The Skier And The Billionaire

The Stray Dog Epidemic In Sochi

I always get excited when I hear about the olympics. I love to see the ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. I'm also simply blown away by the aerials. But imagine my surprise when I heard that the Russian officials in Sochi found that by killing off all the stray dogs, it would help alleviate the nuisance. How were they doing this? By poisoning these innocent animals that nobody wanted. Killing dogs in that way is very inhumane as it causes a long, painful death.

Unlike wild dogs, many of these strays were given up by families who didn't want them anymore. They are not mean and fierce but rather gentle and sweet. The one good thing about this story is that it's raised the world's awareness about the stray dog epidemic.

Gus Kenworthy

Who is Gus Kenworthy (pictured above)? He's an American silver medalist of the slope style event. Slope style is one of the newest events this year and is very exciting to watch. It's a cross between skiing and skateboarding, since it requires riding over metal rails, a trick that many skateboarders have done for years.

If many of you haven't heard, Gus came across this adorable family of strays. The mother was fiercely protective of her pups so instead of bringing one dog home with him, he's bringing home the mother and her four pups. At a young age of 22 years old, he is a lifelong dog lover who has made a very admirable decision to bring them home.

He's not just talking the talk but walking the walk. He has stayed behind to help fill out the paperwork and arrange their travel itineraries to get them home to Denver, while he's finishing up press tours this week in New York. He's also being assisted by Oleg Deripaska, a russian billionaire to help facilitate the paperwork.He's inspired other Olympians as well, including fellow snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis and a few of the players from the US Hockey team.He plans on giving the extra pups to family and friends once he comes back to Denver.

Oleg Deripaska

More people will know this billionaire from the pages of Forbes as opposed to the Olympics. He's a billionaire who made his fortune in the aluminum industry and is now CEO for the United Company RUSAL, Russia's largest aluminum company. He decided to build an animal shelter to help combat the stray problem in Sochi.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Both of these men have gone the extra mile to help these dogs. In a world where so many dogs can't be saved, it's nice to know that this bunch will have that chance.

Let's Discuss!

How do you feel about the stray problem in Sochi

This Dog Was Given Up Because His Owner Thought He Was Gay

Photo: Facebook

On January 29th, an owner in Jackson, Tennessee got fed up with his dog. Because this owner saw his dog humping another dog, he immediately thought the dog was gay. Nevermind that this is typical behavior for most dogs. In most cases, it shows the dog is trying to establish dominance. Whether or not the dog may have been gay or not, it shouldn't matter. Dogs love no matter what.

Nevertheless, the dog owner then proceeded to drop the dog out at a kill shelter, in Jackson, TN. It was assumed that he would be euthanized today at 1pm. Luckily, it turned out to be not the case. However, because of overcrowding there are 10 other dogs scheduled to be euthanized.

The Jackson Tennessee Animal Control has no website but if you happen to live near that town and are interested in this dog or any other dog, you can call 731-668-4211 to get more information about this dog or any dog that may get euthanasia. As for the fearful dog owner that gave this sweet white dog up, maybe in the long run it's a good thing. No dog should be with an owner that doesn't want it, no matter what the reason.

Let's Discuss!

What thoughts would you like to share regarding this?

What To Look For When Adopting A Pit Bull

The pit bull breed has been quite controversial in the news for quite some time. For all of you who have been curious and/or interested in adopting this adorable breed, I have an infographic that I received from AdoptAPet.com that makes it easier. One trend I've noticed lately is that some shelters are leaving the word pit bull out when listing these dogs for adoption to discourage dog fighters from adopting them. I think it's a good thing because it should always be about the dog and how they relate to their potential owner. This dog has suffered under an unfair stigma for too long. After what happened to dogs like Lennox, something has got to change.

Infographic: Adopt A Pet

Learn more about Adopt A Pet by visiting their website.

Let's Discuss!

What do you look for in adopting a dog?

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The Mutt Strut (In Memory Of Doc)

Photo: Chicago Canine Rescue

Many dog shelters and rescues have a run or a walk as a major fundraiser. The Chicago Canine Rescue's main goal is to help at-risk dogs by finding them forever homes. This fundraiser, The Mutt Strut 2012 will be especially poignant. Earlier this summer, one of the puppies "Doc" was punched in the head by his owner, until he died. Why did this happen? Because the owner, was upset that he had an accident in the house and became even more agitated while he was bathing him.

