Ohio’s Breaking News: HB 14 Passed!

 

 

Helping Feral Cats Through the TNRM Method

For nearly a decade Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. and other local no-kill rescue organizations worked tirelessly to persuade the home owners of a rural property to have their cats spayed/neutered. By 2008 an astoundingly high number of cats filled the outside of the home. The home owners refused to work with local rescue organizations who offered free spay/neuter services for every cat on their property. The rescue’s also offered to catch, transport and return all of the cats (or help adopt cats into homes), if the owners would allow it. Again, the home owners refused making the comment that “…They are just outside cats. Most of them get hit by cars anyway, so it doesn’t really matter if they’re spayed/neutered. They are replaceable. We have plenty.” Sadly the cats remained unsprayed/neutered and continued to reproduce year after year, litter after litter. In 2011 when the homeowners foreclosed on the home, local rescue organizations remembered the cats and quickly confirmed their suspicious that although the home owners had moved away, the cats remained. The cats were untouchable, as for many generations they had not been living with humans. Many of the young cats had never been touched by human hands. With over thirty surviving cats on the property, they were left without food or water, without shelter of any kind, without hope…until local rescue volunteers stepped forward to implement a life-saving plan for the cats.

Many people have never heard the term “feral cat”, and for those who have, only a handful understand the true meaning. A feral cat is not simply a stray cat or an outdoor cat, a feral cat, as defined by the Feral Cat Coalition, is a “…wild” offspring of domestic cats and are primarily the result of pet owners’ abandonment or failure to spay and neuter their animals, allowing them to breed uncontrolled. Feral cat “colonies” can be found behind shopping areas or businesses, in alleys, parks, abandoned buildings, and rural areas. They are elusive and do not trust humans.” The key word here being that feral cats do not trust humans. They are different from a shy or scared cat as they do not want to be indoors and they do not crave the attention of humans- but they still need shelter, food, water and to be spayed/neutered. Feral cats typically live in colonies. Feral cat colonies are areas where groups (colonies) of feral cats live. This can be anywhere- an abandoned home, in a neighborhood, a park, behind the grocery store…anywhere is a possibility. Feral cat colonies can be best controlled through TNRM (Trap/Neuter/Return/Manage) programs. TNRM programs offer proven successful solutions to both humans and to the cats.  The Neighborhood Cats (the feral cat experts) website states, “…the process of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) offers the greatest chance of success both for you and the cats. TNR involves trapping the cats in a colony, getting them spay/neutered, vaccinated for rabies where appropriate and marked for identification, then returning the ferals to their territory. A caretaker provides food and shelter and monitors…” Implementing a successful TNRM program is rewarding to the community, to nearby area residents and to the cats themselves. TNRM depletes the feral cat colony through natural attrition, as through spay/neuter the cats will no longer continue reproducing. Did you know that an unsprayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring, producing 2 litters per year, with just 2.8 surviving kittens per year can total 11,801 cats in just 5 years?  Looking at the numbers alone makes it abundantly clear why TNRM is essential.

So what exactly is TNRM (trap/neuter/release/manage)? It’s a proven successful program that brings winning results for the felines and for the community! Another great thing about TNRM is that ANYONE can do it- as long as you set a plan and you are dedicated to helping- success is right around the bend, in the form of saving lives, helping your community and feeling great about knowing you did something amazing!

The national average kill rate of healthy/adoptable animals in shelters across the United States tops 50%. The average kill rate of feral cats in pounds and shelters across the country equals 100%. Again, the numbers point to the necessity of taking action to implement successful TNRM programs across the country in our local communities. This is a grassroots effort lead by volunteers, kind citizens and 501c3 non-profit rescue organizations. In every city and in each and every feral cat colony, thousands upon thousands of lives are saved when TNRM is implemented. As individuals, we all have the power to make a difference when it comes to feral cats. With effort and persistence you too can save lives. What steps do we need to take?

