Some Questions For The Ministry Of Defence And The RAF

Photo: Pat Pilon

Recently, Prince William decided to retire from the military so he could devote himself to his wife and his new child. It was a simple choice and a nice change of pace for the prince, who had focused on being a search and rescue helicopter operator for the RAF.

One would think this would be a decision without controversy. However, approximately two days after the prince left the military, two of the guard dogs assigned to protect him, Brus and Blade, were put down. The dogs had been serving in the role since Prince William joined the military in 2010. Brus, a Belgian shepherd was 7 and a half years old and Blade, a German Shepherd was 9 and a half years old. Brus, was known for having behavioral issues and Blade had issues with his spine and hips. Still, that's no reason for euthanization.

Now, the Ministry of Defence says that it's a "coincidence" and that they both had behavioral issues. It has been said that the military tried to rehome them, but it failed.

Harrowing Questions

Which makes me wonder, did they really do everything they could or was it the easy way out? First of all, the dogs were hired to guard the whole military base, not just Prince William. Why couldn't they have been kept on the base till they were ready to retire?

Many dogs are given to one of the soldiers when their military job comes to an end. Did the decision makers at the RAF even consider this?

It has been said that the dogs were stressed out. Well, when I'm stressed out, I take some time and retreat to a peaceful and quiet place to de-stress. Why couldn't that be done for Brus and Blade?

There are so many specially trained dog experts out there. Why couldn't the dogs have been sent to them?

What about approaching animal advocates? Victoria Stilwell is one of the biggest proponents for protecting animals and she is from Great Britain. Why couldn't they ask her for any help?

If that didn't work, then why not put the dogs in a special dog sanctuary, so they could live out their last years in peace? There was a dog retrieved in the Michael Vick debacle named Mabel. Mabel was deemed too dangerous by a court judge to ever live in a household. She was given a pass to live in the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and has come a long way since 2007. Am I supposed to believe that two highly trainable dogs who were trained to guard, couldn't do the same thing?

This story reeks of laziness and that's why dog lovers around the world are livid. The only thing that the RAF and the Ministry of Defence has proven is that how they have hid behind excuses instead of facing the problem head on and finding a solution. Maybe there's nothing that can be done know but at least, there is something to be learned from this travesty for the future.

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How do you feel about this story? Please share below.

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?

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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Mia, The Dog That Survived Euthanasia

Photo: Associated Press

This morning, I was taken aback when I heard about Mia (pictured above). She is a 11-year-old Rottweiler who was going to be euthanized because of severe back ailment. Her owner, Matt Olivarez decided that it was her time to be put down. Imagine his surprise when he picked up his dog from the vet and took her home to bury her. As he was preparing to bury her in his backyard, he stepped back into the garage to see her standing on all fours.

It was indeed a miracle. He was very distraught over this because he had prepared his children for this inevitable life event. After speaking to his veterinarian, he will be receiving a refund. He also hopes to find a new home for the dog. Still who whole situation has been nothing short of a miracle

Similar Incidents

Strangely, this hasn't been the first time a dog has survived euthanasia. In 2006, a young stray dog from Hinesville Georgia survived the gas chamber. She was later named Amazing Grace(pictured right). After this happened the Liberty County Humane Society reconsidered using the gas chamber as a method of euthanasia.

One of the most jarring stories happened in Rushville, Indiana, in November of 2007. Five dogs in the shelter had survived euthanasia. The employees were doing the procedure incorrectly and there was a huge shakeup with many of them getting suspended.

Is It Miraculous Or Mortifying?

When I hear stories like this, the effect can be jarring. It makes me wonder if a dog should not be euthanized at all, but instead live the course of its life out as nature intended? Were their wills to live stronger than what was administered to them? All I know is that Mia is special and I hope this beauty finds a new home where she can have a great quality of life?

Let's Discuss!

How do you feel about euthanasia? Do you think it's a humane way to say goodbye?

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What were they thinking?

Last week, Bill Brady, one of Illinois' state senators, had backed a bill allowing up to ten animals to be euthanized at once.  It was a suggestion by a local veterinarian. What were they thinking?

Animal shelters are out there to help animals. If animals have to be euthanized, it should be as a last resort. How does euthanizing ten animals at once help that? These shelters are the last place some unfortunate animals will ever see. When did numbers eliminated come before showing compassion?

So many pets have the capacity to love and just want a home. Why would anyone working in a shelter take that lightly? It was a huge misstep by the politician but I fault the person who suggested this idea more. Killing a bunch of dogs in a gas chamber? Why? Is it all about cost-efficiency? It's bad enough that any of these dogs have to be euthanized at all. I can only imagine what the animal welfare workers go through every day they have to do that part of the job.

Here is the article from the  Sun-Times in its entirety.

That's all I really have to say. If you would like to share your thoughts please do. I am still fuming about this to make much sense. Thank goodness it's been shelved.