I'm not sure why Mom hasn't let me at the compuiter for so long.   I've got an idea, but I'll let her explain it, when she's ready.   In the meantime ~ I've got some new buddies!!!

 There IS music with this slide show but for some reason it won't play on Blogger or Facebook!  Music adds SO much to a slideshow.  If you'd like to HEAR as well as watch this video, please click on this text or "watch on youtube" on the bottom of the slideshow window!

 

In the meantime,  I'm so HAPPY to be BACK!!!

Love,
Your Pal

HERO

Take a stand against ANIMAL ABUSE!

 
Before I tell you about the campaign to raise awareness about Animal Abuse, I should fill you in on what's going on, since I've been gone so long!  First of all, Mom found an awesome FUREVER FAMILY for Cricket!  They really are perfect for her:  they live near the river and WALK to it, almost every day, to go fishing.  Cricket gets to go along and SWIM!  How awesome is that?  Plus, there's the sweetest, little girl who just loves Cricket and loves to give her hugs and kiss her on her nose and Cricket just MELTS!  She closes her eyes and leans into the little girl and they just LOVE each other!

It's a good thing too because Mom was her usually blubbery self when Cricket left with her new family!  I've never seen a human cry so much as my Mom when she places one of our rescues with it's Furever People!   I guess it's because she loves us all so much that it's hard for her to say good-bye!  I have to admit, I'm sure glad that she won't have to say good-bye to ME!

About that raising awareness thing...  There's a group of animal lovers on FACEBOOK that have started a campaign to raise awareness about Animal Abuse (Mom says "and the ridiculously insignificant penalties that those who commit it receive!").  They are encouraging EVERYONE to take a stand against animal cruelty.  To show your support, all you have to do is GO PURPLE!  If you're on FaceBook, you could change your 'avitar' to something purple and make any pictures that you post next week purple!  If you need help changing things to purple, this LINK WILL SHOW YOU HOW.

"Chief" will be coming to Bluff Country Canine Rescue NEXT WEEK!

We're pretty excited about standing up against animal abuse and there will be lots more posts and TONS of talk about it on FaceBook.  We'll even give you some ideas about easy ways that you can help make a difference!  Please visit us (and "LIKE" our FaceBook Page!) and join in the movement to help raise awareness about Animal Abuse.  It's gonna be a GREAT WEEK!  Don't forget to Go PURPLE!!!

"PORTER" 

is (hopefully!) joining us in the Bluff Country next week too!

Working together...to Ban the Bans!

Hawk did a great post regarding Breed Specific Legislature this morning, and shared some great links to more articles dealing directly with BSL and some of the effects it has and doesn't have.  I know a lot of you guys have addressed the topic too.  Reading Hawk's blog this morning gave me an idea.  I talked it over with the Girls (Bella & Sable) and they agree that it would be worth trying...

 What if we ALL got together and on the SAME DAY posted about BSL?  Every dog blog (and even our non dog friends!) we can connect with do a post about how unfair and ineffective BSL really is.  We could call it the "Ban the Bans"  movement.  What do you think?  I bet if we got some of the "BIG DOGS"  like Snoopy and the Cavaliers behind us and getting the word out, we could get an effective movement going!  Maybe a Saturday Blog Hop with the theme "Ban the Bans"?  We could pick a date far enough out to give us time to get the word out and get as many bloggers as possible involved.  It wouldn't have to be just Dog bloggers either!  The more blogs posting about Banning the Bans on BtB day, the better!  Anyone and everyone with a blog would be welcome to join.  For those who don't have blogs, but support the cause, they could feature it on their Facebook pages or Twitter or any other social media.  We could ask everyone to change their Facebook avatar to a picture of a sweet Pitty on Ban the Ban day.  If we all put our heads together, we'll think of lots of ways to make a BIG NOISE!

What do you guys think?  Would you be willing to get on board and make some noise?  I'd welcome your comments and suggestions concerning this idea.  Talk it over with your friends and let's see if we can get enough dogs and their people on board to really make our voices heard!

 Enjoying the COOLER weather in the Bluff Country...

XOXO,

Hero

The FACTS...

Mom and I are still pretty upset about Caledonia, MN. wanting to ban Pit Bulls and Pit-mixes.  Pitties are such great dogs and get such a bad rap that we want to try to dispell some of the myths with something that elected officials and the media sometimes forget to consider:  the FACTS!

The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) is a national not-for-profit organization (registered in the state of Missouri) for the promotion of uniform temperament evaluation of purebred and spayed/neutered mixed-breed dogs.

ATTS was established to:

• Provide for a uniform, national program of temperament testing of purebred and spayed/neutered mixed-breed dogs.
• Conduct seminars to disseminate information to dog owners, dog breeders and evaluators (testers) concerning dog psychology, motivation, reaction and other aspects of temperament testing.
• Recognize and award certificates to dogs that pass the requirements of the temperament evaluation.
• Work for the betterment of all breeds of dogs.
• Select, train, prepare and register temperament evaluators.

