Category: Our Blog by Just-Do-Something.org

Let’s take a minute to talk about neglect of domestic dogs as it applies to the severe wintry weather.  Targeting New York State here, but these commonalities apply to many other states as well.

Social media is a great tool to use to help network for all kinds of animals in need.  But readers beware, not everything you read or see on social media is 100% accurate.  Not everything you hear is correct.  Sad, but true.

Your first reaction to help may not be the correct action to help.

Did you know?
That if you see a dog outside and you offer to pay the owner of that dog to take the dog with you to a safer location, that the majority of those dog owners promptly get another dog to replace it – as a way to get extra money fast?  Please don’t make it a practice to offer money to get a dog out of an abusive situation.  

Did you know?
That if someone on social media posts the full address of where a dog is actually or perceived to be in an unsafe situation, that person posting that information can be held legally liable in the event harm comes to the residence owner, dog, and/or anyone deciding to go to that address, trespasses or harasses and/or remove the dog?  This also includes social media harassment by others responding to a post towards the posted resident address.

Did you know?
That attempting to remove a dog from a real or perceived unsafe situation is illegal, and even if there is abuse going on, the person(s) stealing the dog can be criminally charged for trespassing, and stealing?  This would be considered Grand Larceny. 

Did you know?
Every call to local Police, Animal Control and Humane Law Enforcement is logged and documented. Whether you reach out to the same lawful entities once or one-hundred times for the same situation, the message is well received.  Every call is investigated.  If you bombard these entities with calls and emails for the same situation, this uses up time that someone else may be trying to call to get another animal help.

So, what should you do if you think a dog (or any animal) is in an unsafe situation?

Number 1:
Call 911.  

You can request anonymity in terms of making sure the pet owner does not know the complaint came from you.  

Before you call, be prepared:  You will want to report the type and breed (if possible) of the animal, the unsafe situation, the home address (with nearest cross street), and time-frame(s) of concern.  Take pictures if you can without trespassing, for additional proof.

Number 2:
If you are in the following counties (Monroe, Genesee, Livingston and Orleans), call Humane Law Enforcement at Lollypop Farm (585) 223-6500.

The same information for this call applies as if you were to call 911.

There can be some confusion on whether other entities should also be called to highlight a situation. Take a minute to jump on the Humane Law Enforcement website at Lollypop Farm to read a little more about the differences between calling them versus your local Animal Control or the DEC:  https://www.lollypop.org/humane-law-enforcement/about-humane-law/

Did you know?
Local law enforcement and Humane Law Enforcement work together.  If you have to report an unsafe situation during the hours that Humane Lawn Enforcement offices are closed, 911 will reach out to them directly.

We all want to see suffering end right away.  We all are passionate about that. It’s difficult to wait when you become aware of an animal in need.  

Many people see law enforcement as cold or uncaring because they are legally bound to follow the laws currently in place that defines the legal guidelines of what is acceptable in NYS when it comes to assessing a situation.  

Did you know?
Every animal situation reported to 911 and Humane Law Enforcement is investigated.  This means everything is taken into consideration, not just the feelings of the person feeling awful for the dog left outside.  And this can take time.

Of course, if the animal is in immediate danger, handling the situation would be immediate.

Sometimes a dog owner just needs some education or some help in being a better pet owner.  Sometimes it’s more.

You are always welcome to follow-up on your complaint by calling 911 or Humane Lawn Enforcement back.  

It’s no secret that the legal guidelines in place for NYS outdoor dogs stink.  The current law can be found here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/AGM/A26

There are people right now working to revise these guidelines.  Sadly, it takes more than just calling your City/Town Hall, or Mayor to get the ball rolling on changing these laws.  

Every state has guidelines for constituents (that’s us) who want to make law changes.  For NYS, you can start here:
https://www.nysenate.gov/citizen-guide

Every animal that is helped is because someone chose to Just Do Something.  The world needs as many of these people as we can get!  Reporting animals in harm’s way helps our legal entities and rescues as that second set of ears and eyes.

We should all work together to help out where and when we can.  But let’s be responsible, level-headed and cohesive about it.  Become familiar with the law, understand how our local entities work, and understand that it’s important to see things from all perspectives and angles before decisions and judgements are made.

Thank you for caring, xo

If you follow ANY news, you would have read that Lolita the Orca died on Friday, August 18, 2023.

So, for the next week or so, Lolita will be making headlines – a lot.

The awful, sad thing is that Lolita SHOULD have been making headlines every day regarding her inapproporiate confinement in complete isolation where her man-made environment made it impossible for her to be completely healthy, thrive, and well, live her best life.

Captured in 1970, Lolita was taken to the Miami Seaquarium, where she spent her life in confinement, first as a performing Orca, and then, in COMPLETE isolation, in a small pool area out of the public eye.

The news articles define Lolita as “beloved”, “an inspiration”, “iconic”.

But these descriptions are not true as to how Lolita was treated.

Allowing Lolita to remain in that barren, hidden pool area in complete isolation is cruel.  And it goes beyond cruel.  

Lolita was estimated to be between 50 and 57 years of age at the time of her passing.  Orca’s can live up to 60 – 90 years.  Orca’s are deemed as highly social, and live in the wild with their family groups (known as pods).

Image living almost your entire life without your family.   And towards the end of your life, your last years being forcefully kept in complete isolation to languish in a poor environment where each day is the same.  Imagine.

Lolita lived a very unnecessary sad, lonely life ALL because of human impact.  

Miami Seaquarium could have done better by Lolita.  But dragged their feet.

Shame on them.

Shame on any entity who feels that forced confinement for ANY type of animal exploitation is acceptable.

It doesn’t matter now that so many people were trying to advocate for her release.  It doesn’t matter now that Lolita was only five months shy of a plan to have her released.

What matters is the life Lolita lived, the years wasted, and how she died.  

It didn’t have to be that way for her.

Humans do good things for sentient beings all the time.  But they also do awful things just because they can.

I never patron places where animals are exploited for human entertainment.  Not everyone thinks or feels this way.

But imagine, if everyone did.  

Then there wouldn’t be a need for any more situations like the one Lolita was put in.

Many people don’t like Halloween, but for those who do, and celebrate it – let’s revisit some simple common sense tips to help ensure that animals are out of harm’s way.