Do you know of a feral cat colony in your area? Whether it is one or one-hundred feral cats living in a colony, take the following steps in this order to TNRM and save lives:

1. Educate yourself! Visit sites such as: Neighborhood Cats, Ally Cat Allies and talk with local no-kill rescue volunteers.
2. Good Communication: let local residents and businesses know your plan and inform them on how it will not only help the cats, but it will help the community as well (this is where educating yourself and speaking with local rescue organizations first comes in handy!)
3. Make a plan: Who will be helping with this project? Which volunteers will be responsible for trapping? Who will transport cats and from the vet? Do you have a holding room/building? What will you do with friendly/domestic cats? Do you have funding to afford food, shelter/huts and to cover the spay/neuter costs? Can you locate low cost spay/neuter options in your area?
4. Purchase a humane trap (you may want to consider purchasing several!). Humane traps of appropriate size for adult cats can be purchased at TSC (Tractor Supply Company) stores or at HaveaHeart.
5. Set up Feeding and Water Stations. Be sure that these stations are protected from rain and other weather elements. You will want to arrange a regular feeding schedule. Arrange for you or another individual to stop by the colony once a day to provide fresh food and water in the feeding station(s).
6. Set up shelter/huts for the feral cats to stay out of the weather elements (snow, ice, rain, etc.). Used dog huts can be purchased at a low cost from local yard sales or you can make inexpensive DIY huts right at home! Fill the huts with straw to provide warmth for the feral felines. (http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/HOW_TO_FERAL_CAT_WINTER_SHELTER and watch the video attached)
7. Schedule your spay/neuter appointments.
8. Use humane traps to safely catch each cat in the feral cat colony. When trapping the cats, have a plan and remember to be patient! For guidance/education on how to appropriately use a trap, speak with a local rescue organization. Bait the trap(s) with tasty meat products and/or with canned/wet cat food. Once the trap is set, be sure to check the traps often, to minimize stress on the felines. When you pick up the traps, please note that feral cats do not want you to poke your fingers through the trap and often times they will jump around inside of the trap. They are nervous, confused and out of their comfort zone. It is important that you remain calm when transferring the humanely trapped cats into your vehicle and heading to the spay/neuter clinic or your local veterinary office. Veterinarians will use dissolvable stitches so that follow up is not necessary following the surgery.
9. After each feral cat has been spayed/neutered by a professional veterinarian, it is time to return the cat(s) to their colony. How do you know who you have spayed/neutered and returned? Good question! Many veterinarians and low cost spay/neuter clinics will ear tip feral cats at the time of the spay/neuter surgery. Ear tipping gives a clear mark to show you and to show other concerned community members who has been successfully spayed/neutered.

Feral cats will be elated to be returned to their familiar environment. Having a managed feral cat colony saves many lives. Managing a feral cat colony requires someone to visit daily to provide fresh food and water. Again, it is important to remember that feral cats do not crave human attention- but they do, as all living-beings do, require food, water and proper shelter.

If feral cats are located in an area where they are in great danger or are unwelcome and it becomes necessary to relocate the feral cat colony this can be challenging, but it is possible. It is important to exercise great care when relocating a feral cat colony. Neighborhood cats discusses the challenges of relocating feral cat colonies, “…feral cats are extremely territorial and have deep ties to their original homes. You owe it to them as their caretaker to do everything you possibly can to see they are allowed to remain where they live. It’s a risky proposition to think their colony structure and relations will not be adversely effected, even if a relocation is carried out properly…by removing a feral colony, you’ve created a vacuum. If a food source remains, it’s highly likely new cats will at some point move in. This is the same problem which is the downfall of the trap-and-remove approach. You’re just trading one colony for another. So you might as well deal with it now…So when people first call (us) and say “Relocate!”, we say not so fast and instruct them on steps they can take to implement TNR and work with neighbors. Most of the time, if the caretakers make the effort, they are pleasantly surprised at the results. Neutering the cats removes most of the crisis-causing problems, the community calms down and the cats are able to stay in their home.”

The thirty-plus un-spayed cats and kittens left to fend for themselves at the abandoned home in rural Ohio were all successfully trapped using humane traps and a lot of dedication and persistence on the part of the volunteers. All in all the effort took nearly nine months. All cats were spayed/neutered, vaccinated and tested by a local veterinarian for FIV and FeLv. Every cat was then individually assessed by rescue volunteers to determine if they were indeed feral cats or if they were shy/scared/nervous and needed some individual work with socialization. Once the determination was made for each cat, cats were appropriately placed. Feral cats were successfully relocated to a plush enclosed outdoor feral cat sanctuary in Ohio. Domestic cats were appropriately placed in experienced volunteer foster homes within local rescue organizations- where each cat received unlimited love, attention and care on a daily basis as they became socialized and rehabilitated in every way- socially, emotionally and physically. In time, all domestic cats rescued from this situation were adopted into individual, loving forever homes to call their very own.

