Hooray for Hollywood benefit

Hope you can attend this event to benefit both the Friends of Broward Homeless and Friends of Broward County Animal Car and Adoption:

https://www.facebook.com/events/443579422445067/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

We’re Baack!!!

We just switched to mailchimp – and can once again send out occasional e-mail updates.

The next big thing for us is the annual adoption fair – 4th Annual Animal Adoption Fair, http://www.animaladoptionfair.com, 8/24 at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale.

This is a fully charitable event, with free booths for the first 50 rescues, shelters and animal non-profits, with free admission and parking. Part of the way we fund the event is through a silent auction that will be out on E-Bay soon. Look for more information in the next blog post / installment of the new e-newsletter.

New Wording Makes an Old Song PC

12/28/2013 at Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, FL                 
Get your tickets now for American iDogs’ Bark to the Future from us, which give us a small donation and gets you into the fun doggie event of the year.  Go to http://tinyurl.com/BarkToTheFutureTix to get your tickets!  This is the fun doggie event of the year.  This is like American Idol, but for dogs.  The event is hosted by hosted by Service Dogs 4 Servicemen.  2 Great 75min. shows, Pet Adoption Day, Pet Expo & Much, Much More!

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Rewording an Old Song to Make it PC (Politically Correct) 

Back in the 50s, Patti Page wrote and sang a very popular children’s song, “How Much is That  Doggie in the Window.”  In her later years she retracted that wording. 

                           

Here is the official rewrite of the song by a very contrite Patti Page: 

Patti Page dedicates song to homeless dogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHMdlpzK-4A 

Vicki Ryder created a different set of new lyrics to that melody for a puppy mill protest by the Ragin’ Grannies in Delray Beach on November 30th, 2013:  

Don’t Buy a Puppy Mill Puppy
(Tune: “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?”)
Lyrics © by Vicki Ryder 

How much is that doggie in the window?
And why is he wagging his tail?
He was born in a nasty old puppy mill
Whose owner should now be in jail.

They’re taken too soon from their mothers
And put on display in a cage;
They’re inbred and prone to diseases,
And that makes these old Grannies rage! 

Puppy mills all should be outlawed
When so many stray dogs need homes.
Adopt from your animal shelter,
But leave puppy mill puppies alone. 

Don’t buy a dog bred in a puppy mill;
Just visit your SPCA,
And rescue a sweet needy puppy.
Let’s shut down those puppy mills today!

Pets and Treating ESRD (end stage renal disease)

This is a subject I personally know a lot about.  Several months ago, my husband Morton was diagnosed with the final stages of kidney disease, which requires either dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.  After seeing an article in the Miami Herald (http://tinyurl.com/d6b4sf2 ) where a kidney patient complained about someone else’s dog at his condo, I was initially a little concerned about our two rescues kitties that we have had with us for over 10 years.  The complainant in the article said he was told that “avoiding fur is a medical imperative.”  Our cats, who provide a lot of emotional comfort for both of us, spend at least part of the night sleeping in bed with us.

Not wanting to have to get rid of our beloved older cats, we discussed the situation with my husband’s nephrologist (kidney specialist).  Avoiding fur is probably best, but with proper precautions, we have been able to do peritoneal dialysis at home and not have any problems with infection.  We have to make sure that when the connection to my husband’s catheter is open (to either connect or disconnect during dialysis)  – or when the opening where the catheter enters his body is uncovered –  that we keep absolute sanitary conditions.  No A/C, no fans and no cats in the room.  When the cats are in the bedroom, the catheter is covered with a clean cotton undershirt.

Bottom line:  it really is possible to keep your own animals with end stage kidney disease.  Just like the allergy excuse (see http://www.petsincondos.org/allergies.html), the “kidney disease excuse” is an  attempt by people on the other side of the “pets in condos” issue to overplay a potential health risk of allowing pets.    If you live in a condo, though, you should make sure that your animals do not invade someone else’s space.  The man interviewed in the article worried about dogs coming up to sniff him in the elevator.  There is no need to let your animal go near someone who does not want contact with your dog or cat.

Stuff We Like

Poll Shows How Much People Love Their Pets:

Go to http://tinyurl.com/mgw3avz.  See detailed study results at http://tinyurl.com/lkbkqwu (need .pdf reader).

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Quote on our petition site (http://tinyurl.com/allowpetspetition): 

It is hard enough for people who find they must downsize by renting or buying a condo. For cat or dog owners whose babies are part of their family, it is devastating to have to give up their pets. So many times, this contributes towards deep depression, which can add to deterioration of the person’s health. Please, please, allow people to bring their pets!

If you have not already signed out petition please go to the following link and sign it online.  If you have already signed, please ask more people to sign it at http://tinyurl.com/allowpetspetition .

