formaldehyde? Probably no one because it's horrid...why should other animals be treated differently? I'm pretty sure dumping a shark into formaldehyde was not used as an educational reason so you can just cross that excuse out. But here's the story - determine your own opinion.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/damien-hirst-art-show-killed-9-000-butterflies-211840872.html

Swan Massacre

This is absolutely heartbreaking & disgusting. What the hell is wrong with people?! Honestly, I know that I ask this all the time & there is no answer, but OMG. To also know that Georgia law for animal cruelty is only a misdemeanor...when senseless acts of violence such as this go unpunished, what makes people think that senseless acts of violence against other people will stop? We allow things like this to occur everyday to "lower" species, yet we are shocked when the very same type of action is taken out on another human being. Hello people! Those who murder & cause senseless harm view their victims as "objects" - it doesn't matter if it is a swan or monkey or human.

Just baffling

http://news.petpardons.com/residents-shocked-by-swan-massacre-in-idyllic-community/

A dog's loyalty has no end...

This is just an amazing story...it's crazy humans still treat other beings as if they are "things". I hope that one day suffering will end, of course that is when our Father will come to get us.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/dog-stands-guard-over-deceased-owner-grave-six-190556479.html

Stare down with a grizzly

Ok...seriously people? Why do we have to make things bigger than what they really are? This story of a biologist who captured photos of a grizzly bear over a dead bison is just ridiculous. First off, why are you that close to a grizzly? If anything, those photos are pretty amazing & should be shown in a respectful way of nature. Second, if you were that concerned that the bear "had you in mind for his next meal" I would think you would be more worried about getting the hell out of there than circling around taking pictures to then twist the intentions of the grizzly for your 5 minutes of fame. What the hell do you expect a grizzly to do when a helicopter is buzzing around above him? The grizzly did what any animal (human included) would have done - stared into the direction of the loud noise.
Now no, I wouldn't want any other human to be harmed by a grizzly, but isn't that the chance you take when you are out being with the wild? You are in their territory. You have to take precautions & respect NATURE. What do you think a grizzly or any other large animal do if they were being harassed & just so happened to be hungry? They get pissed...just as a human, they just happen to be 10x stronger than you. So bottom line, don't put yourself in stupid situations & then blame the animal because they were doing something instinctional. It's kind of like leaving your car unlocked in a shady neighborhood with a brand new stereo system & then solely getting pissed at the punk who jacked it from you. Hello! Lock your car! Does that give the punk the right to steal, no, but you have to take responsibility for your own lack of judgement.
So what if the grizzly was standing next to a dead carcass...is that suppose to infer that this is a dangerous out of control grizzly? Um, hello! It's called NATURE! Did it ever occur to anyone that we humans look exactly the way grizzlies or other carnivores do when feeding? Ok, maybe we have better table manners.
From what I see, the only concerns Yellow Stone should have is making sure that other visitors are safe. They closed down the trail & I'm sure took precautions before opening the trail again. Just saying.

http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/34782/biologist+with+camera+captures+dramatic+stare-down+with+grizzly+bear/

Dog loses his life because of the ignorance of people

Ok this is just ridiculous! Seriously - Pit Bulls are not 'dangerous' dogs per say. The way they are breed & raised creates the 'monster' & enhances the natural drive within the breed to be used for aggressive behavior such as illegal dog fighting. Just because people exploit this breed's natural energy, strength & intelligience for money & entertainment is no excuse to mark all pit bull breeds with the reputation they have & be put on a death wish list.
People have made the breed out to be vicous & used as a weapon.What consequences are there for against the people? Pit Bulls are not for everyone...but that can be said about any breed. I find Bull Mastiffs beautiful, but as a 4'11" petite female, I do not believe I could handle such a large dog - I choose not to bring one into my home because I do not feel I can provide the proper care & handling they deserve. I don't go out & have them all euthanized. It's just like the "Guns don't kill people, people kill people" saying...people train these dogs to be used maliciously & takes advantage of the breeds natural instinct.
On top of all of that...any animal can turn against their owner at anytime, for any reason. We forget that these are animals that we have domesticated - they weren't always that way. Humans would domesticate wolves if they could, just because they can.
As for Lennox, I feel for his owners & what a disgusting decision of the council. You just KILLED an animal for no reason other than it MIGHT hurt someone. Isn't that the same thing as killing someone who attacts you with the intent of harming you? Or, what about the pedophiles that walk free? We allow other humans live freely after harming a child, but we euthanize an innocent animal? I'm not understanding the logic here. Now, don't get me wrong - I realize there is a difference between a dog's life & a human's life, but the overall concept is the same. People are the cruel & vicious 'animal'. People are the only ones who consciously choose to harm one another, to bring hate & violence because of their own ignorance, greed & pride.

