Four Dog Stories That Will Melt Your Heart

Posted October 29, 2015 by Hannah Healy

Every dog needs a loving family. Sadly, not all dogs receive the love and care they deserve.

Every day and night, in all weather extremes, PETA’s fieldworkers answer calls for help from people living in some of the poorest communities in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, where animals have no one else to help them.

PETA’s fieldworkers transport dogs to local veterinarians, provide them with fresh water and food, loosen collars that have become too tight, and supply tangle-free tie-outs for dogs on heavy chains. They rescue injured and dying animals and catch skittish strays other agencies have given up on. 

Here are just a few of the dogs they’ve recently helped: 

Max

Dogs are social pack animals who need companionship, scratches behind the ears, regular walks, and the opportunity to curl up with their guardians at night indoors. But, like many of the dogs PETA’s fieldworkers come across, Max was forced to live outdoors, in all weather extremes. He was kept chained alone all day, EVERY day, for almost his entire life. Chaining dogs isn’t illegal in Max’s area, so PETA’s fieldworkers did everything they could to improve his lonely life by checking on him regularly and giving him tummy rubs, treats, and fresh straw for his doghouse. This sweetheart quickly stole their hearts.

Recently, PETA was able to obtain custody of Max! For the first time in years, his chain was removed. He was transferred to the Virginia Beach SPCA, where he quickly found a new and loving home. Max will never be forced to spend another night outdoors. 

From chained to loved… brought to us by Peta, Maxwell has his very own family and a bed inside.

Posted by Virginia Beach SPCA Kennel on Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Charlotte

“Pup” was chained among boards, nails, and debris when PETA fieldworkers found her. 

They managed to gain custody of the fuzzy cutie and rescued her from this dangerous environment. She has been renamed Charlotte and was transferred to the VBSPCA to start a new life. 

Skylar

This pit bull puppy illustrates perfectly why no dog should be forced to “live” outside. Skylar’s back was covered with burn-like lesions, and her guardian didn’t know what had caused them. He took her to two different veterinary clinics but was turned away by both because he didn’t have enough money to pay for her treatment. He decided to surrender her to PETA.

PETA transferred her to our friends at the VBSPCA, where she was treated for her wounds and is now available for adoption. 

https://www.facebook.com/VBSPCA/videos/10154482394878306/ Check out this video! 

Sammie

Sammie was a super-sweet elderly poodle mix. When she stopped eating, lost interest in her favorite activities, and became so weak that she could no longer walk, her loving guardian brought her to PETA for euthanasia because she couldn’t afford costly veterinary prices. Her guardian wrote a kind note to PETA expressing her gratitude for this service.

Never be silent when you see an animal in need! If you aren’t sure what to do, please call PETA for help—any time, day or night—at 757-622-7382, option 2.

Learn more about taking action for animals:

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/dog-rescue-stories/#ixzz3qRofz8sj

The Vamps' James McVey Teams Up With Rescued Cats to Save Animals

Posted October 21, 2015 by Matt Kilbourne

James McVey from the pop band The Vamps has teamed up with rescued cats Bap and Bagel to urge everyone to adopt, don’t shop. James and these adorable kittens remind us that millions of animals are waiting in animal shelters for a loving home.

Despite the fact that more than 6 million homeless animals enter shelters every year, breeders and pet stores continue to crank out more litters of puppies and kittens. Buying from a pet store or a breeder means that you’re rejecting an equally deserving shelter animal who’s hoping and waiting for a home. But when you adopt from a shelter, you save a life!

What You Should Know About Pet Stores

• Most puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills, facilities with massive rows of outdoor cages that force mother dogs to have litter after litter of puppies at an exhausting rate in cramped, filthy conditions.
• Many animals sold in pet stores suffer from chronic health and behavior problems because they haven’t received adequate veterinary care or socialization.
• The pet trade encourages people to see animals as impulse purchases instead of complex beings who require a lifetime of care. Pet shops sell animals to anyone who can pay, often sending them home with unprepared, incompetent, or even abusive guardians. 

