I worked as a volunteer at Woofstock on Saturday. This was my first contribution to the shelter and I enjoyed every minute. It was such a big event and it really made me happy to see so many people who truly love their dogs. It also saddened me a bit as there were more people than I care to count who just did not know how to handle their pet. I hope none of those dogs end up in one of the local shelters strictly because of their owner's lack of leadership.
Not all shelter dogs are there as a result of physical abuse or negligence. Too any wonderful dogs are surrendered by owners who were simply oblivious to the fact that owning a dog is a huge commitment and a long-term commitment. It takes a lot of time and energy to be a responsible dog owner and sadly, too many people invest too little of both in their dog. People owe a lot more to their canine companion than just providing fresh food and water and a warm place to sleep.
Typical scenario. Kids want a puppy. Mom and Dad get kids a puppy. Other than spending some time on housetraining, the dog is expected to figure everything else out for itself. Maybe the kids play with the dog while it's still a novelty. But that doesn't last. When the puppy seeks out attention, the family tells it to lay down. Which it doesn't know how to do because nobody took the time to train it! Owners like this don't take their dog for a much-needed walk, they simply open up the back door so the dog can do its business in the yard.
With no play and no chance to experience the world outside the confines of the house, the poor dog is virtually living under house arrest. I'm sure the owners wouldn't like it, why should their dog? Putting down food and water and tossing a few toys on the rug doesn't make a responsible dog owner. So what happens when the dog who received no training, who can't respond to more than the simplest command, the dog who was never given guidance as to appropriate or inappropriate behavior, is deemed a "bad dog" by the owner? Why, the "nice" family packs up the dog and ships it off to the shelter. Where they try to explain how "bad" they feel and how they "really love the dog" but no matter what they do, the dog just "won't listen" or the dog is "out of control."
Please folks, do me a favor. Don't try to convince me that you are a good person. I care about your dog, not you. That's why I'm giving my time at the shelter. I, and other volunteers, will work hard to give your poor dog what it never had before - exercise, discipline, play and affection.
All dogs, regardless of size, need these things. But the bigger and more powerful the dog, the more imperative it is that the dog be raised by responsible people willing to invest the time to teach their pet to be a great household companion. Which is what dogs were born to be!
I did see a great shirt at Woofstock. It read "Throw Vick to the Dogs." The woman wearing it got a lot of compliments. Our shelter received $147 in donations which was more than was expected as there were a lot of other shelters and rescues vying for contributions.
Okay, counting today I've been Vegan for exactly 14 days. Only 16 more to go! It is getting easier. I'm feeling better and my belly is finally deflating! Sunday was a real treat. I visited my friends who own a farm and they prepared the most delicious Vegan spread - fried zuccini, fried onion rings and corn nuggets which I've never had before but am now completely addicted! This was truly the best Vegan meal I've had since beginning this adventure!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A Show of Desparation
I read with shock that Michael Vick received a standing ovation as he walked on the field for last night's pre-season game. I just don't know what to say. Are some Eagles fans so desparate for that elusive Superbowl win that they're willing to eagerly embrace a dog killer as hero and role model for their children? What's next - a massive soul sell off to the devil?
At least it was heartening to read that the stadium was half empty. I hope the empty seats were there because Eagles fans who care about animals stayed home last night. I know there are many fans who deplore Mr. Vick's actions as much as I do and have taken action. I've talked to people who refuse to watch Eagles games as long as dog killer Vick remains on the team. Others are boycotting team sponsors. It takes a lot for these fans to turn away from their beloved team and their actions deserve to be recognized.
I can accept that some fans want to continue to support their team. But Vick deserves to be vilified, not applauded. Such a strong show of support for a man who tortured and killed innocent animals really helps me understand why Philadelphia is one of the nation's hotspots for dog fighting.