Just saying.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/lennox-dog-put-sleep-belfast-145939624.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/pit-bulls-myths-facts-dangerous-dogs-26215.html?cat=53
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/news/news.asp?id=3109

**And why wouldn't they allow Lennox to be adopted by a celebrity dog trainer or other US citizen who offered to give Lennox a home?**

Oh this breaks my heart

What a beautiful but very sad story of a pitbull grieving for his dead mate. This reminds me of an incident that happened in my hometown over the winter - a pregnant female pitbull wet into labor out in the cold. All 4 of her pups died - animal control took forever to get out there. When they did, they removed the bodies of the pups but the mother stayed for days wandering the area looking for her pups. I know I can't save every animal, but I wish I could.
Why do people treat animals as if they are disposable & don't deserve the same respect of living free from harm? I know I know, circle of life stuff, it's just there are many people who are just so insensitive or detached from the emotions of other creatures. I've seen people in my home town speed up & 'act' like they're going to hit a dog that roaming the streets & it makes me angry. There are people who shoot their neighbors dogs with bb guns because they were barking & no one does anything - animal control or the police. What can be done? How do you deal with the sadness or what not that you feel when you see an animal suffering?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2148363/Grieving-pit-bull-stays-dead-mate-14-HOURS--days-later-hes-sad-adopted.html

Quick & hearty dinner

Or at least I thought so. I love carbs :) its amazing how much rice/pasta/noodles etc. that I consume. But I've decided to slowly start back up this blog & start cooking more vegetarian meals working towards total vegan - not necessarily eating just convenient "veggie" food.

But, this is one of my favorite brands of pasta...Buittoni mixed cheese tortellini & Yves meatless ground. I needed to use up the meatless ground before it spoiled - I'm trying to be less wasteful. It may not be the most healthy dinner but it was still yummy & filling.

This little piggie didn't want to go to market...

Absolutely disgusting. How can you continue to eat pork or whatever after seeing this? How can you treat a creature in such a cruel & brutal way for no reason at all other than for your own entertainment, & sleep at night?
MFA investigation...


http://www.mfablog.org/2012/04/video-shocking-cruelty-revealed-at-britains-third-largest-pork-supplier.html

How do you deal with the "weight" on your shoulders that you want to help every, single animal?

It kills me to see strays all around me in this small town. There isn't a big enough facility to hold them all, much less adequate help, time, etc. This town has a very high rate of strays plus people "donate" their dog or cat to the pound because they don't want to take care of them anymore for whatever reason. I just don't understand.

I was driving home to lunch today when I stopped to let a black dog cross the "major" road in town. Panting & I'm sure extremely hot I didn't know what to do. Another car stopped for him too.What do you do? I know realistically you cannot help/save every animal species on the plant, even though it's a nice idea. Reallistically, the average person cannot just bring home every stray they encounter. So what do you do?

Any advice?

Animal Cruelty

I could not believe this photo when I saw it posted on Facebook. What is wrong with people?! Why do they get away with such actions?! I could definitely get on my soap box here, but it just makes me so mad!
I'm thankful for all of those who do what they can to speak up for those who do not have a voice.

The insanity!

I just read a post on my Facebook from someone asking for help with their chi-Pom mix. Their neighbor shot her dog with a BB gun because it was barking. WTF is wrong w/ people?! My neighbors blare their music all hours of the day & you don't see me running out shooting anyone - even if it was with just a BB gun.
Now it's stuck in her dog's leg & this lady is going through a divorce without a job, so needless to say, doesn't have the money for an emergency vet visit.
The town police or animal control will not do anything - so people can just shoot animals for the hell of it? Grrr! That just makes me sooo angry!

Orange you glad it's almost April?!

Random Fact: April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month - how great is that?!

Now what's so crazy is that I'm just now realizing that - it seems like such a coincidence. 2 years ago when I got married, instead of buying random goodies for guests that typically go to waste, for every person who RSVP'd, we donated a dollar amount to the ASPCA - that was in April!

Jut thought that was kind of neat

*pugs & kisses!*

And they say animals don't have feelings...

