Velveeta is up early today. Not an easy task after working late last night and drinking coffee until 9:00pm.

There are several things that most American households have as "ritual" in the morning and Velveeta is no exception:

Making and pouring a cup of coffee,
Getting the paper from the stoop (or up the road, in my case).
Morning prayers and/or meditation.
And taking the dog for a walk.

If you're not being forced to get up early, regardless of your physical state, to walk your dog(s) in the rain, snow,sleet, hail, fog, hurricane or during the rapture/Armageddon, then you are missing a one of the greatest experiences a human can have!


Last year we got Rosie, our current mutt dog from the pound because our older dog was sad and lonely. We were all still sad over the lose of Max, our 10 year old collie mix that suffered a horrible fate with the tainted food. Here's Rosie:



Rosie came into our home after having been a stray for her entire life, we believe, of approximately 4 years. Her thick husky fur had never seen a brush, she looked at tennis balls and chew toys in disdain and she looked at us, her human owners, with a combination of fear and curious amusement. Thankfully, she loved our older dog and he loved her.

Today, she's the only dog, as Red Bird, passed in November due to Cancer. He was able to live out his final days with all his favorite things and treats, including a nice locally grown, grass fed, cow part in the form of a fillet. Hmmmm. Even I was drooling. The cat was not amused, even though she also got a taste.

Today, she's grown accustom to us and our strange ways. Well, she still barks when we show any affection. I think she might be homophobic! Otherwise, she's a loving and playful dog.

As usual, I've digressed.

Dogs. Great companions and everyone should have one. Sure, they require lots of care and time, and yes, they can be expensive, but what they give back in return is 1000 times worth the other aggravations. Like getting up before the sun and strategically maneuvering icy roads just so your dog can poo. (Don't get me wrong, I love cats as well).

If you decide to get a dog, the place to find the best ones is your local dog shelter (aka Pound). It need not be the one offered by your local government township. Often there are plenty of independent and reputable outfits that offer adoptions. Make sure they have a "no kill" policy.

If you must have a pure bred, find a reputable breeder. This is much harder than looking in your "Yellow Pages" because many breeders out there (but not all, I must stress) are Puppy Mill breeders. But a little patience and research will pay off. Its estimated that 1 in 6 dogs at your local pound are pure breeds. As well, there is a rescue organization(s) for every breed out there.

What are puppy mills and why should I care?



Even the rich and famous pay for and support the mills. Here is a link to the HSUS video (can't do an embed). Warning! This video has some disturbing images............ of Paris Hilton. Oh, and dogs in mills.

How can you fight the puppy mills? The biggest thing is to is speak out! And don't delay, like I did. I kept meaning to write a letter or do something, anything about the disgusting puppy store that was in our local mall. Deceivingly called: Puppy Luvs. But, with all the political stuff and work, and my laziness, I never got around to it. Oh, I wanted to do some theatrical protest/display outside the store, with lots of stage blood and drama......... but I was always too busy.

Thankfully, I noticed yesterday when I had to go to the horrible Mall (shudder), that the store had closed down!! Yippee! I yelled out loud. Much to the dismay of a woman and her teen daughter who had wanted to go view the puppies, I stood in front and loudly did a "happy dance".

Don't be lazy like me, here's some action you can take:

Inform your state and federal legislators that you are disturbed by the inhumane treatment of dogs in puppy mills, and would like to see legislation passed that ensures that all animals bred to be pets are raised in healthy conditions. You can keep up-to-date about current legislation to ban puppy mills by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade.

One last thing: as long as we turn our eye and ignore these puppy mills the more those beautiful, sweet mixed breeds will die by the needle. And our moral compass points towards "evil" or "apathetic" once again. Once we humans lose our capacity for compassion of those who cannot protect themselves, we become less human. Its a short step to accepting torture of other humans.

For example there is a man who is now cloning dogs for the uber rich. Yes, I'm not kidding. Miss your old dog? Have him/her cloned. I suppose this mad scientist guy doesn't believe in ............. souls! As far as I'm concerned he is just as bad as the guy holding the cattle prod to the political prisoners genitals.