Christmas Puppies

We spend so much of our lives on the web these days. It can be an efficient way to shop. It can also be an efficient way to RESEARCH. 

Artie is a rescue pug

www.erinmcnulty.com

If you already have your puppy and were unaware of puppy farms and backyard breeders, start making others aware. Gypsy was a pet shop puppy, Poppet a rescue. I have blogged about this on numerous occasions. The more informed I become, the more I need to inform others about ethical breeders and rescue. We all find out about puppy farms at some point - it is what we do with that information that counts. Holding onto it doesn't help those friends, family and associates who may not know and be considering getting a puppy. We need to voice this knowledge so others can be informed and make educated decisions. 

This is Posie. She is available for adoption on Pet Rescue. Her profile link is below.

http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/204498

Please watch the short clip below as some online traders, particularly when it comes to selling puppies, are deceiving. If you intend to buy a puppy this Christmas, make sure you can meet the parents, at their home - otherwise it can be assumed you are supporting this unethical and immoral, cruel trade. Puppy farmers will have glamourous web pages, but the handover of the puppy will take place not at this so called haven they project online, but at a McDonald's carpark or service station, or if they are feeling generous- they will deliver directly to your home. Don't be deceived by smoke and mirrors.

Another excellent resource is the RSPCA's Smart Puppy Guide, available via this link:

http://www.rspca.org.au/assets/files/Campaigns/Smart_Puppy_Buyers_Guide.pdf

If you don't have a breed in mind, please consider adopting a beautiful rescue. Many litters are dumped on rescue's doorsteps or as a result of a puppy farm rescue, a pregnant dog will give birth in rescue and her babies will also need to be homed. Rescue groups care about their dogs and ensure the dog/puppy is a match to your family, depending on the age of your children, the space you have available and your lifestyle. Some breeds require much exercise, others love human companionship. It is important not to just pick a breed based on what they can offer you as a family, but also what you can offer them as a family.

This is Trixie. She is available for adoption on Pet Rescue. Her profile link is below.

http://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/200728

Finally, Christmas is a special time with family. It is a lovely time of year to introduce a beautiful new four-legged family member but not spontaneously or without thought. So many puppies are dumped after the novelty has worn off. Dogs are like children. They require discipline, love and routines. They want your attention and care and in return, will give you unconditional love like no other. But they are hard work. They cost far more than the initial adoption or payment. But the added value they are to your life? PRICELESS.

Oscar's Law Book Launch

13 December 2012

5:30pm

Polly Bar

401 Brunswick St

Fitzroy

Oscar's Law are so excited to announce their beautiful new book "I Want Oscar's Law Because' 112 pages of creative stunning portraits demonstrating the bond we have for our pets, and over 100 reasons why we need Oscar's Law!

"I want Oscar's Law because I don't want to ever see any dogs treated poorly, ever.  Many dogs have brought tremendous joy to my life over the past 30 years and as far as I'm concerned they deserve to live as free as possible" 

Bondi lifeguard Reidy with his dog Mugsy

www.oscarslaw.org

2013 Oscar's Law Gala Dinner

Saturday 16 February 2013

Central Pier, Docklands
143-175 Harbour Esplanade
Docklands, VIC - Australia

Oscar’s law is a campaign that enables everyone to make a stand and tell the Government that "We do not want companion animals factory farmed anymore” and "We no longer want the pet industry to mislead us about what is acceptable for our animals”.

You can help fight the genocide in Australia's pounds, promote rescue organisations and shelters as the first option to adopting, and change the way Australians gets their pets. Adoption is the intelligent alternative to impulse buying. No puppy factory whether it is 'clean', 'model', 'state of the art' or otherwise is the answer for mans best friend.

Remember if you cannot donate, volunteer, if you can't volunteer, educate. 

We want Oscar's Law.

Ballan Spring Rally & Market

www.release-thehounds.web.com

Spring heralds the birth of new life and is a welcomed break from the cold winter weather. The coming of the warmer days also signifies the continued dog breeding season when many thousands of puppies will be born in puppy factories. Breeding bitches have an average of two breeding seasons a year unlike their wild ancestors that only breed when food and resources are plentiful.

As much as we love and adore baby animals and love all that spring brings with it, we must stop and give thought to the thousands of breeding bithces and dogs locked away in puppy factories. These parents along with their puppies won't get to enjoy the feel of the spring time grass under their feet or feel the sun on their backs. They will once again spend the entire spring locked away as prisoners in concrete floored wire cages.

This injustice just can't continue. We cannot allow the proposed Ballan puppy factory to open. We will continue our fight. Please join us at the Ballan market to spread the word about puppy factories and the importance of desexing your pets. Make your banners and cards with a spring time theme showing your anger and outrage at puppy factories.

For further information about puppy farms and how to raise awareness, please visit

www.oscarslaw.org

Our $1 conversation.....

