THE NEW BARKER

13/09/2024

Almost a year after we wrote a piece about the puppy mill partnership that the SPCA Tampa Bay formed with Sunshine Puppies and Pinnacle Pet comes an investigative report from the LA Times. Dogs and puppies are being imported into California. Truckloads of Doodles, French Bulldogs and other "expensive dogs from profit-driven mass breeders" feed an underground market where they are resold by people claiming to be small, local home breeders.

The trail of imported dogs — some from operators cited by state and federal officials for neglect — persists, despite California's efforts to stem the flow, The Times found.

California passed a law in 2017 barring pet stores from selling dogs, hoping that would cut off bulk shipments from puppy mills into the state, and it later strengthened the ban to make it difficult to pass commercially bred dogs off as rescues. Gov. Gavin Newsom touted the laws as putting an end to the state’s role in the “cruel puppy mill industry for good.”

But the laws had a major unintended consequence — driving the puppy trade further underground. And California is turning a blind eye to a black market by destroying the veterinary records provided to the state that contain key details about the puppy resale trade, The Times found.

Under state law, the records should be sent to county health departments. But that's not how it's working in California's disorganized system, The Times found. Many counties seemed unfamiliar with the records and unaware they're supposed to receive them.

Many dogs were supplied by breeders cited or charged with abuse and neglect, including one in Wisconsin who knowingly transported puppies that had been diagnosed with the deadly and highly contagious parvovirus and failed to get them veterinary care.

California is one of fives states that accounts for half of all cats and dogs killed in shelters. Florida is one of those states.

Read the full Los Angeles Times report by Alene Tchekmedyian and Melody Gutierrez in this link: https://www.yahoo.com/news/inside-californias-brutal-underground-market-100025102.html

Photo credit: Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times

Bailing Out Benji
The Humane Society of the United States - Puppy Mills Campaign
Harley's Dream
Best Friends Animal Society
ASPCA Rescue Pink
Los Angeles Times
Google:

12/09/2024

Finding the right words in advertising, marketing and promotions is a process. Sometimes, everything falls smoothly into place. Other times, the challenge is insurmountable. Then, there are those times when a picture is worth a thousand words, and nothing more is needed but a brief introduction.

Welcome to the summer/fall edition of THE NEW BARKER, featuring the original artwork of of Nya, Lady and Ghost by artist Kristen Baker.

(More to come, but for now, we're just going to keep staring at this beautiful cover).

Sketchbook by Kristen Husky Haven of Florida Inc.
The Ryan Animal Rescue Foundation Logan Ryan
Rescue Me Tampa - Shelter Dogs
Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center

11/09/2024

Never Forget

We wanted to do a cover reveal of our newest issue, today, but after further consideration, we feel the need to take a moment to remember what happened on this day, 23 years ago. It's hard to believe how much time has gone by, since it still feels so fresh in our minds. An exhibition a few years ago at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum included artifacts like this child's letter. Children from around the country wrote letters to the rescue and recovery workers at Ground Zero thanking and encouraging them.

There were more than 300 search-and-rescue dogs and workers throughout the continent who traveled to Ground Zero to help during the crisis and aftermath. The specially-trained dogs searched for survivors trapped in the rubble, guided people to safety and comforted those in need.

In 2013, Animal Planet premiered Hero Dogs of 9/11 featuring never-before-seen footage, including how dogs found the last remaining survivor who was pulled from the rubble, 27 hours after the World Trade towers collapsed.

Another bit of information: K-9 Sirius and his handler, Lt. Kim, were working for the New York Port Authority Police Department on September 11, 2001. They were in the basement of the south tower when a plane struck the north tower. Lt. Kim received a radio call for all units to respond. He put Sirius in his kennel. "I remember the last thing I said to him was, "You stay here, I'll come back and get you.'"

