JUSTICE FOR ROCKY

Royal Oak City Commission Meeting, Nov. 9, 2009:

Berkley City Council Meeting, Nov. 3, 2009:

WDIV "Justice for Rocky" Story:

Royal Oak Tribune "Justice for Rocky" Story:

Detroit Free Press "Justice for Rocky" Story:

CALL TO ACTION:

Join Us Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Royal Oak City Commissioners Meeting
211 S. Williams St., Royal Oak
Commission Room (room 315).

We need everyone there to show support for Rocky and to demand an investigation into the actions of Gail Briggs. On behalf of all our pets, we must speak for them. Such egregious misconduct cannot continue. Rocky's story is just one of many. Speak for all the dogs and their families who have been victims of Gail Briggs and her abuse of power.

Rocky

On Sunday, October 25th, our rescue dog Rocky was out jogging with his foster care mom in Royal Oak, Michigan. A dog across the street was walking with his owner and a friend of the owner. The owner let his dog off leash and Rocky pulled and broke his collar. The two dogs ran toward each other, met in the middle and began to sniff one another. The other dog growled and a fight ensued. The friend of the owner stuck his hands into the dog fight and was bit on the finger, but no one knows by which dog. The police were called and Rocky was taken away.

Monday morning, Paws for Life called the Royal Oak police and asked when Rocky would be released. We were told he would be released once they received proof of his rabies vaccine. So we faxed them the rabies certificate. Animal Control officer Gail Briggs then drove to our foster volunteer's home without reason to do so. She threatened and intimidated the volunteer into signing over Rocky, knowing full well from the 8 conversations we had that morning that he was the property of the rescue and the volunteer had no authority to sign anything. And she never would have had she not been threatened with fines, tickets and arrest. Upon leaving the home, Officer Briggs immediately had Rocky euthanized, even though she did not have the legal right or authority to do so.

We are asking for your support of Rocky and dogs like him. He was given no chance for justice. He was the victim of breed discrimination and hatred. Any other dog breed involved and both owners would have been ticketed and that's it. Other animal control agencies, rescues and shelters are outraged at how this case and Rocky himself were handled. Speak loudly for our pets and demand an investigation into the misconduct of Gail Briggs

Rocky had NO prior incidents. He never attacked or bit anyone or anything. He came from a home with other dogs and cats. He frequently played with other dogs. He attended adoption events without problems. He was a big goofy teddy bear with a silly heartwarming smile and always-wagging tail. He loved children and he loved every person he met. He didn't deserve this. Please spread the word, share Rocky's story with everyone you can anyway you can. Call and write letters to Royal Oak and Berkley officials too. They have jurisdiction of Gail Briggs and the incident, which was not handled according to the law. This is a gross abuse of power by Gail Briggs who ignored a STOP order from our attorney, who acted according to her own personal, prejudiced beliefs and outside the law. Regardless of the incident and which dog was at fault, Rocky was given no time to have the situation examined. There was no opportunity for anything. He never had a chance. Other officers and officials have expressed their outrage and shock by the rushed and hurried nature of what they did. Officer Briggs lied to us and deceived us, repeatedly.

Spread the word and write your letters. Contact pit bull and animal advocates and rescues across the country. The more the word gets out, the more we might affect change. The war on the pit bull breed has to stop. Rocky was a wonderful dog. He didn't deserve this. Bottomline: this officer engaged in a gross abuse of power and that act cost Rocky his life. And had he been any other breed, the incident would not have been handled like this. Had Officer Briggs done her job, both handlers should have been ticketed for having dogs out of their control and if anyone wanted to sue in civil court, they could. That's the legal and right way to handle it.

Thank you standing behind Rocky! Don't let other innocent dogs fall victim to the kind of bigoted mistreatment that Rocky received.

Dog of the Month ...

COWBOY

Meet Cowboy! He's such a cool dog. He's 12 months old, neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and ready for a family to love for life. He weighs 74 lbs. and he LOVES to play with other dogs. Wrestle, romp and run! Cowboy is a typical boy and he loves to get dirty, wrestle, chase toys, go for walks, go for car rides, get his belly rubbed and give lots of kisses. Cowboy even does the full body wag when you say his name or tell him he's a good boy. He's a big, happy goofball with not a mean bone in his body. Sadly, Cowboy's owner died, leaving him homeless. He's such a loverboy - he loves kids, toys and dogs, car rides, walks in the park and belly rubs. Cowboy is a great family dog who just wants a home of his own. Adoption fee: $75. Please email info@pawsforliferescue.org

View Cowboy's online photo album:

Cowboy

Send Cowboy an e-gift certificate for toys and food:

Pet Supplies - Dog Supplies - Pet Meds

Cat of the Month ...

