Dog of the Week

We got these great photos from Diane Goodwin.  We'd like to introduce you to Butler Goodwin, a Great Dane who lives in Lexington, KY.

He lives with his mom Michelle Goodwin, and is 3 years old.

According to Diane Goodwin, Butler does not chase horses, but he does own stuffed animal toys.

Look at that multi-colored one under his gigantic, soft paw.

He apparently also has his own couch, which looks too small! Love the pink pillow!

Does he protect the house? "Probably," says Diane of the 172-lb animal with black spots.

Does he get to run around? "She takes him out," says Diane.

This dog looks like he needs to run in a BIG field. We wonder, does he have a pink stomach, and does he like to have it rubbed?

That's one big happy Butler dog!

Beagle Freedom Project Wins Hearts

Our friend David shared this video of beagles rescued from research labs. It will warm you heart!

Say No! to a Change in New Jersey Animal Shelter Law!

This just in from the ASPCA: We could not tell it better.

A companion-animal related bill, S. 2923, has passed the New Jersey Legislature and is now before Governor Chris Christie for his approval. On the surface, S. 2923 looks like something you would support—it establishes a spay/neuter and animal identification program—but it contains an alarming provision to eliminate the state’s current mandatory seven-day hold on all animals entering shelters. This would give excessive discretion to shelters over the lives of your pets, who could be killed immediately upon entering a shelter due to any "age, health, or behavior" reason. 

The purpose of the seven-day holding period is to give pet owners time to find their lost and runaway animals. Imagine the pain of losing your pet and knowing that if he or she winds up in a shelter, it could mean instant death instead of a safe haven. This nightmare scenario could become a reality for even the most responsible pet parent. 

We're asking Governor Christie to exercise a power called conditional veto—he could strike this particular language in S. 2923 and send it back to the Legislature for reenactment with that change, leaving the good parts of the bill intact. 

We need your help! Please urge your governor to do the right thing by his August 25 action deadline. 

What You Can Do

Call Governor Christie's office at (609) 292-6000 right away and ask him to conditionally veto bill S. 2923, amending it so that New Jersey's seven-day hold for shelter animals remains state law. 

Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center for more information and talking points that will help you when you make the call. 

Thank you, New Jersey! 

Signed,

Ana Banana

Peace with you and all your loved ones