Lim was on the 44th floor when he saw, through the windows, another plane crash into the south tower. When the building he was in collapsed, Lim was on his way downstairs. Trapped inside the rubble for nearly five hours before being rescued, Lim escaped with a mild concusssion and mild injuries.

Rescuers found Sirius's body almost a year later. He was the only K-9 lost during the attacks on the towers.

10/09/2024

Are you a fan of Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets? If you are, then you may already know she is hosting her Naturally Healthy Pets Experience in Orlando, next month (October 12-13). Hippocrates' quote, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine they food" is the base philosophy of Dr. Judy's messaging. The event will showcase a wealth of information for pet parents and those working in the pet industry. There will be speakers, vendors and more.

We have a very special pair of tickets to give away to the two-day event. Answer the following question in the comment section. We will select a winner on Thursday.

Over the last year, have you changed anything in your dog's diet (including treats) that has benfitted your dog? We can't wait to read your input.

09/09/2024

One of our newest advertising partners to be featured in the latest issue of THE NEW BARKER, is a game changer. Or, as they like to say about their work, a life changer for dogs and their humans. Lucky Puppy Nail Specialists LLC in Lakeland and Lucky Puppy Nail Specialists, Tampa Bay. If you have a dog who is scared of having his/her nails done, please give these folks a call.

We have visited both brick and mortar locations, and watched them work. What they are able to accomplish is nothing short of amazing. Plus, they give back to the rescue community by lending their services to rescue and shelter dogs with their mobile unit. Kind, professional, gentle, and patient.

Give them a like on social media, pay them a visit, welcome them to THE NEW BARKER with a comment or question below.

03/09/2024

Look at our Two For Tuesday Find from advertising partner Pet Lovers Market. Dog and cat themed artisan wood signs. Kick up your coffee bar. Enhance your seasonal outdoor decorations. They're offering a buy one get one to fans of THE NEW BARKER. Just use the code TNB at check out.

The Quoteable Dog

We love these limited edition artisan dog-themed wooden signs so much. In fact, we can't pick just one as our favorite, and we're thinking you may feel the same way. For a limited time, we're offering a BOGO. Buy one sign and choose a second sign for free. We have signs with inspirational messages; signs with funny sayings that only a dog or cat lover will appreciate. We also have some signs featuring breed specific artwork.

Visit the wooden art signs page on our website (link below) and let us know which one is your favorite. To receive our BOGO offer, use the coupon code TNB at checkout.

www.petloversmarket.com/pet-store/art/wooden-signs

01/09/2024

Great Danes Seized From Florida Breeder

A couple of months ago, the ASPCA removed 120 adult dogs and puppies, mostly Great Danes, from a "breeding operation" located in Union County, FL. Other breeds included French and English Bulldogs and Chinese Cresteds. Most of the dogs were underweight and some had untreated medical conditions. All were living in unsanitary conditions.

The ASPCA relocated the dogs to emergency shelters where they received forensic exams to support the criminal investigation as well as provide treatment. All evidence was submitted to the Eighth Judicial States Attorney’s Office and warrants were issued the week of July 15 for the arrest of those involved in this case.

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, the following arrests were made:
Zachery Collins and Jessica Collins of Lake Butler, FL. were both arrested on nine counts of cruelty to animals – 1st Degree Misdemeanors and five counts of aggravated cruelty to animals – 3rd Degree Felonies. They were booked into the Union County Jail, and will both be prosecuted by the Eighth Judicial States Attorney’s Office.

We have also learned that eight of those dogs originally seized have been transported to Brandywine Valley SPCA where they will be up for adoption after a state-mandated isolation period of two weeks.

Looking over our files on past posts and stories from THE NEW BARKER, archives include an incident from seven years ago in Walton County, FL when Alaqua Animal Refuge stepped into help a breeder who fell ill, and could no longer take care of the Great Danes at the breeding facility. Nine years ago, DeSoto County Sheriff's Office seized 47 adult Great Danes and 19 puppies from a breeder in one of the worst cases of neglect they said they'd ever seen.

