Protecting the Ottawa River watershed: First Nations history important for the future
of the environment
“Water is speaking: Are we listening?” That question was
posed by Saugeen First Nation Chief Randall Kahgee in the book Boiling Point by Maude Barlow. Water is life- the indigenous people have always known this to be
true. Water feeds our bodies, water is
our bodies. Water is prosperity; water is safety. Water should be clean.
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has revised its previous position statement on feline declawing
Photo by Tambako The Jaguar Flickr
The CVMA released a statement that the association has revised it's previous position on the onychectomy- better known as declawing- of domestic cats. The statement reads that explicitly state that the CVMA “opposes elective and non-therapeutic Partial Digital Amputation (PDA), commonly known as declawing or onychectomy, of domestic cats.”
Climate 101 rally in Ottawa: 100 plus concerned citizens risk arrest to protest against Kinder Morgan Pipeline
Photo by Mark Klotz
Today in Ottawa, Ontario over a hundred students and concerned citizens gathered at Ottawa University to begin their protest and march against the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. They risk arrest and will brave the cold to raise awareness and demand Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stop the building of the pipeline. This comes on the heels of yesterday's rally in Los Angeles against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Canadian Pacific Coast is a diverse ecosystem full of marine life that will be as risk with the building of another tar sands pipeline. Drinking water and ground water contamination is a risk. Also at risk is the impact on global warming as we need to be putting less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere- not more. Justin Trudeau was to be a climate leader, but a carbon tax is not enough. The 2 degrees agreed upon in the Paris Agreement may not be enough. With all the money that has been invested in big oil and fossil fuels for years, it seems insane to not invest money into clean, sustainable energy. Denmark, Germany, Scotland and Ireland are all leading the pack when it comes to clean energy. Canada should be on that list as we have diverse ecosystems and vast spans of forest we need to protect.
Photo by Mark Klotz
There are some that still don't "believe" in climate change. I put believe in quotations because climate change is a fact: it's not a unicorn, it is not a religion that you can choose to believe or not. It is a fact that 97% of the world's scientists agree on- not only do they agree that it's happening, but they also agree that man's reliance and extensive use of fossil fuels is a main cause of the accelerated global warming. So while climate change deniers look at me like I'm the crazy one, you are denying the scientific facts. You are denying the same science that builds your cars, produced your medicine and that you rely on everyday. I refuse to stop talking about climate change, because when all is said and done at least I can say I never stopped trying. I never stopped talking about it. No matter how many people denied science and acted as though I'm some crazy activist trying to save the planet. The planet will still be here after we destroy it- it's our infant species that we are risking. These incredible Canadians are out in the cold risking arrest for our future. What will you do for their future?
Journalist Deia Schlosberg arrested filming tar sands pipeline protest is released, facing felony charges
Photo by CIFF
Journalist and Emmy award winning documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg was arrested on October 11 while filming a protest in Walhalla, North Dakota. Climate activists were protesting against the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline; a pipeline that will bring Canadian tar sands oil into the United States. The group was supporting Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Schlosberg was released today, but is facing felony charges. Schlosberg is the producer of the documentary filmHow to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change byclimate activist and documentary filmmaker Josh Fox. Fox is well known for his Gasland series of documentary films about the dangers of fracking and fossil fuels impact on climate change.
Photo by Peg Hunter
Yesterday in an article by Fox for The Nation he reported that Schlosberg "was held for 48 hours before being allowed to speak to a lawyer." He also stated that the "authorities confiscated her footage. She is now charged with three counts of felony conspiracy and faces a possible sentence of up to 45 years. For being a journalist."
Climate Direct Action- the group protesting the controversial pipeline- shut down the pipeline without using violence or aggressive force. The activists used the emergency shut off valves to shut down multiple pipelines along the Canadian and US border, stating that it was a climate emergency. They shut down five pipelines along the border, including the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, that would deliver tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada. Schlosberg was filming and did not partake in any of the action, but was arrested as an accessory.
Photo by Joe Brusky
Protests have also been held in Standing Rock, North Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been a loud voice against the Dakota Access Pipeline, filing a complaint stating that it "threatens the Tribe's environmental and economic well-being and would damage and destroy sites of great historic, religious and cultural significance to the Tribe." The complaint states that the pipeline goes against the Clean Water Act which "prohibits the discharge of any pollutant, including dredged spoil or other fill material, into waters of the United States unless authorized by a permit."
On October 10 Divergent actress Shailene Woodley was arrested in Sioux County while at a peaceful protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She streamed her arrest on Facebook Live. She was among 27 people arrested.
Photo by simpsdog
Fox streamed on Facebook Live on October 13 from the streets of London where he was screening the film How To Let Go of the World. He said that Schlosberg is "the media. The media is allowed to report on actions that are happening." In his article for The Nation about the recent arrests he said "all this should send chills down the spine of every documentary filmmaker and journalist."
