A long haired Chihuahua from Colorado received a one million dollar prize for winning an online cutest dog contest.  The dog’s owner is donating all of the money to two local Colorado animal rescues/shelters. Both shelters are, of course, thrilled to receive this enormous donation. For complete story click HERE.

Thousands of kangaroos will be slaughtered at an army base in Australia. Seven years ago 27,000 kangaroos were slaughtered at this same base and earlier this year kangaroos were slaughtered at two other Australian army bases. Rather than using humane methods, such as sterilization or relocation,  to control the kangaroo population, authorities management program is to  kill them. For complete story click HERE.

Federal authorities in San Diego County rescued 15 sick puppies that were being smuggled across the U.S. border from Mexico to be sold here as Christmas presents. The 2-month-old puppies, described as mixed-breed miniature poodles, were discovered Monday evening by Customs and Border Protection officers at the Tecate Port of Entry. A majority of the animals were suffering from parvo, a virus that is often deadly. Officials with the Department of Animal Services were working with federal authorities to determine what, if any, charges would be filed against the alleged smuggler. For complete story click HERE.

Title: Baldwin Park Shelter Volunteer Day
Location: Baldwin Park Shelter – 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Description: If participating for the first time, we will be walking, grooming, socializing, and photographing as many dogs and cats as possible, after which we will circulate an electronic flyer to a large distribution group for networking. You will need to complete the following LA County volunteer application and the shelter’s volunteer orientation to volunteer at the shelter: LA County Volunteer Application

Please also make sure to wear your county volunteer t-shirt or AAA shirt.
(you may purchase an LA County Volunteer t-shirt for $10 at the shelter following completion of orientation).

Additional Details:

*Please plan to meet around 9:00 a.m. The shelter address is 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park, 91706. From any location west of downtown LA, take the 10 Freeway east, and take the Puente exit (which is just east of the 605/10 Fwy intersection). Turn R on
Garvey and Left on Pacific. Take Pacific to Ramona and make a Rright – stay on left hand lane as you will need to make a Left turn at the second light (after the train tracks) to make sure you are still on Ramona. Turn Left on Elton. Elton is a very small street (almost an alley), so it is easy to miss the street sign. Keep your eyes peeled!
* Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be aware that your clothes and shoes WILL get dirty!
* Try to eat breakfast, and bring along an energy bar or snack and some water for lunch, as we normally do not have time to take an extended lunch break

Thank you for challenging yourself to make the time to help wonderful shelter animals!

Start Time: 9:00
Date: 2009-12-26
End Time: 15:00

Faith, a 7 year old chow mix, was born without front legs. Faith brings a powerful message about overcoming adversity and gives hope to many people. For several years Faith and her owner Jude Stringfellow have toured the country.  Last weekend she met with 5,000 soldiers in Washington State. For complete story click HERE.

In 1976, at only 20 years old, Sammy Haddock joined the circus and started working with elephants. In 1997 he was hired to work as a handler at Ringling Bros. He was deeply affected by some of the things he saw and participated in.  Haddock died recently of liver failure and left behind scores of pictures, videos and a written recollection of his workplace. They offer a compelling glimpse into the treatment of baby circus elephants.  PETA used Haddock’s material to file a complaint earlier this month with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Ringling officials confirm that the pictures are genuine images of activity at its elephant conservation center, but they dispute Haddock’s and PETA’s interpretations of what is taking place. For complete story click HERE.

Last week Iraqi citizen Farouq Omar Muhei’s home was struck by a bomb.  His wife and children had been presumed dead.  Their dog Liza, a 6 year old shepherd mix, survived the blast unharmed and was perched on the only wall of the home still standing.  Much to everyone’s surprise, Muhei and his family did survive the attack and the next day came back looking for their beloved Liza.  A dangerous climb up the pile of rubble to retrieve the dog and now Liza is back with her family! For complete story click HERE.

Pink, a U.S. rock singer and animal activist, called Prince William of Wales a “Redneck” in reaction to his response to a letter she wrote to him regarding his participation in fox hunting.  Back in 2006 Pink also wrote a letter to William’s grandmother, the Queen, urging her to use faux fur for hats worn by the Brigade of Guards at the Palace.  She did not receive a response from the Queen. For complete story click HERE.

Brothers Chuck and Fred were rescued by a AAA volunteer from the Downey shelter when their owner was about to abandon them at the shelter. Now here is what their new human parent has to say about them: “Chuck & Fred have made my 1-bedroom apartment into a home and have won the hearts of our neighbors in the building. Fred is mischievous, playful and loves to talk and Fred is sweet, mellow and loves to wrestle with his brother. Any time any of our neighbors walks by our front door — looking to say hello — both of the boys run to the screen to peer out and meow “hi”! I’m so happy to have them and so thankful to AAA for bringing them into my life.”

AAA volunteers brought Buddy to the Best Friends super adoption event in November. Buddy had already been at the Baldwin Park shelter for a month and was desperately seeking his forever home as he was in danger of being euthanized. That is when Buddy’s guardian angels, Cathy and Bruce spotted him and fell in love. By that evening, Buddy had been groomed, fed and fitted for his special Christmas sweater. Bruce takes Buddy for longs walks and they enjoy watching Sunday football together. Bruce feels blessed to have found Buddy and there is no doubt the feeling is mutual. In Bruce’s own words: He [Buddy] has been a blessing for me!”