in your dog’s Easter bonnet

Does your pooch have an Easter bonnet or gift basket? Whether or not you celebrate Easter or Passover or whatever holiday or not, you can still have some fun with an Easter Egg dog hunt on Sunday, March 31… can be for treats, bones, toys, whatever gets your dog in the mood for fun…dogs love finding treats in the grass so why not give them some special time and treats to hunt for. Cici loves to sniff the grass at the park near our house every day and she comes up with all kinds of awful surprises. This could be a fun way to channel your dog’s inner sleuth in a positive way.

An Easter outfit with bonnet is optional, but here’s how to make a costume if you must

http://www.ehow.com/how_2156787_make-easter-outfit-dog.html

http://www.dogguide.net/blog/2008/03/happy-easter-from-the-dog-guide-dogs-dressed-in-their-easter-best/

Your back yard or closest dog park or even a room in your home can suffice to be the place where your doggie will sniff out his prizes… If you want to take photos of the event, you probably should take them before the treasure hunt unless you want some photos of your dog with their goodies and their costume off.

Suggested prizes: 

an Easter bunny stuffed animal

a hardboiled egg or two

small bits of cheese cut up into squares

a bone (deer antler perhaps)

a few cookies (homemade or others)

chicken or turkey jerky or bits of hot dogs

some kibble thrown around in the grass

If your dog is a seder dog who celebrates Passover, the treats can be appropriate to that holiday. For instance, bits of gefilte fish, tuna, and/or salmon.

Popular Easter treats like jelly beans, marshmallow chicks and chocolate eggs can upset your dog’s tummy and make them sick.  DO NOT give any dogs chocolate treats since chocolate is toxic for dogs.

If your dog is a piglet like Cici, do not toss out too many treats for your pooch to consume or they will eat all of it and then still want to eat their meals. These treats can replace one meal that you normally feed them.

On a larger scale, this can make a great charity fundraiser for your local pit bull rescue or shelter and an adoption event, to boot. For a community dog hunt, use plastic eggs and put the treats inside the eggs for the dogs to find. Have someone dress up as the Easter Bunny so pet guardians can take photos with the bunny and their pooches. Be creative. Offer fun dog activities such as agility, a parade, some donor booths filled with goodies and food for humans and pooches. Sponsors from the local community who donate will get Free publicity and a tax write off.

Please let us know about your event at home or in the community and send us photos of your dogs in bunny ears/outfits.

Below is one event taking place in the Sacramento area soon…

http://www.examiner.com/article/wag-hotels-sacramento-presents-the-4th-annual-easter-egg-hunt-for-dogs

here is an event taking place in New Jersey

http://www.princessbuttercupfoundation.org/doggie-easter-egg-hunt.html

gotta love Polka Dot doggie biscuits…

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

Pit bull news

When it rains, it pours in pitbollian land, it seems, whenever there is news, there is lots of it these days… so here’s a bit of what is going on… 

Patrick Update

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the Kisha Curtis case is scheduled to continue today, Friday February 22nd at 9:00 AM. While this case has taken almost two years to get to where we are and that is so difficult for many to understand, the NJSPCA does appreciate the efforts of the Essex County Prosecutors Office and the patience of Judge Cassini. The justice system grinds forward so slowly in some cases but the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has and continues to take this case seriously. Frustration is often expressed when cases drag on but the single most important fact of this case is that Patrick has recovered, is doing amazingly well and is happy and loved with the Scavelli’s. I personally have no doubt that Patrick will be forever, “Patrick Scavelli” !!! Capt, NJSPCA

Curtis continues to deny abusing/neglecting and abandoning Patrick, asked for pre-trial intervention, it was rejected, and the next hearing date is April 8.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/02/woman_accused_of_cruelty_to_pa.html#incart_river_default

Good news

The Maryland House of Delegates has voted UNANIMOUSLY to pass legislation that will protect dog owners in Maryland from discrimination. Dog owners, property owners, concerned citizens and lawmakers have all been working together to find a solution to a 2012 Maryland Court of Appeals ruling that put severe financial and emotional burdens on dog owners and landlords. Next up, the bill goes to the Senate where, according to the Baltimore Sun, it is expected to be favorably received. There is no ‘us vs. them” in Maryland: everyone is working together to achieve safe, human communities!

