Mon, Aug. 10th, 2009, 02:56 pm Warning: Tissue Alert: Whomever Gets My Dog

This came from the Akita Rescue list. Yeah, I cried. I'm willing to bet , you will too. They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen.The shelter was clean, and the people really friendly.
I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to.
And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner.
See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell.
The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff.
I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."
Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that?? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.
Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.
"Okay,Reggie, " I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".... .....
To Whomever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.
I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls...the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel. " He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left.? "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening.
Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.
He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.
Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time.
I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially.
Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....
His name's not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is Tank.
Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with.. and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting too downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. But still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.
That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough.
I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter.
I don't think I'll say another good- bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time.
Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank.
Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me."
Thank you,
Paul Mallory
________
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.
"C' mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.
"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him.
I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me."
Tank reached up and licked my cheek.
"So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again.
"Yeah?? Ball?? You like that???Ball? "
Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.
And when he came back......he had three tennis balls in his mouth.Caena learned to play with tennis balls in Michigan last week, courtesy of Cookie, Hondo and Zita.
Sun, May. 3rd, 2009, 02:30 pm DNA - DNR - Frederick Acker of Monroe, Ct .... Convicted felon .. cruelty charges....

VIA THE AKITA RESCUE LIST- PLEASE CROSS POST FAR AND WIDE. THIS PSYCHO LITERALLY TOOK THE PUPS AND DOGS FROM THE TRANSPORTER AND FLED AWAY IN HIS VEHICLE. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF HIM PLEASE POST WHERE HE CAN BE FOUND.
PLEASE CROSS POST FAR AND WIDE. THIS MAN TOOK SOME OF OUR ANIMALS AND I AM LITERALLY SICK. HE WAS RECOMMENDED ON THE ADVICE OF SOMEONE THAT I DEAL WITH LOCALLY. HE RUNS UNDER THE GUISE OF THE SPCA OF CT -- I HAVE CONFIRMED REPORTS THAT HE IS NOT A MEMBER OF THIS GROUP. PLEASE AGAIN CROSS POST. Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 4:41 PM Subject: Frederick Acker Ct .... Convicted felon .. cruelty charges.... I saw the posts about Fred Acker in Ct and decided to run a background check on this person. Here's what I found .... convicted felon served time in 05 for many accounts of animal cruelty.
Last known address was/is 359 Springhill Road Monrow Ct 06468
I'm still working on getting a phone number.
Date of birth 8/3/52 All Ct rescues and shelters need to be aware of this man, he is up to no good claiming he is the SPCA, and pulling animals from shelters. Who knows what these poor babies face once in his hands. If you would like any more indepth details, please email me privately and I will be happy to supply you with copies of the court records I just reviewed. Judith Homer Founder and President Creekside Farm Horse Rescue Inc, Blue Ridge TX www.creeksidefarmhorserescue.org
Tue, Mar. 24th, 2009, 07:38 pm Oh no... 400 Dogs Rescued from Arkansas Puppy Mill
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/news/?cid=203582Nearly 400 neglected dogs were rescued today from a Logan County puppy mill. The Humane Society of the United States was asked to help by local law enforcement, in preparation for the large-scale raid. The dogs were found living in horrific conditions in dilapidated structures throughout the 82-acre property. Members of The HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team and the Humane Society of Missouri removed approximately 350 dogs, 17 miniature ponies, six cats and several exotic birds and turtles from the property. “Most people don’t realize that this is the cruel reality behind those cute puppies for sale in pet stores and online,” said Desiree Bender, Arkansas state director for The HSUS. “These dogs were kept in tiny cages and forced to breed continuously for the profit of the mill owners.” When rescuers arrived at the property, they encountered a disturbing scene. The dogs, ranging from Shih Tzus and Poodles to Akitas and Shelties, were suffering from serious medical ailments and housed in filthy conditions. Many of the dogs were severely matted and suffering from untreated lacerations and serious skin and eye infections. Some of the first to be freed were day-old puppies. It was obvious that many of these animals had never known life outside their wire cages. “Puppies were being sold over the internet among other avenues. We also recovered purebred registration papers from several kennel clubs,” continued Bender. “People were buying the puppies without knowing the cruelty they were supporting. It is vital that anyone buying a puppy go and see where they were born, meet the parent dogs and ensure they are being well cared for.” All of the animals were swiftly removed and transported to a nearby emergency shelter set up specifically for this rescue mission. After arriving at the shelter, the dogs were checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. Volunteers from United Animal Nations are on hand to assist with the temporary shelter for the rescued animals. Much-needed supplies were provided by PetSmart Charities, which sent its Emergency Relief Waggin’ full of donated goods such as wire crates, dog food and bedding. “United Animal Nations volunteers are working hard to get the dogs settled and cared for,” said Janell Matthies, UAN emergency services manager. “They seem to be acclimating nicely and are beginning to interact with their caretakers. We are even seeing an occasional tail wag.”
