If there’s anyone else out there that would like to be a model, let me know! 😉

The Good: My fiance (yes, he just proposed!!)…

…took me to my very first horse race. He ACTUALLY was taking me to the hot dog races, but didn’t realize horse races were alternated in between. The hot dog’s were a blast! They put the little dogs in miniature racing fences, blew the horn, and off they went in EVERY direction! LOVED IT!

These pictures are deceiving, as it looks like they actually raced!

The Bad: Once again, this is another highly debated topic. Millions upon millions invest in horse racing, while it has also been a tradition for years and years. Yes, humans are used for entertainment purposes as well, but when they are hurt, they can speak and they can CHOOSE to not participate.

The Ugly: The debate revolves around this – horses are being pushed to race at a very early age, before their bones and ligaments have had time to mature. Many race horses either die each year due to irreversible damage, or are euthanized because they are no longer a benefit to the world of racing. I found an interesting site today. http://www.horsedeathwatch.com/

My thoughts: When you can put an end to this debate by banning horse racing, I’m all for it. But I’m not one of those addicted to gambling that’s keeping it around. It’s people like you that destroy the world – get help.

It is not necessary to ruin the life of an innocent creature just for your own satisfaction. Let them run free in a large pasture, ride them casually, love them. Treat them as you would treat yourself.

Seattle Animal Shelter’s Furry 5K was SO much fun! There was a great turnout, and besides one small dog fight, everyone got along! Because I didn’t want to ask anyone to stop for a picture, I ended up with a lot of butts!

1. Find out which agency is responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-cruelty laws in your state, county, or town. This may be a local humane society or a taxpayer-funded animal shelter. In areas without such organizations, citizens should call the police or sheriff’s department.

(In Seattle, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at 206-386-PETS (7387))

2. If an animal is in a life-threatening situation, call authorities immediately.  Follow up with them in a timely manner to determine their findings and their planned course of action. If they do not respond right away, call PETA at 757-622-7382.

3. After you contact authorities, prepare a short written statement detailing the key points of what you observed. Give dates, approximate times, and locations. Timely fact-gathering is crucial—the more time that passes, the greater the risk that evidence will disappear, injuries will heal, or you’ll forget specific details. Written statements from other witnesses will help back up your observations, and if possible, take pictures and date them—photos or videos will strengthen your case.

4. Always keep a dated record of everyone you’ve contacted, along with the content and outcome of your discussions. Never forward a letter, photograph, or other documentation to anyone without first making a copy for your own files. Make it clear to authorities that you wish to pursue the case and that you are willing to lend your assistance if necessary. Be sure to follow up! If you stay involved, authorities are more likely to do the same.

5. If the first contact doesn’t produce results, go straight to a supervisor.  If that doesn’t work, appeal to local government officials, such as the mayor, the district attorney, or city council members. A call to the media in your area (television and print) can move mountains.  Above all, don’t give up—you may be an animal’s only hope!

Helping abused or neglected animals can be difficult and heart-wrenching, but they are depending on you to take action. Please contact PETA if officials fail to respond quickly to your complaint or if you need guidance or support. Together, we can save even more lives.

Ingrid Newkirk is the president and co-founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Though I don’t agree with everything PETA does (i.e. harsh demonstrations and extreme visualizations), I DO agree with their efforts to change the fate and rights of animals. Unfortunately we  rarely see the changes being made due to the fact that animals simply aren’t priorty, however if you take a look at their website you will find what they are currently working on, and what they have previously fought for.

Thank you PETA, for ALL of your efforts.

Also take a look at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, click here. Changes are being made!

My mom and I just signed up for the Seattle Animal Shelter’s annual Furry 5k race. I’m really excited because not only do I get exercise, but I’m also raising money for an extremely important cause!

There are already so many abandonded pets, but now more than ever, as so many families are losing their homes to foreclosures, pets are being surrendered to shelters, abandoned on the streets or even left to starve in locked-up houses. Thanks to organizations like the Seattle Animal Shelter, who rescues these animals, treats them with veterinary care, and adopts them out to new homes, some pets can still enjoy their lives in a warm, comfortable, loving environment – because each and every living domesticated creature deserves that.

