Archive for 'Blog'
GOD SPEED MY PRECIOUS BARNEY
Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by jeanine in Blog
Words cannot begin to describe my heartache. Although we did everything we could to save this precious soul, it just wasn’t good enough. Thursday I got a call saying he was declining rapidly and I rushed over to the vet’s office. I held Barney in my arms with tears streaming down as he looked at me with tired eyes which spoke volumes. After consultation with the vet I had to make the excruciating decision to end his suffering and let him go to a place where he would no longer be in pain. I stroked his little body, kissed his precious head, and told him how much I loved him and that we would one day be reunited. I know my heartdog Bijou was waiting at the Bridge to welcome him to utopia where he’s now romping in fields of flowers with all those beloved pooches that went before him. Barney’s ashes will be returned to me and will reside next to Bijou. I’m consoled by the fact this special little dog knew he was loved and he most certainly will never be fogotten.
To all those who so generously donated on his behalf I’m forever greatful.
GOD SPEED MY PRECIOUS BARNEY!
Is Barnette Fit For LAAS Animal Protection?
Posted on 24. Jun, 2010 by admin in Blog
I have received many phone calls and emails about the new General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, Ms. Brenda Barnette. She seems like a very nice person with an impressive background in shelter management. She’s had successes she can be proud of. I wish Ms. Barnette good luck. I am hopeful and delighted at the support from so many of my friends in the animal protection movement.
But we have questions. We must not jump up and down yet just because someone gingerly disgorges the words “no kill.” It is our obligation to be skeptical in the interest of the animals we protect.
We are deeply concerned about Brenda Barnette’s connection to the AKC, an organization that has profited from large volume breeding facilities and smaller substandard breeding operations that violate the Animal Welfare Act. In my opinion, and I speak for many, it is incongruous for an animal welfare professional to be affiliated with that organization–a notorious organization that enjoys unjustified and undeserved non-profit status while profiting from the misery of breeding dogs. Our investigators have observed AKC reps shaking hands at the puppy mill auctions where old breeding stock is sold for $5 and young “producers” are sold to live out their lives in wire prisons. We’ve investigated many, many substandard commercial breeding facilities that sell AKC registerable puppies.
The AKC enjoys the undeserved reputation of being the most established of the breed registries but in the animal protection movement, we know that the AKC is not an unimpeachable source of goodness. It’s our jobto know better than the general public, who buys the notion that the AKC cares about dogs. The AKC has a dirty little secret that is glaringly apparent to us: puppy mills. It’s their “bred and butter.” We want to know how an AKC “legislative liaison” past or present, could everbe considered for the LAAS job.
We know AKC whistle blowers, ex-inspectors, who have exposed what a sham that org is. CAPS worked closely with AKC informants while they were still employed, and their information was used in exposés by ABC’s “20/20” and the Philadelphia Inquirer. Why is Ms. Barnette associated with the AKC? I want to know. We need a factual explanation that is not propagandistic. And how does she excuse the AKC anti animal protection agenda? She is affiliated with them right now. She is on the AKC website as a “club contact” and “legislative liaison.”
See link below:
http://www.akc.org/club_search/index_master.cfm?action=refresh_index&active_tab_row_A=1&active_tab_col_A=1&fixed_tab=1&club_id=1191
The AKC is at war with the animal protection movement, relentlessly spinning the PR machine to its advantage while obfuscating the facts. As evidenced in their public IRS returns, which we have examined closely, the AKC spends resources it makes off the backs of breeding dogs to fight animal protection legislation in every state. The AKC is squarely in the business of protecting commercial breeders from legislation that might hinder their ability to do business as they please–while breeding stock suffer endlessly.
Ms. Barnette was reported to be against anti-puppy mill legislation in the state of Washington. See link below:
http://www.kirotv.com/news/18677601/detail.html
Was she? As an AKC Legislative Liaison, isn’t she knowingly involved in the AKC’s deliberate denial of its embroilment in the puppy mill industry? We want to know.
If she was, as the West Coast Director of the Companion Animal Protection Society, I have a problem with that. Our organization promotes caps on the number of dogs a commercial breeder should be allowed to exploit, with good reason.
And there are more questions: Is Ms. Barnett a pet overpopulation denier? If Ms. Barnette thought that overpopulation was a myth, as the Nathan Winograd disciples and backyard and commercial breeders insist, she is about to dive into a bottomless pit of pit-bull carcasses, where her beliefs will have to be re-examined. The breeders aren’t going to help her adopt out all the Chihuahuas either.