On a happier note, I got the chance to hang out for a bit with a flock of wild turkeys this morning! I was outside the office having a cigarrette and suddenly, there they were - five big turkeys - just strolling along looking for a snack. It was almost surreal! I watched them for a bit but got upset when I saw they were heading straight for Route 70, a very busy state highway just outside the office. But, just in the nick of time they stopped and headed over to the medical building next door where three of them nicely took a break on top of a car. It was the coolest thing! I walked up and the two remaining on the ground just kind of hung out, they weren't shy at all. I didn't want them to get hurt so I headed back to the office to call the town's animal control officer. He told me these were wild turkeys who had been living in the Barclay neighborhood (where our office is located) for some time now. That made me feel a little better, if they've been hanging out in the area for that long I guess they know enough to stay off the highway!
After I got off the phone, I went back out to check on them. Found them casually making their way back toward the neighborhood. They should be safe there. As much as I would love to see them again, I hope they stay away from the office. It's just too close to the highway and I don't want them to get hurt!
Tomorrow I will be working as a shelter volunteer at Woofstock. It's one of those dog festivals that have become quite trendy in recent years and apparently, this is a pretty big festival. There is even a $5 admission charge, proceeds to benefit various animal shelters and rescue groups. Our shelter volunteers will be selling home baked dog treats and other items as well as working to get out the message about all of the wonderful pets patiently waiting at the shelter for someone to give them a forever home. There will be lots of vendors selling dog stuff so it should be a lot of fun. Just hope it doesn't rain!
Some slight good news on the Vegan front. I've finally dropped a couple of pounds. I'm still not back to where I was when I started this misadventure but at least it's something! My beach ball belly even looked a tiny bit deflated this morning but it puffed back up as soon as I had breakfast.
Last night I did cook up my okra dish and it was amazingly good. Sauteed a good bit of onion in vegetable oil then tossed in a small can of diced tomatoes and a can of chickpeas (drained). I had earlier blanched the okra so I tossed that in near the end along with some slices of tempeh that I browned in a dry pan. Once it was all together, it looked an Indian dish so I added a little curry to my standard salt, pepper and garlic blend. Delicious! Served it over whole grain brown rice. I would definitely do this recipe again only next time - I'm serving it as an accompanyment to MEAT!!!
20 Days and Counting!
At least it was heartening to read that the stadium was half empty. I hope the empty seats were there because Eagles fans who care about animals stayed home last night. I know there are many fans who deplore Mr. Vick's actions as much as I do and have taken action. I've talked to people who refuse to watch Eagles games as long as dog killer Vick remains on the team. Others are boycotting team sponsors. It takes a lot for these fans to turn away from their beloved team and their actions deserve to be recognized.
I can accept that some fans want to continue to support their team. But Vick deserves to be vilified, not applauded. Such a strong show of support for a man who tortured and killed innocent animals really helps me understand why Philadelphia is one of the nation's hotspots for dog fighting.
On a happier note, I got the chance to hang out for a bit with a flock of wild turkeys this morning! I was outside the office having a cigarrette and suddenly, there they were - five big turkeys - just strolling along looking for a snack. It was almost surreal! I watched them for a bit but got upset when I saw they were heading straight for Route 70, a very busy state highway just outside the office. But, just in the nick of time they stopped and headed over to the medical building next door where three of them nicely took a break on top of a car. It was the coolest thing! I walked up and the two remaining on the ground just kind of hung out, they weren't shy at all. I didn't want them to get hurt so I headed back to the office to call the town's animal control officer. He told me these were wild turkeys who had been living in the Barclay neighborhood (where our office is located) for some time now. That made me feel a little better, if they've been hanging out in the area for that long I guess they know enough to stay off the highway!
After I got off the phone, I went back out to check on them. Found them casually making their way back toward the neighborhood. They should be safe there. As much as I would love to see them again, I hope they stay away from the office. It's just too close to the highway and I don't want them to get hurt!
