A n i m a l
W r i t e s © sm
The official ANIMAL
RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue # 12/22/02
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ ParkStRanger@aol.com
~
MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ "Pets" As Gifts
2 ~ Holiday "Pet" Hazards
3 ~ A Silent Night: My Vision of the Holidays
4 ~ The 12 Sights of Sadness
5 ~ Soynog, Vegan Eggnog
6 ~ ACT Radio, Animal Concerns of Texas
7 ~ Twas The Night Before Christmas In The Mills of Missouri
8 ~ Memorable Quote
Happy Holidays
from the staff at Animal Rights Online !!!
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`
~1~
"Pets" As Gifts
By Lisa Marie Tabor - myREBAdog@att.net
It
is commonly said that Christmas is a bad time to receive a pet or to give one
as a gift. Each year, pleading children and commercials that show a new puppy
in a box under the tree and encourage people to give pets as gifts. As a
result, animal shelters and rescue organizations are overwhelmed with trying to
find responsible families for homeless animals because of the great increase in
the number of abandoned pets following the holiday season.
Many animals received as gifts for the holidays end up tied out in the yard,
starving for love and attention. Sometimes they are left with no food, water or
shelter. Many end up on the streets, in shelters or are given away to free
homes, only to end up in the same situation again or possibly face death.
If somebody is considering giving a pet as a gift, realize that animals are an
enormous responsibility, both financially and in terms of what the pet will
require. Basic veterinary services such
as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and annual examinations can be very
costly and this does not include the expense of unexpected injuries or health
issues. Food for the pet also must be considered because it can be very
costly.
Many children who receive a pet are not yet old enough to understand how to
take on the responsibility of a pet. Sure, it is fun for the child when
receiving such a "gift;" however, the person considering giving one
should first realize that a pet will be needing things that a child is not yet
mature enough to give to them or do for them.
Before rushing out to buy a pet for a gift, please consider the following as an
alternative. It will help save many lives and also help to control the
pet overpopulation that exists today:
* Giving an adoption certificate allows a person to give the gift of a pet in
writing, allowing for the recipients to make that choice when and if they are
ready to take on the responsibility. It also allows for the recipient to
choose the pet to fit his or her lifestyle. Adoption certificates will usually
cover the basic costs, which often include spaying or neutering.
* If you know a person who is thinking about adding a new member to his or her
family, consider giving educational books, such a pet care books.
* Making a financial donation to a shelter, rescue group or adoption agency is
a kind gesture. People who are not in the position to have a pet will be
grateful for this and at the same time it will be helping out the less
fortunate animals who are always in need.
Animals are living beings who depend on a responsible guardian for many years.
This Christmas please remember that animals are not toys to give as gifts.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~2~
Holiday "Pet" Hazards
For
a safe holiday season, safeguard companion animal with the following tips:
* Increased activity and visitors during the holiday season can upset your companion
animal's routine. Try to keep your "pet" on his regular
schedule for feeding and exercise and isolate if s/he gets too excited.
Watch for guests leaving doors open where "pet" may escape.
The following plants are poisonous to companion animals:
* Mistletoe ~ Very toxic, all parts, especially the berries.
* Holly ~ Moderate to very toxic, especially the berries and leaves.
* Poinsettia ~ Leaves and stems low in toxicity.
* Christmas Greens: Balsam Juniper, Cedar, Pine, Fir ~ All parts of these plants
have a low toxicity level.
* Christmas tree water and pine needles will cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness
and trembling in cats.
The following decorations can be harmful:
* Bubbling Lights ~ Moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid
(methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.
* Fireplace Colors (fire salts) ~ Moderate toxicity, symptoms are
gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting and convulsions.
* Angel Hair (spun glass) ~ Low toxicity, can cause irritation of the eyes,
skin and gastrointestinal tract.
* Christmas Tree Preservative Solution ~ Low toxicity, depending upon
formulation and quantity ingested.
* Snow Sprays and Snow Flock ~ Low toxicity, dry particles are inert; however,
toxicity from inhalation can occur if sprayed directly in mouth.
* Styrofoam ~ Low toxicity, can cause choking.
* Christmas Tree Ornaments ~ Non-toxic, but irritation or obstruction of the
gastrointestinal tract can occur if ingested.
* Icicles (tinsel) ~ Non toxic, however intestinal obstruction and choking are
potential problems.
* Snow Scenes ~ Toxicity may come from organisms possibly in the water, most
notably Salmonella. Some globes are filled with anti-freeze which is very
toxic.
* Some wrapping papers contain lead. Ingestion can cause lead poisoning.
* Be careful of strings and ribbons, especially for cats who like linear
things, and may cause choking or intestinal blockage.
* Replace metal ornament hooks with tightly knotted fabric 1/4 inch ribbons,
lightweight twine or yarn to slip easily over the branches of the tree.