In LA, we’ve got breeders galore– licensed ones and many, many more unlicensed ones. Pups are sold out of boxes in every parking lot. Intact dogs, all of them. “To think I’m a breeder is a little bit of a stretch” Barnette tells the L.A Times, explaining vaguely how she hasn’t bred her Portuguese Water dog in “a long time.” Isn’t that like being just “a little bit pregnant?” Well, how long has it been, exactly? And is the dog now sterilized? And how many other dogs has she bred? How many times? Has she ever sold a dog? If she has, how many? And why is she minimizing such pertinent information? The vagueness of her statements up to now makes the investigator in me itch.
Clearly, the idea of profit from inbreeding, which is what “The Fancy” is guilty of, is entirely incompatible with the task that lies ahead for Ms. Barnette. Quite simply, if she was, is or will be breeding dogs, how can she be given the highest position of convincing the citizens of our city to spay and neuter their dogs? Wouldn’t that be hypocritical? We are in need of a GM who believes in spay/neuter in her own backyard as well as for the rest of us.
Before we roll out the red carpet, Ms. Barnette needs to fully explain her connection to this pernicious corporation(AKC) to the animal protection community. We want to understand better her philosophy regarding the business of breeding. It is, after all, unfettered breeding that is causing our crisis here in our city. This is why educated lawmakers have passed progressive legislation here regarding spay/neuter. Does she agree with the decision to quell pet overpopulation through legislation? Or is she out to prove us wrong? In her capacity as GM of LAAS, she will be in a position to control the message–and the numbers. That’s why we want to know more about her before we open our arms and throw confetti. From experience, we are fearful. Many lives are at stake.
Maybe she can turn things around and surprise us. I’m rooting for her success, I really am. But right now, if she is an AKC apologist and a “sometime breeder,” her reasoning is going to be challenged. Her Facebook page indicates her favorite pass-time as “Dog Shows.” Collectively, we raise our eyebrows at that. I would have preferred golf or tennis because those pass-times, at least, have more in common with animal protection than dog shows. Barnette’s favorite pass-time invites us to make the argument that her choice is equivalent to the picking of a new Environmental Protection Agency chief who enjoys Nascar as a favorite pass-time on his Facebook page. If her ideas are compatible with the “Fancy,” as the dog show peeps call themselves, she is entering the gates of hell. There ain’t nothing fancy at Barkenwald, which is what we call LAAS, with death camp gallows humor.
Finally, any “liaison” to the AKC is questionable to me. I wish Ms. Barnette well, as this is a thankless job. Let’s hope she can save some lives. One thing is certain: it’s hard to fight an overpopulation crisis if you think it doesn’t exist.
What DOES she think? The dogs (and cats) are dying to know.
Carole Raphaelle Davis, West Coast Director, Companion Animal Protection Society and author of “The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife.”
Tribute to Charlie (aka Booker)
Posted on 09. Jun, 2010 by jeanine in Blog
I wanted to share with everyone the story of one very special little boy who crossed the Bridge last week and celebrate the wonderful life he was given by a very special woman.
Charlie (who I originally called Booker for some bizarre reason) came from one of our high kill shelters and was a little beat up andrough around the edges at the time. He wasn’t a particularly attractive guy (as you can see by his rescue pic) but he had a soulful nature about him that I really connected with.
Every once in a while I’ll have a really strong gut instinct about a perfect connection between a potential adopter and a dog and I’m compelled to make it my mission to convince the person THIS is the perfect fit for them, albeit they don’t always share in my clairvoyance. Karen was one of those people who was a little skeptical at first. I remember vividly the night she came to meet Booker at my house. She was exquisitely dressed and had a poise and stature that made it obvious she was a very successful business woman. Indeed she is a movie exec and traveled extensively so having a pooch that was portable was important. Booker was perfect sherpa size. He didn’t exactly put on the lance romance act so naturally Karen was far from sure this was her destiny dog. I on the other handhad neon flashing BINGO signs all around. After making my most convincing sales pitch (and without sounding like one of those psycho dog rescuers) she agreed to give him a try. He walked out that door with her and they both embarked on the best 5 years of their life. Below is Karen’s e-mail to me notifying me of our loss.
