A Bark in Time

Be sure to bookmark A Bark in Time to follow news on Oregon HB 2470 as well as legislation in other states that could heavily impact both responsible breeders and pet owners alike. Jake is happy to report that our voices were heard in Salem. Representative Paul Holvey, serving as both Committee Chair and chief sponsor of the bill, is going to convene a special work group to revisit the language and consider amendments. Details will follow on A Bark in Time as HB 2470 makes it way thru the system. We find it imperative that puppy mills and any place where dogs are not properly housed, fed, loved and cared for be regulated and therefore closed by proper legal means, while at the same time protecting the rights of ethical breeders and pet owners alike.

Oregon HB 2470 Scheduled for Hearing Monday

What we object to most of all in Oregon HB 2470 is the following:

“Exempts shelters, veterinarians, pet stores and research facilities from new standards of care.”

Join the NAIA Trust to stay abrest of this and many other issues that will ulitmately impact every household that owns or wishes to own a dog, cat, or other domestic animals. Note their Mission Statement:

“The Mission of NAIA Trust is to promote the welfare of animals, strengthen the human-animal bond and safeguard the rights of responsible animal owners, enthusiasts and professionals through education, legislation and the courts.” On the Legislative page of NAIA Trust is a plea to “help us educate the committee.” We must take action now.

The key word here is “responsible.” Do you really feel that pet stores selling the cute little puppy in the window can in any way be defined as “responsible?” Rarely, if ever. Nor are many other sources of your next dog. Oregon HB 2470 Scheduled for Hearing Monday exempts those who are most in need of strict regulation

The human animal bond is a strong one, as photos on this blog clearly demonstrate. Eliminate the responsible breeders and dogs the quality of Jake will fade from the landscape. Also be sure to check out "A Bark in Time!"

Itchmo Forums Back Online!!!

It doesn't get much better than this. Not only did our Pacific NW have sunshine and clear blue skies, but the really big news is that Itchmo Forums is back online! Weeks of server problems had all of us in withdrawal. Important information is found on Itchmo Forums for such a wide variety of topics. Honestly, I can not begin to imagine the number of especially cats and also many dogs whose very lives were saved during the pet food disasters of 2007.
 

Insanity in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire legislation is among the most restrictive anti-hobbyist bills we have ever seen. It was presented in the House Environment and Agriculture committee today for a hearing. Dog owners were not informed of the hearing, and the results have not been made available. The legislation is scheduled to move out of committee following an executive session on February 19.

House Bill 337 would:

· Allow New Hampshire residents to sell only one dog or cat a year.

· Allow a maximum of no more than two additional sales by a special permit, for $25 apiece. No one could receive more than two special permits.

· Impose fines of $50 to $200 would be imposed. All permit fee revenues and fines would be placed in a special fund for spaying and neutering pets.

· Only large commercial kennels are exempt.(what is the definition and why can large kennels be approved over the hobby breeder?)

Here is a link to the actual text of the legislation.

The American Sporting Dog Alliance is urging all New Hampshire dog owners to immediately contact each member of this committee and express strong opposition. It is critical to do this quickly, before the February 19 executive session.

Here is a link to the names of each member of the committee.

Clicking on a name will bring up a page with contact information for
phone,
surface mail, fax and email.

Vivi Anne Koehring

Isn't this the most adorable puppy and equally precious photo of Vivi Anne with one of Cindy Koehring's Spaniel Bowls! A beautiful Blenheim owned and bred by Cindy, "Vivi Anne" is 14 weeks old in this shot. Cindy also made the Spaniel Bowl. Jake has a set of the bowls and seems very attached to them. He gets so upset when his water bowl goes into the dishwasher we have had to order a second bowl just to keep peace in the household. Jake even started barking at the counter top when his clean food dish was up there instead of on the floor. I decided no harm in having this dish on the floor next to his water bowl and so Jake got his way. Again! (photo above of Vivi Anne by Cindy Koehring and used with permission)
Here is Jake with his Spaniel Bowls

Would like to go to Westminster!

Westminster Kennel Club

Mark your calendars for Monday and Tuesday so you catch the Westminster Kennel Club show. Here's the complete judging schedule. Some of the breeds will be seen streaming live, I'm assuming from the Westminster Kennel Club site. Here's a schedule. Then the Groups will be televised. See the Westminster Kennel Club site for details. I think West Coast is time delay. That's the way it has always worked. Friends of mine are going. Each year I usually know someone attending, showing and/or judging. As for me, well, I've never been!

TV coverage starts on USA Networks. Then it immediately switches to CNBC for the rest of the evening.