Our motto says it all:  “A SOUND MIND IN A SOUND BODY”

What is temperament? W. Handel, German Police Dog Trainer, in his article, “The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing,” defines temperament as:“the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment”

The ATTS test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog’s instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat. The test is designed for the betterment of all breeds of dogs and takes into consideration each breed’s inherent tendencies.

The test simulates a casual walk through the park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog’s ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.

About Canine Temperament
Because of breed-specific dog legislation and negative publicity associated with many breeds of dogs, temperament testing has assumed an important role for today’s dog fancier. The ATTS Temperament Test provides breeders a means for evaluating temperament and gives pet owners insight into their dog’s behavior. It can have an impact on breeding programs and in educating owners about their dog’s behavioral strengths and weaknesses as well as providing a positive influence on dog legislation.

The following is a list of common breeds of dogs (listed alphabetically) and the percentage of each breed that PASSED the temperament tests:

**American Bulldog                                                85.5
**American Pit Bull Terrier                                       86.8
**American Staffordshire Terrier (Am Staff)                84.2
Afghan Hound                                                   72.4 
Airedale Terrier                                                   77.7
Akita                                                               76.2
Australian Cattle Dog                                          79.3
Basenji                                                             67.8
Beagle                                                              80.0
Bichon Frise                                                       76.7
Border Collie                                                       81.3
Boston Terrier                                                    84.8
**Boxer                                                                 83.4
**Bulldog                                                               70.4
**Bull Terrier                                                           91.0
Cairn Terrier                                                       73.5
Cardigan Welsh Corgi                                           80.0
Chihuahua                                                         68.0
Cocker Spanial                                                    81.9
Chow Chow                                                        71.4
Collie                                                                 80.1
Dachshund (Min. smooth)                                     80.0
Dachshund (Std. smooth)                                      68.8
Dalmatian                                                          82.5
Dandi Dinmont Terrier                                           71.4
German Shepherd Dog                                          82.6
German Shorthaired Pointer                                  76.9
Golden Retriever                                                  85.2
Great Dane                                                        80.0
Jack Russell Terrier                                              84.1
Labrador Retriever                                               92.3
Lhasa Apso                                                        70.4
Maltese                                                             81.3
Miniature Poodle                                                  77.9
**Mixed Breeds                                                       86.2
**Pit Bull (Am PBT)                                                  86.8
Pomeranian                                                        75.8
Pug                                                                  95.1
**Rottweiler                                                           83.9
Rat Terrier                                                          76.2
Scottish Terrier                                                    63.6
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)                                    68.1
Shih Tzu                                                             76.2
Siberian Husky                                                     86..9
Smooth Fox Terrier                                                76.4
Toy Fox Terrier                                                      77.8
Toy Poodle                                                           81.1
West Highland White Terrier                                  88.3

The above information was taken off the website of the American Temperament Test Society.  The list of breeds tested is not complete ~ there are many other breeds recorded.  I selected some of the more well known breeds. Breeds marked with double asterisks (**) are commonly referred to as the "bully breeds" or Pit Bull mixes as they either have or look as if they have bull dog breeding in them.  These are some of the breeds most commonly discriminated against with Breed Selective Legislation.  As you can see, in almost every case, the bully breeds are no more likely ~ and often MUCH LESS  LIKELY to become aggressive than most of the other popular pet breeds.  


So, why do Pit Bulls and other "Bully Breeds" have such a bad reputation? 
Pit Bulls are a very intelligent, loyal breed of dog that also happens to be very powerful.  Because of their size and strength and the fact that they so desperately want to please their owners, Pit bulls fall prey to unsavory owners who want to use them for dog fighting or guard dogs in isolated (often illegal) locations and drug rings.  These dogs are frequently abused horrendously and/or neglected to the point of starvation.    Some are taught to fight in order to survive.   If they won't fight (a not-uncommon problem), they are either killed, starved to death or used as "bait dogs" to fuel the blood lust of dogs that have learned to kill or be killed.  


By far, the vast majority of Pit Bulls are loving, goofy, eager to please canine companions.  They are no more likely ~ in fact often LESS LIKELY to bite than most other breeds of dogs.  Keep in mind, for many years, it was the norm for many American families to have a Pit Bull or Pit-mix that grew up with and was the constant companion of the children.  Long before they became notorious because of the things that evil owners forced them to do, Pit Bulls were known as America's "Nanny Dog".  

Nobody thought twice about entrusting their children with their loyal, loving Pit Bull.  

But when newspapers and television started shouting out stories of savage dog fight rings and pictures of Pit Bulls, decked out in spiked colors and with blood lust in their eyes.  When dog fighting became a big money business for not only low-life scoundrels,  but big name stars like Michael Vick,  the dark side of how all that power could be used came into view. 

