ASPCA: Dog Fighting Sentencing

The ASPCA recently contacted me and asked me to share information related to strengthening the sentencing guidelines for those who are involved in animal fighting cases.  Specifically, the ASPCA is currently working to persuade the U.S. Sentencing Commission (“USSC”) to raise the jail penalties for people who fight animals.  Dog fighting is a terrible crime and considered a felony in all 50 states.  However, and unfortunately, the current recommended jail sentences do not reflect the seriousness of the offense — convicted dog fighters typically receive sentences as low as six months in jail and almost half of all offenders only receive probation, according to the ASPCA.

This coming April, the USSC will be updating its sentencing guidelines concerning dog fighting cases.  The ASPCA is requesting that the public and interested parties urge the USSC to create higher sentences here.  If you are interested in this topic and cause, the USSC will be accepting public comments until March 21, 2016.  You can read further information here.

The above image is courtesy of the ASPCA.

Dog + Cheetah

We love pandas and cheetahs.  We were very happy and excited to visit the new panda cub at the National Zoo this spring!  We have visited the past two cubs, Tai Shan and Bao Bao, at the National Zoo!

My Mom sent me this stroy about Adaeze, a cheetah, and Odie, an Australian shepherd, who are inseparable friends for over a year year who reside at the Leo Zoological Center in Greenwich, Connecticut.

According to the zoo representatives, “I wanted Adaeze to bond with a dog because she [Adaeze] would need the outlet for play and past studies have shown calm dogs can help tame cheetahs — especially in stressful public events where a dog is at ease, Leone said.”

The zoo tried pairing Adaeze with a picture perfect young puppy her age that was very calm, and older Odie was just suppose to be a fill-in.  However, to everyone’s surprise, Adaeze hit it off with Odie and they are best friends who play nonstop according to the zoo representatives.  In fact, the only time they are apart from each other is during feedings.  According to the zoo representatives, right after they finish up their meals, they wait, nose-to-nose against the door, excitedly waiting to be reunited!

This story illustrates that there are many positive roles a dog can play in one’s life!  Please see more of Adaeze and Odie playing together, here!  They are adorable!

Photo Credit: Tyler Sizemore at Hearst Connecticut Media

Help: Saving Violet

This is a very difficult blog post to write.  Violet is a seven-year-old mastiff dog who was found on February 8, 2016, in Maryland, abandoned and emaciated, only weighing 56.4 pounds, a third of her normal body weight.  (Mastiffs generally weigh between 140 and 150 pounds).  Authorities report that Violet was pushed out of a car by a human(s) somewhere in Maryland.  Rescuers found Violet after animal control responded to a report concerning an emaciated dog.

A $5,000 reward is being offered from the Humane Society of the United States for information in the case that leads to an identification, arrest and conviction of those involved.

“It is unimaginably callous to cruelly starve and abandon an innocent dog in this way,” said Emily Hovermale, the Maryland state director for the Humane Society.  “We are hopeful this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous crime.”

Thankfully, Violet is receiving a second chance at life due to the kind help of rescuers and Mutts Matter Rescue, Inc., a dog rescue located in Maryland, that I have worked with.

Violet is receiving vet care and she is living with a wonderful foster to help rehabilitate Violet until she is healthy enough and ready for adoption.  Violet’s case has received a lot of news coverage as well.  You can see more of Violet by viewing this news video of Violet in her foster home.  You can also read a recent article about Violet in the Washington Post.

Please consider making a donation to help save Violet.   Any donation amount is very appreciated and all donations will go to helping to rehabilitate Violet.  Doug and I donated, along with many others, and Violet’s case is a perfect example of why I am began my long-term photography project.  Please feel free to share this post with others who might be interested in helping this good cause.

You can keep apprised of Violet’s progress here on Violet’s Facebook page.  Violet is currently learning to climb steps!

Please help save Violet!

*The above image is courtesy of Mutts Matter Rescue, Inc.