Laura_E

Rosie is lovely. Shame she needs somewhere without cats. I hope she finds a home soon.

One of the most prominent memories that I have from childhood involved a dog called Vinny who was just let out every morning to roam the streets. He wasn't an escape artist, his owners just literally didn't see anything wrong with letting him 'walk himself' until they retured from work in the evening! I was about 6 years old at the time and we had Jack, our gorgeous border collie, so Vinny used to turn up on our door step every day wanting to play. Mum would bring him in, feed him and try and clean him up as best she could before taking him back in the evening. She had so many arguements with the owners, but they literally just could not see any harm in what they were doing. Then one day I overheard my Mum and Dad talking downstairs (I was a very nosey child) and I could tell from their voices that they were both really upset. I asked my older sister what was going on and she told me that some local boys had got hold of Vinny, taken him to the multi-storey car park in town and thrown him off the top floor I think the reason I still remember it all so vividly is because it was the first time in my life that I had felt so sad and so sickened. Amazingly though, Vinny survived and an elderly lady next door to us ended up adopting him as his owners didn't want to pay the vet bill. He finally got the loving home he deserved, but he should never of been in that situation in the first place. .... and the boys, well, some people thought it would be a good idea to round them up one by one, take them to the same floor of the multi-storey car park that they had taken Vinny to and dangle them over the edge by their ankles. Apparently every single one of them soiled themselves, so they were left to make the 20 minute walk through town in that state! It's a small price to pay for what they done to Vinny though. I think most of them are in prison now. Sorry for going off topic, but Fiona's story just reminded me of poor Vinny. Maybe a phone call to this cute little lads owner, just to see how he's getting on, will help as a reminder that you're still there if things do get too much. Sadly, we all know how quickly some children tire of their pets, and it seems like they are already neglecting their responsibilities. I hope things do work out.

Poor Lucky It sounds like you already have a great foster home offer, but I am happy to offer a back-up placement. I work from home 2 days a week now, and as Tess still has her anxieties, my Mum and I try to work out our shifts so that she isn't left for longer than 3 hours at a time. I hope he gets settled soon, he looks like such a sweet frail old boy.

Bless Benji, he looks adorable and sounds very clever!

I don't think it's pathetic at all, it sounds like he would have a much better home with you, especially as he isn't even wanted where he is now I had a similar experience a couple of years ago with a gorgeous rottie girl (we called her Priscilla, god knows what her real name was!). She was straying on a main road, got hit by a car and then ran off into a residential area. We managed to find her sitting in a drive way, so assumed it was her home, but when nobody answered the door an elderley couple in the garden next door told us that she didn't live there. We contacted the RSPCA, but they said they couldn't come out for 5 hours, so she came home with us to wait. I ended up having to take the day off work as annual leave, luckily my manager was very understanding. All this happened at about 9am, the RSPCA turned up at around 4pm and took her off. I gave them my contact details and said if nobody came forward then I would have her back here and pay the vet bill. She was such a gorgeous gentle girl, and even ignored my cats. Unfortunately, I got a phone call at around 10pm from her owner asking me where she was (apparently the RSPCA helpline had given him my number, which I thought was a bit off). I told him what had happened and explained that it had happened over 12 hours ago, but he said he had only just realised she was missing! He didn't bother to thank me at all for my time and even seemed annoyed that he might have to fork out for the vet bill. Some people just don't deserve to have pets. Fingers crossed that this cute little boy does come back to you.

The film focuses on the concept of speciesism and the fact that these animals feel and experience the same things as us, fear, depression, isolation, pain. I suspect that most vegetarians and vegans abstain from eating meat because they don't want to consume another living creature. Non-human animals should have as much right to live their lives free from pain and fear as we do, but they don't, because we think it is ok to treat them as a commodity. There is a very poignant and heartbeaking moment in the film when Japanese fisherman trap a number of Dolphins within a bay area. They then start to randomly hack at the Dolphins as they know that once one is injured, the rest of it's family members will not leave it, thus ensuring that they capture them all. I wonder how many human beings would demonstrate the same levels of integrity if they were faced with a similar situation.

I would think that the main reason it was used in this case was simply to reduce costs. We all know that in many pounds abroad they use horrific forms of 'euthanasia' to dispose of as many animals as possible without having to endure high costs. Even in the USA some pounds use gas chambers, and they are one of the wealthiest countries in the world. But even the gas chamber seems to be a more humane way than electrocution, which many South American and European countries use. Then, like Fiona said, we have similar situations over here with the illegal slaying of greyhounds. It all sickens me. The thought of any animal ending their life in that way is just horrific, be it a dog, cow or pig. Personally, I think a lot of people probably want to believe that the captive bolt is a quick and pain free way for an animal to die so that they don't have to feel guilty about eating meat, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that this isn't the case, especially when used by the careless and inexperienced. In the case of pets, I would have thought that it would be a much more traumatic experience for both the owner and the animal, it would seem more like an execution than a kind act of release. I can't see doctors in Sweden using it to euthanise people, so why should it be any different for an animal if it is considered to be a 'humane' method?

