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Transparency, Mudslinging And Double-Standards?
Posted by: jn at 4:36PM MT on August 7, 2009
Disclaimer: As said before, I do not support MNA, nor their (sometimes sleazy) agendas, but sometimes, just sometimes, they manage to get some things right.
An email sent by Kelly Sondeno (Safe Harbor Rescue in Fromberg) to numerous recipients, outlines concerns over Operation New Beginnings 'manager' Catherine Schaeffer possibly being granted adoption of two of Kapsa's dogs, as well as one of the board members from Schaeffer's Last Chance Cat Sanctuary who reportedly already has 11 dogs. I do not know Sondeno, nor do I know if she is a credible source (or the vet she references in the email, for that matter). It sort of reminds me of the cat fights between local rescue groups when the YVAS responded to the city's RFP for privatizing the animal shelter. Nonetheless, the email is an interesting read and does raise questions about NESR's adoption criteria, at least in the context where one seemingly able volunteer was denied certain dog(s) yet the director of a cat sanctuary currently housing up to 100 cats or more is perhaps given special consideration. In other matters, it appears we are not alone in attempting to get the county to reveal transparency regarding donations (and contract information between Yellowstone County and NESR). Apparently, even Kapsa's civil attorney, Liz Honaker, is also having trouble getting documents from the county sheriff's office regarding donations made to Operation New Beginnings for the care of Kapsa's dogs. Honaker first requested the documents on the day Kapsa signed her plea agreement with the prosecutors, and finally ended up sending an email to Kevin Gillen, of the civil division of the county attorney's office, who first denied receiving Honaker's requests yet promised to expedite the release of information if the request was resent.
Posted by: jn at 1:13PM MT on August 7, 2009
 To promote awareness of adopting special-needs pets or those with special characteristics, Petfinder.Com is dedicating August 12 as Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day. Shelters across the nation are participating in the event to spread awareness that special-needs pets are every bit deserving of a loving home. Pets with the following characteristics are often overlooked by potential adopters, but adopters may not realize that most, if not all of these special-needs pets make wonderful additions to your family. * Senior/older pets - They are already house-broken, more mellow and less likely to require training. If you've ever owned a senior pet, you understand the pet has given you years of love and companionship, we need to repay the kindness by giving them wonderful opportunities to live out their senior years. * Medical problems - Most medical problems can be managed with prompt veterinary care and followup. Many conditions are easily, and cost-effectively treatable with no recurring health complications. * Breed prejudice - Less popular breeds tend to be overlooked, "mutt" breeds often turn out to be the most friendly, most loyal to your family. * Shyness/not socially adjusted - Keep in mind, shyness is easily overcome with dedication to providing a comfortable and secure environment, bonding and attention to the pet's needs. Also remember many pets are shy simply due to being held in an animal shelter environment. * Physical problems such as deafness, blindness or physical deformities - Such limitations do not affect a pet's behavior and willingness for play, activity and bonding as long as you provide a safe environment, make slight adjustments in the environment to accommodate their needs. Other stigmas that affect overlooked pets in shelters include large dogs, black cats, FIV+ cats, or even pets with different coat textures! Large dogs make great companions (if you have adequate space), black cats have personalities that are just as friendly and loving as other cats, and FIV+ cats can lead long, happy and healthy lives providing they are spayed or neutered, receive regular veterinary care and you are keen to their health needs. Help change the stigma affecting these shelter pets, consider adopting a less-fortunate or special-needs pet. The love and rewards you'll receive in return will amaze you!
Posted by: jn at 1:06PM MT on August 7, 2009
Pet-care expenses would be tax deductible under a new measure introduced by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.).
Tax Deductions for Pet-Care Expenses Proposed House Resolution 3501, commonly referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, or HAPPY Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for “qualified pet care expenses.” “Qualified pet care expenses” is defined as “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.” “Qualified pet” is defined as “a legally owned, domesticated, live animal.” It does not include animals used for research or owned or used in conjunction with a trade or business. The act would not apply for a person who deducted expenses under IRC sections 162 (ordinary and necessary expenses) and 213 (diagnostic and similar procedures, medical devices and other medical expenses not covered by insurance) during the preceding three taxable years. The measure, introduced on July 31, was drafted in conjunction with data from the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey. It has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) issued a Pet Alert (pdf file) on Aug. 5 supporting the proposal. “Providing pet owners the opportunity to deduct pet care expenses is an important step towards ensuring that pet owners provide adequate veterinary and other necessary pet care,” PIJAC stated. “It encourages responsible pet ownership and will hopefully reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn.” Click here to view H.R. 3501. |
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Because life ain't worth living without the dog who sniffs the guests and the cat who shreds the toiletpaper. All things fun and educational in the crazy world of pets.
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