Tue, Mar. 24th, 2009, 02:28 pm Hunte Corp(puppy mills r us) is sued, FINALLY.
Lawsuit Aims to Shut Down Petland and HuntePosted Mar 21, 2009 by lauraallen Companion Animal Breeding Jodell Martinelli, Stephanie Booth, Melia Perry, Abbigail King, Nicole Kersanty, and Ruth Ross are the named plaintiffs who hope to convince Arizona federal District Court Judge David G. Campbell that their case should be a class action. They have sued Petland, Inc., the notorious retail pet store, and its broker, the infamous Hunte Corporation which is the leading distributor of puppy mill dogs, along with unnamed suppliers for violations of Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, 18 U.S.C. §1962, ("RICO") and state consumer protection statutes. Petland has approximately 140 retail locations in 31 states, either owned or operated as a franchise. RICO is a statute typically used by federal prosecutors to go after organized crime. The lawsuit is the next step following the report last November by The Humane Society of the United States that its eight-month confirmed Petland's practice of selling puppy mill dogs but misrepresenting and concealing the dogs' origin. The HSUS investigators "witnessed and documented the deplorable conditions at some of these puppy mills, including puppies living in filthy, barren cages reeking of urine, with inadequate care and socialization. ... A review of USDA inspection reports from more than 100 Petland breeders revealed that more than 60% of the inspections found serious violations of basic animal care standards, including sick or dead dogs in their cages, lack of proper veterinary care, inadequate shelter from weather conditions, and dirty, unkempt cages that were too small." According to the plaintiffs' Complaint filed in the Arizona federal court, "Petland requires that each of its retail locations purchase puppies from suppliers it has approved, such as Hunte, and nearly everyone is either a puppy mill or a puppy mill broker." They cite to a definition of puppy mill offered in a Minnesota case: "a dog breeding operation in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits." Avenson v. Zegart, 577 F. Supp. 958, 960 (D. Minn. 1984). Puppy mills are described as like "an assembly line manufacturing process" for dogs: "To operate this puppy production line, female dogs are bred at every opportunity without sufficient recovery time between litters. Once these breeding females are physically depleted to the point they lose the ability to reproduce, they are generally destroyed using inhumane methods. Thus, following a cruel life of breeding litters upon litters of puppies, the sire and dam of that puppy mill puppy is highly unlikely to ever make it out of the mill alive. While alive and forced to reproduce, the breeding female and her puppies are confined to a wire cage barely large enough to turn around in, sometimes exposed to the elements, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and three hundred sixty-five days a year. These cages are frequently stacked upon one another in columns to conserve space so the puppy mill can maximize its number of breeding females, and therefore, its production of puppies. These cages in which the breeding female spends her entire life, and the puppies' first several weeks of life, are floored with wire mesh to facilitate waste removal and cleanup without regard for the health and wellbeing of either the puppies or their mother. The conditions at these puppy mills have degenerated to a point of disregard for the welfare of the dogs leaving them in unsanitary, overcrowded conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, exercise or mental stimulation and socialization. As a result of these conditions and a disregard for proper canine husbandry practices, puppies whelped at puppy mills are highly prone to debilitating and life threatening conditions". The Complaint charges that Petland and Hunte have schemed to "defraud consumers by manufacturing a fictitious market for puppy mill puppies.... Because of the increasing awareness of puppy mills, including the inhumane treatment of the breeding dogs and problems associated with the puppies bred there, the demand for puppy mill puppies has virtually been eliminated." There would be no market for these puppy mill puppies from Petland, according to the Complaint, "given [the dogs'] well-documented health