Puppy Stolen During An Afteroon Walk

An article appeared in last Saturday's Washington Post describing how an- 8-week-old pit bull puppy was snatched from his 13-year-old guardian during an afternoon walk. The two thieves were described as youths -- one between 10 -13 and the other 13-16. I read the article certain that the pup would never be seen again and, worse, that harm would come to the dog. I guess the press scared the perpetrators. The dog was found the next day -- thankfully, unharmed. Yet, the question remains, why would two kids be so brash as to STEAL a puppy? What was their intent? Some think it was a joke. I disagree. This was no joke. Stealing is always wrong. Stealing a living, breathing, creature is worse than wrong, but I haven't found the word yet for what they did.

When the dog-nappers are identified, what should be their punishment?

It's Always Nice to Hear Thank You

Saturday, March 20th, Daisy Troop 1563 visited the League. Juanishia, one of the League's Adoption Coordinators gave the girls a behind the scenes tour of the shelter. On Monday I opened my in-box and read a copy of an email sent to Juanishia "Daisy Troop 1563 says "Thank you"!!!! We had a great time, and you were super with the girls. They were happy to collect and donate gently used blankets and towels for the animals." Shelter work can be difficult. People who work in shelters do so because they care about animals and want to make the world a better place for them. We like sharing what we do -- the more opportunities we have to impress upon people the importance of proper animal care, the better. We want all animals to find loving forever homes. That said, it's nice to hear that others appreciate the effort shelter staff make. Juanishia is pictured here with several attentive listeners who obviously love animals. Thank you Daisy Troop 1563 for the blankets and towels.

A Very, Very Happy Update From Kix

Kix, a sweet mix-breed dog, spent Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's at the League. She was here for the snow storms in December and February. Dogs to the left and right of her den were adopted. Dogs across the hall from her went home, too. Kix waited. League visitors walked past her. She tried to get their attention with her broad smile and soulful eyes. When I brought children through the shelter, I would open Kix's den door and she would gently nudge her new found friends, encouraging them to give her one more pat. The children always said, "Why hasn't she been adopted yet?" I didn't have an answer. How could such a great dog be invisible to potential adopters?

And then, recently, a when a League volunteer decided to foster a dog she picked Kix!!!

Kix is very, very happy in her foster home. She sent me this update.

After a week here in College Park, I am very happy. The first couple of days were hard, and I was stressed out so my tummy hurt a little, but now everything is okay! My parents take me on lots of walks. I love to watch the squirrels and robins and sniff where the other doggies have been. We haven't met too many, but I know they are around because I can smell them. My favorite place to walk is down the trolley trail path, where lots of other doggies go. When I'm around the house, I love to cuddle up to mom and dad and get scratched behind the ears. If they are busy, I cozy up in my crate with my fluffy blanket and bunny. Though I love my bunny, I also love chewing on him when I'm excited. He's missing his nose and his right leg...oops! Because I'm a little chubby, I'm on a healthy diet of dry food with supplements of raw chicken, fruit and yogurt. The raw chicken is my favorite. What a good life! I do get a little lonely during the day when mom and dad are at work, but really, I'm a happy dog!

Forever Jailed!

I grew up in Miami, Florida. One of the most exciting places to go back then was the Seaquarium. My friends and I loved to watch the sea animals in their "environment". We made sure to schedule our visits around the dolphin and killer whale (Orca) shows.

I cared about animals back then; I marveled at the beauty and the intelligence of those "performing" animals. Why did it take me so long to recognize that those animals, jailed in circular tubs for my amusement, belonged in the ocean, less than a few blocks away? A whale in the ocean swims for miles and miles. A whale held captive swims in circles, around and around in a "water-cage" day-in and day-out.

In the wild Orca whales live on the average 50 years, or more, with some geriatric whales living 80 years! Captive whales rarely make it to 30. In the wild, Orcas ignore humans. In captivity, more than 20 Orcas have been labeled true people "killers".

Recent headlines tell a story.

• Whale Turns On, Kills Sea World Trainer



• Whale kills its trainer in front of visitors to amusement ...



• Sea World trainer killed: Shamu Believe show resumes with ...



• Sea World whale show reopens two days after attack News.com.au

It is a very sad story for all.