Tomorrow I will be working as a shelter volunteer at Woofstock. It's one of those dog festivals that have become quite trendy in recent years and apparently, this is a pretty big festival. There is even a $5 admission charge, proceeds to benefit various animal shelters and rescue groups. Our shelter volunteers will be selling home baked dog treats and other items as well as working to get out the message about all of the wonderful pets patiently waiting at the shelter for someone to give them a forever home. There will be lots of vendors selling dog stuff so it should be a lot of fun. Just hope it doesn't rain!
Some slight good news on the Vegan front. I've finally dropped a couple of pounds. I'm still not back to where I was when I started this misadventure but at least it's something! My beach ball belly even looked a tiny bit deflated this morning but it puffed back up as soon as I had breakfast.
Last night I did cook up my okra dish and it was amazingly good. Sauteed a good bit of onion in vegetable oil then tossed in a small can of diced tomatoes and a can of chickpeas (drained). I had earlier blanched the okra so I tossed that in near the end along with some slices of tempeh that I browned in a dry pan. Once it was all together, it looked an Indian dish so I added a little curry to my standard salt, pepper and garlic blend. Delicious! Served it over whole grain brown rice. I would definitely do this recipe again only next time - I'm serving it as an accompanyment to MEAT!!!
20 Days and Counting!
It's About Character, Nothing Else
Today, Michael Vick makes his debut with the Philadelphia Eagles. The NAACP and other civil rights groups are supposed to be coming out to protest, stating that animal rights activists want to deny Mr. Vick his civil right to earn a living. This just blows my mind. Why are the leaders of these groups unable to, as the great Martin Luther King said, judge the man not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character? Which I believe is non-existent. He tortured and killed innocent dogs. What about their rights? A dog doesn’t care if you are red, brown, yellow, black or white nor do I. It’s not what you are, it’s what you do. Just take a look at the new Vick blurb for the Humane Society. In it, he tells inner city kids not to wind up in jail for dogfighting, a "pointless" activity. At no time does Mr. Vick apologize for his actions or refer to them as cruel or sadistic. Just pointless. Make your own judgment, I've made mine.
Today is my dog Patches eighth birthday which is 45 in human years. He still seems like a pup to me, not the middle-aged gentlemen he has grown to be. I got him the cutest little birthday cookie at the fancy pet supply store near my office. They even sell complete birthday cakes but they were way out of my budget. It’s so sad when I think of those poor shelter dogs then compare their lives to the life led by each of my three little princes. I cannot wait until I’m finally cleared to work with those dogs and start to make at least a little difference in their lives.
My Logan was a shelter dog. I met him at a Petsmart adoption event in February and agreed to be his foster mom until I realized I just loved him too much to let him go! Logan was saved from a Philadelphia shelter by West Jersey Volunteers, a local rescue group, skinny and matted and surely slated for "death row." Though Logan is blind and deaf, he is truly just one big bundle of love. Half the time I forget that he can’t see or hear, he gets around just like my other little guys. It's as if he does have all of his senses, he just experiences sight and sound differently than the rest of us. And he is so incredibly happy and grateful for the little things whereas Skippy and Patches just take the good life for granted.
This is kind of funny. I accidentally picked up four cans of Vegan dog food at Petco yesterday thinking I was getting venison. Time for bifocals perhaps? So doggies, you will join my little protest, whether you like it or not!!! At least I know for sure that Skippy likes veggies, especially carrots. As for the other two ...
I forgot that yesterday I had to go grocery shopping after work so I never cooked all those things I said I was going to cook. Jon had his standard shopping day meal, a rotisserie chicken, and I had a veggie burger. I did make garlic soup last night which I love. I first tried it in Spain back in 2001 and it is so good. I was also hoping the garlic overload would help clear up my abdominal issues and it did seem to help!
I feel a little better today, still have a big bloated belly and a low energy level but the other problems seem to have subsided - hopefully for good.
