The Pet Postcard Project

I am eating dog food every day, starting February 1, 2011, and posting a video diary of it on YouTube every single day until Nitro’s Law gets reintroduced to the Ohio House of Representatives.

Nitro’s Law, formerly known as House Bill 70 in Ohio, would increase the penalty to a fifth degree felony for egregious acts of animal cruelty by the animal’s caretaker, punishable by a year in jail per count. According to the Humane Society of the United States, Ohio ranks 45th in the nation for animal cruelty laws.

The need for tougher laws in this state became an issue after 7 dead and 12 starving dogs were discovered in October of 2008 at High Caliber K-9, a boarding kennel in Youngstown, OH. Nitro, a beloved pet Rottweiler, was left in the care of that facility while his human family attended to a sick family member out of state. The facility owner, Steve Croley, was sentenced to four months in jail and a small fine after only four misdemeanor charges were pursued. He did, however, have his American Kennel Club privileges revoked for 10 years, and the AKC fined him $2000.00.

This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a national issue. This didn’t happen in my home state, but as someone who speaks up for animals, I consider them all in my backyard. Animals don’t vote, but their owners do. If this can happen in Ohio, it can happen anywhere, and it’s important for people to be aware of the laws in their state.

Only 4 states in the nation do not consider animal cruelty a felony, and only 9 states (including those 4) do not count first animal cruelty offenses as a felony, including Ohio. Nitro’s Law did pass the House of Representatives, but died in the Senate at the end of 2010. I am hoping to help change that in 2011, one bowl of dog food at a time.

I will commit to eating dog food every single day – on camera – for as long as it takes. Bill 70 needs to be reintroduced so that it has a chance of passing in the House and Senate. Only then can it become Nitro’s Law.

Nitro and the other dogs were deprived of dog food, so I’m going eat it for them. I am eating one meal a day of Lucky Dog Cuisine, one of the brands of food that my 3 rescued dogs enjoy. I would love your recipes and help with meal suggestions! Please post them as comments on the YouTube videos I will be posting every day.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Ideally, other dog owners will join in on this with me – if we can create a movement, no matter how ‘doggone crazy’ eating dog food might seem – we might be able to make a positive change.

I would like for all 50 states in our nation to be represented in the “I Eat Dog Food For Nitro’s Law” Campaign. I’m asking that people from every state jump on this with me and pledge to eat dog food for one meal a day – or, just one meal a week, or one meal total – please just jump on any way that you can! Let’s show support for Nitro and this future law.

I don’t want anyone to get sick, so I’m going to recommend Lucky Dog Cuisine as the dog food that everyone can safely consume. Check out their website to see what’s in their food – it’s all great stuff. They are also a food donation sponsor on my pet charity site, The Pet Postcard Project, giving many thousands of dollars of their food to rescues.

If you want to participate, please send me an email. Here are some ideas on how you can network your participation:

• Video yourself eating the dog food and post it to YouTube.
• Post a photo of yourself eating the food on the Nitro’s Law Facebook pages:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_107366679335953
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nitro-Foundation-HB-70-Law-in-Ohio/105354052831180

• Write a blog post on your own blog.
• Share a post on your own Facebook and/or Twitter pages.
• Email me and I’ll share your photos and/or videos for you

The idea is that we get this movement out there to raise awareness for Nitro’s Law and help it get reintroduced to the House of Representatives in Ohio. No animal should have to suffer the way Nitro and the other dogs did, and no one who perpetrates this kind of abuse onto an animal should be able to just walk away so easily from it.

Please post this campaign everywhere, look for my videos every day, and please join with me if you can. I will be posting regular updates here, on my YouTube channel, and on my Pet Postcard Project Facebook page, so please check back often.

Thank you! Hugs and Woofs,

Nikki Moustaki

If you would like to post an “I Eat Dog Food For Nitro’s Law” Campaign badge onto your blog, here are two, along with the HTML code if you need it. You can post it if you are eating the food, or simply want to support the cause. Thank you!

