I want to take a moment to apologize to all of the awesome members of PRRA for growing lax on posting and being involved in discussions.  I've had several changes in my life right now, which I am not using to excuse my absence, but rather to explain it.  I just started my first semester of nursing school, which has already proven to be more time-consuming than I ever could have imagined, and am also working part-time at night in order to pay for school and, well, eat.  I don't plan to be absent as much now that the ball is rolling, and will try to post as often as I can, I swear!  I also want to say that I am so thrilled at how many of you have been posting and keeping the momentum of discussions moving forward - YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!  You guys are always in my thoughts, and I thank you so much for being so dedicated to the cause!

Hello, my friends! I just wanted to take a moment to point out a new thread I've added: "Inspiring Reads." I'm hoping members will use this thread to post books, articles, poems, etc. as well as use it as a tool to find things to read.  In this way, perhaps we can use them as starting points for group discussions about conservation and animal welfare issues.  Also, in the coming weeks, I am hoping to begin a member survey to get some insight into how often and in what ways members utilize the group site.  That's all for now!

I recently created an "Animal Assistance Requests" thread for postings regarding animals needing adoption/fostering, animnals in kill-shelters, etc.  If all requests of this nature are posted under this thread, they will be easily-searchable and members can locate animals in their area.  Please list the city and state in the subject line (if known) when posting.  Thanks!

Everyone stop by the News to Note 2 thread and check out the important news stories recently posted by myself and many diligent members of our PRRA family! They really are note-worthy, so...get noting and keep posting! *grouphug*

Check it out under "A Great Addition to Your Site." Tom did a fantastic job, now all we have to do is show it off!

Since Californians began campaigning for a ballot initiative to ban cruel farm animal confinement systems six months ago, volunteers have collected nearly 800,000 signatures which were turned in to qualify an Anti-Cruelty Measure for theNovember Ballot. Thanks to all Californians who worked so diligently on this ballot. Please read more by clicking on the link below:

http://www.farmsanctuary.org/mediacenter/pr_ballot_update.html

First off, you all probably noticed the group "face-lift" - we're liking it a lot, but also want to know what you guys think, so if you feel strongly one way or another, please let us know! Also, it's GREAT to see the group growing so steadily, and I want to take the opportunity to welcome all the new members! Also, we all have different passions within the greater animal rights cause, so we want to encourage postings, discussions, news clips - ANYTHING - that are on issues important to you! Bring them to the group and let us share with you! Make PRRA your own!

...this is a good article with a slew of related links on the right-hand side of the page. I also posted another news story today which hopefully isn't too redundant as so many have been posted with this case, but it makes people aware of the huge trickle effect these stories have until the government really analyzes the situation. Have a great day, PRRA members and hosts!!

http://www.pe.com/reports/2008/cattle/stories/PE_News_Local_D_slaughter23.3c150e6.html#

Grimes Sentenced To... Greetings! Today Grimes was sentenced to 300 hours community service for a 'people organization', because 'people are dogs too'. She was also ordered to pay for the cost of the trial. This was justified by the judge because she said that Grimes chose to go to trial over ARD, therefore she should have to pay for it. Isn't it every person's right to go to trial? Does that right come with a price tag? Interestingly enough, according to Grimes' attorneys, this is not only NOT OFTEN done, but RARELY done. The costs were around $1700. She was also ordered within 10 days to take everything Doogie related off any any site she 'has control or influence over'. We will be appealing most if not all of the sentencing asap. The absolute worst part of it all was the way she was treated by both the DA and the judge. The saddest thing is that they actually seem to BELIEVE the horrible things they said about her. They seem to actually BELIEVE that the taking of Doogie was a publicity stunt by Grimes, so that she could be a 'hero'. That the Arnolds are 'victims' of her lies, and that 'the dog was just old'. The DA said he was shocked this was her first offense, because her disrespect for the law and it's officials is like his worst hardened criminals. He also said that everything on the DDB site is a lie, twisted by Grimes to make people believe her. He was seriously ticked off that the Arnolds received Valentines and a brochure attempting to educate them this Valentine's Day. Yet, at trial he insisted DDB should try to educate them, so which is it? Do you want them educated or not? She is now again not to have any contact with 'the victims'. The judge said that Grimes was no Rosa Parks or Martin Luther King, Jr. That she has disgraced herself and her cause, as well as her supporters by her actions. That two wrongs don't make a right. (If she's admitting there were 'two wrongs', then why are the Arnolds still not being convicted of abuse?) We are saddened by the state of affairs in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Saddened by the people 'in control', and saddened by the beliefs they put out into the world. Pictures and video do not lie. If it were a he said/she said situation, we could understand how they would believe the Arnolds when they say the dog was just old. But with the abundance of evidence of neglect, there is absolutely NO EXCUSE for the behavior of both DA Richard Consiglio and Judge Elizabeth Doyle. Pictures and video DO NOT LIE.

To Jacqueline and Cher-

I am excited to become a part of PRRA with both of you,my wonderfully adept and brilliant Care2 role models! I will do my best to contribute in any meaningful way possible and look forward to helping others on the path to improving the world, so let's go people!!!           -Deedy

Thnx so much Jacqueline for iviting me to be a co-host, I am honoured! I look forward to helping animals together!

I'm glad so many of my friends joined!

Hi Everyone, I'm happy to see you here! 

I see Deedy is co-hosting too, awesome!! Hi Deedy!

TTFN

LYG's

Your Friend

Cher~

Thanks to everyone for the interest in the group, and support through joining!  I would love to have the opportunity to interact with all of you through PRRA and Care2, so feel free to post as often as you like!  Also, invite, invite, INVITE if you like the group.  The more the merrier when it comes to helping animals and making a difference!

Thanks to everyone for the interest in the group, and support through joining!  I would love to have the opportunity to interact with all of you through PRRA and Care2, so feel free to post as often as you like!  Also, invite, invite, INVITE if you like the group.  The more the merrier when it comes to helping animals and making a difference!

There is now a new discussion topic entitled "Post Animal Welfare Petitions Here!"  I urge everyone to post any petition they deem worthwhile to our cause so we can all get our names down.  I've posted a few to get us started!  Thanks!

Join us February 7-14th for Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week. OUR GOAL in our 6th Season is to SEND OUT 10,000 VALENTINES TO CHAINED or PENNED DOGS.

We are striving to raise awareness for chained and penned dogs in a positive way...by delivering Valentines, a brochure and a treat coupon to dogs living outside all over the U.S. and into other countries where we have representation, such as Canada and Australia.

Here's where you come in:

1. Make Valentines. Teachers, Students, Scout Leaders, Group Leaders, Individuals please make Valentines! Since last year we had more Valentines than addresses, we're asking you to stress quality over quantity this year...we'd rather have 10,000 awesome valentines that REALLY hit home with dog caretakers. To see what others have done, see the link above. The valentines can say anything along the lines of 'Bring us into the home and family.' Send them to us by February 5th at P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.

2. Mail Coupons for Free or Reduced Cost Treats or Dogfood. Last year we did not have enough treat coupons to fill all the Valentines. Can you help us out this year by mailing any and all treat or dogfood coupons you have to us at P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684?

3. Send addresses for Chained or Penned Dogs. This is so CRUCIAL! Please, take the time to find out the address of that chained or penned dog near you, even though it takes a little time...last year we did not make our goal, and we'd really like to make the goal this year!! To make our goal, we need to mail at least 10,000 Valentines. Send address via mail, call 877.636.1408 to report addresses, e-mail them to info@dogsdeservebetter.org. or fill out the form, below (preferred). You remain anonymous!