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A quote from The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them* (http://tinyurl.com/p54lyhr), by Wayne Pacelle, head of the Humane Society of the United States (http://www.humanesociety.org/)

“There are roughly 171 million dogs and cats in America’s homes – almost three times as many as in the mid-1970’s.  Then there are the millions of rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, fish, and birds.  A census that took note of animals would probably turn up more pets than people in the United States.

“Something in the human heart seems to crave their company, and a lot of pet owners will tell you that their lives and family wouldn’t seem quite the same without the nearness of a animal.”

*See more reading suggestions at http://www.petsincondos.org/reading.htm.

August 2013 e-newsletter

Early Reporting on the Omega Dog 3rd annual Animal Adoption Fair

Jayce Birch at WPLG, local channel 10 in Miami visited the Animal Adoption Fair <http://www.animaladoptionfair.com>  last Sunday.  The TV station posted pictures of the event –
<http://www.local10.com/news/photos-jacey-birch-visits-animal-adoption-fair/-/1717324/21643136/-/tvgu51/-/index.html >.  At least 7,000 people attended our event.  We are getting some early reports from participants:

“I had a lot of fun at the animal adoption and it amazed me how many animal organizations are out there to help animals; lots of love for our four-legged friends!”  — Lori

We adopted 7 dogs yesterday plus 5 meet and greets are set up for dogs that were not at the event!  GREAT DAY…GREAT EVENT!!!  – 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida

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Another Success Story

Robin White posted on our Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/groups/98982263470/>:

“I am so happy today. My lawyer Marcy LaHart, esq. has told me that my condo board here in Pompano Beach has finally decided to grant me an accommodation for my therapy dog Tyson. It has been a fight for over a year. Anybody having problems such as these, contact Marcy at (352) 224-5699. She specializes in animal law. You can also write her at 4804 SW 45th St., Gainesville, FL 32608.

“To celebrate my victory, I want to invite anyone who wants a pet portrait during the month of September  to message me and I will donate 100% of the proceeds to Citizens for Pets in Condos Inc. So, you will not only be getting a beautiful painting of your best friend, but also be helping a good cause at the same time.”

Help us continue to help people like Robin.  View her web page <http://www.robinwhiteart.com>  and  contact her at robin@robinwhiteart.com or (954) 817-9471 to arrange a professional portrait of your pet(s).

We report success stories here – <http://www.petsincondos.org/Successes.htm>

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We Get Letters

In response to our article about Peter, who became homeless because of dirty dealing  by a condo board, BSO Deputy Angelo Portoro, on our advisory board <http://www.petsincondos.org/about.html>  responded:

“That is just really rotten that some good soul has become homeless because of his love and loyalty for his partner/family pet.”

A month has gone by and Peter is still homeless, but has a line on a new place to live where he can keep his dog.   If you did not see the story last month:  Citizens for Pets in Condos helped Peter file a fair housing complaint with Broward County Human Rights Division because he was denied a reasonable accommodation to have his assistance animal.  In response, the association board pushed the unit owners to lie and say they needed the apartment for a relative and then they advertised an apartment for rent.

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Stuff We Like

New article on our health benefits page <http://www.petsincondos.org/benefits.htm>:

Dogs Are Natural Stimuli That Help Normalize Brain Chemistry.  (ADHD, PTSD, depression) – http://tinyurl.com/kx8w39w
……….
New entry on our news page <http://www.petsincondos.org/news.htm>:

Broward sues condo over alleged discrimination against woman, 90, and her service dog – <http://tinyurl.com/n443fe9> [NOTE: This is what HUD pays local Fair Housing Assistance Partner agencies like Broward County Human Rights Section to do.  Too bad they could not act fast enough in Peter’s case – see above.]  Read more about FHAPs here –  <http://www.petsincondos.org/freelegal.htm>
………..

Clint Cora’s YouTube video on why you shouldn’t leave your dog in a car in the summertime – <http://tinyurl.com/l56yvau>

Read about and donate to help rescued abused bait/breeding dog used in a dog fighting ring –  <http://friendsofbrowardanimalcareandadoption.com/lauderdale-manor-bait-dogs.html>

Please email Roz at rozmail@earthlink.net if you would like to be a part of the Volunteer/Caregiver Network for TNR in Broward County, FL.

August 2013 e-newsletter

We Get Letters

In response to our article about Peter, who became homeless because of dirty dealing by a condo board, BSO Deputry Angelo Portoro, on our advisory board responded:

“That is just really rotten that some good soul has become homeless because of his love and loyalty for his partner/family pet.”