and socialization issues." To manufacture a demand for these puppies, Defendants are said to conceal their place of origin. The puppies sold by Petland, say the plaintiffs, "are misrepresent[ed]... as ‘the finest available' puppies from ‘professional and hobby breeders who have years of experience in raising quality family pets,' which are ‘USDA approved'". The plaintiffs say that "Petland further misleads consumers by exploiting the low standards of the many breed registry companies. Petland deceives consumers into believing that a pet's registration or ability to be registered at one of these many registry companies reflects the quality of the puppy while further concealing its puppy mill origin. In reality, the registration of a puppy purchased at Petland provides no indication that the puppy is of a better quality than non-registered dogs, is capable of being shown or is healthy and free from congenital or hereditary defects." "Additionally, Petland relies upon lax government licensure standards and infrequent inspections to dispel consumers' justifiable concern that their puppy may be whelped in a puppy mill. To instill a false sense of consumer confidence, Petland characterizes its "Approved Suppliers" as "USDA Approved" or as a USDA "licensed breeder," but this does not alter the fact that these breeders are indeed puppy mills. Moreover, a large number of Petland's puppy mill suppliers are not even USDA ‘licensed breeders.'" "This scheme ultimately results in a drastically inflated price to the consumer who purchases a puppy mill puppy, where the consumer would not otherwise pay such a high price for a dog of such origin. Additionally, by fraudulently misrepresenting the origin of the puppies Petland offers for sale, consumers are duped into indirectly supporting the deplorable puppy mill industry." The named plaintiffs, for example, each paid between $800 to $2000 for Petland puppies that turned out to be ill or diseased. The Complaint details the horrific experience of a number of people who purchased Petland/Hunte puppies at exorbitant prices only to find they were seriously ill or diseased and cost them hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary care and in some cases, died. A copy of the Complaint is attached to this article and can be downloaded. Plaintiffs say this "scheme to conceal the origin of these puppy mill puppies from consumers has left thousands of families in its wake suffering from emotional turmoil and significant monetary losses as they grapple with diseased and dying puppies purchased at Petland stores throughout the United States." The plaintiffs argue, "No consumer seeks to obtain, and/or pay a premium price for a puppy mill puppy, given the emotional turmoil and additional expense associated with these puppies. And most purchasers would be appalled to learn that any portion of their purchase price was used to encourage unsafe and inhumane breeding practices." Go here and here for information about franchisees that have brought suit in Ohio for what they claim are Petland and Hunte's sleazy, fraudulent business practices. The plaintiffs seek declarations that the defendants have violated RICO by committing mail and wire fraud and that their conduct constitutes unfair, deceptive or unconscionable sales practices; damages including treble damages, costs of litigation and attorneys' fees.
Thu, Feb. 12th, 2009, 04:48 pm MARS requests help.

Karena Carlson with Blue Moon Akita Rescue in Colorado and MARS have been trying to get a littler of Akita pups out of Kansas City healthy and unfortunately although our best efforts have been put out there, shelter state regulations held up their release along with kennel cough delaying the mandatory spaying and neutering. We have now found out today that they think the pups have come down with Parvo and we are asking for your prayers and healing thoughts for these babies that they may come through this last turn of events. We are trying to treat them with Tamiflue and fluids. These babies were put into a shelter at the age of 7 weeks and deserve a better outcome than dying of Parvo. Any donations for their care is appreciated by both of our rescue groups so prayers, thoughts and/or donations will be greatly appreciated. There are a total of five pups, two of which are the sickest. Deanna MARS
Thu, Feb. 12th, 2009, 04:47 pm MARS requests help.

