Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Regina Police Shooting Incident Involving 7 Year Old Pit Bull 'Ben'
I'm really not certain as to who is correct in regards to this particular incident but being that I am the daughter of a once Halifax Regional Police Officer I can offer a more enlightened opinion.
In order to have an informed position I would need:
1. Verification the the Police Dog was in fact attacked by Ben the 7 year old pit bull.
2. The Officers official statement along with witness accounts of the incident should there be any.
3. A cooling down period of about three weeks so those involved can have a less emotional debate based on the facts.
This does not mean that I refute what the owner is saying or that I don't care about the dog, it means that I care for all concerned in what has obviously been a very upsetting incident & death.
I will say this however, Police Officers in the K-9 Unit of any Canadian Police Department have an incredible amount of loyalty, respect & care for their canine companions so taking the life of a perceived threat whether it be human or canine I do understand. It also stands to reason that Ben the PitBull was trying to protect his property & may very well have not appreciated the presence of another alpha dog on his property...My husky Polar wants to lunge at any other dog coming near his home as he is very territorial.
If this incident in it's entirety is made available to the public then & only then should people have the right to comment for or against but do consider the points stated.
This could simply be a tragic unfortunate set of circumstances.
Regardless of your opinion it is absolutely unacceptable to threaten Policeman over anything you may perceive as unjust. Aside from the fact that they were in the process of searching for assailants to keep a Community safe they truly do risk their lives daily to protect not only the human element in society but animals as well.
Should anyone feel the need to voice their opinion doing so in a respectful way will have you understood far better than spewing belligerence which only falls on deaf ears...
That is simply my humble opinion
L.A. Bowden
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/03/25/sk-dog-shot-facebook.html?cmp=fbtl
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2013/03/24/sk-police-shoot-dog.html
Thursday, March 21, 2013
One Of The Hundreds...
Close to three years ago I began my search to find a rescue dog that I could adopt. Already with a senior beagle named Maple I now had the yard & home that could easily accommodate a new member to our family. I was Hell bent on finding a Husky as I'd always dreamed of having one. Searching the Internet I happened upon a listing for what was referred to as a 'Labrador Husky' up for adoption through Litters 'n' Critters Animal Rescue Society in Halifax Nova Scotia. He was absolutely precious & his name was Polar...(1st picture is Polar when he was Adopted)
I remember filling out the Adoption Application hoping it would reach the Rescue in time, that I would be the one who would be fortunate enough to give him a forever home. It wasn't long after sending the application it that I received an email letting me know I could go meet Polar & take him home! He was so small & fluffy, he was the cutest little pup I'd ever laid eyes on. Talking to Shelley (President of Litters 'n' Critters) she had offered me his brief background & that he had two male siblings that had already been adopted out in the Halifax area. I decided to keep Polar's given name to honour those who had rescued him & cared enough to send him to Nova Scotia to find a new life.
Knowing that Polar was a rescue, that he was found along with his siblings in Labrador trying to feed off of their deceased mother only deepened my love for him. I was going to care for & protect this pup with aggressive force. I had already determined in my mind the consequence should anyone dare try to harm him. Crazy? Perhaps, but for those who have adopted a rescue animal it's a normal feeling of protection.
It was not difficult to adore this little boy not only was he affectionate but he was very playful. As he grew he went through a very awkward phase where he appeared to be all ears. Lovingly referred to as Yoda for a few months it was amazing to see how much he'd changed in appearance in a matter of weeks. He was growing like a weed & went everywhere with us; the beach, the park, everywhere! (2nd Picture is Polar at 4 months of age) (3rd Picture is Polar at 1 year of age)
Digging deeper into what a 'Labrador Husky' truly was could not have been more interesting. Polar was a rare breed of Husky indigenous to Labrador Canada first brought here by the Thule people, a sled dog bred at different times in history with wolves in the area. These dogs were the supreme utility Husky, strong & versatile used to -40 temperatures. Knowing all of this helps me understand the specific needs and temperament of Polar as when he is resting he does not like to be disturbed & can be quite a 'Grumpy Gus.' (4th Picture is Polar resting in one of his favourite positions)
An active, loved member of my Family this little orphaned Husky could have had a far different life had it not been for those who cared enough to Rescue him. To the selfless animal rescue volunteers in Labrador who do so much with so little Polar is literally one of the hundreds that have made their way to Nova Scotia to find their forever homes. (5th Picture is a recent one of Polar)
The Volunteers at the Happy Valley Goose Bay SPCA in Labrador:
Lee Hill
Catherine Montague Young
Monica Surina
Bonnie Learning
Also volunteering in Labrador for Animal Rescue Independantly:
Wendy Porter Kean
Constable Jade Kean Wood RCMP Labrador
Constable Trevor Wood RCMP Labrador
The Volunteers at Litters 'n' Critters Animal Rescue Society Halifax Nova Scotia:
Shelley Cunningham
Brenda Hall-Gagne
Russ Barkhouse
Jennifer Durkee Smith
Volunteers in Animal Rescue in Newfoundland:
Yvette Parsons Butt
Volunteering alongside these amazing people I have found no greater reward worth my time, effort & affection. Setting the highest example for the rest of us to try to achieve in all their efforts to save the stray, abandoned, neglected & often abused animals in Newfoundland Labrador & Nova Scotia I could not consider myself more honoured to be in their company.
