WAGGIN TAILS FEBRUARY 2023 SPAY/NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY PRESIDENT’S DAY Dear Friends and Members: HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to one, and all. Give your loved ones a big kiss, and hug your pet family also. I wish we had Valentine’s Day all year. Why, you ask? Because there is a special feeling on this day. People show love, and caring to each other, and hopefully, to their pets. There is an article that I found on Facebook. It says it all. I have reprinted it here. I think it shows - the love that we have inside of us, and it stays with us even when we pass over the Rainbow Bridge. A MAN AND HIS DOG A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?' 'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered. Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked. Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up'. The man gestured, and the gate began to open. 'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked. 'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.' The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. 'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?' 'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in..' 'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog. There should be a bowl by the pump.' They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. 'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked. This is Heaven,' he answered. 'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.' 'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.' 'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?' 'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind Author unknown. Let’s help one stay at a time. It adds up if each, and every one just helps one. Happy pet, Happy life. Stay well, be happy. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] California’s statewide ban on animal fur products officially takes effect SACRAMENTO, California —On January 1, California’s ban on the sale and manufacturing of new animal fur products takes effect across the state. Assembly Bill 44, which passed in 2019, makes California the first state in the country to take this monumental step to end the fur trade within its borders. Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, championed the legislation, which was sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and Animal Hope in Legislation. The bill gained enormous support from local, national and international animal protection organizations. “The year 2023 marks a historic step forward for California with the implementation of a law that truly represents the values of our constituents,” said Assemblymember Friedman. “Californians do not want to see animals live and die in cruel ways for nothing more than fashion, and I’m so pleased that this law will help uphold our state’s animal welfare standards as well as potentially help drive innovation for more sustainable fashion alternatives.” “We are grateful to California for taking a stand against the cruel fur industry by implementing this statewide ban on the production and sale of new fur products,” said Jenny Berg, California state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “The fact that around 100 million animals are still raised and killed in fur factory farms for nothing more than a fur coat, hat or other product is archaic, especially when humane, environmentally sustainable alternatives exist. We applaud California for leading the fight against fur and sending a powerful message that animals should no longer suffer and die for fashion.” Before the bill’s passage, four municipalities in California—Los Angeles (2018), San Francisco (2018), Berkeley (2017) and West Hollywood (2013)—passed similar measures, paving the way for Assembly Bill 44. To date, 12 cities across the U.S.—including five in Massachusetts—have passed laws phasing out new fur sales, and in 2021, Israel became the first country to end fur sales. According to 2017 Economic Census, U.S. retail sales of fur garments totaled just over $574 million, with most sales occurring in California at just under $129 million, followed by New York with almost $115 million. Together, California and New York made up nearly 43% of all fur sales in the country in 2017. Several fur-free policies from fashion brands and retailers coincide with the bill’s effective date. Canada Goose, Kering, Saks Fifth Avenue, Zegna Group, Rudsak, Mytheresa and Moose Knuckles all pledged to go fur-free by the end of 2022. Neiman Marcus will eliminate fur products by March 2023. Facts:
FYI [REPRINTED] Animal advocates celebrate pro-animal gains in Montclair, NJ Animal advocates celebrate the passage of three new animal protection ordinances and resolutions in Montclair. Most notably, Montclair prohibited the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. Montclair joins 136 municipalities in New Jersey that have enacted humane pet store laws, deciding that prohibiting pet stores from selling dogs and cats was the best solution to protecting consumers and stopping puppy mills. This ordinance is intended to prevent mill-raised dogs and cats from being sold in any existing or new pet stores in Montclair. Residents can continue to obtain pets from animal g shelters, rescues and responsible breeders. Montclair also passed two resolutions in support of key animal protection legislation in New Jersey: R-22-204, which opposes the indiscriminate killing of wildlife via wildlife killing contests (supporting A502/S2409); and R-22-200, which opposes the intensive confinement of mother pigs and calves in gestation and veal crates (supporting A1970/S1298). In wildlife killing contests, participants compete for cash and prizes for killing the most, the largest, or even the smallest coyotes, foxes, squirrels and other animals over one or two days. The Humane Society of the United States documented participants in a Barnegat, NJ killing contest, laughing and posing for photos in front of a string of foxes they had just killed. A502/S2409 would prohibit this cruel spectacle in the Garden State, as eight U.S. states—including Maryland, Massachusetts and Vermont—have already done. The majority of mother pigs in the pork industry are confined to cages—known as gestation crates—that nearly immobilize them. Baby calves used for veal are often locked in similar cages, called veal crates. These crates are so small the animals can’t even turn around. A1970/S1298 would prohibit this inhumane caging in New Jersey. “The lives of mother pigs, puppies, coyotes and other animals will be improved with the passage of these animal protection initiatives and Montclair’s support sends a valuable message throughout the state in this holiday season,” said Elissa Frank, New Jersey state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We express our gratitude to sponsors Councilor Yacobellis and Councilor Schlager for their leadership in moving the humane agenda forward in Montclair.” Councilor Peter Yacobellis said: “I'm elected by the people but I also like to think of myself as elected to represent our planet and its creatures. Montclair is a town that believes wholeheartedly in the humane