Help Break the Chains

You have all heard me mention the Coalition to Unchain Dogs before. They had a benefit concert last year that was awesome, and on March 29, representatives from the group will be participating in the Great Human Race in Durham, NC. If you would like to contribute, just click HERE to access Meredith's donation page. She works really hard for this group - every weekend, let me tell ya. She would love your support, and this group is doing amazing work. If you want to see what they do, watch the video below. It's just fantastic! (and you can see Meredith building fences in her blue hat and Coalition shirt!!!)

Coaltion to Un-Chain Dogs

Here you go, Meredith - one big plug for the Coalition!

Folks, check out this website:

http://www.unchaindogs.net/

The stories here are very heartwarming, and the coalition is doing fantastic work. Please think of donating money, supplies or time to this great group. Also, on October 13, the group will be holding a benefit concert in Durham. Stay posted for more details!

Wolf-Dog as pet?

I'm currently in a debate with a professor of mine about the issue of exotic pets in North Carolina. I am pretty much 100% against private ownership of exotic animals- I think unqualified people looking for a cool accessory to show off to their friends end up having these animals more times than not. They get them, the kittens/pups/babies grow up and are too big to handle, then they end up living in substandard conditions with incorrect care, or they have to be sent off to a rescue group. They could also be exterminated. I think private ownership is a practice that should be banned in NC (we are one of nine states that has little to no regulation on the owning of exotic animals). A bill is in the NC Senate now which is looking to outlaw this practice. I wrote a whole paper on it this past semester. If you are that interested, let me know and I will send you the paper. Poor you. ha!

Anyway, one of the points of debate I am having with my professor is around the issue of Wolf-Dogs. These are mixed breed dogs with wolf in their lineage within the past five generations. Because there is no exotic animal bill in NC, these dogs are still legal here. They have been banned in many states. One of the organizations my prof is working with is called Full Moon Farm (http://www.fullmoonfarm.org/). If this NC Bill were passed, she would be out of business because she actually re-homes rescued animals. The Bill only allows sanctuaries to stay open if they do not breed and do not re-sell or re-place animals once in a rescue situation.

My prof thinks Full Moon is a great operation and a good middle-man for the wolf-dog situation. I am still sticking to my guns and thinking that people getting these dogs are still just getting them because they are "cool." They are part-wolf, man! I believe people don't get these dogs most of the time thinking - you know, I could really be an excellent protector of this animals. It would be great for this animal's well being if it were with someone like me. I believe that most people think, "How awesome would this be?? I could have a wolf - sure, I can take care of it fine - but man, it will be awesome." I'm sorry - I just have a problem with that.

With all of that being said, go look at the website and let me know your thoughts. Should individuals be able to have "wolf-dogs"? I'm really interested in what people have to say about this!