Paws Awhile » In The News

Come humans, show your humanity

Asyan — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:48:19 +0000

We get a lot of emails in our inbox everyday. Some people want to adopt dogs, some people want to give away the dogs they already have, and then there are some who bare their hearts to us about how their four-legged friends have been let down by humans once again.

One such email was recently forwarded to me by Mridu Minocha — one of Delhi’s most visible animal rights activists. It was an email from one Niyyatie S Dua, requesting all dog lovers to join her in a rally on the 10th of July 2010, to protest the killing of six stray dogs that she cared for. Niyyatie actually sent photographs, but I am not posting them because of their graphic nature. They were all poisoned to death.

But I did cry for them… each and every one of them. I wanted to be a part of Niyyatie’s rally, but could not, because I was in a different city. But those of you who did, I’d like you to know that we at Paws Awhile are proud of you. Proud of you for giving voice to those who cannot speak. We only wish that for all humans who show their animal sides in killings like this, we had more of you to stand against them in a show of humanity.

Niyyatie, we are sorry for your loss. Believe us when we say, we know what you are going through.

Speaking of humanity, how can we not end this article with a mention of human force? The new councilors of Kolkata Municipal Corporation have started talk about a mass removal of dogs from the streets of Kolkata. Unfortunately, the Corporation has neither the expertise nor the necessary data to carry out this task.

What we are looking at is a likely disaster and torture of street dogs by ignorant dog catchers. To add to that there will be a hoard of dog haters filing false complaints of dog bites with the civic body. No one will investigate them, and one fine day, you will find your friendly neighborhood stray being taken away in a van, never to come back home again.

Is that what you want to happen?

Do you know that a large percentage of the dogs that are picked up by organizations employed by civic bodies, are never returned to their homes?

Do you know that there is a black market out there for dogs to be treated as research subjects in laboratories who don’t mind paying under the table to acquire them?

Do you want that to happen to your friend?

Dog lovers of Kolkata, write to us. Stand up for your four legged friends. Give homes to as many of them as you can.

Come humans, show your humanity.

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The Boom, The Bust, and What Remains

Asyan — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:41:20 +0000

We Must Start the Fire

A few days ago, Rajashree Khalap of the Indian Pariah Dog Fan Club made a post about the brutal killings of Indian dogs in Meerut.

This is a worrying phenomenon that has been raising its ugly head in India in recent times. A few years ago, the administration in Bangalore, under pressure from its electorate, went on a rampage – ordering the massacre of thousands of street dogs in the state. Disturbing videos of the incident still do the rounds of the Internet, and if you have the stomach for it, look out for the Bangalore dog killings on Youtube.

You will not just find the revolting video on the site, you will also find insults made to the country in general by the Youtube netizens that you would like to protest, but will be unable to because they are completely justified.

This incident was repeated a year later in Mumbai, and now it has happened in Meerut. In the interim, there has been similar incidents in other parts of the country as well – most notably in Kolkata where certain sickos took advantage of power cuts and kept beating up dogs and leaving them for dead in dumpsters. This continued until the city’s leading newspaper, The Telegraph reported the incident.

We too had blogged about it on Paws Awhile. Incidents like these make me wonder whether the Indian race is in a state of reverse evolution. They have started to hunt in packs, and unfortunately their most easy prey has been man’s best friend.

I know a lady, who, having lost the very last member of her family at a relatively young age, started taking care of the dogs in her locality. That was her solace, but such is the nature of man that every time a dog barked at someone in the locality they would turn up at her place warning her of dire consequences. This continued until one day a large mob from the locality broke into her home and beat her up badly along with the dogs.

Fortunately, some of the city NGO’s stepped in on her behalf and filed a case against the prominent members of that mob in the city court. The lady won the case. The court ordered the authorities to make provisions for her to care for the dogs without being threatened or harmed. The mob has backed off, albeit dicontentedly. But for how long?

I myself have had people come up to my home and warn me of not feeding or arranging treatment for dogs in my locality. They are trying to build a general consensus against my family, they say. It’s not uncommon – such threats, but what is worrying is that they get bolder every time.

So what can be done about it? At one time there was a boom in the number of people campaigning for, adopting, supporting and raising their voices in favor of Indian street dogs. Blogs like Indian Pariah Dog, Paws Awhile, Dog Spot are all results of this boom.

Then came the bust. People started losing interest. Take this blog for example. Statistics say we have around 150 to 200 regular subscribers. Analytics say that almost all of our subscribers follow our posts quite regularly. However, 90% of them don’t even care to leave a comment.

