Tales & Tails of New York

The "Reality" of Perception (Reply)

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:15:46 GMT

CDonian Writes: Unfortunately, changing the terms we use for animals won't change their legal status. Saying "my dog is family" won't overcome some bad or underprotective law: We have to change the laws/rules first. (Real life isn't like those "TV courts," where you can talk judges into making new rules.) To do this, we have to show how a change will benefit _everyone_.
Sad example: In rescue/recovery efforts, the first rule is "Human life comes first." But disaster planning now includes companion animals, for practical reasons: FEMA learned (via "Katrina") that if you force people to abandon their animals, they'll refuse rescue, dodge rules, regard all "authority" as suspect, and-or suffer deep and lasting trauma. And all of this impedes human rescue and recovery.
It's hard to come up with a workable legal status for companion animals. One idea is to tag them as "enhanced property." This acknowledges that they aren't just things, and have huge emotional/relational importance to people. (The concept is still human-centric ... but then, so is the whole companion-animal thing.)

Reply: You've answered this question better and in more detail than I was able to.

"Enhanced property?" I've not heard that before, but its an interesting concept. Better than what we have now where animals are legally considered property, like a chair or sofa.

It's odd to think that in a language containing seemingly millions of words, that there is not one that can accurately and respectfully describes man's human and legal obligations to animals who are kept in the home or on the property.

"Ownership" usually refers to inannimate objects as well it should.

That it legally refers to living animals as well, seems to be a problem.

A cat is not a chair. A cow is not a car.

Even the term, "Animal Rights" doesn't seem to properly depict what most of us struggle for with animals.

People ask, "What rights are you talking about? The right to vote? The right to have a lawyer if arrested? The right to protest?"

Of course one could ask the same of those fighting for Children's Rights. Babies can't vote, they don't commit crimes and they can't march on picket lines.

Personally, I believe most of these are justice issues.

You don't need to be able to talk to deserve and warrent justice.

I do agree with Jmuhjacat that the language and words we use to describe human's relationship and obligations towards animals IS important.

That's why this topic is critical.

For as long as our society deems animals as "things," "property" or objects to be "owned" or "gotten rid of" like a desk, computer or garbage, it is very hard to raise animals' status in terms of human perception and ultimate justice.

"Perception" (as they say) IS reality."

We may win a few battles, in terms of animals rescued and saved, but we are ultimately and forever, losing the war. -- PCA

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"Don't Dream its Over" (Reply)

Sat, 10 May 2008 11:14:07 GMT

Jmuhjacat Writes: Feeling extremely angry after (re-)reading about the "Raid" incident, I once again find myself shaking my head in incomprehensible disbelief at the abject and moronic stupidity of people. What has happened, that the educational system of the self-professed richest and "best" nation on earth no longer teaches these very basic-basic things?

Reply: I'd like to say the people playing "doctor" by spraying and dousing their cats with RAID represented some kind of aberration.

But, if you read another rescuer's comments, you know they were not.

I remember one man who almost poisoned his cat with (I believe) Tylenol. The cat survived, but not without intensive care at the vet.

I've personally dealt with hundreds of animals over the years, who, dumped at the pound or on streets after years of neglect or maltreatment required surgeries and other costly treatments in efforts to try and reverse the damages. Some of the more recent cases have been highlighted in this blog over the past couple of years. But, they represent mere tip of the iceberg.

For example, shortly after the ASPCA closed its old (Animal Control) shelter building on East 92nd Street and opened a new hospital and smaller "no kill" shelter up the block, people routinely abandoned animals in front of the OLD building that was no longer functioning. I rescued several animals from this location, including a young Husky who was tied up and left with a hole in her back leg. The vet suspected a beebee gun injury.

But, another time, someone left a cardboard box in the parking lot of the old ASPCA building location in the middle of the night. Suspecting a cat abandonment, I went to check out the box and inside was a very old -- and dying Siamese cat.

The cat had a huge cancerous tumor on the side of the neck, was moaning in pain and was down to nothing but skin and bones.

The next morning, I brought the dying Siamese cat to the ASPCA hospital and had to wait more than two hours to have the suffering animal euthanized. I can still recall the horror of having to sit with this dying cat for that length of time. She cried this painful, pitiful, mournful sound the entire time. A sound I had never heard before and hope to never hear again.

I wondered, when finally getting to the vet if she believed me when telling her I found the cat abandoned in front of the "A's" old building. She probably thought I was lying about that as so many people lie when dropping off neglected and dying animals at shelters and vet offices.

When doing cat adoptions out of Petco from 1996 to 2000, the situation with people abandoning cats became so intense that I began to have a recurring nightmare:

I walk into Petco and everywhere I look there are cats. Cats in cardboard boxes, cats in carriers, cats in cages stacked up to the ceilings.