L.A. Bowden
www.littersncritters.com
www.hvgbspca.com
I remember filling out the Adoption Application hoping it would reach the Rescue in time, that I would be the one who would be fortunate enough to give him a forever home. It wasn't long after sending the application it that I received an email letting me know I could go meet Polar & take him home! He was so small & fluffy, he was the cutest little pup I'd ever laid eyes on. Talking to Shelley (President of Litters 'n' Critters) she had offered me his brief background & that he had two male siblings that had already been adopted out in the Halifax area. I decided to keep Polar's given name to honour those who had rescued him & cared enough to send him to Nova Scotia to find a new life.
Knowing that Polar was a rescue, that he was found along with his siblings in Labrador trying to feed off of their deceased mother only deepened my love for him. I was going to care for & protect this pup with aggressive force. I had already determined in my mind the consequence should anyone dare try to harm him. Crazy? Perhaps, but for those who have adopted a rescue animal it's a normal feeling of protection.
It was not difficult to adore this little boy not only was he affectionate but he was very playful. As he grew he went through a very awkward phase where he appeared to be all ears. Lovingly referred to as Yoda for a few months it was amazing to see how much he'd changed in appearance in a matter of weeks. He was growing like a weed & went everywhere with us; the beach, the park, everywhere! (2nd Picture is Polar at 4 months of age) (3rd Picture is Polar at 1 year of age)
Digging deeper into what a 'Labrador Husky' truly was could not have been more interesting. Polar was a rare breed of Husky indigenous to Labrador Canada first brought here by the Thule people, a sled dog bred at different times in history with wolves in the area. These dogs were the supreme utility Husky, strong & versatile used to -40 temperatures. Knowing all of this helps me understand the specific needs and temperament of Polar as when he is resting he does not like to be disturbed & can be quite a 'Grumpy Gus.' (4th Picture is Polar resting in one of his favourite positions)
An active, loved member of my Family this little orphaned Husky could have had a far different life had it not been for those who cared enough to Rescue him. To the selfless animal rescue volunteers in Labrador who do so much with so little Polar is literally one of the hundreds that have made their way to Nova Scotia to find their forever homes. (5th Picture is a recent one of Polar)
The Volunteers at the Happy Valley Goose Bay SPCA in Labrador:
Lee Hill
Catherine Montague Young
Monica Surina
Bonnie Learning
Also volunteering in Labrador for Animal Rescue Independantly:
Wendy Porter Kean
Constable Jade Kean Wood RCMP Labrador
Constable Trevor Wood RCMP Labrador
The Volunteers at Litters 'n' Critters Animal Rescue Society Halifax Nova Scotia:
Shelley Cunningham
Brenda Hall-Gagne
Russ Barkhouse
Jennifer Durkee Smith
Volunteers in Animal Rescue in Newfoundland:
Yvette Parsons Butt
Volunteering alongside these amazing people I have found no greater reward worth my time, effort & affection. Setting the highest example for the rest of us to try to achieve in all their efforts to save the stray, abandoned, neglected & often abused animals in Newfoundland Labrador & Nova Scotia I could not consider myself more honoured to be in their company.
L.A. Bowden
www.littersncritters.com
www.hvgbspca.com
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Natuashish Labrador Decides To Work Alongside HVGB SPCA & Avert Dog Cull
The vast majority of people understand the basic concepts of care, not only for ourselves but for those of animals as well. It goes without saying that the Northern Communities in Canada have a daunting task before them as they try to cope with an issue that not only receives inadequate funding from Government but the lack of the population density needed for Donations & support.
In regards to Labrador, they have been in crisis mode from the very conception of the Happy Valley Goose Bay SPCA. Partnering with Litters 'n' Critters Animal Rescue Society in Halifax NS they have been able to send down animals to be adopted out here as opposed to the alternative of being Euthanized. Over population of roaming, neglected & abused animals is a Daily occurrence in many remote communities in Canada.
