Darwin gets a chance

By now, few people are unaware of the little primate called "The Ikea Monkey" and his appearance at a Toronto Ikea store in a faux fur shearling coat.  The ignorant POS owner, Yasmin Nakhuda is whining about this poor creature being taken from her, claiming he needs his "mother".

Look, you stupid BITCH - you stole this baby from his mother at SIX weeks of age - not only depriving him of maternal caregiving including proper nutrition, but even worse, depriving him of the opportunity to bond with and learn from his own species.  You brought him into your home and proceeded to treat him like a wind-up toy, dressing him up like a doll, taking videos that you apparently thought were "adorable" but were in fact a form of animal abuse and then bring him out in a Canadian winter and leave in him in your damn CAR.

Primate Info Net says:

Rhesus macaques live in large, multi-male/multi-female groups that have an average of 10 to 80 individuals, regardless of habitat type.

And he, poor wee thing, relegated to a solitary existence.  Further, Rhesus groups are matriarchal in nature. Poor Darwin was taken from his mother at SIX WEEKS - note the "natural" progression of an infant monkey.

While the majority of parental care is the responsibility of the mother, rhesus infants are also handled by close female relatives and protected by adult males. In the first few days, the infant is carried ventrally and protected from other group members by the mother. Ventral clinging is the position most frequently adopted during travel for the first four months of life, but rhesus infants begin to ride dorsally for short periods during the second week (Lindburg 1971). By six weeks of age, locomotor skills are developed enough for the infant to move independently, but they do not move very quickly at this age, and if the mother is traveling too quickly, she will pick up the infant and carry it (Lindburg 1971). Some young rhesus are carried until they reach one year of age, though it is rare. During early infancy, rhesus macaques nurse exclusively for the first two weeks of life, after which they begin to experiment with solid food. At about four months of age, rhesus mothers begin to resist the attempts of their offspring to nurse, and young rhesus macaques are fully weaned by the birth of their next sibling (Fooden 2000). 

By stealing this little monkey from his mother (and is ANYONE following up on where she got him?  Have Montreal authorities been contacted to ascertain what SOB is selling baby monkeys?), she changed the course of his future - and in so doing has potentially prevented him from ever developing a healthy, natural lifestyle suited to his species.  From whom would he learn proper etiquette? From whom would he learn the facial expressions common to a healthy, functioning tribe?  And how would he learn his own intricate language?

This trend to own exotic animals without any forethought or care about whether the environment is a healthy one for them must be stopped.

Money does not trump the rights of the other species with whom we share this world.

The rush to have the latest "thing", the trendiest "pet" is obscene and the individuals who perpetuate the abuse and objectification of living creatures must be brought to task. A paltry $240 fine is hardly going to dissuade those who seek the limelight from purchasing another poor hapless creature.

Elephants living in misery in our zoos.

Intelligent, beautiful sea creatures - whales and seals - living in horrific conditions to put money in the coffers of an owner without a conscience.

Baby polar bears dying for the second year in a row due to an unnatural environment and a stressed, unhappy mother.

and individuals who believe cash trumps compassion.

Such a sad world for those with whom we share this earth.

Thank god for people like those at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary - who have taken in this little baby and are giving him a chance to be who he was meant to be. They are even hoping to provide him with a surrogate mother - someone who will nurture and understand him as only a mother could.

However, it is VERY expensive to feed and nurture and take care of primates - so in this Season of Giving, please see if you can give a little to Darwin's new life http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/294104. Every little bit helps

The Autumn King

Yes, I put things on my dogs... in fact, in the net while I"ll be dressing them up for their Xmas photo!  Llyr looks incredibly unimpressed with his crown don't you think?

It ain't rocket science

A story in today's Star highlights an issue which is overdue for tackling. To wit - what the HELL happened to common sense and teaching children how to behave around dogs??

I feel for the child - it must have been a frightening and  painful experience, one which hopefully has not left her with a lifetime aversion to dogs.  But seriously!!  Not ONE, but TWO parents left young children unsupervised in the backyard with a strange (relatively) dog who the pet-sitter and neighbour (Vanessa Vandenberghe) had been warned was reactive, albeit to strange dogs.

Vandenberghe states:

While the Booths had warned her to watch Panny near other dogs, she said they “absolutely did not tell me to be careful with Panny and unfamiliar children,” or of the need to supervise him around kids.

First, this was the first and only offence by Panny; prior exposure to children had been positive. Second, and MORE important, who in the name of GOD needs to "tell someone" to be careful with a dog around children?  When did our society stop using their common sense?

Kealin and the pups

I am so tired of the abdication of responsibility that is so prevalent in our society today. Parents seem to point fingers and blame everyone but themselves.  Even the Santa Clause parade is  banned from throwing CANDIES because some idiot   sued them for "pain, injury and suffering" .  Throughout the school years of my four children I saw parents refusing responsibility for their childrens' issues, blaming the school, blaming the teacher, blaming the other parents, blaming the other kids instead of standing up and admitting they had dropped the ball.  Great role models for our next generations ....

The lack of parental supervision and awareness of even the most basic dog "etiquette" has been brought home to me again and again when out with my own two dogs.  Both rescues, both with their own complex set of issues and triggers, I am astounded again and again when kids come running up, often yelling and loud, waving their hands and wanting to throw their arms around their necks.  And mum or dad standing complacently yards away, telling me fondly how "much little Johnny loves animals".  They are invariably pissed and outraged when I tell them they need to teach their kids how to behave around dogs and just as invariably they put the onus on me and tell me "you shouldn't be out with those dogs if they aren't friendly".  

Well, GUESS what, stupid parent!  I HAVE taken responsibility. Which is why I don't bring Finn to places where there are a lot of people and chaos.  She is fearful and as such, possibly prone to fear biting (she hasn't yet, but I know the possibility exists).  So she doesn't get to go to Pet Smart or to rallies or to anywhere I can be sandbagged by stupid people.  

Llyr, who was very aggressive when I got him (territorial aggression related to being chained to a doghouse for his first three years in a backyard), CAN be trusted if I am out with him.  I know how to read him and how to gauge his reactions.  By nature, he loves people and kids, and while his anxiety and bred in the bone reactiveness is still there, he has decent self-discipline and more importantly, looks to me every time for cues.

Which does not excuse the kid who JUMPED on his back in Pet Smart... or the 7 year old that SMACKED him because he "looked scary" when we walked (quietly) by him nor does it exonerate the numerous kids that have thrown themselves at him and tried to ride him (he is very tall and large) but most of all it doesn't excuse the parents who have FAILED abysmally to teach their children even the most basic dog knowledge.

