i was wrong.

people have called me a knee jerk liberal, baby boomer, hippie and God knows what else, but now I guess I am not alone in my knee jerk reaction (sorry, for the bad jokes)…

Cici tore a ligament and will need surgery.  She also has arthritis. I asked if she could have caught my arthritis and he said no. she is still young, only five and a half. I thought that dogs don’t get conditions like this until they are 12+ when they are seniors.  Wrong again.

it is not related to the car accident/surgeries she had 4 years ago. Her femur bone has healed beautifully he said.

been crying for two days. upset because I thought she needed more exercise and I’ve been making her situation worse.  plus letting her hop up and down onto chairs and the bed. i now have her confined with a tether and she has a cushion on the floor to lie upon. no more hopping.  take her to our park twice a day but no more long walks.

So now I really feel like a knee jerk…

apparently, this happens mostly to larger dogs and is very common.

it is called cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) damage or rupture.

http://vavetspecialists.com/surgical-services/common-orthopedic-conditions-procedures/cranial-criciate-ligament-injury/

Types of surgery

Tibial Plateau leveling Osteotomy (TPLO); Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA); extracapsular stabilization; and the tight rope procedure

It is reported that dogs who experience a CCL injury in one stifle have a 50% chance of tearing the CCL ligament in their other knee.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_cranial_cruciate_ligament#.TyQ24xW-ZFc

Causes

What is currently known is that all breeds are susceptible. Specifically, the incidence of cranial cruciate ligament disease increases for rottweilers and Labrador retrievers younger than four years of age, dogs older than five years of age, and in large-breed dogs from one to two years of age. The predominant gender this affects is the spayed female.

The causes for cranial cruciate ligament disease are most frequently caused by repetitive micro-injury to the cranial cruciate ligament, that is, putting pressure on the ligament in the same way, repeatedly. This action causes slight stretching of the ligament each time, altering the structure, and eventually causing the ligament to tear.

Some of the incidents which may bring about deterioration of the cruciate are injury to the stifle joint; a history of athletics, where repetitive movement can cause stress to the ligaments; a specific traumatic event, as from jumping badly, or any accident that causes the ligament to tear; a knee injury, such as dislocation of the kneecap (medically referred to as patellar luxation).

cost of surgery is quite expensive… and do not know how I will be able to pay for it.

most pet insurance exclusions are like this…

During the first 12 calendar months in which your policy is in effect, no coverage will be extended for the diagnosis, medical management, or surgical correction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) damage or rupture. During the first six calendar months in which your policy is in effect, no coverage will be extended for the diagnosis, medical management, or surgical correction of intervertebral disc(s), regardless of the procuring cause.

alternative treatments…

this article has an amazing plethora of info on alternative supplements for arthritis

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_3/features/Canine-Arthritis_15910-1.html

A good arthritis supplement

http://www.jointaid4dogs.com/dogs/home.html

an expensive brace (about $500)

http://www.woundwear.com/product3.cfm

info about various ways to deal without having surgery

http://dogkneeinjury.com/conservative-management-cm/

my plan/protocol is this:

keep her real quiet for 4-8 weeks and confined

give her the joint aid (just ordered it) plus am giving her:

spirugreen

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/spirugreen.aspx

• Brain and cognitive function
• Eye and retinal health
• Heart and vascular health
• Immune system function
• inflammation management
• Cell division and growth
• Skin and coat health
• Movement and flexibility
• Central nervous system function

wild alaskan salmon oil (just ordered) for the Omega 3′s

may or may not give her yucca stalk by nature’s way, there are mixed reviews

the above is based upon what was said on the conservative management site…(below)

Weight Management … despite her being a cookie monster, this is not a factor for Cici. her weight has been maintained at 53 pounds for a few years now…

Inflammation – We started with Rimadyl and Omega 3 Fish Oil (1000 mg capsules, twice per day). After 1 month of the Rimadyl I transitioned to Yucca Intensive, and give 9-10 drops diluted in food.