Other dangers:
* Alcoholic beverages; holiday treats such as chocolates; rich, fatty food
scraps and bones from poultry, pork and fish can be harmful or toxic to
pets. Keep your pet on his regular diet and caution visitors against
giving your pet "special treats." One ounce of milk chocolate
per pound of body weight or one ounce of baking chocolate per 10 pounds of body
weight can be fatal to a dog or cat.
* Button battery (disk-type battery) ~ Caustic, potentially high toxicity
depending up on the position of the battery in the gastrointestinal tract.
* Aftershave Lotion, Colognes, Perfumes, Alcoholic Beverages ~ Ethanol in
various concentrations is moderately toxic depending upon the amount
ingested. The high concentrations of essential oils in true perfumes are
especially toxic.
* Plastic Model Cement ~ Moderate toxicity.
* Epoxy Adhesive ~ Uncured hardener: moderate to high toxicity. Uncured
resin: low toxicity, primarily irritation and sensitization.
* Adhesive, Super Glue ~ Low toxicity, most difficulty occurs when eyelids
become bonded together.
* Crayons, Felt Tip Markers, Pencils, Water-based Paints ~ Low toxicity,
however may cause more than a mild mucous membrane and gastrointestinal
irritation.
* Petroleum-based Paints ~ Low toxicity, primary concern is possibility of
aspiration.
* Toys ~ Avoid toys with parts small enough to be pulled off and swallowed and
toys painted with toxic materials, etc. Use same precautions as with
children.
In any case where a guardian suspects an animal has eaten something they
should not have, call your veterinarian and tell them what they ate and how
much. The veterinarian will decide what action should be taken for the
animal.
Pets' highly sensitive noses pick up scents before humans can.
Therefore, don't be surprised when Fluffy and Fido are underfoot in the kitchen
while holiday goodies are being prepared. Watch those hot containers
filled with liquids. Animals can easily tip them over causing severe
scalding and burns to themselves. Also, human food is too rich.
Overfeeding of human food can cause health problems.
Please do not give kittens and puppies, or any pets, as Christmas gifts.
Remember the first weeks of a new life or a sudden change in an adult pet is
extremely traumatic for them. Instead, give gifts of pet supplies, food,
and accessories. Then after the bustle of the holidays, the recipient can
make a selection of the pet of their choice to bring home to peace and
quiet. This will also provide the happy new pet guardian time to spend
with his/her new lifetime companion.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~3~
A Silent Night
My Vision Of The Holidays
By D.N. - novakode@erols.com
The
family gathered. The hustle and bustle of preparing a meal. Kids
playing with reckless abandon like we all used to do, but have somehow lost
from the influence of our society. The excitement of a birthday...there's
always someone having a birthday. A general ambiance of serenity from the
closely knit community called family.
The beer flows. Alcohol is consumed. It makes us feel better,
because we don't always know how to feel good without it. The center of the
meal being prepared is a bird. The elders of the clan feel content because
they are providing sustenance for their tribe. They are doing what they've
always done. The sacrifice is neatly prepared and set upon the
table. The family thinks, "Here lies before us our life-giving
food. Here is what keeps our family strong." They are eager to
partake. Much faith is tied up in the feast. It brings everyone
together for a common purpose. It is made tenderly with an intention to
please the palate. But there is an underlying message in this magnificent
cornucopia of flesh and animal exuded products.
Upon feeding the child, we could be saying, "Here is a piece of animal
flesh. It doesn't look like an animal, but it used to be alive. It
is decaying as we speak, so eat quickly, even as it putrefies in your
intestines before it is evacuated. It is also filled with pesticides,
hormones, antibodies, and various other chemicals. It is adequate to keep
you alive, but not healthily. We are relying on your body's natural
immune system to combat what we are feeding you, but eventually it will not be
strong enough from the constant applications of these poisons that we give you
like a daily vitamin. But make sure you clean you plate. Are you full?
Then just eat the meat. It is the most expensive part of the meal, and we
don't want to waste it, do we?
We could tell you about this sacrifice's life before it became part of our
celebration, but we really don't want to know about that. We have been
raised not to care about this animal, because there's no other way for us to
eat it with impunity...with detachment. We must believe that this animal
is here for us to eat... that it had no concern over it's freedom, like we
do. How we cherish our freedom as humans! How we appreciate our
coming together year after year to celebrate life! So eat well of this
non-life, and in keeping with the beliefs of the tribe...eat our same poisons,
and only respect life if it suits our purposes. Here, let me feed you
this last piece. It is my honor to bestow it upon you...child."
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~4~
The 12 Sights of Sadness
By Kimberly Locke - KMBWolf@aol.com
On
the first day of January, the shelter had to see:
Twelve Russells running
Eleven Pointers pointing
Ten Border Collies
Nine Maltese prancing
Eight Maine Coons mewing
Seven Poms a-brimming
Six Himalayans
Five Goldens
Four Australian 'pherds
Three drenched hounds
Two fertile Pugs
And a Rhode-Ridge and a Brittany
...and that's just one day!
