Thursday, June 30, 2011

JULY 1-3, 2011: Pride Beer Garden Fundraiser for ORA Animal Rescue

"Hey everyone,

Pride Weekend 2011 is here, and the Beer Garden for ORA is in full effect. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=238386806191074

ORA is a grass roots, all volunteer run animal rescue registered charity. We rescue stray, abandoned and abused animals throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

At this moment they are overfull with over 130 cats and 16 dogs in their care. They are strictly no-kill so animals who cannot be adopted because they are older , have health issues or behavioural problems are allowed to live with us until the end of their natural lives. They do not have a shelter: all the animals are housed in foster homes, in cage-free environments.

Unfortunately they do not revive any public funding so all the costs to support these animals, pet food , supplies, and veterinarian expenses have to be covered through private donations.

With this beer garden event and raffle, they hope to raise some money for their organization. They hope at least to cover ORA’s bills for one month. The pay close to $4,000 in pet food and supplies each month in addition to vet bills, spaying, neutering and taking care of emergencies. With so many animals, someone always gets sick.

What they need the most, your attendance, and your donations.
We expect this event will draw a lot of people.

Guest DJs and Catering provided by The Flying Beaver Pubaret

Remember folks, it's all for great cause. We look forward to seeing you. Please spread the word to your friends, family, and guests.

For information about this event, http://www.ora-animalsrescue.org/"


July 2-3 only: Look for ORA as well in Pride Booth 108, Section D, on Alexander Street -

just south of Wellesley and east of Yonge.


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Garrick - DJ Doctor G: "There are three basic types. The Wills, the Won'ts, and the Can'ts. The Wills accomplish everything, the Won'ts oppose everything, and the Can'ts won't try anything."

See Dr G on the Liquid Lunch Show: http://soundcloud.com/doctorg1/garrick-dj-doctor-g-on-the

See Dr G spin online: http://www.youtube.com/user/DG970

Thx G!!!: http://www.xtra.ca/public/Toronto/Event/Pride_Beer_Garden_Fundraiser_for_ORA-6698-Event.aspx

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Monday, June 27, 2011

Thank you: Gord Macey, Ken Mann, Howard Elliott, Danielle Wong, and the Olver's Family.

Special thanks to The Toronto Pet Daily, Hamilton's AM900 CHML and their sister stations AM980 CKNW and Vinyl 95.3, The Hamilton Spectator and The Catkin Willow for helping us to get the word out about Saturday's Rally for the animals at the Hamilton Animal Control.

Gord Macey, The Toronto Pet Daily:

Saturday's Peaceful Rally: Post-Commentary

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Rally, yesterday afternoon. It was a great success and we look forward to the next one. By the amount of positive honks we were getting, as we held our signs up proudly, it is obvious that the people of Hamilton care very much about the welfare of animals. The problem is that they just aren't aware of what is going on at their local Animal Control. So, our goal is to get the word out, and we did a great job of that yesterday. Well done, to all of you who attended.

-Terry Chapman Hutchison

A great protest in Hamilton today, my first with many more to come. Speak up for animals and the shelters should stop the killing.

-John Zernikel

RIP little ones, you did not die in vain, there will be change, send thousands of good vibes to the Rally today, as it is the year of the cat and there will be change for the good.
After the rally, can someone bump up the names and emails of people on city council and anyone else we should send a letter? I am sure after today there will be a lot more people ready to press the send button.

-Donna Smyth

If you haven't read "Redemption" by Nathan Winograd, it's important to do so. The public is being blamed for shelter killing when it's a very small fraction of people who are truly irresponsible. It is the compassionate majority who want to see life-saving programs & policies put into place. Blaming "the public" for shelter killing doesn't stand up to the smell test.

-Chris Harris

If the vet makes $70 per animal euthanized, then he/she made 83 X 70=$5810 in one day. You wonder why the City of hamilton does not have the money to open the shelter for public adoptions, it is because they are spending thousands a day to kill the kittens and cats.