How You Can Help

• Adopt from a shelter! Because so many adoptable dogs, cats, and other animals are waiting in shelters for a good home, there’s no reason to purchase an animal from a pet store or a breeder.
• Spay and neuter your animals. Once you’ve adopted your new best friend, always have him or her sterilized. The only way to end the homeless-animal crisis is by spaying or neutering to prevent new litters from being born.
• Be proud of your rescued friends and show them off on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to use #AdoptDontShop and #Rescued to spread the love. ♥

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/the-vamps-james-mcvey-adoption-ad/#ixzz3pJML6FkB

Kids don't want to eat meat!

Posted September 3, 2015 by Lily Trahan

Let’s be real: Kids have NO filter. Sure, they may say the darndest things, but their honesty is what makes them so great! And the best part of all is that their words come from a pure heart. <3

These kids clearly don’t want to eat meat, and who can blame them? Why would people want to support suffering once they’ve made the connection that the chicken they cheer on in their favorite animated film is the same as the animal they’re about to be served for dinner?

You might recognize Luiz Antonio. This little guy is a YouTube sensation who, at only 3 years old, was able to explain to his mom why animals shouldn’t be killed or eaten. He had his mom (and us) in tears!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/kids-vegetarian-videos/#ixzz3l4QrFEHx

7 Ways to Have a Blast WITHOUT Hurting Animals

Posted August 27, 2015 by Diana Mendoza

There are a few things we need to talk about—like what counts as entertainment and what DOESN’T. While we can spend our summer days being carefree and eating vegan ice cream, animals held captive in zoos, circuses, and marine parks NEVER get a vacation. 

Captive elephants, tigers, orcas, dolphins, bears, and other animals might have been stolen from their homes and families in the wild. They may be beaten with bullhooks or shocked with electric prods. Kept in incompatible groups, some may be bullied by other animals, and some may become so stressed from being confined to tiny cages, tanks, or pits that they attack people. Check out our list of what counts as entertainment and what definitely doesn’t.

ENTERTAINMENT: HIKING

If you’re jonesing to get some one-on-one time with nature, you need to hit the trails ASAP. Spend a day in the woods, hike to a waterfall, or wander through a canyon and listen to the soothing soundtrack of birds chirping, the wind blowing, or the trickle of a flowing stream. Many state parks—some of which also serve as protected habitats for endangered plants and animals—offer a variety of scenic trails for all skill levels that will allow you to observe nature in all its glory. Bonus points if you catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset!

NOT: ZOOS

We Animals | Jo-Anne McArthur

Seeing animals in cages tells you very little about their species and how they behave in the wild, since their needs are rarely met in captivity. Zoos often breed animals primarily because cute babies attract more visitors—not because they’re trying to preserve the species. Most animals born in captivity are never released into the wild.

ENTERTAINMENT: MUSIC FESTIVALS

Our favorite tour ever, Warped Tour, has vendors, a ton of talented bands that WANT to perform for you, and, of course, the peta2 booth—where we give out loads of free stickers, DVDs, and more. Warped Tour not going through your town? Chances are, there are probably about a million other music festivals happening nearby where you can go rock your face off without exploiting animals. It’s a win-win situation!

NOT: CIRCUSES

Buying a ticket to a circus that uses animals directly supports the physical, emotional, and mental abuse of animals. Think about it: Tigers are naturally afraid of fire, yet in circuses, they’re forced to jump through rings of fire. So … how scared must they be of their trainers for them to do that?! Footage has shown that big cats are whipped, smacked, and yelled at during training. Definitely NOT entertainment.

ENTERTAINMENT: MOVIE NIGHT

Popcorn: FreeImages.com/Linnell Esler

Sometimes, we just want to relax on the couch with a giant bowl of popcorn and some delicious accidentally vegan candy and watch all the Harry Potter movies in a row. Get your snack on and enjoy a night in—bonus points if you watch some cool animal documentaries! Here’s a list of our faves.

NOT: BUYING TICKETS TO MOVIES THAT USE ANIMALS

Unlike humans, no great ape ever dreams of becoming a star of the big screen. For chimpanzees and orangutans, performing is stressful and confusing. In order to force young apes to perform on cue, trainers often strike the animals with their fists, clubs, or even broom handles. The presence of American Humane Association representatives on set is no guarantee that the animals weren’t exploited, hurt, or even killed, as inspectors don’t monitor the animals’ living conditions or preproduction training.