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/politics/House-passes-bill-on-dog-bite-responsibility/-/9379266/19018136/-/l62q68/-/index.html

Hero Dog Saves Couple From Apartment Fire

A dog’s heroics helped one family escape an apartment fire over the weekend.

The dog woke up a couple in the nick of time after a fire burned an apartment building in Sheffield, AL. The couple said that if their dog didn’t wake them, they wouldn’t have made it out alive.

Boots is a 9-month-old pit bull mix. Her owner, Brandon McDonald, said he and his wife were asleep in an upstairs apartment when the fire broke out early Saturday morning.

He said the dog kept nudging him, and even barked a couple times, but it wasn’t until she latched onto his arm that he then opened his eyes and saw smoke inside their apartment. Mcdonald said the dog’s bite didn’t break the skin or leave any bruises.

Like others in the building, the couple lost everything in the fire, but they said they’re thankful to still have the dog and each other.

“I’ve always kept a pit bull,” said McDonald. “I won’t ever be without a pit bull again. I will never get rid of my dog. I love my dog to death.”

Firefighters believe the fire started in a downstairs apartment. An exact cause has not yet been determined.

http://www.waff.com/story/21235235/hero-dog-saves-couple-from-apartment-fire

Detroit area may lift ban of pit bulls…

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130213/METRO02/302130350/1009/metro02/Waterford-Twp-may-lift-ban-pit-bulls-bully-breeds
**IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED**

In Nevada

http://act.bestfriends.org/page/-/html/022113_Nevada_online.html

Florida

A Broward County, Florida commissioner has filed a motion to make it illegal to own “pit bulls” in Broward County. This issue is on next week’s commissioner’s meeting agenda. PLEASE SHARE and please make your polite and respectful opposition to this proposal known to the county commissioners. It is very important to note that Florida state law PROHIBITS cities from passing BSL

Florida Statute 767.14 prohibits local governments from regulating dogs due to breed.

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/broward-county-fl-proposing-ban-on-pit-bulls/

“According to a 2008 study, “Breed Differences in Canine Aggression,” pit bulls are markedly less aggressive toward their owners when compared to other dogs. And the breed has displayed below-average levels of aggression when encountering strangers.”

http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2013/02/pit_bulls_not_aggressive_research.php

“Breed-specific legislation is useless. BSL accomplishes nothing. It doesn’t improve public safety, or even prevent dog bites. It’s expensive. It does nothing to hold irresponsible dog owners accountable for their actions, while at the same time punishing responsible dog owners, and here’s the kicker: Not one single animal welfare organization supports the policy. Not one.” ~Shorty Rossi

 

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop  link

 

Pets and Hurricane Sandy

It is in times of need that true humanity and love of one’s neighbors really shines. May we all remember these actions even when we aren’t caught in such circumstances.  Share the good, power, millions of folks are still without power…

Obama on Hurricane Sandy: “I am not worried at this point about the impact on the election. I’m worried about the impact on families.”

http://dogtime.com/hurricane-sandy-causes-devastation-and-pet-evacuations.html

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/pets-rescued-in-storm-slideshow/pets-rescue-photo–1280166863.html

The Huffington Post

A resident and his dog are evacuated on Tuesday from a neighborhood in Little Ferry, N.J., one day after Hurricane Sandy slammed the East Coast: http://huff.to/X1CaUz
Photo Credit: Getty Images

alley cats

http://blogs.bestfriends.org/index.php/2012/10/31/atlantic-city-boardwalk-cats-thumb-noses-at-sandy-and-tnr-alarmists/

http://www.theonion.com/articles/romney-pitches-in-to-repair-thousands-of-downed-ro,30205/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=standard-post:headline:default

Instead of donating $5,000 to the Red Cross, Romney spent $5,000 staging his own charitable event for a photo op with canned goods.  Red Cross doesn’t want canned food or photo-ops. It needs cash. Text “redcross” to 90999 & give $10.

