The Red Dog Inn

This week, Philadelphia Eagles QB, Michael Vick said he’d like to adopt a dog in the future. He said his girls wanted a dog.   And he “I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care.” (Read here)

Personally, I don’t think Michael Vick should ever be responsible for the well-being of an animal again. First, his intentions are wrong. He wants to show people that he’s changed, not that he wants to improve the life of an animal. He just wants an animal in his household.  

Second, his daughters should know that their father did unspeakably cruel thing to dogs, and because of that cruel, intentional choice he cannot own animals again…ever.   When his daughters are old enough to live on their own and choose to have animals, they can have them. 

I agree with Los Angeles sports announcer Roger Lodge when he said, “I’ll believe Michael Vick is truly repentant when he donates 90% of his annual income (salary and endorsements) to the ASPCA.” I’d like to add Dogtown, U.S.A., the rescue that took in the Vick’s victims, to that.  In my mind, if Vick was truly on the right track, he’d accept fiscal responsiblity for the dogs he caused irreparable harm to.

As for the daughters of Vick, I am truly sorry that their father made such a horrible choice.  I’ve heard people say, “Well, it’s not like he was carrying weapons or assaulting women.”  To that I say: Human beings have recourse. Animals and children do not. They rely on adults to stand in the gap for them when evil people harm them.”

I think it would appropriate for the Vick daughters to get involved with animal programs where the animal is under someone else’s care, e.g. riding lessons, volunteering at an animal shelter, working adoption events.   That way they can gain a respect for animals from people who truly care about the animals and the children, not now it looks to one’s adoring, yet myopic, fans.

I heard an interesting statistic while watching an interview with Prince Lorenzo Borghese, who started Royal Treatment pet products, on KTLA Morning News. He said, “If 25% of the people who bought their pets would have adopted them instead, we would have no more kill shelters.”

Here’s the thing. If purebreds are your thing, there are scads of purebred rescues! Just do a little research. Butters and Lula were adopted through friends who could no longer keep them.  Do I love them any less than I would an animal I paid $500-$1000 for? Not a chance. 

Will you get a perfect pet? Define “perfect”.  You get what you put into your pet.  

Nonetheless, I firmly believe that there are breeds that are made for special people.  There are pitbull people, and great dane people, and yes, basset hound people.  Do your homework, but don’t be afraid to adopt your next pet.

SENDING LOTS OF WARM FUZZY HUGS TO OUR FRIENDS AT DAPHNEYLAND Basset Hound Rescue!  Miss Henrietta whelped 9 basset-mix puppies yesterday.

White chocolate and carob dipped dog biscuits. (Remember: Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Butters' got into chocolate one Christmas and had to have his tummy pumped. Not cheap!)

I love:

• Dave and Marilyn, the great couple who live on the edge of the park, because they don’t mind when their border collie brings home a few friends and runs them through their freshly remodeled home.  
• The Dogfather (not a typo) who knows all the dogs and their people and helps damsels in distress.
• Auntie Tracy, who spoils my dogs silly.  Case in point: She’s sent Butters white chocolate dipped milkbones for Valentine’s day and overnighted a box of canine chicken jerky.
• Dawn, who rescues basset hounds regardless of their circumstances and finds them forever homes.
• Friends Sonia & Kim who bring their dogs to the park and make me walk with them
• Great neighbors who enjoy my dogs as much as I do and help me when I need it
• Great neighbors who think a basset hound howl is music.
• A great vet
• A compassionate chiropractor who gave me another 12 months with Mr. Finley and rescued a lovely pitbull who thinks she’s my lapdog
• Good friends who force you to bust out a dog in need
• The folks who help find homes for Baghdad Pups
• People who help us understand our dogs better
• Great groomers
• Dog-friendly businesses

I love :: people who love our canine companions.

I have to tell you about a very special place called DAPHNEYLAND, a non-profit basset hound rescue in Acton, CA. They have a reputation for taking in even those beautiful bassets deemed “unadoptable” by other rescues.  

Daphneyland made the news during the Station fire and now the faithful crew casts a concerned eye to the hillsides when it rains fearing mudslides.

Over 100 bassets have found sanctuary at Daphneyland. They have been rescued from puppy mills or surrendered by owners. Some require special medical care. Others require wheelchairs. 

If you are looking for a worth cause to make a charitable donation to may we suggest DAPHNEYLAND?  They need financial support to continue their good work.  For the necessary tax information and to learn more about the facility and the Basset Rescue Network, Inc. (BaRNI), check them out: http://www.daphneyland.com/