Some things don't change. As a kid, my mother drilled into us a few basic rule when it came to dogs (and we always had them; further, I NEVER saw a dog that my mother couldn't pet or touch - even guard dogs couldn't resist her):

Rule 1: NEVER approach a strange dog without asking permission from the owner - if the owner is NOT there, then leave it alone.

Rule 2: Once you have had permission, NEVER put your face near a dog.

Rule 3:  Put your hand out and let the dog sniff it and come to YOU.

I'm sure there were other adages but these three certainly worked and were fairly universal when I was growing up. Dogs ran free then - were seldom spayed or neutered - and pretty well every family had one - but I grew up without knowing ONE kid that ever got bitten.

If I were public media - I would use this as an example of
nasty dogs - these are my dogs and they're PLAYING!!

I hope Audrey recovers from her bite. I hope with all my heart that she doesn't scar and that she learns to trust dogs again.  But killing Panny is NOT the solution.  The myth that if once a dog bites, they'll bite again is just THAT - a myth.  We do not know what went on in the backyard that morning - whether the children provoked the dog, whether they stepped on her accidentally and she simply reacted, whether it was fear or indeed, whether it was aggression.

But one bite by a dog should not carry with it a death sentence.  

And these parents need to swallow their guilt and step up to the plate and admit it was their irresponsibility which lead to this in the first place.

Absence of Malice

Sometimes, it is the absence of something that brings attention to it.


Captain sits quiet beside me, wrinkly muzzle tipped up, tawny eyes taking in the bustle of Dorval Airport’s Air Canada cargo. His airline crate stands ready and we’re just waiting for my daughter to sort out his ticket. This boy, who I only met yesterday has already stolen my heart.

An Air Canada worker in the distinctive orange vests walks in and her eyes light up. Trotting over, she ignores me and bends, hands outstretched. “Bonne chien! Ma petite chou”... sweet dog she cries, taking his blocky head between her hands and rubbing his ears. Wiggle butt Captain grins and slurps messy pink kisses all over her face, body vibrating with pleasure. Calling to a co-worker, another orange-vested cargo employee walks over, grinning. Greeting me, he compliments me on my “beautiful” dog and bending rubs the excited dog’s flanks.

Captain is in heaven. Muscular body vibrating with pleasure, ears close to his head, eyes squinched shut in ecstasy, he radiates positive energy and affability. These are simply two more of what has been, almost without exception, an incredibly positive response to this beautiful dog.

Walking him outside, before the office opened, I had been approached by at least five people, each of whom wanted to meet “my” dog and ask about him. Without exception, they were shocked to the core when I told them that not only was this friendly, sweet-natured puppy a pariah in Ontario, but based on nothing more than his looks, he would be given a death sentence – like thousands and thousands of dogs like him. So encompassing is this concerted genocide, that Captain could not even be flown out of Pearson with impunity but had to be driven to Quebec.

Oddly, it was not until the innocuous reality of being greeted in a normal manner that I realized just how pervasive and poisoned is the atmosphere and environment in Ontario. It was, in fact, the “absence” of fear, the “absence” of loathing, the “absence” of disgust (against me for having “that” kind of dog) that brought home what a sick society exists in Ontario. Media frenzy, ably abetted by a government not averse to using myth and superstition as a weapon has created in the minds of many Ontarians a skewed and negative belief that the (usually improperly) labelled “pit bulls” are pariahs and to be avoided and despised.

A pervasive plan to demonize thousands of dogs based entirely on their appearance has been spectacularly and tragically, successful – and in its success the Liberals garnered goodwill and votes. The manipulative and sociopathic bastards that spearheaded the annihilation of innocent dogs have admitted that it was done primarily to create sound bites; Michael Bryant himself, the arrogant, alcoholic, cyclist-murdering godfather of BSL admits that he created the legislation more as an “ego” boost than because of any real belief that certain breeds were more dangerous than others. After all, the very experts they called to pass judgment on whether “pit bulls” were inherently unstable and dangerous debunked and undermined their claims.

Reality is not a tangible actuality for those who have espoused and continue to support breed specific legislation. Thus, a dog who “looks” a certain way (wide-set eyes, blocky body, short-haired) is magically transformed into a ravening, bloody-thirsty monster with “locking” jaws. The fact that DNA may indeed show that not a drop of American Staffordshire, American pit bull or bulldog is in the helix is irrelevant – he “looks” therefore he “is”.

It’s time. Kneeling, I hug my sweet boy and he washes my face with slurpy pittie kisses. I feel my eyes tear up and as I gently guide him into his crate, they fall, wetting my cheeks. He looks anxious, frightened. His young life has been uncertain and disrupted this past week. From the safe, loving haven of four months in a foster home, to a chaotic couple of days being health checked to the introduction and stress of meeting me and then journeying from province to province, he is scared.*

My heart aches and I feel rage consume me that the arbitrary and capricious actions of sociopathic politicians condemns him and thousands like him to an undeserved death. I am angry, really, really angry that this boy – greeted so unreservedly and enthusiastically here in Quebec – would be denigrated, despised and feared in Ontario. My daughter and I cry as we watch Captain leave, but I know he goes to a loving home and a place where he will be treated based on who he is, not what he looks like. A place where he will be allowed to live in freedom and without fear.

BSL MUST end. It is arbitrary, grossly inefficient, supremely misguided and has in fact rubberstamped the genocide of thousands of dogs – innocent of anything other than looking a certain way.

Bye Captain. Live free, my friend.

*Not saying where I got him from in case they get in trouble

Off-leash, offhand.. NOPE - But Mallick has a hate on

Heather Mallick of the Star writes a vitriolic diatribe, ostensibly on Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong's somewhat questionable motion to have all parks after 9 p.m. designated off-leash for the unquestionably growing segment of dog owners in the City of Toronto.  

On an initial read, I was taken aback but actually agreed with Ms. Mallick as personal experience has taught me that a very large number of off-leash dogs shouldn't be.  Unless your dog responds immediately, unless your dog can focus in a potentially volatile situation, unless your dog understands the concept of space, is properly socialized and knows how to interact properly, then PLEASE do other dogs - and owners - a favour and keep your dog leashed.

As the owner of two rescue german shepherds who have their own complex set of hangups - including the necessity of proper introductions to other dogs (and for that matter people) - I have had my much loved hikes severely limited the past few years as the number of unmanageable and untrained dogs off-leash (i.e in non-designated areas) proliferate.  

However, the issue here is Ms. Mallick's acid denigration and wholesale condemnation of ALL dogs and their owners is unmistakably rooted in what I would even term hatred for our four legged buddies.

Damned if I am not yet again thrown in to yet another hated sub-group of this City!  It already seems like half the city hates the fact I like to cycle, now I'm being hate-bombed because I have dogs?