OMG! I am so glad that I stopped to read this article. Absolutely amazing & touching. People need to wake up & recognize the reality that humans are not the only beings on this plant that 'feel'. This bull crying is just like a human begging for their own life. I wish people would open their hearts & be moved by the miracles of God's creatures that are all around us.

Bull who cried

Mice & men....or other rodents

Okay, so my co-worker proceeds to tell me abou the glue mouse traps...I'm not completely up to speed on animal traps & catching or whatever, so this was quite horrifying. So the mouse/rat gets stuck to this glue pad essentially & then what?  Do you throw them away in the garbage? Do you stomp on them? I envision this mouse trying to crawl away & starving to death...it makes me want to cry.

While I understand I can't save every animal/species etc. & mice/rodents can create issues within your household (like carry diseases) what do you do? What is the best way to handle it? Is there really such a thing as 'humane' mouse trap?

Butterball Workers Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges

Butterball Workers Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges

I am glad national news is sharing this information & thankful for groups like Mercy For Animals.

*Unicorns & Glitter*

If you take an oath...keep it: Sante Fe Vet Brags about Killing

I ran across this post yesterday & it just makes me sad. While I can comprehend the horror, anger, sadness & sense of loss, that still does not make it right to take vengeance. As the author of this article puts it "...the coyote was only doing what came naturally to it. Coyotes have as much right to be here as do humans, dogs, and cats, and to do what they do naturally." On top of that, the statement that the barn cat only went after bunnies, mice & rats in the veterinarian's barn & she was grateful for the elimination of these other animals by the cat itself, is a horrible justification made by the vet. Um, hello? Bunnies, mice & rats are all living creatures, you would think a person who specializes in the animal field would know this.
Yes, I hate the idea that anything gets "hunted" & "killed", but I also understand the circle of life & the basic nature of most creatures that dwell on this earth. The cat was acting out of natural instincts - it doesn't know any better. It wasn't out of malicious intent; it didn't sit there & devise this master plan of revenge & create a justification to make itself feel better at the end of the day; and it wasn't KILLING for no reason!
I think the worst part of all this is the fact a middle aged woman got onto Facebook to brag about a childish action, that is also damaging to her career. Seriously lady?! This has LAME written all over it. This is like a politician posting pictures of his penis on Facebook & not expecting to be caught...and we call ourselves the most intelligent creature?
If this cat was that important to you that you would purposefully harm another, what were the safety precautions you put into place to protect the cat? Probably none...any feral cat (or other animals that roam freely) run the risk of being killed, ran over, etc. My personal opinion: This woman should not be able to practice animal care anymore. Period. I would definitely NOT take any of my animals to see her, much less live anywhere in the vicinity of her.
I would love to have been a veterinarian...but unfortunately, funds for going back to school are not available.
It makes me sick that people like her are practicing with something that is so precious, yet there are others out there with the heart, compassion & passion to do this but are not able to.
Santa Fe Vet brags about Killing a coyote on FB

Veterinarian's Oath

(Approved by the HOD, 1954; Revision approved by the HOD, 1969; Revision approved by the Executive Board 1999, 2010)



Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.


I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

Why is there so much hate?

Why is it that animal rights activists, or those who categorize themselves as such, use such hate & anger towards others who do not think as they do? No where in the span of history has force made a change that was positive and/or a step closer to compassion. You cannot make someone 'feel' like you or believe what you do. Not everyone is passionate about animal by-products that are used by us. If we want others to hear us out & be open-minded, shouldn't we show the same courtesy? People have the ability & right to form their own opinion & beliefs, so let them.
Using foul language, name calling, arguing over the internet, & basically attacking each other does nothing but create resistance. People, by nature, get defensive when they feel like they are being attacked...whether that be physical, verbal, mental...we all close up & dig our heels into the ground to make the offender see where they are coming from' & think the way they think. Then arguing & all that jazz on the internet is absolutely ridiculous! What good are you doing? None. You end up pissing people off, making animal rights/welfare activist all appear to be crazed & arrogant (which who wants to be like that?) & you lose sight of what the real issue is. It's not about who is wrong or right; it's not about how you or I feel, it's about the animals & their pain & suffering. Once you get into a pissing match with someone, it becomes all about 'proving them wrong'.
Can't we just all get along & be honest, kind people? I know, that's a lot to ask.


*Unicorns & Glitter!*