“The Furry 5k raises money for the Help the Animals Fund, which provides veterinary care and supplies for sick, injured or abused orphaned shelter animals. The Seattle Animal Shelter takes in nearly 8,000 animals annually. Of those, many receive the lifesaving care they need thanks to the generous donations of individuals and companies. The HTAF is an integral part of saving lives – with annual veterinary expenses of approximately $100,000, every dollar raised counts!”

This topic really hits home for me. I received Gracie from an animal shelter several years ago. Gracie has changed my life – she is my life. She’s the most amazing little seven pounds of fluff! She can sense when I’m sad, she knows when I’m happy, and she can definitely make me laugh cause she’s such a goof ball. she’s always there, right next to me. It makes me wonder how someone so heartless can give up something so perfect? No matter what my situation will be, she will continue to be right next to me. She has given me nothing but unconditional love, and I will give that to her in return.

My parents also adopted a rescue pup. Bailey – what a little trouble maker! No matter how much trouble that little guy gets into, they have accepted him with open, loving arms. He will also be with them forever.

My mom is affiliated with Golden Retriever Rescue, and forwarded me this poem she received from them. It’s perfect for those who have adopted…

I Adopted Your Pet Today!

I adopted your pet today… The one you left at the pound; The one you
had for ten years And no longer wanted around.
I adopted your pet today… Did you know that he’s lost weight? Did
you know he’s scared and depressed And seems to have lost all faith?
I adopted your pet today… He had fleas and a little cold; Guess you
don’t care what shape he’s in. You abandoned him I am told.
I adopted your pet today… Were you having a baby or moving away? Did
you suddenly develop allergies, Or was there NO reason he couldn’t stay?
I adopted your pet today… He doesn’t play or even eat much; I guess
he’s very sad inside and It’ll take time for him to trust.
I adopted your pet today… And here he is going to stay; He’s found his
FOREVER home And a warm bed in which to lay.
I adopted your pet today… And shall give him all that he will need
Patience, love, and security, So he can forget your selfish deed.

~Author Unknown~

For more information, to donate to the Seattle Animal Shelter, or to register for this event, click on the following link. Furry 5k

I recently started using Alba products because they are made of natural ingredients, such as plant proteins and sea enzymes, but more importantly, they are against animal testing!

“We share your concern that animals not be used to test cosmetics, toiletries and household products. We do not test our products or ingredients on animals, nor do we ask others to do so for us. Furthermore, we require that all our ingredient suppliers meet the same criteria of no animal testing.”

It’s quite interesting actually; since making the change to cruelty-free products, my skin has never looked and felt better. Funny how that works. Thank you Alba, and all of the other organizations that do not test their products on animals. I do not think it’s necessary, when there are so many homeless people on the street in San Francisco. ;D

I receive my weekly updates from PETA, and though I think some things they do are a bit extreme, I also appreciate their efforts to really change the lives of every living creature.

“Protests and Boycotts Have Stopped Some Animal Testing
In response to these widespread practices, advocacy groups like HSUS and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign vigorously to eliminate or reduce the use of animals in product testing, even recommending boycotts of companies that continue to voluntarily engage in what they argue is both cruel and unnecessary. This advocacy has been effective, as more than 500 cosmetic, personal care and household cleaning product manufacturers have vowed to stop testing their products on animals.” EarthTalk

Take a look at this shopping guide for more cruelty-free products. There’s plenty to choose from, so no reason to support animal testing, when it’s absolutely unnecessary.

Cruelty Free Shopping Guide

According to the “Associated Press,” the swine flu is spreading just like any winter flu does. With that being said, please make sure to consistently wash your hands, take your vitamins, exercise, and eat a well balanced diet – simply stay healthy! While Mexico reported many deaths, the virus is causing less severe illness in the U.S. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most cases so far haven’t needed medical attention. The virus can be treated with anti-flu drugs, though this doesn’t mean you need to rush to the emergency room with the first signs of a cold. That’s the last thing Doctors need when there’s so much more to worry about.

The government quit using the name “swine flu,” because it is spread from person to person, NOT from animals; more specifically, swine.

Did you know that 80 percent of all infectious diseases are passed by human contact, either direct or indirect? That includes viruses like pneumonia, salmonella and the common cold. On a bus, you pick up the entire flora of humanity that has passed this way, including feces, fecal flora, skin flora, and respiratory secretions.

This topic frustrates me because I’m constantly seeing woman walk out of the bathroom WITHOUT washing their hands! That’s truly disgusting people – please respect the one’s around you. It takes 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands.