debbie's blog

We make choices every day that affect the world around us.  When we opt to boycott products, we are telling big corporations that we do not approve of their practices.  Sacrificing our values for the latest tube of lipstick or overpriced moisturizer is a thing of the past. 

Say hello to the wonderful world of cruelty-free, all natural and organic products!  Today, there are myriad all-natural, botanical options that have not been tested on animals and do not include any animal by-products.  After my bout with breast cancer, I became hyper-aware of the ingredients I was putting on my face and body. I began flipping over each product in my bathroom and cosmetics case to read the ingredients, and to my surprise, wound up tossing out just about every product I owned! I was horrified to discover that a major cosmetics company, whose makeup I’d loved and used for years, had the words, "Final product not tested on animals", on the container. I’d never noticed that before. My interpretation of this disclaimer’ ’Tested on animals during product development; not on finished product.’ This just isn’t good enough for me. "Not tested on animals," to me, means, "Not tested on animals. At any time. In any way. Ever."  I’ve since switched to Josie Maran, Nvey and Korres cosmetics, and Dr. Alkaitis (whose motto is, "If you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin.") cleansers and moisturizers. I’ve become a huge fan of SaffronRouge.com, a wonderful company with exceptional customer service that only carries products that I know I can trust. Their customer service folks really know their products, too! Love that!

One thing to be wary of is companies that use the word, "organics" in their company or product name, and companies that loosely throw around the term, ’natural.’ I’m not naming any names, but there are a number of lines on the market that use one or both terms on their labels. Yet, if you flip over the bottle, you’ll find that not only are there NO organic ingredients whatsoever in the supposedly ‘organic’ product, but there are a few that even contain parabens, synthetics and worse. There are a few pet products that do this very same thing. My philosophy is this: Just Be Honest. If your product is an all-natural product, call it an all-natural product. If your product uses primarily organic ingredients, then, be my guest’ call it organic. But if you’re abusing the word to trick customers, you are displaying a lack of integrity. And, that, to me, is a big, fat no-no. In a similar vein, if your product contains questionable ingredients, just be honest about it! Some individuals really don’t care about product ingredients anyway. But at least you’re being HONEST.

Proving that looking great does not have to cost a fortune or compromise your ethics, the following list of companies sell products that are worth checking out:

Kiss My Face: With a number of options to choose from, you can feel good about the company’s line of cosmetics, body moisturizers, mouthwashes, and deodorants which contain no artificial colors, no unnecessary chemicals, or animal ingredients.  Their goals include providing reasonably priced products that are good for you and good for the environment.

Eco Tools: Actress and Animal Rights Activist Alicia Silverstone’s line of earth-friendly makeup tools and bath and body products are created by Paris Presents, a company committed to saving the planet with their practices.  In addition to donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental organizations, they use sustainable resources like bamboo, cruelty-free taklon bristles, and recyclable/recycled materials to create their products.

Nature Girl: Incredible organic products designed to keep you looking and feeling fresh make up Nature Girl’s line of skin care, hair, fragrance, and bath and body products.  They have a mother and baby line as well as a men’s line so don’t let the name fool you.  The company has something natural for everyone.

We know that change starts from within.  To be truly beautiful in today’s world means that a person has to be conscientious and willing to make changes in their own life.  Choosing cruelty-free, organic products helps the environment, protects animals, and supports businesses that are committed to making awareness part of their best practices.  For a complete list of cruelty-free companies, visit LeapingBunny.org.  You can even order a pocket-sized Compassionate Shopping Guide for free.

God, how I hate to report on these types of stories... I don't even know where I get the courage to write about them given how gut-wrenched and in pain I am as I write. It may seem as though I'm preaching to the choir when I share these nightmares with my fellow protectors of and lovers of animals, but awareness breeds change, which is what we're fighting for. The Humane Society of the United States, The World Wildlife Fund... oh, so many of these organizations provide living proof of the power of awareness.

China has a history of disrespect and cruelty towards animals. Plain, simple, factual. My Chinese heritage isn't grounds for keeping my disgust with China's treatment of animals under wraps. No nation is perfect, but I must rant that China warrants a level of fear and loathing in terms of their inhumane treatment of animals. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of thousands of Asians who love and treasure animals just as much as you and I. I speak not of these individuals our brothers and sisters in spirit but in the country and its government as a whole.