• There are nasty people every where. It’s unfortunate that we even feel the need to mention it. But just like predators who prey on children, there are those that prey on animals. Many predators don’t need a specific occasion to abuse an animal, but there are those that ramp up their nastiness on events just like Halloween, and the night before. Be wary of strangers, never leave your pet alone with someone you do not know or trust, and if something looks wrong, it probably is, so keep alert in the event that you can help ANY animal in trouble.
• Do you keep your pet outside 24/7? First, tethering or confining an animal outdoors in the same place, every day is misery for the majority of animals, who are pack-oriented.  Re-think your motives for wanting to keep your family pet outside every day. With that said, always go the extra step for your outside pet during bad weather, and holiday events.
• It’s 10 PM, do you know where your pet is? ID tags and a safe collar are always good practice, but even more so during times when your pet is apt to get spooked, shy, scared, anxious, upset and/or excited. And, Halloween is definitely a time when your pet can be more prone to getting spooked, shy, scared, anxious, upset and/or excited.
• Hide the candy. Check for candy that may have been dropped while handing it out, or that trick-or-treaters may lose in  your yard. Did you know? Chocolate in all forms – especially dark or baking chocolate – can be dangerous, even lethal for dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. Tin foil and cellophane wrappers are dangerous if ingested. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Candy is always better locked up where animals aren’t tempted and they can’t reach it.
• Go easy on the pumpkins! Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are relatively nontoxic, but they can produce gastrointestinal upset or even intestinal blockage in pets who nibble on them.
• Do you like to costume-up your pet for Halloween? If you are planning on dressing up your pet, don’t just show up on Halloween and drop your pet into his/her new garb.  Buy early, let your pet investigate it, and try it on a few times first. Costumes should be be restrictive or too warm. Some animals won’t potty if they are wearing something strange. Limit the amount of time your pet is in his/her costume, and make sure s/he can’t chew off any costume pieces. NEVER let your pet out of your sight if s/he is in a costume. And, certainly, if your pet definitely does not like the idea of wearing part or all of his/her costume, take it off! After all, pet costumes are for the HUMAN element of Halloween; no animal should be uncomfortable for ANY reason at the cost of entertaining a human.
• What are YOU wearing? Make sure your pet knows who YOU are underneath all that glitter and make-up, and never tease ANY animal if you are wearing a costume. That’s just plain not nice. Speak up if you see someone scaring an animal in costume.
• Are you taking your pet(s) to a Halloween event? Keep in mind how stressful that can be, even if s/he is with their owner. Although a lively event is fun for YOU, many times, especially times when others will be in costumes (and therefore not looking like a standard human being), these types of events can do a stressful and unpleasant number on your pet.
• Are you having people over for a Halloween event, or is that doorbell going to ring all night? Better to keep your pet away from the in-house fun, and instead create a safe and quieter place where your pet hang (with access to water and toys of course) and that you can easily and routinely check up on him/her.
• No candles or anything burning around your pet! End of story. Period. Just don’t.
• Is your Halloween going to be glowing? Glow sticks are great to keep little ones in the light while trick-or-treating, but some are toxic. If you use them, lose them after Halloween is over, and keep them in a secure place.
• How many Halloween lights do you need? Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should also be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your dogs might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
• Don’t forget your smaller critters! Smaller pets should be given every consideration when necessary, so don’t forget them as you plan for holidays and special events.
• Use Animal-Friendly Halloween Decorations! Think about the items you use inside and outside to decorate for the spooky season. Hanging strings, wires, small items that can be chewed and swallowed – NO animal (domestic or wild) is immune to being tangled, poked, or ingesting things can that harm and kill.  Safety first!

Anyone can get caught up in the excitement of a party, event, or holiday. No harm in that. But when YOUR enjoyment or overindulgence leads to stress, neglect, or harm of ANY animal, then it’s time to rethink your actions and plans. Ultimately, it is YOUR responsibility to, well, BE responsible for your own pet, and to keep your eyes open if you see something happening to another animal that needs attention.

Remember, YOU are their voice and their protector!

This Halloween, have FUN, be SAFE, make your choices and options RESPONSIBLE ones, and certainly, if you have any other tips to make this coming Halloween weekend a better one for animals, send it our way and we will share it.

Happy, Safe Halloween!

PS – Recycle your pumpkins for Wildlife!  Click here to see how!

Today is my birthday.

Lord, thank you for giving me the compassion that motivates me to want to make a difference every day, for those that cannot speak for, or defend, themselves.

Thank you for giving me the strength to keep moving forward in my animal advocacy goals, no matter what the roadblocks.

Thank you for a healthy body and mind, that I can keep fighting the good fight, no matter what comes my way.

Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me life’s ups and downs, so I can see what truly matters in life.

Thank you for my personality – I am that larger than life, louder than everyone in the room, outspoken, take charge, fearless, thick-skinned, just jump in, JUST DO SOMETHING person when needed.

Thank you for the loving support and encouragement of my wonderful family, friends, and fellow advocates.

Thank you for blessing me with a very understanding husband.

Thank you for another beginning of a year where I promise to continue to make a difference.

Happy Birthday to me.

It’s sometimes easy to get into a rut. A rut where everything can feel the same, to the point where it’s easier to do nothing than to get up and get motivated to find something to do.

• I’m bored
• I’m too tired
• It’s too late
• It’s too early
• I have no-one to do anything with
• I’ll start tomorrow
• I can’t think of anything to do
• I don’t have the money
• I don’t have the time

It’s unfortunate that so many people actually live their daily lives by the philosophy that they’re in a rut – but it’s not impossible to get out of one.

