Congratulations Massachusetts Lets All Follow!

It's now official: The Commonwealth will no longer tolerate the cruel practice of cutting vocal cords to stifle a dog’s or cat’s voice.

Gov. Patrick has signed An Act Prohibiting Devocalization (Logan’s Law).

This is huge. Logan's Law is the first effective statewide devocalization ban in the nation.

And it is your victory.

From 16-year-old Jordan Star, whose idea it was to file this bill, to 71-year-old Jordan Gallagher, our most indefatigable volunteer, this is your victory.

You passed this landmark legislation--and kept opponents' lobbyists from watering it down--with every call you made, every flyer you handed out, every alert you forwarded or posted to your Facebook page, website or blog over the past 16 months.

Some of you visited your legislators at the Statehouse or in their district offices. Friends of the Plymouth Pound (FPP) organized a group of constituents, who made the trip into Boston to meet with Senate President Murray, helping win critical support.

It was fitting: Logan's Law is named for the devocalized show dog rescued by FPP founder Gayle Fitzpatrick.

Who is Coalition to Protect and Rescue Pets, sponsor of Logan’s Law?

The Coalition is an unfunded, all-volunteer network of people who care about animals. The Coalition is every one of you.

Some of you first joined together under the CPR Pets banner in 2008 to prohibit the emerging pet rental trade--a business model that reduced dogs to the status of DVDs. Together, we passed that state law in an astounding five months. Other Coalition members are new to this effort.

You are individuals with and without dogs and cats of your own. You are animal behavior experts, groomers, pet shop owners and dog walkers. You are veterinarians who took a courageous stand.

And you are small, struggling animal shelters and rescue groups—in the trenches giving countless hours of your time to save dogs and cats. Some of you work without even a salary, digging into your own pockets to rescue, heal and give unwanted, abused and neglected animals the loving, secure homes we all deserve.

Together, you formed a Coalition of people determined to keep dogs and cats from being robbed of their voices for an owner's convenience or profit. And against all odds, you succeeded. You did it without funding.

You did it without direct mail, lobbyists, TV ads or slick campaign materials, proving it's not money that passes legislation: It's your voice and your will.

You passed a bill the "experts" said would never become law--with nothing more than your time, energy and the conviction that animals deserve protection from abuse, no matter what form it takes or by what euphemisms it is called. Let there be no mistake: Devocalization is animal abuse.

Please don’t stop now.

Use your talent and tenacity to file and lobby for humane laws at the municipal and state level. Bring Logan's Law to animal advocates in other states too.

And be vigilant: The special interests that fought to kill or dilute this bill may be back next legislative session to try again. Don’t let them succeed.

Animals need more than compassion to protect them from the whims of selfish, cruel and profit-driven people. They need laws—and laws won't happen without your advocacy.

Please thank the organizations that stepped up to support our effort:

Animal Law Coalition

Executive Director Laura Allen, Esq. drafted our bill and has worked every day to help us pass it since it was filed in December 2008. She posted, e-alerted and tweeted relentlessly—and provided sound legal advice, never asking for credit, happy to help without recognition. Laura is the expert voice on passing strong, effective animal-protective laws. Please learn about and support ALC’s legislative efforts nationally: www.animallawcoalition.com

HSVMA

Director Pam Runquist and Veterinary Consultant Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM were our consultants on veterinary issues, researching, advising and enabling us to counter the many myths put forth by opponents. HSVMA also brought more than 200 Massachusetts veterinarians on board. Wonder if your vet is among them? Email CPRPets@aol.com for a list of vets who endorsed the bill. If yours isn’t named, express your hope that the next time a humane bill is on the docket, s/he will stand up to support it.

Companion Animal Protection Society, In Defense of Animals, Kinship Circle, MARC and NEAVS shared information about the bill with their Massachusetts members. Their outreach was essential for our success.

Petco welcomed us into its stores throughout Massachusetts to distribute information.

Thank you to our consulting experts.

Dr. Joel M. Woolfson, DVM, DACVS, Veterinary Surgeon
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, DVA, DACVB, DACVA, Veterinary Behaviorist and Anesthesiologist
Dr. Barbara Hodges, DVM, MBA, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Assn.
Pat Miller, CDBC, CPDT; Past President, Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Diana Cartier, Videographer
Laura Allen, Esq., Executive Director, Animal Law Coalition

And bigthanks to the following legislators, who championed this bill:

Rep. Bill Bowles, whowas instrumental in moving the bill onto the House floor

Rep.BillBowles@hou.state.ma.us
Sen. Bruce Tarr, who carried it in the Senate, Bruce.Tarr@state.ma.us
Rep. Will Brownsberger, Rep.WilliamBrownsberger@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Jennifer Callahan, Rep.JenniferCallahan@hou.state.ma.us

Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Rep.CherylCoakley-Rivera@hou.state.ma.us
Rep.Sean Garballey, Rep.SeanGarballey@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Louis Kafka, Rep.LouisKafka@hou.state.ma.us
Rep. Gene O'Flaherty, Rep.GeneOFlaherty@hou.state.ma.us

We are also grateful to House Speaker Robert DeLeo (Robert.DeLeo@state.ma.us) and Senate President Therese Murray (Therese.Murray@state.ma.us) for their leadership, and to Sen. Frederick Berry (Frederick.Berry@state.ma.us), under whose chairmanship the Senate Rules Committee crafted legislation thatpreserves the integrity of this humane legislation.