treatment of all animals. I'm proud to have been leading a coalition in this town to restore native vegetation, make us an official Monarch USA city, cut back on the use of gas leaf blowers and much more. This is just the latest step in the right direction in terms of making sure our laws reflect our values and that our representatives in Trenton know that we expect them to enact these laws at the state level.” LINDA’S LINE Hi. February, the month of love. Let’s try to spread that love to the strays out in the cold, by showing them that we love them also. Please try to provide them with shelters to keep them warm. It is best to use dry food (wet food freezes in the cold weather), and of course, water would be good. Remember that they are G-d’s creatures too, and that we are their guardians. Please don’t forget those less fortunate than we are. If you come across any kind souls, who are homeless and have pets in your travels, please try to offer them food, and even a warm coat or blanket, if you have one, for themselves and their pets. We must always remember that they too, are children of G-d, and they and their pets will be most grateful for your kindness. If we try to carry the symbolism of the “month of love,” not only through the month of February, but throughout the rest of the year as well, we can make a real difference. Give the gift of love wherever, and whenever you can. It will help to make this world a better place, and I know that I have said this before, but remember that every good deed that we do is a guaranteed gold star in the “Book of life.” So, let’s try to be kind to each other, and let someone that you care about, whether it be a family member (i.e.: child, husband, wife etc.) or a very dear friend, including your pets, know that you love them and appreciate them. It will give them a wonderful warm feeling. After all, as they say, “a little kindness goes a long way.” It is especially important right now, with all the turmoil that is going on in our country, and the world, for us to try to pull together, and spread the message of “the month of love.” This month is also Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. So, please remember, if you have not had your pet spayed or neutered, or if you are considering adopting a pet, please be sure to have this done. It is healthier for the animal in the long run, and will help to ensure that he/she is able to live a longer, happier and healthier life. Also, please remember, when walking your pets after a snowstorm, to be aware of the rock salt that homeowners place on the sidewalk to melt snow, and ice. Try to avoid your pet walking on the salt, as it can cause a permanent irritation on their paws, and pain as well. Please remember to clean your pet’s paws when you come in from a walk, no matter what the weather, to get rid of any harmful germs that they might pick up. For homeowners out there, if you must put something down to melt the snow, please try to use brands that are safe for animals. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! Till next time. CLOSING THOUGHT We are here 55 years – that is a lifetime. With your support, we have help so many animals. So, we would like to thank you on behalf of all the strays that, without you, would not have received medical care, food and for many, forever homes. It is okay to pat yourself on the back – you deserve it. We started in New York, and are now in Florida and North and South Carolina as well. We try to help, when something is brought to our attention, if we can. We know that you are helping strays in your area, whenever you can. Remember, we need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. We live on these donations, and they are desperately needed. We took a month to think about New Year’s Resolutions, and we came up with our usual.
Our country is moving forward in helping animals with new laws. It is a slow process, but better slow than never. We have to sign petitions to improve the lives of all animals, whether dog, cat, pig, horse etc. Petitions can be found on the internet, so please do all that you can. If you see cruelty, say something to the proper authorities. We must be a voice for the voiceless. We appreciate all you do to help strays, and also to help us to continue to help strays, and all that come our way. If the strays could speak, they would say thank you for all that you do, and give you “wet kisses and paw hugs.” If we think of them as children that are helpless, we can relate better to all species of animals. Please Remember Our Troops “We salute you for all you have done. Your courage has kept us safe. Your sacrifice has kept us free. All of America owes you more than we can repay. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are behind you all the way – From the battlefield. . .to recovery!” Dear friends, and members who have been so kind and generous as to have set up you own Amazon smile account to benefit Save Our Strays. I am sure that by now, most people have received a letter from the Smile program telling you that it has been discontinued. We, as many other charities, are devastated. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. We here at Save Our Strays wish to thank you for your support though this program. We hope that if you know anyone that would like to join our Adam, Eve, or Sponsor a Stray program, you will encourage them to do so. It will help to make up for the donations that we have lost through the Smile program. Thank you again. The board of Directors, Staff, volunteers and the Strays. Waggin’ Off AMAZON SET-UP PAGE GOOD NEWS Supporters of Save Our Strays can now use the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on Amazon Smile, and start generating donations. Please pass this on to anyone who uses Amazon, and doesn’t necessarily have a charity that they support. Now is the chance to support Save Our Strays. The funds go for food, and medical treatment. We are certainly a worthy cause. A dollar spent this way feeds an animal in need. Amazon Smile is now in the Amazon Shopping app You can now support Save Our Strays on iPhone, and Android phones. If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, please update your app. How to turn on Amazon Smile in the mobile app – instructions below. 1 Join Amazon Smile If you are already an Amazon Smile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select Save Our Strays to start generating donations, at no cost to you. 2 Get the app Download or update the latest version of the Amazon Smile Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. 3 Turn on Amazon Smile Open the app, and find “Settings” in the main menu. Tap on “Amazon Smile,” and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on Amazon Smile on your phone. 1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device. 2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app, and tap into“Settings.” 3. Tap “Amazon Smile,” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Amazon Smile benefits Same products, same prices, no cost to you. Amazon Smile has the exact same low prices, Vast selection, and convenient shopping as the Amazon you know.
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