Joint Support – Glucosamine and Chondrointin supplements are good to support joint health in any dog.

Rest – Make sure your dog stays in a confined area without distraction. Carpets are preferable, avoid steps, jumping, running or rough play during this time. Toys such as frozen kongs filled with peanut butter or bully sticks are a good way to help them alleviate boredom.

Controlled Exercise – Take a few, short, leash walks per day under controlled conditions to ensure your dog maintains muscle, and to also encourage the growth of scar tissue around the injured ligament.

Pay Attention to Your Dog – Your best friend will tell you how they’re doing. Go at their pace, and avoid doing too much, too soon!

no more hopping for Cici…

http://www.squidoo.com/bunny-ears-for-dogs

http://www.dailydawdle.com/2011/07/just-dog-jumping-on-trampoline-gif.html

You might want to take your dog out for a night on the town, for a fun romantic dinner, visit the local Yappy Hour, get a pet portrait or professional photo done, or have an all girl’s extra special spaw day, where you give your dog a massage and aromatherapy treatment.

To help with the massage, you might consider:

The Hand-Held Massager from Silver Tails features two massage heads with smooth, raised “knuckles” to soothe joints and muscles. The handle can be adjusted to fit any sized hand. The massager is lightweight and is compact enough to fit in a pocket.

The Silver Tails Hand-Held Massager is available from Amazon, Petco, and other national retailers and costs $7 – $8.

You can also go the traditional route of flowers, wine and chocolate for your pooch.

Here are a few more ideas …

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90102838/pit-bull-magnet-modern-dog-gift

Old mother hubbard heart treats… wheat free PB Hearts™ are oven-baked with Peanut Butter and Oatmeal making them a fun natural snack bursting with flavor.

http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/product.aspx?&cat=1&pid=13

Below is a brief list of ‘pet friendly’ flowers and plants:

• Common Name | Scientific name
• African daisy | Arctotis stoechadifolia
• African violet | Saintpaulia spp.
• Alyssum | Allysum spp.
• Bachelors buttons | Centaureaa cyanus
• Begonia | Begonia spp.
• Celosia | Celosia spp.
• Common Snapdragon | Antirrhinum majus
• Easter Daisy | Townsendia sevicea
• Orchids | Barbrodia, Sophronitis, etc.
• Peruvian lily, Brazilian lily | Alstroemeria spp.
• Rose | Rosa spp.

~Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
Vice President and Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Pinot Leasheo

When the occasion calls for Pinot Grigio, the furry members of the family can enjoy Pinot Leasheo. The Bark Vineyards Pinot Leasheo is a perfectly balanced marriage of flavors that will appeal to the most discriminating tastes. An anticipated, unique treat which to conclude any day. It might also be an enticing appetizer.

Ingredients:

Water, dehydrated chicken broth, potato flakes, dehydrated carrot, lactic acid, xanthan gum, dehydrated parsley, garlic powder, dehydrated oregano

a whine that has gone to the dogs… and comes with a licker license… A gourmet treat experience. Pour evenly over a meal, step back as your beloved furry friend savors the delicious bouquet and unique flavors.

http://www.barkvineyards.com/sites/S27/File/pdf/Your%20store%20name%20LickerLicense.pdf

Carob dipped doggie treats…

Ingredients:

Love
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 cup carob chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Beat eggs with peanut butter, then add milk and combine well.

3. In separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.

4. Combine the dry mixture with the peanut butter mixture. Mix well.

5. Stir in carob chips ( safe, non-toxic alternative to chocolate)

6. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1″ in between cookies.

7. Bake with love for 20 to 25 minutes, or until biscuits look just barely “dry” in the middle and are baked through. Do not overbake! The biscuits will naturally harden as they cool.