ENTERTAINMENT: WHALE WATCHING

Humpback Whales | Photo by: National Marine Sanctuaries | CC by 2.0

You can experience the mind-blowing beauty of marine life up close by taking a boat ride out to sea for some whale watching. Many boating expeditions that take you out on the water to observe marine animals are surprisingly inexpensive. Before booking, ask about the company’s code of conduct to ensure that the operation is responsible and doesn’t put animals at risk. A day on the water might include spotting a variety of animals—like sea lions, otters, whales, curious dolphins (who’ve been known to follow alongside boats), pelicans, bald eagles, and others—as they’re meant to be: free in the wild.

NOT: MARINE PARKS

So … orcas are really smart and can swim, like, 100 miles a day. How’s THAT for a star athlete, eh?! Too bad orcas at SeaWorld and other marine parks are forced to live in concrete bathtubs, where they can only swim in endless circles when they’re not being forced to perform stupid tricks.

ENTERTAINMENT: ANIMAL SANCTUARY

A trip to an animal sanctuary is a definite MUST for true animal lovers. Meet some rescued animals and learn about their stories and what you can do to help them and others like them in the future. Don’t be duped by unscrupulous posers—only support facilities that are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

NOT: ROADSIDE ANIMAL DISPLAYS

The stress that animals living in unnatural environments in roadside zoos endure can cause abnormal and self-destructive behavior such as swaying, pacing, and even self-mutilation. This behavior rarely happens in the wild but is regularly seen in animals who are confined to zoos. This is referred to as “zoochosis,” a disturbing and unnatural psychological condition.

ENTERTAINMENT: THE BEACH

FreeImages.com/Dragan Sasic

Claim your spot on the sand and bust out a good book, because the beach is all about relaxing! Get comfortable and spend some time soaking up the sun with friends or family, paddle out and catch some surf, or just chillax.

NOT: MARINE PARKS

If you’re a dolphin at a marine park, some trainer jerk may treat you like you’re his effing surfboard! And unlike when YOU go surfing, there’s no endless horizon in those small tanks. To get dolphins to perform dumb tricks, trainers isolate these highly intelligent and social animals or deprive them of food .

ENTERTAINMENT: SPORTING EVENTS

FreeImages.com/Aaron Schwab

Round up some friends and head to the ball game—it’ll give you plenty of time to catch up with your pals, and you’ll see some amazing athletes strutting their stuff.

NOT: CIRCUSES

The Ringling Bros. circus tears baby elephants away from their mothers, The young elephants are bound, forced to the ground, threatened with bullhooks, and chained to break their spirit and force them to perform confusing and dangerous tricks. SO HEARTBREAKING!

Animals are not ours to use for entertainment. Pledge never to go to zoos, marine parks, or animal circuses. If we don’t take action, nothing will change.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/cruelty-free-vacation-ideas/#ixzz3kAQHJvNH

Happy National Dog Day!!

Written by: Hannah Easley

This video the PERFECT way to share something for a national day and to share awareness for pigs!
Please watch this video below and please share as well, thank you!

Another Clothing Company Takes a Stand Against Elephant Abuse!

Posted July 13, 2015 by Kim Johnson

American Eagle Outfitters has become the latest company to make the compassionate decision to stop promoting animal abuse. Following a request from PETA, the popular clothing company has pulled from its shelves a T-shirt featuring a picture of an elephant performing a circus trick.

Shrine 93rd Circus 2014 | Paula Lively | CC By 2.0

In circuses, trainers abuse tigers, bears, elephants, and other animals daily and force them to perform stupid tricks for “entertainment.” Elephants are repeatedly beaten with bullhooks—sharp instruments that resemble a fireplace poker—sometimes until they bleed, in order to force them to perform dangerous, uncomfortable tricks, such as the one featured on the T-shirt.

More and more companies like American Eagle are realizing that bears, elephants, tigers, and other animals do not voluntarily ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. Animals don’t perform these and other difficult tricks because they want to—they perform because they’re afraid of what will happen if they don’t. 

In its decision to pull the shirts, American Eagle stated that the company opposes the inhumane treatment of animals and does not tolerate cruelty to animals in the design, manufacturing, or testing of its products.

Other companies, including Burger King, Denny’s, MasterCard, and Sears, also ended their circus promotions and sponsorships after learning that animals used in circuses are hauled from city to city in cramped boxcars or trailers and beaten in order to get them to perform on cue. In 2006, Lucky Brand Jeans pulled 20,000 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus logo T-shirts from its shelves after learning about the abuses that animals endure in the circus.