———-
Dear Jeanine–
I’m sure you don’t remember me, but you changed my life forever on December 2nd, 2004. That was the day you allowed me to adopt my wonderful Charlie. When I met him at your house, he was called “Booker”. He was a 3 year old white Poodle-Bichon mix with a bite on his face and a reluctance to get too close to anyone. I wasn’t sure, but you knew he was a perfect fit for me and allowed me to take him home to try him on for size. It was during our drive home when he crawled onto my lap and layed his head on my chest that I knew he was my baby. We never looked back.
Charlie and I were 2 peas in a pod. He came with me to work, traveled with me to San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and New York. We were rarely apart.. He loved planes and his sherpa bag. We went to parks to look for squirrels and took long drives just so he could stick his head out the car window and let the wind catch his ears.
In February, he had a tumor removed from his kidney and was subsequently diagnosed with a very aggressive and deadly cancer of the blood vessels called hemangiosarcoma. They gave him 4 weeks to live, but with chemotherapy 4 months. I went for the chemo and Charlie sailed through with flying colors and no side effects. He remained energetic and full of mischief right to the end. He died in my arms on June 4th at 8:30 pm. He was only 8.
Jeanine, I want to thank you for giving me my Charlie. He was a wonderful companion and friend to me. Without you and Bichons and Buddies, I would have never known such unconditional love.
I know I will never find another Charlie, but I sure as hell want to give it another try, so keep your eyes open for a small, young dog who is in need of a loving mom and doesn’t mind hopping in a travel bag every once in a while.
And thank you again for giving me the best 5 years of my life.
All the best,
Karen
Herman is Totally Recovered and Ready for HOME!
Posted on 09. Jun, 2010 by jeanine in Blog
Thanks to everyone for your financial and emotional support in our united effort to pull Herman through this deadly disease. He’s completely recovered and like a new dog! Please pass the word on to anyone you know looking for a special boy who’s the ultimate love bug and just wants to be in the company of his person at all times. Herman is a barker if left alone so another dog as company or someone who’s home a lot is a must!
Is it a Dog or a Monkey????
Posted on 29. Apr, 2010 by admin in Blog
Bichons in The News!
Posted on 08. Apr, 2010 by admin in Blog
Here’s a great video of a very cute pup that was featured on The TODAY show this morning. Enjoy!
LUCY’S AMAZING JOURNEY
Posted on 17. Jan, 2010 by admin in Blog
I love all my dogs I pull, don’t get me wrong. Those of you who know me, know that. But a deep down secret I’ll share with you is that I’m head over tail for black and whites, officially called Parti Poodles. While we never used to get many of them in the shelter before “the economic crisis”, we’re certainly seeing a boatload more now.
These are a few of my past cuties
And the star of today’s story… Lucy!
Lucy came out of San Bernardino shelter in JULY of 09 when she was pulled for Bichons and Buddies by a volunteer scouting that shelter and bringing this doll to my attention. Well, of course I had to nab her – a diamond in the rough. It was the busiest and most stressful summer on record for rescues. Along with my Belle of the Ball came 4 other pink potion escapees – all smelling like a sewer and sporting coats that made it difficult to tell the back end from the front. The hustle/bustle of getting all cleaned up, shaved down, medicated, vet checked and temperament tested got underway immediately, and soon what emerged from the dreadlocks and dirt was my stunning Parti Poodle Lucy. Of course, I knew what a diamond in the rough I found, but seeing her after the beauty spa treatment was truly exhilarating. I suppose that’s how some collectors feel about fine art, antique collectors about rare period pieces, and archeologists excavating a newly discovered site. Good thing my motivation to place is stronger than my motivation to collect 
It didn’t take long to adopt out this breath-taking beauty to what appeared, and after checking out, seemed like a great home in Glendale. Well , I gave my gorgeous girl a kiss and sent her on her way for what would end up to be survival camp for 3 months. This MORON, calls me in SEPTEMBER of 09 to say Lucy ran out of his shop which he would take her to and he can’t find her.
Here’s the million dollar question? “She had her collar on RIGHT?”
“Oh, well, I had just given her a bath (right…)” bla bla bla .
I was heartbroken and felt like an utter failure, having failed this beautiful girl whose breed holds such a special place in my heart (I have no idea why!). I immediately contacted Avid and gave the chip number which they put on their “HOT LIST.” I was sure I would get a get a call from animal reg. I just never expected it to take so long nor would I have ever guessed in a million years that she could survive THREE MONTHS in the hills surrounding Griffith Park.
