Dena's Blog

Improve the lives of animals this holiday season.

2010-11-14T14:46:00.001-08:00

PAW's mission is to inspire communities to live conscious lifestyles with regard to animals. The purpose of our campaigns is to raise awareness about ways our everyday decisions impact animals. It is the goal of every campaign to provide you the facts and ways to take action. Whether you want to shop vegan or flexitarian our campaigns will help you make an informed decision.

The single most effective way to make a better decision for animals this holiday season is rejecting food from factory farms. For all the flexitarians out there, you can reject cruel confinement systems at factory farms by buying cage free eggs and free range meat. (Btw, a flexitarian eats meat, but not at every meal) Just look for the cage free or free range label on packaging. The vegetarians of the world can say no to cruel confinement systems by buying cage free eggs and dairy from local, more humane farmers. For the small, (but growing) population of vegans, the holidays are an opportunity to get creative with traditional favorites. Try subbing holiday favorites with plant based ingredients like Earth Balance butter, plain soymilk, and veggie stock. For workaholic vegans on a time crunch and culinary challenged vegans, pre-made vegan dishes from grocers like Whole Foods, Earth Fare, and Trader Joes will leave your belly full and satisfied.

When stocking your pantry for the holiday season, remember these 3 things: cage free, free range, V (for vegan) on food packaging. You can improve the lives of animals regardless of where you are on your journey of animal advocacy and enjoy a relaxing holiday. For more info, visit http://www.pawty.org/

Happy Holidays!
PAW - Promoting Animal Welfare

Yummy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

2010-10-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

With fall in the air many of us veggies crave comfort food to warm our soul. This fall my blog is dedicated to easy recipes for yummy vegan comfort food. Like many of you I have a full time job, a passion, and four-legged children to take care of...leaving little time to cook. Most vegan recipes call for tons of ingredients and prep. My recipes require only a few ingredients and little prep time, with no "yummm" sacrificed in the process. I don't use measuring cups, so everything is a guesstimate. But I promise you will love it!

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:
2 Medium or 1 Large Butternut Squash
Plain Soymilk - no sugar added
Earth Balance Vegan Butter
Tofutti Vegan Cream Cheese
Garlic Clove
Olive Oil
Sea Salt

Instructions:
Heat oven to 400. Cut butternut squash in half. Lightly coat pan with layer of olive oil and place halves face down. Cook for about 20 minutes depending on the size. Scoop out seeds and remove skin from squash. Place squash, garlic clove, and about half a cup of plain soy milk in food processor. Blend until squash is a smooth, pasty texture. Place mixture in pot on medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of vegan butter and slowly stir in soy milk until creamy. You do not want it to be watery. Then, add about a tablespoon of cream cheese and salt to taste. Stir occasionally until ingredients are combined, about 20 minutes. Bon apetit!

If you like a little spice in your life, add a dash of cayenne pepper. If vegan ingredients are a little too tofuy for you, use organic dairy products. (Although, I think you will find vegan ingredients are just as yummmmmy!)

It's all about making a conscious decision with regard to animals. Cage free, crate free, free range are labels you need to look for when grocery shopping. Factory farms raise animals in filthy, inhumane conditions AND pump them full of hormones so they grow twice the size in half the time. Gross.

Check out http://www.pawty.org/ for more info on Humane Living.

Animal Abuse in North Carolina

2010-08-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, 21 puppy mill dogs were surrendered to Randolph County Animal Control in North Carolina. The county claims the owner was a one-time breeder that got in over her head and surrendered the dogs because she needed help. Therefore, the county is not pressing charges for animal cruelty. SB 460, the Puppy Mill Bill (which was killed during the 2010 session by NC Pork) defined a commercial dog breeder as 15 or more female dogs for the purpose of breeding and 30 or more puppies for sale. While the owner did not have puppies for sale, she was well over the qualification of adult dogs for the purpose of breeding. All of the dogs came from deplorable conditions and were obviously deprived of basic standards of care, just like other breeding dogs rescued from puppy mills.

Advocates are angry that the owner will not face animal cruelty charges. It's unbelievable that a county will ignore the evidence: matted hair, NO hair, fleas, heartworms, tapeworms, roundworms, eyes heavily encrusted from years of neglect. We feel the fear, pain, and misery of the dogs and it fills many with rage. But their pain and suffering does not have to be in vain. As advocates, we can be their voice and light on the horizon.

