WAGGIN TAILS - FEBRUARY - 2026

WAGGIN TAILS    FEBRUARY 2026

SPAY/NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

PRESIDENT’S DAY

Dear Friends and Members:

          HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY.  The world is changing, and some of it is good.  I read online about what other countries do for strays.  I wrote about it in the January newsletter.  If you see any other stories that I haven’t seen, can you forward them to us?

          We are still receiving some donations from 2025, but we are working on getting the receipts out for Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members.  Any regular donations that come in, Linda sends a receipt immediately.  If you, for some reason do not receive a receipt, please send us our name, date of donation and the amount of the check.  If for some reason, we are unable to find it in our files, I will ask you to send a copy of the front, and back of the check.  This will verify that we did receive it.  If this happens, please accept my apologies.  The postal system is not what it used to be.

          Your donations are being put to good use.  Strays are eating, and many have seen the veterinarians. When our Rescuers find an animal in need of medical attention, they are always sent to a veterinarian.

          My wish for this year, and always, is that younger people will pick up the cause of Saving Our Strays.  Without us doing what we do, the strays will not make it.  I speak about us, and the rest of the world – we need more people.  As I said in the last newsletter, I was reading that in various countries, people are trying to help more.

          In Florida, there is an important law that started as of January 1, 2026.  A data base is being set up for Shelter Animals to track people who adopt.  Too many animals are adopted by people who use them for bait dogs or many other unmentioned atrocities.  The law is called Dexter’s Law.  Hopefully, it will put a stop to repeated adopters who take these animal to abuse them, instead of loving them.  This is a start.  I hope that other states follow Florida’s lead.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day

For the entire family.

          Please remember that chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats.

LEGISLATION                                                                                                                 [REPRINTED]

Campaigners welcome inclusion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Indonesia’s 2026 National Legislation Program

JAKARTA―The Dog Meat Free Indonesia coalition welcomes the decision of the Indonesian House of Representatives (known as the DPR RI) to include the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in the 2026 Priority National Legislation Program, or Prolegnas. The bill is one of 67 included by the Plenary Session on 23 Sept. and marks a major step in strengthening legal protections for companion animals in Indonesia, including ending the dog and cat meat trade.  More than one million dogs and countless cats are trafficked for meat across Indonesia eat year, despite the fact that most citizens don’t eat dog or cat meat. The trade’s mass movement of dogs of unknown disease or vaccination status facilities the spread of rabies. The ban on the dog and cat meat trade is urgently needed to protect public health from zoonotic disease risks, prevent animal cruelty and strengthen Indonesia’s commitment to international animal welfare standards.

Several political groups in the DPR RI have expressed commitment to banning the dog and cat meat trade within the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill, including the Golkar Party Faction, National Democratic Party Faction, National Mandate Party Faction and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle Faction. This cross-party support demonstrates the growing political consensus to end the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia. The Deputy Chair of the DPR RI Legislative Body, Mr. Sturman Panjaitan, and the Deputy Chair of Commission IX of DPR RI, Mr. Charles Honoris, also expressed support for a ban on the trade in the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill.  Inclusion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Prolegnas 2026 comes following years of persistent advocacy by DMFI, Indonesia’s largest national coalition of animal groups, with a network of more than 100 organizations and communities across the archipelago.  To date, 116 regencies/cities and provinces across Indonesia have issued circular letters banning the dog and cat meat trade. With the inclusion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Prolegnas 2026, DMFI is ready to actively participate in the deliberation process with DPR RI and others.

Karin Franken, national director of DMFI, said: “The decision of DPR RI to include the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill in Prolegnas 2026 is a historic moment. We appreciate the cross-party political support, especially from the Golkar, PAN, NasDem, and PDI-P factions. We also extend special thanks to the Chairs of these factions for their full support of the prohibition of the dog and cat meat trade.