-Lillian Szilagy

HAC and 83 cats and 7 dogs killed.....for space....THIS HAS TO STOP!
This makes me SICK....:(

Yes, thanks to all who do care.... The City of Hamilton does NOT; nor do the shelter managers there: the policy of paying a vet to KILL, instead of performing vaccinations, medications when necessary, spay/ neuter etc. is INSANE.....

How is it possible that many of us in rescue protect the animals we save with our lives, spend any amount of $$ necessary to make them well when they are sick and go to the end of the earth to find just the right home when this kind of insanity is allowed to continue?

I have so much more to say but often feel that I must remain in some way silent to protect those in my care. One day if I can survive that long and it is becoming more and more of a struggle daily - I will have many less in my care and I will have one of the loudest voices around; I am so sick of this unnecessary killing. How do these people sleep at night??

Claudia - I thank you for being that voice right now - most sincerely.

-Nancy Martin

Despite what the non-political animal lovers say, protests DO work. It takes time and persistence but pays off in the long term. Look at what a year of media stories and protests did for the Toronto Humane Society - we turned a bad situation into positive change and hope. City animal controls have long been there to protect people from animals. We have to teach them to do it both ways. Thanks to all who rallied.

-Ken Wood

Was informed today that 7 dogs were also killed along with the 83 cats. Apparently Parvo was the reason given. Gawd help any animal that ends up inside this building :(

Every person I spoke to in their cars (and I spoke to LOTS!) were truly shocked to learn about their Animal Control 'policies' and most used the terms 'cruel' and 'inhumane' after learning. Hope the discussions continue and word spreads to many others in Hamilton! It was a good day! Thanks to all who came and joined this first Rally!

Demand change!

-Jack Clark

Just wanted to say thanks for your support to those who came out to Hamilton today. It was a successful event. Look for an upcoming article in the Hamilton Spectator.

We are planning another Rally - this time in front of Hamilton City Hall in about a month from now. Will post details when they are available.

In the meantime, we would appreciate any one in Hamilton or going there to help distribute flyers to spread awareness for this issue, and please continue to write to the Mayor & Councillors.

-Eva McDowell

Some people came and went throughout the afternoon. Around 20 people attended. After the rally began, we went up the street where there was a constant flux of traffic and cars could read our messages. Eva, Cindy and Beata were especially passionate, going up to cars to talk to the occupants. We had the chance to bond together, and there were lots of people showing support.

While we were demonstrating an animal control van with a cargo of animals entered the building: more animals going to be slaughtered. By the way, in addition to the 83 cats, also 7 dogs were killed this past Friday.

Rescuing animals from the HAC the way it's done now is a band aid solution, it does not solve the problems, 10 rescued today and 20 more coming in at the same time. We need new directives and a compassionate pound manager, willing, with an open mind, to consider and implement alternative solutions to killing. Only public pressure can make this happen.

-Claudia Vecchio

--
Petitions:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ora-project-accountability-now/
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/68/Stop-the-killings-at-Hamilton-Animal-Control/
http://www.causes.com/causes/610534

Don't Hate, Participate:
http://on.fb.me/itF8tt

Journey to the Rally Timeline:
http://on.fb.me/koTzhT

--
Hamilton Animal Control - Stop the Killings (HAC-STK)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_94769408781