One of the best ways to de-rut?

• Think about YOUR blessings
• Be thankful for every one of them
• Promise not to take advantage of them
• Use your blessings to make a difference

What does that mean?

Okay, so you’re bored. But (BUT), you have the luxury of being able to get up, get out, get a drink or grab a bite to eat. If you’re cold, you can go in. If you’re hot, you can open a window. If you’re hurt, you can go to a doctor. If you’re tired, you can rest in comfort and in safety. If you’re anxious, you can go for a walk. If you’re itchy, you can use a back-scratcher.

You get where I’m going with this, right?

• Most animals in need do not have even the most simple luxuries you might take for granted.

The point?

No matter what YOUR rut, YOU can do something to change it. It might not be the change you desire on every level, but you CAN do something to change it.

• You can be thankful for what you have right now, and use those blessings to make a difference.

YOU are blessed. No matter what your situation is today, right now, you have the option to turn it around. And that’s a lot.

That’s more than most animals in need have, or hope to have.

If you can change the world for YOU, you can go one step farther, and change the world for an animal in need.

Today, and every day, take a moment to count YOUR blessings, and then use your blessings to make a difference for an animal in need who needs YOU to be their blessing.

Be thankful, be grateful, be appreciative, and live. And then take THAT and make it MORE for an animal in need.  It matters.

Happy Thanksgiving.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Days before July 4th makes an appearance, fireworks and partying begins. And if July 4th falls early on that long holiday weekend, fireworks and partying continues until it’s time to go back to work.

Fun – mostly – for humans. Misery – mostly – for animals.

Did you know that the one day a year where domestic animals (think cats and dogs) are lost more than any other is the 4th of July?!

This ALSO means that shelters are extra-crowded the next day, and Animal Control’s phones are ringing off the hook.  And sadly, many animals die from getting lost (and becoming strays), and/or being hit by cars.

Many well meaning pet owners think it’s nice or ‘cool’ to bring the WHOLE family out together for fireworks and celebrating this holiday in large crowds.  Let’s face it, dogs hanging out with people is fun, a conversation starter, a very cool thing to do.  But actually, it can be a horrible and tragic experience for your four-legged family members.

It doesn’t take a lot of sense to figure out that the 4th of July is for HUMANS.  WE “get” the reason for the loud noises and huge crowds. WE understand that it’s “just noise” and that the parties are for OUR enjoyment.

However pets, although we humanize them to the point of feeling they understand our every thought, action and motive, do NOT “get” or understand anything about the 4th of July, which makes it a very scary and dangerous time for them.

There are many awesome blogs and reminders going around about ways to keep YOUR pet safe and comfortable during this celebration weekend.  Below are a few quick, common sense highlights that you can share and keep a look out for – because, yes, even if YOU are keeping YOUR furry friend safe and sound, MANY are NOT.  Remember : It’s always okay to speak up and JUST DO SOMETHING if you see an animal in need or in distress.  The 4th of July is no different – if YOU see something, take a moment to see how you can help that animal.

Short and sweet – how we can ALL help our pets (or someone else’s) during the 4th of July:

The NEVER’S:

• NEVER bring your pet with you to loud, crowded and unfamiliar functions unless you are 100% prepared for his/her comfort and distress.
• NEVER deliberately expose ANY animal to loud noises, bright lights, and/or huge crowds.
• NEVER play with or light fireworks or fire around an animal.
• NEVER chain your pet near a bonfire.
• NEVER let your pet around strangers – especially if they have been partying.
• NEVER leave your pet in a confined situation for prolonged periods without checking on them every half hour.
• NEVER leave your pet in a car alone for ANY length of time.
• NEVER light fireworks or light fire during drought or too-dry places. It only takes a spark to start a deadly fire.