Peter has just found a place to live. If he has any issues at the new place, our legal advisors will follow up to help out. (At his last place, in an effort to get around a fair housing complaint that he was denied a reasonable accommodation to have his assistance animal, the board pushed the unit owners to lie and say they needed the apartment for a relative and then they advertised an apartment for rent.)
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Stuff We Like

New article on our health benefits page :

Dogs Are Natural Stimuli That Help Normalize Brain Chemistry. (ADHD, PTSD, depression) – http://tinyurl.com/kx8w39w
……….
New entry on our news page :

Broward sues condo over alleged discrimination against woman, 90, and her service dog – [NOTE: This is what HUD pays local Fair Housing Assistance Partner agencies like Broward County Human Rights Section to do. Too bad they could not act fast enough in Peter’s case – see above.] Read more about FHAPs here  – http://www.petsincondos.org/freelegal.htm

Invitation 8/25 in Fort Lauderdale

Omega Dog 3rd annual Animal Adoption Fair
at the War memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale
8/25/2013, 10 AM – 6 PM
free admission and parking

How do we pay for this and the free booths for over fifty rescues, shelters and other animal charities?  With sponsors and the silent auction.  Pre-bidding for the auction starts NOW.  Please go to http://www.icollector.com/auction.aspx?as=28345  to bid on some great items, including vacations and celebrity memorabilia.

FB event:  http://www.facebook.com/events/501499629909386/

http://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdoptionFair?fref=ts#!/AnimalAdoptionFair?fref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/events/501499629909386/

http://www.animaladoptionfair.com

It’s Good to be a Beagle AAF – http://youtu.be/uFPpDHHUdw8

PSA – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-By538D8CI8

July 2013 e-newsletter

Pete’s Sad Story

Peter C. is a retired dog trainer with disabling back problems and other physical ailments along with all  the accompanying emotional issues.  Citizens for Pets in Condos assisted him in filing a case with Broward County Human Rights Division for failure of the condo board where he was living to provide him with a reasonable accommodation of his emotional support animal.  Peter also trained his dog Maya to assist him by picking things up from the ground for him, eg. if he drops his keys.

Fair housing law does not discriminate by dog size or breed, but the condo board evidently does.  Pete’s dog Maya is a well-disciplined, nice dog that his close neighbors loved – but she is a Doberman Pinscher.
The condo board forced him out of his apartment claiming that the section 8 unit was needed by the mother of the unit owner.  Then they placed ads in the newspapers advertising the unit for rent.  Members of our advisory board are looking into ways to help him.

Pete’s dog is in temporary foster care and Pete has joined the ranks of the homeless.  He refuses to move to a place where he cannot keep his dog.  If you know of an affordable place where Pete and Maya can find a new home (preferably in Broward county, Florida), please contact us at info@petsincondos.org (subject line Pete and Maya).

Pet News and Views

New on the Citizens for Pets in Condos Web Page

1) news section ( http://tinyurl.com/74du3wy ):

Citizens FOR Pets in Condos placed an item in the Tamarac, FL 50th anniversary time capsule.  To see what we placed in the time capsule, go to http://tinyurl.com/l9bkaho (needs PDF reader)

2) links section ( http://tinyurl.com/lz9cjzf  ):

Beat the Heat:  Summer Pet Safety – http://tinyurl.com/SummerPetSafety
(source: Susan Lowe’s daughter Mary)

Pet Auto Safety, guest article by pet blogger Kathyrn Jacobs
http://tinyurl.com/PetAutoSafety

3) pet loss section ( http://www.petsincondos.org/petloss.htm), in memoriam link:

Tribute to M. Butterflies Katz’s dog Kisses,  “35 Reasons Why I Was in Love with a Dog” – http://tinyurl.com/mnyq8xx

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Controversy over Funding No-Kill in Miami, FL

Last year voters in Miami-Dade County voted for a NON-BINDING resolution to increase taxes to fund improvements at animal services to move towards a NO KILL shelter. Mayor Gimenez disappointed all pet-lovers in Miami-Dade County by not including a small tax (amounting to about $20 a year) that could potentially turn Miami’s high kill shelter into a No Kill one.

Read and comment at http://tinyurl.com/m2cgrkd and http://tinyurl.com/ldsd3s6 .  You can also contact the mayor directly at mailto:mayor@miamidade.org

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Controversy over Saving Community (Feral) Cats in Pompano Beach, FL

Pompano Beach, FL Reviewing Feral Cat Policies as Animal Advocates Urge Neuter and Release – http://tinyurl.com/m5q4ddt

Why does Citizens for Pets in Condos care?  Because we suspect that a contributing factor to the issue of too many “community” cats is people abandoning cats when hard economic times force them out of their homes and they cannot find affordable places to relocate where they are allowed to bring their animals.

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What To Do If You See A Yellow Ribbon on a Dog’s Leash

The Yellow Dog Project, a global movement for parents of dogs that need space. The concept behind it is quite simple. If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon or other items tied to its leash, that signifies a dog who needs space and you should not attempt to pet the dog or bring your own dog over for a greeting. Now here’s an idea that’s long overdue.