ORA-Organization for the Rescue of Animals
http://ora-animalsrescue.org/


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Beautiful Baby Bella

Our Bella passed away around 9:30 AM this morning.
Approximately one year ago, she was surrendered to ORA together with two other cats and two puppies by a teenager separating from her boyfriend. This young lady truly loved animals, and she had taken good care of her pets, but unfortunately she failed to recognize at the time of impulsive adoption that her life was too unstable to “collect” so many animals.
Two of the cats, a mom and daughter, were immediately spayed and then fostered out to a single woman who ended up adopting both of them. The two puppies became TV celebrities after Corinne Thaw took them to CP24’s Animal House Calls and both of them were adopted shortly after their television appearance.
But there was no home for Bella.
Bella was timid, very timid, she did not like to live with other cats, and she did not look very healthy. She had an unusually large belly. She was checked by a veterinarian upon her arrival to our sanctuary but nothing abnormal was detected at that point.
However, soon after she developed an acute dermatitis and the vet placed her on a daily administration of Prednisolone (a corticosteroid). The dermatitis cleared up after several months so Bella was weaned off of the Prednisolone, and she seemed to be fine. She was eating well although she always remained quite timid, and clearly she did not like other cats. We were keeping an eye on her health progress with the hopes of eventually being able to place Bella up for adoption to a loving home. For a short time, our hopes were almost answered because she seemed to be doing so well. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, she seemed incredibly lethargic and one day, she just stopped eating.
Rushing her to the vet, she was diagnosed with an advanced form of abdominal lymphoma. I thought to myself, Bella is only 2 ½ year old and soon she will leave us! It is a different plane of sadness altogether having to lose a baby to cancer, but we kept her as comfortable as possible, and maintained her on loving palliative care throughout her last days with us. The vet speculated that likely Bella's cancer is “old dated,” but that the daily dosage of Prednisolone kept it at bay; when Bella was taken off the Prednisolone, the cancer started growing again.
Several of our volunteers became particularly fond of Bella as she was so little and looked so defenseless, but she was also very pretty. We are devastated for having to lose our sweet, delicate, beautiful Bella.
Claudia Vecchio, Founder/Volunteer Chairperson
ORA-Organization for the Rescue of Animals