All of these cases of purebred dogs and puppies, seized by authorities, right here in Florida, has us wondering. Why would a private, donor-funded animal shelter, like the SPCA Tampa Bay, feel the need to continue working with two businesses, known to have ties to the puppy mill industry in order to import dogs and puppies to their shelter? We know of one puppy who recently died for lack of care at one of those businesses the SPCA Tampa Bay has partnered with. To the SPCA Tampa Bay and its board: are you a shelter saving dogs, or are you a broker, transporting and selling dogs?

National Mill Dog Rescue Bailing Out Benji
The Humane Society of the United States - Puppy Mills Campaign Puppy Mill Awareness
Make it Illegal to sell Dogs/Puppies in Pet Stores Rescue Pink FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay Paul Mueller

29/08/2024

Changing laws at the state level and ordinances at the local level takes a lot of time, effort, patience, empathy, dedication, peppered with a lot of frustration. Animal advocates in Polk County are trying to make a change, as are advocates in and around Sumter County. It's taking months, and the proverbial meter has barely moved. Meanwhile, concerned citizens are being gaslighted and the animals continue to suffer. 😕

At the state level, bills that are created to protect animals often go nowhere in the Florida Legislature. "Animal protection bills are often assigned to the House or Senate agriculture committees," said Nick Atwood, Campaigns Coordinator for Animal Rights Foundation of Florida. "Even if the bill is about dogs or cats and has nothing to do with agriculture. And unfortunately, the 'ag' committees don't always prioritize animal bills or take them as seriously as we would like them to."

Atwood added that ARFF tends to find more success by going directly to Florida voters through ballot initiatives. Remember Vote Yes 13 in 2018, when voters voted to ban Greyhound racing in Florida?

“Certain industry lobbyists will oppose all animal protection bills, not necessarily because they disagree with a specific bill, but more of a slippery slope fear. They think if animal protection laws are strengthened, that somehow, in the future, that will affect the industries they represent,” Atwood said. Think: NRA, AKC and the commercial breeding enterprises (aka puppy mill industry).

Plus, animals don’t vote. Or lobby. Or fundraise. Or run for office.

“They [animals] don’t have a direct voice in our democracy,” said State Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Pinellas County Democrat who represents Dist. 60. “Your pet or livestock are not going to be able to go up to Tallahassee and advocate for their own welfare.”

Cross reintroduced the Appointment of Courtroom Animal Advocates bill during the 2024 Legislative session. It did not pass, but will hopefully be reintroduced during the 2025 Legislative session. For a prosecutor who is juggling dozens of cases, the Courtroom Animal Advocate would be a godsend. Cross added, "If you now have to find veterinary records for 50 animals, that’s a lot of work. If you can then have someone to come in and do some of that fact-finding, get some of those records, provide some recommendations, it’s just providing extra information for the courts.”

Be sure to follow THE NEW BARKER on both Facebook and Instagram ( ) for upcoming updates and how to become more involved during the 2025 Legislative session.

Animal Rights Activists arff Florida Voices for Animals
Animal Legal Defense Fund
Polk County Bully Project

26/08/2024

We're Celebrating National Dog Day with two Special Healthy Giveaways – one, here on Facebook, the other on Instagram.

🐶Facebook giveaway – We would like to give away a bag of the new Love, Greta treats, created to honor a very special dog who was both beautiful and sweet. Tell us, what is it about your dog that makes him or her beautiful and sweet? Is it the way their ears flop in the wind? Or the way they wag their butts when you come home? Post your thoughts in five words. Share a photo. We'll select three of our favorites to receive Love, Greta treats. BTW, a portion of sales from each bag sold is given back to dog rescue.