Seriously Toronto - you really need to understand that the very complexity of this City is part of its reality. That the incredibly workable mix of cultures, sub-cultures, religions, colours, genders and everything else are what makes this City the one it is. Further, there really IS room for all of us here!  A simple understanding that we all SHARE what this City offers would go a long way to deflating a lot of bruised egos; a grasp of the concept we all learned in kindergarten would really help make life here in this busy place more pleasant, more grounded for all of us.

I DESPISE overkill in the sense that the majority are punished for the crimes of a very few.  I railed against my kids' schools if they punished a class for one child's transgression - and refused to tolerate the same kind of behaviour in my job - so please do not paint myself or the MAJORITY  of other responsible dog owners for the crimes of a few.  Deal instead with the ones that offend and come down heavy.

So Ms. Mallick - feel free to disagree with Councillor Minnan-Wong's suggestion - you'll find a lot of us "irresponsible" dog owners feel exactly the same. But your hatred (fear?) of dogs shines clearly through the rhetoric and attempted humour. You really need to face your fears and figure out why you have such a dislike of a creature that has stood beside human beings for thousands upon thousands of years.

I could easily come up with hundreds of examples of irresponsible parenting (from screaming kids in stores, unmanageable kids in restaurants, diapers left stinking up benches, etc)- but what's the point?  I know very well that most parents are responsible and muddle along the best they can - and frankly, most kids can be fun.  So I'm not going to condemn parents or kids for the bad behaviour of a few.

I suggest you get off your high horse, face your obvious fear and dislike of dogs and accept that they are an integral and growing part of the reality not just of this City but of any City.  The future brings with it an increasingly urban landscape - and just like drivers are going to have to figure out how to live in peace and share with cyclists - so too will the city dweller learn to accept and live in peace with those who chose to embrace dogs in their lives.

Pretty needs a forever home of her own

Pretty is a 9 years young terrier mix at the Toronto Humane Society. She is a sweet, mischievous bundle of energy whose zest for life, walks and all things fun belies her age.  

She has not had the easiest of lives and as such, her tolerance of other dogs and reaction to new environments requires a somewhat experienced owner. NOT that she is a problem - you just need to know how to guide and teach her new social skills - and the THS staff are ready, willing and able to help with the transition.

Happy Tails Dog Spa has kindly and generously provided a custom-made muzzle for this girl, who due to the draconian, misguided and STUPID laws enacted by that pathetic excuse for a Liberal government, must remain muzzled in public.

Pretty's energy levels - like most terriers- are high and she loves to play.  With a little guidance, Pretty's sweet, affectionate nature, big smile and earnest desire to please would make a wonderful companion and workout buddy!

Please share, far and wide - let's find one of the THS's longest residents her very OWN home in time for Christmas!

yeah- so much for "irredeemable" dogs

I am so tired of hearing the same old crap spewed out there in media and in the internet world about "pit bulls" (i.e. dogs that are randomly designated as pit bulls because they have short hair, wideset eyes and blocky bodies).  Locking jaws, "bred" to be aggressive, they "snap", can't be 'trusted'... so what happened to little Jazzy?

Early Wednesday morning, in Pembroke, Ontario, a low life nutbar tried to eat his dog, injuring her severely and horrifying witnesses who called 911 and dragged the nursing mum to safety.  At CTV newsclip covers the story

"The disposition of the dog is wonderful" says City of Pembroke Animal Control officer, Michael Street.

He notes that Jazzy had been nursing puppies (and does ANYONE know what became of those pups?? - from the look of her teats she was nursing until very recently!; I can't help wondering if that POS killed and ate her pups- or if anyone actually checked his residence to see if they were there??).

So, here we have the "dreaded, irredeemable" PIT BULL, being tortured, literally eaten by her owner and she does not once attempt to bite him- nor does she show any aggressiveness or viciousness to any of the 15 people that intervene to save her life (kudos to those bystanders - I love you).

So, to detractors of these dogs - you know, the ones who look like (but are not) an American Pit Bull Terrier - can you explain this?  Does this make you pause at all to maybe reassess the drivel you have been spouting - that these dogs CAN'T be rehabilitated, that somehow dogs with this type of appearance are bad to the bone?

I worry about this little girl.

Under the draconian, misguided, STUPID breed-specific legislation enacted in 2005 by the Liberal government (based on nothing but rhetoric and vindictiveness and a willingness to enact the slaughter of thousands of innocent family pets), Jazzy is illegal. By law she can be euthanized. The fact that she has clearly been victimized her entire young life is irrelevant. The reality that she is clearly a sweet, loving, beautifully natured dog who would make a family a wonderful pet is not at issue.

Jazzy has suffered enough. She deserves to know a kind hand.  She has earned the right not to starve, not to be bred indiscriminately and most likely for monetary gain. She has a right to live out the rest of her life being nurtured and loved by the people she so obviously adores.

I hope we hear more about this girl and how she is being placed in a good family.

So long (THS) and thanks for the fish...

Involvement with animal advocacy brings with it the inevitability of passionate discourse, strong opinions, commitment, involvement and often, a crushing obsession. It seems to be the reality that those of us who battle for those without a human voice, are compelled to immerse ourselves in defending and championing what to us, is so glaringly, critically, obviously wrong. Yet, animal advocacy also brings with it the inevitability of zealots; individuals and organizations that paint the rest of us with flavours of obsession and madness that are undeserved.

 

Animal advocacy has provided a rich, fecund environment for fraudsters, who gleefully fleece well-meaning people with bogus accounts supporting non-existent animals in need. It provides sustenance also to those with the best of intentions but misguided goals and the inability to follow through on grandiose dreams of saving needy creatures. In short, hoarders are sometimes created and flourish – all with the best of intentions and simply the inability to see things objectively and realistically.

 

Negotiating the twists and turns of animal husbandry without falling into the more radical elements of radicalism and maintaining a rational understanding of what is morally right but also realistically attainable is always challenging. I continue to believe, however, it is possible. 

 

There is great need out there. There are suffering animals of every stamp – from our marine creatures living lives of pain, degradation and despair in places like Marineland, to farm animals who are denied basic rights of dignity, freedom from pain and even a semblance of life, and of course, the cover portraits for animal advocacy - our “domestic” dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals with whom many of us share our homes.

 

A moral compass is a necessary component of animal advocacy, yet for each of us, the needle can vary widely. All I know is that we have to remain true to our own convictions; that trying to compromise the basic tenets of what we believe is “right” is not something that you can internalize on an ongoing basis. Maintaining a rational mind is also crucial; more so because to do the best for the animals we purport to battle for means being effective and persuasive orators that can sway and convince the uninformed and the sceptical.