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

1 Group. 2 Protests. 1 Cause. 2 Petitions. 2557 Signatures. 1 Rally.

Over 3000 companion animals killed every year. No public adoptions. Limited opening hours for retrievals. Killings within 72 hours of pick-up. Outdated by-laws. Give the voiceless animals at the Hamilton Animal Services a few hours of your time this Saturday afternoon and get ready to Rally with ORA and the HAC-STK! Everyone is welcome to attend, cover and represent. Your collective participation at this long-awaited peaceful demonstration will help to give HAC's animals on endless death row a powerful voice demanding awareness and the need for change. If you have any questions or concerns with regards to the Rally, please feel free to stop by early on Saturday, or contact the friendly and hard-working organizer admins of the HAC-STK (http://on.fb.me/jARhQw) right here on Facebook at any time.
Enclosed below is the second anthology of your comments, taken directly from Petition Project Accountability NOW! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ora-project-accountability-now/. Enjoy!
Ken Wood, Canada
Time to get with the times and concentrate on adopting out animals, not just killing them.
Jack Clark, Canada
A disgrace for all of Hamilton. STOP THE KILLING TODAY and make your shelter something to be proud of rather than ashamed of!
Nancy Ball, Canada
It's time to start doing the right thing for innocent animals. They didn't ask to be born to be put to death from no fault of their own.
Karen Sawyer, United Kingdom
No question stop killing of innocent life, these poor animals rely on us??!!
Patricia Gursky, NY
Death Row for animals is shamefull. Premature killings is deplorable.
Johanna Veenendaal, Canada
There is no reason to be euthanizing these animals when there are homes for them to go to. Working with rescues and other shelters is a far more acceptable means of controlling the number of cats -- or save the money from the euthanasia and get more cages. Priorities, people. We're supposed to be animal lovers not animal killers.
Tawny Sayegh, Canada
I did a 2 week field placement there for college, and I disagree with they way they euthanize stray animals.
Laura Slater, Canada
I know that Hamilton AC has always relied on killing as their only form of control, it would be nice to see this change!
Dianne McGonigle, Canada
Please stop the killing these poor souls deserve every chance they can get and every precious minute is a minute to be saved.
Kristine Mackay, Canada
No Killing is necessary!!! WE are the voices for the animals!!!
Name not displayed, United Kingdom
All living creatures deserve to live, it's not their fault that people are not responsible enough to spay and neuter their pets. Stop the killing of innocent animals.
Margot Treybig, VA
NO animal should die at the hands of a human.
Name not displayed, Canada
Please stop killing perfectly fine animals who have rescue and volunteer groups waiting in the wings to provide homes.
Laura Morales, Canada
Respect life!!
Wendy Martin, Canada
There is an equal way for all of us to live in harmony and that means a NO kill shelter.
David Ennis, Canada
Times have changed. Do better or get out.
Maureen Flynn, Canada
It is important for your City's reputation that you make humane decisions for all the disenfranchised. This includes your animals, stray, wild, or domestic. What you are doing is cruel and unconscionable, and will reflect poorly on you and your City. There are alternatives to this, and you know they could and should be acted upon. PLEASE, PLEASE STOP THE KILLINGS NOW!
Christine Leupen, Canada
We have an obligation to protect these animals from the cruelty of humans and give them a fair chance to have a good life - Isn't that what these animal control facilities are supposed to help facilitate?
Dorothy Parshall, Canada
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. I hold that, the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man." Mahatma Ghandi (1869-1948)
Tracey Purnell, United Kingdom
No Kill please.
Shelly Peterson, WA
It is time to take logical action, like free spay/neuter so people can afford to adopt and take care of.
Cat Cybulski, Canada
There is a better way to deal with lost or homeless pets. Hamilton is taking the lazy way, and breaking pet owners' hearts while at it.
Darlene Thompson, Canada
Please spay or neuter your pets!
Irmgard Gutersohn, Germany
We don't have kill shelters in Germany!
Eloise Senyan, IL
Our county animal control has changed to no-kill. You can, too!
Debra Mohling, MO
Major reform is needed in this and many other shelters. People need to be given the chance to adopt. The fee they pay only helps the shelter, so there is no need to be in such a hurry to put these animals down!
Melody Aragorn, India
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Mahatma Gandhi
Lisa McElheran, Canada
I work for the City Of Vancouver Animal Control. We do not put ANY animals down at this shelter, Hamilton you need to be the same way! There is a home for each and every animal.
Marilyn Glasgow, Canada
Hamilton Animal Control needs to stop the willful killing of innocent, healthy animals. It seems that anyone who works there is allowed to dictate which animal lives or dies. Unfortunately animal control is not as humane as the shelters, but they need to be called to account for their actions toward our animals.
George Zuwala, Canada
Dear city councilers please remove this policy follow the calgary model it works.
Ruth Serra, FL
How did it come to this, people putting Animals the death because they are too many, what if it was the other way around, would you like it if someone would put you to death because you are one to many?
Jaya Sinha, India
For every action there is a reaction. According to the law of karma, if we cause pain and suffering to other living beings, we must endure pain and suffering in return, both individually and collectively. We reap what we sow, in this life and the next, for nature has her own justice. No one can escape the law of karma
Sandra Crowne, Canada
I do Old English breed Rescue. No OES or OES mixed breed need be put down. Just contact me and I will help: Sandy Crowne.
Linda Reed, MD
These proposed laws are so unreasonable to even the the animal haters of the world should be appalled.
Ben Sammut, Canada
This is absolutely disgusting!
Diane Patterson, Canada
There are many other options to automatic euthanasia. Between various rescue groups and humane societies many of these animals could be saved.
Georgia Lawrence, TX
NO KILL cities are all over the world and are working. There is no reason to kill a healthy adoptable pet. NO REASON!!!
Heidi Ferrari, Canada
This is a disgrace! Hamilton you should be ashamed! Do you really care for the animals? Then prove it to us!
Daphne Saint, Canada