"Oh my God, what am I going to do with all these cats?"

I don't know any of the cats. They have all been abandoned at the store by people. It is my job to figure out what to do with them.

I don't want to send them to the pound. But, I have no places or homes for them.

I need to do something, but WHAT?.....

Usually, at this point I would wake up.

But, I would wake up thinking that there are hundreds of cats awaiting me at Petco and I have no idea what to do with them!

Only when conscious for about five minutes would I finally realize that the whole thing was just a nightmare! There were only 12 or 13 cats at Petco!

Over the years, there have been different variations of the nightmare. Suddenly being confronted with too many strays, injured or dying animals on the streets, or even too many animals in my home!

There is always this huge sigh of relief when I finally realize it was all a dream!

These days, the nightmares are mostly gone -- or maybe, I just don't remember them upon awakening.

I like to think I don't dream anymore. -- PCA

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Lessons Learned (Reply)

Fri, 09 May 2008 15:46:16 GMT

Ubermom111 Writes: So, many animals end up discarded - like old toys.
Except animals are not toys. They are living beings.
If only the people who bring the Fluffies and Fido's into their home would teach their children and themselves that this is a 12 year or more committment, that animals, like children, require constant care - both emotional and physical.
However, somehow even parenting of children seems to have fallen by the wayside. How can we expect current society to care for the animals, when it falls so short of caring for its children?

Reply: First of all, I hope people take the time to read your entire comment (not just the snippet here) as everything you said was insightful and totally on target.

Regarding your question, yes, it is indeed a very hard one to answer.

Every animal who gets dropped off to a shelter by a family for whatever the reasons ("Moving," "No Time For" "Owned 2 years," etc.etc.) represents not only a failing in the human/animal bond, but perhaps even more so, (as noted the other day) a "wrong lesson" to the children in the home.

I personally believe MOST such children grow up with a shaky sense of security -- particularly if the family cat or dog is given up for reasons of misbehaving. The child might, for example, have cause to wonder: Will I be rejected, like Fluffy or Max if failing to live up to my parents expectations and demands? Will they will me away or turn away from me?

If the pet is given up because of the child's so-called, "failure" to assume all responsibilities for the cat or dog, then the child grows up with a sense of guilt: It's my fault that Fluffy or Max was brought to the pound! -- Its my fault my animal died.

If the pet is given up because the parents demean the animal's value or intrinsic worth (i.e. "Don't worry, Johnny. We'll get you another cat or dog when we move to Florida. It's just an animal!") the child might grow up questioning his/her own worth to the parents or doubting that his/her feelings matter to the parents. Or, contrastly, s/he might grow up assimilating the same (non) values as the parents and believe that animals don't matter for anything and are easily replaceable.

As an teenager or adult, such child might adapt bullying behaviors (as empathy has not been taught and instilled) or tend to go through many relationships, activities or drugs/alcohol searching for some kind of "meaning" in life.

Neither guilt nor insecurity, nor insensitivity/callousness are positives for any child's healthy emotional development.

It is, as you point out, totally unrealistic to expect young children to take on full responsibilities for a pet, such as cleaning out cat litter boxes or even walking a dog as much as a dog needs to be walked. As you point out correctly, they live what they learn. They learn responsibility by observing and experiencing it in and by the parents.

Moreover, the same child playing with the puppy or kitten today is worrying about exams, making the cheerleading or basketball squad, attracting members of the opposite sex, or going to college tomorrow.

What then happens to "Amy's or Billy's" adult dog or cat?

I personally believe all those older, "family" dogs (or cats) dumped in shelters with the excuse, "No Time For" (see "Shana" in previous blog entry) are victims of their child "owners" moving on to the normal teenage challenges in life or going on to college.

If the parents have no bond to the family cat or dog, the animal, in many cases, does not stay --or, worse, is relegated to the back yard at the end of a chain.

"No time for" generally means no attachment or sense of commitment to the animal. It's particularly easy to feel that if one feels the animal really belongs to someone else --such as the child (or spouse/partner) who's moved on. "It was really Jimmy's dog, not mine! I have no time for it!"

Most Americans grow up with the concept of the loving spouse, the house in the country, the two kids and the "family" dog or cat.

But, unless the "family pet" is really perceived, treated and experienced to be the PARENTS responsibility and commitment, the future outlook for all (humans and animal) is questionable and in many cases, headed towards some type of failure and distress.

