Welcome to the most depressing day of the year: January 24
'You're cold, miserable, in debt, out of shape, and you've already broken every one of your New Year's resolutions. Welcome to Jan. 24, the most depressing day of the year, according to a British psychologist...' [Ottawa Sun Online]
No wonder my dog is so grumpy... he isn't getting his evening walks on black-ice sidewalks.
Okay, so you've broken every resolution. You can make some more resolutions today and have fun breaking them tomorrow. That's what I did, and it's fun.
Go to Deepak Chopra's new Peace is the way website and pledge your allegiance to become a peacemaker. I've already broken my pledge, within minutes. Either Peace is the way is still under construction or I've locked myself out of its more promising sections, Chat and Forum, by refusing to activate Active-X. I am, as Deepak would say, distrustful and unevolved. sigh... if only the internet wasn't a quagmire of spyware and viruses.
When you go to 'Peace is the way', you'll immediately have to commit to becoming a peacemaker and then fill out a personal questionnaire of your inner character. At least it's easy...
I'd like to see someone or some animal welfare organization take Deepak's approach to 'viral marketing' and apply it to animal welfare: ask people to make a commitment to their pet, for better or worse, forever. and to take the next step: help others keep their pets by becoming a god (pet)parent. One of the best resources for animal welfare: Best Friends: no more homeless pets:
In Suicide's wake CA Suicide leaves questions and no easy answers to those left behind [Inside Bay Area]
Cheer up, tomorrow's January 25 and a better day than today.
Profile of an animal cruelty investigator: protecting pets who have no voice:
"[The public] needs to understand that animals are like children. They are like family members... " [Herald Sun]
Annual Dogs in Art Auction includes famous Coolidge painting: Dogs playing poker. Mark your calendar: February 12 - 15, New York. [PokerMag.com]
Animal activists call Pitbull ban 'canine genocide' Canada "How is it possible to ban something with no legal description or definition?.. " [The Globe and Mail] (Apparently it is... as if that will stop dog fighting or dog attacks... keep on dreamin', Ontario... )
Thank you to everyone who has ever helped to place abandoned pets in new homes. Our own dog was once a homeless dog and would have been put down, had it not been for a selfless couple who took him in for three months as a foster. We treasure him and he is now a successful therapy dog who visits people and cheers them up in ways that no human can; this is his fifth year of service and he still relishes his work. My once homeless dog is a continual delight to everyone who meets him and a daily source of inspiration to me.
If you want to make your own miracle story happen, here's your opportunity.
A month ago, I got a call from the Montgomery County Humane Society to help find another sweet chow a home. He's still in the shelter. This time, this dog's plea is more desperate. His time is running out.
I've met this dog, walked him and played with him, and believe me, he is worthy of a good home. He has a friendly disposition and he listens well. Unfortunately, I won't take him; I have two dogs which are high maintenance (two hip replacements, two ACL surgeries, thyroid and arthritis issues, etc.) and I've made a lifetime commitment to them.
Can you help? Can you find ChuCho a home?
His plight is all the more poignant when you learn his story. He has never had a real home. He's been kept outside all of his life without walks or friends. His 'family' decided to get rid of him when he kept digging under the fence and running away. Happily, his temperment remains sweet and he's trainable. The Humane Society assures me he is in excellent health. They have great sympathy for him, but he hasn't found a home yet. Now, they're talking about 'putting him down.'
His problem is that he is a chow chow and that very label scares people off. I'm here to tell you that if the Humane Society says he's a great dog, with a friendly temperment who's passed his temperment test with flying colors, he's worth a chance.
You could foster him (if you live in Montgomery County, Maryland) if you are unsure if you want him and find out for yourself what a great dog he is. Or, you could even ADOPT him.
Chucho is the most beautiful and friendly chow I have ever seen. This neutered male chow chow is in good health, intelligent and trainable. He is mostly white with splashes of golden fur across his back;. his sunny disposition matches his gorgeous fur coat.
CHUCHO - ID#A258444 I am a neutered male, fawn Chow Chow. The shelter staff think I am about 1 year and 6 months old. I have been at the Rockville, Maryland, shelter since Dec 10, 2004. For more information about me, call:
Montgomery County Animal Control & Humane Society at (240) 773-5960
Ask for information about animal ID number A258444, tag #49
I know Chucho will bring good fortune and luck to his new family and home; can you make it happen. He needs your help.
readers woofed!
[] tracks sniffed.. 
animal shelters!
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