Karena Carlson with Blue Moon Akita Rescue in Colorado and MARS have been trying to get a littler of Akita pups out of Kansas City healthy and unfortunately although our best efforts have been put out there, shelter state regulations held up their release along with kennel cough delaying the mandatory spaying and neutering. We have now found out today that they think the pups have come down with Parvo and we are asking for your prayers and healing thoughts for these babies that they may come through this last turn of events. We are trying to treat them with Tamiflue and fluids. These babies were put into a shelter at the age of 7 weeks and deserve a better outcome than dying of Parvo. Any donations for their care is appreciated by both of our rescue groups so prayers, thoughts and/or donations will be greatly appreciated. There are a total of five pups, two of which are the sickest. Deanna MARS
Sun, Jan. 25th, 2009, 05:38 pm Rescued dogs pregnant with 1,500 puppies

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. - Rescuers who have saved hundreds of dogs from stinking, filth-choked puppy mills over the past few days have made an eye-popping discovery - most of the animals are pregnant and due to give birth to roughly 1,500 puppies. S ome 600 abused and neglected dogs have been rescued from three different kennels since last weekend, and animal shelters were are already struggling to care for the crush of animals they already have.
Now they know there are many more on the way.
Animal rescue officers say a typical litter for a stressed dog is about three pups, and roughly 500 of the dogs are pregnant. "We're going to be having puppies born here probably every day as long as they're here," says Animal Services Director Bud Wessman. It heaps a whole other crisis on top of the one shelters are already struggling with. After the puppies are born, rescuers will be trying to cope with more than 2,000 dogs. "You can see it on TV and go 'ooh' and 'aah,' but when you walk into something like this ... that's where the reality is," says Teresa Letellier, who took part in the dog rescues. Deputies and animal control officers conducted several raids on what they call puppy mills in Skagit and Snohomish counties. They found dogs packed inside tiny crates, living in their own feces, without enough food and water - many with health problems. Conditions were so disgusting they shocked even veteran animal control officers. And all the dogs will need new homes. Families and volunteers are rushing in to help - Lorraine Monroe and her daughters want to provide foster care for some of the dogs. "We need people to step up and help - families and everybody taking a dog or two," Monroe says. "We can really alleviate the problem." And that problem will only get bigger over the next few months. Five pugs found together at one puppy mill illustrate the problem, Wessman says. "All five are in different stages of pregnancy, so they'll be giving birth one a week for the next several weeks," he says. Most of the dogs currently are being housed at the Skagit County Fairgrounds and the Everett Animal Shelter. With the cost of veterinary car, medication, grooming and dog food, rescuers estimate it will cost $20 per day to take care of each animal. "It will break us unless we get help from the public," said Joan Crane, co-founder of S.P.O.T. Anyone who wants to make an online donation to help pay for the dogs' care may donate to the KOMO Problem Solvers Fund. No arrests have been made yet, but it is anticipated that animal cruelty charges will be forthcoming, said Will Reichardt, chief criminal deputy with the Skagit County Sheriff's Office. Animal control officers are asking that anyone who has purchased a dog from the Mountain View kennel belonging to Sundbergs to call the Skagit County Sheriff's office as this information may be important to their investigation. The contact is Animal Control officer JoHannah Deterding, who can be reached at (360) 336-9450 or at johannad@co.skagit.wa.us.
Sun, Jan. 18th, 2009, 02:45 pm New Hachiko statue to be unveiled as result of movie.