 

In many ways, we animal advocates are dreamers; Don Quixote’s who continue to tilt at windmills and believe in the inevitable triumph of right. If we did not, then it would almost impossible to drag ourselves out of bed every morning, to face the barrage of emails, the deluge of information and gird our loins (as it were) to pick up the standard and go forth to battle yet again.

 

I don’t think there is an animal advocate out there that has not, at some point, been almost mortally wounded by a betrayal of a cause that they had embraced passionately and totally. I know that I have had my share of wounding, almost debilitating betrayals that linger for years in the recess of mind and heart. For each carries with it an intrinsic and unshakeable conviction that we should have seen the reality of the situation, been more aware, been more proactive, done something or noticed something ...

 

Several years ago, I experienced just such a terrible revelation with a group I had been passionately involved with that rescued unwanted, abandoned and rejected german shepherds. The reverberations of that particular situation still linger, have seeped into skin and bone and become an intrinsic part of who I am today. I often feel I lost a chunk of my soul when the reality (and tragedy) of that situation was revealed – but it provided me also with a fierce and unwavering conviction to guard against any such future betrayal (inasmuch as I could).

 

Which brings me to my current decision – to leave my long-term volunteering position with the Toronto Humane Society. My reasons are my own. I do want to emphasize that it is not in any way related to my belief the THS is an awful place, because it is not. The animals within its walls are healthy, happy, well exercised, entertained and taken care of. But after my last experience, I have learned to live with my instinct, to listen to that “gut” feeling and unless I can 100% support a place, unless I can concur and feel content with its policies, then I need to walk away.

 

The bottom line is that my philosophy and that of the THS show no sign of converging at any immediate or future junction any time soon. In fact, in the year I have been back (after a rather debilitating accident), I find indeed that our concept of what the Shelter means diverge even more markedly.

 

As such, I made the decision to leave and voluntarily resigned on good terms. They are going in the direction their Board and staff feel best suits their mandate and I am now a volunteer without a place. I am, of course, still heavily involved with pursuing animal rights, transporting dogs and a myriad of other causes that remain my passion and feed my soul, but for the interim, I will miss my THS and cherish the lessons I learned in the often tumultuous years I volunteered.

 

The one (sad) thing I know. There will always be animals to rescue.

Dear OSPCA: Thank you for the warning!

So, after the horrors revealed by the Star at that torture chamber for marine animals (and other species), Marineland, the OSPCA has decided (no doubt after a zillion phone calls)- maybe, just maybe, we need to actually INSPECT this place - this despite many groups over many years complaining to them about the conditions there!

So, do they go in quietly, unannounced - you know, to actually SEE the reality?
Nope, they give them NOTICE they're coming in there.

Marineland is privately owned by John Holer and licensed by the self-regulating Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

I also highly question some of the organizations involved that assert they've never had a complaint before.

Mallory says the Niagara Falls Humane Society has not received complaints about the care of sea mammals at Marineland.

I can't imagine I'm the ONLY one who complained to them; albeit my call came 25+ years ago; but conditions for these poor animals have clearly worsened, if anything, and I don't for one second believe I'm the only one who would walk in there and see immediately that the conditions are horrific for any animal.
As for CAZA, who ostensibly cleared Marineland and accredited them:

CAZA is the national voice of the zoo and aquarium community in Canada. Representing the 25 leading zoological parks and aquariums in Canada, its purpose is to promote the welfare of zoo and aquarium wildlife, to advance related science and conservation, and to foster public engagement in the preservation of our natural heritage.

CAZA was formed in 1975 as a national, not-for-profit service organization. Since that time it has played an invaluable role in bringing Canada’s zoos and aquariums to the forefront of international standards of animal care. It helps Canadians understand and appreciate the diversity of nature and its importance to their survival. It supports research to preserve threatened species and their habitat, works to preserve the genetic diversity of species and to minimize the live capture of animals. CAZA reaches out to educate youth, in cooperation with local school boards, it partners with governments and non-governmental organizations around the world in seeking to preserve wildlife. And it works to standardize professional conduct through a rigorous Code of Ethics and a comprehensive accreditation system.

Trying to figure out here who FUNDS them.  They apparently have the stamp of approval from the Canadian government according to their website. But then the Canadian government has a pretty poor batting average when it comes to the protection of animal rights, so I'm not entirely surprised.  But then, as "There is no government regulation in Canada or Ontario of marine mammal parks or, for that matter, of any animal park." it is moot - as that in reality means any kind of "pass" is based on questionable criteria.

If, in fact, CAZA did a proper inspection then the bar for their standards is clearly set FAR too low.

In the end, it all comes down to money.  The welfare of the animals, their health, their mental and spiritual well being are so far behind the requirement for them to act unnaturally for oblivious patrons it is enough to bring you to tears.

Call your MPPs - call the Ontario Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur, who oversees the OSPCA and tell her (as Frank Klees aptly puts) to "save" her tears and mobilize action.

“The minister should turn her tears into action,” said Newmarket—Aurora Conservative MPP Frank Klees, who has pushed for action on animal abuse issues. “This is just one more example of the government abdicating responsibility in the area of animal welfare.”

Though not a fan usually of the PC's, MPP Frank Klees has walked the walk when it comes to animal welfare issues and not just talked the talk as does NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo who says it was “absolutely horrifying and scary” to see Star video and read the reports. She called the situation for animals in captivity “the wild west” and called on the province to regulate and oversee the treatment of marine mammals in Canada.

Finally, I was pleased to see my own local MPP, Lorenzo Berardinetti calling for a more “proactive” approach to conditions for animals in captivity, instead of the OSPCA’s complaint-based system.

He said that it’s worrisome in relation to whales and dolphins because “they’re extremely intelligent. They have self-awareness. If you put a mirror in front of them, (studies have shown) they recognize themselves.”

Now I want to see all these individuals - each representing one of our major parties - get together to fight for the rights of the animals of this province.

Ontario needs to WAKE up and start putting some serious legislation in governing how the animals of this province - domestic, farm and exotic - marine and non-marine - factory and NON- factory - are treated. 

And when CLEAR, unequivocal cases of animal abuse are revealed - as at Marineland this week - STOP dragging your damn feet and ACT. Those animals need help NOW. I don't want to see a committee struck, a task force assigned, - act NOW, act DECISIVELY AND QUICKLY. Get those animals some HELP

Marineland - Arena of Horrors

More than 25 years ago, some relatives arrived from Montreal and wanted to see Marineland.  What I saw that day traumitized me so much that I left within 2 hours and spent the next week phoning various government departments, the OSPCA and the Niagara Falls Humane Society- to find out THEN that there is absolutely NO ONE monitoring this place of torture and spiritual and mental prison for innocent marine animals.