Although we know of many, this topic covers what could be one of the most inhumane acts a human can commit against an animal, withholding food and water to the point that the emaciated creature can no longer walk let alone work up the strength to fight back.  That was most likely the case of the fifty animals that were found buried in a mass grave at a state zoo in north-eastern China. A ZOO, mind you!  Of the carcasses found, a number of them were endangered white lions and white tigers.  The normally strong animals were being fed diets of chicken meat and bones and in some case sweet buns.  The beef and lamb that they were accustomed to eating was simply too expensive for the zoos to purchase so they stopped serving it and decided to alter the animals' diet without consulting a zoologist or veterinarian.  The low calorie diets caused the animals to suffer and eventually perish from starvation.

Budget Cuts Means Fewer Supplies

Shedding light on the deplorable conditions commonly found in China, Sky News in Beijing won the coveted 2008 Panda Wildlife Award for its coverage of Chinese zoos and the conditions that their animals were forced to live in.  With 200 zoos located throughout the Asian country, only the larger ones receive aid and attention from the government which leaves the smaller ones susceptible to budget cuts and unfavorable conditions.  Despite having a large number of animals on hand, few zoos would admit there was a problem until now.

Tiger Parts for Medicinal Purposes

Siberian Tigers are often harvested for their body parts.  Thought to have medicinal properties, tiger bones and reproductive organs are used to increase sexual potency and treat certain illnesses.  Chinese traditional medicine is based off of age-old practices that are no longer viewed as ethical.  Many species of tigers are now endangered.

China's Blatant Disregard for Animals

Like dogs and cats, tigers are not typically viewed as sources of food.  Animal rights activists have gone undercover to expose individual acts of animal cruelty in China.  Their bravery has unfortunately come with a consequence.  Dependency on the country for the bulk of our imported goods makes it nearly impossible to buy something that wasn't made in China.  In fact, several large department stores went under fire recently when the faux fur trimming their China-made jackets was found to contain remnants of dog and cat fur.

Standing Up For the Animals

The first step in helping the animals in China lies in educating the public of the extreme acts of cruelty that have become commonplace in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.  The second step would be to refrain from purchasing any items of questionable origin.  If the faux fur that you're sporting looks and feels real, it's likely that it came from an animal source. I've blogged about this topic before.

Last but not least, you can write letters to the Editor of your local newspaper, circulate a petition urging Congress to enforce stricter laws concerning animal welfare, and educate the public about the issues that occur behind their backs.  Having evidence on hand to support your claims gives the animals in question a much better chance of survival.

Thank you, Universe, for an organization like Animals Asia. This Hong Kong Hong Kong-based charity is dedicated to ending cruelty and restoring respect for all animals in Asia. Yes, there ARE animal rights organizations in the Far East, and I commend them for fighting for animal rights in one of the toughest parts of the world to do so.

Amid concerns from pet owners whose animals died after being treated with flea and tick products, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now requiring stricter labeling procedures from companies Merck & Co., Bayer AG and Pfizer Inc, the makers of products Frontline Top Spot for Dogs, Promeris Canine Flea Control and Enforcer Flea Drops for Cats.  Linked to 44,000 reports in 2008 alone, the products continue to cause pet mortality rates to rise rapidly.

A website called BioSpotVictims.org was created to inform the public about potential side effects of using flea and tick treatments.  Similar websites have popped up around the net as pets become ill and die from over-the-counter products.

Better labeling will prevent owners from giving incorrect dosages or the wrong types of treatment to their dogs and cats.  Dosages depend on the weight of the animal but very few people know that.  With the help of the EPA, pet owners can better understand the dangers involved with using pesticides to treat their pet's flea or tick problem.

Opie and Dixie knows the importance of using all-natural products on your pets.  That is why we offer vitamins, supplements, and treatments that are free from harsh chemicals and additives.  We also have a whole section of our website dedicated to educating our customers about Health and Wellness matters.   Covering topics like Herbs, Homeopathy, and Massage, the site was designed to present healthy alternatives to pet owners.

For Do-It-Yourself flea and tick remedies and other useful advice and recipes, pick up a copy of Eco Dog by Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich or visit Recipe Goldmine for inspiration.  A number of easy-to-make health remedy recipes are available to the public at no cost via the web.  In addition to saving you money, the all-natural alternatives prevent deadly side effects from compromising the health and well-being of your pets.