In early DECEMBER , just having finished another day of grueling work as a court reporter listening to pompous attorneys drone on and on , my cell rings. It’s a vets office in Elysian Park (aka NOT a good part of town) that says they have my dog with the chip number bla bla bla which a guy brought in who said he found it and wants to get shots. I take a deep breath and ask to talk to the guy. Darryl, a tough sounding inner-city guy, gets on the phone and proceeds to tell me how when he found “Mamma” as he called her, she was a horrendous matted dirty mess and he took her in, got her groomed (aka shaved) and was now at this vets office getting her checked out and shots. I calmly thanked Mr. T for getting my wayward girl off the street and explained that I would like to make arrangements to come pick her up. That’s when the extortion began: “Well, I paid $300 getting her fixed up! I have receipts!” “Great,” I said. “How about if you show them to me when I get over there?” He then goes on to tell me he really wants to adopt the dog, yada yada yada, OR he wants $300 “for what he spent” to give the dog back. My blood boils as I wonder how stupid he can possibly think I am???
Next thing I know there’s silence on the other end.
I frantically call back the vet’s number and they confirmed what I already knew…he took off. Off course since he hadn’t received any services they could have cared less. I couldn’t believe the feelings I was going through for the second time around with the same dog. Am I in the Twilight Zone?
The next few weeks of course were consumed with my usual 24/7 schedule of being a full time court reporter and frazzled, overwhelmed rescuer, while trying to maintain some semblance of “togetherness” in my 17-year relationship while of course, “getting ready for the Holidays.” My favorite time of year…when work dries up and budgets burst.
So exactly how long did it take for my “parti girl” and I to be reunited? After coming home the day after Christmas I picked up a call on my answering machine that was from Officer someone-or-other at North Central Shelter (Elysian park area) saying they had my dog with microchip number bla bla bla. Still being in a food coma from sitting around doing nothing but eating at my in-law’s place all weekend, I grabbed a pen and scribbled the number down. All I had to do is glance at the corner of my obliterated desk to see the original shelter paperwork for her pull …. in July 2009 along with her listed chip number.
Bingo! Lucy was behind bars, cute as ever, at North Central shelter. According to the shelter notes she had been “found” by a person that brought her in to the shelter the day before Christmas making sure the staff knew this “stray” was named Lucy. I couldn’t wait to see her. Needless to say, the next day I was there when they opened, paid my $40 redemption fee and sat waiting in captivated anticipation while they went to get her.
What they brought out was the exuberant, goofy, gregarious girl that I remembered, albeit it a little scraggly and smelly. She greeted me as enthusiastically as she had the first time I pulled her! I couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present or a better way to bring in the New Year with a new resolution: To let everyone know the importance of ALWAYS having an ID tag WITH YOUR INFORMATION on your dog (that doesn’t mean 3 months after you adopt from me….those of you who know who you are!) AND of course a microchip – and to remember to notify the chip company if you move!!!
Lucy is now in a wonderful, loving home (with her own ID tag on at all times!) and with the exception of a strange, mysterious quarter-sized scar she has on her back thigh, she’s none worse for wear
Tribute to Scrappy
Posted on 02. Dec, 2009 by admin in Blog
Those of you who have looked at my site in the April through June time period of this year might remember this cutie’s face. Her name was (and still is) Scrappy. True, she’s not a Bichon, but she sure had a lot of good friends that were. Scrappy was unique in many different ways aside from her Terrier heritage.
A fellow rescue acquaintance was at North Central Shelter (serving lovely downtown and East LA) one day, pulling a dog for another group (rescue talk for paying the fee and doing the paperwork to spring a dog from prison.) She found out a cute little four-month-old malti-poo and a two-year-old scrappy terrier with loads of personality were about to get the needle. Knowing that at least one of them was white and fluffy, she quickly thought of Bichons and Buddies. One of each. [...]
About Us
Welcome to Bichons and Buddies! Tiger is just one of the many special little souls we've saved who were sitting in a cold, damp concrete cell hoping they weren't next to be dragged down the hall to the back room. This little guy was lucky enough to make it out the front door instead of the back, which is the fate of so many of them every day of the week. Please urge everyone you know to ADOPT - DON'T SHOP!
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