Adoptable Mutt of the Month: Alfred

Okay, so not everyone knows this, but Alfred is actually a name reserved only for the most well-behaved, polite and HANDSOME dogs out there. So, just the fact that we’ve now named a dog Alfred should get some folks off their bums pretty fast! Alfred is a border collie / lab mix who is utterly lovable. Alfred is around five to seven years old, and though he’s a very big boy, he’s extremely gentle, friendly and affectionate. He’s also very laid-back and just seems totally at home in his own skin, with a sort of ‘that’ll do’ attitude that’s just infectious. Because he appears to be house-trained and walks so well on a leash, we think Alfred has definitely lived in a home before, and at some point along the way, he got neutered too! All this guy is waiting for now is someone worthy enough to take him home. It won’t be easy living up to the standards we think Alfred deserves, but if you ask him, he’ll tell you ‘that’ll do’ just fine!

Gaining Ground Against Breed-Banning

Score! Last week, opponents of breed-ban legislation achieved a significant victory in Denver, Colorado. Backed by the AKC, three individual pet-owners took their case to the United States High Court of Appeals for the 10th circuit, where they argued against the constitutionality of Denver's pit-bull-ban. The city-limit ordinance, first instituted in 2005, outlaws "ownership or possession of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier." What's most outrageous to breed-ban opponents, though, is the standing bill's inclusion of any dogs who appear to display a "majority of physical traits of one or more of these breeds." (Read a summary of the events here.)
The recent ruling overrides a 2007 dismissal of the same suit, which means the plaintiffs can proceed with their case against the city of Denver, and continue their plight to overturn the breed ban - which is responsible for the deaths of at least 1,000 dogs since 2005.
While this is great news for those of us standing against breed-specific legislation, what we here at Table Scraps find even more inspiring is the AKC's involvement in the case. When one works or volunteers regularly in rescue, the importance of breed-specific regulations and standards falls to the way-way-wayside, and it becomes all-too-easy to disregard the importance of organizations like the AKC. But this is an excellent and extremely note-worthy example of the potential for partnership amongst groups who share a solid ideological foundation despite wildly disparate missions. Just think of the difference we might make by applying that type of mentality to the work of animal protection in general. Here here, to putting aside lesser grievances for the sake of a far more important cause.

Morsels of Goodness: Earl

When we first met Earl, he was an incredibly sad little soul, picked up as a stray near the local Costco and taken direclty to the pound. No one ever came to rescue him, though, and Earl was just beside himself with fright - pacing back and forth in his kennel constantly. The animal control officers at the pound were worried about the old guy, so they called on United Animal Friends to help. UAF volunteers then called on someone just perfect for Earl . . . and the rest is history!

Earl's mom Susan gave UAF a recent update on this very special old soul . . . "I thought you would like to see the "new Earl" . . . as you can see he is just a part of the gang. He is getting very pretty with the brushing. And yes, I know he is spoiled but he deserves it! This is just another wonderful example of the great work that you all do at UAF . . . thank you for letting me be a part of it."

Adoptable Mutt of the Month!

BRISTOL

Like all Pointers, Bristol knows exactly what she's after ... the scent! With a wonderful disposition, this two or three year old Pointer is a real sweetheart! She's about the size of a beagle - rather small for a Pointer - but everything else about her leaves little doubt what breed she is. Bristol came in with her pal Bijou, who has already been adopted. This gal needs a home where she can get plenty of exercise and stimulation; Pointers are incredibly athletic, smart dogs, so this girl wants to put those taut muscles to work! But just give her a chance, and she'll sniff her way right into your heart!

And The Table Scrap Goes To . . .

Allie Werhan! Many of you know Allie as UAF's kitty angel! In the past month alone, Allie has found fosters or homes for 48 cats and kitties! That's a lot of feline success! Allie works the UAF Cat Adoptions at Petco every Sunday from 11AM to 3PM, along with fellow volunteers Linda and Kathy.

Allie explains her motivations: "I started with UAF by adopting a cat , moved on to scooping up a batch of kittens in front of Safeway that were being mistreated by some little kids, signed up to work the dog hotlines, worked

my way up to the cat hotlines and before I knew it, I was up to my UAF logo in alligators. I am a failed foster, having kept several of the kittens I have fostered. The kittens are the part I love best about my UAF life, then the friends I have made."

A Reformed Man?

As some of you may know, Michael Vick was released from federal prison yesterday, May 20th, after having served 19 months for operating an illegal dog-fighting ring and committing a slew of utterly heinous, unspeakable acts of cruelty to dogs. And now that he's out, it's certainly no surprise that he's claiming himself a reformed man. What does come as a surprise, however, is the fact that Vick has managed to align himself with the Humane Society of the United States, purportedly in an effort to educate the public about the horrendous - and illegal - nature of dogfighting.

So, can we really be expected to believe that Vick is a changed person? An L.A. Times journalist who wrote a feature on the news event posed the question well: "Is Vick, who not only financed a dogfighting ring but also reportedly "enjoyed placing family pets in the ring with fighting pit bulls and ... laughed as dogs ripped each other apart," really reformed? Is his desire to help the Humane Society simply a public relations move designed to get him reinstated in the NFL? "

And on another note, is this a wise move for the Humane Society? Interestingly, PETA entertained the notion of working with Vick in an anti-dog-fighting campaign before his release, but ultimately 'rescinded the offer.' And a blogger for PETA is now calling for a psychiatric exam to be taken by Vick before he starts this publicity crusade - to ensure he really does believe that dog-fighting is cruel and, importantly, morally wrong.

Certainly, the subject of second chances is one we frequently encounter in the rescue field. But does Vick deserve a second chance? And is Vick taking advantage of the Humane Society to mend his tarnished reputation, or is the Humane Society using Vick to push a more important message? Sadly, as always seems to be the case, the only real victims are the dogs - those rescued from Vick's infamous compound and those that didn't live long enough to see that day of reckoning arrive. The entire partnership, though, is an interesting precedent nonetheless, so what do you think?

Woof Down Lunch

Today's Woof Down Lunch on the Courthouse square was a great success! Good money was raised for rescue; plenty of folks strolled through the area with their animals, and a lot of great vendors lended their support.

Here's a photo snippet of some of the day's fun:

To the upper left, some of the beautiful bowls event-goers went home with. To the upper right, CVAC's Arby showcases some serious talent.

Below left, UAF / PAC dog Olive with her new mom - attending the event after her first week at home! Below center, one of Hannah's (the BMD / Aussie mix) puppies - Mike - with his new forever family (a family who drove from CA to adopt him). And below right, a truly happy ending. Luke, formerly known as Chevy - the Prescott Animal Control dog who came in with an enormous tumor on his leg - with his new forever mom Hannah. And tumor free, at last!

All in all, a great day full of sweaty, giddy volunteers and vendors totally excited to share with the animal-loving public how great canine - and feline (there was that cat in the stroller!) - companionship truly is.