Photo by Joe Brusky
After her release Schlosberg posted a video to her Facebook thanking people for their support and stating that she will be posting more information soon. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Neil Young and politician Bernie Sanders have rallied to show their support and protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline. A petition has been started online to try and encourage law enforcement to drop the charges against Schlosberg.
Barking up the family tree: Discover secrets in your dog's DNA with Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis (GHA)
Photo by Elizabeth Tersigni
July 31 is National Mutt Day and I am a proud owner of two
mixed breed dogs. I love my mutts, and specifically wanted mixed breeds because
they are on average healthier. Many mutt owners have no idea what breeds are in
the mix, but knowing this can provide some insight into your pet’s health and
behaviour. That’s why Royal Canin is encouraging mixed breed owners to discover
the secrets in their dog’s DNA through The ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis (GHA).
The American Humane Association reported that mixed breed
dogs are the most popular type of dog in the United States, comprising 53
percent of the nation's canine population. Having insight into your dog’s DNA can
provide you with insider information. GHA can be used to tailor your dog’s
wellness plan to include nutrition, predict a puppy's full grown size, and
provide information about possible inherited diseases. Mutts can be predisposed
to health issues and have unique behaviours just like purebred dogs, but
knowing their genetic makeup can solve some of those mysteries.
Photo by Thomas Hawk via Foter.com CC BY NC
The poster and the politician: Alan Tobin "delighted" about breed specific restrictions at the dog park, Ireland
Pet parents are outraged. Councillor Alan Tobin is receiving serious backlash after posting his views on the new posters for the dog park that list restricted breeds. The County Councillor of Meath, Ashbourne in Ireland stated in his Facebook post that he is "delighted" to get the signs that he had asked for, and that is amazes him that "some people think these are ideal family pets."
Dogs on the list include American Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Staffordshier Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, English Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa. Most Facebook users are outraged, and the post has over 140, 000 shares and over 240, 000 comments. While most people are in opposition to Tobin's poster there are comments from people who agree with him. Breeds that bite has been a great debate among pet owners, most veterinary and canine research organizations take a similar stance on the breed bite: the main focus should be on responsible pet ownership, not breed.
Happy
Easter from Paws For Reaction!
I hope everyone is having a great Easter weekend! Don’t
forget to check out the Paws For Reaction EasterHeadquarters to read all the fun Easter themed posts and to see pictures of
adorable pets celebrating the holiday. Speaking of pets celebrating the holiday,
check out my Easter Mountain Dogs! Hazel and Keira played dress-up so they
could get their Easter treats- check out the photos below! Have a Happy Easter!
Photo by Sharon Taylor Photography of Kettering Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND
The Easter Bunny and more:Fun Easter facts Find out where the most famous rabbit came from, how Easter is celebrated around the world and so much more! These facts are full of candy, beautiful photos of rabbits, and the holiday spirit. Check out these Easter facts and have a Happy Easter!
Pet
food recalls: April
2015
Nylabone Products Recalls Puppy Starter Kit Due To Possible
Salmonella Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
1-877-273-7527
FDA PRESSRELEASE - April 22, 2015 -TFHPublications, Inc./Nylabone Products, of Neptune, NJ is recalling one lot of
its 1.69 oz. package of the Puppy Starter Kit dog chews, because they have the
potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can
affect animals ingesting the product and there is risk to humans from handling
contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their
hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these
products.
Long Live Pets: Your rescue pet could be a star in a film for Nat Geo
Wild
Best
Friends Animal Society is on a mission to inspire people to change a
shelter pet’s life and to celebrate rescue pets that have already found their
forever home. An estimated 270,000 pets in shelters will be euthanized in March
alone all due to a lack of space- almost 9,000 a day. Because of this growing
epidemic CEO
and co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society Gregory
Castle and veterinarian and former Miss. America Dr. Debbye Turner Bell
have teamed up with Natures Variety Instinct
to create the Long Live Petscampaign. This
effort is to help reduce the number of animal deaths in shelters across the
country and to invite people to enter their rescue pets to be featured in a
film for Nat Geo Wild.
Ontario Parks: Best parks to snowshoe in Petawawa, Ontario
Petawawa is nestled between Pembroke and Chalk River in
the scenic Ottawa Valley region. The Ottawa Valley is known for its Provincial
Parks, white water rafting, year-round fishing, and natural resource
preservation.
Once the snow hits the ground the Ottawa Valley springs
back to life- headed by a diverse cross country ski and snowshoe community.
Several ski and snowshoe clubs exist in Petawawa and the surrounding area and
they maintain the trails every winter. Outdoor adventure is in people’s blood
in the Ottawa Valley and winter exploration is welcome and celebrated.
Photo by Finger Food Foter CC BY-NC
Delicious
or deadly: Purina responds to class action lawsuit against Beneful
The Purina pet food empire has been hit with
a class action lawsuit alleging that Beneful dog food is responsible for
killing thousands of dogs. Beneful has had poor reviews online for years- all
one has to do is Goggle search “Beneful
petitions” to see that several thousand people do in fact want the
brand discontinued from Purina’s catalogue.