The Nanny Dog is now vilified by a media that always wants a demon dog breed to frighten people and LHASA-APSO BITES MAN just doesn’t sell papers. Before pit bulls it was Rottweilers, before Rottweilers it was Dobermans, and before them German Shepherds. Each breed in it’s order were deemed too vicious and unpredictable to be around people. Each time people wanted laws to ban them. It is breathtakingly ironic that the spotlight has turned on the breed once the symbol of our country and our national babysitter. (photos and this paragraph from Yonah Ward Grossman - "FOR OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS AMERICANS KNEW PIT BULLS FOR WHAT THEY DID BEST.  BABYSITTING.  PART I.")

Part 2 of Mr. Grossman's series can be found HERE
Part 3 can be found HERE

Banning Pit Bulls is not the answer to preventing dog bites/attacks.  Neither is dramatizing every single incident in which a Pit Bull is violent.  That only feeds the paranoia.  When is the last time you read about a "Sheltie" attacking someone's child?  The fact is a Sheltie is MUCH more likely to bite than a Pit Bull.  One just doesn't read about it in the paper.  Enforcing strong regulations regarding the care, housing, licensing and supervision of ALL breeds is the way to reduce canine conflicts.Ban chaining of dogs. Any dog chained 24/7 can become unstable and aggressive.  Dogs are pack animals.  They NEED exercise, socialization and companionship.  Stopping abuse, neglect, isolation and cracking down on anyone involved in dog fighting is the ONLY way to keep our communities safe AND give us back America's Nanny...

There's a lot more information that supports the FACT that it's not Pit Bulls that are the problem ~ any more than it's the match's problem if it is used to start a fire!  It is when the wrong people get their hands on ANY breed of dog and abuse, neglect and misuse it that problems arise.  Don't ban the breed ~ Ban the DEED!

XOXO,

Hero

It is a SAD day in Minnesota...

We were all very sad and shocked to learn that a nearby city in SE Minnesota (where we live) is planning on enacting BSL:  Breed Specific Legislation.  In spite of the fact that it is illegal according to Minnesota state law, the city council of Caledonia, MN is planning on voting this Monday night (June 11) to ban "pitbulls and half-breeds" from the city limits.

According to the Caledonia Argus:

Council looking to ban any new pit bulls within the city limits

3 Comments 06 June 2012

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By Charlie Warner
Argus Editor
Spurred on by an attack of a pit bull that resulted in the death of another dog and injuries to its owner, the Caledonia City Council spent considerable time discussing the creation of a dangerous and vicious animal ordinance last week.
According to Caledonia Police Chief Kurt Zehnder, Helen Olson was walking her miniature pinscher along the 800 block of East Grove Street on May 8 around 1 p.m. when a pit bull attacked the small dog, mauled it and ultimately killed it. Olson sustained injuries to her hand as she attempted to pull the pit bull from her dog. Her injuries required medical attention.
The pit bull was taken into custody by City Animal Control Officer Mike Gavin and observed for 10 days. The dog had all its shots. But it was discovered the dog had a micro chip identifying the animal as a potentially dangerous dog. The micro chip was placed in the dog, per state statute, following an attack that occurred when the dog was not living in Caledonia.
The dog has been put down.
“We need to put our foot down on this issue,” Zehnder told the council. “I was there. I saw what happened. It was horrendous. What happened to that small dog made me sick. We were so fortunate that a child wasn’t involved. We could have had a fatality.”
Gavin told the council that the only breed of dog he has had issues with are pit bulls and half-breed pit bulls.
“I believe the background and the breeding of this type of dog makes them quite vicious. This is one breed of dog I really don’t think we want in our community,” Gavin said. “What happened on Grove Street is indescribable.”
Zehnder said there are other cities that do not allow pit bulls. He cited Minneapolis as one major municipality that has zero tolerance for pit bulls. He added that pit bulls are illegal in the state of Colorado.
“People have had many bad experiences with pit bulls,” Zehnder said. “That’s why they have zero tolerances in many places.”
City Clerk/Administrator Jennifer Feely said City Attorney Tim Murphy recommended that a separate ordinance dealing with vicious dogs be prepared and approved by the council.
It was pointed out that pit bulls currently in Caledonia will be grandfathered in. But, like all dogs,  they must be licensed, which will help Gavin and the local police department keep better track of them. But no new pit bulls or half-breeds will be allowed within the city limits.
The topic will be revisited at the June 11 council meeting and the new ordinance possibly approved.