TNRM: Trap/Neuter/Return/Manage. This one small acronym can make a huge difference in communities around the world. If you are interested in helping feral cats in your area, please visit the following recommended links for additional information. YOU can make a difference in the lives of feral cats and in your community. You can make a positive impact and you can start right now.

 

Read full article here: http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-dayton/help-feral-cats-using-the-tnrm-method-1

Quick Kill Bill: A Death Sentence for Shy and Scared NYS Animals

Have you heard of the “Quick Kill” Bill? Yes, the bill is specific to New York– but it’s important that we all pay attention to what’s happening. If it passes in New York- who’s to say it can’t be introduced and passed in other states as well? We need to continue to take action and tell Amy Paulin to kill the “Quick Kill” bill! Let’s work together to be a strong voice for the animals. With so many animals being killed daily at local county pounds and shelters- the last thing the animals need is a bill that makes killing easier and faster in shelters!

Take a look at the following Facebook post today from the No Kill Advocacy Center:

“The next time the gardener accidentally leaves the gate open or the next time the kids forget to close the front door and someone’s pet escapes, it may be the last time he is ever seen alive if he acts scared or traumatized in the shelter. Because these are precisely the behaviors that often characterize lost or stray pets, shelters would be granted the authority to kill many animals immediately… upon intake, before their owners even have a chance to look for them. In many cases, before owners even have a chance to notice that their beloved pet is missing.” Please see our letter to the NYS Assembly Committee Chair Joseph Lentol in opposition to the “Quick Kill” bill sponsored by Amy . If passed, the bill would be a death sentence for shy and scared NYS animals. See More

http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Lentol.pdf

www.nokilladvocacycenter.org

Do you PINTEREST? Follow Advocates 4 Animals!

The latest and greatest social media site is pinterest.com– have you visited yet? Pinterest is a visually stimulating social media website- where you can view anything from creative and clever quotes to outfit designs and ideas. If you have a photo of a good idea- pinterest.com is the place to share! If you’re looking to be inspired whether it be for clothing, home decor, or spiritually— pinterest.com is your next stop on the web!

Non-profits are starting to get in on the action as well. Advocates 4 Animals, Inc.- a 501c3 non-profit, all-volunteer animal rescue, rehabilitation and adoption organization in Ohio has recently started their own pinterest page which features several of their adoptable animals- as well as rescue pets who have previously been adopted. Pinterest is a great way to network with others and to share those adorable photos that honor the hard work and life saving efforts that are performed on a daily basis within an animal rescue organization. To take a peak and to follow Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. pinterest page- please click here: http://pinterest.com/advocates/

How can pinterest.com help non-profits? The truth is- that is still to be discovered! For Advocates 4 Animals, Inc.- they plan to repin creative home ideas for pet friendly homes (ex: such as building ramps for cats or how to create your own dog pillows) and also posting photos of their adopted rescue pets as well as photos of some of the current adoptable pets who are in search of a forever home. The hope is that through pinterest, Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. and other non-profits can gain additional positive recognition and can share photos of the amazing work that they do– for animal rescue organizations– they can share the life saving stories that they encounter on a daily basis….and what can be better than seeing uplifting photos of rescued animals who are now safe and sound in loving, forever homes to call their very own! Now that’s inspiration!

 

Take Action TONIGHT to Help “Kill the ASPCA Kill Bill”

If you haven’t heard about the ASPCA’s so-called “Quick Kill Bill”- please read here: http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=8451 The following is a portion of Nathan Winograd’s blog regarding the “Quick Kill Bill” and what we can do to try and stop it:

NEW YORK SHELTER ANIMALS FACE GRAVE AND IMMEDIATE DANGER.

 

In 2010, No Kill advocates succeeded in getting a rescue access bill introduced in the New York State Legislature that would require shelters to give animals they are planning to kill to qualified rescue organizations. This bill had the power to save 25,000 animals a year. It was defeated by an ASPCA-led coalition, which then introduced their own bill claiming to do the same but which, in reality, codifies the status quo and erodes existing protections for shelter animals. If this bill passes, shelters will be granted the legal authority to refuse rescue groups for arbitrary reasons, such as the rescue group is in a neighboring county, or the rescue group criticized the shelter for poor, abusive or neglectful conditions. In addition, it eliminates the holding period for scared cats, feral cats, shy dogs, and traumatized animals by granting shelters the legal authority to kill animals for being in “psychological pain” immediately on intake. They could be killed within a minute of arrival. With this bill, the ASPCA is trying to not only stop rescue access, but to erode what few protections animals in shelters already have.