21 Days to go!!!
Today is my dog Patches eighth birthday which is 45 in human years. He still seems like a pup to me, not the middle-aged gentlemen he has grown to be. I got him the cutest little birthday cookie at the fancy pet supply store near my office. They even sell complete birthday cakes but they were way out of my budget. It’s so sad when I think of those poor shelter dogs then compare their lives to the life led by each of my three little princes. I cannot wait until I’m finally cleared to work with those dogs and start to make at least a little difference in their lives.
My Logan was a shelter dog. I met him at a Petsmart adoption event in February and agreed to be his foster mom until I realized I just loved him too much to let him go! Logan was saved from a Philadelphia shelter by West Jersey Volunteers, a local rescue group, skinny and matted and surely slated for "death row." Though Logan is blind and deaf, he is truly just one big bundle of love. Half the time I forget that he can’t see or hear, he gets around just like my other little guys. It's as if he does have all of his senses, he just experiences sight and sound differently than the rest of us. And he is so incredibly happy and grateful for the little things whereas Skippy and Patches just take the good life for granted.
This is kind of funny. I accidentally picked up four cans of Vegan dog food at Petco yesterday thinking I was getting venison. Time for bifocals perhaps? So doggies, you will join my little protest, whether you like it or not!!! At least I know for sure that Skippy likes veggies, especially carrots. As for the other two ...
I forgot that yesterday I had to go grocery shopping after work so I never cooked all those things I said I was going to cook. Jon had his standard shopping day meal, a rotisserie chicken, and I had a veggie burger. I did make garlic soup last night which I love. I first tried it in Spain back in 2001 and it is so good. I was also hoping the garlic overload would help clear up my abdominal issues and it did seem to help!
I feel a little better today, still have a big bloated belly and a low energy level but the other problems seem to have subsided - hopefully for good.
21 Days to go!!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Good From Evil Perhaps?
I went to my orientation session at the animal shelter last night and it shocked and saddened me to see so many animals just abandoned by their owners. As hard as I try, I just can't imagine how someone could do this. I am unable to come up with one single valid reason, shy of an owner’s death. And in that case, it’s not the owner doing it, it’s the heirs.
I have to attend a dog mentoring class before I can work with the dogs. I can't wait to get the little angels out of their cages and out in the fresh air. There’s a path out in the woods behind the shelter so my goal is to take one dog for a good long walk of at least an hour, maybe more, than have some play time in a fenced in area where the dogs can go off leash. I would rather give one, maybe two, dogs a great afternoon outdoors rather than take a lot of dogs out for what is essentially a "pee walk." A tired dog is a happy dog! And these poor animals deserve some happiness.
The sad thing is that of all the dogs in the shelter, all but about three or four were pit bulls. I can’t understand this, they really are so sweet and totally devoted to people. I never received so many dog kisses as I did last night. Think about it, Petey on Little Rascals was a pit, the Buster Brown dog was a pit ... It's just a crime that irresponsible people who can't even manage their own lives, let alone that of a dog, are particularly attracted to this breed. And thanks to them, a once favored companion dog is now vilified as a criminal. While the criminals walk free. It sickens me to even think about it.
Interesting how the woman running the orientation said this was the biggest group of volunteers she ever had. Perhaps I am not the only one propelled into action by Mr. Vick. If that’s the case, then he has, unbeknownst to him, really done something to help dogs. Of course, I’m certain he didn’t intend this to happen. I mean, he never apologized for what he did to his own dogs. All he ever said was how he was sorry that he screwed up his own good life.
When I got home last night, I just heated up some leftover potato parsnip soup that I had made over the weekend and dumped some sauteed mushrooms in it. The soup was good, it’s a recipe I’ve made in the past. The only difference is that I used oil instead of oil and butter to start the veggies. Since I didn’t cook last night, I didn’t have anything to bring for lunch but found out that Wendy’s is a decent place for Vegans in need of fast food. At least they have the baked potato which is better than most places which stick you with a choice of lettuce in a bowl or french fries!