Read more:  http://tinyurl.com/kbepjxn

We are Crowdfunding

http://tinyurl.com/mlz7ezc

June 2013 e-newsletter

Guest Article on Seniors for Pets

<http://seniorsforpets.com> Seniors for Pets published our article, “The Dirty Three-Letter Word for Pet Lovers” on their blog.  Can you guess what that word / acronym  is?  Read the article at http://wp.me/p2Kld2-dw.  This is a follow up to our previous article on pit bulls, <http://www.petsincondos.org/JadaPitBullAmbassador.html&gt; “Jada, an Ambassador for Her Breed.”  Next month this blog / newsletter will print some responses to the new article.

Hold the Date

August 25th is fast approaching – the date of the <http://www.animaladoptionfair.com> Omega Dog 3rd annual Animal Adoption Fair, once again at the War Memorial Aditorium in Fort Lauderdale  Early sign-up for vendors is now over, so booths will now cost $200 ($250 for corner spaces).  We have offered free booths to participating rescues, shelters and other animal non-profit organizations, but most of those are already filled up, with only 9 free spaces left.  Do you do FB?  If so, please LIKE the <https://www.facebook.com/events/501499629909386/> Facebook event and the <https://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdoptionFair?fref=ts> Facebook page.  Pin and tweet about the Omega Dog 3rd annual Animal Adoption Fair, too.

Tidbits

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the top 10 pet-owning states are: Vermont; New Mexico; South Dakota; Maine; Oregon; Washington; Arkansas; West Virginia; Wyoming and Idaho.  From Seniors for Pets June e-newsletter at http://seniorsforpets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GAZETTE.JUNE_.2013.pdf

Great quotation:  “Don’t you just love animals? So do I, because they love you no matter what.” — attributed to Liberace in “Behind the Candelabra,” HBO film in quotes about animal companions.  Read more quotes on <http://www.petsincondos.org/benefits.htm> benefits.htm

11 Celebrities Who Speak for Animals – <http://tinyurl.com/11Stars4Animals>

May 2013 e-newsletter

Subject:  What we’re dealing with

SOME PEOPLE HAVE OLD-FASHIONED ATTITUDES

Here are some recent letters we received:

“…What’s with the ‘pet parent’ terminology? Have you fallen for the pet industry propaganda? Pets are property, not children. Pets are just animals kept captive for people’s amusement. Pets are not your sons and daughters.”

[“With-it” animal lovers totally relate to our companion animals being family, and since we take care of them, we relate to them as our children.  Nathan Winograd of No Kill Advocacy Center* frequently talks about animals going from the barn to the backyard, to the bedroom.  These people who write in with all their negativity clearly are in the camp of outdated thought that animals belong outside or in a barn.]

“What an asinine way to keep animals: cooped up indoors most of the day. No wonder these beasts go stir crazy.”

[Citizens FOR Pets in Condos only advocates for responsible pet ownership.  Dogs need to get out and exercise.  There may be a little truth to what this person is saying because irresponsible pet ownership can exacerbate behavior problems like dog barking.   But , “beasts”?]

“…(the) letter, “Don’t ban pets,” is from the type of person who doesn’t think the rules are made for them. Didn’t that condo owner read the rules before she moved in?”

[One of the reasons people fail to follow rules is that no-pet deed restrictions are so out of date, at least for younger people.  In the general population, 63% of households have at least one companion animal.  There are very reduced options for people of moderate means to find a place to retire (or even downsize from a larger home due to the economy) where they can bring their whole family, including their animal companions.

NOTE:  Fair housing law says that people who need emotional support animals can make a request for a reasonable accommodation  before they move in, while they are living in a community, or file a discrimination complaint for failure to receive a reasonable accommodation after they have move out.]

* http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/

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PET NEWS AND VIEWS 

Pets a Boon for the Human Heart, Cardiologists Say
http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=676235

Second Circuit swears in therapy dogs, The K9s are used to comfort children in court
http://tinyurl.com/courttherapydogs

Mayor Hopeful’s Pet Project (New York City)
http://tinyurl.com/MayorHopefulsPetProject

New book by Victoria Stillwell of Animal Planet – Train Your Dog Positively: Understand Your Dog and Solve Common Behavior Problems, Including Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking , Aggression, Housetraining, Leash Pulling and More!
http://www.amazon.com/Train-Your-Dog-Positively-Housetraining/dp/1607744147

Curb your dog or pay the price
http://tinyurl.com/CurbYrDog
[Citizens FOR Pets in Condos agrees that responsible dog owners always pick up after their animals. Time for the subliminal message from FloridaPets.net:  “Doggie pooper Scoopers.  use them, always.  everywhere you go.  Good human.”]

Post your dog(s) stories here:
http://www.stopchasingyourowntail.com/