We need to channel our anger into effective lobbying. The case of Randolph County dogs is a prime example of the need for strong animal abuse laws. We need to unify and get behind the paid lobbyist fighting for animal rights at the capitol. Every year, we need to work with the paid lobbyist to pick an issue and give it everything we have. Imagine the possibilities if we pass a bill every session or every other session. In 5 years, we could have several substantial animal abuse laws on the books! That's amazing and HUGE! I don't know about you, but I'm ready to get organized and fight for the humane treatment of all animals!!!!

Get out your Pawty hats and Pawty for Politicians!!

2010-08-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when political campaigns are in full gear and the competition is fierce. Every candidate is looking for the edge that will lead them to victory at the polls. You may be wondering what you can do to help animal friendly legislators get elected. It's simple, donate to their campaign!

Last night PAW held the first of many "Pawtyin' for Politicians", raising over $300.00 to donate to animal friendly candidates in North Carolina. I would like to encourage everyone to Pawty for Politicians. It can be as simple or grand as you like.

Here are a few tips to get things started:

- Pick an animal friendly business to host the event. Doggy daycares are a great venue since animal lovers can bring their furry children. Stay away from pet stores since most buy their puppies from Puppy Mills (mass breeding facilities that churn out dogs by the 100's in unhumane conditions).

- Reach out to restaurants offering vegetarian or local/humane food for donations.

- Have a small silent auction with 5-10 items. Start the bids at a low price to generate competitive bidding and more $$!!

- Offer guests a couple glasses of wine or beer, as well as, soft drinks and water.

- Charge around $15-$25 for admission to the event.

- Advertise the event thru Facebook, email blasts, and word of mouth.

- Cash donations are easiest to manage or ask people to write checks directly to candidates.

- Keep it lighthearted and fun. Remember it's a PAWTY!!!

We hope everyone will make their voice heard by electing animal friendly candidates. It's important to vote based on issues important to you, not political party. Please email info@pawty.org with questions about political fundraising.

Happy Lobbying!
Dena

Let's get the facts straight!

2010-02-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

There is not doubt among the NC State legislature that 2010 will be a historic session.
Not only is 2010 a short session, only 2 months, but it's an election year. Election is one of my favorite words because it's a constituents only chance to "persuade" legislators to vote for bills.
This year, S460, The Puppy Mill Bill will be voted on by the house if it passes through committee. When the 2009 session ended, the 2 hot topics were the state budget and (drum roll, please) the Puppy Mill Bill - which passed by 1 vote!!!! Let's face it, this year legislators need your vote as much as you need theirs.

Therefore, now is a great time to put the FACTS out there about NC animal welfare legislation. If you haven't heard, the Puppy Mill Bill has fierce opposition. They are ruthless and will stop at nothing to make sure the bill doesn't pass. Why, you ask? Ask them. It's a common sense piece of legislation regulating puppy mills.
The facts are simply this:
- S460 will regulate the breeding of dogs for commerce.
- Commercial dog breeders will be required to purchase a license prior to operation.
- S460 defines a commercial breeder as anyone with 15 or more intact adult female dogs used for the purpose of breeding.
- AND 30 or more puppies for sale.
- That's 15 or more intact adult female dogs and 30 or more puppies for sale.
- Kennels and boarding facilities established for the purpose of training, hunting, sporting, herding, or guide dogs will be exempt.
- Penalties are established for failure to comply with statutory provisions effective on or after May 1, 2010.

These are the cold, hard facts taken from the verbiage of the bill. If you hear otherwise, it's not true. After the bill passed through the Senate, it was revised. So, everyone needs to meet with their House Rep AND Senator before session starts to ensure the passage of this historic piece of legislation. Please email info@pawty.org with for more info for tips on how to have an effective meeting. Don't forget to keep your legislators informed about bills after session starts on May 12. Remember, while we are telling legislators to vote yes, the opposition is telling them to vote no. We can't stop until the bill is passed!