The Humane Society of the United States just sent me a reminder about the upcoming Genesis Awards TV Special, and I'm glad they did! Every year The Genesis Awards pays tribute to the major news and entertainment media for producing outstanding works that raise public awareness of animal issues.

This weekend the 24^th Genesis Awards TV Special will be airing on Animal Planet both Saturday, April 24^th at noon ET/PT and on Sunday, April 25^th at 1pm ET/PT (for other time zones, please check your local listings). For anyone who cares about animal issues, and I'm sure you readers do, this event is a must-see. I know I’ll be watching!!

Of the many moving animal stories we hear these days, tales of people being forced to give up their pets due to these tough economic times are among the saddest. Like you, few of these loving pet parents ever imagined having to give up their pets. But for these victims of the economy who have unexpectedly found themselves unemployed or making far less income than that needed to survive, coming up with extra money to care for a pet can be next to impossible.  This is where Sophie's Pet Pantry in South Daytona Beach, Florida comes into play.  

Offering no-cost dog and cat food to residents with money problems is one of the ways that Founder Kathy Blackman is giving back to her community.  The Animal Advocacy Group Leader started the non-profit pantry with the help of the Winston James Development Group, who donated the space in Beville Business Park.  The official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, March 24^th, 2010 at 9:00 AM.

Individuals around the world are working hard to do their part in helping needy families and animals.  According to Designer Ashley Paige's webpage, Ashley uses spotlight press to promote animal rescue. She brings homeless dogs down the runway, wears t-shirts reading "Save a stray", and hosts weekly pet adoptions at her boutique-studio in Hollywood.

The ASPCA's Mobile Spay and Neutering Clinics offers free and low-cost services to individuals receiving government assistance in the form of Welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, Disability, Food Stamps, or Public Housing.  In addition to spaying and neutering pets, the organization also offers complimentary rabies and distemper vaccinations and a free nail trim.  For locations near you, visit the ASPCA's website.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco plays a major role in assisting needy animals.  Thanks to individual donations, senior pets are groomed, spayed and neutered, examined, operated on, and cared for daily until they are adopted out. Opie & Dixie is a big supporter of Muttville's mission.

Despite difficulties, good-hearted men and women make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate by offering their services for free or at reduced prices.  A simple web search can put a person into contact with hundreds of individuals and groups looking to assist animals in need.  Type in "animal welfare," "Humane Society," "pet adoption," and "spay and neuter" to learn more about low-cost and free services available to financially challenged Americans.  In addition to saving money and time, pet pantries and mobile spay and neuter clinics give your pets the food and medical attention necessary to live long, happy lives.

I love this piece of news I just read! The reason behind the happy news is sad, but the end result Happy! And I loooove happy! The Monkton Conservation Commission in Monkton, Vermont won a $150K state grant that will be used to build two culverts under a stretch of road populated with a large number of amphibians.  The wildlife crossing will help salamanders, other amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals to safely maneuver from one end of the swamp to another without the risk of being hit by vehicles.  I love it! According to Reptile expert Jim Andrews, the crossing is "one of the most important of the known amphibian crossings in the state." 

Animals are constantly being struck and killed on roadways across the world.  It kills me when I hear about animals being struck and killed on roadways across the world. Here in San Francisco, I've even see a fallen deer on the side of the freeway, and of course, my eyes instantly well up and I can't get the image out of my head. Now, if I even sense that a bundle at the side of the road might be an animal, I very consciously stare straight ahead. Luckily, the few times I instinctively glance over, it's a big ol' tire or a back of garbage. Garbage. Lovely. But hey, I'd rather see a bag of garbage over a poor animal. A few months ago a black bear cub in Florida stumbled onto a busy highway and was hit by a car.  Similar instances involving cattle, foxes, and mountain cats have occurred increasingly more and more each and every year. I don't even want to think about it.

The good, no, GREAT news, is that preventive measures like the ones being taken by Monkton help protect motorists as well as animals.  Dangerous collisions with wildlife claim their fair share of human casualties as well.  Citizens can take a stance and require stricter legislature regarding clear cutting and statewide funding for wildlife preserves.  Concerned communities can also take advantage of the number of grants designated for these purposes.  If it worked for Monkton, it can work for your city!