Richard Gere appears in Hachiko remake Thursday 18th December, 05:35 AM JST  A new statue of the Hachiko dog will be installed in front of Fuji TV in Odaiba next year, to celebrate their 50th anniversary of broadcasting and coinciding with the Japan release of “Hachiko: A Dog’s Story” – a Hollywood remake of the 1987 film “Hachiko Monogatari.” The story of the Akita dog, who in the 1920s and 1930s waited for his master at Shibuya station for nearly a decade after his death, was made into a movie in 1987. “Hachiko Monogatari,” starring Tatsuya Nakadai, made more than 4 billion yen at theaters across Japan. Richard Gere, 59, a reported dog-lover himself and star of the remake filmed on Rhode Island this year, was confident of the film’s success, and said: “It ’s something I want my kids to see.” One critic wrote in an article on the web edition of the Los Angeles Times that the movie could shape up as a candidate for next year’s Oscars. Chihiro Kameyama, head of movie production at Fuji TV, said they will distribute the film together with Shochiku, and said: “We felt the dignified image of Hachiko was an appropriate choice to help celebrate our 50th anniversary. We decided against a temporary statue made of paper-mache or something, which would only be there while the movie was showing, and instead opted for something more real and permanent that can be loved and appreciated over a long time.” The new statue will be 88.8 centimeters tall, weigh 88.8 kilograms and installed on May 12, 88 days before the movie’s release in Japan on Aug 8. The statue is expected to become a famous meeting spot, similar to the one in Shibuya. Some of the comments annoyed the crap out of me. So naturally, I had to register and tell them what I thought. Heh.
Sun, Jan. 11th, 2009, 02:58 pm Rescue Work is 'ordinary'

Something that came up this weekend in a friend’s journal, poor guy is getting the brunt of it… is that people consider what Rescue does to be ‘ordinary every day rescue work’, something that’s just done daily, and deserves no recognition. Something taken for granted because it’s made out to be ordinary. So when groups such as ‘Rescue Ink’ pull ‘180 kittens’, oh my! That’s amazing! That’s awesome! Let’s give them major write ups! So? That’s *ordinary, every day Rescue work*. Yet, when Rescues go above and beyond their means to pull as many dogs as they did in the Palmdale fiasco, when Rescue goes above and beyond their means to help the Arkansas 8 from the puppy mill, when Rescue goes above and beyond to pull a Dam and her litter, resulting in one extraordinary little girl named Caena… no one outside of Rescue cares, because.. it’s ‘ordinary’. Just because Rescues don’t look like big, bad tattoed bikers does not mean their work isn’t extraordinary. Does not mean what Rescues do doesn’t deserve a news article or a write up in People Magazine. Does not mean people need to simply dismiss it as every day. What Rescues do as ‘ordinary, every day rescue work’, is *extraordinary* and the world needs to know it.
Tue, Jan. 6th, 2009, 12:12 pm Friendsville, TN: Lost Akita Report

wners_Name: SHARON MCFALL Owners_Email: VICKIE1118@AOL.COM Owners_Day_Phone: 865-310-6433 Owners_Night_Phone: 865-995-9132 Akitas_Name: LADY sex: female Altered: intact Any_ID: No ID_Type: Collar_Tags: yes B1: Submit Lost Akita Information Date: January 05, 2009 Lost_Location: 222 SPEARS ROAD FRIENDSVILLE, TN 37737 HER HOME. 12-27-2008 Additional_Contacts: DAUGHTER ANGIE 865-995-9598 Akita_Description: SOLID WHITE, BLACK EARS AND BLACK AND WHITE SPLIT MASK Additional_info: LOVES TO PLAY. SPRINGS UP LIKE A DEER WHEN HAPPY OR EXCITED. DOES LOVE TO CHASE CATS AND SQUIRRELS. LOVES HER FAMILY WHICH INCLUDES GRANDCHILDREN
Thu, Dec. 4th, 2008, 06:31 pm 2009 MARS Akita Rescue Calenders are available!

These are the ones that have a photo of Dante-Inu in them. Happy Holidays Everyone!
Remember...the 2009 MARS calendars are now back from the printers and available for ordering!
We have been shipping them all week and the feedback has been great :)
Please forward this email to other Akita enthusiasts, family members, email lists, or anyone you think would be interested in purchasing a calendar. It is our MARS grass roots supporters that help us promote and sell our calendars each holiday season. Every purchase counts and makes this a successful fund raiser for our orphans!
Please order early, especially if your dog is in the calendar, as we only printed a certain number of calendars and we want everyone that desires one for themselves or for gift giving to be able to purchase one.
Please see below for an order form that you can print out, or you can order on-line with your credit card from the Moongazer website (http://www.moongazer.com).