8. Before you & your dog take a nibble let treats cool down before removing from cookie sheet.

9. Once cooled. Ready, Set, devour!

http://www.pawlux.com/blog/be-my-furry-valentine-homemade-pb-carob-dog-biscuit-treats-recipe/

Time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  Grab the code and hop away…

http://www.petpr.com/pet_marketing/news.php?id=1006&cat_id=3#ontitle

Pet Pardons is a group of folks from Canada that help in the rescue of pets in shelters. They want to give pets in shelters a better chance at being Adopted. And they want there to be No More Homeless Pets by 2015. They want to educate people about the plight of America’s pets.

They created a Facebook app which enables anyone to post pets from shelters, and then enables others to share them on their walls with the click of a button, the Advocate button. You can install & view the app at http://apps.facebook.com/petpardons/

Pet Pardons Co-Founder Ashley Owen Hill takes in the pups of Mississippi that nobody else wants, including pit bulls through Lucky Dogs Rescue. Chris Hoar is Co-Founder of Pet Pardons and lives in San Diego.

http://www.luckydogrescueblog.com/

Ashley and her dog Rudy.  Read Rudy’s story at her blog. Bring the tissues.

here are three of my blog posts at Pet Pardons, there will be more to come…

a funny look at dog breeds, tiptoe thru the breeds,http://blog.petpardons.com/dogs/tip-toe-through-the-dog-breeds/

http://blog.petpardons.com/uncategorized/doggies-home-alone/ Doggies Home Alone… another article by yours truly

http://blog.petpardons.com/dogs/home-sweet-new-home-2/  Home Sweet New Home…

Cici’s happy as a polka dot princess can be at becoming an international star… LOL…

Tom Hayden asks Gov. Brown to STOP, and NOT put animals in shelters at risk …

More info:

http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=8143

Contrary to the assertion of HSUS’ Jennifer Fearing, the paradigm has NOT shifted in California’s shelters and animals continue to be killed at rates that far outpace the rates of adoption. [ETA: Jennifer Fearing has informed me that the statements attributed to her in the original Sacramento Bee article are inaccurate and that HSUS will be lobbying against the repeal of Hayden.] The public policy preference of California continues to be favoring life over death, and thus the adoption, rather than killing, of shelter animals.

• CALL Governor Brown at (916) 445-2841 (9 am to 5 pm)
• FAX your letter of opposition (916) 558-3177
• MAIL your letter of opposition to Governor Jerry Brown, c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814
• EMAIL the Governor’s office at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php (choose BUDGET as subject)
• POST to Governor Brown’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/jerrybrown
• TWEET to Governor Brown’s Twitter page at @JerryBrownGov
• SIGN the Change.org petition opposing the proposed repeal at http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-refuse-to-repeal-any-provisions-of-the-hayden-law

PLEASE share far and wide and send a CLEAR AND LOUD MESSAGE to Sacramento that Californians demand more, not fewer, protections for their shelter animals.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/vicki-steiner/confirmation-gov-brown-seeking-to-repeal-provisions-of-cas-hayden-law/10150531178663556

This is because they instinctively know they need chlorophyll (which is what makes grass green). Chlorophyll is cleansing and helps correct most illnesses in you or your pet. Algae has a very high concentration of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is like having  a bath for your insides.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dogs-Eating-Grass/184558638252723

Dogs require 22 amino acids and a deficiency in any of them can cause health problems. Fortunately dogs can make 12 of these amino acids but the remaining ones (called essential amino acids) must be consumed. Algae contains all 10 of these essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Aside from feeding algae to your pet to improve overall health, algae may also help if your dog suffers from arthritis or cancer, since algae has been known to strengthen their autoimmune system and boost their healing (as it can with humans).

Like you, your pets also need water. Lots of it.  Think about this. When you were a kid, you probably had a gold fish. Right?  Remember what happened when you didn’t change the water? It got murky. Your gold fish seemed depressed, stopped swimming or worse – died. Poor thing. But once you cleaned out the bowl and replaced it with fresh water, little “Goldie”  was probably back doing laps again, maybe even back flips like Dr. Seuss’s  “One Fish, Two Fish”. Well, your body’s cells  are just like little Goldie. They need a constant supply of fresh water and if they don’t get it, they slowly but surely shut down,  just like little Goldie Without a daily supply of fresh water, the water around your cells gets dirty, murky and toxic like the water in your goldfish bowl did. Yuck. Who wants dirty goldfish water sloshing around inside them? Not us. Not Goldie. And not you either. So drink up. Drink often. And hopefully drink with our algae tabs.