Personally speaking, I am not a great fan of adopting animals into busy family homes. Not unless I feel the parents are 100% up to the task and commitment of having that dog or cat as THEIR pet for the next 10 or 12 years. --PCA

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Ideas, Anyone? (Reply)

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:41:48 GMT

(Picture Above: Shana -- One of our latest rescues, picked up yesterday. Sweet and loving Lab/Shepherd mix dumped by a family after 6 years. People now claim "No Time" for their dog.)

Jmuhjacat Writes: Just think for a moment how some of us, anyway, feel when we are addressed disrespectfully and/or with profanity and/or insulting, denigrating terms. I, for one, get really, really angry. I don't like it. Neither do I like people referring to those I love as objects, "pets", or someTHING to be "owned".

Reply: I hear what you are saying and from a purely ideological stance, I agree. But, from the practical and pragmatic side, I don't.

Reality is, that too many people neither provide true "guardianship" or "caregiving" to their animals.

Are dogs chained up in backyards for their lives given any kind of "care?" Are cats allowed to freely roam outside (and therefore subject to becoming victims of cars, other animals, toxins or crazy, hostile neighbors) receiving "guardianship?"

I don't think so.

"Ownership" on the other hand, implies, if nothing else, certain legal obligation and value.

You "own" the animal, you are required under the law to provide food, water, medical care and shelter ("Caregiving" and "Guardianship" usually don't carry the same legal weight, value and often imply something of temporary duration).

We can't use "Parent" to describe relationship of human to animal (although that is how I see my relationship, legal and otherwise to my animals) and indeed, it seems a bit baffling to find the right word to describe the ideal human/animal legal and obligational bond. I agree that "ownership" is definitely not the ideal for all the reasons you state. But, to me it is at least heavier on obligation and responsibility than "guardianship" or "caregiving."

This might be a good question to pose to others: Can you think of a more appropriate, upgrading and respectful word to describe the ideal, but legally binding relationship between human and kept animals?

I have tried to think of this many times, but so far, have failed to come up with anything other than the substandard and inefficient words already out there.

Still, I think the reasons "guardianship" and "caregiver" haven't really caught on, are their weaknesses in legal obligation, value and commitment.

Ideas, anyone? -- PCA

Diapers, Anyone? (Reply)

Thu, 08 May 2008 13:37:02 GMT

(Picture Above: "Nana" -- Throwaway Mama Pitbull -- one of too, too many coming into our shelters. Some people apparently can't figure that when you put two unneutered dogs together of opposite sex, they have babies! What to do when the "Bitch keeps getting pregant?" You dump the Moms at the pound and say they are "strays!")

CDonian Writes: Because it's damned scary to see the Q&As/comments on some dog/animal sites -- things in the general vein of:
"Is it OK if my dog goes outside only on Saturdays?"
"Why isn't my TrendyTinyTeacup PitPoo housetrained yet? I've had her for three days."
"My poodle is nine months old. When should he be groomed?"
"Can I use a suitcase as a dog carrier?" (!)
Plus the morons who refuse to have their dogs vaccinated; claim that spaying/neutering "cause" cancer; want to raise their dogs as Orthodox Vegans; scrub tear-stains with clorox or hair bleach; regard leash-laws as blatant Stalinism; or barely see the dog -- since Spot spends 70 hrs/week in day care or home alone, and is walked only by paid walkers.

Reply: You know, in one way or another, I have (tragically) heard all of these -- and more -- over the years.

What about those people who don't figure out that when you put two unneutered dogs (or cats) together, they have BABIES!

Just last week a woman called seeking to give up her unneutered Cocker Spaniel because he kept trying to "get" to her unspayed poodle in heat. She already had a litter of 6-month-old puppies from these two dogs, but swore to me she "could not afford" to neuter either of the adult dogs.

What about the people who decide to play "doctor" at home with their pets? -- Like the ignoramouses who abandoned 4 cats in a cardboard box outside Petco where we were doing cat adoptions ten years ago. Inside the box containing the 4 six-month-old very sickly cats was a note written in broken English:

"The cats have fleas.....We treat with RAID."

Imagine using RAID to treat cats for fleas!!

Despite rushing all 4 cats to the vet, two of them subsequently died from poisining and the other two suffered permanent neurological damage.

This, by the way, is one reason we no longer do cat adoptions out of stores.

Too many people abused our service by finding clever and unique ways of dumping cats on us.

They sometimes left cats in our cages before we got to the store. (We had to put locks on empty cages). They sometimes left cats in boxes or carriers in the middle of an isle and walked out. One clever person requested one of my volunteers to "watch" her cat (in a carrier) while she shopped. Of course the woman never came back. Another woman dropped off two older cats to one of the stores we worked in, telling the clerk she had been "fostering the cats" for me! When I got to the store, Melissa told me, "One of your fosters just dropped off two cats a half hour ago. They're in the back." Of course, I had never seen the cats before. And someone else left two cats in a box outside on the steps of a smaller store we worked in. The store owner was greeted by the box on his steps when he opened the store (One reason why pet supply store owners often give up the idea of doing adoptions out of stores).