**For international orders, please email me privately for specific instructions.**
The calendars are the featured product on the Moongazer website and are listed under "Unique Items" and then just click on "MARS Items."
Or follow this direct link: http://www.moongazer.com/Boulder/web_store.cgi?category=Artwork&page=2051.html
Or, see a complete listing of various MARS items at: http://www.moongazer.com/Boulder/web_store.cgi?category=Artwork&page=MARS_Items.html This year the calendars features over 90 Akitas just being Akitas and with over 1500 entries, we tried to pick some great shots! We have a detailed Who's Who page, dedications, and every month has a miniature calendar of the month previous and the month following in the top right and left corners. We are sure you will love them!
100% of the proceeds from calendar sales benefit the orphans under the direct foster care of MARS. Many thanks to all who have supported MARS efforts and to those who made the calendar possible this year!
Take Care, -- Lisa *********************************************************************** Lisa R. McCluskey, BS, CPDT MOONGAZER.COM - "Intelligent Instruction Pets Enjoy" Accredited Pet Behavior Counselor - Pet Behavior Institute of the UK Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Certification Council for Prof. Dog Trainers American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator #3950 Certified Delta Society Pet Partner, Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Professional Member #2713 Assistant - John Rogerson's 21 Day Instructor Course - Kusur, India Akita Club of America Public Education Committee (PEC) Chair Midwest Akita Rescue Society (MARS) Co-Founder**************************************** ******************************* MARS ORDER FORM - 100% of Proceeds from Sales Go to MARS Orphans 1.) 2009 Full Color Twelve Month Calendar (11" x 17" when open) - $16.00 each QUANTITY - _______ TOTAL - _______________ 2.) MARS Notepads -- 5.5" x 8.5" burgundy print on grey, 50 sheets --$2.00 each QUANTITY - _______ TOTAL - _______________ 3.) $5.00 - S & H - Please add $1.00 S/H for each additional calendar ordered. TOTAL SHIPPING - ______________ 4.) GRAND TOTAL - _____________ 5.) SHIP TO: NAME ________________________________________ _ ADDRESS ______________________________________ CITY ______________________ STATE __________ ZIP _____________ PHONE ____________________ EMAIL __________________________ 8.) Method of Payment: Check, Money Order, MC, Visa (please circle one) Account Number: exp. date: Cardholder's Signature: (Your credit card will have our corporate sponsor, MOONGAZER.COM on the bill, as MOONGAZER.COM will be providing merchant services free of charge to MARS.) Call Moongazer at: 866-822-PETS (toll-free) OR Order On-Line at: http://www.moongazer.comOR Send to: Lisa McCluskey, MARS, 1802 CR 2000E, St. Joseph, IL 61873
Tue, Nov. 11th, 2008, 05:53 pm This is why my head hurts sometimes...
 Reading comments like this... "Oh, and they can be really aggressive towards kids. edit Actually nvm, I think the aggressiveness is from american Akitas, not shiba inus or even akita inus :3" From this post. *headdesk**headdesk**headdesk* Sorry, Caena! You, as an AMERICAN AKITA, have to stop being so nice! You're supposed to be AGGRESSIVE! What's wrong with you?!? You're doing it wrong!!!! Oh and Shiba-Inus aren't aggressive? Bullshit. Tell that to the little fucker that threw itself at the fence, growling, snarling and barking like mad everytime Dante and I were out walking back in North Carolina. ANY dog can be aggressive. It all depends on the OWNER. Yes, there is such a thing as an American Akita-Inu line and a Japanese Akita-Inu line. The American line tends toward stouter, larger(heavier) with a more boxy face. The Japanese line is leaner, deeper chested with a more fox like face. Most times they are very hard to distinguish between though. But they are ALL Akita-Inus. Oh and thanks to that damn live feed video, Shiba-Inus will most likely become the next 'Hot Ticket Item' for Christmas.