If we were to organise a walk and a rally to raise awareness about INDogs, how many of you, our readers, would respond?

This, my dear friends, is what is left behind – Apathy. And it is now purely up to you to decide whether you want a ring-side view of the steady persecution of the Indian dog, or whether you want to descend in the arena and be one of the gladiators in the battle to save them.

The choice is yours, and I am looking at all of you… still hopeful.

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We condemn the Meerut Massacre

Asyan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:12:29 +0000

We are horrified beyond words at what took place recently at Meerut. I suppose we must say more, but I just do not have the heart to go over this tragedy once more… neither do any of our other writers.

For those not aware of what happened, here is the link: (WARNING: PLEASE DO NOT CLICK UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG HEART)

http://meerut-incident.synthasite.com/

Please do your bit and write to all the addresses provided in the blog. We cannot undo what has already taken place, but maybe… just maybe… we can try to keep it from happening again.

This was a day of shame for all Indians.

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Read Awhile: A pack of four ebooks from Paws Awhile

Asyan — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:28:49 +0000

Read Awhile

Paws Awhile presents the Read Awhile Bonanza.

Get your hands on a set of four popular ebooks that is bound to make your pet’s and your lives a whole lot easier.

So what’s included in the Bonanza?

We have bundled up four popular ebooks for you:

1. The Perfect Handbook For Imperfect Dog Owners

2. Pamper Your Dog: 130 Recipes for your doggy friend

3. Pamper Your Cat: 100 Recipes for your furry feline

4. The Big Book of Puppy Names

The minimum combined value of all four ebooks is $40. But only at Paws Awhile will you get all four books together at a total price of $5.

Remember, the proceeds from your purchase will go towards the care of the Paws Awhile dogs.

We are not asking for donations. Instead, we have put together a package that will give you value for money, and some very adorable dogs, a lifeline.

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Owner moving town. Will put dog to sleep. Please don’t let that happen!

Asyan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:09:00 +0000

Meet Nikki… He is seven, and he is a marvelously handsome red and white, pure bred Siberian Husky. All his life, he had lived with his human family. But all that is going to change now.

His owner is moving to Nevada, and will have Nikki put down if he is not able to find a home before the move. Because he is domesticated, the new owners will not have to worry about a number of training issues that new dog owners usually have to. He is vivacious, active and loves company. He would do well with a family that will spend a lot of time with him.

If by any luck we have convinced you to take Nikki home, it would also be fair to let you know that he doesn’t feel comfortable with smaller animals like cats. However, he is receptive towards other dogs as long as they do not show aggression towards him.

Nikki also has a health issue, albeit a minor one. In his life span of seven years, he has had a couple of seizures… honestly, that is not something worth putting him to sleep for.

If you are a true dog lover, we appeal to you for your help. Please help save this dog. He currently resides in Washington state, and Homezookeeper, Megan Casto, and her friends are willing to arrange for out-of-state transportation if you are willing to take him home… give him a new life.

If you need more information on Nikki, head straight to Homezookeeper.com – where our friend Megan Casto shares her experience of living with her four dogs, and her love for Siberian Huskys and Alaskan Malamutes.

We are counting on one of you to do the right thing for Nikki!

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Help find this dog – His name is Tobler

Asyan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:48:00 +0000

This just in from Shampa DasGupta of SPCA (Noida). As you would know, Shampa, and her group of volunteers collaborate with us on getting the word out on adoptable puppies in Delhi and Kolkata.

To all the Paws Awhilers in Delhi and adjoining areas, be on the lookout for this missing dog -

Name – Tobler

Missing since – 12th September 2008

Tobler looks like an adorable hunk of a dog, and we are sure his owners will be waiting impatiently to get back together with him.

Shampa has sent us a photograph. If you see a similar looking dog on the streets, or with someone else, make sure you call out the name “Tobler” and see if there is some reaction.

In such a case, we request you to please do not take matters in to your own hand. Send out an email, or call Shampa DasGupta who will then follow up on this. You can follow the “Delhi adoption listings” link at the top of your screen to visit her website. Once you are there, it is easy to find her contact details.

OR, you can write to us, and we will forward your email to Shampa.

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When men become beasts… a report on the mob justice being handed out to the INDogs in Kolkata

Asyan — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:59:00 +0000

I do not like to make posts on this subject. It hurts to write about it. But then, if I do not, no one will know. This morning, a large number of people in India woke up to the shock of a news published in a leading daily.