I probably didn't explain it very well, but the girls dog wasn't in the other dogs faces, she kept a respectful distance and was just waggy tailed and inviting them to play. Also I don't think I'd call what these lads were doing to their dogs a restraint, they were suspending the poor things in the air by their leads. I always let Tess off lead in the park and didn't realise that the DDA prohibits this, good job I know now! These lads are already known to the police as they are one of many that hang around with their poor dogs outside a well known crack house in the area. It has been raided about 10 times, but for some reason the residents haven't been evicted. I have to walk past the house on my way to work everyday and they make absolutely no attempt to disguise their activities, you could get stonned just from breathing the air outside that place! On my way home on Thursday I walked past and witnessed three kids kicking and tormenting their dog, another poor staff, and their mum just sat there watching not saying a word! When I got in I tried contacting the animal warden to report it, but they only work 9- 5 Monday- Friday in my borough. I left a message, but unsurprisingly, nobody called back. I have a pretty low opinion of them anyway as they cremated my friends cat when he was hit by a car and didn't even attempt to contact her, despite the fact that he was microchipped and wearing an id tag with full contact details. I think these idiots will probably get dealt a hand of justice anyway, especially if the reaction of the girls dad was anything to go by!

Earlier on today I took Tess to the park and two lads around the same age as me (mid-20's) walked in behind us with two staffies- a cute little puppy and a bigger older one that was kept on lead. The puppy, came over to play with Tess, they had a run around and played nicely with each other, no problems at all. Her owner, however, seemed to take a dislike to her socialising with other dogs and after shouting at her repeatedly, he finally came over and dragged her off. I didn't pay much attention as there seems to be an increase in owners with this type of attitude, so Tess and I just carried on with our walk. The two of them must have been about 100 foot infront of us when I noticed another dog, a cute little crossbreed, running over to greet them. All three dogs were wagging their tails and seemed perfectly fine with each other. However, once again, the owners seemed to take a dislike to this and literally picked the dogs up in the air by their leads, which caused the collars to start strangling the poor things. One of the lads then started shouting and swearing at the owner of the other dog to get the dog away. As she got closer I realised that it was a girl with learning dificulties that often walks her dog over there. She was clearly a bit confused about why these two morons were making such a big deal over her dog just wanting to say hello, but her confusion seemed to anger the idiots even more and one of them shouted at her "if you don't get your dog away now I'lll let him (the older male staffy) go and he'll f*****g rip it apart" Then he kicked the poor little dog in the face! I ran over to where all this commotion was going on and told the a***hole that the girl had learning difficulties and quickly put the poor little dog on Tess's lead to get her away from him as quickly as possible. I then told him that if he ever dared to try anything like that again I'd rip his f***ing face off. To be honest, I was so angry that if I hadn't been worried that it would cause the dogs to start fighting, I would have done it. I just couldn't believe the cruelty of this chav. Afterwards I took the girl and her dog home and explained to her parents what had happened, and they were totally mortified. Luckily the dog didn't seem to be too bothered by the whole experience, but it has completely knocked the girls confidence and her parents have said that it's best she doesn't walk the dog alone now, which is such a shame. Now I just keep thinking about those poor staffys, what chance have they got? Poor things.

So sad I don't know why, but it never ceases to amaze me just how cruel humankind can be. We can only hope!

I don't eat meat and I don't want to see animals being tortured on TV. I know people are probably thinking, don't watch his show then, and I don't, but it's basically impossible not to see clips due to the frequency that Channel 4 advertises it. I can appreciate that people think it is important to show these things to make the general public more aware about where their meat comes from, but I really don't see how the clip for next weeks episode would be beneficial to that cause at all. It actually shows a close-up of the calfs face, which is cleary in pain and shock, as they castrate him. Then you hear Jamie Oliver joking about how it is "making him wince". I know that he has previously done shows that were meant to educate people about the consequences of eating cheap meat, although I don't see why it was necessary for him to get involved in the slaying of these helpless animals when there is already plenty of footage out there to demonstrate this, but the American Road Trip series isn't related to animal welfare, so I don't see how this act can be excused as educational.

I was just unfortunate enough to catch the end of the new Jamie Oliver show on Channel 4 and was unsurpisingly, totally disgusted. In the clip for next weeks episode it shows him assisting two rednecks to pin down a poor helpless calf and castrate him with pliers- minus anaesthetic. This is the same mockney fat boy that electrocuted a chick on live tv and slit the throat of a lamb on one of his other tv series to apparently 'educate' people about where their meat comes from. What a great advocate for animal rights! Since he is such a fan of televising acts of cruelty, maybe Channel 4 could introduce a one-off live public stoning event with him as the 'sacrifical lamb'. I'd pay good money to watch that!

Lots of good thoughts for Bailey and his owners. It sounds like they are having an awful time of it at the moment, I hope the medication helps.