The irony was the owner's references were thoroughly checked out. The adoptive parent was a schoolteacher with the Chicago Public School system. He was only 25 years old and had a spotless record. This story was so shocking it made national news. Derek Fierro had turned himself in but by then it was too late.

The Mutt Strut

While this years Mutt Strut will be benefitting all dogs from the shelter when it happens on September 29th, there has been a special memorial fund set up in honor of Doc. If you live in Chicago, there's still time to sign up. Doc was one of seven dogs born in a litter who were named after the 7 dwarfs. It's a way to remember this little pup who may be gone but won't be forgotten. You can donate to Doc's Memorial Fund through this webpage.

Let's Discuss!

Did you participate in any shelter/rescue walks this summer? What were they like for you?

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The Ultimate In Animal Cruelty

When I was a kid, I would always gasp when I would see a man tying up a women and leaving her on the railroad tracks. This would often be the case in silent movies or cartoons, but I knew that she would be saved in a nick of time. I couldn't imagine another outcome.

Well, some heartless dog abuser has proven me wrong. On Friday, August 9, this nameless mystery of a being took 3 dogs and tied them to the tracks. There was an oncoming train coming. It was bad enough that the person left them to die. But this sick individual took things one step further; he recorded it through either by taking pictures or recording it.

The lone dog who survived was a female who is mixed breed who is 22 pounds and 14 inches high. She was wearing a pink collar which means that she was part of someone's family. She has benn named Chessie. There is a $5,000 USD reward from PETA.

What are your thoughts on this story?

Read More About It

Washington Post Story

The WOOF Program

Photo: Miguel Saavedra

San Francisco has one of the highest homeless populations in the United States. It has the fourth largest population in California as well as the 13th largest population in the country. The city proper has a population of over 812,000 people. With a homeless population of 6,455 in 2011, it's no wonder that they are working to find alternatives to fight homelessness.

This is where I have to thank PETA. If they didn't make such a stink about the WOOF program in San Francisco, I would have never known about it. Last year, the San Francisco Animal Care and Control took in 500 more dogs than last year totaling 2,424.

What Is The Woof Program?

The WOOF Program is set to start in August of this year. WOOF stands for Wonderful Opportunities for Occupants and Fidos. Inspired by the story of Charlie Traywick, a homeless man who had bouts with severe depression. Eighteen months ago, he was dragged by a friend to a local animal shelter and came across Charlie, a bichon mix who was skin and bones. Charlie was so weak, he could barely climb a flight of stairs. Yet, in Traywick's care, he flourished and is now a regular dog. Traywick has been off the streets since and holds his head higher. This was done without the help of a program like WOOF.

This program screens homeless applicants who are mentally ill, have a history of violence or are hoarders. Any person participating in the program will be ejected if they are using the dog to help with panhandling. The dogs used for this program are either:

1. Puppies who are too young to be spayed or neutered.
2. Rowdy dogs who need to have their social skills polished.
3. Fearful dogs who would benefit from having one on one time to make them more adoptable.

Most importantly, dogs with an aggressive streak or dog fighting history are not allowed into the program.

The program housing is supplied by Community Housing Partnership or other similar community housing organizations. Even more significant is the fact that the funding was provided from a donor named Venessa Getty who donated $10,000 USD as a grant for Animal Care and Control.


This program goes into effect starting August 1st. This looks like it may have great promise. Anything that may cut down on both homelessness and euthanization is definitely worth a shot. While I admire PETA's advocacy for animals, I think they have jumped to a premature conclusion without understanding the program fully.

Let's Discuss!

What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Animal Care and Control or PETA

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Home For The Holidays Wrap-Up

The Results Are In!

Home For The Holidays campaign officially ended on January 4. Here's are the results:

593,146 dogs

509,470 cats

23,051 other animals (including rabbits, reptiles, horses, birds and more)


1.1 million animals found forever homes because of the 3,500 shelters helping out all over the world. All of you who participated are fantastic. I hope you are enjoying life with your new family members.