From the NJSPCA:  Patrick and the Scavelli’s did fine during the storm just another new adventure for Patrick.  looks like at least 10 days before power is restored here at a minimum. Sorry for the disruption of information. We were hit pretty hard. Please contact your local shelters and see what help they need. NJSPCA is working with many hard hit shelters. Capt is dreaming of a hot shower sometime in the future…

“Hurricane Capt” will strike NJ next week dealing with any and all shelters that refused to accept people with their animal companions. Seriously there are still shelters that will not allow animal companions ?? New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told people to keep their animal companions with them as they headed to shelters. Shelters that allow animals are comforting for all involved including children and the elderly. If anyone is refused entry into a shelter here in NJ because of an animal companion Capt wants to hear from you. Take your companions with you and do not accept being turned away. Stay safe and again do not be intimidated into separating from your animal family. Capt

I’ve lived in Jersey most of my life and have NEVER seen such devastation. I have close friends who lost everything they own including their home. Food is scarce and gasoline is a 2.5 hour wait if you can find it. Yet through all this NJSPCA agents and officers are fighting the destruction to help save lost/missing pets – starting with the hardest hit, the Jersey Shore. These animals need food, blankets, crates, towels, cleaning supplies, etc. Donations are urgently needed. NJSPCA will transport and distribute the supplies to animals and shelters in need. Monetary donations can be made at njspca.org hurricane chipin. Thank you for your help! Tiffi

If you want to give / donate for pets, give to local rescues and no kill shelters such as our friends who have helped Patrick, at the NJSPCA,

• 1119 Livingston Ave.
• New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901

Phone	(800) 582-5979
Website	http://njspca.org

Please DO NOT donate to ASPCA nor Humane Society of USA nor PETA. They do NOT help animals/pets.   More info at :  http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=10899

Friendly Fire…

http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=10949

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code

Hershey’s law and Free Memphis

brilliant end BSL video…

D-Boy, the dog that took bullets to save his family.

Roberta Trawick was sitting on her couch in her Oklahoma City home in 2009 when an armed intruder busted through her front door and told her to get on the ground. Her 2-year-old pit bull

, D-Boy, then came charging into the room after the intruder, who fired multiple times, hitting D-Boy three times — including two shots to the head — but the dog continued to run after him. The intruder, apparently spooked, fled.“That dog saved my life and my family,’ said Trawick. “Without D-Boy, that guy could have shot me and my family.” The Trawicks had rescued the pit bull from an abusive home just three months before the break-in.Generous people helped pay D-Boy’s Vet bills. He recovered and his owner did not have to worry about paying for his bill.

URGENT: TAKE ACTION TO FREE MEMPHIS 

this is a Lennox type Belfast city Council type situation…

The welfare of Memphis should truly be the ultimate goal. There is absolutely no valid or legal reason why Memphis should remain in the shelter one more day or a secret location within the control of the town at taxpayer expense when a highly qualified, loving, experienced, breed savvy family is pleading with the township to bring Memphis back home forever.Allowing Jeff and Diana Coltenback to adopt Memphis is the ultimate win-win situation for everyone—for the taxpayers, for the town, for the Coltenbacks and most importantly, for Memphis.

 

Bloomfield, NJ Town Council Meeting tonight at 6:30….there is less than 6 hours to reach out to the council members.