 

The vote is Wednesday and it is expected to pass. WE MUST NOT ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN. New Yorkers, urge the Ag Committee to vote No on the ASPCA fake rescue access and quick kill bill (you must use all four alerts to contact ALL members of the Ag Committee)” 

PLEASE CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK TO COPY/PASTE THE EMAIL LETTERS TONIGHT AND HELP STOP THE QUICK KILL BILL!

Doing What’s Right

“Treat others as you wish to be treated”- it’s the old familiar Golden Rule that our parents taught us when we were children- right? Speaking of childhood rules, our teachers taught us to always tell the truth and to treat others with respect. Our siblings taught us that working together towards a common goal is always the best path towards achieving success. Our neighbors taught us to be polite and our friends taught us that the support of others goes a long way. Oh and let’s not forget, and listening and questioning- one of the most important skills we learned as children! We were taught so many critical lessons during childhood, yet what has become of us as adults?

The county pound and high-kill shelter systems that flood our country from coast to coast continue to exercise their lack of creativity, lack of initiative and lack of….well, effort.

But there are shelters who are reading books like Nathan Winograd’s Redemption, who are following the No Kill Advocacy Center and who are making an effort to move towards becoming No Kill communities. Take Manatee County Animal Control- now named Manatee County Animal Services. Looking for more positive movements? Take a look at the Nevada Humane Society and Shelby County (KY) Humane Society. For those who say that the No Kill Movement isn’t realistic and isn’t attainable, for those who doubt that shelter directors, City Commissioners, and politicians can march forward to a truly humane movement- a movement that embraces the philosophy of true kindness, compassion and doing what is right- take a moment to research the above mentioned shelters. No Kill communities can be accomplished- and they are being accomplished. To date, the United States has over 25 successful No Kill Animal Shelters, and the number is growing.

The media gravitates towards drama, and it’s no surprise that if someone in your local area has been bitten by a dog, news-reporters are quick to point out if it happens to be a bully breed.  Local animal control or high-kill shelter are always quick to swoop in on the action as well, as they are usually the first ones on scene once the word gets out. They are hungry for donations, hungry for money and hungry to trick the unknowing public into thinking that they are doing what’s right- but for who? Are they doing what’s right for the dogs? Are they doing what’s right for the dog owners? News reporters often skew stories by emphasizing stereotypes or by playing into the hands of the high kill animal shelter directors commands for a quick euthanasia—well, let’s call it what it really is—death. And does sentencing a dog to death really help the situation? Shouldn’t each case be looked at on an individual basis to determine the events that truly occurred? Should the media be so quick to point the finger at bully breeds?

We’ve all witnessed the circus frenzy that the media creates when a local animal control agency locates and quickly labels hoarders. Is this doing what’s right for anyone? Where is the help being offered to the “hoarders”? With less than 2 – 4% of Americans being true “hoarders”- and most of those not sharing their homes with any pets- the media has created a wild vision in our heads, making us all think that if we have four or five pets- watch out! We just might be labeled a “hoarder”. In reality, a hoarder is a person who suffers a mental illness. Point being, most of us learned the foundation of life when we were children- kindness, compassion, honesty, respect…doing what is right! Why is it that so many individuals decide that the rules we learned in childhood no longer apply to them?

The start of February 2012 brought good news to Ohio when the Senate passed HB 14 with a vote of 27-5. With 70% of the votes from the House and 84% from the Senate, the bill goes to the Governor for approval. The Governor has 10 days to sign the bill or Veto it. Word is spreading that HB 14 is expected pass- are paws are all crossed! Passing HB 14 will mean an end to breed discrimination (bully breeds) in Ohio. However, many Ohio residents are reporting that their local county rules will be maintained- keeping bully breeds banned – even with the passing of HB 14. What can be done? How can we continue to prove that it is not about the breed- it is about the environment that dog’s live in which develops their behavior?