But seriously, here’s why you and your pet need water. Your brain is 75% water. In fact, your muscles are 75% water too. Ever notice how you get thirsty when you exercise? Your body is over 60% water and some parts are even higher, like your blood and lungs which are 90% water. Did you know your body is constantly rebuilding itself? Yup, your bones, your organs, your skin, absolutely everything is in a constant state of re-growth 24/7. Can you imagine a skyscraper built without steel? Well, water is one of your body’s most critical building materials and it can’t build healthy bones, organs or anything else for you without water.

Not only that, but water is what moves stuff around in your body. Not having enough water is like not having enough construction workers on a work site. Water does much more than just quench your thirst. It actually helps to build and run your body efficiently. That’s why just an occasional glass of water isn’t enough. You really need those eight glasses every day. Sounds like a lot but you can add lemon, make it bubbly or whatever you like that will help you drink the water.

Let’s do the math. Each day, a typical adult loses an average of six cups of water from urine, four cups from breathing, sweating and bowel movements and two to three cups from digestion. That’s twelve cups even before you add in the dehydrating effects of caffeine, stress or exercise. Granted some of your H20 needs could come from your diet but only if you are eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. And no, French fries do not count.

If you are walking around dehydrated, you fatigue easily and nothing works as well as it should. In fact, without sufficient water, your body thinks it’s in survival mode. And when this happens, your body behaves like a squirrel who hides nuts before the winter. It holds on to and stores whatever it can get its hands on –causing swelling in feet, legs, hands, or horror of horrors – weight gain. But once you give your body what it needs, this stored water is usually released. Say hello to energy and weight loss.

Eight glasses of water a day is just a starting point. Your body treats water like a bank account. Every time you drink water, it’s like you’re making a deposit into the account. But unlike a real bank account where you are the only one authorized to make withdrawals, water withdrawals from your body can be made without your authorization or knowledge.

It’s like giving thousands of total strangers your ATM card and PIN number and allowing them to withdraw whatever they want, whenever they want. And they do. The result? You become bankrupt of water. And who are these unscrupulous strangers making these unauthorized withdrawals? Some are things you can control like your food and drink (eg caffeine and sugary foods are very dehydrating). Others are things you can’t control like breathing. Remember those twelve cups of water that you lose each day?  Without making additional water “deposits” (i.e. drinking more water)  to cover these other “unauthorized” water withdrawals your body can easily go into “overdraft” and become bankrupt i.e. dehydrated.

Still not convinced you need water? Then consider what happens when you get dehydrated. Without water in your body, you would be poisoned by your own waste products. Here’s what happens. During dehydration, the water surrounding your cells is reduced, leaving the small remaining amount to become stagnant and loaded with toxins. As dehydration continues, since your body absolutely has to have water surrounding its cells (to perform all its daily duties), it pulls out water from inside your cells. Yup, like a fugitive on the run, your body literally “steals” water wherever it can find it, from inside your cells, your blood, your organs and even from inside your colon (a big contributor to constipation). This continues until your cells finally lose all or most of their internal water, shrivel up, malfunction or become damaged. You can usually stop these early stages of dehydration just by drinking more water, but most people have no idea they are dehydrated. Too bad because there are so many health conditions that could be eased just by drinking more water.

Give your pet lots of water and some algae every day.

Your pet has nutritional needs just like you do. But, if their diet is insufficient, or if they are experiencing stress, joint pain or other health conditions you need to know how to help them. One thing you can do is supplement their diet with a protein rich source of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids also known as algae.