To thank American Eagle for its decision to put kindness above profit, PETA has sent the company a box of vegan chocolate elephants.

Never go to any circus that uses animals, and spread the word!

Check out these shirts, which let the world know that animals are NOT OURS to use for entertainment!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/american-eagle-discontinues-circus-shirt/#ixzz3hD29Le5e

How Swimming With Dolphins Is Actually Killing Them

Posted July 7, 2015 by Lily Trahan

“Swim with dolphins” programs profit from tourists’ curiosity and desire to be close to the animals they love. Although people may have good intentions in wanting to interact with their favorite marine mammals, they’re actually supporting an industry that condemns these individuals to a lifetime of loneliness. Have you ever wondered where these dolphins came from in the first place? Well, here’s the deal:

Sometimes, dolphins are torn away from their families in the wild and sold to marine parks around the world. Even babies, who typically stay with their mothers for three to six years, are taken. Can you imagine how you’d feel if you were stolen from your parents as a kid?

Many of the dolphins who are considered less “attractive”—and, therefore, less profitable—are actually slaughtered during this capture process and sold as meat to consumers. Can we say “WTF?!”

©Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Others are bred in captivity and suffer for their entire lives in miserable pens or concrete pools.

Swimming With Dolphins | Britt Reints | CC BY 2.0

Not only are the dolphins used in these tourist attractions forced to live in barren pools, they also have to endure the trauma and stress of being repeatedly transported. One dolphin named Sasha was captured from her home in the Gulf of Mexico in 1987 and has since been transported to different facilities 21 times! She is now being held captive at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas, one of the most popular “swim with” facilities.

Atlantis Dolphin Cay Shallow Water Interaction | Austin Kirk | CC BY 2.0

In the wild, dolphins swim up to 60 miles each day, but in captivity, they’re confined to cramped sea pens and often chemically treated concrete pools. This is especially traumatic for them since they communicate through echolocation.

Captive dolphins are often housed in incompatible groups, and because of the cramped conditions, they’re unable to escape conflicts.

Many dolphins develop painful ailments, such as stomach ulcers, and some die prematurely from the stressful conditions of captivity.

Some other illnesses—including viral, fungal, and bacterial infections—can be passed from dolphins to human visitors. People have also been bitten and sustained broken bones during their swimming sessions or while “interacting” with dolphins at marine parks. Umm … no, thanks!

Now that you know about the true cost that dolphins pay for our amusement, what will you do? Never visit marine parks or participate in “swim with” programs—and urge your friends and family to avoid them, too. Dolphins are NOT OURS to use for entertainment.

No Chains. No Cages. No Tanks.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/swim-with-dolphins-programs/#ixzz3hD1CsCly

Why Ian Somerhalder Is the Best Ever -

Posted December 16, 2013 by Megan Rondeau

“Our youth are the most undervalued and underutilized resource that we can possibly imagine.”

Photo by: KGC-11/starmaxinc.com ©2013

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder—also known as Boone to all the Lost fans out there!—is making a run at being crowned peta2′s favorite person, like, ever. Through his commitment to the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, he works to raise awareness of issues threatening animals and the environment.

In a recent question-and-answer session originally posted on Quora, Ian spoke passionately about ways to fight cruelty to animals and why the world’s youth is primed and ready to take on the challenge!

Animal cruelty is one of the most unfortunate and barbaric demonstrations of human beings manipulating ill conceived notions of ‘power’ over other species. There is a lot we can do to fight this.

We need to support companies that we know do NOT test on animals, work with local shelters and rescues who aid many of our abused, neglected and abandoned creatures, refuse to support factory farms, fight for anti-cruelty laws on all levels of government, and even keep a watchful eye on our neighborhoods looking for reportable signs of animal cruelty.

When asked about how to motivate young people to take action, Ian answered with something that peta2 has known for years:

Our youth are the most undervalued and underutilized resource that we can possibly imagine. They are fully stocked with passion far beyond what we tend to recognize.

