Dog Owners » Big Dog Blog

It appeared to be a normal birthday party for two girls, ages six and seven.

Party goers gathered at a skating rink in Depew, New York - kids donned pink and purple helmets as they toddled around the rink – pop music blasting from nearby speakers.

What made this birthday party unique was the gift table.

Instead of Barbie dolls and hair bows, guests brought dog food, cat food, treats, toys and other pet products.

There were no gifts for humans at the joint birthday party for six-year old Victoria Bogucki and her seven-year old sister Isabella - instead every one of their gifts will be donated to the SPCA and Buffalo Animal Shelter. It is exactly what the girls wanted.

“We have too many toys,” Victoria said.

Victoria came up with the charity gifts idea after asking her mother what the word “donation” meant.

As for which charities to donate to, that was easy.

“We’re animal lovers,” said Victoria.

Victoria cherishes her dog, Butkus, her hermit crab and fish, and plans to become a veterinarian. Isabella aspires to do the same.

As for the SPCA and Buffalo Animal Shelter - they haven’t heard the last from the Bogucki sisters.

Victoria asked her mother if they can do the same charity gift giving for her first Holy Communion.

Source: www.BuffaloNews.com

From nwflvr’s forum thread AWESOME video! Incredible interaction between man and dog!!!

California Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger just signed into law a bill that would prohibit people from tethering their dog(s) to any stationary object for more than 3 hours.

From San Francisco Gate:

“We’re very excited the governor has joined other compassionate Californians in taking a stand against this practice,” said Pam Runquist, a member of the board of the California Animal Association, a coalition of 15 animal rights organizations.

Violation of the new law, which will go into effect Jan. 1, could result in an infraction or misdemeanor, depending on the offense, punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 per dog and up to six months in county jail.

“Officials in Medfield are growling they’ll seize and potentially euthanize any lawless Labradors and criminal collies unlicensed as of Sept. 15.” according to the Boston Herald

Authorities there are trying to get 1300 dogs that were licensed the previous year to again re-license. It appears to be an annual right to keep your dog or, depending on how you look at it, “just a way to make money” according to McCloud. And the authorities are cross-referencing past licensing lists to find them.

Once they find you, the Boston Herald reports “[and if the] owner refuses to pay up within 10 days and no one is willing to adopt the animal, state law permits the town to execute the dog by any means “other than gunshot.”

Seems just a bit extreme doesn’t it?

Most of us are familiar with the amazing services therapy dogs provide to people in hospitals and nursing homes. Now a Florida group is using that same kind of canine compassion to help young victims of crime.

Four Legged Advocates (FLA) is a non-profit organization providing assistance to teens and children victimized by sexual abuse or domestic violence. The group partners victim advocates with therapy dogs to help comfort, calm and encourage trust with the victim during his/her difficult time. The canine companions, along with a victim advocate, accompany the victim to all court appearances and interviews with law enforcement.

An article I read this morning talked about a 10-year old victim of sexual abuse. The young girl began crying hysterically when she had to testify before the man who was later convicted of sexually abusing her.

During a short recess both the victim advocate and prosecutor were unable to console the brave little girl. That is when Duke, a 3-year-old smooth-coat collie, pushed through the women to get to his young friend in need.

Duke - a Therapy Dog who helps victims in the criminal-justice system.

“Duke literally nudged us out of the way to get to her, “said victim advocate Andrea Lockhart. “It was definitely all on Duke that he made his presence known.” Lockhart said no one told Duke to go to the girl. “They always go to exactly who needs them,” Lockhart said.

24-year old Lockhart is the founder of FLA and a survivor of sexual abuse. Lockhart said she found comfort through a strong connection with her own dog and wanted to use her experience to help others.

FLA is thought to be the first in the country to use therapy dogs to support young victims through the criminal-justice system.

Lets hope it is the first of many!

Website: www.fla-fla.org