I’m still feeling bloated and gassy and lethargic. My friend Carol said something like I'm the only one she knows who would wind up gaining weight on a Vegan diet. I'm still trying to figure it out. Think Vegan, you think stick thin. I'm eating vegetables for God's sake. And it’s not like I’m eating a lot of grains, beans or nuts, the stuff that packs a lot of calories. Maybe its some kind of water retention thing, I just don't know. I’ve looked on line and there is very little information on the downside of a Vegan diet and I find that kind of interesting. I wonder if my experience is atypical.
So far, the only positive thing I’ve experienced on this Vegan adventure is that I really do feel more clearheaded. Perhaps it’s that lucidity that delirious people experience right before they croak!
Tonight I’m planning on cooking up some okra with tomatoes, onions and chickpeas and also will saute some Chinese broccoli with garlic. I’ll make up a batch of polenta to serve as the base for both and will have a few meals for the next few days. Yuck. I mean Yum. I don't know what I mean. Either of these meals would be fine if I only had some meat to go along with them!
MEAT, I NEED MEAT!!! Only 22 more days and that’s counting today!
I have to attend a dog mentoring class before I can work with the dogs. I can't wait to get the little angels out of their cages and out in the fresh air. There’s a path out in the woods behind the shelter so my goal is to take one dog for a good long walk of at least an hour, maybe more, than have some play time in a fenced in area where the dogs can go off leash. I would rather give one, maybe two, dogs a great afternoon outdoors rather than take a lot of dogs out for what is essentially a "pee walk." A tired dog is a happy dog! And these poor animals deserve some happiness.
The sad thing is that of all the dogs in the shelter, all but about three or four were pit bulls. I can’t understand this, they really are so sweet and totally devoted to people. I never received so many dog kisses as I did last night. Think about it, Petey on Little Rascals was a pit, the Buster Brown dog was a pit ... It's just a crime that irresponsible people who can't even manage their own lives, let alone that of a dog, are particularly attracted to this breed. And thanks to them, a once favored companion dog is now vilified as a criminal. While the criminals walk free. It sickens me to even think about it.
Interesting how the woman running the orientation said this was the biggest group of volunteers she ever had. Perhaps I am not the only one propelled into action by Mr. Vick. If that’s the case, then he has, unbeknownst to him, really done something to help dogs. Of course, I’m certain he didn’t intend this to happen. I mean, he never apologized for what he did to his own dogs. All he ever said was how he was sorry that he screwed up his own good life.
When I got home last night, I just heated up some leftover potato parsnip soup that I had made over the weekend and dumped some sauteed mushrooms in it. The soup was good, it’s a recipe I’ve made in the past. The only difference is that I used oil instead of oil and butter to start the veggies. Since I didn’t cook last night, I didn’t have anything to bring for lunch but found out that Wendy’s is a decent place for Vegans in need of fast food. At least they have the baked potato which is better than most places which stick you with a choice of lettuce in a bowl or french fries!
I’m still feeling bloated and gassy and lethargic. My friend Carol said something like I'm the only one she knows who would wind up gaining weight on a Vegan diet. I'm still trying to figure it out. Think Vegan, you think stick thin. I'm eating vegetables for God's sake. And it’s not like I’m eating a lot of grains, beans or nuts, the stuff that packs a lot of calories. Maybe its some kind of water retention thing, I just don't know. I’ve looked on line and there is very little information on the downside of a Vegan diet and I find that kind of interesting. I wonder if my experience is atypical.
So far, the only positive thing I’ve experienced on this Vegan adventure is that I really do feel more clearheaded. Perhaps it’s that lucidity that delirious people experience right before they croak!
Tonight I’m planning on cooking up some okra with tomatoes, onions and chickpeas and also will saute some Chinese broccoli with garlic. I’ll make up a batch of polenta to serve as the base for both and will have a few meals for the next few days. Yuck. I mean Yum. I don't know what I mean. Either of these meals would be fine if I only had some meat to go along with them!
