You're Invited...Rally to Save Buddy!

You're invited...

RALLY TO SAVE BUDDY
A rally to help animals right in our backyard!

Saturday, October 25, 2008, 12pm-2pm (Rain or Shine!)
West Park Town Center, 52nd & Jefferson, West Philadelphia

Buddy (shown in the above) is just one of many animals waiting for a home in Philadelphia. Please join us at this peacefull rally to encourage people to save a life by adopting their next companion animals instead of buying. The rally is free & family friendly, "Roscoe the Rescue Dog" will even be there giving out goodies to the kids!

EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS WILL RECEIVE A FREE GIFT & CHANCES TO WIN MANY GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES!


Other ways to help Buddy
and other animals like him

If you cannot attend the rally (and even if you can) please contact the owners and developers of Monster Pets, a new pet store in the area selling dogs from puppy mills along with other animals. Let them know you oppose selling animals when there are already so many waiting for homes in shelters and rescues.


Brian Fennell and James Zornes
Owners Monster Pets
1575 N. 52nd Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: 215-473-9000
Fax: 215-336-9800
Monsterpets@comcast.net


James R. Burnett
Executive Director
West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution
5200 Warren Street
Philadelphia PA 19131
Phone: 215.452.0100
Fax: 215.452.0101
jim@wpfsi.com


The Goldenberg Group
350 Sentry Parkway
Building 630, Suite 300
Blue Bell, PA 19422Phone: 610.260.9600Fax: 610.260.0269
info@goldenberggroup.com, culrich@goldenberggroup.com


BLOCK EMAIL FOR MONSTER PETS' OWNERS AND DEVELOPERS:
Monsterpets@comcast.net, jim@wpfsi.com, info@goldenberggroup.com, culrich@goldenberggroup.com

Hartz Victims - Gauge Update!

We recieved an email from Gauge's parents thanking us for profiling Gauge on our blog and letting people know about how Hartz hurts. In June, it had been 11 months since Gauge was hurt by Hartz. Her parents report that while she is happy and has adjusted to her scars she still has some neurological effects.

Gauge's scars

Happy Gauge and Frosty Paws

and...the best for last...

In Case You Missed Sunday's Meeting

We were extremely happy to be a part of the public meeting on Sunday. A big thank you to our friend, Nicole, who made it all happen! The event was very well attended event and was eye-opening for the attendees. Many people visited our information table and we gave out a bunch of Boycott Monster Pets flyers and other information.
In case you weren't able to attend Sunday's meeting, here are some ways you can take action to help Pennsylvania's dogs from the PA Dog Law Action site:

• What can you do to help? Contact your legislator by phone, letter, or email and let them know you support the overhaul of Pennsylvania's Dog Law!
  
• Not sure who your legislator is? Visit their website: use the member search option in the top right corner to find your legislator or call us at: 717-772-2854 and we'll help you find out.
  
• Write a letter to the editor. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, telling them you support the overhaul of Pennsylvania's Dog Law. Find a local paper
  
• Attend the rally
  Bring your dog on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in the Soldier's Grove outside the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg from Noon to 2 p.m. Show your support for legislation to overhaul Pennsylvania's Dog Law.

If you're interested in attending the rally, email us for more information and possible car pooling opportunities.

While our group supports any positive changes on behalf of dogs in puppy mills, we believe these changes are still not enough. Puppy mills should be shut down all together. Until that happens by law, consumers need to work towards it by boycotting stores and breeders that sell puppies.

Public Meeting on Preventing Cruelty to Dogs!

Meet us at this event!

Public Meeting on Preventing Cruelty to Dogs!
http://www.network.bestfriends.org/philadelphia/news/28033.html


If you love dogs you need to be there - Join us September 7th from 1-3 for this special day in Ridley Park, PA at Borough Hall.

WHAT: Public Meeting on Preventing Cruelty to Dogs - FREE meeting for animal lovers
WHEN: Sunday, September 7th, 2008, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Ridley Park Borough Hall - 105 East Ward St., Ridley Park, PA, 19078.


Join us RAIN OR SHINE for this free meeting!

If you could help prevent animals from being abused by making a few phone calls, would you do it? If so, this is the meeting for you! Join animal lovers from across Pennsylvania for this exciting meeting!

Currently, three bills are being considered in the state House that would strengthen dog and animal cruelty laws in Pennsylvania. House Bill 2525, H.B. 2532 and H.B. 499 are focused on ending puppy mill abuse in PA and increasing fines for animal cruelty. On September 15th, the House will reconvene and now it is more important then ever that PA animal lovers unite to speak on behalf of the dogs! Come to the public meeting and learn more about how YOU can help millions of Pennsylvania's dogs!