ABBY

Abby is just a little thing. She's a petite, spayed female who is 10 months old. Abby came to the rescue through Animal Control. She had raised her four kittens and taken wonderful, loving care of them. But they found themselves just 12 hours away from being put to sleep because the shelter had run out of time and space. PFL came to the rescue and Abby and her four babies are now safely living in foster care, soaking up all the love, attention and TLC that they can. Abby is a very nice cat and very playful. She's affectionate and likes to rub against your legs. She is litterbox trained and well behaved. Abby enjoys watching out the window and lounging on the couch with you while watching a movie or reading a book. She is a happy, healthy, playful kitty in need of a lifelong, loving home. Adoption fee: $60. Please email info@pawsforliferescue.org

Send Abby an e-gift certificate for toys and food:

Drs. Foster and Smith: Pet Supplies - Dog Supplies - Pet Meds

Wish List

Paws for Life Merchandise Shops

Shop for Paws for Life T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, dog T-shirts and more! We now have two stores - Cafe Press and Zazzle. At Zazzle, choose a product and you can then choose any style, color and size of that design on any product - T-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, tank top and much more. Zazzle even sells real U.S. postage stamps and our store offers them for sale with the Paws for Life logo and Web address. At Cafe Press, choose from nearly 100 products.

CafePress Shop:

Zazzle Shop:

Shop to benefit the homeless pets in our care.

Send a gift certificate to a Paws for Life homeless dog or cat:

Drs. Foster and Smith: Pet Supplies - Dog Supplies - Pet Meds

News

Support MI House Bill 6395 to Prevent Backyard Breeding and Make a Dent in Michigan's Pet Overpopulation Crisis
Michigan House Bill 6395 strictly regulates dog breeders. It is imperative that all concerned with animal welfare in Michigan contact the members of the House Agriculture Committee and express your support for this bill.

If adopted, HB 6395 will:
- Define anyone who sells or offers for sale more than two dogs per year, or more than one litter of dogs per year, as a "pet seller."
- Mandate that those who qualify as pet sellers acquire an annual pet seller license from their county animal control shelter at a cost of $200/year.
- Require an applicant for a pet seller license to submit his or her fingerprints with a license application for a criminal history and FBI background check. This point will eliminate the current practice of convicted animal abusers breeding and selling dogs.
- Give discretion to county animal control shelters to deny applications for pet seller licenses, regardless of outcome of background investigation. This is especially effective in rural and small communities where the officers are aware of problems but powerless to file charges or get a conviction. This point gives them some power to deny the license for continued breeding.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Michigan residents MUST contact the members of the House Agriculture Committee listed below and express your support for this humane legislation. Tell them to Support HB 6395! Sadly, the AKC opposes the bill and is throwing a lot of money at a campaign against it. An organization of supposed "dog lovers" should champion a bill that prevents the horrific practices of backyard breeding, the irresponsible contribution to pet overpopulation and with the financial profits they reap as reputable, licensed breeders, they should have no issues with the points of the bill. It seems to all come down to money and any attempt to cut into their profits from selling lives is not worth saving a life. Then again, these are people who have never stood in the euthanasia room of a shelter and witnessed the constant parade of innocent lives being taken to their death for no fault of their own. Please show your support! It'll take a lot of calls and letters to pass this bill.

Michigan House Agriculture Committee:

Representative Jeff Mayes, Chairman S1285 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-8881 Phone: 517-373-0158 jeffmayes@house.mi.gov

Representative Barb Byrum, Majority Vice-Chair S1086 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-9430 Phone: 517-373-0587 barbbyrum@house.mi.gov

Representative Kathy Angerer S0989 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-7757 Phone: 517-373-1792 kathyangerer@house.mi.gov

Representative Terry L. Brown S1188 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-9852 Phone: 517-373-0476 terrybrown@house.mi.gov

Representative Kathleen Law S0787 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 4 8909-7514 Fax: 517-373-5922 Phone: 517-373-0855 kathleenlaw@house.mi.gov

Representative Gabe Leland S0689 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-5985 Phone: 517-373-6990 gabeleland@house.mi.gov

Representative Joel Sheltrown S1387 House O ffice Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-5495 Phone: 517-373-3817 joelsheltrown@house.mi.gov

Representative Howard Walker S1388 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-9420 Phone: 517-373-1766 howardwalker@house.mi.gov

Representative Neal Nitz N1097 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-5918 Phone: 517-373-1796 nealnitz@house.mi.gov

Representative Richard Ball S1189 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-7937 Phone: 517-373-0841 richard b all@house.mi.gov

Representative Arlan B. Meekhof N1193 House Office Building P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909-7514 Fax: 517-373-9830 Phone: 517-373-0838 arlanbmeekhof@house.mi.gov

Help Prevent Pets from Being Used for Research
Please support Michigan House Bill 5263. Under current Michigan law, research facilities and Class B dealers are allowed to obtain cats and dogs from animal shelters. Class B dealers are brokers licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture who obtain animals from “random sources,” such as backyards, auctions, flea markets and animal shelters, and resell them to research facilities. People bring stray animals to a shelter in the hope of reuniting the pet with its family, and report animal cruelty in the hope that the animal will be rescued and safely sheltered. When an animal shelter sells a cat or dog for research, it is a betrayal of public trust. Bill 5263 protects pets and their owners. Take Action Now!