Send polite email message to Mayor and Council asap… thanks.

bernardham@onebox.com, echalet@bloomfieldtwpnj.com, njoanow@bloomfieldtwpnj.com, cbernard@bloomfieldtwpnj.com, pdunigan@bloomfieldtwpnj.com, mvenezia@bloomfieldtwpnj.com, rbrown@bloomfieldtwpnj.com

Mayor Raymond J. McCarthy
Room: 209- 2nd. Floor,Municipal Building
1 Municipal Plaza
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Rosemary Brown, Secretary
Email: rbrown@bloomfieldtwpnj.com
Phone (973) 680-4080
FAX (973) 680-4040

Good Pibble news

Patrick’s Law will finally help other dogs… Patrick could soon have a New Jersey state law named after him. Patrick the Pitbull was found last year starving and abused at the bottom of a garbage chute in a Newark apartment building. Patrick’s owner is charged with animal cruelty, but one lawmaker wants to make those penalties stiffer.

Making animal cruelty laws tougher is important since there is a known correlation between animal abusers and people abusers. People who abuse animals often go on and abuse people… serial killers often have a history of animal abuse.

“According to NJ.com, the new law, aptly referred to as “Patrick’s Law,” or S1303, was approved on Thursday by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.

“Patrick’s Law, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., must pass the full Senate and Assembly in order to become law.

“If today’s approval is any indication, with a 3-0 vote, there is great optimism that this will indeed happen.”

http://www.examiner.com/article/patrick-the-starved-pit-bull-inspires-changes-to-nj-animal-cruelty-laws

Pocket pittie dogs…

Designed by Kathy Voerg, these toys celebrate the variety, resilience and adorability of the classic American mutt, the pit bull.  Red, white, blue; merle, brindle, patched, spotted, speckled, freckled, and everything in between, the pit bull is THE obvious choice for a toy with a line all its own.

Wanted to make a more affordable line of CharlieDogs, something the kiddies could afford, and dedicate it to the dog type that makes up the majority of unwanted, homeless dogs in America’s shelters.

“Made in America”, the first offering will be three pitties sold as a team: one red, one white, one blue.

Look for Pocket Pitties in December!

http://www.charliedogandfriends.com/blogs/news/6573033-new-pocket-pitties-from-charliedog-and-friends

Blog Hop time…thanks to Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code

Justice 4 Patrick

Are we ever going to see Kisha Curtis go to Jail???  will she ever be charged for abandoning, neglecting and starving Patrick nearly to death?  We are patiently waiting for the wheels of justice to play out, but it seems that every time Curtis goes to court, there is another delay in sentencing her. Patrick is safe and being well loved and taken care of, thankfully. AND how long this case is taking to resolve seems endless.  Sigh.  Just want a verdict already.  Was there one today??? Waiting patiently to hear the word. As soon as I see credible, confirmed info, I will post it right here…

 Capt. Yocum of the NJ SPCA

Important that everyone stay focused on the most impotant issue involved in this case, and that is Patrick. Obviously the Defense Attorney will do everything within reach to delay the case moving forward as well as try to use any information he can get that might shine any positive light on his client. Do not over react to media reports or articles that are circulated in the press. The facts and evidence in this case are clear and although it has dragged on for what seems forever, in the end I believe justice will be served. Thank you to the supporters that were in Court today (you all ROCK) Patrick is sound asleep right now and does not have a care in the world. Capt TRULY APPRECIATES all of the continued support for both Patrick and NJSPCA……………Just sayin………….. Capt

 

“An attorney for the woman charged with tossing Patrick the pit bull down a Newark high-rise trash chute last year has filed a motion seeking records from the state Division of Youth and Family Services, about its dealings with her three children…

“Superior Court Judge Joseph Cassini III set the next court date for Aug. 27, when he will decide whether the information, which would otherwise remain sealed, may be used to supplement Curtis’ pretrial intervention application.”

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/woman_charged_with_tossing_pat.html

“Kisha Curtis, accused of starving Patrick, is scheduled to be sentenced today at the Essex County Court House in Newark, NJ. Curtis admitted to tying Patrick to a staircase on the 19th floor and leaving him there without food or water when she moved out of the State of NJ but denies throwing Patrick down a garbage chute from the 19th floor of a 22-floor building in Newark, NJ in March 2011.