The DO’S:

• DO keep your pets inside and away from celebrations in a familiar place.  This means that even animals regularly kept outside should be brought in.
• DO provide food, water, air circulation and background (moderate) noise in that safe, familiar place.
• DO keep pictures of your pet handy in case they accidentally run off (many animals run when frightened).
• DO make sure that your pet has identifying tags on secure collars (not too tight).
• DO make sure your pets are put out earlier in the evening, so they are safely inside before the bulk of celebrating begins.
• DO accompany your pet to go outside when fireworks are going off, so they can potty and stretch feeling safe and less afraid.

PS – Two good articles on what to do if you lose your pet, from PetFinder and from Lost Pet FBI.

The 4th of July is for HUMANS, not animals.  If we keep that in mind, then having a safe, fun time for EVERYONE is easy to attain.  HUMANS = Yes.  Animals = No.  It’s that easy; it’s that simple.

And now a word about holidays:

Even on holidays, we are on social media – signing and sharing, spreading awareness, replying to e-mails and endeavoring to make the world a better place, if even for a DAY, for animals in need.

Unfortunately, during holidays (and the nicer weather), many people become MIA when it comes to Animal Advocacy. Sunshine, yard work, pool parties and the like become the highlight, while the sometimes unpleasant “task” of championing for the voiceless takes a back burner.

There is nothing wrong in celebrating holidays and long weekends with friends and family, taking a break from the computer to enjoy warm weather and all the fun that comes with that. But imagine if EVERYONE took a break from advocating during the nice weather or holiday seasons? What then?

Animal suffering doesn’t stop on holidays. Or when the weather warms up (in fact, many animals suffer MORE in the warmer weather for obvious reasons like lack of shade, lack of water, and being left in hot cars). But sometimes, people want to “forget” that and rather, enjoy the summer months without “thinking” about “that kind of thing”.

How wonderful if, during the nicer weather and the warmer long holiday weekends, that we all still made the decision to JUST DO SOMETHING, every day, to better or save the lives of animals in need.

Yep, this means that you may have to actually carve out time from your nice day off work or long holiday weekend to plan for that. My laptop is never far from me when I travel out of town, because even on MY vacations, I always take the time to champion for animals. The great thing about being an Animal Advocate is that a dedicated person can advocate from ANY place, you just have to make the time.

This holiday, have FUN. Enjoy the sunshine, those cold glasses of iced tea on the deck, and special times with friends and family. And, while you’re at it, take a moment or two to enjoy your blessings during your long holiday weekend and remember those who aren’t as blessed. Then take that thought, and do something with it, to positively impact a four-legged someone who is quietly waiting in misery for a better life to come along.

Because they are out there, every day – even on a holiday.

If you have another quick tip for keeping your pet safe and comfortable on a holiday, please let us know!  We’ll be happy to share it.

Here’s wishing EVERYONE – two and four-legged alike – a safe and a very Happy 4th of July!

A parent doesn’t have to be human to be a great Dad to their kids.

Dads, in general, do the following:

• They defend their family
• They protect their young
• They provide food and shelter
• They stand guard
• They stay close
• They instill survival
• They encourage independence
• They teach by example
• They comfort
• They reprimand
• They provide structure
• They play with their children

Dad’s are role models.

They leave us their legacy, their DNA.

Without Dads, life could not be created.  We wouldn’t exist.

We need to protect Dad’s of ALL species – yep, they’re that important.

Here’s to being a Dad, and here’s to having a Dad – no matter WHOSE Dad we are talking about;
they ALL matter.

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Happy Father’s Day!

Today is my birthday.

Lord, thank you for giving me the compassion that motivates me to want to make a difference every day, for those that cannot speak for, or defend, themselves.

Thank you for giving me the strength to keep moving forward in my animal advocacy goals, no matter what the roadblocks.

Thank you for a healthy body and mind, that I can keep fighting the good fight, no matter what comes my way.

Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me life’s ups and downs, so I can see what truly matters in life.