Except for the people who left the note about using RAID on the cats, NONE of the others even bothered to write a note! As horrible as it was to deal with the poisoned cats, we were nevertheless GRATEFUL to have the medical information on them. Without that, all 4 cats would have died. Who, after all, would attribute sickness in cats to someone using RAID on them?

As for the idiots who can't figure that a dog needs to be taken out more than once or twice a week, that is so common, I don't know that it needs further elaboration as I've written of it so many times here.

One simply wonders if these people, themselves wear diapers? -- PCA

(A Book as Thick as) "War and Peace" (Reply)

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:45:28 GMT

(Picture Above: Star -- Abandoned after 8 years in a family. No excuse necessary.)

CDonian Writes: I know too much about others' "bad lessons."
My first dog was a shelter mutt who'd been dumped -- after 7 years with one family -- due to a kid's alleged "allergies." My mother _insisted_ that we adopt her, specifically because the dog was unfairly treated, and looked very, very depressed. She was a great dog, and lived to _extreme_ old age

Reply: I hope everyone takes the time to read your entire comments, because they perfectly mirror EVERY rescuer's experiences and thoughts a thousand fold -- including and certainly mine.

Yesterday, we picked up from the shelter, "Star" (pictured above). Star was dumped at the shelter about a week ago with the excuse:

"Owned 8 years."

What exactly does that mean?

"We've done our thing with Star and now we're done." "It's too much trouble to walk the dog now."

It's amazing how many people abandon cats and dogs and don't even bother to come up with an excuse.

Apparently, it is perfectly acceptable to aquire and keep a cat or dog for one, five or eight years and then decide, "Well, that's it. This is no longer fun for conveniet for us. Fluffy or Max has to go."

Poor Star.

After being in a family since a puppy, she of course became very depressed and confused in the shelter.

Abandoned, stressed and depressed animals are far more vulnerable to getting sick in a shelte situation. I believe the mind and body are inexorably linked. No matter how clean the shelter or caring the care, the majority of shelter cats and dogs are easy targets for whatever "bugs" are floating around. Their immune systems are taxed, weakened and quickly depleated. Their anxious minds are in disarray, wondering, in most cases, what happened to their people and when are they coming back? What happened to their home? What happened to their life?

Crowded shelter conditions don't help. -- And what animal shelter isn't constantly packed to the rims?

So, Star, like so many others, developed Kennel Cough and then landed on the Euth list, despite her gentle, loving and sweet temperament. There was "No more room in the sick ward."

I noted Star's sad face on the list the other day and quickly called to pull her off.

Fortunately, for us, Zowie (rescued only last week) is already being adopted today.

Carrie, (Zoe's foster person) immediately agreed to take Star even though as of now, she still has Zowie.

"Don't worry, Patty!" Carrie said yesterday. "I have an extra bedroom. Star can stay there for now." (We obviously didn't want to mix the sick dog, Star with the healthy one, Zowie.)

So, yesterday, I met Carrie at the shelter where she came on her lunch hour from work to pick up Star.

After Carrie and Star left, I remained at the shelter for a while. Two of the volunteers begged my help in trying to save a very sweet "Throwaway Mama" Pit bull named, "Nana." And I also looked at some small dogs, as I can potentially foster one right now. The small dog ward was also completely packed. I meant to only take one, but put rescue memos on both, a Maltese and a Shih-Tzu. I believe I can get a foster for the extra dog.

We also have a rescue memo on a beautiful and totally lovely, purebred German Shepherd dog who, like Star ended up on the Euth list the other day for Kennel Cough. "Bosie" had been in a home 6 years. But, apparently the owner recently became ill and could no longer care for the dog.

Bosie is already advertised on the Internet seeking foster or adoption.

But, the couple of calls on her have been awful.

One person wants the dog "for my 16-year-old son." (I guess this one didn't read the blog entry from the other day.") I didn't bother to call her back. Another man called yesterday, inquiring on Bosie for his friend.

The man's "friend" is an 85-year-old woman who recently gave up a 9-month-old, breeder-bought German Shepherd because the dog "was too much for her."

"I don't know what kind of 'breeder' sells a German Shepherd puppy to an 85-year-old woman, but certainly anyone with half a brain would KNOW this placement wouldn't work! What were these people thinking?" I asked the man.

"Well, we're thinking now that my friend would do better with an older Shepherd, like Bosie. She always had Shepherds when she was younger."