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Reunited And It Feels So Good

Remember the story about the dog who was senselessly tossed out the window of a moving car? There's a happy ending for him after all.

Originally known as Ralphie by the staff at the Dupage County Animal Shelter, his real name is Bentley. Adopted as a puppy by Guillermo Roman(pictured right), this dog happened to slip through the slats on the fence one day when he was in the yard. His owner searched everywhere and had no luck.

Photo: Dupage Animal Shelter

Later, he had seen the news one day and realized that this puppy was Bentley. He called the shelter to let them know he was the rightful owner. It turned out that he and the man responsible for dropping the dog out the window lived on the same street in Chicago. After the waiting period was over, Guillermo was reunited with his nine month-old dog.

Photo: Terrence James - Chicago Tribune

He paid for the animal's neutering, something he was planning to do but hadn't done yet before Bentley escaped. This dog had a unique blood disorder where he needed a transfusion which Guillermo had done first. Happily, Bentley has also been microchipped so if the little guy ever gets lost again, he'll be easily found.

Justice Has Been Served

What happened to the person who dropped Bentley out the window? Sergiu Muresan, a 26 year-old man has been charged with cruel treatment of an animal. This misdemeanor charge can result in a $2,500 fine and up to a year of jail time, for him.

Let's Discuss!

Have you heard of great reunion stories like this one?

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Leaving On A Jet Plane

Photo from Free Pixels

Animal rescue happens all over the globe.Puerto Rico is known for having a huge overabundance of dogs. Many dogs are born and left to fend for themselves on the street. These dogs who fend for themselves are called satos which is slang for street dogs.

Two rescue organizations have found a way to give these homeless dogs a new lease on life. One organization is Save A Sato and the other is Second Chance.

Both of these organizations have an innovative program. People who visit Puerto Rico and fly back to the U.S. can help transport a dog back to certain cities. There is no cost to do so and you'll help a dog have a better chance at finding a home. You just need to send a copy of your itinerary ahead of time to see if the shelter will be able to accept the animal at that time.

Qualifying Cities

*All flights must be on American Airlines

Save A Sato

Shelters in the United States:

• Bradley International Airport (BDL), Hartford, Connecticut
• Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts
• John F. Kennedy, International Airport (JFK), New York, NY
• Newark International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey
• Tampa International Airport (TPA), Tampa Bay, Florida
• Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale, Massachusetts

Second Chance Animal Shelter

• Bradley International Airport (BDL), Hartford, Connecticut
• Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts

Other Ways To Help

Well, let's say you'd like to help but don't live in any of these cities, a nice way to make a difference is to donate your unused miles.

If you would like to learn more about Save A Sato or Second Chance Animal Shelter please visit their websites as linked above.

Program Info

Save A Sato
Second Chance Animal Shelter
Download the informational PDF from Save a Sato

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As always, I love to hear what you have to say. Have a great day

Hogs For Dogs

The weather for the 3rd Annual Hogs for Dogs couldn't have been more perfect outside for the Heartland Animal Shelter. Over 100 motorcycle riders participated in this 15 mile ride to Northern Illinois. Being there, I sensed the strong ties that these bikers had for the animals at Heartland. One biker duo brought their Shih Tzu "Spike". Other bikers had huge stuffed dogs decorating the backs of their motorcycles in support for the cause.

Heartland Animal Shelter has been open since 2002 and is run solely by volunteers. It is a no-kill shelter that founded by Dr. Herbert Preiser, a veterinarian determined to find all animals a home. The doctor generously donated his house to the shelter and the shelter has found great success since the beginning. It offers both cats and dogs as pets. Some cats are given room to roam or look out a window while the volunteers are on duty.

This year, they've saved over 1,000 animals, and have found creative ways to have community events such as Cinco De Meow, Bow Wow Bowling and Hogs for Dogs, of course. If you would like to learn more about Heartland Animal Shelter please visit their website.

Due to the fact there was contruction on the same street that the parade was taking place, I had to snap them at the starting line. I would love to hear what you think of the pictures. Enjoy!

Hogs With Dogs

Ready to Go

Spike And His Owners

And They're Off

Shelter Dogs

Shelter Cats

Looking for a Home

A Newer Arrival

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