Fight the Good Fight

2010-01-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. Martin Luther King inspired many to spread peace an unity among all. He asked us to see beyond color and see the person. Today, I ask you to see beyond species and see living creatures. Many of us are raised to believe that animals are not significant because they are not as "evolved" as humans. (I beg to differ.) Some view animals as subservient to the human race; here to simply protect us from intruders or supply us with food. Despite our beliefs, we can't ignore that like us, animals are living, breathing creatures.

Animals feel pain like we do. They are cold in freezing temperatures and suffer from extreme heat. They can die from neglect. Animals can't tell us when they are suffering. They depend on us to take care of and defend them. We must be their voice and army. We must educate and inform those who don't know better. If education doesn't improve animal welfare, we take action and rescue.

Developing friendships and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations is necessary to rescue animals. Friendship develops into trust and partnerships. It also gives us an open platform for communication. Imagine having a partnership with every animal welfare organization in your town. It's an army ready to take action.

So, we need to put our differences and opinions aside and remember why we care. We see animals for what they are - living creatures who deserve humane treatment. By working together we will create a humane world for animals. Abuse and cruelty won't be tolerated and humanity will be required. Let's honor Dr. King by being compassionate towards ALL living creatures.

Spread the love...honey ;)

2010-01-11T17:09:00.001-08:00

Many animal advocates are faced with businesses profiting from the gruesome reality of animal cruelty, such as: pet stores, steak houses, and fashion retailers. We think a business is too big and our opinion won't matter. As a person who works for one of these businesses I can tell you it matters. (Please be assured, I'm playing a part in making businesses more ethical. But I need to eat my tofu...and feed my 5 furry children ;)

Due to the current economic climate, businesses are heavily investing in public relations. Heartfelt stories and community involvement are making a buck these days. The ugly truth of inflicting inhumane cruelty upon living creatures, however, does not make a buck. What we as animal activists can do is educate. We need to inform ourselves and our community about animal welfare. We need to focus on the solution to the problem. The ladeedadeeda, old mcdonald had a farm, pretty picture.

While we know the ideal is not always attainable, the idea of it is aspirational and enough motivation for many. I think many people would agree that separating good from bad provides boundaries. Staying on the good side makes us feel better as humans, it gives us a reason for our actions. As animal activists, we need to focus on the positive of a humane lifestyle. We need to inspire businesses to make ethical decisions by example. I, like many animal activists, feel fulfilled by living a humane lifestyle - thinking of the welfare of all living creatures.

I ask that you, the animal welfare community, focus on the positive. Embrace and love your passion. Rally the troops and make a humane statement through letters, multi-media, and demonstrations. Create a humane, aspirational movement that people are climbing over walls to join. Remember, you attract more bees with honey...honey ;)

New year, new priorities

2010-01-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

As we make our new year's resolutions and evaluate what's important to us, we can't forget our animals. As elections grow near in 2010, we need to choose the issues to vote on. Yes, issues. Before you choose your candidate, choose your issues and rank them on importance to you. Vote for the candidate who votes yes on your issues and let them know why you voted for them. It's that simple.

In North Carolina and most states, animal welfare legislation is often the most controversial. You would think animal cruelty would be an easy yes vote. However, there is a more powerful opposition who rallies at the capital, swaying the vote of legislators. In 2009, animals had 1 paid lobbyist in Raleigh working against an opposition of over 30 people. Animal advocates must strengthen their voice to pass important legislation, such as puppy mill bills.

Along with voting for candidates supporting your issues, it's important to donate. Legislators are people like you who care about the community. They need funding to support their campaigns. It does not matter how small the amount is, it adds up. The stronger their campaign is, the stronger your voice is.

So, I ask all animal advocates to vote for animal friendly candidates, regardless of the political party. Farmers vote for agriculturally friendly candidates, NRA members vote for gun friendly candidates. Lets make 2010 the year for animal friendly candidates!

Stilettos, Glitter, and Grassroots - Petland Protest

2009-12-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

Grab your Stilettos this Saturday and help PAW show Petland we're HOT and won't STOP until they no longer support puppy mills. We will be on the sidewalk at the intersection of Providence Rd & Pineville-Matthews from 10-12 and 3-5 at the Arboretum. PAW will provide all posters and handouts. To attend you must RSVP to rsvp@pawty.org.