"First of all, Bosie is only 6-years-old. She's not geriatric." I replied. "Secondly, your friend is not a young woman anymore. German Shepherds need lots of stimulation and exercise. That is true whether they are 9-month-old puppies or 6-year-old adults. Your friend needs to look for a smaller, less active and yes, older dog. But, since she is 85, some backup needs to be in place, should the woman get sick or unable to care for the dog. You have to consider the animal's needs as well as your friend's."

The man finally saw reason and agreed with my points. The question is, will his friend?

We could go on and on with the wrong reasons people acquire animals, wrong choices and placements, and failures to anticipate the future.

You touched on many in your two very knowledgeable and insightful comments. I have tried to touch on some throughout the couple of years of this blog.

But, the truth is that even a book the length of "War and Peace" wouldn't get to ALL the reasons animals end up in shelters or abandoned near highways or on rooftops or in empty apartments/houses.

What does all that say about us as the "superior species?"

What does it say about so-called, "progress?"

For dogs like Star or the ones you write about, they are the lucky ones.

But, it is hard not to think of the millions of cats and dogs "falling through the cracks" every year. The ones we never see or hear about.

The one dying in junk lots, suffering from neglect in uncaring homes, spending their "lives" tied up in backyards or bloodied, battered and discarded in the fight rings.

It goes on and on.......

And still, I keep saying over and over again:

"WE NEED TO PRORITIZE HUMANE EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOLS! --By the time they (humans) grow up, it is, for the most part, too late."

Last night, Carrie called to inform me of the obvious.

Yes, Star is a lovely, sweet dog. -- Even good with Carrie's two cats.

But, Star is barely eating or drinking anything. She sometimes trembles when Carrie walks in the room.

"It's warm in my apartment," Carrie said questionly. "Do you think she could possibly be cold?"

"The trembling probably has more to do with her being in a new place and being scared," I answered. "After all, Star spent 8 years in a different home with different people and a different dynamic. All of this -- the Brooklyn shelter, then being transported to the Manhattan shelter and finally to you, is probably terrifying to her. She's wondering what happened to her life?"

"I see your point," Carrie answered, sounding somewhat relieved.

"Maybe its time, Carrie to call the Chinese restaurant and order some eggrolls!" I added with a laugh.

When these abandoned animals "shut down" from depression, anxiety and stress, we in rescue have to try everything.

Even Chinese eggrolls. -- PCA

Wrong Lessons

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:18:32 GMT

(Picture Above: Zowie -- Lovely, sweet dog, but a "wrong lesson" for kids?)

A few days ago, I wrote about Zowie (pictured above), the dog who was dumped at the shelter with the complaint that she "snapped" when being punished for soiling in the house. The owners only walked her once a day.

Since being rescued this past Friday, Zowie has shown herself to be the "perfect dog" in her foster home.

According to Carrie, Zoe's foster person, the lovely Chow mix is totally housebroken (if walked twice a day), extremely sweet and friendly with everyone, great with other animals -- including cats and good in the apartment.

"I don't know how anyone could have abandoned this dog!" Carrie said last night. "She's a total doll!"

So, what was the real problem in the original home?

It might have been one of those situations when a family acquires a pet with the expectation that "the kids will take care of it." They essentially adopt a dog because Junior or Jane has been "wanting" or pestering them for a dog, but the parents themselves are not part of that desire or commitment.

But, as anyone familiar with the responsibilities of parenting knows, children cannot truly be relied upon to take on full responsibilities for walking dogs or cleaning out cat litterboxes -- especially when they have not previously been witness to the proper care of a pet.

Children learn responsibility from observing and absorbing from the parents

Unfortunately, if children witness parents "punishing" an animal for natural mistakes, (instead of walking the dog), the children are learning a very wrong lesson. Moreover, when children witness parents dumping a pet at the shelter, rather than addressing a problem they "learn" two things:

1-- Seek to "get rid of" or escape from problems, rather than deal with them.

2-- Don't love or become too attached to other members of the household because, (if animals) they will not stay.

In my view, these are all the wrong lessons for a child to learn.

Of course, I don't know for sure, if the above was what truly happened in the home with Zowie.

But, the pieces are adding up.

We know that Zowie came from a home that contained both children and cats ("Loves children and cats").

We know she "snapped" when being "punished" for housebreaking mistakes.

We know Zowie was only walked once a day (all of this information coming from former owners).

We also know from the matted condition of her coat, Zowie wasn't brushed on a regular basis or properly cared for.

One can speculate from all this information that the real responsibility for caring for Zowie was most likely dumped upon the children in the home.

When the children failed to live up to unrealistic expectations (as did the dog), "punishment" for the kids was getting rid of their pet.

