It is estimated that in 2005 over 5 million animals were euthanized in the US alone. The RSPCA and ASPCA had bumper years last year, with reports of some clinics being filled beyond capacity, particularly around the holidays.

In some ways, the ones who were put to sleep were the lucky ones.

What about this poor darling, who was tied to a tree and burnt alive?

Or in this case, a whole barn became a symbol of hell as the animals were left to starve to death?

Or Chrissie, who died in her loving owner's arms after being abducted and tortured for three days in ways that the abuser could never possibly repay his debt for?

Or Popcorn, who's alive now no thanks to those who would have had otherwise?

And these are just quick searches on the web. There are literally millions of pages of instances where animals have been subjected to cruelty. Every year animal abuse cases are on the rise. More and more those who could be our beloved companions and friends are tortured, killed, abused, neglected, or left to die.

We are their first defense. We are the ones who are supposed to protect and love them to be there to save them and nurture them just as they save and nurture us. Animals offer nothing but pure, unadulterated love at birth-it's people who rob them of their trust, their loyalty, and their love. We should be looking after those who help us through our daily lives, who go to work with us, who lie at our feet, and who look up at us with adoration.

Every night as we settle on to the couch, Gorby lays down at our feet with a satisfied sigh. He follows us everywhere we go, a touch of insecurity in his every step. Our rescue puppy, saved from a home where he was severely neglected and abused, has made our lives a better place to be. The RSPCA swooped in and rescued our boy and now he is a cherished part of our household alongside his two feline sisters who also share similar humble beginnings.

The Café Press website is up and running, and it's called the Gorby Corner. With an incredible amount of thanks, gratitude and support to Amy who developed the logo, we are open for business. Every single penny of profit will be going to the RSPCA as a thanks to them for Gorby, and to help arm their coffers in the war against animal cruelty, a war that is more stealthy that any I have ever known.

So please-spread the word. Pick up a bumper sticker, a T-shirt, or just let someone know about it. It's designed purely to benefit the RSPCA, we will not be keeping any money from the sales. I can also try to add things if there's a type of shirt or other product you're looking for, just send me an email and let me know via the "contact me" buton on the top of the page.

Again, the link is here.

Gorby and I thank you.

-H.

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 05:19 AM | Comments (12) | Add Comment
Post contains 522 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Lovely. By the way, you might enjoy this: http://dogpage.mcf.com/misc/TributeToTheDog.html

Posted by: RP at April 26, 2006 01:26 PM (LlPKh)

2 I just bought a shirt and they look fabulous! Also, perhaps you could create a clickable box (I know they have some techanical name, but I don't know what it is) for people to advertise the shirts on their blogs. I would put a box on Kittysays! (not that anyone actually reads it, but I'm willing to try)

Posted by: kitty at April 26, 2006 02:10 PM (cyfSY)

3 Those shirts are so cute! Makes me all teary eyed just thinking about it. I got my sweet boy after he wandered up to my house with a rope tied around his neck (that he had chewed through). He had heartworms, tapeworms, and was 15 lbs underweight. Absolutely breaks my heart to think that anyone could neglect such a wonderful dog! I think it's a wonderful cause to support and I'm gonna try really hard to remember to order a shirt when I get home! (I'm pretty sure work frowns on "shopping online" while in the office.. just a hunch)

Posted by: Erin at April 26, 2006 02:38 PM (zw8QA)

4 My God... those stories are absolutely horrifying.It sickens me to think that people are capable of such evil, especially against innocent and defenseless creatures.Thank you for raising awareness of this... I think what you're doing is wonderful! I also adopted my dog from a shelter and she is the most loyal, loving little pup I could ever ask for. She was timid, skittish, underweight and sick when I brought her home five years ago, but with time and lots of love she has blossomed into a darling girl with tons of personality! Looking forward to getting a Gorby t-shirt and supporting the RSPCA!

Posted by: Liv at April 26, 2006 02:45 PM (AbDXn)

5 After careful consideration, I decided not to click on your links about the abused dogs. I tend to find such things both depressing and infuriating at the same time. I tend to start having very unhealthy fantasies concerning such people who abuse animals. Fantasies that would make Hannibal Lector proud. Anyway, I love to read about your concern and passion for your pets. Perhaps your caring for Gorby is part of your therapy. BTW, ever thought of becoming a "foster parent" for neglected or abused animals? (I think I asked you this before...)

Posted by: diamond dave at April 26, 2006 08:50 PM (QAKXw)

6 I hear tell there's places where people get specific breeds of dogs or cats. I never understood that... why contract for an unknown quantity when you can go to a shelter and have one pick YOU out? Or two, in the case of our cats.

Posted by: B. Durbin at April 27, 2006 05:20 AM (tie24)

7 I love it! I know someone who is getting one of those pooch T-shirts as soon as I can get to the credit card

Posted by: caltechgirl at April 27, 2006 08:29 AM (jOkK0)

8 Its too early in the AM to be in tears! My little rescue Chihuahua's thank you too... they are Star and Lilly.

Posted by: SaraJane at April 27, 2006 12:00 PM (t5Xsa)

9 All of our critters were saved one way or another - either adopted from the animal rescue league or saved from having to go there. We find they are the best animals! They are so loving and sweet. The ones that have been abused have taken years to feel comfortable with us, but now we feel so worthy that these animals trust us and know we'd never hurt them. How people can do these horrible things to an animal is mind-boggling. Thank you for sharing - and I'll be sure and link to Gorby's site and advert for you - and will for SURE be buying products. Thank you for your goodness.

Posted by: sue at April 28, 2006 01:24 PM (WbfZD)

10 I couldn't bring myself to click any of the links in your post; my chin was already wobbling just reading it. I hate to think of animals being mistreated. These are our companion animals, for goodness sakes! What's the matter with people! You certainly shouldn't treat a cow or a chicken like that, but a dog, who lives with you and adores you, should be friggin' obvious! On that note, I would like to inform everyone here of the opportunity to help some puppies in the Atlanta, GA area. It's all on my page: serotoninchachacha.blogspot.com.

Posted by: Courtnee at April 29, 2006 03:53 AM (Ffvoi)

11 James (our 8 year old cat) was abused in ways I still can't talk about without breaking down. If we hadn't asopted him our vet was going to put him down as he was classified as special needs due to the level of neglect and work he required in the first few monts we had him. It took him 2 YEARS to allow us to pick him up (that happens when the ony reason anyone has ever picked you up is to throw you against a wall). We have had so much joy from him and I'm sending you blessings for your work for this great charity. Hope it all sells like hot cakes.

Posted by: flikka at April 29, 2006 12:20 PM (dh/+g)

12 I just wanted to let y'all know that at least half the dogs in the puppy mill auction are now in good hands. According to Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue, rescuers bought 100 dogs. Hopefully, the rest went to people who wanted pets, not puppy mill operators. I know of two other recue groups, Southern Shih Tzu Rescue, Inc. and Small Dog Rescue that also saved dogs and could probably use some help with their vet bills if anyone still wants to help.

Posted by: Courtnee at May 03, 2006 06:35 AM (y6n8O)

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