The Toronto Star goes behind the scenes today and exposes the truth behind those light-hearted commercials (which i TURN OFF every time I hear them). 

Videos shot in 2011 and 2012 shows them writhing in pain or plunging their heads into a single bucket of clean water. Sandy often sits like a statue, dry as a bone. There’s no lens in Baker’s left eye. When a trainer put him back in the water in April, he barked and it flew out.

Dolphins in pens so filthy they can't be seen in water of such bad quality "Their skin fell off in chunks, their colour darkened and they refused to eat."

And there is NO ONE TO STOP THEM.  The government refuses to intervene. The OSPCA is NOwhere to be seen.

There are no government regulations for sea mammal captivity in Canada. The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a self-regulating industry association, first licensed Marineland in 2007 and national director Bill Peters says there have been no complaints. Its licence was renewed for five years at the end of September 2011, after a summer inspection by a CAZA team of experts.

In 1998, Zoocheck clearly outlined the horrific conditions these animals were being forced to live in, day after agonizing day. And still nothing was done.

In that scathing report, Dr. Naomi Rose (HSUS) clearly states:

Their eyes appeared to be closed the entire time (it was difficult to see their left eyes at any time or either eye on the far side of the tank). The leading edges of their extremities (the dorsal fins, the pectoral fins, and the tail flukes) all had the same type of skin condition—flaky and blotchy. The trailing edges of the dorsal fins and tail flukes were ragged and tattered. The rest of their skin seemed in normal condition. Their dorsal fins leaned slightly. Their girths were robust (that is, they seemed overweight). The skin condition of their extremities and their closed eyes are consistent with water that is over-treated chemically, but this could not be confirmed.

Another expert, Doug Cartlidge relates other substandard, worrisome and inhumane conditions:

 

Sterile and barren conditions within all cetacean pools in this facility are a major area of concern. Failure to provide an environment which mirrors an animal's normal living conditions demonstrates either a lack of understanding or a total lack of concern for that animal's needs. Regulations within the UK clearly require zoos to ensure all animals are maintained in as near natural conditions as possible for each species held. Paragraph 11 of the SSS states: "Animal enclosures to be equipped, in accordance with the needs of the species in question…in the case of aquatic animals, materials such as weed, shingle etc., to aid and encourage normal behaviour patterns among them." Even if there are no regulations in force within Canada there is no excuse for failing to keep ANY animals in as near natural conditions as is possible; barren concrete cages went out with Victorian zoos.

Since its inception, Marineland has brutally and without conscience exploited sensitive, intelligent living creatures in the name of profit.  These animals live lives of despair and pain, physically, spiritualy and emotionally battered every moment of every day; relegated to horrific, unnatural living conditions, forced to perform unnatural acts, in pain, they are used to "entertain" the oblivious crowds.

Further, it is not only the marine animals suffering, but the deer, bears and other animals as well.

PLEASE boycott Marineland! 

I will follow up once I find out the best source to contact in terms of getting this place SHUT down and the animals moved to places where some quality of life will be achieved. 

I’m not an “ambassador” damn it, I’m a dog.

No doubt with the best of intentions, I see rescue organizations again and again talk about their dogs as “ambassadors” of the breed – none more so than in bully breed rescues. Reviled, demonized and labelled, the often misnamed “pit bulls” are subsequently often held to a far more rigid standard of behaviour than any other breed.

This is just wrong.

“Pit bulls”, usually mixes of the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, boxers, mastiffs (hell, you name it and someone will label ANY dog with a boxy head and super short fur, a “pit bull” ) are somehow expected to be perfect if they are to be allowed to survive – even by the rescue organizations purportedly created to rescue them. “Normal” dog behaviour is often dismissed as unacceptable and dogs are labelled aggressive, fearful, “too undisciplined”... not “perfect ambassadors” and therefore not good enough to live.

The very myths perpetuated by those who in their ignorance and blindness would label a dog “bad” based entirely on appearance are often unwittingly supported by those who say they love the breed. By holding every dog to an unrealistic pattern of behaviour, thousands of dogs (already under siege) are condemned to an unfair death – often based on tests which if failed by another breed, would simply identify areas of concern.

Ultimately, every dog has the right to be judged not on often flawed perceptions of “breed type” but on their individual merits.

It is natural and part of human nature to assume certain characteristics are indicative of a specific breed. But painting a broad stroke over a certain type of dog – particularly one that by its very nature is a mish-mash of a broad spectrum of other breeds – is ultimately counter-productive and feeds into the very myths we seek to explode.

“Naturally” aggressive; “locking jaws”; “their nature to bite”; negative stereotypes that have been so thoroughly and successfully disseminated by a government who see these dogs as incredibly useful political tools used to sway an ignorant electorate and bolstered on every side by media who see positive sound bites as an acceptable trade-off for the slaughter of innocent lives. Equally destructive, however, are staffie (and their ilk) lovers who randomly declare that “pit bulls” “love kids”, “are big clowns”, “nanny dogs” ... because in their own way, these blanket statements create a perception that ALL dogs of a certain breed exhibit these same benign characteristics, thus setting up a perfectly balanced dog for potential destruction if he doesn’t follow the stereotype.

The malignant, systematic and sadly successful campaign to demonize “pit bulls” by the Liberal government and the gleeful support by media has created an atmosphere of fear and loathing among the general populace when bully breed dogs are encountered in the realm of every-day life. Short haired, muscular dogs with boxy heads and whippy tails are almost universally reacted to on the streets of Ontario cities and towns, carrying on their backs a heavy caseload of misinformation and perceptions they don’t deserve. This campaign of fear and harassment has ultimately separated dogs labelled “pit bulls” (wrongly) from all other dogs – conferring on them characteristics that are somehow perceived to be intrinsic to “them” and not indicative of dogs generally. They have been made to be separate and apart from “other” types of dogs, as if having certain physical characteristics somehow trumps the 99.99% of genes they carry in common with EVERY dog from Irish Wolfhounds to Yorkipoos...

The reality is that these misidentified dogs are simply that – dogs. Depending on the mix from which they spring, they could embody myriad personality traits that are often (but NOT always) reflective of a specific breed, but like with any dog, the manner in which they are treated, the guidance and training they receive, the life experience they encounter coalesce to make each dog a unique and individual entity.

In our zeal to combat the malicious and concerted efforts of the Liberals to destroy dogs based on appearance and bolstered by arguments which have been annihilated time and again, we must guard against creating an equally unsustainable perception of a “perfect” dog. In the end, what we should be seeking is public understanding that pit bulls, staffies, boxers (and the rest) – all those mislabelled, despised breeds are simply dogs... and as such, should be accorded the respect and treatment accorded to any other breed.