Please take a minute to thank these legislators (email)and your own Rep and Senator (call and/or email) for hearing and supporting your concern for animals.

Last but not least...

Thanks to House Clerk Steve James and Senate Clerk Bill Welch and their staffs for their impartial help--and infinite patience--in guiding us through the legislative process.

It's not every bill that passes the House 155-1, and passes the Senate overwhelmingly too.

Logan's Law did because of you.

Congratulations!

Animal Umbrella, Revere
Baypath Humane Society, Hopkinton
Berkshire Humane Society, Pittsfield
Billerica Cat Care Coalition, Billerica
Boston Dog Rescue, Boston
Buddy Dog Humane Society, Sudbury
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Springfield
Dog Orphans, Douglas
Forever Paws Animal Shelter, Fall River
Friends of the Plymouth Pound, Plymouth
Ipswich Humane Group, Ipswich
Kitty Connection, Medford
Marblehead Animal Shelter, Marblehead
MassPAWS, Winthrop
Melrose Humane Society, Melrose
MetroWest Humane Society, Ashland
MSPCA, Boston
New England Animal Rescue, Middleboro
New England Society for Abandoned Animals, Osterville
Norfolk County Humane Society, Canton
Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem
Poodle Rescue of New England, Somerville
Save A Dog, Sudbury
South Shore Humane Society, Braintree
Standish Humane Society, Duxbury
Sterling Animal Shelter, Sterling
Tiny Tigers Feline Rescue, Groton
Underdog ResQ, Boston
Worcester Animal Rescue League, Worcester

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Cheese-N-Garlic Bites - All Natural Dog Treat Recipe

Cheese-N-Garlic Bites - Dog Food Recipe

1 cup wheat flour
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder ( not garlic salt!)
1 tablespoon soft butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
Mix flour and cheese together. Add garlic powder and softened butter. Slowly add milk till you form a stiff dough. You may not need all of the milk. Knead on floured board for a few minutes.

Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes and place on un-greased cookie sheet.Bake 350 degrees oven for 15 minutes. Let cool in oven with the door slightly open till cold and firm. Refrigerate to keep fresh.

Write a comment and post your favorite recipe
We hope your best friend enjoys this tasty dog food recipe!
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Tips To Get Your Neighbors Dog To Stop Barking

You like your neighbor and do not want to argue with them, so there must be a way to solve this annoying problem.

First, is to try and have your neighbor invite you over so the dog becomes more familiar with you. This way when you go out to get the morning paper or the mail, the dog will get use to seeing you.

Second, you can walk over to your neighbors house to check on the dog and the neighbor. There may be something wrong and the dog is trying to tell you something. In the event of such an occurrence, praise the dog for its good work, positive reactions are always the best for training. Ask if you can give the dog a treat, like humans they maybe allergic to some treats.

Next, suggest to your neighbor that they give their dog some toys to play with. Dogs like humans get bored and may need something to keep them distracted and entertained.Keep in mind some dogs may get sick with rawhide chew toys. The toy should also meet the size of the dog to avoid choking hazards.

Barking is the way dogs communicate. By you walking over and talking to it in a calm and pleasant manner, may help to calm the dog down and keep him them from barking. Show the dog you are his friend. Remember with animals it is not what you say, but how you say it. Always talk in a non threating voice.

You can view our book on dog training. A humorous view on dog training from your dogs eyes.

Send A Free New Year's Card and Help Sheltered Dogs

Send A Freekibble New Years E-card for sheltered pets. http://www.freekibble.com/ecard-newyears.asp

All Natural Wheatless Tuna Biscuits Dog Treats

Wheatless Tuna Biscuits - Dog Food Recipe

* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 cup oatmeal
* 1/4 tsp. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
* 1 small can tuna in oil , undrained
* 1/3 cup water

Grind oatmeal in processor to make a coarse flour. Set aside in small bowl. In food processor, blend tuna with the oil, and water then add all the rest of ingredient. Pulse until mixture forms a ball, Pulse to knead for 2-3 minutes. Knead on floured surface till it forms a soft ball of dough. Roll out to a 1/8"-1/4" thickness. Cut into shapes. Bake on lightly greased cookie sheet, at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely.