If I got $1 everytime I had this conversation with people, then the Rescue Group we support ~ Saffron on the Hill ~ would never have to worry about paying vet bills ever again......

'Awwww......is that a hairy pug?'.........
'Yes'..........
''What's HE (grrrr) crossed with?'......
'A shihtzu'........
'I've never seen one of 'those' before'......
'Hopefully you won't see many more of them either'......
(pause....strange look at me)
'Why?'.....
'Because SHE is the product of a puppy farm establishment'
(more weird looks)

My darling scruff nut was meant to be with me, she is my baby girl, but to others she is an awareness campaign. I can never regret buying her, because as a result of creating this blog for her to encourage other dog owners to get out & about with their dogs, I became informed of breeding establishments and make opportunities each and every day to inform others. 

I am an educator, and feel the urge to not sit with my knowledge, but share it. I could waste my energy asking myself why I didn't know before what I know now, or I can accept that everything happens for a reason and use what I now know to make a difference. If I change even just one person's perspective, then I have made some small, positive change.

Following Gypsy, we (my husband and I) spent months researching Rescue Groups and were fortunate enough to adopt Gypsy's darling bigger sister Poppet from Saffron on the Hill. Poppet was 4 years old when we adopted her and had only left a breeding establishment months prior. Most of those 4 years were spent in a cold, dark, soiled cage breeding for profit. 

We have grown in awareness since adopting Poppet, and know that many people will opt for Rescue now, thanks to amazing awareness campaigns and the people driving them. Puppies, whether they be in Rescue or not, will always be the popular choice. I would urge anyone though, to consider how life changing it could be for all involved, to adopt a senior dog. Like Ernie, the beautiful 12 year old in yesterday's post. 

We now understand and believe that adoption is the only ethical option for us as a family. We also support registered breeders though, who care deeply about the future of their breed, and desex their puppies before adopting them out. First and foremost, thanks to social media, we have come to understand just how many dogs are in Rescue. We will always encourage adoption first, as even those expressing a desire for a certain breed will in most cases,≥÷ find them in Rescue as a result of being saved from a breeding establishment, or surrendered as some people, are just not made for the commitment a dog deserves :(

We have spent much time with the seniors on the Hill, (www.thehill.org) and now understand how precious even a few happy months is to a senior dog. Seeing Poppet's mother who is 10 enjoy basking in the sun, cuddling up to all her pug family in front of the fire and the look of complete adoration shared between her and her Rescue Mama is nothing short of priceless. 

Granny Giggles

www.erinmcnulty.com

There is something very beautiful about seeing an older dog learn love either again or for the first time. It is an absolute blessing to give this love and an even bigger blessing to receive it.

We hope you will appreciate our honesty and be compassionate to those who are unaware. The important action comes with people who are aware. What do they do with that knowledge?

Don't be silent about the things that matter........

Oscar's Gotcha Day

Oscar's Gotcha Day

July 9 2012

July 9th 2012 is the day Oscar celebrates 1 year of freedom, however there are thousands of dogs that remain confined in terrible conditions on puppy factories not only in Australia but also around the world. 

July 9th is a day to celebrate but to also remember the ones we are still fighting for. We encourage you to do something on this day to raise awareness about Oscar’s Law and be part of the solution. Organise a morning tea at your workplace, wear your OL shirt, contact your local rescue group/shelter and find out what’s on their wish list, create an event and get friends and family to help you donate blankets or what ever they may need, get some of our postcards and letterbox around your neighbourhood. 

Be leaders, be creative, raise awareness, the power is in our hands. Don’t forget to take photos and share with us all how you made a difference on July 9th 2012.

David at Goodwill Wine has organised limited edition wine celebrating Oscar's "Gotcha Day" on July 9th 2012 with a beautiful photo of Oscar on the label and special wording to celebrate this day.

This will only be available from now until July 10th 2012 so be quick to order your limited edition wine and celebrate Oscar's 1st Anniversary of Freedom.

http://www.goodwillwine.com.au/charities/oscars-law-help-us-celebrate-gotcha-day

http://www.oscarslaw.org

YAP WEAR ~ Albert Park

9 Victoria Avenue

Albert Park 3206

(03) 9696 7474

Helloooooo Jen! Mimi! We're baaaaack!

After a delightful brunch in Bridport St, Albert Park ~ we stroll down to YAP WEAR to visit our friends Jen & Mimi. For those enough lucky to be within driving distance of Albert Park, you must visit the 'Pop-up Shop' to meet Jen & Mimi and view their range of amazing coats and accessories. 



Poppet out the front of YAP WEAR 'Pop-Up Shop'

Alternatively you can visit YAP WEAR online (www.yapwear.com.au) or see some real life happy customers on the YAP WEAR Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/YAP-WEAR/318146541967). 

 

YAP WEAR Dogcoats was launched in Melbourne in 1999. Proudly all YAP WEAR Dogcoats are made in Australia with as much Australian content as possible, reducing their carbon footprint. 