What are the key factors for the overpopulation of animals in Labrador & numerous other Northern Communities?
1. The SPCA's dedication to the protection & care of animals is not sufficiently funded by the Federal, Provincial or Territorial Governments. Ten thousand dollars a year is not an adequate amount to provide basic needs such as food. When you have a population that can not support the fundraising required to provide adequate care for animals you set this system set up to fail. There is absolutely no reason Government is unable to provide the Volunteers that run these Animal Rescue Organizations the funding they require to function at a reasonable level.
2. There is the daily dilemma of not having access to Veterinary care to perform Spay/Neuter services or provide care needed for injured animals. Veterinary care in Northern Communities is sporadic at best leaving volunteers doing their best to try to cope with medical issues they are not qualified to deal with.
3. In many Northern communities Animal Rescues also face quasi cooperation from Innu & Aboriginal Communities in regards to the protection & well being of animals. Communities that are unable to care for their own people do not have the resources to care adequately for animals thus leading to overpopulation issues. Communities who can not help themselves are unable to help animals & if they require help it should be provided as to avoid culling of animals that through no fault of their own merely exist.
4. Inadequate Facilities for the Provincial & Territorial SPCA's to maximize their potential effectiveness. Buildings constructed from used building materials that can only house up to six dogs when twenty are waiting on the doorstep to have the opportunity to be cared for. Government should provide adequate money for the construction of the facilities needed to enable these Animal Rescue Agencies to run effectively & efficiently as these volunteers take on the responsibility of Animal Welfare & Protection on behalf of the Canadian Government. Allow them the opportunity to do the best they can, to provide the care that these animals deserve.
5. Transportation whether it be train, plane or automobile should be accessible to all Northern Canadian Animal Rescues. Government should implore the Public Transportation Industry to aid in the efforts of these Animal Agencies. The irony is that there could be homes for every one of these animals if the Transportation to get them from point A to point B were available. Airlines charging five hundred dollars for a Rescue Animal to board a flight is ludicrous, if there is room in a cargo hold why can they not help these Northern Communities free of charge?
What are the effects of an over stressed Animal population in Northern Canadian Communities?
1. Northern Communities face an abundance of never ending issues with Animal over population.Everything from disease, aggression, malnutrition, over population, cross breeding with wolves or coyotes, death & it all can be managed with the proper facilities & medical care.
2. Northern Communities are often faced with unfortunate situations where they feel there is no other option than to cull animals because they can't afford to care for them adequately. They are rounded up & shot for merely existing. They feel abandoned by mainland Canada and helpless in their humanitarian efforts to save what could potentially be an animal homed if only the resources were available.
3. There is a great deal of frustration, anxiety & anger within Northern Communities when people feel the need to take overpopulation issues into their own hands. The knowledge that it could be a very manageable situation if they could face Animal Welfare & Protection on a United Front with one another & Government leads to conflict where none should exist.
A realist, I am very aware that not every animal can be spared, that not every animal should be spared but to deny the opportunity for these Northern Communities to try to succeed and be afforded the opportunity is disheartening and unjust at the very least and goes against everything we as Canadians stands for.
When those without the means to do for themselves are left to fend for themselves it becomes a desperate situation that can be averted with adequate support & funding. It is not an issue of what can you do but the moral obligation & expectation of what will you do. The overpopulation issues are manageable in time but Animal Rescues in Northern Canada need a fighting chance to get up on their feet, to get a firm handle on the specific needs of their Communities in Regards to Animal overpopulation.
In such a vast territory, Northern Communities will always be plagued with an over abundance of
animals in need, it is the responsibility of the Canadian Government to enable them with the resources to cope in their Humanitarian Efforts.
In closing I feel it my responsibility as a citizen, as a person who has adopted three beautiful, loving dogs from Labrador to not only acknowledge the issues facing Northern Canadian Animal Rescue Organizations but to stand with them & let them know that I care not only for the valuable contribution to what speaks to our Canadian Heritage that they pursue on a daily basis but for my children that they should know of the efforts to maintain the level of Humanitarian Aid & kindness that we as a people should expect.
PLEASE HELP LABRADOR & DEMAND THE CANADIAN FEDERAL & PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS SUPPORT THE HVGB SPCA & STOP THE CULL OF INNOCENT DOGS
L.A. Bowden
Sackville NS Canada
In regards to Labrador, they have been in crisis mode from the very conception of the Happy Valley Goose Bay SPCA. Partnering with Litters 'n' Critters Animal Rescue Society in Halifax NS they have been able to send down animals to be adopted out here as opposed to the alternative of being Euthanized. Over population of roaming, neglected & abused animals is a Daily occurrence in many remote communities in Canada.