Beneful is one of the more popular Purina dog foods- mainly
due to its very low retail price, accessibility and claims to be a “nutritious”
and “balanced” dog food. However according to the Feb. 5 class action lawsuit
filed in a California federal court by plaintiff Frank Lucido, Beneful causes
illness and sometimes death.
Photo by swong95765 Foter CC BY
Four-legged fraud: The Dogington Post uncovers service dog scam On Feb. 16 The Doginton Post released a report titled "The Four-legged Scandal No One Is Talking About" that details the flaws in the service dog system and how it is commonly taken advantage of. People are purchasing service dog vests and collars and strapping them on their house pets so they can bring them anywhere they want. The problem has become so bad that even an iguana has been registered as a service animal. Read The Dogington Post report for a shocking look at the service dog scandal.
Pets will be able to vote in the 2016 Presidential election Pet owners who
treat their pets like people can now allow their furry family members to take
part in another human activity: vote. That’s right, pet parents in the United
States can now log on toPetsVoteToo.comand register their pet to vote for the
2016 President. PetsVoteToo- based out of Austin, TX- was created “to engage,
amuse and inform politically-minded pet owners, and in so doing support
the fund-raising efforts of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals,” according to their Feb. 16press
release.
Happy Family Day Canada!
Have a very happy Family Day from my furry family to yours!
Doggy date night: How to include your dog in your Valentine's
Day celebration
Photo by grwepr Foter CC BY
Love is in the air and
dog owners across North America are spoiling their pooch with lavish
Valentine’s Day gifts. The Feb. 14 celebration often means romantic dates for
pet parents but what about the dogs? They stay at home lonely while you and
your loved one enjoy time together. Speaking on behalf of the dogs in the world just doesn’t seem fair. What if there was a way to have a romantic date
with your significant other AND your furry family member?
This list has creative
and fun ways to include your canine companion in your Valentine's festivities.
Check out these dog-friendly Valentine’s Day dates that will strengthen your
bond with each family member- furry ones included!
Photo by Georgie Pauwels Foter CC BY
Pet food recalls: February 2015
Pet International Inc. Recalls
6” Beef Trachea Pet Treat
Contact:
Consumer:
(305) 591-3338
FDA PRESS RELEASE — February 11, 2015 — Pet International of Miami,
Florida is recalling 1500 units of 6” Beef Trachea Pet Treat because it has the
potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can
affect animals (i.e. dogs) eating the products and there is risk to humans from
handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly
washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces
exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella
should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella
can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis,
arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers
exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact
their healthcare providers.
Flyer made by Rhonda Schwendeman
Update about Zara: Army National Guard's missing dog suspected to be in South Carolina
On August
20, 2014 I reported on a German shepherd named Zara
who was missing and suspected stolen in Crownsville, Maryland while her owner
was posted to Kuwait. Jon Kenneth Walker is a member of the Army National Guard
and has been searching for Zara ever since while over 4 000 people- myself
included- have been watching his “Bring Zara Home” Facebook page for any
sign that she will be returned to him. Those following the page have
shared his posts and spread Zara’s
story but still no sign of her. Today- Feb. 10- Jon posted some newsand gave us all hope
that Zara may have been located- in South Carolina.
The following is Jon’s full post. I hope anyone reading this
will share this story
and go to the “Bring Zara Home” Facebook page- especially
if they reside in any of the places mentioned.
Pet Dental Health Month: Dr. Sanchez
demonstrates 3 step dog dental routine
Are you getting your dog’s dental health advice by word
of mouth? Dr. Andrea Sanchez, the Medical Director of Hospital Operations at Banfield
Pet Hospital in Portland, OR was willing to fill me in on dental disease in dogs. She promotes good oral hygiene by teaming up with
Greenies dental chews
for National Pet Dental
Health Month.
“All across the country, Banfield Pet Hospital is teaming
up with Greenies dental chews to raise awareness about pet oral health and most
importantly how pet owners can best care for their pet's teeth- both at home and
at the vet clinic,” Dr. Sanchez said in a Feb. 7 video interview.
Photo by M Glasgow Foter CC BY
Blue
Buffalo’s Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive rescues one million pets
Blue Buffalo
celebrated a milestone Jan. 26 when a cat named Watermark became the one
millionth pet to be adopted this season during their Home 4 the Holidays pet
adoption campaign. Watermark was rescued by the Monmouth County SPCA,
NJ and waiting for a forever home when the Ferrier family took him and set the
record for this year’s adoption drive.
Blue Buffalo’s Home 4 the
Holidays campaign was launched in 1999 and since then has become the
largest pet adoption program on record. The Home 4 the Holidays drive has saved
more than 10 million pets overall and each yearly campaign lasts three months.
With so many new pets coming home during the holidays Blue Buffalo uses the
campaign as a way to educate the public about happy, healthy pets available for
adoption in animal shelters.
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 12 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.
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