The World mourns for Lennox.. a victim of BSL

In Belfast, Ireland you just have to "look" like the bogyman to spend two horrendous years in horrific conditions.  In Belfast, you just have to have a muscular, blocky body to be taken from your home and incarcerated in a living hell.  In Belfast, the small-minded, vindictive members of council, despite the experienced and solid opinions of certified dog experts, refused to listen.

In Belfast this morning, a dog was killed because Council said he would be and because they could have it done - no matter that there were myriad options for another course of action.  No matter that the dog in question had no history of aggression, no bite accusations, nothing other than he "looked like a pit bull".

And here in Ontario, every single day, responsible, loving owners live in fear of that same knock on the door.

Here in Ontario, innocent family pets have been slaughtered in the thousands, based only on how they look.

Here in our own province, misguided, vindictive and malicious members of the McGinty cabinet continue to stand by their own flawed "studies" which have been shown to be full of rhetoric and gossip and lacking veracity or substance and maintain that the mythical "pit bull" exists and lives in a state of perpetual aggressiveness and slathering need to rend and tear.

Here in Ontario I see a dog walking down the road and feel a sick, sinking feeling in my stomach if the dog "looks" a certain way and is not muzzled - because as this happy dog, stumpy tail wagging, wiggling, loving creature just goes about his business at the other end of the leash, I cringe to think someone might call and accuse him of being one of "those" dogs ... and the knock on the door will herald his demise because he "looks" a certain way.

The world mourns Lennox today and the tragic miscarriage of justice which precipitated a 2 year journey of hell and the ultimate murder based only on some person believing the lies and the myths.

Today, dogs in Ontario face the very same kind of threat, day in and day out.

STOP the madness. Breed specific legislation MUST be defeated.

STOP the slaughter of dogs like Lennox.

Let's start dealing with the REAL problem - irresponsible owners - and embrace the PROVEN reality that a dog is a dog is a dog ...

STOP BSL.

NEVER give up- FREE Lennox

The demonstration outside City Hall on Saturday afternoon comes after it emerged that the animal is due to be put down at the start of next week.


It follows a long-running legal battle between the owners of Lennox and Belfast City Council, which has been drawn out over the two years since he was seized by council dog wardens - and has grabbed the attention of animal lovers around the world.

Campaigners said people have flown to Northern Ireland from the United States, England, Dublin and "many other locations" to take part in the peaceful rally.
It is understood a further protest will take place in New York City on Monday.
Celebrity experts like Cesar Millan and Victoria Stilwell have also shown their support for the 'Save Lennox' campaign.
However the family last week admitted defeat and said there is nothing more they can do from a legal point of view, and that the dog "may well be killed".
Last month, senior judges sitting in the Court of Appeal backed the verdict of a County Court judge who had made an earlier ruling that Lennox could not be made safe.
Lord Justice Paul Girvan, sitting with Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan and Lord Justice Malachy Higgins, set out how dog wardens trying to examine Lennox in May 2010 had been told that the dog would "rip their head off".
While an expert dog handler retained by Mrs Barnes described Lennox as a well-handled family dog, an expert for the City Council concluded that the animal had a severe personality defect.
Lennox's family have since been advised by their legal team that there are no grounds for any further appeal.



© UTV News
[Note to readers; My own feeling, strong but sad, is that lennox was either euthanized some weeks ago or is in such rough shape that exposing the abuse to the world makes it impossible to save him - that Belfast council feels it would actually generate MORE disgust than actually announcing his death on the flimsy pretexts they have used to incarcerate an innocent dog to date]

and BRAVO THS ... who STEPPED UP...

Once upon a time, a man named John Kelso asked "Why don't we have a society for cruelty to animals" when he wrote about the horror of watching helplessly at the suffering of a horse.  Readers responded and with the $74 sent by the caring people of Toronto in 1886, the Toronto Humane Society was founded.  Now, 125 years later, the THS continues to live up to its mandate - To promote the humane care and protection of all animals and to prevent cruelty and suffering.

In its 125 year history, the THS has gone through lean times and bountiful ones. It has at various points in its long history been high kill, low kill and no kill. It has weathered controversy and battled those who would bring it down to the status of an animal warehouse.  It has had good leaders and bad leaders and leaders with good intentions who did bad things.  But through it all, it has fought to do the right thing.

On or about July 4, five dogs will reach the end of a very long journey and arrive in Toronto to be met by Toronto Humane Society staff and brought to 11 River Street for assessment, vetting and eventual adoption.

Five dogs from Thailand have found santuary in an organization that is exemplifying what it has always promised the city of Toronto - "ALL animals are welcome".  Even little Kaa-Moo whose sweet nature makes having just three legs and a broken back which makes her incontinent irrelevant.  On behalf of the THS, CEO Jacques Messier was also prepared to accept Lyca who is blind and little Evie who had a horrendous tunour which also blinded her recently removed.  Those two however found refuge in Seattle and Calgary, respectively.

THANK you Jacques Messier for leading the THS back into its rightful place. Thank you Toronto Humane Society for working so hard to return to the people of Toronto an animal refuge that truly exemplifies the meaning of humane.  Thank you THS staff for your determination and honesty and passion to move beyond the last few years of controversy and make 11 River Street once again a true REFUGE for every animal in need. Thank you also to Dominque, dog walker extrodinaire and to Lindsay of SCAD who has worked so long and so selflessly to make the lives of animals in Thailand a little better.

I bring you the Thailand Five:

KAA-MOO

December 2009
Female
Mixed (Thai Ridgeback features)
15-18 kgs (33-39.6Ibs) once fully grown

Kaa Moo was being looked after by a kind Thai lady down the road from SCAD. Kaa Moo sustained an injury to her leg which became severely infected. Her leg became so swollen that it resembled a pig's foot; hence the Thai name. The lady did not have the money to get Kaa Moo the medical care she needed, so asked our vet nurse for help. SCAD treated her leg and to try and get the infection under control. Unfortunately Kaa Moo's infection had been left for too long and despite trying many treatments, it was decided that amputation was the best course of action. Kaa Moo has made a full recovery from the amputation - however, a further x-ray showed a broken back near the base of her spine making Kaa Moo incontinent. She is currently undergoing acupuncture and we hope this made help repair some of the nerve endings.

PAT
Late 2010, early 2011

Male
Mixed
Around 15-18kg
Yound adult male Pat is like a boomerang, he always comes back! He was found one day outside the SCAD dog center, but he looked in very good shape and so was not immediately taken into the adoption program. For several weeks, Pat did his best to break into the dog center (with the assistance of certain volunteers!) and wagged his way into everyone's affections, until he became part of the furniture and it was impossible to make him leave! He has such a great personality that we are hopeful he'll find a real home soon!

