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

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

10 Surprising Facts About Animal Shelters -

Everyone is a sucker for an adorable puppy-face or playful kitten, but adopting animals from shelters not only scores you a new BFF but also has tons of other cool perks, too!

Read on for the ridiculously cute truth about animal shelters.

1. Twenty-five percent of dogs in animal shelters are purebreds!

If you have your heart set on a certain breed, chances are that you can find that breed at your local animal shelter!

2. You can adopt more than dogs and cats!

Many animal shelters have rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, and guinea pigs—and some even have turtles, chickens, and reptiles—all waiting for their forever home. 

3. They’re on the cutting edge!

Labradoodles and cockapoos are sooo 2011. Looking for the coolest combos out there? Your local animal shelter is flooded with loads of adorable mixed-breed dogs and cats who are hoping for the chance to be your BFF. Mutts rule!

4. You can save $$—and your shoes!

Puppies and kittens are adorbs, but they’re a LOT of work–not to mention expensive. We love shopping but if you want to save your shoes (and your homework and your little bro’s toys) from becoming chew toys and your dad’s favorite armchair from becoming a scratching post, opt for an equally cute and lovable adult dog or cat who’s outgrown that awkward stage.

5. Someone else has done all the work!

Many dogs and cats in animal shelters are turned in by guardians who simply can’t take care of them anymore, so it’s easy to find plenty of sweet animals who are already house-trained and friendly and who may even know a few tricks!

6. Helping animals in shelters = FREE HUGS!

© iStock.com/Dreamframer

Got the love but not the time to play with cats all day? Just volunteer or foster! Not only will you be able to meet loads of adorable animals, you’ll also play a role in finding them forever homes. The time you spend socializing them will help make them more adoptable, and you will get lots of love in the process. WIN-WIN!

7. Animals from shelters won’t break your ♥!

All animals in shelters get a full vet check so you’ll know exactly what’s up with your new furry friend. No heartbreaking hidden diseases, such as parvovirus, which often affects animals from puppy mills.

8. Animal shelters help more than you think!

It’s common practice for animal shelters to spay or neuter animals as part of the adoption process. So you’re not just saving one animal—you’re saving the hundreds of animals one unfixed cat or dog can produce in his or her lifetime.

9. Animal shelters provide a built-in support network!

Workers and volunteers at animal shelters know the animals well, and they’ll help you find your perfect match. They know each animal’s history, what games are his or her fave to play, and what cuddles he or she likes best. Some animal shelters even offer classes to get to know your new furry friend!

10. Animals from shelters have bigger ♥s!

Ever had a crummy day until a friend did something nice for you? Think about how grateful you were to have that person in your life. Now imagine that you’ve spent your whole life in crummy situations, like some of the animals in shelters have. YOU can be that ray of sunshine by giving an animal in a shelter a loving home. He or she will pay you back in love tenfold!

In short, animal shelters RULE! When it comes to adding animals to your life, the message is clear: Adopt, don’t buy!

SHARE THIS WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS
AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Read more: http://www.peta2.com/blog/animal-shelter-facts/#ixzz3fgx0CMep