This has to stop, it is inhumane, there is no excuse for healthy animals being euthanized.
Morgan Dragonwolf, Canada
When will the human race truly respect animals as living, sentient beings and accord them the same right to life and one free from suffering that we expect to have for ourselves? No healthy animals should die for stupid reasons like there is not enough room for them or for any other frivolous reason.
Emilia Sparagna, CA
Long Overdue...let's do this....Here and Everywhere!!!!
Barbara McCahery, Canada
I was appalled when I read about the practices of the Hamilton pound. Such heartlessness is unbelievable. I hope this petition is successful in forcing Hamilton City Animal Control to change its practices.
Babouch Zouhra, France
Oui, oui, oui, ca urge!!!
Sandi Wallace, Canada
Mahatmi Gandi once wrote that the moral integity of a nation can be judged by the way it treats its animals. I guess we know where Hamilton, Ontario, Canada stands in this regard. However, it is within our power to change this abhorrent label. Please do so immediately. It is an absolute no-brainer.
Cathy Steinberg, Canada
Shame on you for killing helpless furkids. It is not their fault someone dumped them on the street, or perhaps they have inadvertedly got out. Give them a chance to live + be loved.
Lydia McNeese, CO
The practices of the this "shelter" need to change immediately. There is no reason to euthanize so many animals when there are many programs out there to support with saving them. It is pure laziness and lack of accountability when a "shelter", such as this one, does not try to implement change for the good of all the animals it is supposed saving.
Linda Gall, IN
PLEASE stop this inhumane treatment of innocent animals who have a chance to love and be loved again!
Simon Pearson, Australia
To adopt killing of animals as a policy, is to admit abject failure in animal management. They are victims of inefficient controls and enforcement of animal ownership legislation. The animals require full care not punishment.
Sandi Walker, Canada
DUMP OLD IDEAS AND PEOPLE WHO ENFORCE OLD IDEAS - NEW DIRECTORS, NEW MANAGEMENT, I DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THESE ANIMALS BEING MURDERED IN GAS CHAMBERS OR ANY MURDER OF INNOCENTS AND THE LACK OF EFFORTS ON PROMOTING THEIR CHANCES OF BEING ADOPTED - NO-KILL, RESPECT & TREATMENT OF THE ANIMALS, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! STOP THE KILLING, STOP!!!
Donni De-Ville, IL
Absolutely abolish Death Row! PLEASE, PLEASE!
Sabine Vonderheide, Canada
Killing innocent animals for no reason other than them not having a home is wrong! Please stop this practice and give them a chance to live!
Tanya Kyssa, Canada
The heartless cowards responsible for these atrocities agains poor, defenceless animals should be held accountable and the Hamilton Animal Control shut down! Sickening and disheartening that they have been getting away with this massacre.
Kathryn DeVos-Miller, Canada
These people care nothing about animals. Hamilton City Animal Control is simply running a slaughter house.
LISA RAMIREZ, Canada
Why in Gods name can't you put these beloved animals up for adoption?? What kind of inhuman human being could kill these creatures just because! Well, karma will get its revenge on all of you hopefully. Theres no excuse for this barbaric ritual in 2011. Cats and dogs are humans learning tools to love, cherish and share the earth together. Not to just kill them and trash them like garbage!! For the love of God, have MERCY on these poor little furballs. They only want to trust us.
Mary Budgell, Canada
Our third cat is a stray that we adopted over 10 years ago and is happily still with us. These animals deserve the same chance to find a family who will love them. Senseless killing is not the answer.
Kathy Weiss, Canada
Please allow these animals that didnt ask to be in this position or place to be adopted to a loving home. Its morally and ethically the only thing to do.
Nancy Pedersen, Canada
Please at least try to find homes or return these animals to their own homes.
Sean Howard, Canada
Dear Lord. At least attempt to make it easier for people to adopt before you kill all these animals each and every week!!!! sigh.
Maria Ostergren, Belgium
Surely sterilize and release is a better way to spend the money and effort? Or the cycle of death will never end. Respect life. Or you risk a plague of mice & rats!
Lin Joyce, Canada
More efforts need to be put into making adoption affordable by a free spay and neuter service which would also decrease the number of unwanted animals. If Calgary can do it so can Ontario cities!
Byron Barwick, Canada
ALL sentient beings have the right to a voice...especially animals who can't speak for themselves!
Andrea Sammut, Canada
I wish this was an email scam, but sadly I don't think it is....please, can we find another way?
Linda Wilson, Canada
In this day and age of supposed enlightenment, how could any one person take on the responsibility of ending a life?? How on earth can this person or yet, many of the people in Hamilton sleep at night if they knowingly allow this to happen to their neighbour's pets? This must stop immediately and they need to move forward with a responsible spay/neuter programme. For the love of God...
Maria Gloria Salinas Picon, United Kingdom
LIFE>>>NOT DEATH!!!!!!!
Erika Percival, Canada
I called the City of Hamilton last year and filed a complaint against this shelter. I wanted to foster a cat there who was a bit older, but healthy. The next day I was told by the animal rescue group with which I was dealing that the cat was no longer available. It had been euthanized. The cat was tame and loving. The City representative with whom I spoke said she would look into my concerns about the shelter. I am saddened that this is still happening to the animals there.
Janine G. Smith, Canada
"The day will come when people like me will view the murder of an animal the same way they view that of a man today." - Leonardo Da Vinci
Name not displayed, AR
Stop all the meaningless deaths please!!!!
Whitney Grace, Canada
SHAMEFUL! Hamilton you are an embarassment to this province, the actions and LACK of actions by the people employed at this place are beyond pathetic. They get paid for this? What a joke. Time to get new jobs people..youre in the wrong line of work. Shelters and animals require COMPASSION and a HEART!
ORA-Organization for the Rescue of Animals (orarescue.org), Canada
See you at the Rally.
--
Petitions:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ora-project-accountability-now/
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/68/Stop-the-killings-at-Hamilton-Animal-Control/
http://www.causes.com/causes/610534
Don't Hate, Participate:
http://on.fb.me/itF8tt
Journey to the Rally Timeline:
http://on.fb.me/koTzhT
RALLY:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=175403055849305