What are the key factors for the overpopulation of animals in Labrador & numerous other Northern Communities?
1. The SPCA's dedication to the protection & care of animals is not sufficiently funded by the Federal, Provincial or Territorial Governments. Ten thousand dollars a year is not an adequate amount to provide basic needs such as food. When you have a population that can not support the fundraising required to provide adequate care for animals you set this system set up to fail. There is absolutely no reason Government is unable to provide the Volunteers that run these Animal Rescue Organizations the funding they require to function at a reasonable level.
2. There is the daily dilemma of not having access to Veterinary care to perform Spay/Neuter services or provide care needed for injured animals. Veterinary care in Northern Communities is sporadic at best leaving volunteers doing their best to try to cope with medical issues they are not qualified to deal with.
3. In many Northern communities Animal Rescues also face quasi cooperation from Innu & Aboriginal Communities in regards to the protection & well being of animals. Communities that are unable to care for their own people do not have the resources to care adequately for animals thus leading to overpopulation issues. Communities who can not help themselves are unable to help animals & if they require help it should be provided as to avoid culling of animals that through no fault of their own merely exist.
4. Inadequate Facilities for the Provincial & Territorial SPCA's to maximize their potential effectiveness. Buildings constructed from used building materials that can only house up to six dogs when twenty are waiting on the doorstep to have the opportunity to be cared for. Government should provide adequate money for the construction of the facilities needed to enable these Animal Rescue Agencies to run effectively & efficiently as these volunteers take on the responsibility of Animal Welfare & Protection on behalf of the Canadian Government. Allow them the opportunity to do the best they can, to provide the care that these animals deserve.
5. Transportation whether it be train, plane or automobile should be accessible to all Northern Canadian Animal Rescues. Government should implore the Public Transportation Industry to aid in the efforts of these Animal Agencies. The irony is that there could be homes for every one of these animals if the Transportation to get them from point A to point B were available. Airlines charging five hundred dollars for a Rescue Animal to board a flight is ludicrous, if there is room in a cargo hold why can they not help these Northern Communities free of charge?
What are the effects of an over stressed Animal population in Northern Canadian Communities?
1. Northern Communities face an abundance of never ending issues with Animal over population.Everything from disease, aggression, malnutrition, over population, cross breeding with wolves or coyotes, death & it all can be managed with the proper facilities & medical care.
2. Northern Communities are often faced with unfortunate situations where they feel there is no other option than to cull animals because they can't afford to care for them adequately. They are rounded up & shot for merely existing. They feel abandoned by mainland Canada and helpless in their humanitarian efforts to save what could potentially be an animal homed if only the resources were available.
3. There is a great deal of frustration, anxiety & anger within Northern Communities when people feel the need to take overpopulation issues into their own hands. The knowledge that it could be a very manageable situation if they could face Animal Welfare & Protection on a United Front with one another & Government leads to conflict where none should exist.
A realist, I am very aware that not every animal can be spared, that not every animal should be spared but to deny the opportunity for these Northern Communities to try to succeed and be afforded the opportunity is disheartening and unjust at the very least and goes against everything we as Canadians stands for.
When those without the means to do for themselves are left to fend for themselves it becomes a desperate situation that can be averted with adequate support & funding. It is not an issue of what can you do but the moral obligation & expectation of what will you do. The overpopulation issues are manageable in time but Animal Rescues in Northern Canada need a fighting chance to get up on their feet, to get a firm handle on the specific needs of their Communities in Regards to Animal overpopulation.
In such a vast territory, Northern Communities will always be plagued with an over abundance of
animals in need, it is the responsibility of the Canadian Government to enable them with the resources to cope in their Humanitarian Efforts.
In closing I feel it my responsibility as a citizen, as a person who has adopted three beautiful, loving dogs from Labrador to not only acknowledge the issues facing Northern Canadian Animal Rescue Organizations but to stand with them & let them know that I care not only for the valuable contribution to what speaks to our Canadian Heritage that they pursue on a daily basis but for my children that they should know of the efforts to maintain the level of Humanitarian Aid & kindness that we as a people should expect.
PLEASE HELP LABRADOR & DEMAND THE CANADIAN FEDERAL & PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS SUPPORT THE HVGB SPCA & STOP THE CULL OF INNOCENT DOGS
L.A. Bowden
Sackville NS Canada
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