"A nation can best be judged by how it treats its animals" ... Gandhi
FIGHT CORRUPT PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND PET FARMING!!!
Here is the trailer for Dr. Ben Meade's ground breaking film AMERICAN MUSIC: OFF THE RECORD, part of which was filmed here at Dogstock two years ago Labor Day. The DVD with extra features is available thru his site at: http://www.myspace.com/vakvagany
AN OPEN LETTER FROM RANDY LONG REVISED AND DATED AUGUST 21, 2008 ...
IF YOU CAN FIND IT IN YOUR CONSCIENCE PLEASE HELP US FIGHT TO SAVE THIS SANCTUARY AND THE ANIMALS WE PROTECT WHILE BRINGING DOWN THE UNETHICAL "SUPERVISION" OF THE "PET INDUSTRY" BY THE STATE LIVESTOCK COMMISSION!!! DOGS ARE NOT LIVESTOCK, THEY ARE SURROGATE CHILDREN, BUT MOST IN THIS STATE ARE CONSIGNED TO A LIVING HELL FOR PROFIT OF PET FARMERS AND THEIR SHILLS WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY THE STATE.
My wife Suzie and I are a couple of disabled old children of the sixties and early seventies trying to do the right thing by the animals and the music, despite being persecuted, prosecuted and in my case jailed for our trouble. Our Dogstock Festies have been hits with most everyone here and merchants in the surrounding area for years. Our need is greater than ever, particularly in view of some "co-promoters" and a jackleg agent or two who robbed the animals and us blind leading up to and during the July show last year.
At this point we are facing foreclosure and draconian tactics by the state livestock commission to shut us down, make my long suffering wife and myself homeless and murder the animals we protect. They have run countless rescue groups out of this backward state, and if we back down there is very little voice remaining for the voiceless animals.
We and our other foundation members and volunteers have been responsible for many hundreds; well over a thousand of adoptions the thirteen + years we've been involved doing animal rescue full time. We are currently caring for over sixty rescued dogs, many feral cats, an elderly pony and a rescued parrot along with our personal assortment of dogs and cats. Much more info on our mission is available on our shelter Petfinder site: www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS16.html.
However, we can never save hands on what simple knowledge of this situation and a bit of pet owner education can accomplish. We are NOT speaking against responsible breeders, but in the big picture and with "commercial breeders" and "backyard breeders" thrown in with the responsible ones the ratio of good to bad is weighted heavily to the bad.
This places innocent, often sick and always unsocialized pets in that pet store window for the children to fantasize and harangue their parents about. Then when problems develop usually the dog is abused, passed around, dumped or killed (they like to call it euthenized but killing is what it is).
Let's not forget that Kansas is the number one or two producer of dogs for pet stores, laboratories, and Greyhound racing year in and year out. This with the attendant "lobbying" of legislators and administrators, to blatant encouragement of dog farming by the state livestock commission which "regulates" read that encourages and facilitates this "business" with maximum profit for the producers and brokers and minimum care for the innocent victims who never asked to be born into such a hell.
These state employed shills for the pet (and laboratory) biz also "regulate" and inspect animal shelters and rescuers with a far different attitude and outcome. Needless to say we speak out against such corporate welfare including huge grants by state and federal government to dog farmers and brokers already making astronomical profits along with similar mortality and illness rates of their victims. Now we have glorified clerks and peanut politicians and Osage County's "justice system" joining the state to attempt shutting down our loving safe haven for animals.
All this plus legislated immunity from clear criminal abuse and neglect as well as very questionable vet care, breeding, weaning and transportation issues regarding their voiceless, suffering "crop" of living sentient beings. Our attitude that we are voices for the voiceless makes us less than popular with some, but loved by those we can save.
Dogstock '08 Volume II was held at our animal sanctuary and campground Aug. 14-17 this year. Sound and lights were donated as well as all the talent. About the only perks these talented folks who come from everywhere amid rising gas prices on their own dimes for a good cause get are beautiful if rustic shaded camping, good grub plus a tax receipt from our nationally recognized non profit foundation for expenses and talent fees. These receipts for donated talent and expenses are tax deductible in many cases just as any charitable donations are, but we understand in this day and age cash talks a lot louder.
We are very different from any for profit festie as we have no money for the frills many bands and concert goers sometimes expect. Just 81 acres of beautiful shady Osage County Kansas rolling land with a small stream and pond and a happy, peaceful vibe along of course with the animals themselves and their as well as our deep and undying appreciation.
Of course we had tours of the dogs as always plus some vendors, but we encourage folks to camp out in all ways including grilling their own grub in a safe manner and saving a fortune while adding to their experience. As at the May event we did not have any alcohol for sale though it is allowed in folks' coolers and safe containers.
Another big savings for the public along with the fact the admission donation is always far lower than one would pay for an ordinary fund raising dinner for their favorite shelter or cause lasting no more than a few hours at most, and probably with some old tired boring politician as the "entertainment", yet it also includes camping for four or five days, parking, and the diverse but always superb entertainment. Most music festies aren't even pet friendly. After all as I always say music is the universal language, even with critters.
The eclectic group of national and regional up and coming talent along with the occasional surprise is the big attraction. The quality of our talent tends to be second to none, often superior to many "big stars", but that gets into another discussion entirely of the ultimate oxymoron: monolithic, monopolized corporate creativity. We'll save that for another time. Thank you for your consideration and your support of this worthy cause.
Peace,
Randy Long
AARF Humane Sanctuary
Akita Adoption and Rescue Foundation
The Musical Celebration of the DOGS!
6206 E. 317th ST
Melvern, KS 66510
randog@wildblue.net
785-746-5592
www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS16.html
www.myspace.com/dogstockmusicfest
Things got a little soggy during our May '08 Dogstock Celebration of the Dogs, but those who made it out and stayed got an unbelievable line up of amazing musicians. Our August show was blessed with beautiful weather.
AS A NON PROFIT FOUNDATION YOUR DONATIONS TO THE DOGS (beyond the admission donation) MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. ASK YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR DETAILS. MANY THANKS FROM THE DOGGIES!!!
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are always welcome for playtime, walking, grooming, run care,
etc.! Ask about our internship program ...
(Please call for appointment and directions first.)
Foster homes for our orphans are always needed and greatly appreciated.
Donations of dog food, toys, treats, and more always needed and appreciated!
How to get here:
Please call or e-mail for appointment.
We accept visitors by appointment only.