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Two Must-Attend Rallies!!: TOMORROW AND SATURDAY!!

TOMORROW, June 22, 2011:


OspcaTruth.com - Rain or shine. Please make plans to join Lynn Graydon and the Reform Advocates for Animal Welfare protest warriors with sign in hand for their next important rally/protest effort outside OSPCA Headquarters at 16586 Woodbine Avenue in Newmarket, Ontario. 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Event Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199075203471856

RAAW: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_127180383999576

For more information, contact the RAAW group admins directly.


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SATURDAY, June 25, 2011:

ORARescue.org - Rain or shine. Get ready to join ORA, HAC-STK and an associated group of experienced rescuers and concerned citizens in front of the Hamilton Animal Control/HB-SPCA building on 245 Dartnall Rd, just south of Rymal Rd (Highway 53), for a long-awaited community Rally demanding open adoptions, TNR/speuter programs, shelter reform and more - on behalf of the HAC animals marked for death 2-3 times every week. 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM.

Event Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216540588370613

HAC-STK: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_94769408781

For more information, contact the HAC-STK group admins via Facebook, or ORA at 416.726.5762 / orarescue@gmail.com.


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Reject the killing, and demand investigation, accountability, reform and life-saving change! Activists, advocates, rescue and animal welfare groups, out-of-town visitors, residents and animal lovers in the Hamilton region and Greater Toronto Area are all encouraged to carry signs in both events.

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Friday, June 17, 2011

Toby's Dinner Theatre

Toby doesn't care so much for virtue, cakes or ale, but he wouldn't mind if we indulged. Actually, he is looking for loving, forever owners to enjoy the good life with: long walks, yummy food, happy playtime, and comfy couches. Apply for Toby today at http://www.ora-animalsrescue.o​rg/adoption.php to bring a deserving dog home in time to spend Father's Day with you and your family.


‎"Art any more than a steward? Dost thou think because thou art virtuous there shall be no more cakes and ale?" (Sir Toby Belch, Twelfth Night)

Credit: CHS

ORA-Organization for the Rescue of Animals
http://ora-animalsrescue.org

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Walk with Maxine down Crabby Road

Maxine (http://www.petfinder.com/petde​tail/16585415), a 3-year-old Husky Cross. Dear Maxine is currently working on losing a few pounds. She believes that having a good human workout buddy would be a great way to stay motivated! If you're looking for a dedicated fitness partner, please consider teaming up with Maxine for life by filling out http://ora-animalsrescue.org/D​ogAdoptionForm.pdf today.


‎"Maxine, Maxine, Maxine, Maxine. Maxine, Maxine, Maxine, Maxine, Maxine." (Traveling Wilburys)

Credit: CHS

ORA-Organization for the Rescue of Animals
http://ora-animalsrescue.org