  

[<a style="display: inline;" href="http://betterwords.typepad.com/nikki_moustaki/the-i-eat-dog-food-for-nitros-law-campaign.html" target="_blank"><img style="width: 200px;" title="Nitro badge 2" src="http://betterwords.typepad.com/.a/6a010535b46b88970b0147e22ed26d970b-200wi" alt="Nitro badge 2" /></a>]

[<a style="display: inline;" href="http://betterwords.typepad.com/nikki_moustaki/the-i-eat-dog-food-for-nitros-law-campaign.html" target="_blank"><img style="width: 200px;" title="Nitro badge 1" src="http://betterwords.typepad.com/.a/6a010535b46b88970b0148c8380630970c-200wi" alt="Nitro badge 1" /></a>]

Hi Everyone! Like most people, I like to do something a little extra charitable at holiday time, usually a donation to an animal charity, but this year I got an idea to send some care packages overseas to our K9 Military handlers and soldiers (the human AND doggie soldiers). 

I asked some of The Pet Postcard Project award sponsors to donate some of their products to my little holiday endeavor (I asked only those who had things that I read on a list were OK to send to our soldiers), thinking I'd put a few treats and toys into the boxes. Well, the sponsors were feeling the holiday spirit too, because their response was overwhelming and heartwarming! Here's the video all about it: 

A huge THANK YOU to The Pet Postcard Project sponsors who gave of their hearts to show our military personnel that we care. It's not about the "stuff." It's about showing our soldiers that we have not forgotten them and that we wish, pray, and hope for their safe return. 

Arctic Pets

Better Than Ears

Cloud Star

DERMagic

Halo Pets

Kurgo

Nurtured Pets 

Planet Dog

Rachel Ray Nutrish

Stella and Chewy's

Wigzi Pet Products

Again, many, many thanks!

Hugs and woofs!

Nikki Moustaki 

Hi Everyone--

I'm sorry to report that two of our wonderful Pet Postcard Project doggies have gone over the rainbow bridge. Yes, they are waiting patiently for their humans on the other side, which is comforting, but it would be much better if they didn't have to go. 

Spike was a precious 10 year old Schnauzer with a huge spirit and a loving heart. All you have to do is look at his photos  to see what a joy it must have been to have him around. Spike's mom sends in the most wonderful cards featuring Spike and his fur sisters.

 

Our other loss was Mr. Rico. His mom is a friend of mine and I'm so sad for her and her family. Here's a note she sent with the announcement of his passing. 

 

"Mr. Rico, our 14-years-young Black Labrador Retriever, has always been an angel and mommy's best boy, but now he's received his angel wings and halo. The gentlest soul we've ever met, we are better for having had you in our lives. Run and play across that Rainbow Bridge with Rexy, Duchess and all of your friends. We miss you so much Mr. Rico and will love you always!"

 

 

MR. RICO 

July 4, 1995 - October 16, 2009

 

And now, I have sad news of my own. On Halloween night, very late, I had a SCARY stomach ache that didn't go away. It felt similar to my appendicitis attack in 2002, so I knew I'd better get to the hospital. After pumping me full of morphine (yuck!) and 10 hours in the emergency room, they scheduled me for emergency surgery. It turns out that scar tissue from my appendix operation caused my intestine to twist and block. Not a happy camper. Twenty minutes before surgery, with the operating room prepped, I felt something in my gut snap and 10 minutes later the pain started to abate. They kept me in the hospital for 3 days with no food, but at least I avoided surgery -- the issue resolved itself, which is a miracle. I'm back home now, recovering.

I was SO happy to get home and hugged and kissed the dogs, who were thrilled to have me back at greeted me noisily at the door. My friend who accompanied me home (and was at the hospital with me and back and forth taking care of my animals) wouldn't let me into the living room. The he told me the news he had been keeping from me -- my African grey parrot, Hope, had passed away just about the time that my intestine untwisted. I was devastated. Hope had been my friend for 10 years, since he was 3 months old. I still haven't processed the loss. It might be a while. Oddly, my nurse at the hospital was named Hope. 