Two forms of algae are Spirulina and Chlorella. They contain protein (60%) carbohydrates (19%), fats (6%) and bio-available minerals (8%). They are not extracts, concentrates or amalgams of vitamins and minerals that look good on paper such as the vitamin and mineral supplements that people get at the grocery store. In reality, the body does not absorb 90% of these vitamin supplements because they are dead and void of enzymes. Eating Spirulina or Chlorella is like eating any other whole food such as a banana, apple or broccoli…because it IS a food.

Spirulina and Chlorella are complete proteins meaning they provide the body with the eight essential amino acids, yet they go much further. They are over 60% protein, all which is in the form of amino acids (which means your body absorbs them instantly). The amino acids are also in the right ratio to one another (which means your body can use all of them).

The key difference between Chlorella (Recovery) and Spirulina (Energy) is that Chlorella has the additional benefit of being able to absorb toxins and has a higher concentration of chlorophyll whereas Spirulina will provide you with a bit more energy.

When you are introducing a new food like algae to your pet, the best time to do this is early in the morning when they wake up hungry and thirsty. To start, give them 5-6 tabs to ensure it’s something they like. Try mixing the tabs into their food or give them as treats. They’re food. Concentrated, high protein, high nutrition green food.

The amount of algae you feed your dog (or cat) depends on your pet’s weight, age and health condition. A 50-pound dog could be started with 5-6 tabs a day and within a few days can easily increase to 10-12 tabs/day or more. So, starting out with just a few tabs, gives you the confidence to know they are totally safe. In the 50 years that algae has been studied and consumed, there have  never been any reports of negative side affects, allergic reactions or interactions. Algae is food, a green food that comes from a plant, not from a prescription or pill. Its been safely eaten and studied  worldwide for over 50 years. It’s been sold in the USA for over 25 years.

Now Cici and I have been taking Naughty Bits algae tabs. I just swallow them with water and I put some in Cici’s food. She is not a big fan of anything green and neither am I. But I do know that algae is healthy for us both.  In order to ensure that Cici drinks enough water every day, I give her water with her food. Another way to get pets to drink more water is to give them water from a fountain. They enjoy moving water.

The Naughty Bits are sold in large, re-sealable foil bags of 1,000 tabs and each bag comes with a slim travel tin you can carry in your pocket, gym bag, doggie bag or handbag. They make healthy snacks and yummy treats for your pet. Each bag/tin is $115.00 and will last  1-2 months, depending on how many you take each day. For full benefit, take 20-30 tabs/day and give your pet 6-10 tabs/day or more if they are larger. Algae is FOOD, it can’t harm  you or your pet.

Naughtybits® algae tabs are free of artificial ingredients, contain no caffeine, chemicals, sugar, GMO, preservatives, animal products or gluten. Grown organically, they are 100% green, 100% natural, 100% raw, and 100% algae. In Japan, algae has been taken daily for over 50 years. Each Naughtybits® algae tab is the size of a breath mint.

The Naughty Nutritionist Inc.® is a nutraceuticals company based in Boston, MA. The Founder and CEO of The Naughty Nutritionist, Catharine Arnston, has an MBA and is a Board Certified Health Counselor.

If you think your pet needs more energy, try the ENERGYBits® which are 100% spirulina algae. If your pet needs to correct or prevent a health condition, try the  RECOVERYBits® which are 100% chlorella algae. If you would like to help your pet with both of these, give them the VITALITYBits® which are 50% spirulina and 50% chlorella and thus provide a mix of health benefits.

http://www.neworleanscvb.com/visit/

http://www.sulafoundation.blogspot.com/

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/the-pits-and-the-pendulum/Content?oid=1940426

Grand Opening of New Orleans location for Villalobos is March 2012

Our new rescue/adoption facility is being set up in the exciting city of New Orleans, LA. At this time we are only open to the public on a very limited basis and by appointment only (for adoptions and to drop of donated items)  Located in the 9th Ward, we hope to bring the much needed assistance to the overwhelming Pit Bull population as well as canine education and care to the residents of the area. As for volunteering, we could use assistance in transporting dogs (talk about an exciting road trip) and donations of crates and fold down cages.