Defenders of Wildlife helped create the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program (SWG) to "encourage proactive wildlife conservation by federal agencies, state agencies and Indian tribes."  Over $68 million worth of funding grants are awarded each year by Congress to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 6 U.S. territories in an attempt to develop biodiversity conservation programs.  Presenting their ideas regarding the use of funds can help state and local representatives receive their fair share of grant money.  The overall goal is to protect as much natural habitat as possible to prevent animals from traveling across roadways and distracting motorists.

Living in San Francisco, we're only too aware of natural disasters that occur without warning and force people out of their homes at a moment's notice.  Heavy snowfall this winter season has caused a number of cities back East to flood and countless homes to be destroyed because of rising water levels. A good friend of mine in Masschusetts is dealing with that nightmare at this very moment. Here in California, we worry about the ubiquitous "faults" becoming restless underground and erupting into The Big One. Having a plan in advance ensures that every member of our families, including the four legged, finned, and/or feathered ones, get out safely.

The Humane Society of the United States urges Americans to prepare for the worst by coming up with an evacuation plan.  In a Press Release dated March 30^th, 2010, HSUS Director of Field Services Arnold Baer stated, "If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets."

The organization also recommends having some much needed supplies on hand to help ease your worries.  Some of the items include:

• Several days worth of food and water stored in air-tight containers.
• Food dishes and water bowls (collapsible if possible to save space).
• The pet's medical history, reports of vaccination, and allergies stored in a waterproof folder or envelope.
• Current photos of your pet with identifying markings noted.
• Medications and first aid supplies.
• Blankets and toys.
• Small garbage bags.
• A litter box for cats.
• Leashes and collars for dogs.
• Pet carriers to place the pets in.

Evacuation shelters commonly won't accept pets so having a backup plan for Fido and Fluffy is ideal.  San Francisco is famous for its pet-friendly hotels, but in a disaster, rooms may not be readily available. An alternative plan is to make note of any friends or family members willing to care for your pets in emergency situations.  Arrange to drop your pets off with these individuals before moving on to a hotel or safe house.  Knowing that your animals are being cared for takes the weight off your shoulders in a big way.  It also makes it easier for you to focus on the safety of you and your family.

Hurricane Katrina took New Orleans by surprise.  A number of pets and owners were reunited after successful rescue operations found the animals alive.  Pre-evacuation preparedness would have made the rescue process go much smoother.  Most of the homes in the heavily flooded areas were declared a total loss.  Possessions that were left behind were water logged and destroyed.  This included any medical information and personal photographs that would have helped rescuers reunite families with their beloved pets.  Having these items on hand would have made the recovery process that much faster.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.  No one knows when disaster will strike.  Having supplies on hand and accessible can prevent confusion when a situation does arise.  It is important be level headed and to make sure that every member of your family gets to live a long happy life.

Buying bunnies to give to children on Easter is a bad idea unless a promise is made to care for the bunny through thick and thin, until its dying day.  In addition to being high maintenance, these furry creatures are prone to claw, chew, and spray everything around them if they are not spayed or neutered.  Although they appear cute and cuddly when they are small, their sharp claws need constant maintenance to prevent them from ripping through clothing, furniture, and their owner"s skin.  Individuals who are unable to keep up with their new pets often abandon them after a short time.

The House Rabbit Society works hard to place these animals in loving, nurturing homes.  It also provides detailed information about caring for your new pet.  If you are not willing to make the same kind of commitment that you would to other pets, you might reconsider adopting a rabbit.  Although the animals can be litterbox trained, it does not mean that they can roam around a home freely without supervision.  It also does not mean that they will adapt easily to their environment or be able to control their bowels the way that trained dogs and cats do. The kindest environment, although not the only environment, is one with a garden or patio for a bunny to hop around and roam in.

Rabbits are lovely, sentient creatures that are dependent on you for their care.  Not everyone is cut out to take care of one, however, and the House Rabbit Society warns that, "They have a lifespan of 10 years and require as much work as a dog or cat."  If you want your child to have an Easter bunny, consider buying a hollowed chocolate one. 

The Easter Bunny poem written Mary Brandolino illustrates the treatment many bunnies receive once they grow up to be rabbits:

"Once a cute and cuddly bunny
Like a little ball of cotton
Now I'm grown up and forgotten
In my cage.

I don't know what went wrong
At the home I did inhabit
I just grew to be a rabbit
In my cage."

Please do your part and conduct thorough research before bringing a bunny home.  You must have the space, the time, the patience, the commitment and the love to properly care for one of these precious creatures.