S H A M E ON THS

Humane: Main Entry: hu·mane
Pronunciation: \hyü-ˈmān, yü-\
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English humain
Date: circa 1500
1 : marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals. (Merriam-Webster)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-humane-society-officials-arrested-charged-with-cruelty-to-animals/article1378385/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-humane-society-officials-arrested-charged-with-cruelty-to-animals/article1378385/

From Tim Trow, the 'combative man with a sharp temper' (should have known--he's a former provincial civil servant) to the head veterinarian Steve Sheridan, the shelter manager Gary McCracken, the manager Romeo Bernadino and the shelter supervisor Andy Bechtel--as well as the Society's board of directors...even Art Eggleton, an ex-Mayor, is not without his role in this horror.

I tell you-you'd certainly not have intimidated me the way you supposedly intimidated staff members. You see, I own a dog-I pick pieces of shit up like you every day and put it where it belongs--into the garbage.

Let me make myself very clear--Tim Trow and his lot don't deserve to get off with spending six months in jail and a fine of a couple of thousand dollars!

I've no doubt they've embezzelled enough funds to pay that kind of fine ten times over and they would look damn good behind bars, where, if there's any justice, they would be as ill-treated by their fellow inmates as they themselves treated those poor innocents! They certainly do not deserve court time paid for by the public!!?

Tim Trow deserves to simmer in a vat of feces and urine, along with his fellow scum. By the sound of things--it best be an extra-large sized vat.

From charges of “fiscal irresponsibility, improper conduct of society business,” and "implementing policies causing cruelty to animals", hurting the very animals they were supposed to heal and protect--to obstruction of justice charges through hiding animals from investigators during the investigation, this reads like a combination of a medieval horror b-movie and the political scandals exploding on front-pages of newspapers everyday, spinning our society out-of-control!

My heart is sick---I feel as if my faith has been undermined.

Let's just hope the investigation leads to prosecution of the scum involved in this whole THS scandal....or said individuals may have to deal with a roadside-type of justice when they next walk down a street...hmmm---a gal can dream!

THE VOTES ARE IN!!

For years dogs have been allowed to run loose on the Beach in Toronto. Until 2007, when the city adopted a new off-leash dog policy.


The city was prepping for the desired 'Blue Flag Beach' designation and felt dogs being on the sand/waterfront would affect Lake Ontario's water quality.

Due to the overwhelming response by Beach dog owners and the backing of dog owners all over the city, on October 15th, council agreed to allow dogs free-run on the beach, south of the snow fence, during the winter months (November 1st-March 31st).

Although City councillor Sandra Bussin (Beaches East-York) would like to take the praise for this compromise, I don't think it could have come about without backing from City Parks and Environment as well as every dog owner who attended meetings and gave deputations at council.

After all-Bussin was the one who pushed getting the dogs off the beach---only to do an about-face after her latest bad press due to her phone-in to a radio talk show--but I digress....that's a whole other story!

Dogs can now get more of the exercise they need. This is especially important in an urban setting. Dogs without proper exercise in a city can lead to alot of frustrated, leash-dominant dogs.

In the off-leash areas in the beach, people tend to stand around chatting while the dogs stick fairly close to their people.

On the waterfront, people tend to walk-usually a fair strip of the beachfront, enabling the dogs to get more exercise, still meeting other dogs along the way, so there's time for socialization too.

Who else is going to plod along, hip-high in snow on the beach in the worst storm, while our companions race around burrowing and rolling in snow up to their ears, chasing snowballs for whoever will toss them (I've never been too sure whether this performance is more for our benefit--after all, they take their talents very seriously-they rejoice in entertaining human beings).

Little dogs, big dogs, old dogs and puppies will all be having a happier, healthier winter thanks to the freedom the beach allows. If you're walking your dog with any regularity down on the beach during the winter months, you'll be healthier too! A little sore and stiff the first couple of times... but this too shall pass.

There's nothing like a walk along the beach with your companion...it's nourishment for the soul.

The Human Element

I enjoy walking along the waterfront-I love to take photos of the swans and geese, the sky, cloud formations, approaching weather, dogs playing, the ever-changing shoreline...the frailties of nature.

Dogs are not permitted on our beach--on or off-leash. There are signs posted, warning of hefty fines should the animal control officers who proudly patrol the boardwalk find you and/or your dog down at the waterfront--or anywhere on the sand...even if you're just being a responsible dog owner, allowing your friend the luxury of cooling off in the lake while lapping up some much-needed water during these dog days of summer.

Its the new 'Blue Flag Beach' designation...or perhaps city council is just using that as an excuse for yet another cash grab.

With another promised hot and muggy day in the forecast, we started our walk earlier than usual this morning, in hopes of taking advantage of what little breeze might be down at the waterfront. (yes, we were on the sand, yes, Journey was off-leash enjoying a swim and a drink!)