Wed, Oct. 1st, 2008, 02:41 pm The Arkansas Eight

Eight Akitas were taken from a long-established puppymill in western Arkansas last week. These Akitas are safe and currently at a temporary location until they can be transported to various Akita rescue organizations in the mid-west, northeast, east and southwestern United States. All eight need to be spayed/neutered and seven need treatment for a tick born disease. Six, five males and a female, will need extensive socialization, as clearly they have had little interaction with people. Transport costs to the various rescues alone will cost $2,000. Medical treatment and spay/neuters will add to that cost. Please find it in your heart to donate whatever you can to assist in the overall costs. These eight Akitas deserve a chance at a better life. To submit a donation please visit ARMAC’s website, http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/, and click on the “Donate” button. You will also find on the webpage a link to photos of the Akitas. Thank you so much for caring. Sincerely, Lisa Gray ARMAC http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/ ACA Rescue Committee http://www.akitaclub.org
Mon, Sep. 29th, 2008, 02:07 pm Update on Puppy Mill Akitas..

Via Lisa Gray- " I spoke with Rebecca at length last night regarding her visit with the 8 Akitas from the puppymill in Arkansas. This is what we know about them… (please note that the ages are estimates, except for the puppies, which were born last December).
Pen #1 contains one male (age 1-3 years), not socialized at all, seemed like he wanted to approach Rebecca but was fearful, but not aggressive. 3 male puppies 10 months old, along with one female puppy from same litter. All four puppies were fearful of people, but not aggressive. One adult female (about 5 years old), the puppies mother, who was extremely friendly and affectionate. She also approached the toys and seemed to know what they were. She does appear to be pregnant. The puppies are relying on their mom for reassurance after being taken from the mill.
Pen #2 contains one adult male (age 3-5 years), not social, but did approach Rebecca for petting. One long-coated female (age 2-4 years), she was extremely friendly and wanted lots of love. A small “terrier” type dog got into the pen with these two, but both showed no aggression toward the terrier at all.
All the Akitas, except the long-coated female, tested positive for that tick born disease and will need treatment. The “momma” will need xrays to determine whether she is in fact pregnant, and if so, how far along. It may be possible to abort the puppies. Otherwise, she will need to go to a rescue that will be able to handle her before, during and after delivery of pups. Let’s hope she is not pregnant.
These Akitas need to go to rescue ASAP. At the moment they are exposed to flies, ticks, feces and each other (which could result in a pregnancy).
I am sending pictures under separate email of them. Please let me know ASAP which one(s) your rescue is able to take. Since MARS already has an approved adopter for a male and female, I think MARS should choose first. ARSF has transport all set-up, so Dorie should choose after MARS.
The older male, penned with the long-coat female, may be difficult to socialize at his age. I think a second opinion on his demeanor is in order; I will work on that.
Thanks,
Lisa Gray
ACA Rescue Coordinator"Also- "Estimated cost to transport the Akitas that are coming to the east coast is $2,000. I’m skeptical as to whether the ACA Board will approve that high an amount. If anyone would like to donate toward the overall costs (spay/neuters, medical treatment, transport) please visit ARMAC’s website, http://akitarescue.rescuegroups.org/, for a link to make a tax-deductible donation.
Sincerely,
Lisa Gray"
Wed, Aug. 27th, 2008, 06:21 pm ARWNY Annual Raffle, tickets available now!

Remember these scarves? 
 Well, if you really like them, now is your chance to buy tickets for the raffle in which they will be given away. Akita Rescue of Western New York is holding it's Annual Akita Picnic/Fun Day on Sept 13, 2008. At this picnic, raffle drawings will be held for a wide variety of Akita related and non Akita related items. My 2 scarves will be raffled off as a set. You can own these 2, OOAK , 100% Silk scarves, for mere dollars in the grand scheme of things. So buy your raffle tickets now. Buy LOTS. all proceeds benefit Akita Rescue.}:) We're buying a good amount and putting them towards the dog bed/toy basket.}:) Our next Akita won't want for toys if we win. Heh.  And remember, these scarves won't be offered up anywhere else. If you want a silk scarf, and want to help a good cause at the same time, there are still Dante-Inu Memorial Scarves available. 2 Silver and 11 Copper. 50% of each sale goes to Akita Rescue.
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