The Great Dog Bailout 2009

First, let me say, "the recession sucks!" It isn’t just affecting people – the animals are feeling it too.
As humans lower their spending, they also cut back on charitable contributions. Without the help of private
donations, shelters and rescue organizations are faced with the possibility of having to stop taking in needy
animals because they simply can’t afford one more little mouth to feed.

As a former shelter dog, I don’t like the thought of that! That’s why my friends and I have developed
the Shelter Dog Bailout Plan. Our goal is to sell 1 million tote bags! It sounds like a lot, but that’s only
20,000 per state (there are over 1 million people in my home town of Dallas alone).

We have 3 designs to choose from and 20% of the profits will go directly to animal welfare organizations --
just think how many good things could be done with that money!

Take a minute, check out the website, and help lend a paw to those in need.

Thanks, Bella

The Legends and Puppies Tour of 2008

Texas Legends Kinky Friedman and Steven Fromholz Touring For Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch.

The super-successful Legends And Puppies Tour of 2008, with former gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman and Texas Poet Laureate Steven Fromholz, is back on the road once again, and it's coming to a city or town nearby! As always, it's for the benefit of the Kinkster’s favorite cause, the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch, a 501(c)3 organization that rescues abandoned and/or abused dogs, nurtures them and places them with loving families.

Nearly every stop on the tour so far has been sold out, with several second shows added in the hottest markets. Every show includes a live auction with a guitar signed by longtime Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch supporter and Big Dog, Willie Nelson, as well as other terrific items from Kinky's private memorabilia collection.

Named Texas Poet Laureate in April, 2007, Steven Fromholz is a unique Texan, who has had his songs recorded by Hoyt Axton, John Denver, Lyle Lovett, Michael Martin Murphy, Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker and dozens of others. Four years after suffering a near-fatal stroke, he's singing and playing better than ever, and he's recently written and published a book, 'Texas Trilogy' (Esteban Publishing). Fromholz describes his music as: "free-form, country-folk rock, science fiction, gospel gum, bluegrass opera, cowjazz music." Steven Fromholz is once again a huge presence on stage.

Also no surprise, however, is Kinky’s commitment to all the lost puppies of the world, and Steven Fromholz will be there to help. And in the end, Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch will save more puppies. YAY LEGENDS! YAY PUPPIES!

The dates and outlets for tickets (prices vary from city to city):
THE DATES:
4/25 The Big Easy http://www.thebigeasynightclub.com/ $50.00 8:00PM 2411 Mechanic Street, Galveston 409-762-7900

5/2 The Auslander http://www.theauslander.com/ $35-$50 7:30PM 323 Main Street, Fredericksburg 830-997-7714

5/3 Silver Spur Theatre http://www.saladosilverspur.com/ $50 7:30PM 108 Royal Street, Salado 254-947-3456

5/4 Uptown Marble Theater http://www.uptownmarble.com/ $35-$45 4:00PM 218 Main Street, Marble Falls 830-693-9996

Press and info: Cleve Hattersley 512-873-8925 cleveandmary@austin.rr.com

Strut Your Mutt 2008

Mark you calendars -- this year's Strut Your Mutt is February 23, 2008.

Last year, thousands of animal lovers came out in support of the homeless and abused animals that are cared for at the SPCA and raised more than $115,000. In addition to the 3k walk/fun run, there will be plenty of family-fun events for you to enjoy. So, whether you are a walker, a runner or just want to hang out at the finish line, join me in celebrating our common compassion for animals.

Click this link to get all the info: SPCA website

New laws to protect animals go in effect September 1

It was a great year for animals in the Texas legislature

Passed Legislation

Animal Cruelty: The House “concurred” with the Senate version of the animal cruelty bill (HB 2328, sponsored by State Rep. Beverly Woolley and State Sen. John Whitmire). Effective this September 1st, for the first time in Texas history, it will be a crime to:

• commit acts of cruelty to stray and feral dogs and cats
• “recklessly” commit cruelty to an animal (prosecutors will no longer have to prove that a person intended to commit cruelty)
• kill or cause serious bodily injury to animals “in a cruel manner”—which is defined as “a manner that causes or permits unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering” (it will no longer be necessary to prove “torture”)
• fail to provide water to an animal in a person’s custody

A prosecutor must still prove “torture” in cases involving cruelty to “livestock animals” (horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, etc.). However, “torture” is defined as “any act that causes unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering.” This is the identical protection that was given to non-livestock animals! So, for the most part, the livestock vs. non-livestock protections are a distinction without a difference. This is a huge victory for horses. And, yes, horse tripping is still a crime.