In a posh locality in Kolkata, called Bhawanipore, dogs are being hunted down and killed by the barbaric people of a nearby slum.

An eye-witness account (coming from a person who has been a witness to at least 12 such killings), these huntings occur almost regularly during power cuts – when the locality is dark.

The dogs are dragged on to a garbage vat in the area by a posse of cowards and then beaten down with rods, chains, ropes and bare hands and feet until it loses its ability to get up on its own.

A mechanic who works in an adjacent workshop admitted that almost every morning, when he comes in to work, he finds a dead, or almost dead dog lying inside or around the garbage vat.

It is being alleged that the police was informed but they didn’t even come to inspect the area. After 12 such killings, the residents of a house near the killing field, could take no more.

When they noticed that a whimpering young dog was lying in the vat one morning, they informed the People For Animals organization. The PFA’s medical wing, Ashari, picked up the dog and arranged for its treatment. Unfortunately, the dog died after three days.

PFA has revealed that the dog was beaten so mercilessly that its jaws became paralysed. It was only after they intervened that the news has become public. The PFA chief has suggested that the police arrests the murderous cowards and book them under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

There is however a problem. This particular act states that a person inflicting cruelty on an animal can be fined a maximum of Rs. 100 ($2.5).

Who in their right minds would be afraid of such a law? … and these killers don’t even seem to be in their right mind!

It is being said that the killings are revenge murders for a biting incident that occured a fortnight ago. The slum dwellers (believed to be the killers) alleged that the dogs were rabid. However, subsequent investigations have proved that they were perfectly healthy.

I appeal to you – please write about this, speak up in this blog, and your’s own. Let the Governments of India and West Bengal listen to your voice.

Something’s got to change here — something’s got to give!

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Product of the month: July

Asyan — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:16:00 +0000

From this month onwards, we are going to highlight a pet product of the month that we recommend. This is the first product in spotlight:

Natural Balance: Potato and Duck Formula (allergy formula)

From the manufacturer:

Natural Balance Potato & Duck Formula is a proven formula for dogs with allergies based on a unique single source protein and single source carbohydrate blend. Some dogs may be highly sensitive to commonly used proteins, carbohydrates and food additives in their diet. Allergic reactions can lead to irritable bowel, upset stomach, and a number of skin problems.

Natural Balance has created Potato and Duck formula for dogs with these food allergies. Potato and Duck formula combines fresh duck, (no by-products) from USDA approved plants, a single source of animal protein that most dogs have not been exposed to, and a single source of carbohydrate not commonly found in dog foods, along with effective natural ingredients to help rebuild the dog’s immune system. For all life stages.

Made in USA for use on dogs.

You can view the details of this product by clicking this link.

Please Note: If you click on this link and decide to purchase this product, Paws Awhile will receive a part of the proceeds. All proceeds received for the sale of this product will be used in vaccinating and neutering the dogs that we fight for.

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The Vodafone Pug Controversy: What’s your take?

Asyan — Sun, 04 May 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Firstly, here’s the complete ad. Take a look at it, and then read on.

Vodafone has recently taken over the mobile telecom company that was well known in India as Hutchison Essar. People endearingly referred to it as “Hutch”.

Hutch did well, but the high point of its popularity was not how good its service was, but a dog… specifically a pug. The dog first showed up a few years back in Hutch ads, where it was shown as a constant companion of a little boy. There were various editions of the ad featuring the duo. The message was much the same… “Wherever you go, our network follows”.

The ads became a craze, and within weeks, every child every where wanted to own a pug. The breed began to cost more than 100% the price than it was before the ads aired. The dog became the brand mascot.

Then Vodafone acquired Hutch, and rebranded it. But they decided to keep the dog, as a reminder of what the service really stood for. Recently, Vodafone, one of the major sponsors of the much touted Indian Premier League (IPL) launched a series of ads featuring the dog, to go with the tournament.

The focus of the ad was Vodafone’s customer service, and the message: “Happy to help”. You have already seen that in the video.

Now comes the clincher. Nearly a month after the ad was launched, the Animal Welfare Board of India sent a show cause notice to Vodafone and the advertising agency who created the ads. By the way, they were shot in South Africa.

The AWBI alleges that the ad was negligent towards the health of a pug (which it refers to as a “couture dog”) when they made him run behind a school bus on a busy road. Moreover, the heat could have been damaging to the dog.