Volunteer

Paws for Life is always looking for loving, responsible foster care homes. Providing a temporary home for a pet in need is extremely rewarding. You save an animal's life, and in return, receive unconditional love while the pet waits for his forever family. If you're interested in fostering a dog or cat, please email volunteer@pawsforliferescue.org .

If fostering a pet isn't for you, there are still many ways to help the animals. You can help at adoption events and fundraisers. Sign-up for a one-hour shift at Petco feeding the cats and kittens. Send thank you notes to donors. Transport animals to and from vet appointments. Shoot us an email with what you're interested in and we'll add you to the volunteer roster.

Who We Are

Paws for Life Rescue and Adoption is a group of hard-working dedicated volunteers who rescue homeless, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. We use a network of loving foster care homes where animals stay until their forever homes find them. We do not have a shelter or single location to visit. We arrange for pet meet-n-greets after receiving your questionnaire.

Our mission is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We believe in matching animals and families to find the right fit for everyone. We promise to exhaust all efforts to place adoptable pets in lifelong, loving homes. Our goal is to find the best home possible for the homeless pets in our care.

Adopt a Friend

To adopt a pet from Paws for Life, you must be at least 18 years old and be able and willing to provide a lifelong, loving home to your new pet. Dogs and cats are indoor animals and should not live outside. Cats should not be declawed and dogs should not be debarked. All we ask is that your new pet be treated at all times like a treasured member of the family.

Paws for Life believes that every animal needs adjustment time to get to know their new environment, routine and people. We offer a two-week trial run before the final adoption contract is signed.

Adoption Fees:

Adult dogs: $75 and includes testing, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming and spay/neuter

Puppies (6 months old and younger): $100 and includes testing, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming and spay/neuter

Adult cats: $60 and includes testing, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming and spay/neuter

Kittens (6 months old and younger): $100 (includes testing, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming and spay/neuter)

Discounted adoption fees available for adopting a pair of cats or dogs.

All pets are spayed/neutered prior to adoption, except in the case of poor health, under age or underweight. If an animal is not yet altered, a spay/neuter deposit is required and pet must be altered within 30 days of adoption or as soon as a vet determines it is OK, whichever is first. Deposit returned upon proof of spay/neuter.

Partners

Mickey's Pet Supplies
www.mickeyspetsupplies.com

Mickey's is a family-owned business that cares about each and every customer. Carrying the highest quality, unique pet products, organic and free range dog treats, they go the extra mile to offer same day service, and sell products for very competitive prices. They carry eco-friendly, holistic animal care and organic pet supplies, specializing in tough and durable dog toys. Location: 4982 Hardwoods, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48323. Email mickeyspetsupplies@yahoo.com or call 877-863-5431.

The Mood-Factory
www.mood-factory.com

Mood-factory has supported us through through the years by fostering many, many animals and providing materials and supplies to us when in need.

Sole Sisters
325 S Washington Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067

Sole Sisters is more than a shoe store. Offering a unique selection of shoes not sold anywhere else in Royal Oak, it's one of the few great boutiques in the area. Sole Sisters also carries bags, jewelry and other accessories. Sole Sisters is a tremendous supporter of Paws for Life and has gone above and beyond to help animals in need.

Parkway Veterinary Clinic
Parkway Small Animal & Exotic Hospital, 39321 Garfield, Clinton Twp MI 48038, 586-416-8800
Mon, Wed & Fri: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. / Tues & Thurs: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. / Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Sun: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Animal Activity Center, 39319 Garfield, Clinton Twp MI 48038, 586-412-3900
Mon-Fri 6:30 am – 7 pm / Sat 8am- 5pm / Sun 10 am- 12pm

All Creatures Great & Small, 39313 Garfield, Clinton Twp MI 48038, 586-412-0777
Mon-Sat 10 am – 9 pm / Sun 10 am – 6 pm

The Animal Lodge
Pet boarding, grooming and day camp available at affordable rates. Located at 5700 S. County Farm Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879. Open Mon. thru Sat. from 8-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. and Sun. from 4-6 p.m. Contact The Animal Lodge at animallodge@netzero.com or call 989-227-1600.

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Send donations to:
Paws for Life Rescue and Adoption mailing address
318 John R Rd. #244
Troy, MI 48083
Email: info@pawsforliferescue.org
Click here for a list of our pets in need

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