Unfortunately, I have seen this kind of scenario too many times when in the lobby of the city shelter and observing people abandoning the family cat or dog, with their kids right beside them.

Those times the child is clearly upset or crying, the parent will say, "But, remember you promised to walk Max or clean out Fluffy's litter box and you didn't!"

We in fact, took in a cat from such a home many years ago.

I can still remember the Mother cruelly admonishing her ten-year-old son for his "failures" to run home from school and take care of "his" cat.

All I could do in that situation was try to comfort the weeping, young boy and assure him that the cat would be adopted to a good home. There was no reasoning with his Mother.

Zowie is now in a loving and caring foster home and I trust she will be a fairly easy and quick adoption based upon her gentle, loving temperament.

But, I worry about the children in Zowie's former home.

I worry of the troubling "lessons" they have learned.

Unless exposed to humane education in school or through other sources, they will most likely grow up to repeat the errors of the parents.

It is a vicious circle and one of the main reasons we can never really get to the goal of "no kill" in shelters throughout our country:

Too many children growing up with too many "wrong lessons." -- PCA

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Of Fictional and Real Life Tragedies and Dramas

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:47:03 GMT

I remember when I was a kid, my Mom had a small collection of 78 and 45 RPM records that I liked to play.

One of my favorites was, "The Theme from Moulin Rouge" by (I believe) Percy Faith.

So it was, perhaps, no surprise that when noting the 1952 movie and biography of famous French painter, Toulouse LeTrec (sic?) was going to be shown on Turner Movie Classics TV this past Saturday, I made special plan to watch it.

And wow, what a great movie it was! (Not to be confused with the more recent "Moulin Rouge" starring Nicole Kidman which, to me, was awful, boring and confusing).

Shot in a type of cinematography reminiscent of 19th century paintings, the 1952 Moulin Rouge was both beautiful to watch, as well as it contained stellar acting performances, (particularly by Mel Ferrer in the title role) and profound, deep and almost poetic dialogue.

While the original intent was to watch the movie, while also tending to small tasks around my home, I instead, sat glued to the TV screen. I dared not turn my head away for fear of missing insightful dialogue, the gaiety of French "can can" dance and song, glimpses of famous Le Trec paintings or nuances in human to human drama.

So, as the song from this movie was one of my favorites as a kid, the movie itself moves into the category of top personal favorites of all time.

Other favorites in that group?

"Road to Perdition," "Gone With the Wind," "Elmer Gantry," "All About Eve," "Midnight Cowboy," "The Heiress," "Terms of Endearment," "Ordinary People," "East of Eden," "Kramer vs. Kramer, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," and "The Apartment."

Of course there are no new movies in that group. That's because I never go to movies (or rent) and to be honest, there haven't been too many modern movies I've wanted to see.

Moreover, the last time I made an effort to see movies recommended to me, I hated them.

"Braveheart" was sheer torture to sit through (I guess I don't like Mel Gibson). And "Lawrence of Arabia" wasn't much better (though Peter O'Toole was quite handsome to look at). Both of these films should have told me that the person recommending them and myself didn't really have too much in common.

One of my biggest complaints about newer movies is that, unless one is seeing some deliberate slap stick comedy, most modern dramas are so heavy, morose and pondering in their "drama," one feels leaden after watching them. There is little (if anything) in the way of lightness or diversion to offset the serious themes or messages of the movies.

An example of that is the Oscar winner of this past year, "Atonement."

Set against the background of WW2, this story of ill fated love due to the repercussions of injurious lie by another, is beautiful and well acted, but crushingly heavy.

There is nothing of lightness, music, nuance or charm to add depth to either the characters or the story. The message (consequences of lies, even when unintended, being ultimately more injurious to the teller, than the victims) is driven home with a sledgehammer, rather than some subtle moment of recognition or experience in the main character's life.

Contrast that to most of the movies cited above which blend humorous, light or tender moments into their otherwise serious themes. Such is more "real life" to me.

"Road to Perdition" for example, depicts the life of a small time gangster of the 1920's seeking retribution against those responsible for the gangland hits on his wife and daughter. The movie is unquestionably violent. However, the tender and deep relationship between Father and young son, in addition to the exquisite, haunting music and scenery of the film offsets the otherwise violent, vindictive theme. Tom Hanks was brilliant in this film, displaying amazing, but subtle depth and complexity of character. I personally think it's his greatest role.

Speaking of the contrasts, tragedies and complexities of real life, after "Moulin Rouge" completed, I tuned in to watch the finish of the Kentucky Derby.

The favorite, "Big Brown" was crossing the finish line with the filly, "Eight Bells" a few lengths behind.