Thank you for my personality – I am that larger than life, louder than everyone in the room, outspoken, take charge, fearless, thick-skinned, just jump in, JUST DO SOMETHING person when needed.

Thank you for the loving support and encouragement of my wonderful family, friends, and fellow advocates.

Thank you for blessing me with a very understanding husband.

Thank you for another beginning of a year where I promise to continue to make a difference.

Happy Birthday to me.

Happy, wonderful New Year!

People have such good intentions this time of year when it comes to making those New Year’s resolutions.

“I will go to the gym every day and lose that weight.”

“I will donate 15% of my salary to a charity.”

“I will have less clutter at home.”

But often, the grander promises get pushed back, and before you know it, another whole year has passed and you find yourself making those same resolutions again.

This year, why not try something on a smaller scale, but possibly way more impacting – why not try “a little more”.

This New Year, I will try:

“to be A Little More kinder.”

“to be A Little More compassionate.”

“to be A Little More grateful.”

“to be A Little More freer with my time.”

“to be A Little More giving of myself.”

“to be A Little More tolerant.”

“to be A Little More patient.”

“to be A Little More empathetic.”

“to be A Little More generous.”

“to be A Little More helpful.”

This New Year, I will try:

“to be A Little More LESS selfish.”

“to be A Little More LESS caring.”

“to be A Little More LESS excuse-making.”

“to be A Little More LESS involved.”

“to be A Little More LESS self-absorbed.”

“to be A Little More LESS fearful.”

“to be A Little More LESS of a procrastinator.”

…“to be A Little More.”

You just never know who YOU are making a difference for, when you just try a little more.

Just Do Something…a little more.

YOUR ‘Little More is up to you. But YOU can do it. We ALL can.

It’s YOUR New Year. How will YOU be making it count for an animal in need this year?

Want some suggestions to help animals in need?  HERE YOU GO!

Think it, then do it – every day. It matters.

Happy New Year!

There are do-gooders, and then, there are do-gooders. Whether you are the former, or the latter, the majority of people feel that if they do just one charitable thing during the Holiday season that maybe they normally don’t do at any other time of year, that their obligation is done for the year, until next year.

How sad for them. How sad for those living lives of misery the other 364 days a year.

Being kind, compassionate, giving, aware, responsible and conscientious, is a way of life.  Doing the right thing, EVERY time, is a choice. A conscious decision made with someone else’s very best interest at heart. And it doesn’t matter if that someone else is a four-legged, or two-legged, living being.

What matters is that, if the ONLY thing that motivates you to be charitable is the Holiday season,
then you should live as if every day is the Holiday season.

Giving of yourself, extending yourself is a gift; it’s a blessing – it’s a privilege. If you are able-bodied, you can give of yourself. And with that, the possibilities are endless. Endless.

If you think you are too tired, too busy, too broke, too depressed, too lazy – welcome to the world of being alive. We all feel “too something” at one time or another.  If you’re up to your eyeballs in “too something” be thankful that you are. It means you’re living. It means you have choices you can make. It means you can do something to change your part of the world. It means that you can do something to change the world for someone else.

So many animals have so little freedom. Their lives aren’t their own. Their choices, lives and destinies are decided for them, based on who owns them, who captures them, who abuses them, and who neglects them.

The Holiday season is no different for these animals, than any other miserable day.  And for many animals, the Holiday season is tragically even worse.

It’s a poor excuse for someone to think that the only time of year that they need help make a difference is during the Holiday season. There is something wrong with society if the push to increase charitable acts only comes at Christmas time and at the end of year.

We can ALL make a difference EVERY DAY, in some way.  And, we should. We are ALL obligated to make the world a better place for ALL living beings.

Does everyone feel and think this way? Nope. Should we? Yep.

Be a 365 do-gooder, and encourage others to do the same.

And if you cannot bring yourself to be 365, then start NOW, planning for the next Holiday season. Because Christmas is coming, again.

Happy Holidays,