🐶Instagram giveaway – On October 12 and 13, globally renowned veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan is bringing her Naturally Healthy Pet Experience to Orlando for veterinarians, pet professionals, and pet parents. The event will include seven of the best professionals in holistic pet care presenting seminars. There will be fifty hand-selected vendors of the highest quality products in the natural pet market. We're giving away one pair of tickets to the two day event. Head over to on Instagram and follow the instructions to participate.


Florida State Animal Response Coalition
Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets

23/08/2024

Andrew Wyeth and The Art of Dog

Andrew Wyeth is an artist after our own hearts. The Seattle Art Museum had a show of Wyeth's paintings, many of which featured dogs. One of Wyeth's most loved paintings is Master Bedroom. "You know, dogs are the damndest thing. They just take over the house. – Andrew Wyeth

Every cover of THE NEW BARKER, since our first issue in 2006, has featured an original work of art by a different artist. We cannot wait for the cover reveal of our newest issue, and we are just as anxious to get it into the hands of our subscribers. Just a little while longer. 🥰

In the meantime, click on this link to view all of our covers over the last 18 years. Which one is your favorite? https://www.thenewbarker.com/SHOP3.htm
Oh, and check out our EVENTS page, and if you'd like to subscribe, click on the SUBSCRIBE button.

Seattle Art Museum

21/08/2024

Perro Caliente

Photography is such an important part of THE NEW BARKER, and we have worked with some of the most creative photographers in the world. In 2016, we collaborated with Gainesville, FL-based photographer Randy Batista. It was our second time working together. He had presented us with a beautiful series of photos of the street dogs of Cuba. Our magazine feature was titled, "Perro Caliente – perros de la calle de Cuba."

Batista had been part of what was known as Operation Pedro Pan, a program that airlifted more than 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children to the United States between 1960 and 1962. When Batista returned to Cuba in 1996, after having fled as a child during the revolution, there were no dogs anywhere. The Soviet pull out had created extreme poverty and people struggled to feed themselves and their families.

He continued to return, and watched how circumstances were changing. Homeless dogs roamed the streets alongside family pets. While those who had money were buying expensive breeds, many pet owners were struggling to provide proper care for theirs.

Each time Batista returned to Cuba to photograph the people, the dogs always caught his attention. He observed their street smarts, like knowing when and how to cross the road, waiting at the corner for the cars to pass. Some dogs showed signs of injuries, like broken bones, that healed on their own without medical attention. Still, the dogs seemed to do more than manage to survive. They appeared happy and socialized, sitting near people dining on the sidewalks, waiting for scraps of food. Batista noticed how the dogs had become part of the fabric that is now Cuba. Panhandlers learned how to exploit the dogs with tourists, training them to perform and pose for pictures with them.

Batista's creative energy and love of community inspired him to produce Bulla Cubana, a three-month-long citywide effort in Gainesville that promotes Cuban art, history, talent, and life. "In spite of all the poverty in Cuba, Cubans never gave up their love for the arts," he told us.

20/08/2024

Agua Caliente, the only dog track in Mexico, closed on July 14, 2024. 150 surviving hounds have been released for adoption, according to GREY2K USA.

A little backstory on Agua Caliente: Nearly all of the Greyhounds racing at Caliente were American born. The vast majority of these dogs started and finished their racing careers there. During its heyday, there were as many as 400 Greyhounds kenneled at the facility at any given time. The track began racing dogs in 1927, and was considered part of the United States racing circuit. Until December 2023, races were held six days a week. In 2019, 4,683 races were held at the track. By January 2024, track ownership cut race days in half and released 200+ Greyhounds for adoption.

IMAGE: Artwork by Carrie Jadus Fine Art & Portraiture for the 2016 Summer/Fall issue of THE NEW BARKER dog magazine. Karma, a retired racing Greyhound, is the name of the dog in the portrait.

18/08/2024

Girl on a Bike

After a fundraising event at TradeWinds Resort in 2017 for Dogs Inc, we were driving on Gulf Boulevard and passed the most blissful beautiful moment of a girl enjoying the evening on a bike with her dog. We continued driving several miles up before pulling off to the side of the road in hopes we would see her again. After a few moments, there she was, and we photographed her as she approached, unaware of us until she was right on us. She gave us the most lovevly smile and her dog looked right at us. They continued on.