“Kisha Curtis was indicted of a Fourth Degree Animal Cruelty by the New Jersey Grand Jury. Her sentence, if found guilty, can carry up to 18 months in jail and a up to a $10,000 fine. Curtis was made an offer by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office where she would serve up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine and 30 days community service. Curtis is now asking to be placed in a Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI), where she would not have a criminal record for abusing Patrick. She would be rehabilitated to correct her behavioral problems. PTI would reduce the burden on the court and allow resources to be devoted to more serious criminals. This would seem to benefit all involved except for the animals neglected/abused in New Jersey. In this State, it is difficult for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) agents and Animal Cruelty Investigators (ACIs) to prosecute animal abuse cases since the victims and the witnesses are often the animals themselves. 

http://www.examiner.com/article/justice-for-new-jersey-s-patrick-the-pitbull-may-be-only-days-away

http://www.examiner.com/article/kisha-curtis-says-she-abandoned-patrick-but-denies-starving-or-abusing-him

http://video-embed.nj.com/services/player/bcpid619329501001?bctid=1727708764001&bckey=AQ%7E%7E%2CAAAAPLMIP6E%7E%2CBRrRHTAljlHNUYJqhl35zLecZpp8wkKm

kisha curtis fails to show up in court

it was a miscommunication, she showed up in court today, Wed. May 30, 2012

she had a waiver last time and thought she did not have to show up on Tues. Next hearing is July 9. A trial date may be set or a final plea offer extended at that time.

“Curtis is applying for a pretrial intervention program, which if accepted, would eventually wipe the criminal charge from her record. She has previously rejected the state’s plea offer that calls for up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine and 30 days’ community service.”

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/newark_woman_charged_with_abus.html

maybe she will end up in jail after all?

“Curtis, who is free on bail, was supposed to appear in Superior Court in Newark this morning for a status hearing but never showed. By 11:30 a.m., her attorney, Andrew Rojas, told the judge he hadn’t heard from her in a week.”

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/newark_woman_who_allegedly_tos.html

Judge Cassini is giving Curtis 24 hours to appear or an Arrest Warrant will be issued. at 4pm Wed. May 30th a warrant will be issued for the arrest of Kisha Curtis for not showing up for her court date …

where is DOG the bounty hunter when you need him ??? (LOL… he’s in Hawaii not New Jersey)…

what I learned from Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series is when someone fails to appear (FTA) in court, a warrant gets posted for their arrest and a bounty hunter and police can bring them back to court where they face possible arrest and more fines…

what is a status hearing?

The Status Hearing is an informal discussion between the Judge, the prosecution and the defendant about the case. After considering the case against you, you can decide whether to change your plea or to continue with your not guilty plea.

At a Status Hearing you:

* have the chance to discuss the charges against you, with the Police Prosecutor and the Judge,including anything you may disagree with.
* learn what the Police say has happened and why they think you are guilty.
* can ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090102112442AARLIDz

sweet Patrick

this is such a great video on Patrick on News 12 NJ’s “The Pet Stop”

scoop on Patrick hearing

Patrick’s Legal Update on 4/23/12: NJSPCA filed multiple animal cruelty charges in March of 2011 against Kisha Curtis. The charges against Curtis were upgraded to more serious charges and the prosecution of the case than was shifted over to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. There have been numerous delays and postponements but the case continues to move forward. Many Defendants request PTI but the odds of Kisha Curtis being successful requesting PTI are very low. NJSPCA will continue to stay focused on the Prosecution of Kisha Curtis and will continue to work with the Essex County Prosecutors Office to that end. NJSPCA also appluads the statements made by Judge Cassini that Patrick is well taken care of and “That Patrick survived is a miracle” and that “Patrick has bonded with his caretakers and his environment” Strong words for a strong dog… Please focus on the animals. Capt

