A Second Chance for Pets - 2ndChance4Pets.org

I just received this video (now embedded on the Center for Animal Advocacy site). It poignantly depicts the plight of animals when their owners fail to provide for them in the event of disability or death. More than 500,000 pets are euthanized annually because their owners neglected to plan.

We plan for our loved ones, for our children, for our money, our houses, our cars. Why wouldn't planning for our pets be just as important.

Amy Shever and 2ndChance4Pets has made it their mission to educate the world about just how important planning for our pets really is.

For more information, you can read "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for your Pet". Include your pets in your will or better yet, create a trust for their benefit to ensure they will be adequately provided for.

Dog's 8-year odyssey ends | Family | Kentucky.com

This amazing story underscores the importance of micro-chipping our pets for identification in the event they are ever lost, stolen or missing as a result of a natural disaster. We also recommend this form of identification for the long-term care of your pet using a pet trust. Congratulations to Petunia and her family for a happy reunion!

Dog's 8-year odyssey ends | Family | Kentucky.com

Court Ruling Allows Pet Owners To Sue for Sentimental Value: How Will This Affect You? | MyEVT

There has been a long history of pets being valued as property. When a pet was lost through negligence or an intentional act of violence the owner could only recover the "market value" of the animal. The laws are finally evolving to acknowledge that pets hold an important place in our hearts and in our families. They cannot be held to the same standard as a chair or other type of personal property. I hope no one ever has to experience the anguish of a lost pet, but if they do, the law is now starting to provide better compensation for that loss.

Court Ruling Allows Pet Owners To Sue for Sentimental Value: How Will This Affect You? | MyEVT

Is there Chicken in Chicken Pet Foods?

It is important to educate yourself about the quality of the pet foods your animals are consuming. Read the labels, get the facts and buy the best brand you can afford. It may make all the difference in the quality of your pet's life and could actually save you money in the long run. Healthier pets, lower vet bills. Happy New Year!

Is there Chicken in Chicken Pet Foods?

2011 Victories for Animals

Here's a celebration of the 2011 Victories for Animals sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States. It is efforts like these that will stop the suffering of animals everywhere.

Time to Improve Laws for Service Dogs

For more information, please review the press release below.  Encourage your legislators to improve laws not just for guide dogs but for all service dogs.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2011

CONTACT: Kevin King

(727) 552‐1380

REP. KRISEMAN: IT'S TIME TO IMPROVE OUR GUIDE DOG LAWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Bipartisan legislation has been filed to revise the law related to service animals, providing more rights to Floridians with disabilities and to individuals who train guide dogs.

State Rep. Rick Kriseman (D‐St. Petersburg) has filed House Bill 1077, which prohibits discrimination of guide dog owners as it relates to housing accommodations, allows for the use of guide dogs in public and private schools, and provides a punishment to those who knowingly and fraudulently represent themselves as the owner or trainer of a guide dog.

“Our current laws related to service animals and guide dogs are woefully inadequate and out of step with recently revised federal regulations. Passage of House Bill 1077 will give needed protections to our most vulnerable citizens and their beloved guide dogs," said Representative Kriseman, who is the Florida House Democratic Policy Chair.

"The more exposure to real‐world experiences the dogs get during their training, the better prepared they will be when given the responsibility of serving as someone’s eyes. By ensuring full access rights for the tireless trainers, these dogs will no doubt go on to become unflappable guides, leading their handlers to an independent life," said Titus Herman, the CEO of Southeastern Guide Dogs, whose mission is to create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life's journey with mobility, independence and dignity.

The companion to HB 1077 will be filed by State Senator Mike Bennett (R‐Bradenton).

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