"It was just an unplanned moment in time, that I was happy to be able to capture," said Anna Cooke, editor of THE NEW BARKER

Photographers, what's your favorite memory of a moment you were able to randomly capture? Do you have the photo to share with us?

Is there a random moment in time that you've regretted not capturing?

17/08/2024

According to Shelter Animals Count, 689,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in 2023 in animal shelters across the United States. The breakdown is 359,000 dogs and 330,000 cats. Shelter Animals Count is a non-profit based in Atlanta, GA. There is no national requirement for reporting by animal shelters. The data Shelter Animals Count compiled is self-reported and "contains natural under and over sampling biases in both the geographic and organization type dimensions."

According to Best Friends Animal Society, animal shelters killed 415,000 dogs and cats across the United States in 2023. The variation of 274,000 may be explained by Shelter Animals Count including in their report that Q4 2023 is a forecast estimate only.

Whatever, right? That's still a whole lot of dead dogs and cats killed simply for the reason that shelters have no space. Yet, Best Friends recently recognized shelters across the country with their 2023 No Kill Shelter plaques. Shelters that are still killing healthy dogs and cats posted the plaques across their social media pages, proud of their Save 90 rate.

Meanwhile, groups like Rescue Me Tampa - Shelter Dogs are working hard to save the other 10% of dogs scheduled to die on any given day in a shelter due to lack of space – not because – as Best Friends states on their website – 10% of dogs and cats entering shelters are suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues.

***Pomerelle's deadline is 08/19/24, 5pm. She (with the pup cup) is considered a solo dog, meaning she would do best as an only dog in the adopter's home. She loves people and is otherwise a calm pup. Available through Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center in Tampa. They are open today/Saturday and closed tomorrow. Open Monday – Pomerelle's last day.

***Daytona has been at the shelter since May 2024. She's a very cuddly two-year-old and a little shy at first. She walks calmly on a leash and is playful in the play yard; does well in a crate and seems to be good with children and other pets. Daytona is at risk, due to overpopulation at the shelter, of being placed on the euthanasia list as early as next week. She is also available at Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.

Shelter Animals Count

16/08/2024

A Two-Part True Story

Part 1: You've been dreaming of a specific breed of dog. In this instance, for the purposes of our story, the perfect dog would be a Doberman Pinscher. You don't have to go to a breeder. You definitely don't want to buy a puppy at a retail store that sells puppies supplied by the puppy mill industry. And absolutely stay away from online sales where they say they'll ship you the puppy you've fallen in love with on your computer screen. 🤥

There are breed-specific rescue groups near you that are in need of volunteers, fosters, donations, and certainly adopters. Take Dobie Ranch Rescue in Crystal River, FL. In the last 11 days they have taken in/rescued 12 dogs.

Apollo – His owners surrendered Apollo to a rural Florida shelter to be euthanized because they were moving and didn't want to take him. Thankfully, the shelter refused and contacted Dobie Ranch Rescue. Description: He is the sweetest three-year-old boy you could imagine.

Meeka was surrendered to the rescue because her owner has health issues. The dog is three years old, knows lots of commands, good on a leash and completely housetrained. She is fine with little dogs, picky with big dogs and has never been around kids. Cats are a definite no.

The puppy. The puppy. Actually, two puppies, dumped on the side of the road in Polk County, FL by a backyard breeder. Left to fend for themselves, they were starving. By the time the rescue reached the dogs, one of them had been hit by a car and died.

Willow was found at a stray and taken to a local shelter. No one claimed her. The rescue estimates her age to be around 1.5 years old. She needs to gain a few pounds, but is as sweet as can be.

Part 2: Collaboration. This is how shelters should be working with rescue groups. What a concept.