The ad agency shot back saying that there was a licensed vet at hand when the ad was shot and the dog was never in danger.

So far the argument on both sides represented valid points. But then, PETA decided to step in, and all hell broke loose. The issue was all over the news channels yesterday, and the PETA spokesperson did a poor job (IMO) of defending their stance. At the end of the day it looked like PETA sided with the AWBI because the ad makers did not get clearance from the AWBI before the ad was first aired.

The ad agency have released a statement saying that they had offered to arrange for a screening of the ad before the AWBI at their own cost, since they had to air it before the IPL started, but the AWBI did not respond. They also allege that the AWBI is being strong armed by PETA to air its own view. The matter of concern here is that the AWBI is a government organization, and PETA is a very powerful NGO, with controversial modus operandi.

What’s your take on this? Do you think this dog was put through torture to shoot for this ad?

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Stop before you throw that candy toward your li’l doggie!

Asyan — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:29:00 +0000

Cuddly Retrievers, furry Poms, chic Labradors or coated German shepherds – whatever be the breed, these bubbly darlings continue to keep our spirits high with just a lil wag or may be an angry nudge with the tiny wet nose the moment you step in home. I know people who first play with their dogs and then with their kids (…and then with their wives…see priority rules everywhere) when they return home after a tiring day.

What’s more? Some even treat their furry doggies with chocolates and caramel pudding! Yes, my neighbour has an ailing dog; it’s just 5 years and has a tumour on its front foot and gasps even after walking ten steps. My Andhraite neighbour makes sure it has a daily dose of sambar rice and spicy Pappu (dal in Telugu) in every meal.

Back in Kolkata, I knew somebody who’d treat her dog with mishti doi and even Nolen Gurer shondesh quite meticulously in winter saying, “So what if it’s a dog? Does it not have the right to eat well?” Considering my sweet tooth, I wished if I was born her dog, but jokes apart, your dog surely has the right to eat well but more often than not in an effort to show our severe pangs of love, care and concern for those little dumb beings we actually end up doing more harm to them than good.

The ground rule that follows with pet care is (Dogs in this case): dog food is for dogs and people food is for people! However much as we think them as our best friend, their digestion is certainly not same as ours. Vets say that they actually cannot tolerate a large number of ‘Human products,’ including the sugar-free and low-calorie sweetener xylitol (often found in gums, breath mints, candies, toothpastes and baked goods). In fact, xylitol in dogs can be down right deadly.

I read recently about this report regarding dogs and xylitol as said by Eric K. Dunayer, VMD, veterinary toxicologist at the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), where he specified that dogs actually have a sweet tooth and seem especially attracted to xylitol. BUT, this sweet tooth can get dogs into serious trouble, even turn out to be lethal. With their powerful sense of smell, dogs can ferret out xylitol products in seconds and have been known to consume an entire jumbo-sized pack of xylitol sweetened gum lickety split, according to Dr. Dunayer. The details of the report is stated below:

DANGERS OF XYLITOL AND DOGS

For reasons unknown, dogs metabolize xylitol differently than humans, their insulin levels increase which is why their blood glucose levels drop — which can lead to hypoglycemia. The dog becomes sleepy, weak and unsteady on the feet and may collapse and seize. This cascade can develop rapidly, says Dr. Dunayer, starting within 30 to 60 minutes after xylitol consumption, depending on the size and age of the dog.

The second danger, however, is even more insidious — fatal liver failure and internal bleeding can develop in dogs who did not show hypoglycemia initially. These reactions have occurred in dogs of various breeds, mixes and both genders, says Dr. Dunayer. Consequently, he says, anyone whose pet has ingested the sweetener must call the vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless the vet tells you to do so.

The reason: The symptoms move quickly and if the dog should collapse, it could choke on its vomit.So, all you softies who pamper your doggies little yum-yums, stick with the ones that are doggie approved and keep the xylitol along with any chocolate (including cocoa), raisins and grapes far from Rexy’s reach. And in case you didn’t know, chocolate can cause rapid heartbeat (heart attack) and excitement… and raisins and grapes can trigger kidney failure in dogs. So next time, you break that Cadbury piece and throw it towards Tommy dear, think twice…you surely don’t want to lose him so soon…do you?

This is a guest post by Debasmita Ghosh. Debasmita is a member of the People For Animals group and a well known journalist from Hyderabad, India. You can read articles written by her at http://epaper.timesofindia.com

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