The crowd was cheering and the winning owners and trainer, hugging each other in ecstasy!

But, then the cameras switched to show a downed horse on the track.

"Eight Bells" had collapsed shortly after completing the race in second place.

She apparently broke two ankles and was "euthanized" on the spot.

Talk about feeling "leaden." I personally felt like a 2000 LB weight suddenly descended on my shoulders.

How God, God, awful!

Now, how could the crowd continuing cheering and how could trophy's be given in the light of such unspeakable (and to my mind, preventable) tragedy?

Once the numbness and shock settled in me, it was enhanced by anger.

I immediately called, NBC to voice strong complaint about the superficial and callous "coverage" of this horror.

Would sports announcers and the network have been so dismissive had the tragic, ill fated, young, filly actually won the Derby?

Eight Bells only "lost" by 5 lengths.

But, the real "losers" here should be the racing industry itself.

Just two years ago, Derby winner, "Barbaros" later broke down in the Belmont and though attempts were made to save him, he too, eventually had to be "euthanized."

Maybe its past time that a movie was produced exposing many of the abuses in the horse racing industry.

And sure it could show those who "love" the horses and maybe it could show some light, tender or exciting moments.

But, there is ultimately drama, tragedy and deep exploitation under that so-called, glorified "run for the roses."

What happened on Saturday should never, ever happen again.

The unjustifiable and prematuredeaths of these horses (and so many others) should not be in vain.

Demand change! --PCA

********

Bittersweet "Problems"

Sat, 03 May 2008 15:06:37 GMT

(Picture Above: Molly --"Unwanted" one day, wanted, the next -- by more than one)

In this world of constant animal abandonment and the supposed need to kill millions of pets in shelters every year because homes don't exist for them, it is both ironic and frustrating to occasionally run into those situations where two parties want the same dog (or cat).

A few weeks back, we rescued a small and particularly delightful Chihuahua/Pug mix named, "Molly" (pictured above). Molly ended up in the pound after someone abandoned her at a police station claiming that they found her as a "stray." Police then brought Molly to the shelter.

Molly went to one of our foster homes, where reports back on her were nothing but positive.

Molly's foster person, Florence informed me that Molly was totally housebroken, very gentle and affectionate and extremely "easy" and well behaved.

Both Florence and I wondered how anyone could have abandoned such a sweet and trusting dog? We speculated that something might have happened to the owner (illness or death) and that someone else, relative or neighbor dumped Molly as the police station. Molly wasn't the kind of dog who would "run away" from her person and thus become a "stray."

Almost as soon as she was advertised for adoption, I began getting adoption inquiries on Molly.

Most were flaky.

One woman, in fact, rudely hung up on me when I simply asked of her experience with dogs.

"Can you tell me of your experience with dogs?" CLICK!

Hm, the woman must have murdered her last dog and didn't want to talk about it.

Another woman told me she was seeking a little dog who was "paper trained" because she didn't like the idea of having to walk a dog -- especially in cold or hot weather.

"Ma'am if you want an animal you don't have to walk, please get a cat," I advised. "There isn't a dog alive who doesn't look forward to going out for walks. Walks are the highlights of their lives. Walks are what dogs live for."

At least two people actually went to meet Molly. But, one woman complained that Molly "walked funny." And the other one was indecisive. "I am not sure and need to think about it."

I told Florence that one of the frustrating things when dealing with small dogs is that many of the people who want them are perfectionists who seem to regard animals as cute little objects rather than animals.

"It's not like fostering Chows," I added. (Florence's previous foster was a Chow who was adopted to wonderful people from New Hampshire.) "Chow lovers are animal lovers. Small dog people are just small dog people. -- One even suspects some of them of being small minded."

Perhaps because she wasn't enjoying the adoption inquiries being forwarded to her (or some of the things I said about them) or because she was simply getting very personally attached to Molly, Florence began to toy with the idea of adopting Molly herself.

Florence called last week to discuss the possibility with me.

The problem was that Florence has to travel a great deal for her job. Who would mind Molly when Florence had to leave on a regular basis for days at a time?

I told Florence that most dog boarding or pet services were expensive. Boarding too, can be emotionally hard on some dogs as it usually involves keeping the dogs in cages. I didn't say "yes" or "no" to the possibility of Florence adopting Molly. (She represented a very responsible and loving home for a dog.) This was a decision she had to make for herself depending on her resources and options.

For the time being however, Molly was still up for adoption.

This past week, we received a very good inquiry on Molly. A middle aged couple from Pennsylvania who recently lost a very loved, senior Chihuahua mix after a long bout with chronic illness and debilitation. Keith and Kathy had seen their elderly pet through kidney disease and crippling arthritis. In her last months, they had carried the little dog everywhere with them and were devastated by her eventual loss.

