Pet Projectz

There are days when I think I’m doing a lot – working on my business, keeping up the house, and taking care of all of our rescue animals, but then you hear about people like Scotlund Haisley and you realize that you’ve just come across a real life super hero.

This is a man who busts puppy mills all day and many nights, then after seeing all of that horror is able to paint some of the most beautiful, emotional paintings I have ever seen. He must have a much better coffee source than I do because that man is tireless and he is just an amazing gift to all of us. I can’t imagine the emotional drain it must put on you to see first hand the horrible things that go on in puppy mills, but there is the physical drain as well – enduring the conditions even for a few days or few hours that these animals go through – the smell, filth, extreme temperatures and lack of sleep would knock many of us out on the first day.

The people and pets that know Scotlund never forget him. Some of the photos that I have seen where Scotlund is carrying a puppy who has only known the inside of a filthy wire cage to safety and a new better life are images you’ll never forget as well. Recently Scotlund’s art was part of an exhibit in Los Angeles – the Manifest Equality Show. While he was there he was also able to meet and catch up with some of his biggest fans – photographer Kristina Bowman, Jinks, and Lady KaKa. Jinks is “The dog of a Hollywood Wife” and is an excellent writer that will keep you laughing about his hi-jinks for hours. Did I mention he has his own book and blog? Fortunately Kristina was able to get photos because it looks like it was a great time for all.

We can’t all be heroes like Scotlund, but we can definitely support these people who make a difference. By giving to the HSUS or a group that you believe in you can make a difference and be a hero to animals that need your help.

Our Texas rescue babies aren’t sure what to make of this white stuff, but they sure are having fun in it. We have “pods” that we put out for the feral cats to keep them warm, and they get soft food as a treat on days like to day. Yes they are absolutely spoiled and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

After my horrible to visit to the Petland store in Lewisville Texas a few weeks ago I was thrilled to see they were being picketed this weekend by a group of well meaning protesters. There were two and four legged ones, and I applaud them for being out in the bitterly cold and damp weather to stand up for what they believed in.

Make a difference and save a life – adopt a shelter or rescue animal and they will be your best friend for life.

I went to a great event the other day at Gold’s Gym in Dallas – August Dog Rescue had some beautiful rescue animals there that were looking for new homes. How could you not love these angels? I know at least one of them found a new home so it was a great day – they just need more homes so they can rescue more animals.

Meet Daisy – our good witch. She chose us awhile ago and we’ve all been through a lot. She’s got some age on her but I can’t begin to tell you how much she has enriched my life.

One of the things that Daisy insists on every day is her walk. It takes a long time because we have to go slowly, but you can tell she lives for her daily visits with the kids and friends she has made on her route. We started a new tradition a few years ago – on holidays we dress the dogs up and let them take treats to the neighbors.They love all of the attention and the neighbors love it.

Seeing a puppy in front of an abandoned hotel terrified as a storm is about to roll in. You open your car door and he jumps right in and never stops kissing and letting you know how greatful he is.

Meet Jack -I just couldn’t say no and it feels good to be on the receiving end of all of that love. Adopt a homeless pet today – you’ll never regret the decision.

This has been a great week – we got 3 kittens adopted and have a wonderful neighbor that’s willing to adopt a German Shepherd! It feels great to find loving homes for these animals and to educate people about adopting instead of buying pets from puppy mills and pet stores.

While I was looking for a dog for my neighbor I was shocked at how many purebred animals there are out there looking for a home – even more of a reason to get the word out about adopting.

Lily is one of our rescue pets, and she loves walking the neighborhood and seeing all of the kids. She’s a big ham and is always up for dressing for the occasion!

Tucson will always be my home away from home, and one of the reasons I love Tucson so much is the people. They tend to call things like they see them, and they don’t back away from a controversy.

Tucson Weekly is a wonderful publication that talks about all things Tucson, and I was thrilled to hear about a great story that Time Vanderpool wrote recently about Petland and how they buy their puppies from puppy mills and keep them in inhumane conditions.

Be sure to read this very unbiased account of how Petland continues to do business and what Petland and the Hunte Corporation’s ratings are with the Better Business Bureau. One of the readers also directed me to an interesting area on the Consumer Affairs website – over 40 pages of complaints about Petland!

Nothing warms my heart more than hearing about people like Oprah who can pretty much buy any animal they wanted to but instead choses to adopt a shelter soul and save them.

Oprah’s precious new baby Sadie was shown in this article on MSNBC and I can see why she fell in love with the four-legged angel. Thanks Oprah, for being such a great role model for all of us.

I read about a great organization the other day – Global Gardens Foundation. They are using art to raise funds to help rebuild the 9th ward in New Orleans and are using dog images as their medium.

Why dogs? The quick answer is because they embody what we aspire to achieve… unconditional love!
A dog doesn’t care about your choice of political party, your color or creed…
They just love you!
We chose the dog, or the dog chose us…because they inspire us!

Another great reason to visit a local shelter or rescue group to find teh love of your life.