Thanks everyone I have to admit, when I saw the dogs that were being entered yesterday, I didn't have high hopes for my goregous Heinz 57 girl. It wasn't quite the parade of loveable mutts that I had expected, more like perfectly preened Shitzu and Pomeranian crosses, along with the odd Labradoodle! I was talking to the lady whose dog won prettiest bitch and she was giving me the low-down on the show, as her dog also got through last year. She said that despite it being a crossbreed fun show, people still take it VERY seriously and even bring their own groomers along to get the dogs ready! When I told my friends about this they found it hilarious and have said that I am going to end up like one of those 'pushy mums from a channel 5 documentary'!

We took Tess along to the Egham Royal Show today for the first heats of Scruffts. Unfortunately, she was only able to enter one category as there was an age limit of 7 years for all the other rounds, but she was obviously eligible for the Golden Oldie class, and she she came first! Which means we are off to Earls Court in November for the grand final!!! Tess with my Grandma (another Golden Oldie!!) ... and finally relaxing at home after a hard day

That was quick! I hope she moves into her foster home soon, I hate to think of an old girl like her all alone in kennels If the rescue wasn't based in Wales, I would have been very tempted to offer her a foster space here.

I just read this entry on the Many Tears website and found it so upsetting. Poor Kate 27-08-09 Kate is 12 years plus. She has served her very old mistress well, sitting beside her and keeping her company the last 8 years. She has been wonderful with the grandchildren and is said to ignore cats. She really does not care much about dogs either - she just wants to love and serve her mum. Very sadly this is no longer an option and none of this lady's family could take her either. In her twilight days/months or years, she now has only you or me to care. She is overweight, a little stiff and doddery, and totally homeless (except here at the rescue). So sadly we have had to lock her in a kennel alone tonight, leaving her not knowing what is going on. I pray that one of you reading this will foster or adopt this poor lady. My heart is heavy with her loss so please get in touch if you can help her asap. She looks so sad I hope she finds a new home soon, or I might do something silly!

Have just emailed them. Thanks

Dartford isn't too far. I will have a ring round and see if any of my friends are able to help out with transport. Thanks for all your suggestions everyone.

Maybe I didn't use the best analogy (when I just re-read it I thought it seemed a bit random). The point I was trying to make is that when faced with an emergency life or death situation, most doctors would do everything within their power to save the patient, even if it meant using the limited resources available. I know that blood donors are nowhere near as scarce as organ donors, but does that mean that somebody equally as responsible for putting themselves in that situation should still receive treament whilst others are refused? The guidelines are obviously in place to ensure that the donors go to the right people, and I am in no way saying that this boy should be able to jump the list, but there are other factors to take into consideration. It isn't a decision that I would want to, or be able to make.

I thought the article stated that the liver failure was caused by a weekend drinking binge, it didn't actually say that he was an alcoholic. Lots of people (stupidly) drink excessively at the weekends or on nights out, but it doesn't make them alcohol dependant. I know his Father is supposed to have said that he is an alcoholic, but that doesn't necessarily confirm it, it seems to be more of an opinion than actual fact. It's a difficult one really. Ok, so the liver failure has been caused as a direct consequence of his own actions, but would doctors take the same stace if a gang member was rushed into A & E with a stab wound? In theory the gang member would have rapidly increased their chances of being in that situation by their behaviour and the fact that they have affiliated themselves with a gang. There would also be a high chance that either they, or a rival gang member, would return for medical treatment in the future as a consequence of their behaviour and lifestyle choices. But I am sure that doctors wouldn't think twice about doing a blood transfusion if they thought the person was going to die, so why should it be any different for this boy? However, saying all of that, I don't think that somebody who has basically caused their own liver to fail shoud be given priority over somebody that has been born with, or developed, liver failure through no fault of their own. If I had lost a friend or family member and they had donated their liver to help somebody else, I would be devastated to think that it had gone to a person that had no intention of addressing their alcohol mis-use. But, if this boys death is imminent, you would think that they have a duty of care to operate.

So sorry to hear this. Lots of good thouhts for Sophie and Benji, and of course you too.

I live in a very multi-cultural area and the bloody fireworks have been going off since 7 o'clock and are still going strong! Poor Tess is cowering and shaking under the table

Thanks Fiona, that is quite close to me and I am taking Tess along as they are holding the first heats of Scrufts there so I am going to enter her for the Veterans category. Unfotunately they have closed applications for this year though. I seem to find out about these things months after everyone else! Thanks Selena. Kent is quite far away from me as I don't drive and rely on friends and family to help me with transport. My Uncle lives near Maidstone though, so I might be able to convince my Mum to do a day trip. That would be great, thanks.

This is the one that I have been put on the waiting list for next year, apparantly they filled up all their spaces months ago. I have tried googling all sorts of word searches, but haven't really found much. I will try the other link though, thanks. I think that these type of events are probably more popular in rural settings.