 

well, it seems that AHS has been busy getting in the way with more papers filed still trying to get their greedy paws on Patrick… but the LOVE prevails…

NJ SPCA

To All: No progress with the Kisha Curtis Criminal case today as the time was spent on AHS’s third (3rd) Brief / Motion that was filed about one month ago, again seeking custody of Patrick. As with the first two requests this was also denied by the Judge who ruled it premature. Patrick will continue to stay with the Scavelli’s until the conclusion of the Criminal case and at that time the Court will rule on Patrick’s permanent custody which the NJSPCA believes should be the Scavelli’s. The next Court date will be posted here when we get it. Capt

from GSVS Hospital

Patrick will remain in our foster care pending the outcome of the criminal case. The Judge in his decision today said that he was satisfied that Patrick was doing well and had no intention of changing his foster care placement at this time.

Patrick’s Posse

Judge Cassini on Patrick’s case: “If it isn’t broken, don’t try to fix it…”

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/judge_patrick_the_pit_bull_hap_2.html

an anonymous source said,

I thought that you all would appreciate knowing some things from the hearing today.

Some of you may have seen the report on NJ News 12 tonight, but from my notes…

The Judge said, at the outset, that he would not discuss the criminal case today, but instead, would focus on AHS’ petition for possession of Patrick. KC was not in the courtroom.

Harry Levin (AHS’ attorney) acknowledged that, since there has been no adjudication in the Curtis matter AHS’ petition for possession of Patrick is “premature”, but asked that AHS be given an opportunity to hold an “inspection” of Patrick “by experts, to ensure that his circumstance is satisfactory”.

The assistant prosecutor was very strong, and argued that the state is satisfied that Patrick is being well cared for, and that since AHS is not a party to the criminal matter they have no right to inspect Patrick or his circumstance.

The Judge read, for the record, his synopsis of the case thus far, which included the words “Kisha Curtis is still the lawful owner of Patrick” (which is, sadly, the truth). But the Judge also said “I found that AHS does not have any possessive interest in Patrick”. (Happily, that is also the truth, and his finding was upheld by the appellate division).

The Judge also said that it is clear that Patrick is “loved” and well cared for, and that there is “no evidence” that Patrick is in any jeopardy and no reason to believe otherwise. The Judge further said that to allow an inspection of Patrick by AHS would be to “interfere with the custody of Patrick”.

The Judge then said “The question here is about AHS’ fidelity and integrity…what is the nature of AHS? It was a miracle that Patrick survived and is in excellent health, happy and healthy. Patrick is living a life that AHS should hope for every pet. My belief is that if it is not broken, don’t try to fix it”.

I hope that what happened in court today will give you all, as it does me, continued reason for optimism. The assistant prosecutor was excellent, and the Judge is clearly sympathetic to Patrick as a living being. The Judge sees Patrick as more than just “property”, of that I am sure.

and meanwhile, Kisha Curtis wants a pre-trial intervention

http://www.examiner.com/article/kisha-curtis-wants-pre-trial-intervention-the-patrick-ca

Blog Hop time…  thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  grab the blog hop code…

Patrick on Pet Stop

On March 17th 2011, a desperately neglected dog miraculously made it through the night; in the morning, “Rocky” became “Patrick” & Patrick’s Movement, the brain-child of one Karen Powell (Patrick’s Movement NJ’s esteemed Admin.) was born. “Thank you” to all around the globe who created Patrick’s Movement FB pages in a show of solidarity to join forces in the trenches; individuals & rescues & shelters that do whatever it takes to save lives every day.

Kisha Curtis new trial date?  Thought it was some time this month but am not finding the info. I called the NJ SPCA and GSVS Hospital and finally got a call back from Capt. Yocum from the NJSPCA.  He said that April 19, is the new date at the Essex county courthouse.

Seems like it is taking a very long time for Curtis to go to trial and be prosecuted. Just saying, Capt.

Patrick on TV Pet Stop

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150632759262061

what do you think?