Bailing Out Benji
The Humane Society of the United States - Puppy Mills Campaign

14/08/2024

May We Have the Long-Haired Chihuahua, the Long-Haired Chihuahua, Please...

The following description of an adoptable dog was recently posted on the Flagler Humane Society Inc. social pages. As we read through it, we could hear that famous voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show announcing Opossum's attributes as if he was in ring competing for that purple ribbon. Read it and let us know – can you hear David Frei's voice describing Opossum? 🥰

"Meet Opossum, a long-haired Chihuahua with a heart full of courage and a personality that's sure to make you smile. Despite being a senior, his spirit is young, full of goofiness and sweetness that's hard to resist. Opossum is a loyal companion, ready to cuddle up with those he trusts. His bravery shines through his initial nervousness around strangers, but once he warms up, he is your friend for life. Opossum's unwavering loyalty and his sweet and goofy nature make him the perfect addition to any loving home. Adopt Opossum and experience the joy of unconditional love and companionship."

David Frei, we think you may have a new gig to add to your repertoire: voicing descriptions of available adoptables around the country. Are you with us? We double dog dare you. 🐶😍😁

*Known as "the most famous human in the world of dogs," David Frei was the lead commentator for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for 27 years. His last appearance as commentator was in 2016. David now co-hosts the National Dog Show with John O'Hurley on Thanksgiving Day, November 28 at noon.

Photograph of Opossum by Ernie Coy Photography

13/08/2024

Are you a fan of Dr. Judy Morgan? She is bringing her event to Orlando in October. We have a special pricing offer (see below) and we will be giving away a pair of tickets to the two-day Naturally Healthy Pets Experience with Dr. Judy Morgan Event in Orlando, October 12-13. One ticket will be given away here, and the other will be given away on our Instagram page

Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, is an award-winning veterinary acupuncturist, chiropractor, and food therapist. After 40 years, Dr. Morgan retired from clinical practice in 2020. She now focuses on empowering pet parents to provide longer, healthier lives for their pets through educational courses and seminars, blogs, international speaking engagements, and her Naturally Healthy Pets podcast.

Her goal, she says, is to change the lives of millions of pets by teaching pet owners worldwide how to minimize the use of chemicals, vaccinations, and poor-quality processed food while using natural healing therapies. "Food is the foundation of life," said Dr. Morgan. "I firmly believe that holds true for our pets. When pets are taken off low-quality, highly processed diets and moved to a diet specific to their condition, they will show immediate improvement. In addition, no two animals are the same; feeding a species-appropriate diet and using vaccination and medication protocols that have been tailored to the animal is the basis for better health."

To receive a 10% discount on tickets, visit this link then scan the QR code and use the code TNB10 at checkout. Naturally Healthy Pets Experience with Dr. Judy Morgan



Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets

10/08/2024

Not Even For A Minute!

Just last week, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office posted a video of a dog in distress from being locked inside a car. Why does this keep happening? Even if it’s just for a moment, and even if the windows are cracked 🙄, it is never safe to leave an animal in a parked vehicle alone. Not only can leaving an animal in a hot car lead to fatal heat stroke, but it is also illegal in several states.

As of 2024, 31 states and the District of Columbia have laws that address leaving an animal unattended in a confined vehicle under dangerous conditions, such as intense weather conditions. Some of these laws involve legal action against the vehicle owner, while other laws provide immunity to those who may use forcible means — such as smashing a window — to rescue a vulnerable animal in a car.

To better understand the laws in your state, and to better prepare yourself for an emergency situation such as this, check out this full list of state laws concerning animals left unattended in vehicles: https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-laws-protect-animals-left-parked-vehicles

Be aware that even in jurisdictions without such specific laws, endangering an animal’s life in this way could be prosecuted under general anti-cruelty statutes.

How about you? Would you break someone else's car window to save a dog, cat or child from distress?

Sources:
ASPCA
Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center