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/ian-somerhalder/#ixzz3gaGylN14

5 Funny Things We Have Said To Our Dogs -

As you dog lovers out there already know, dogs are pretty much a bunch of furry little geniuses. Did you know that dogs can often pick up more than 200 spoken words all on their own, without being taught? It’s true! But every now and then, there are moments when we all wish doggies spoke our language, for realz. Here are 5 things we keep trying to tell our dogs:

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/things-dogs-think-facts/#ixzz3g1g5D2fw

1. Crazy—I was just thinking about how these shoes would look better chewed!

2. I know you think that every time I close the door to the bathroom, a portal to another dimension opens up and I am at risk of disappearing forever. That’d be cool, but I promise it’s not gonna happen.

3. I love you, but you are NOT gettin’ any chocolate! (If it weren’t a risk to your health, I’d have caved by now, OK?!)

4. That’s just the mail carrier. He’s not going to hurt you. Remember him from yesterday and the day before and the hundreds of days before that? Same ol’ dude, different day.

5. This bath is full of soapy water—NOT flesh-dissolving acid, k? CHILL PILL.

Read more here!!: http://www.peta2.com/blog/things-dogs-think-facts/#ixzz3g1fuYq2i 

Sadly, not all dogs are lucky enough to have an awesome human companion who will always try to listen to what they have to say. Every day, dogs are abused, neglected, left trapped in hot cars, and chained up and forgotten outside 24/7 without adequate shelter. You can be a hero for these dogs by pledging to be a dog defender and by clicking the button below:

How To Tell Another Human Their Dog May Be Dangerously Obese

Claire Beaudreault

11 hours ago

It’s totally pawssible to be a healthy and happy fat human. I try to practice body positivity, with regard to myself and others. There are different reasons for humans to be overweight, and it’s important to accept and love your body at any size. If you want to change it, I support that, too. You do you!

But then you see an overweight or obese dog…

While fat may sometimes be a choice for a human, it’s not one for a dog. Wild dogs are lean survival machines, and Nature didn’t intend for our dogs to be fat. (Or too skinny, for that matter.) Although a roly-poly pup might seem adorable, the reality is much more dangerous.

There are several reasons for a dog’s obesity: eating people food, too many carbohydrates, insufficient exercise, to name a few. Some humans use food as a reward or to show affection for their pets. Allowing a dog to become obese might be considered animal abuse. It could also result from a lack of information, education, or access to healthy dog food.

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85-Lb. Beagle ‘Kale Chips’ Wants To Get Healthy With You In 2015

Like humans, dogs may have medical conditions that make them overweight. If you suspect this is the case, please see a vet for more information. Obesity may shorten lifespan, damage the organs, and affect bones and joints.

So, how do you tell a friend, family member, or stranger that their dog’s health may be in danger? Is it even our place to do so? Maybe it’s not appropriate to say these things to a stranger, or acquaintance. If you decide to go ahead, it helps if you start these “I” statements with “I love your dog.” Never accuse anyone of bad pawrenting! They might not know that what they are doing isn’t best for their pup. Here are a few approaches, ranging from direct to silly to roundabout to anonymous…

1. Be direct but kind.

“I’m not a vet but it looks like your dog might be overweight. Have you considered having him checked out?” (Unless you ARE a vet, in which case say whatever your professional opinion dictates.)

Source: Critical Care DVM

2. Take a subtle approach.

Offer to walk their dog, or accompany them on a dog walk.

Source: DOGSARETHECOOLEST

3. Try humor.

(While lifting or petting the pup) “Little hefty there, what does the vet say?” or, “Your dog reminds me of someone famous…Oh I know, Jabba the Hut!”

Source: The Meta Picture

4. Anonymously…

…mail them printouts of articles about pet obesity and its risks. Or success stories!

Source: The Concourse

5. Pawsonal anecdote.

“My dog was overweight, and the vet said she was facing a lot of health risks.”

Source: Biggest Loser Doxie Edition

6. Talk about food!

“What do you feed him?”

Source: Barks and Blooms

7. All love.

“I love your dog, and it’s obvious that you love her too. I’m sure you want to keep her healthy and happy for as long as possible. I’m concerned that she might be at risk for health issues due to her size….”

Source: Daily Express

Know that your friend might be offended by your insinuation that they’re doing pup parenting wrong. Gauge each situation and consider your relationship with the person. It might be difficult, but it will be more difficult for your friend to potentially lose their dog as a result of weight-related health problems.

Source: Gudog