I took a look around at our precious Blue Flag Beach, that's far too pristine, far too people-user-friendly to ever consider allowing dogs on it on the off-chance an irresponsible owner might forgo cleaning up after their friend.

In absolute shock and disgust I leashed Journey up--the beach wasn't fit for my dog to be using-illegally or otherwise. No dog-owner would ever allow any property their dog frequented to fall into this state! Only the human influence was at work here.

I met three tourists, wandering along the beach, who'd stopped to admire Journey. They told me they were from Europe. I asked them if any of the beaches over there looked like this one...

They were quick to tell me 'never would one of our beaches over there look like this...people over there love the beaches'.

Perhaps dogs being on the beach should be the least of city council's worries--get those animal control officers who love to give out tickets to give them out to the real culprits and save our beach from the human element!!

Good Luck To You!

In the past month, on our daily walks through the neighbourhood, we've been meeting so many new puppies.

All owned by young couples, who've purchased their first starter homes in preparation for their future family. Along with that follows the prerequisite puppy.

It's heart-warming to watch the attention they devote to their new four-pawed baby as they teach it to walk on a leash, proudly introducing it to any passerby who comments on the cuteness scale of said new baby (puppy).

One couple who introduced me to their new charge explained they got the pup as practise before starting their human family.

Don't get a puppy unless you're ready to have a baby. That's my suggestion. The only difference is -a baby will grow up!

As far as care, time and energy expelled goes-there's not much difference.

There's the early morning and late night schedule, there's care during the day while you're at work. There's rousing yourself out of bed on what used to be those lazy-stay-in-bed Sunday mornings. Throwing on your hat, snow boots, gloves, jacket and scarf in under one minute and heading out in blizzard conditions cause 'baby' just has to go now (at least you can diaper a baby!!).

No more meeting with friends for a drink/dinner and a movie after work on Friday to celebrate another work week over. Nope-you'll be racing home hoping you can get there before much more damage can be done to the pups newest chew-toy-your leather sofa.

And what of the three-week vacation and family reunion plans? Which of your friends will be good enough to come and take up residence for the duration?

Or will you choose to kennel your baby? (which I never suggest) If so-which kennel? How much will the daily cost of kenneling cut into your poolside margarita allowance?

How will you choose the kennel? How does one choose who they can trust the care of their baby to without checking references?

What if baby is sick and needs medical attention to the tune of $2500.00? Or needs someone at home during the day for a week? He/she is not covered under your medical benefits (at least not the last time I checked).

There's a good reason to invest in pet insurance. Take heart though, insurance shouldn't cost more monthly than the drinks/dinner and movie you won't be enjoying anymore on a Friday night!

Not to forget the daily dog-walker you will need for the first year, until puppy has matured enough to be able to wait, legs crossed, for the moment you return home.

You can quickly change out of one of the few suits or dresses you have that aren't covered with dog hair and take baby out for some socializing (even though all you really feel like doing is slipping into a luxurious bubble bath or changing clothes and heading off for a quick game of tennis before turning on the BBQ.).

Nope-unless you're ready to have a baby...don't think getting a puppy is going to be any easier!

When all is said and done--your new sofa has been purchased and the carpeting has been replaced....when you realize you needed to buy a closet-full of new shoes and boots anyway...when years later, you look into your old friend's eyes as he/she gazes up at you with complete trust, as if you are the most wonderful person the world has ever known, you'll know all that work and devotion was worth it!

Good luck to all the brave people who choose to welcome a four-pawed baby into their busy lives!

Stick with it--it'll be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life!

An Indefensible Act

Early morning on the beach is wonderful!! The sun glistening on the water, heating up the sand.... a couple of miles of shoreline to run and play on-what dog could ask for more?

I try to get to the beach everyday, not just for my dog's sake but it's good for the soul. Balances me. I relax and appreciate the beauty nature has to offer. I enjoy this special time with my dog, while I laugh at her antics and appreciate her performances, whether it's clearing the shore of geese or chasing full-speed after imaginary prey, I am 'in the moment' with her.

As we shared time yesterday morning, strolling down the beach, I was brought back to reality when I heard someone calling. I looked up to see a police officer pointing at me, telling me to 'leave the area.'

I knew we weren't supposed to be on the beach since the by-law enforcers were ordered to start ticketing any dog owners who were on the sand earlier in the spring but they were on strike along with the CU PE 416 union here in Toronto.

I assumed I was about to get a ticket from a police officer but she wasn't coming toward me. She and another officer, along with two other people were huddled around a volleyball post. I kept walking but leashed my girl.

The officer called over to me again, telling me to 'walk the other way-get away from the area.'

I complied...slowly, readying my camera for what I wasn't sure.

We deeked around behind some bushes on the boardwalk and studied the situation more closely.

I saw they were surrounding two Akita/German Shepherd mixes.

These dogs were heavyweights. Well-muscled and frantic. They had hog poles around their necks and they were giving their captors a rough time.