YAP WEAR's reputation has been built on quality, style and service. YAP WEAR  Dogcoats are known for their bright colours, interesting fabrics and hip reflective trims. Having pugs, due to their top heavy builds, sizing can be an issue and many coats don't cater for their beautiful unique body types! After visiting YAP WEAR, the girls were spoilt rotten with gourmet treats before being measured up for their coats to ensure best fit! What customer service! 

Gypsy doesn't stop smiling in the 'Pop-Up Store' ~ it is her little happy place. Poppet's wagging tail tells the same story, though she does get jealous of the pug who stares her down in the wall mirror ;)

The 'Pop-Up Shop' is open most Fridays through to Sundays but be sure to check the YAP WEAR webpages for updates on opening times. Jen also takes the opportunity in meeting customers in her shop to spread the word about Animal Welfare campaigns such as 'Oscar's Law' and 'Where do Puppies Come From?' as well as supporting rescue groups such as 'Saffron on the Hill' and 'Pets Haven Pro Life Shelter'. 

Saffron on the Hill collars for sale in YAP WEAR 'Pop-Up Shop'

We took some more stickers to put on our travel crates ~ they are covered with animal welfare awareness stickers. Hopefully the Qantas baggage handlers look up Oscar's Law and Puppy Mills and learn something new while spoiling our pugs in transition between their two favourite cities! Thanks Jen for our 2 new stickers!

If you are looking for a lovely Saturday (or Sunday!) plan with your dogs ~ head over to Albert Park ~ grab yourself a fabulous coffee & brunch in the Bridport St region then drop into YAP WEAR. Humans happy....tick......Pugs happy......double tick!

Hey Guys!!! 'Pop-Up Shop' is open! This way!

Don't Trust Puppy Farmers ~ Oscar's Law

Don't trust puppy farmers

They try and hide what they do

s

Puppy farmers try and hide what they do but you can help stop them simply by looking out for their deceitful behaviour.

They often have their own websites, advertise online and run small ads in newspapers - but they won't let you visit their homes or see the parents. They'll try to visit you, meet you in a car park or lure you to some other neutral location.

If you want to buy a healthy and happy puppy that has come from a mother who is properly cared for, make sure you find a reputable breeder or choose to adopt and save a life. And never buy puppies from pet shops.

Together we can break the puppy trade.

Gypsy and Poppet want Oscar's Law

http://www.oscarslaw.org

Nemo helps us write blog post #99.......

Nemo is currently the 99th dog listed on Pet Rescue and has inspired our 99th post today. Nemo is a small male Cavalier x Beagle who is 2 years old.  He is available for adoption from Wodonga Dog Rescue.

We encourage you to look at his full profile on Pet Rescue (http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/161951) or Wodonga Dog Rescue (http://www.wodongadogrescue.org.au/nemo.html) and share with your dog-loving friends and those uneducated and unaware considering purchasing a 'designer dog'. This term really frustrates us. Dogs should not be a commodity. Too many of these dogs have ended up in shelters and rescue organisations. Dogs are gorgeous companions, requiring love, training and your time (and money). They are not gorgeous accessories to be dumped or surrendered after the novelty of new has worn off.  Many of our blog readers know this and we may be preaching to the converted, but it is up to us, those who are passionate about animal welfare to spread this awareness far and beyond our circles so that we can inform people of the commitment a dog requires and the ethical ways to find a new companion.

  

When we started this blog last September, we looked online for 'dog people' to share our experiences with. Through Facebook and google searches, we stumbled upon many Rescue Groups in Melbourne. Initially visiting Facebook pages wanting to share our blog, we discovered in return they all collectively shared so much information back with us. Through reading about the work they do and visiting links they have on their own pages, we were educated about puppy mills and backyard breeding on a deeper level and understand the amazing commitment these organisations full of volunteers have to giving a companion animal (and in Edgar's case ~ a farm animal!) a new beginning. We feel so passionate about what we've learnt and want to spread the word about these groups and campaigns - one google search click, facebook link and random visit at a time. In a perfect world, someone searching for a 'designer dog' like Nemo who is a Cavalier x Beagle, by fate will end up on a Rescue Group page, a campaign page such as Oscar's Law, a reputable breeder of a full breed who will inform them of ethical breeding practices or our page instead of a puppy farm's webpage. We will have Oscar's Law and we will change the world for these animals.

If you would like to support the Wodonga Dog Rescue, they are in need of the following items and volunteers can pick them up if you were unable to transport/post them yourself.


- dog blankets
- cat blankets
- dog beds
- cat beds
- heated pet beds
- dog coats/jackets
- cat houses 


You can also make a donation online. Information is available via this facebook link (https://www.facebook.com/events/214279568693449/) or alternatively you can contact Wodonga Dog Rescue (we have put web links below).

For more information on Wodonga Dog Rescue, please visit the following links:


http://www.wodongadogrescue.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_192145797473986&ap=1