Speakers:
Representative Bryan Lentz
Tom Hickey, Sr., a member of the Pennsylvania Dog Law Advisory Board
Howard Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, PSPCA
Bill Smith, Founder of Main Line Animal Rescue and recently featured on Oprah!
Jessie Smith, Pennsylvania's special deputy secretary for Dog Law enforcement
Nicole Wilson, Executive Director, Delaware County SPCA

Meeting attendees will be able to participate in a question and answer session with the panel!

Cat Lovers - while this meeting is mainly dog oriented due to the House Bills, we would not dream of leaving the cats out! The Philadelphia Community Cats Council will have a table with information on adoptable cats as well as information on how you can help them with their spay/neuter efforts.

Animal Welfare Groups Participating:
- Reach Out for Animal Rights, an advocacy group working to educate the public on animal mills and spreading the word about the pet store-puppy mill connection.
- ZACHALERT, a PA organization assisting in the safe and timely reunification of lost pets and their families and educating the public on how to keep their animals safe and out of the hands of those who can harm them.

Daisy's Delights Barkery and Boutique will be on site selling their preservative free, great tasting and healthy treats, bones and cakes, for your furry companions. Daisy's Delights products are all natural, and made with human-grade ingredients.

Refreshments will be served!
If you are unable to attend the two-hour meeting but are interested in helping in the fight, please stop by Borough Hall between 1-3 to speak to the advocacy groups outside and pick-up a handbook that will provide details on what YOU can do!

This meeting is being sponsored by Peg and Kirk Adams, Langguth's Gift Shop, and is being organized by a small group of animal advocates. Members of the Pennsylvania Team of the Best Friends Network will be participating in this event.

RSVP is not required but is appreciated. Seating for the public meeting is limited.

For more information, contact coley0502@aol.com

Going Strong!

Our demo yesterday was extremely successful. At least 4 cars turned around and committed to shop at stores that don't sell animals! Woo hoo!

We did some work on BoycottMonsterPets.com and there will be more coming soon!

Hey Monster Pets, Don't Mess With Him!

Check out this awesome shirt that a potential customer turned Monster Pets Boycotter was wearing!

Notice the Boycott Monster Pets flyer in his left hand!

This man loves his grandchild! He also loves other animals, that's why he's NOT shopping at Monster Pets anymore, until they stop selling animals!

Don't mess with him, Monster Pets!!!

July 4th Fireworks Are No Blast For Pets

istock.com
From HSUS:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/summer_care_tips_for_you_and_your_pets/keep_your_pet_safe_on_july_4th.html

Returning home from a holiday celebration, Sharon Moore and her family discovered feces on their living room floor.
The sliding glass door to their backyard was open, and a hole had been dug under their fence.
The Moores were gone for only four hours, but D.O.G., their 2-year-old, aptly-named white German Shepherd, was gone. Left on her own to face the tumult of fireworks and loud celebrations, she escaped, apparently to seek the familiar—her family—even if she had no idea where to look.
"From what we can tell, when D.O.G. heard the fireworks she freaked out and pooped on the floor inside—for the first time ever—then she opened the sliding glass door with her paw, and dug a hole outside our fence.... She went searching for us," said Moore, of Maitland, Fla.
The Moores' search for D.O.G. ended when she was found dead alongside a road where she was often walked.


istock.com

No Celebration

Moore believes that D.O.G., who wasn't normally scared of thunder or other loud noises, panicked from the cumulative effects of the fireworks, the excited voices outside, and being left alone inside the house.

The Moores' tragic loss isn't unique. Pets often become frightened and frantic by the noise and commotion of Independence Day. In fact, animal shelters across the country are accustomed to receiving "July 4th" dogs—dogs who run off during fireworks celebrations and are rescued by animal control officers or good samaritans who take them to the safety of a local shelter.

Leave Them At Home
Fortunately, preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply planning ahead and taking some basic precautions.
"With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet," said Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with The Humane Society if the United States.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
  
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
  
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
  
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
  
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
  
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
  If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, read our information on Caring for Pets When You Travel.

If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

They will be adopting, not buying! Featuring adoptable Chihuahuas and English Bulldogs

At our demo on Saturday we were approached by two people who are interested in bringing new companion dogs into their lives. One man was interested in a Chihuahua, the other man has his heart set on an English Bulldog. We are so happy to announce that these two compassionate individuals are no longer interested in buying dogs from Monster Pets, and when they are really ready for a new family member they will be choosing the adoption route instead.

Find a list of homeless Chihuahuas in the Philadelphia area here: Adoptable Chihuahuas

This is Abigail, a Chihuahua, awaiting adoption from Puppy Mill Rescue, Inc.