http://www.vrcpitbull.net/dog/news/villalobos-has-found-a-new-home/

Creole Gardens B&B  1.866.569.8700

http://www.creolegardens.com/pet_friendly.html

just minutes to the French Quarter, walking distance to the Convention Center, 3 blocks from the WWII Museum and art galleries, one block from the St Charles Ave streetcars (and the Mardi Gras parades too!) and standing at the gateway to the mansions of the Garden District and such uptown attractions as Tulane & Loyola Universities, the Zoo and Audubon Park.  Pet friendly dining is available on St. Charles and also Magazine.

All of the 24, pet & kid friendly, bed & breakfast guest rooms are individually decorated.

No weight restriction
No arbitrary limits
No massive charges – just $15 per stay for one pet, $25 per stay for two

There’s a wonderful pet friendly park right around the corner. Well behaved dogs are allowed off the leash and there are “pooper scooper” bags for your use. Walk your canine pal over to Coliseum Square Park, just one block away and enjoy the fresh air, a large fountain, live oak trees and lots of fun folks and pooches. It’s 3 blocks long and 1 block wide and surrounded by a wonderful assortment of 1880’s era rambling mansions. Meet the locals (writers, politicians, movie stars, artists) and give your pooch some good exercise.

The world famous New Orleans levee is just a 10 minute drive uptown (south, near Tulane University) from us. And by “world famous” we mean famous amongst dogs in the know, because every savvy New Orleans pooch knows that the levee, at the end of Magazine Street, is simply the best place to run, sniff, play, romp and even swim in the Mississippi River! Park your Chevy by the Levee and enjoy acres and acres of grass along the Mississippi River and even a little pebble beach.

http://www.thegreenhouseinn.com/pet.html

conveniently located in a beautiful setting in the Lower Garden District, heart of New Orleans.

We allow pets (dogs and cats only) with advanced reservations. We limit the number of pets at the Inn at any one time. There is a $25 fee for each pet staying in the room.

Reservations for guests traveling with pets must be made directly with the Inn over the phone.

The care, feeding, walking and behavior of your pet is your responsibility. A maximum of 2 pets per room  at any one time. Pets are not allowed to run free and must be on a leash at all times outside the guest room. Pets must be walked off premises. A tranquil dog walking park, Coliseum Square, is one block away.

http://www.bananacourtyard.com/

one room only is pet friendly in this B&B in the heart of the French Quarter, easy walking distance to all clubs, restaurants, etc.

This New Orleans bed and breakfast home was a bordello catering to society’s elite. Is it haunted?  

 http://www.elysianfieldsinn.com/

Pet friendly. Please call for details. Phone: 504-948-9420
Toll-Free: 866-948-9420

Elysian Fields Inn is located in the Historic Faubourg Marigny section of New Orleans, three blocks from the French Quarter.

Links to bars, music and restaurants

http://goneworleans.about.com/od/restaurants/a/petbars.htm

http://www.nola.com/pets/index.ssf/2011/08/new_orleans_dogs_can_sample_th.html

http://www.gonola.com/2011/09/06/gonola-top-5-dog-friendly-travel-features-in-new-orleans.html

Barkus parade for DOGS

http://www.barkus.org/store/

Parade, Sunday, February 12, 2012

You may want to visit New Orleans for Valentine’s Day with Fido and join the Parade !

Membership in the parade krewe is open to all dogs – regardless of their past. Pre-registration (membership dues & parade pass) is $30 until Jan.28, $40 until Feb. 10 (PLEASE NOTE: Online registration ends at midnight CST, Friday February 10!). Day-of-parade registration (Feb. 12) at Armstrong Park is $50. Registration includes one dog and one human escort.

Time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  Grab the code and hop away…

AHS is still trying to get their greedy hands on Patrick but Capt. is on the case, yay Capt!