I have no idea how or why Hope died, but I know it had nothing to do with the care he was receiving (I had been out of town the week before). He was well cared for, happy, and young. It's a mystery that isn't going to be solved. I'm very, very sad today. Here's a short video I made to honor Hope's passing. I don't have much video of him, unfortunately. I should have taken more, but I expected him to be with me at least another 20+ years. 

Sorry for all the bad news. Let's get back to business feeding homeless pets and the joy of helping shelter animals find homes. Hug your animals extra tight and give them all a big kiss from me. Thank you, everyone. 

Hugs and woofs, 

Nikki Moustaki

 

Hi Everyone!

In my last post I reported that I was in Las Vegas on business and I got a call from my dog sitter (who doesn't speak great English, but is very compassionate and wonderful) that Pepper couldn't walk. Because of the language barrier I couldn't figure out if this was a true emergency, or simply a case of a 12 year old dog with arthritis over-extending himself and possibly re-injuring his knee, which he tore when he was 7. I was very worried, so I cut my trip short and came home.

Indeed, Pepper could not get up. When I helped him up he could hobble around, but then would fall right back down. He was also very crabby. Who could blame him? I could tell that he was favoring his back knee, which was the one he previously injured. Apparently, the dog sitter was walking him a lot (which he loves), but here in my NYC apartment there are a lot of stairs, and Pepper simply can't handle it anymore. Within 2 days he was fine, back to his old wonderful self. Tragedy averted. I'm still going to be very careful about his legs and keep a close eye on him for the next few weeks. 

In any case, Pepper turned 12 on September 23rd! That's his made up birthday because he's a shelter dog, but I think it's about right. Everyone that meets him thinks he's a puppy! Go Pepper! Here's a video of him tussling with his new shelter sister, Pearl. I love when they play together. In the background you can hear my African grey parrot, Hope, singing. 

Pearl Puppy is doing very well with New York City. Everyone LOVES her! She is getting so much attention. Truly, she looks like a stuffed toy. She is behaving very well on the street. Not so much in the house. She is still in the tearing stuff up phase. Pepper had a really nice feather bed. Not anymore. See video below. Ah, Pearl. How can I be angry with that furry face?

I am still a bit behind with judging the new cards and scanning and posting, but I just bought a new printer/scanner and I'm going to carve out some time and get it all done in one big swoop. I can't wait to see all of your great cards getting posted, and I bet you want to see your doggies and kitties on the site too. 

Thank you all! Hugs and woofs!

Nikki Moustaki

Hi Everyone! 

I have been working a pet trade show in Las Vegas the last few days, checking out all kinds of new stuff, and of course I came across the booth for several of The Pet Postcard Project's generous sponsors. This is a great video from Petz Off Blankets, so I thought I'd share it. 

I was going to stay out of town for a few more days because I have some more work in Denver, but I got several concerned phone calls from the nice lady who watches my dogs while I'm away from NYC. Apparently, Pepper can't walk and was screaming and crying. There's a bit of a language barrier, so I determined that his arthritis is probably acting up terribly and/or he may have re-injured his knee, which he tore 6 years ago. Yikes. I cried for a bit, but then realized that crying wasn't going to help the situation, so I made a flight to go back to NYC tomorrow. It probably doesn't help that Puppy Pearl is pestering him. Wish us all luck, please! 

Hugs and Woofs! 

Nikki Moustaki

Nikki Moustaki's Dog Blog: Entry #6: Should I Keep the Parrot?

First, a big announcement! Look at my new baby Lemur!

Just kidding. There's a guy who walks around with this Lemur on South Beach, where I had dinner last night. I know that us animal people don't really like it when people walk around with these kinds of exotic animals, but this guy seems to LOVE his Lemur. It's wearing tiny diapers. Anyway, terrible photo of me, good one of the Lemur. Personally, I would never keep this type of animal, or anything like it, as cute as it is. I'll stick with the dogs and birds.