From Puppy Mill Rescue, Inc.: "She is a little doll baby who needs time, patience and love to help her overcome the mistreatment she experience during her days in the puppymill."

This is Marty, awaiting adoption from Burlington County Animal Alliance.

Marty was brought into a high kill shelter as a stray.

This is Adrian, a Chihuahua mix, awaiting adoption from Main Line Animal Rescue.

Main Line Animal Rescue was featured on the Oprah Puppy Mill Show for their work against puppy mills.

Find a list of homeless English Bulldogs in the Philadelphia area here: Adoptable Bulldogs

This is Banky, an English Bulldog boy, awaiting adoption from HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue.

Banky's family got rid of him when a new human baby entered the picture.

This is Olive, an English Bulldog mix, awaiting adoption thorough American Bulldog Rescue.

From American Bulldog Rescue: "All everyone at American Bulldog rescue can say about our sweet Olive is wow, what a PERFECT girl! It is hard to imagine that this wonderful girl was found tied up outside of an animal shelter with a note saying that her family could no longer care for her."

If you are ready to commit to bringing an animal into your life and are looking for assistance in the process, contact us at BoycottMonsterPet@yahoo.com and we will be happy to lend a hand.

"Keep Up the Great Work!"

Yesterday our demo went very well. We had at least five people stop to ask us what a puppy mill is. It's very surprising to us that some people still don't know about puppy mills, but it reassures us that we are doing the right thing by educating people. Many people were out and about enjoying the first real taste of summer, so we managed to hand out a lot flyers and get a bunch of supportive honks and thumbs up. Quite a few people turned around to shop elsewhere (find a list of alternative stores on our main website). After reading our signs, two cars even turned around before they got to the driveway! As one woman was pulling in to visit one of the other stores in the center, she stopped to tell us that she doesn't shop at Monster Pets anymore because of what she learned from our presence. She told us to, "keep up the great work!"

Please consider joining us one of these Saturdays. Any amount of time you can contribute WILL help animals!

We're going to Puppy Mill Awareness Day!

We just signed up for Puppy Mill Awareness Day!
Puppy Mill Awareness Day will take place on September 20, 2008 11am-5pm in the "Puppy Mill Capitol of the East Coast": Lancaster County, PA.

From www.awarenessday.org:

Special Events will include:

Friday night "meet and greet"
Guest appearances by Rikki Rockett, Melanie Martel, and Rescue Ink
Vaccine Clinic courtesy of Dog's Den
Rescue Parade
Guest Speaker AnnMarie Lucas from ASPCA and Animal Planet
Check back soon for a complete schedule of events.

We REALLY hope to see you there! A reminder will go out when we get closer to Puppy Mill Awareness Day.

Rain or Shine, We're There for the Animals!

We got soaked today at the Monster Pets' demo. But as you can see from the photo below (from a previous demo), we're out there for the animals, no matter what the weather throws our way.

As long as Monster Pets continues to profit from the suffering of animals, we'll be in front of their store. We are always looking for new faces, so please consider joining us. Leave us a comment here or email boycottmonsterpets@yahoo.com if you have questions about our peaceful outreach efforts.





DEMO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Here are some questions we have been asked during our recent demos:

Q: Where can I get flea and tick control products, like Frontline and Advantage, for a reasonable price?

A: This website offers flea and tick control products at one of the most affordable prices we can find: Maakenterprises.com If you have another suggestion, please feel free to comment.

Note: For the safety of your companion animal, consult your veterinarian as to the appropriate choice of flea and tick control. Beware of over the counter medications, such as Hartz. Visit Hartzvictims.org to read about the dangerous and often lethal Hartz products. Below is a photo of Gauge, a MinPin, who was harmed by a Hartz product. Gauge's MinPin companion was killed by the same Hartz product

Q: What's the big deal if I buy a dog bed at Monster Pets just this one time?

A: We understand that it may be a bit less convenient to buy your supplies from stores that don't sell animals, but it is so important that you make that choice. Every time someone decides to shop at Monster Pets, that person is letting Monster Pets think that the public doesn't care if they sell puppy mill puppies. There are two ways to let a store know you do not agree with their business practices, the second being more effective than the first: 1. Tell them 2. Don't shop there - when they start bringing in less money they will start to understand that the public does not condone selling puppies from abusive facilities.