Great Dog Story

[caption id="attachment_218" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Everyone Needs Down Time"][/caption]

Signs Your Dog May Have the Parvo Virus

Signs Your Dog May Have the Parvo Virus

Parvo can exist in the Cardiac (less common) or Intestinal.

Cardiac attacks the heart muscle and is more common in puppies. My puppy had this form and had difficulty breathing and almost died. The Cardiac form can cause dogs that survive this disease to have scarring in their heart muscle, mine was lucky and had no long term affects.

Intestinal – This form of the Parvo virus causes extreme damage to the intestinal tract. Most dogs that contract this are less than 1 year old and between 6 and 20 weeks old (before the full set of vaccinations are given)

Some signs of intestinal Parvo are:
-Lethargy
-High fever
-Depression
-Loss of Appetite
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea- Bloody and foul smelling

Signs of Parvo usually appear from 3 to 10 days after your dog has been exposed. See a Veterinarian immediatly.

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All Natural Cheese Multi-Grain Dog Biscuits - Dog Treat Recipe

Cheese Multi-Grain Dog Biscuits - Dog Food Recipe
1 cup uncooked Oatmeal
1/4 cup butter or bacon drippings
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups hot water
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup powdered Milk
1 cup wheat germ
4 oz (1 cup) grated cheese
3 cups whole wheat flour
In large bowl pour hot water over oatmeal and butter/bacon drippings; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in powdered milk, grated cheese, egg. Add cornmeal and wheat germ. Mix well. Add flour, 1/3 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Knead 3-4 minutes, adding more flour if necessary to make a very stiff dough. Pat or roll dough to 1/2" thickness. Cut into shapes and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 300F. Turn off heat and dry in oven for 1 1/2 hours or longer. Makes approximately 2 1/4 pounds

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Dog Training From Your Dogs Point of View

Dog Training From Your Dogs Point of View

Because they were designed to live in groups, dogs are highly attuned to the moods of their pack mates—in this case, you and your family. It is ideal for puppies to join their new families during around the eighth week of life. This is the period in which they are most susceptible to imprinting.

Remember, when training your puppy, do not spend so much time training on training. Let your puppy have fun.

PlayMore, Bark Less

View our book about training your dog from their point of view

Help Feed Sheltered Pet and Have Fun

FreeKibble donates Free Dog Food to sheltered pets. Simply click on the link and play this free trivia game once a day. Everything is free, no login or personal information is give.

It's impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more puppies.

Click here to feed sheltered pets
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HotDog for Your Dog

Cheese Hotdog - All Natural Dog Treat Recipe

1 Hot Dog

• 1 Slice Cheese

Cut hotdog in to pieces. Put pieces of cheese on top. Microwave it until the cheese is runny let it cool. Then give it to your dog.

PlayMore, Bark Less
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Daily Thought About Dogs

Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring-it was peace.
Milan Kundera

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Play a Free Game and Help Feed Sheltered Dogs

All Natural Carob Loaf Cake - Dog Food Recipe

Carob Loaf Cake - Dog Food Recipe
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
3/4 c. of milk
1/4 c. of margarine softened
4 egg yolks
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. of salt
2 ounces of melted carob
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour loaf pan,9x5x3. Beat all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour into pan. Bake 65-70 minutes. Let cool. Frost with cream cheese or plain yogurt.

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All Natural Wheat Free Dog Treat Recipe

Wheat Free Biscuits - Dog Food Recipe

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup rye flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup milk

Combine oatmeal, 3/4 cup of the rye flour, sugar and butter together. Slowly add the milk until a firm but slightly sticky dough forms. Scrape out the dough on a wooden board or counter. Knead in the rest of the rye flour till the dough stiffens a little. Wrap in saran wrap and chill for one hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough till 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn off oven and let biscuits rest till cool in oven with the door closed. Store air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.

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Banana Dog Biscotti

Dog Banana Biscotti

5 cups flour
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups banana, pureed
2 teaspoons vanilla
water
Preheat oven to 325F. Place dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Blend egg, oil and banana together. Add into the dry ingredients in well. Start combining together. Add water, one teaspoon at a time as needed. Knead by hand on table until mixed thoroughly. Form into logs approximately 2" - 2 1/2" high. Flatten so that log is 6" - 7" wide by 1" high. Place on non-stick baking sheets or lightly greased ones. Bake 30 - 40 minutes. Remove and cool for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2" - 3/4" slices. Place on baking sheets and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Store in airtight container.

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A Thought About Dogs

Dogs are our link to paradise.  They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent.  To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.
Milan Kundera

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