After they secured the dogs in the Animal Service van, I approached them and asked what had happened.

Apparently, the dogs had been abandoned there-tied up on a foot of leash to a volleyball pole and left. They had been there quite awhile-perhaps even over-night--they were frightened, thirsty and hungry.

Our walk had taken a sour turn and as Journey and I made our way home, I wondered what kind of person-what situation would lead anyone to behave in such a heartless manner toward an animal who trusted them.

If these dogs were abandoned due to financial stress, any number of rescue clubs and services are always available with a phone call. Abandoning is an indefensible act!

I'll never get used to just how low some humans can stoop. Any lower and they can just slither along the ground with the lowly snake.

UPDATE on 'The Difference is in the Details' Post

Just an update on my post, 'The Difference is in the Details.'

I've received quite a few comments re this post and thought I'd share them in case some people are too busy to go in and open a google account to post or read thoughts/comments.

Some of the comments have come to me via email, some unfortunately I can't post as they are far too descriptive as to what they would do to this breeder. I wouldn't feel right sullying my blog with some of those words. (Although I agree with the writers' thoughts and ideas!)

This poor dog, unfortunately, due to the ignorance of the person who bought it, has been returned to the same puppy miller!!!

When you add to this puppy farmer, a broker interested only in the dollars and a person gullible enough to put money into their hands, it's always and only the dog who suffers.


This poor dog didn't have a chance from day one, being brought into the world by someone who looks at this beautiful, majestic and most noble breed as nothing more than a commodity.

Here are the comments:

***Yes. This guy is Dale Tucker of Danefleet.He is a sick and demented man who harasses women as well.***

***Excellent article on "Dale"***

***It makes me so sick .I just wish that someone will actually do something this time***

***With the copy at the bottom of the picture, this picture would surely win an award. Good stuff!***

***Well said, Deborah! As always, I admire your fearlessness to tell it like it is.....***

***Great Job Deborah. Sad to see...Another famous place to obtain these poor dogs is the pet store... ***

***He shouldn't even be allowed to own dogs. Good for you for finally exposing him for what he is.***

I will be updating on any and all news to do with this case. when I get info.

Loose Wires

When I opened my front door this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a brand new dog toy laying on the mat.

Some well-meaning person had purchased a rope toy for my girl, or 'the beast' as she is affectionately known around the neighbourhood. It's not the first time I've received gifts for my dogs in this manner-left by a friend or neighbour as they've passed by.

A ball with a braided rope attached to it-made for a medium-sized dog. It's difficult for folks who are unfamiliar with the giants to gauge the size of toy or bones a Great Dane can safely play with. What a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd owner refers to as a large bone or large toy can become something too small and unsafe for the enormous mouths of a giant breed.

This gift wasn't in a bag or the manufacturer's wrapping, which didn't concern me as most of the dog toys at the local pet stores hang on display on pegs. The person who performed this act of kindness had carefully cut off the tags, readying it for my girl to enjoy.

I offered the new treasure to Journey as she lay patiently on her bed waiting for me to finish getting ready for our morning walk. She was delighted and started to inspect it immediately.

Five minutes later I was ready to leave. I waited at the door with leash in hand and she appeared, still holding her new treasure in her mouth. I agreed to take it with us but when I pulled it from her mouth, I saw traces of blood on the rope.

Then I noticed blood seeping from a little cut at the corner of her lip.

Dropping my girl's leash, I knelt down to check her over. Once I determined the cut was minor (it was a long way from her heart!), I hurried into the kitchen to examine the source of the problem--the ball-on-a-rope toy.

Needless to say, Journey was now concerned with why I was 'playing' with her toy in the kitchen, while she stood at the door with leash on, waiting to go out.

The tennis ball was connected to the braided rope by two pieces of fine metal wire. Very shabby workmanship. (sure hope this manufacturer isn't making baby toys too!!) The wires weren't even embedded in the rope, they were wrapped around it and hidden by electrical tape wound around them.

I was able to remove what was left of the electrical tape easily with my hands-as well as pull the wires from around the rope.

By now, Journey was studying me with concern, wondering why I was 'ruining' her perfectly good (albeit dangerous) treasure.

All was not lost as I grabbed the rope part and we were off on our walk. (I, sporting a few more white hairs!)

She would get to play with part of her new toy.

I checked with the two local pet shops in our area and it was with great relief I found neither sell this particular brand of rope toy.

I can only assume it comes from a dollar store. I will ferret out the manufacturer of this dangerous piece of garbage and have a conversation with them.

Had the wire loosened while Journey chewed on the toy...had she swallowed it, I'm not sure surgery would have been enough to save her, had she not choked on it, it surely would have punctured an artery or some organ.

Take the time to check every toy carefully. Don't just assume because a pet store sells it, it's safe and please don't purchase any toys from dollar stores.

We were fortunate--this story could have had a very different ending!