- Karyn Stratton
A Note From The Editor :
A very important birthday was celebrated on February 22nd . Libre , a sweet Boston Terrier from Pennsylvania , turned eight years old . The reason it was so meaningful is because Libre was the impetus behind long overdue changes to our state ' s animal welfare laws . He was discovered at a puppy mill when he was just four months old , suffering from severe neglect . Libra ' s condition was so dire - untreated mange , infections , and dehydration - he wasn ' t expected to live . But his rescuers were determined , and a flurry of social media posts went viral , sparking widespread support and outrage over conditions that allowed this to happen . Libre recovered , thankfully , and now has a loving family ... and a wonderful , lasting legacy ! Inspired by his story , animal advocates pushed for stronger animal welfare legislation , and in 2017 , Libre ' s Law was passed . The legislation strengthened animal cruelty and neglect laws , establishing grades of violations up to a felony for intentional torture , neglect , or abuse that result in severe injury or death . Libre ' s journey has even inspired similar legislative actions in other states . While these changes are hopeful , we also have to realize what a long way there is to go . We have stronger laws ; we simply don ' t have enough authorities to enforce them . Lycoming County has Humane Police Officers on call to investigate reports of cruelty , abuse , and neglect . Centre County just established such a position in January . Many counties in our state don ' t have one , including Clinton . Incidents are reported to the police , who are often too busy with people-related problems , or local SPCAs , who are often overwhelmed with taking care of abandoned , lost , and homeless pets . Dog lovers need to unite - again - and make their voices heard . Go to change . org to sign a petition or start one . It ' s the least we can do to repay our pets , who ask for nothing but our company and give us years of devotion , companionship , and unconditional love in their own unique and wonderful way !
- Karyn Stratton
In This Issue :
Pet Calendar of Events ........................................... page 2 Upcoming Pet Events ............................................ page 3 Around the Hydrant : News You Can Use ........... page 4 Easter Hazards for Pets ......................................... page 4 The Spring Fur is Flying ......................................... page 5 Rescue Spotlight : Centre County PAWS ............. page 6 Breed All About It - The Border Collie ................ page 7 Cute & Crazy Critters ............................................ page 8 Health Highlights : Poison Control Month ......... page 9 Adoption : A Loving Option ................................. pages 10 , 11 Pawsitively Delicious ............................................. page 12 Ask the Groomer - Canine Allergies ................... page 13 Win a Kong Maxx Dog Toy ................................... page 13 Subscriptions - Let Us Fetch Your Next Copy ..... page 15
On our cover :
" Mr . Bojangles "
Thanks to
Taylor Pope of Morgantown , West Virginia
for providing us with his photo !
Pawsitively Pets -- March
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