  While we feel very badly for the poor lady who was hurt and lost her beloved pet Min-Pin, to hold an entire breed and even mixed breeds that MIGHT, possibly contain some pit bull responsible is not an effective way to deal with the issue of loose and or viscous dogs.  What good will it benefit the citizens of Caledonia to keep friendly, gentle pit bulls that are family pets out of their city but ignore the fact that it takes responsible owners and enforcement of current rules regarding dogs running lose and 'dangerous' dogs to keep the community safe.  NOT the banning of one particular breed!  There are LOTS of wonderful, sweet, loving pit bulls out there, that would no sooner bite than fly ~ just as there are lots of poodles, collies, cocker spanials, labs, etc., etc., etc., that could attack if not raised, trained, handled and supervised correctly!

Why is it that humans don't write newspaper headlines when a poodle or pug bites someone?  My Mom knows someone who saw a Golden Retriever attack a beagle and seriously injure it.  Fortunately, the Golden's owner was able to pull his dog (who was on a leash!) away from the beagle before it was killed.  Of course, there was no write up in the local newspaper about that.  Should Golden Retrievers be banned?

I don't understand why cities don't just make the PEOPLE who have dogs take good care of them.  Dogs need to be trained, loved, properly housed, socialized and supervised.  If the city council passed a law saying THAT, there really would be a lot less unfortunate incidents.  If the dog in Caledonia had been shut in a fenced in yard, that lady's Min-pin would be alive today.  In fact, the dog that attacked had already been deemed "dangerous" due to a previous incident!  And it was running LOOSE?  Where was it's owner?  Had the dog received any professional training to rehabilitate it after it's first offense?  I doubt it.

But it's not the owner of the pit bull who was "put down".  It was the dog.  And maybe that was the right thing to do.  But it's too bad that the pit bull really didn't have a chance since it didn't have a responsible owner to prevent something like the tragic attack on an innocent dog and it's master, from happening in the first place.  I wonder what happened in the life of that pit bull that prompted it to be so aggressive.  In spite of what some people may say, most pit bulls were NOT bred to be aggressive.  They were bred to be loyal, devoted family dogs and were in fact often called "America's Nanny Dog", because they are so good with children!  Please read the article that link goes to.  It tells the TRUTH about the history behind Pit Bulls in America.

The dog did not attack because it was a pit bull.

It attacked because it was untrained and unsupervised! 

Please don't blame a whole breed (in fact a whole BUNCH of breeds ~ there is no ONE breed that is designated as a Pit Bull!  Many breeds can and are often referred to as "Pits") for the actions of others that were not properly trained or supervised.

EDUCATION is the key to preventing tragedies like what happened to that little Min-pin from happening.  EDUCATION is the key to preventing dog bites in general.  ANY breed of dog can and will bite.  Let's make something good come out of this tragic situation.  We can't bring that precious Min Pin back but maybe, just maybe, with proper enforcement of existing laws regarding housing and confinement of ALL breeds of dogs, and the proper supervision and LEASH LAWS for ALL breeds of dogs and the proper follow up training and monitoring of ANY dog (and it's owner!) that bites, Caledonia can be a safer place to live for both it's human and canine residents.

*  BSL does NOT work.
*  It is expensive and IMPOSSIBLE to enforce.

How many innocent dogs will die because the Caledonia Animal Control Officer doesn't like Pit Bulls?  He is the person who told the City Council:  “I believe the background and the breeding of this type of dog makes them quite vicious. This is one breed of dog I really don’t think we want in our community"

Dogs are not BORN viscous.
PEOPLE make dogs viscous!

Enforce the laws that are already in place.
Create harsher penelties for those involved in dog-fighting and dog abuse.

Maybe THEN, we'll all have a safer place to live...

XOXO,

HERO

SHAKE it off...

Cricket getting into the water.

Cricket jumping out of the water.

(Mom loves this picture)

Cricket Shaking the water Off!

I  love that picture!

It shows Cricket's true charm.

;-)

 OK

So maybe I'm still a little mad that I didn't get to go swimming....

Your Pal,

HERO

  

Seeing Beauty blog hop...

 Today's blog post is based on a suggestion from my Pal, Snoopy,  and is about sharing a photo or photos that show the beauty of where you live!  Snoops got the idea from a friend of his,  Sugar, the Golden Retriever, who lives in Hawai!

My Mom says that Hawaii is pretty spectacular so I'm going to have to go check out Sugar's blog.  But for now, here's a couple of pictures that Mom took when she was walking with Bella and Sable, before I came to live with them...

This is "our" valley!

It's the Yucatan Valley of SE Minnesota.

Mom Loves this road sign.  It's very close to our house.

The road back home...

If you click on this picture, it gets really big and you can actually SEE our place through the branches of the trees!  

And this is where Mom took Cricket swimming yesterday!

It's right across the road from our place.

I'm going today!!!

 

Mom and I (AND Sable and Bella and all the rescue dogs) sure do love our beautiful, peaceful little valley.  I hope you like visiting it with me!

XOXO,

HERO