Anti-Tethering: HB 1411, sponsored by State Rep. Buddy West, prohibits an owner from tethering a dog outside between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am and during extreme weather conditions. This bill is on its way to the governor’s desk.

Dog Fighting: HB 916, sponsored by State Rep. Jose Menendez and State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, increases the penalty for dog fighting from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony and increases the punishment for attending a dog fighting exhibition from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.

Training and Certification of Animal Control Officers: SB 1562, sponsored by State Sen. "Chuy" Hinojosa and State Rep. Phil King, provides for training and certification of animal control officers. This bill also increased the penalty for killing or seriously injuring a police service animal from a third degree felony to a second degree felony. This bill is on its way to the governor’s desk.

Natural Disasters and Pets: HB 88, sponsored by State Rep. Dan Branch, requires that companion animals and service animals be included in evacuation plans in the event of natural disasters.

Cat's Meow Spay/Neuter Special

SPCA of Texas offers discounted spay/neuter surgeries for cats

WHAT: The SPCA of Texas continues its ongoing campaign to stop pet overpopulation by offering spay/neuter services for cats at discounted prices the week of July 9-13 at the Dallas and McKinney clinics and July 10-14 at the Village Fair clinic. The spay/neuter special offers $20 spay and neuter surgeries for cats by appointment only.

As always, proof of vaccinations is required: For cats, rabies & FVRCP. Should your pet need vaccinations, each shot is $17.

WHY: If left intact, a companion animal can produce an unlimited number of offspring in his or her lifetime. Sadly, American shelters euthanize more than five million homeless dogs and cats every year, at a cost to taxpayers of more than $1 billion annually. Spaying and neutering lessens the chances of a pet developing cancer, reduces roaming tendencies and decreases the pet’s urge to mark its territory.

WHEN: Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13 (Dallas, McKinney)Tuesday, July 10 through Saturday, July 14 (Village Fair)Cats must be in carriers.

WHERE: SPCA Martin Clinic, 362 S. Industrial Blvd., Dallas SPCA Village Fair Clinic, 4830 Village Fair Dr., DallasSPCA Perry Clinic, 8411 FM 720 (near Custer Road), McKinney
To schedule an appointment at any of the three clinics, call 214-742-SPCA (7722).

COST: $20 for neutering males or for spaying females. Vaccinations are $17 per each Rabies and combination shots for cats (Rhinotracheitis-Calici-Panleukopenia).

Neuter Scooter II

SPCA of Texas Clinics Offers Cat Neuter Special June 12

WHAT: In an aggressive effort to curb pet overpopulation, the SPCA of Texas Village Fair spay/neuter clinic will be hosting “Neuter Scooter for a Nickel” for the second time this year. Held in conjunction with Spay Day USA, the SPCA invites cat owners to take advantage of this opportunity to have their male cats fixed for just five cents.

WHEN/WHERE: All three of the SPCA of Texas' clinics will neuter male cats for just a nickel on June 12. Cat owners must make an appointment and bring proof of vaccinations or vaccines (rabies and FVRCP) will be administered at an additional charge on the day of the appointment. All cats must be in carriers; no feral cats, please.
Appointments are required. To make an appointment at any of the three clinics listed below, call 214.742.SPCA(7722).

*Village Fair Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, 4830 Village Fair Dr., Dallas, TX 75224
*Martin Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, 362 S. Industrial Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207
*Perry Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, 8411 Stacy Road, McKinney, TX 75070

Cat drop-offs at 7:30 a.m.; pick up at 3 p.m.

WHY: Spaying and neutering results in the prevention of millions of unwanted births. Neutering also reduces a cat's chances of developing testicular cancer, diminishes roaming tendencies and decreases the urge to mark territory by spraying. If left intact, two unaltered cats can produce more than 80 million cats over a 10-year period, and one male cat can sire an unlimited number of kittens in his lifetime.

June is adodpt a shelter cat month!

I really like cats! I'm not sure why... but I do. I think every dog should have several feline friends. June is adopt a shelter cat month -- if you don't already have a cat, why not go out this weekend and adopt one that needs a home!