Generally speaking, dogs make for an upbeat newspaper. Their love and loyalty inspire the same in our own hearts, and their goofiness keeps us smiling. We don’t neglect the lighter side of it all in this issue, but also cover some difficult issues that warrant the attention of every humane-minded individual.
Dog fighting, for instance. On, Kris Crawford takes us inside a juvenile detention facility in Santa Clara County, where she and her Pit Bulls encounter hardened offenders, many of whom participate in gang-related dog fighting. Kris is dedicated to changing their minds and hearts, and her unique program, Knocking Out Dog Fighting, utilizes the talents of her three Pit Bulls and a cadre of martial arts champions, along with various community centers and law enforcement agencies, to demonstrate a different way of relating to dogs.
As if dog-fighting weren’t appalling enough, confront one of the most terrible animal cruelty issues of all time: the mass production of dogs at so-called “puppy mills.” All across the nation, heartless people build rudimentary kennels in remote locations, where they set about breeding dogs as fast and as long as possible, selling the puppies via the Internet or at pet stores. Operators often have no regard for the health, hygiene, or safety of the mothers or their offspring. In many cases, the dogs don’t receive sufficient food and water, much less a friendly pat on the head, and dogs whose bodies wear out and quit producing are brutally killed.
Fortunately, the word about puppy mills is getting out as high-profile humane organizations and rescue groups, not to mention a number of state and national lawmakers, take up the cause. Our feature story recounts the horrors but doesn’t leave you feeling hopeless. We want you to get informed and get active so you can help put an end to the massive suffering of innocent dogs that is the ugly truth about puppy mills.
Now for a little good news. Sometimes, guys who look tough can be softies at heart. Take Rescue Ink, a small band of tattooed bikers on the East Coast who have zero tolerance for animal abuse. When they are tipped off about someone mistreating a dog, say by chaining him outside in the hot sun all day, they pay a very intimidating visit to that person. Rescue Ink’s in-your-face approach is so effective that both a book and a TV show are in the works. Read all about it – including the guys’ advice about keeping your dog safe from heatstroke.
Rounding out this month’s offerings are a how-to on working out with your dog, important summer health tips for your pooch, and a discussion of pet-safe and pet-friendly vehicles. We also bring you two new-dog stories: one from reader Jenni Beeman, who scarcely knew what she was in for when she got her new puppy; the other from Rebecca Katz, Acting Director of San Francisco Animal Care & Control, who recently fell in love with a furry shelter resident and encourages you to do the same.
Have I mentioned lately that we love to hear from readers? If you are inspired, moved, outraged, or amused by something you read in our pages, please let us know. Bay Woof is all about serving the Bay Area’s thriving community of dog lovers, so don’t hesitate to woof back.
Happy trails (and tails) ‘til next month.
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