WRINKLE
Unknown - young adult
Male
Mixed
Around 15-18kg

Spotty dog Wrinkle got his name from his very cute wrinkly head! Wrinkle came to SCAD during the recent flood crisis, when he was rescued from a flood area and brought to the TWP Shelter under SCAD's care. At first it was suspected Wrinkle had a dislocated left hip as his bone seemed to be sticking out at a very strange angle, however, x-rays revealed Wrinkle femural head (the 'ball' which fits into the 'socket' of his hip) was sheared off. Although complicated and painful surgery was an option, the vet instead recommended that as Wrinkle was in no pain from this defect, the hip should be left to form it's own joint. Aside from a lumpy hip, Wrinkle is fully mobile, pain free and loves to run!

SHADE
Mid July 2011
Female
Mixed
10-15 kg (22-33 lb) when fully grown

Black puppy Shade was found dumped with her two sisters outside the new SCAD dog center one evening. She was tired, hungry and showing the early signs of skin condition mange, but was otherwise in good health and so was taken into the SCAD adoption program.

SID
Unknown - young adult approximately 1-2 years
Male
Mixed
15-18kg
Handsome Sid came to SCAD after being rescued from a flood area by members of the TWP Coalition, consisting of SCAD, ENP and the Kinship Circle. He came to us obviously very afraid of humans and was virtually impossible to handle (which earned him the nickname ‘Grumpypants’) but after working with him gently for several weeks, Sid has been transformed into a loving and affectionate dog. Sid is now looking for his forever home!

Step Up

MANY dogs- most even, suffer horribly from parasites and mange

Thailand is not the place for a dog.

Unwanted, rejected, maligned and actively abused, dogs live a precarious, hungry and neglected life on the streets. While some citizens exercise compassion and care, the majority revile the dogs and actively abuse them.  In the hot, cloying atmosphere of the eastern city of Bangkok, water is a precious commodity and not easily accessed.  In a recent visit, long-time THS dog walker Dominque heard about an elderly, mange-ridden but friendly old boy who was horrifically beaten to death by police when a local resident complained that he had drunk out of a reservoir under his plant.

Rama - now safe in Canada

Dominique (and brother Luc) have a condo there.  Much of their time is spent feeding the hungry, sad dogs of Bangkok, bringing them in for vetting, spaying and neutering and treatment for the endemic scourge of mange - a condition which leaves them raw and bald, oozing fluids and blood which attract flies and vermin. 

Dominique feeding the pack

Dominique on his return from there recently brought back one of two street puppies that survived a horrific attack by a swarm of rats when born (and which killed and devoured the rest of the litter).  The Toronto Humane Society graciously accepted Rama who is currently out on foster but will be available for adoption soon.

For 10 years, a wonderful organization called SCAD made heroic efforts to help the animals of Bangkok. Cats, kittens, dogs and puppies were rescued, vetted, fed, watered and good homes found for them. Due to a variety of circumstances, SCAD now has to sadly close its doors. The people behind this wonderful and compassionate organization are desperately trying to find homes for the animals within their shelter.  They have already placed and/or transferred dogs and cats in a wide variety of good and compassionate homes and shelters.

But now scant weeks before they have to close permanently, they are still desperately seeking homes for the balance of the dogs. 

next blog... meet the pack

Slán go fóill Lennox ... you deserved better

Added: Reading an article by Victoria Stillwell (a certified dog expert and celebrity trainer) you can't help but wonder if the reason that Lennox is being killed is becuase to release him would show the extent of the abuse he has suffered under the aegis of the Belfast Council for the past two years. From her account, his skin is raw and oozing, he has cuts and bruises, he is sick and in terrible physical and emotional shape YET still shows NO aggression.

Despite a world-wide appeal for compassion and common sense, an innocent dog will lose his life today. 

Lennox has never attacked anyone.

Lennox has never bitten anyone.

Lennox has never threatened or in any way exhibited aggression.

For two long, heart-breaking years, a Belfast family has fought hard and gloriously to try to save the life of a dog condenmed ENTIRELY on his appearance.  A dog that two certified experts describe as loving and sweet.  A dog that has been living in deplorable physical, mental and emotional conditions.  A dog condemned by an ignorant, biased, racist and STUPID city council that for all intents and purposes, are putting their fingers in their ears and refusing to listen.  A council incapable of rational thought.  A council now despised and reviled by an audience from a hundred different countries.

Today, his wonderful family has lost the war.  As reported by BBC news, the appeal has been denied and Lennox is to be murdered.   Caroline Barnes, my heart breaks for you.  Your refusal to give up on your beloved dog is an inspiration and an example for dog-lovers everywhere. I am sorry this day for your broken heart.

Lennox, you deserved more.

Lennox, we have failed you.

My heart breaks for this poor dog who has lived a sad, neglected and lonely existence for two years while the people who knew him and loved him best did everything they could to save him. 

Perhaps this ignorant council will at least let them see him to his final rest.

SHAME on you Belfast courts.

SHAME on you Belfast Council.

Your ignorance is known throughout the globe.

Coal- a cat - a love story

A friend of my mother's had a son who adopted a cat from the Toronto Humane Society.  Stephen and his wife Andrea adopted Coal knowing full well he had congestive heart failure. They had four wonderful years with him but had to say goodbye just last month. Here is Coal's story.

The Urban Hunter — Coal

It is 3:4oam, technically Friday morning.

I can't sleep! The "urban hunter" is on my mind?

Yesterday at approximately 3:30 or quarter to 4 pm I was racing out to Oakville with Coal. He passed away on route. His last breath taken while I sped! Just he and I! I guess our last drive together.

I really miss him! It is only 12 hours since he physically left us.

The light is ON at the back door. Usually reserved for when Coal would stay out all night. I would do this as I wanted to ensure he was protected from and raccoons or other, making sure he could see his house. Tonight he isn't coming back.

Cats as they are, are private, and have an uncanny ability knowing when they are to die. Andrea called me while I was at a work appt . She said he isn't doing very well. Andrea really has a way of seeing this. Every other time Coal would present a flare up due to his disease, she would pinpoint and with i00% accuracy, I would then race to the specialist's clinic. I raced home and saw him in the back yard hiding behind a blue spruce. Andrea had been watching over him. She brushed him and brought water and his favorite wet food. We knew this was likely his last day. He came out from behind the brush and made his way to the house, the Congestive Heart Failure finally caught him. I picked him up as he struggled to make his way into our house; Andrea now panic struck guided Anderson away distracting him with an ipad. I didn't wait! I scooped up Coal as he laboured with every breath to stay with us. I gave Andrea and Anderson a chance to kiss and give a quick pet. Anderson very much unaware and Andrea all too aware as to what was happening. So the "urban hunter" decided to come home to die with his family and have his dad, me drive him rather than be alone.