During the start of 2012, McDonalds aired a radio advertisement stating that rescuing a stray pit bull is nothing less than risky. Using a strong but kind voice, the public responded overwhelmingly- letting McDonalds know that their uneducated statement would not be tolerated. Thousands of pit bull owners posted photos on social media websites such as Facebook, letting McDonald’s know that they rescued their pit bulls and they are loving, sweet canines- and they are part of the family.  The public rose to the occasion and became the voice for our beloved pit bulls. McDonald’s pulled the radio advertisement and issued an apology. The power of the people can be incredible when we all work together– just as we learned from our siblings and friends when we were kids.

The number of animal rescue/rehabilitation/adoption organizations is growing nationwide- and this couldn’t be better for the animals! Collaboration between rescue organizations, shelters, pounds and local residents are all part of creating a No Kill community. It is necessary to work together on behalf of the animals- to truly save lives. Rescue organizations are often all-volunteers who volunteer their time and energy outside of their regular, full-time jobs—for the single mission of saving lives. Often times, rescue groups focus on pulling animals out of high-kill shelters that are on the “death row” list that day, or that week. Sadly, it is all too often that unless a shelter is willing to allow collaboration with local rescue groups– countless healthy, loving animals otherwise die. Rescue organizations are the heroes who step in to pull unadopted animals to safety– they give them a safe haven, a true second chance on life. They provide top of the line veterinary care, nutrition, love and attention in individual volunteer foster homes—and they ultimately adopt each and every one into loving homes to each call their very own—forever. It is important to note that all parts of the No Kill Equation must be implemented in order to successfully create and maintain No Kill communities throughout the country, and the world—and this includes collaboration. Just as we were taught as children, working together produces the greatest success- and in the animal world- it produces lives being saved.

If we care about animals- and let’s be honest- most of us do! Let’s come together and work towards a better tomorrow- no, a better TODAY for our beloved animals. Let’s be honest about our intentions, let’s not be greedy- it’s not about who takes claim to winning over a community to move forward on successful reform to a No Kill culture- it’s about the animals, plain and simple. The animals are who we are advocating for, the animals are who we are trying to save from unnecessary death, the animals, the animals, the animals…..let our focus be on helping them, not “hopefully in the future”, but now. Let’s use our voice to speak on their behalf, let’s be kind, respectful and honest with each other. Let’s not hide the facts. Let’s save lives instead of killing them. Let’s start a revolution- a No Kill revolution, a kindness revolution, a compassion revolution….let’s move forward and let’s move there together.

Hey McDonalds, What Did you Say About Pit Bulls?

Hey McDonalds, My Pit Bull was Rescued as a Stray!

Social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have allowed millions to watch the video already– but just in case you haven’t, click on the link above to watch an inspiring slideshow of responsible pit bull owners around the country showing McDonalds that they LOVE their pit bulls and they do not love the recent McDonalds radio ad (the ad has since been pulled). The McDonalds radio ad told the public that rescuing a stray pit bull is a risky thing to do. Take just 6 minutes of of your day to watch the slideshow and see for yourself, just a sampling of the public that not only supports the pit bull breed, but who share their homes and their lives with many loving pit bulls.

 

Pit Bull Lovers Boycott McDonalds

 What are your thoughts on the recent McDonalds advertisement? Are you boycotting McDonalds? How do you think they should fix the negative spin they have put on pit bull’s?

Many are suggesting that McDonalds not only issue an apology, but that they also make a large donation to Pit Bull Rescue groups around the country– to help save more lives (instead of doing more harm through bad marketing!). I agree with both of the above gestures- but I also feel that McDonalds should create a new advertisement showing pit bulls in a positive light. What are your thoughts?

Pit bulls are WONDERFUL canine’s….it’s not about the breed- it’s about the environment and how they are raised— just like it is for ALL living beings. I am currently fostering a 1-year-old pit bull mix for a local rescue organization. This particular pit bull was thrown in a high-kill shelter, where 99% of cats and dogs never make it out, unless a rescue steps up in the little time that they have been given, to save a life in urgent need. I feel honored and so incredibly lucky to foster this wonderful sweetheart– and in over a decade of fostering cats and dogs for animal rescue, this one is my all-time favorite. She can sit, she give’s “high 5’s”, she gives hugs, she loves to snuggle, she plays fetch, she walks and runs on a leash with amazing grace and manners….she is incredibly sweet with children and with EVERYONE. Very smart, very loving and a beautiful dog. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to know her. If all goes well with her potential adopters- she will be going to her forever family this weekend and I will miss her dearly- but I am incredibly happy for her. In addition, I will be able to foster another dog in need, once she is adopted.