Please, don't give animals as gifts--all too many are surrendered to shelters
before they turn a year old.
An animal's life is a gift that should never be wrapped in ribbons and bows.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~5~
Soynog, Vegan Eggnog
By VegeTexan@aol.com
Why
not make this yummy substitute for the traditional holiday bovine secretions
and bird placenta. Your friends who are used to the taste of the original
nasty stuff will be amazed.
1 pkg Mori-Nu low fat firm tofu
1 cup vanilla soy milk
1/4 cup turbinado sugar or equivalent substitute, brown rice
syrup works well
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract
pinch, about 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
nutmeg to taste
Blend all ingredients
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~6~
ACT Radio - Animal Concerns of
Texas
Be sure to listen to ACT Radio's fourth episode
tonight at 9:30pm EST (7:30pm, mountain time) with co-hosts Mimi Macias and
Animal Rights Online journalists Greg Lawson and Steve Best. KTEP can be
heard over the web with Real Radio, which is a free download.
http://www.ktep.org/program_detail.ssd?id=103
El Paso NPR - KTEP 88.5 :
National Public Radio for the Southwest
We will discuss the environmental devastation
caused by a meat based diet with our guest Dr. Elizabeth Walsh, Associate
Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas.
If you enjoy the show, please contact KTEP and tell them you support ACT Radio
and are pleased to hear this kind of programming.
General
Feedback: http://www.ktep.org/index.ssd
A note about
getting Real Radio if you don't already have it...
On the KTEP website you will see an icon on the left that says Listen to KTEP
Online, click it. The next page will say "In order to listen to KTEP
on-line you will need the Real Player, which is available for free on the Real
website. Click here to visit their download area." Go there.
That page will try to sell you the deluxe RealOne Player, but look in the top
right hand corner, there is a link that says "Free RealOne
Player." Go there.
Now on this page, on the bottom right, you will see a link that says
"Download the Free RealOne Player Only." This is what you
want. Whew. It's not true that 'nothing in life is free', but
sometimes you have to click a bit for it.
The download takes a little time, so be sure to do this early so you won't miss
today's installment of ACT Radio.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~7~
"T'was the Night Before Christmas,
in the Mills of Missouri"
By Robin Pressnall - Pup3@aol.com
Small Paws Rescue
T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the mills,
not a puppy was stirring, it was strangely quite still.
While back at the pole, Santa readied the sleigh,
to pick up these mill dogs, it was such a long way!
The reindeer were dressing all quick in a hurry
They were headed for RESCUE, and straight for MISSOURI!
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Comet and Cupid.
Those pups go to Pet Shops! We know! We're not stupid!
As his sleigh did approach, the mill gates opened wide,
Santa called to them all, and they all jumped inside!
On Poodles, on Bichons, on Golden Retrievers!
Grab up the babies, we save those for grievers!
On Westies, on Lhasas, on cute Weenie Boogers,
On Shih Tzus and Scotties, they're all sweet as sugar!
On Schnauzers, and Maltese, on Wire Haired Fox Terriers!
We've got room for ALL, the more now, the merrier!
And the sleigh just grew bigger as they all made more room,
These pups lives were changing! No more gloom and doom!
While out on the lawns there arose such a clatter
The millers ran out to see what was the matter.
When they found their "stock" gone, how the millers did sob,
while a Voice from above boomed, "GO GET A REAL JOB!"
As it seemed it could not get much better than this,
I started to wake, did I dream all of this???
There was no red sleigh, no reindeer with wings.
I guess it was sadly, just one of those things,
That you dream and you dream, till one day 'twill be.
That glorious day, when the mills are history!
And I think as we tell them, and tell them again,
Soon it will be that we all know that when,
One buys from a pet shop, there are pups you don't see.
The Mama and Daddy, who are longing to be
loved by a family, and scratched on their heads.
Not sleeping on wire, that are now called their beds.
One day it will be, oh how great that will feel!
We won't mill our puppies like paper and steel!
And I heard it exclaimed as I woke up that night,
We won't stand for this, we'll stand up and fight!
With each breath we do have and each word we do say,
we'll tell about the mills, till that glorious day,
when the mills are all outlawed, and all over Missouri,
The occupation of milling, will be but a memory.
*´`³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`*´`³¤³´`*:»«:*´`³¤³´`*:»³¤³´`*:»§«:*´`´`*:»«:*³¤³´`³¤³´`
~8~
Memorable Quote
"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."
- Unknown
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl 33673-7053
http://www.oocities.org/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights Online=-
&
Advisory Board Member, Animal Rights Network Inc.,
not-for-profit publisher of The Animals' Agenda Magazine
http://www.animalsagenda.org/
The
Animals' Agenda Magazine: WebEdition
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