sutton078

As  we approach a holiday weekend, allow me to suggest the documentary film We Are One directed by Kevin Mukherji and narrated by Forest Whitaker. Yes, I am in it, but so is Harold Ramis, Jimmy Carter, Maneka Gandhi, and many more. This film has already won honors in the Calcutta film festival and developing a buzz. It is about the interconnections between animal cruelty, the environment, war and abuses of power. In my humble opinion, it is also about the dangers of damning science and lauding ignorance. The film is about 90 minutes long and available now on Amazon Prime Video . Let me know what you think.

Your spcaLA had 2 French Bulldogs in fine condition that were available for adoption. There was no doubt that these dogs would be instantly adopted, both because the breed is popular and because the shelter price is thousands below their commercial market price. A bunch of questionable adopters flooded the shelter, who in fact, proved to be rescues, pretending to be "civilians" who wanted to flip the dogs for a high profit. They were, of course, busted and denied. First, your spcaLA is one of the preeminent rescue organizations in the country, among other things, second, these dogs didn't need help getting adopted or extra care, and third, why should we be complicit in their plan to cheat an adopter? When asked by our staff if they would, instead, like to help us by rescuing some of our long timers or dogs needing extra help and medical care out of the shelter - not a one offered. They only wanted to help where no help was needed to further their own greedy agendas. There...

The 1992 film Lorenzo's Oil is about a boy, Lorenzo, who was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a neurological disease, which is usually fatal within 2 years. Dissatisfied with medical experts who saw no hope or relief, Lorenzo's parents tirelessly researched, scoured the world and developed a homemade oil that provided relief to the child and prolonged his life until age 30.  I am seeing the same spirit in pet owners determined to make their pets happy and comfortable by inventing for their pets, that which is unavailable in the established public marketplace. It is truly amazing! Here are just 2 examples. Two of our adopters fell in love with an "underdog" at our shelter. "Underdogs", are dogs who are over 6 years old or who have been our guests for over 3 months and who we specially promote to stimulate interest in them. Once home, the adopters felt the dog was not eating enough of any food to thrive properly. They were determined to help their ne...

Paris and new mom Your spcaLA just concluded a five day "Pick your Price" adoption event, where adopters chose their pet and paid what they thought was reasonable, be it one, or one million dollars. Though many thought I had lost my mind, and I did not actually disagree, the results were positive, and downright astounding. Over ninety animals were adopted during this few day period and, remarkably, most adopters paid close to or over our regular adoption fees. Also interesting, was that people did this at a time when the government shelters and a few private ones were giving away their pets for free during the same period! Pepsi,Sprite,Fanta and new mom I chose a few highlights to illustrate the mindfulness that went into these decisions. Sapphire, a dog diagnosed with cancer, and a more difficult path to a home, was adopted for one dollar by someone wanting to care for her and give her the opportunity to live out the remainder of her life in a loving home. Paris, was with us...

At the close of this school year, a Hawthorne High School teacher surrendered a classroom rabbit, into our shelter as there was no one available to provide him a home for the summer. The rabbit was suffering from very obvious conjunctivitis in both eyes, ocular discharge that was stuck to his hair, dental disease, and other medical problems. His cage was quite filthy and we don’t know if the proper diet, (important for teeth and overall health) and appropriate medical care was provided to this rabbit while in custody of the school. Notwithstanding the fact that the California Penal Code considers it a misdemeanor or felony to act, omit to act, or permit an action or omission to occur in the care of an animal, what lesson is being taught to the students? I can answer that question – a bad one.  A lesson that sanctions irresponsible behavior, that demonstrates a lack of empathy for another sentient being, that permits the infliction of suffering and pain on one dependent on the ...

spcaLA We recently had a successful pet adoption festival. Lots of booths, food, activities and new homes for pets. That said, an amazing thing happened. People were coming in and "paying it forward". In other words, paying an adoption fee, anonymously, for a stranger. For example, one who recently adopted one of our cruelty victims came to the festival and paid the fees for someone else, (this made our humane officer, who saved the abused pet tear up), a volunteer working the event did the same, and numerous unrelated others did so as well. I was astonished and joined our officer in a cry fest. My shelter staff told me that this has been happening a lot recently. Those of you who know me, and my career choices, can vouch for the fact that I often have low expectations of human nature. I have never been so happy to be proven wrong! Me of little faith stands humbled. Thank you spcaLA staff, volunteers and supporters. You're the best!

During a rain delay at Comerica Stadium in Detroit a goose flew into the scoreboard. The crew, in an attempt to motivate the goose to fly away, set off fire crackers at him, chased him and ultimately caused him to crash into an LED board and fall 2 levels. Fortunately, there was a veterinarian in the stands who helped the goose and arranged for his safe transport to a wildlife sanctuary . Major League  Baseball should institute, mandate and demand humane practices and protocols to handle a wildlife visit on the field. Birds, squirrels, geese and others have long been guests at  stadiums  and are even showcased on the video screen between innings for fan entertainment. Throwing firecrackers and otherwise tormenting wildlife is not the message we want to convey to our children, is surely not family entertainment, and a statement to that effect should be issued and reinforced by MLB post haste.  As stated by Bob Talbert "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them...