We got Coal from the Humane Society of Toronto. Andrea and I went there to adopt. So many cats, so many cages. Andrea spoke to one of the volunteers about this one cat in particular. I think chino or something like that he was called. Whatever the name it wasn't working. We decided on calling him Coal, just like the coal used to warm a home. We even spelled it that too. Coal was to be our new warmth. There was also a checked `X" on the card outside his cage. Andrea asked what was with that? The answer. "Oh, he has a "disease". We looked at each other. What disease? CHF. I knew exactly what he had. Andrea and I looked at each other. Coal was going to not only be our family pet but Andrea's first. When we met the vet on staff she was relieved she didn't have to explain CHF. She also was really relieved someone was willing to take this cat home. We knew if we took him it would be expensive but we didn't care. Actually, more importantly was how difficult it would be with a cat or any animal for that matter who has to have administered meds. It is like trying to put your hand over a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. I mean really try placing your hand down a cat's mouth with not z pill but 2 different pills. Gheez I used to wear one of those butcher gloves you buy at Williams and Sonoma as a version of protection. Sure the glove could stop a ginsu knife from cutting your finger off but not coal's bite.

Coal was initially placed on Plavix and an Ace inhibitor. How ironic! BMS, the company I used to work for sold these exact meds. These meds would fall by the wayside once Coal's new vet/Cardiologist realized how severe Coal had CHF.

Coal's chart was virtually non-existent. We didn't even have an accurate age for Coal and hence we never really new Coal's age. The Humane Society guessed 5 yrs old or so. Coal stayed with us for about 4 1/2 years. So was he nine or possibly m to 12. We don't know. What we know is he had been removed from that god-awful cage. He was able to have people hold him, pet him, get a good bellyrub, yes he would let us do that. Yes, cats are generally independent and usually "do their own thing" but there are those few that hang with people and they era really special. He loved being brushed and chasing a ball or two. Really loved the wand with the rope attached and could he catch that string or rope faster than the runner-Usain Bolt. Anderson would do this at times with Coal and the two of them got a real kick out of it.

Coal was rescued from the Hamilton shelter. The Hamilton shelter had Coal scheduled to be put down before Toronto picked him up. Toronto Humane intervened and Coal was sent to Toronto. Much controversy surrounded the Director who many said was not rationale in his decision making with respect to how cats were being treated at he facility. It meant the director never wanted to let any cat get "put down". So in some respects, how can I blame him? If Hamilton had had their way, Coal would not have joined us. Period!

I remember Andrea and I pacing around this one section of the cat sections. And every time, we were drawn to this one cage. He never let on about anything. Coal never begged or pleaded. His intense eyes spoke volumes. Andrea knew right away he was the one. We brought him somewhat timidly home since no one really knew how along the CHF was. We only knew he would require allot of care and that was all right.

At first we were told not to let him out because he needed meds zx daily-day and evening. So responsible as we were, Coal would still sneak out and scare the sh*#" out of us. Hell, we finally adopt this cat and now we could potentially lose him outside and he needs meds. Many a time, we had neighbors", Vicki and Greg who were awesome at finding Coal. Vicki a vet tech herself had a keen sense on what Coal would do and where he would likely go.

When we moved from Armadale ave., Coal had no problem adjusting. In fact, Andrea and I as parents realized that when Coal left he would actually come back. Humm go figure! So we trusted our Coal to do just that. By now, the specialists were amazed at his health. Coal had been with us for over 3 years and they were baffled he lasted that long. Who says LOVE can't hold off death! Coal was proving medical science wrong.

Well into coal's fourth year with us, we were now giving him needles both lasix and lovenox once daily. This too would only prove to help temporarily. The exams would start to show deterioration. We had him tapped about a month ago. Tapping means draining with a medical procedure to remove fluid from the lungs. Costly as that was, it helped. But we were warned. The disease was gaining on him. Open door policy came into effect. Coal if he chose and weather permitting, Andrea and I have the go ahead to stay out, all night if wanted. And he did! We would nd gifts the next morning! I would go and clean up many mice before Anderson would go out and play. Yes, most recently a cardinal that really pissed off Andrea. A few chipmunks and some things we may never know.

Remember Coal grew up on the street and from the tough part of steel town- Hamilton. He had an already shortened tail, a cut over one ear and I am now guessing a shortened selection of a cats "nine lives", if you will. Hence why I am titling this eulogy the "Urban Hunter". He hunted most probably to survive while on the streets of Hamilton.

So here too, even with a new home, filtered water, the best cat food dry and wet, wool blankets and a free range of the house he still had instincts to hunt. So be it!

But here in lies the real Coal. Our family member! It was Coal protecting us while we lived at Armadale. Anderson was still an infant and the City Works had dug up the streets. Guess what? Rats and not small field rats. The rats from the sewage system- outright dirty vermin. Coal had been outside in broad daylight and caught one. So yes, he protected us. We had to buy traps because we weren't going to use poison. Anyways, there was a cesspool of a backyard some 6 houses away whose "sh*"t hole of a yard- a garbage dump would be prettier and safer too, was housing the rats. While we liked the idea of Coal protecting Anderson and us from them, Coal did get sick.

His white blood cell count went through the roof. A thousand bucks later and an overnight stay, and not at the "Ramada', Andrea and I knew not to let Coal kill anymore. Technically his heart was not supposed to be pushed to that extent.

So here is the low down on an animal that Andrea and I are so proud of. He could kill another animal in an instant. He could cuddle up and get a belly rub. He could be teased, chased and even attacked via Anderson with a hit we would not approve of and yet never hurt us. He would stay on the landing when we went to bed. When we had some night nurses and doulas to help out with Anderson in the first month, he would stay outside Anderson's room- watching if you will. He chased mice out of our house and most of all would be happy to lick your hands or face in a heartbeat.

It was sunny this afternoon and the sun shone on him. He got to be outside and he got a good brushing from his mom. He was given his favorite wet food and as he knew time was close- he chose to come in to die with his family, possibly his only family.

When I arrived back from the vets. The sun still shining, pushing Anderson on his swing and even though Toronto had no wind, low and behold, our chimes that rarely move unless a tsunami was to strike rang load and clear. His energy has passed over and I thank him for having joined us on this journey.

Mom and Anderson and dad love you Coal - our urban hunter.

Many thanks for the kind care from all the staff especially - Tessa, Terri, Kristina, Jen and Dr. Jackie who looked after Coal during so many emergency visits. Lastly a special thanks to Dr. Sandra Minors and Sara - Coal's cardio team.