Petland at the Arboretum received shipments from Missouri broker, The Hunte Corporation, in 2009. The Hunte corp are middlemen cited by the USDA for keeping animals in too-small cages, repeatedly transporting underage puppies, and other violations. In 2009, they received shipments from large-scale commercial puppy broker, QD Kennels. QD Kennels sells over 5,000 puppies a year and grosses over $1,000,000.00 in sales. This location also received shipments directly from out-of-state sellers in 2009 that have been cited for Animal Welfare Act violations.

The Big Picture

2009-10-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes raising awareness can be difficult for animal advocates. Often businesses are eager to help, but offer a service or product that is not considered animal friendly. This can prevent us from reaching an audience who may be inspired to take action. I urge fellow advocates to seek businesses who are not the ideal partner on the surface, but may serve as a tool for raising awareness.

For example, PAW has a partnership with FS Foods in Charlotte. They own popular restaurants such as Cantina 1511, Big Daddy's Burger Bar, and Mama Ricottas. Big Daddy's gave PAW the opportunity to place a tip jar at off-site events. One of PAW's campaigns is Humane Living, with Humane Eating as a topic we raise awareness about. We do not have meat at PAWTY's nor do we promote the consumption of meat. However, Big Daddy's burgers come from free range, grass-fed cows on local farms - not factory farms. If you choose to eat meat it's the most natural, cruelty free way to eat. Also, Big Daddy's offers the yummiest black bean and portabello burgers. Therefore, PAW chose to take advantage of a great opportunity to raise awareness in the community.

It's so important to stay focused on animal advocacy's one and only goal: to save animals. When creating our agendas, events, and goals we must keep the animals in mind. Our course of action may not be ideal, but if it raises awareness it's worth it. What if we inspire a Big Daddy's customer to only eat free range, grass-fed meat? That's one less consumer of mass produced cruelty. Think about the big picture, get creative, and PAWTY on!

Why animals are worth it.

2009-09-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was reminded why rescuing animals is worth it. A little over a month ago, I rescued a dog named Rosie from life on a chain in a mudpit. She belonged to hoarders who owned 6 other dogs living on chains. Rosie is a pitbull-german shepard mix, she's 1-1.5 yrs old, and deathly afraid of trash cans.

Week 1 tail was tucked between hind legs and ears flat against head; yet she quickly claimed her spot on my bed. Week 2 tail was not between hind legs, but ears were still flat against head; yet she claimed her second favorite spot...my antique living room chair. Week 8 tail is wagging, but she is scared of strangers quickly approaching her - however, she claimed her third favorite spot...my antique couch. You get the picture - slowly, but surely we are making progress. While going on long walks through the foothills in Charlotte she will turn around, give me kisses, and a high-five. A reminder that she loves a life full of love.

The next step in learning how to be a dog is learning how to talk. It took a while for my lab-dober mix, Jed, to learn that it's ok to talk. After much love and allowing him to be a dog, he learned to "WOOF". Tonight Jed and I had a speech therapy session with Rosie. It involved me, Jed, and Rosie sitting on her third favorite spot. I riled Jed up by saying "woof, woof Jed, speak." Jed talked back and it was like magic; all of the sudden we were talking "Rosie talk". She wiggled around onto her back (in my lap) as if to say "I hear you, I hear you! Woof, WOOF!" While Rosie did not talk through woofing, she spoke through her body language. A sign that she will soon "WOOF" out loud.

As humans, we have a lot to learn from our animal friends. No matter where animals come from they are capable of rehabilitation. All it takes is a little love and patience. Rescuing animals is worth it because it teaches us that patience and love conquers all. The challenges and crummy days of our everyday lives breaks us down, just like animals. But something as simple as piling onto an antique couch with our animal companions and "WOOFing" outloud can make crummy days melt away and teach us to woof a happy song.

Feed Fido

2009-09-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

Calling all PAWTY people to Feed Fido this Sunday!!!

Join Panther's fans at the Dog House and Feed Fido. Who's Fido?
Fido's goal is to raise start up funds for PAW-People Promoting Animal Welfare.
Start up funds will go towards filing for 501c4 status which will allow us to lobby and campaign for animal friendly legislators while maintaining non-profit status.
Donations will not be tax deductible, but will save animals.

I hope to see you there & stay tuned for more info on animal advocacy.

Hugs & Woofs,
Dena