Re: the petition that was filed last Friday by AHS.

~as posted on NJ SPCA: “To All: Had an opportunity yesterday to review the “petition” for custody of Patrick that was filed this week by AHS in Essex County Court. To say it was flawed would be a major understatement. I will be asking the NJSPCA Board of Trustees for approval to file a Petition for custody of Patrick so that we can immediately, upon approval, let the Scavelli’s adopt Patrick. AHS’s petition needs to be stopped now, Patrick is home and should stay where he is, loved and happy. Just sayin…..  Captain Yocum

Patrick’s abuser Kisha Curtis appeared in Superior Court in Newark today — visibly pregnant — where she pleaded not guilty to the indictment. Her public defender, Andrew Rojas, will seek to dismiss the charges, and has filed a motion alleging his client’s Miranda rights were violated when she gave her statement to police.

Curtis has so far rejected the state’s plea offer calling for up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine, 30 days community service and termination of animal custody rights.

Superior Court Judge Joseph Cassini III, who is handling the criminal case and custody matter, set a court date for March 19.

 http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/01/patrick_the_pit_bull_update.html

Confident and prepared as we move forward in this amazing journey. I have become a better person because of Patrick and his unbelievable will to not only live but thrive. Patrick is living a dream right now and is one amazing dog (soul)…………….Thank you all. Be back on Saturday………Captain Yocum, NJSPCA

Please sign and share!! The international demand to get Lennox released by public appeal has entered a new phase with a call for boycotting the ceremony of the Olympic Torch scheduled to be carried through Belfast, Northern Ireland, where the dog has been held captive for death row for more than 600 days.
The petition, which is titled Free Lennox – No Olympic Torch for Belfast, says that Lennox has committed no crime but has been incarcerated only because of his physical appearance and what he “might” do.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/318458#ixzz1khNfmasH

Things look dim for Lennox according to this article.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/end-of-line-for-death-row-dog-lennox-16105683.html

but not true according to Lennox’ family…

Just a quick update for everybody, as of yet there is No official word on Lennox we have heard nothing from the courts regarding a date from the Judge of an official decision. Many supporters may have read an article written by Amanda Poole stating that the 20th of Jan is the last date for a decision to be given legally, if this is right then i can only state it has not been confirmed to us. When we have an official update we can assure you that we will make it public. Thank you for the continued support that you all give to Lennox, please keep spreading the story of Lennox and share the petition wherever you can. www.savelennoxpetition.co.uk

more info:

http://www.northcountrygazette.org/2012/01/19/lennox_ruling/

http://www.sopastrike.com/numbers

The government shut down a big website…Alicia Keys husband arrested for piracy

http://act.demandprogress.org/letter/megaupload_seizure/?akid=1155.762188.IVDL_F&rd=1&t=2

Anonymous shuts down government websites

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/19/business/megaupload-shutdown/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

http://front.moveon.org/the-shocking-facts-about-the-governments-move-to-censor-the-internet/

Yesterday was a BIG protest on the Internet against SOPA/PIPA…with websites such as Google, Michael Moore, Reddit, Wikipedia, and others that went dark.

https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/

SOPA supporters

http://judiciary.house.gov/issues/Rogue%20Websites/List%20of%20SOPA%20Supporters.pdf

There were some good happenings as folks bombarded Congress with emails and phone calls. Some of the sponsors and co-sponsors dropped from being on board with the bills…

http://gizmodo.com/5877219/sopa-outrage-is-breaking-the-senates-websites

http://mashable.com/2012/01/18/pipa-sopa-abandon-bill/

People protesting are now asking for folks to ask President Obama to veto the bill (he has said that he would but he said he would veto NDAA and did not ultimately)…

https://act.demandprogress.org/act/veto_sopa/

https://act.demandprogress.org/act/vote_for_net/

http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/dead-on-arrival-obama-succumbs-to-pressure-will-veto-sopa-legislation_01152012