Adrian Hane, S.H., legal manager of DMFI, said: “The inclusion of this bill proves that DMFI’s consistent advocacy as Indonesia’s largest national coalition with a network of more than 100 organizations and communities has driven real change. This support, together with the commitment of Mr. Sturman Panjaitan and the four political party factions, is a major force in realizing regulation that protects both animals and the people of Indonesia. DMFI is committed to continuing to oversee the legislative process and mobilize broader support until a firm prohibition is achieved.”

Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society International) is a founding member of DMFI. Julie Sanders, principal, Ending Dog Meat at Humane World for Animals, said: “This brings us one step closer to ending the brutal dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia. A national ban would spare countless dogs and cats from immense suffering, help protect communities from the spread of rabies and enhance Indonesia’s international reputation. We urge lawmakers to ensure the bill includes a clear and enforceable ban on the dog and cat meat trade, and we welcome the strong momentum toward making this milestone a reality.”  Mr. Sturman Panjaitan, deputy chair of the DPR RI Legislative Body, said: “The proposal for the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill came directly from the DPR RI Legislative Body. We are ready to receive input, information and proposals from DMFI regarding the article on dog meat trade. I personally commit that DMFI will be invited again to a public hearing. The prohibition of the dog meat trade (as proposed) will be included as a separate chapter in the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill.”

Mr. Charles Honoris, deputy chair of Commission IX of DPR RI, said “I believe the main distinction between humans and animals is reason and the ability to change behavior. I have faith that we, as humans and as a society, can change behavior. In essence, we strongly support the prohibition of the dog meat trade.”

Mrs. Irene Roba, Commission X of DPR RI, said: “Animal protection is part of our moral responsibility as humans. Animals also have the right to live, to live freely, to receive good treatment, a decent life and not be exploited. The discussion of the Animal Protection and Welfare Bill can be carried out within the 2026 Priority Prolegnas. Broadly, we hope there will be a chapter or article that accommodates our shared concern about the dog and cat meat trade. The drafting of this bill is expected to accommodate all the needs to protect and ensure the welfare of animals.”

FYI                                                                                                                                       [REPRINTED]

(AMC)SCHWARTZMAN ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER

          As the winter weather sets in, a little planning can help keep your dog’s walks safe and comfortable. Cold tolerance varies by size, fur type, age and overall health.  So, know your dog’s limits, and watch for signs of distress such as shivering, slowing down, whining or lifting one or more paws.  If you’re unsure, shorten the walk and head indoors.

          If your dog shows signs of Hypothermia, i.e.:  persistent shivering, pale gums, lethargy or weakness, slow breathing, stiffness or collapse – seek veterinary care immediately.

 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.

Unfortunately, when I am out and about in my neighborhood, it is heartbreaking to still see homeless people on the street.  So, I know that I have said this before, but 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, here and in the world.  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

          Linda will try to get all of our Tax Receipts out to you by month’s end.  We are just waiting for some late checks to come in for 2025.

          Please share with us any good Animal Related stories that you know about.  It is always nice to read something nice, that we can share in the newsletter.

          Our Rescuers have been working hard taking care of their colonies.  I hope that by the time you read this page, you will have read the stories from Robbin in New York, Nicki in Florida and Carol in South Carolina.  As I said earlier in this newsletter, if you have a story to share, we would love to print it.  Happy stories should be shared.

We appreciate all that you do to help the strays through us.  We are a good team.  “Paw hugs, and wet kisses” from the strays for a Happy Valentine’s Day all year.  57 years have now passed.  We are now starting our 58^th year.  Let’s hope there will be many more years.

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!”

          We are updating our website, and we are told that this will take some time to complete.  We are trying to get the website offline while this is being done, but if this doesn’t work, you will see the changes we are doing them.  So, please bear with us.  The PayPal, and Go Fund Me will still be available.

Last, but not least,

Be well, Stay well and

love to you all again,

from the strays, and us.

          Till next time.

    Waggin’ Off