This blog post is a bit different from my prior posts. I always write about issues that are near and dear to my heart- however, the pit bull issue takes the cake! I have always loved all animals- and hearing the McDonalds advertisement was incredibly disappointing. It is my hope that McDonalds issues a public apology, makes a substantial donation to pit bull rescue organizations around the country and that they re-create a new, positive advertisement showing pit bulls for who they truly are– wonderful, sweet, loving canines that make terrific additions to happy families.

 

(*photo shared from Sanda SV’s Facebook page)

Why is it important to ADOPT your next pet?

The myth of pet overpopulation has perpetuated through our society almost effortlessly thanks to big animal welfare organizations.  Statistically, there is no such thing as “pet overpopulation”.  Over 23 million families this year will add an animal to their home – yes, 23 million!  While annually in shelters, 4 million companion animals will be killed – justified by the myth of pet overpopulation.  Numbers don’t lie.  It is true that some of these families have already determined where there next pet will come from, but approximately 17 million have not yet decided.  If shelters can secure 25% of those families, we have successfully created a No-Kill nation.  Thus the problem has been solved, correct?  Unfortunately, statistics show that only a small percentage of families looking for a new pet will visit their local shelter or animal control facility to adopt a pet.  The reasons cited for not visiting one of these facilities when looking to adopt are a litany of fixable offenses by the shelter – poor hours, apathetic workers, ridiculous adoption policies, etc.  Unfortunately, shelter directors are often accepting of the status quo – and their motto has become “adopt some and kill the rest” – and continue with archaic policies that have allowed, promoted, and justified the killing of adoptable animals.

No-Kill proponents know there is a better way.  Killing healthy, adoptable pets is not an option and once this option has been taken off the table, regressive shelters and their directors will be forced to find alternatives to killing.  Alternatives such as adoption events, hours that allow the working class to visit their shelters, foster programs, up-to-date social media and pet finder sites, TNRM (trap/neuter/release/manage) programs and so many more options that are an  alternative to killing- but they must be effectively implemented.

To many of us, the killing 4 million healthy, adoptable companion animals is a sad reality, but we have been sold on the idea that it is a “necessary evil” that is the only “humane option”.  And our society has accepted this notion without challenge.  What is humane about needless killing? No-kill is a movement that challenges the status quo and forces us to ask ourselves the question, do they really have to die?  Does the 8 week old kitten, fully weaned from her mother, full of life and excited for each day deserve to die at the hands of shelter workers – the same kitten who just a few minutes earlier was purring and snuggled in arms of the same person who will kill her?  Does the 5 year old black lab, who is fully trained, a graduate of obedience school, and loyal family companion since puppyhood deserve to be executed, lined up on the shelter floor with 50 other executed dogs before being thrown in a garbage bag and left out as trash?  There are lives at stake. Every day, animals are senselessly killed and while our society shakes its head in regret, we still accept the status quo.  It is important that we take steps to reform animal control and take killing off the table – a process that is indeed time consuming and difficult – but in the meantime, we can take steps to save lives before the reform takes place.  Adopt from your local shelter, adopt from the pound, adopt from a rescue – it doesn’t matter which facility you choose to adopt from, just be sure to choose adoption- because each life we save is a victory for the animals.

Please Help Save Heidi’s Life!

PLEASE SIGN & SHARE THIS VERY IMPORTANT, LIFE SAVING PETITION!

http://www.saveheidi.com/

 “Take a long look at this face. This is the face of love & one that is facing death without our help. This beautiful dog, while out for a leashed walk with her people, was approached by a man who bent down to pet her at the same time she looked up to say hello. Now the man claims sh…e broke his nose & the law is considering this the same level of “offense” as a bite! For this the man and the local district attorney  want the dog killed.  Come on, what one of us has not had a dog jump at the same time we bent down and collided heads. This is VERY different then a bite or attack! Please take a moment to help to save her life by signing this petition, forward it to your friends & family, & posting it to your Facebook/Myspace page. It is one more example of people in authority, with NO dog knowledge, having the power of life or death over dogs! We have to help this family dog, it could be your dog next!!”