No Gas Chamber - No Kill Zone - Brittany Foundation

There is a wonderful dog rescue facility in Acton, CA, called the Brittany Foundation. The founder, Nancy Anderson, ordered 30 copies of Bill at Rainbow Bridge for her volunteers; delivering the books gave me the opportunity to see her facility.

As I walked in to the front office, I was greeted by three aged Chihuahuas. One of them couldn't walk, crippled with arthritis. But he was a happy dog, as he dragged himself to greet me. I mention this because Nancy has a heart of gold and cares for every dog regardless of condition.

In the back were the larger dogs, each in his or her own little space, with a daytime bed, and an Igloo for the night. They were all up for adoption. As Nancy gave me the tour, I occasionally asked, "How long has he been up for adoption." Nancy would look tenderly at the old, happy dog and answer, "Ten years."

That's right: she runs a "no kill" facility, and is quite prepared to care for any dog in her sanctuary until the end of his days. But the Brittany Foundation actively tries to find homes for their "guests" and many have been adopted. In fact, another Adoption event is planned for Oct 2nd.

Please visit her site. This is a wonderful organization. http://brittanyfoundationonline.org/

Dan
author, Bill at Rainbow Bridge

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Why can't dogs be mankind's nearest relatives?

I was watching a documentary the other night, exploring our genetic links to our closest relative, the Chimpanzee. And I suddenly realized that I'd be a lot happier if dogs were our nearest "relative."

I would much prefer dogs--Man's Best Friend-- to be the missing link.

In fact, the world would probably be a lot better off if they were!

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Because, if you think about it, dogs are for the most part a lot more cheerful and fun to be around than apes! If you look deeply into the eyes of a chimp (at the zoo) what do you see? It’s hard to answer that question, because there are so many conflicting emotions that seem to be swimming around their consciousness. But it’s very easy to answer that question after looking into a dog’s eyes.

A dog’s eyes can be read. You can tell if they’re happy go lucky, and you can tell if they’re a little sad that day. You know immediately if it’s OK to pet them. You also know that, generally speaking, they want to be friends with you.

The eyes of chimps and apes are, however, unreadable. The longer you look into them, the more uncomfortable you get. You see darkness, not light; and you see unpredictability: anything might happen. It’s almost like looking deeply into the eyes of a mental patient with a violent history.

And these morose, unpredictable creatures–capable of sudden atrocities– are our nearest genetic relatives? Give me a break!

-Dan

author Bill at Rainbow Bridge

 

Bill at Rainbow Bridge hits the blog scene

Pet owners want to know:

• that their pets are happy, 

• that their own grief is normal, 

• that they will be reunited with their pets one day, 

• and it is OKAY to love again.

 Bill at Rainbow Bridge fulfills these wishes!