The conversation with Keith, the husband was particularly pleasant, right down to the political happenings of the day.

"By the way, " I said, "I really like how your state voted in the primary last week!"

"Oh, yeah," Keith replied. "My wife and I were big Hillary supporters. She has the experience, you know. This guy, Obama? What's really known about him? Not even one term in the Senate!"

"Exactly my thoughts," I concurred. "Seems he started running for President one hour after he hit the Congress. I'm surprised the media doesn't make more of that."

I really liked Keith and his wife and highly recommended them to Florence.

For her part, Florence also liked the couple. Keith and his wife made an appointment with us to come in today and most likely adopt Molly.

But, on Thursday evening, Florence called to inform me that she couldn't part with Molly and wanted to adopt the little Chihuahua mix herself.

Florence had been able to secure pet sitting arrangements during times of travel with a close and reliable friend who has actually done pet sitting in the past.

Of course this meant having to call the people who had their heart set on Molly and cancel the adoption appointment. -- Something I didn't look forward to doing.

I decided to call Keith and Kathy last night around 8PM, when they were both likely to be home.

But, Keith called me around 7:30 last night to confirm today's appointment.

It was hard to break the news to him that Molly was being adopted by his foster person.

Like most rescue organizations, we have the policy that foster people have first option to adopt when they choose to do so.

The couple was obviously very disappointed, but gracious. I tried to interest them in other dogs and even offered to seek a similar dog to Molly for them.

But, its always hard to interest people in other animals when their heart is already set on one.

It was not an easy conversation.

I'm still hoping to perhaps find another dog (like Molly) for Keith and his wife, the next time I go to the shelter.

One really hates to lose good homes like these knowing there are so many dogs out there who need them.

Its just such a strange irony -- and frustrating -- when running into those situations when two good parties want the same animal.

That should be our problem every day, shouldn't it? -- PCA

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Pass the Eggrolls!

Fri, 02 May 2008 17:31:12 GMT

(Picture Above: Sheba and her dedicated foster person, Carrie)

"You gave her an eggroll? Are you kidding?"

"No, no. Honestly! She loved it. She ate the whole thing!"

The above conversation took place between Carrie, one of our wonderful dog foster people and me about two weeks ago, shortly after Carrie took in Sheba, a very friendly, but emaciated Belgian Shepherd rescued from the Brooklyn shelter.

Sheba came out of the shelter quite sick with a bad Kennel Cough. Additionally, she was very underweight from apparently not being fed properly in a former home.

Carrie had called me the previous day with concern, when first getting Sheba.

"Gee, Patty, this dog is so skinny and so weak! She could barely climb the two flights of stairs in my building. I offered her several types of dog food, but she's not eating anything. What should I do?"

"Well, she probably can't smell anything with the Kennel Cough," I replied, trying to hide my worry. "Try offering her some human food. Cheese, eggs, meat. Anything, really. You know its possible too, Sheba was fed table scraps in the former home. A lot of times dogs used to table food, won't touch dog food."

"Well, I'm willing to try anything," Carrie said. "She's so emaciated, she's scary looking. But, she's a really sweet dog. She gives tons of kisses and is good with my two cats. She's housebroken, too."

"Well, let me know how its going," I advised Carrie. "If you can't get Sheba to eat anything, we will have to send her to our vet."

The next day Carrie called to tell me the good news. -- That is, if hearing that a dog is wolfing down egg rolls is good news.

But, it wasn't just the egg roll. Carrie was also feeding Sheba, chicken and other tidbits. The dog was finally and thankfully eating!

A few days later, Sheba began eating dog food. She quickly gained weight and strength. In fact, in two short weeks, Sheba went from 48 lbs to just over 60lbs!

Yesterday, Sheba was adopted by a very caring young woman who grew up with a similar type of Shepherd dog in Ohio.

"Bonnie" lives near a park in Brooklyn, has a flexible work schedule, two cats and has desires for a dog she can run with.

Sheba is a youngish Shepherd (about 2 to 3 years-old) who will need plenty of exercise and stimulus.

I suggested to Bonnie that Sheba might make a great Frisbee dog with the dog's love for toys and ability to jump.

In fact, Sheba impressed me as the kind of dog who would do great on a farm or agility trials. She has beautiful confirmation, a fabulous temperament and desires to learn.

. Meanwhile, Carrie, (Sheba's dedicated foster person) is preparing to take in another dog.

Hopefully, they have sent Zoe (a Collie/Chow mix) into Manhattan from the Brooklyn shelter.

Fosters barely have time to exhale between new rescues -- and making sure to have enough eggrolls on hand! -- PCA