MEAT, I NEED MEAT!!! Only 22 more days and that’s counting today!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Why Am I Doing This?
I had Vegan "beef" stew for lunch today. The entire time I was eating it, I kept thinking how incredibly delicious this meal would be had I made it with real beef, the kind that comes from cows - dead cows - instead of some gnarled chunks of texturized wheat gluten that tastes just like a veggie burger. That’s just so wrong, stew meat isn’t supposed to taste like hamburger! I’m sure the "chicken" waiting in my refrigerator will taste just like the "beef." This is truly punishment for all the bad things I’ve done in my life. But, I have vowed to eat Vegan for 30 days and I will eat Vegan for 30 days. I am one week into this herbivorous misadventure and it has not been fun. I’ve already gained five pounds, have a bloated belly bigger than a beach ball and live in intense fear of being more than a few feet away from a toilet.
I am a meat eater, I believe pork is the nectar of life. So why am I doing this to myself? Two words. Michael Vick.
The sick, twisted, sadistic, sociopathic Mr. Vick’s behavior is well documented. I won’t repeat it here. I was marginally aware that his NFL suspension was about to end and was certain that no NFL team would touch him, I mean, the man is totally toxic. So imagine my horror when I learned the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a multi-million dollar two-year contract. I live right across the river from Philadelphia, I’m in the heart of Eagles territory which makes it seem even more of a personal affront (though I am a New York Giants fan). Hearing my boss and others speak in support of the move, like he’s paid his debt to society and all that, just totally set something off inside of me.
I’ve always loved animals but especially love dogs. Show me a Pit Bull or a Rottie and I’ll go all goo-goo over it like normal people do over babies. I send money to various humane organizations and yes, am a card-carrying member of PETA. So why does a carnivorous, leather shod woman who has no problem watching Bear Grylls bite the head off of a snake belong to PETA? Because they do it so I don’t have to!
Until now. I was so horrified and sickened over the Vick signing that I swore I would eat Vegan for 30 days. And I had to go mouthing off about it so now, I have to stick with it. For another 23 days - at least.
So, I will share with whoever should happen to read this my adventures as a Vegan and a brand new animal activist. I’ve just signed on as a volunteer at the county animal shelter. Tonight is orientation for new members. Dogs have given me so much in life, I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to give at least a little something back!
So there Michael Vick - I'm eating gelatinized goop and soon will be scooping poop, just to show you!!!
I am a meat eater, I believe pork is the nectar of life. So why am I doing this to myself? Two words. Michael Vick.
The sick, twisted, sadistic, sociopathic Mr. Vick’s behavior is well documented. I won’t repeat it here. I was marginally aware that his NFL suspension was about to end and was certain that no NFL team would touch him, I mean, the man is totally toxic. So imagine my horror when I learned the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a multi-million dollar two-year contract. I live right across the river from Philadelphia, I’m in the heart of Eagles territory which makes it seem even more of a personal affront (though I am a New York Giants fan). Hearing my boss and others speak in support of the move, like he’s paid his debt to society and all that, just totally set something off inside of me.
I’ve always loved animals but especially love dogs. Show me a Pit Bull or a Rottie and I’ll go all goo-goo over it like normal people do over babies. I send money to various humane organizations and yes, am a card-carrying member of PETA. So why does a carnivorous, leather shod woman who has no problem watching Bear Grylls bite the head off of a snake belong to PETA? Because they do it so I don’t have to!
Until now. I was so horrified and sickened over the Vick signing that I swore I would eat Vegan for 30 days. And I had to go mouthing off about it so now, I have to stick with it. For another 23 days - at least.
So, I will share with whoever should happen to read this my adventures as a Vegan and a brand new animal activist. I’ve just signed on as a volunteer at the county animal shelter. Tonight is orientation for new members. Dogs have given me so much in life, I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to give at least a little something back!
So there Michael Vick - I'm eating gelatinized goop and soon will be scooping poop, just to show you!!!
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