Blogging Against Monster Pets

Welcome to the blog for the Boycott Monster Pets campaign! You can find background information about the campaign at http://www.boycottmonsterpets.com/. We've started this blog as a way to give updated information about the campaign and to share anything interesting that we come across. The campaign started in January 2007 and continues to this day because, unfortunately, Monster Pets continues to sell puppy mill puppies.
If you are unsure of what a puppy mill is, visit these sites:

• StopPuppyMills.org
• BanPuppyMills.com
• PetShopPuppies.org
• PetStoreCruelty.org
• AwarnessDay.org
• PrisonersofGreed.org
• PuppyMillRescue.com
• Caps-Web.org
• UnitedAgainstPuppyMills.org
• TheAngryParrot.org
• NPPMWatch.com
• NJCAPSA.org
• PuppiesareBiodegradable.com
• www.api4animals.org/a5a_petshops.php
• TheWrongPuppy.org
• or just Google puppy mills.

If you do visit StopPuppyMills.org, make sure to sign the pledge to stop puppy mills!


We'll start out by showing two letters we've written to Monster Pets. To date they have gone unanswered.

LETTER 1:

December 28, 2007
Mr. Brian Fennell
Mr. James Zornes
Monster Pets
1946 S. Columbus Blvd.Philadelphia, PA 19148

VIA FACSIMILE 215-336-9800 and FIRST CLASS MAIL

Dear Mr. Fennell and Mr. Zornes,

Once again, I would like to thank Mr. Fennell for meeting with me in the beginning of this year. During our meeting, Mr. Fennell stated that Monster Pets buys puppies from Hunte Corporation. Our research indicates that Hunte Corporation purchases puppies from "high-volume breeders" which are also known as puppy mills. However, sources from Monster Pets, such as Susan Hoagland, have claimed that none of Monster Pets' puppies come from puppy mills. If you are purchasing animals from a company that is known to source animals from puppy mills, how can you claim to know where your puppies originate, and that none of them are from puppy mills? In order to address this contradiction, please provide us with the names and addresses of the breeder sources of the puppies sold at Monster Pets.
As you know, since we spoke earlier this year, millions of animals have been killed in U.S. shelters because of lack of homes. Every community in the country kills homeless animals. Knowing this lethal situation, it is reprehensible for any store to sell animals. Therefore, Reach Out for Animal Rights (ROAR) continues to respectfully request that you stop selling puppies. We will continue to peacefully leaflet and urge customers to adopt and not buy until you stop the business of selling intentionally-bred animals. As you well know, our approach of outreach is neither frightening nor intimidating, as hours of videotaped footage proves.
The majority of reputable rescue organizations will not work with stores that sell puppies. If Monster Pets stops the sale of puppies and other animals, ROAR would be happy to assist you in forming positive relationships with animal rescue organizations in the community. We are happy to meet with you to discuss this or any other issue. I would appreciate your response as soon as possible. Please mail to Reach Out for Animal Rights, P.O. Box 338, Westville, NJ 08093.
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Reach Out for Animal Rights


LETTER 2:

January 31, 2008

Mr. Brian Fennell
Mr. James Zornes
Monster Pets
1946 S. Columbus Blvd.Philadelphia, PA 19148

VIA FACSIMILE 215-336-9800 and FIRST CLASS MAIL

Dear Mr. Fennell and Mr. Zornes,

This is to follow up on our letter of December 28, 2007 and our request for the breeder sources of Monster Pets’ puppies.
Monster Pets repeatedly purports to sell healthy puppies from quality breeders. Among other things, Susan Hoagland, self-proclaimed Monster Pets’ representative, has stated, “a healthy happy playful puppy comes from a happy, healthy parent. It's a proven fact and we haven't had a sick, unhappy, unplayful puppy.” However, as Mr. Fennell stated during our meeting early last year, Monster Pets purchases puppies from Hunte Corporation, one of the largest puppy brokers in the nation. Hunte is known to purchase puppies from “high-volume breeders” or puppy mills, many with multiple U.S.D.A. Animal Welfare Act violations. Our reasonable request for breeder records backing up your claims should be eagerly fulfilled if in fact your puppies are from breeders you are proud to support. Please send these records to us at the address below at your earliest convenience.
On a different note, I am deeply concerned about defamatory allegations about my group and me made by Susan Hoagland, spokesperson for Monster Pets. For example, Ms. Hoagland has stated that Reach Out for Animal Rights (ROAR) and I intimidate customers and frighten children. We take great offense to these allegations. Our outreach efforts are peaceful and we stand far from Monster Pets’ doors as to not impede any person’s right to shop at your establishment. ROAR has even begun handing out child friendly pro-adoption activity pages. Our peaceful presence and professional manner are issues that we take very seriously. I am requesting that Monster Pets and anyone writing on your behalf stop all libelous allegations against my group or me.
ROAR’s offer to meet with you to discuss these or other issues still remains. I would appreciate your response as soon as possible. Please mail to Reach Out for Animal Rights, P.O. Box 338, Westville, NJ 08093.
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Reach Out for Animal Rights

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