This morning, while walking the dog. I found a baby Quaker Parakeet in the bushes. His parents were trying to get him back into the nest, but the poor little guy is just a few days too young to fly. He was trying, but kept ending up on the ground, clearly exhausted. I think he got knocked out of his nest in today's thunderstorm. I brought him home and handfed him with baby bird formula and let him have a nap. Then I spent 2 hours trying to get his parents to encourage him to fly back to the nest, but he's not that good of a flyer. His parents definitely want him back -- they flew to him and talked to him, but nothing worked. We have tons of feral cats here in Miami Beach, so I know he'd be an easy snack if he stayed on the ground. 

So, I have the baby parrot now and I'm handfeeding him until he's stronger, and I'll try every day to get him back to his parents. Eventually he'll be strong enough and old enough to fly. He's so docile and sweet and I'm getting attached to him already! These birds are not native to South Florida and they're not protected, so I could keep him, but I think that since he was born in the "wild" land of Miami Beach, he should probably go back. I'm going to try not to handle him a lot so that he doesn't get used to humans. 

My beloved Meyer's Parrot, Jesse, died at 21 years of age just a few months ago. He was the same exact size as this bird. I can't help but to think that this bird is somehow a "gift," not to replace Jesse (because no bird could), but to fill the void he left. Am I reading too much into this? Probably. Still, I have never just found a parrot in the bushes before! A rabbit, yes. Parrot, no. Your thoughts? 

Hugs and Woofs! 

Nikki Moustaki

Hi Everyone! 

I haven't dog blogged in a while. I've been busy! But that's no excuse. So, I'll try to catch up. 

Shelter Puppy Pearl is doing great -- she's nearly 10 months old now, still a little mischievous, but I know she'll grow out of that. She has eaten 13 flip flops to date, so someone should definitely make a flip flop dog toy. She has made a stray cat friend around the corner -- this dog LOVES cats.

She is also difficult to photograph, as evidenced by these photos. Yes, that's me with her. I have gone blonde again. Just woke up that way. Strange.

I have been dog siting for Ozzie, the dog I had for 6 years before my parents fell in love with him and wanted to keep him after dog sitting for me. That was fine -- Pepper and Ozzie never got along. Too much doggie testosterone. Look at all three of the grey beasts together. So cute.

I put Ozzie in the Bubble Chair for this photo op, but he doesn't want to get out of it. It's the only place he's safe from Pepper and Pearl! Now that he's here I realize that I have really missed him. Do I have to give him back? Hmmm. Well, he's TOTALLY spoiled at my folks' house, so I guess I'll go back to weekly visitation. 

The Pet Postcard Project has gotten some new award sponsors this month! Check out: 

Chef Michael's

Ruby and Bee

Pet London

and coming soon: The Cat Genie

All of this new stuff is really cool -- as is EVERYTHING from the wonderful and generous prize sponsors -- and I'll be blogging in more detail about these products soon. Please click on the award sponsor links and check out what they have to offer. It's all great stuff or I wouldn't put it on the site!

Ok, on to something very heavy and very important. Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue -- the reason The Pet Postcard Project started -- is being tossed out of their space due to zoning issues. The 150 shelter dogs on the property are at risk of being seized by Miami Animal Care and Control, which is a kill-shelter (it's also where I adopted Pearl). The city gave Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue 12 days to find a new space or pay a $5000.00 zoning fine. I think that they will be kicked out even if they pay the fine. In any case, 12 days is not enough time to place those 150 homeless dogs! The rescue is asking for a "stay" of 12 months in order to secure new property. There's a petition to sign on this link. Here's the latest email:

In light of the enormous foreclosure problem we are experiencing here in south Florida, the number of dogs rescued by Sabbath Rescue within the last two years has exploded. These abandoned dogs, most sickly and inhumanely treated, now have a home where they are cared for, loved, and have the possibility of being adopted. Sabbath has been rescuing dogs for the past 9 years. For the first 6 years, Robby Coy has been saving these animals with only his own funds. He has given up his business and spent his life savings just to save these abandoned dogs.  

And now, the City of Miami wants to close Sabbath down because of a kennel license violation. Animal Services director, Sara Pizano, has filed a $5,000 lien on the farmland on which Sabbath is located.  They have intimidated the owner of the land to such an extent that he refuses to dispute the citation. Sabbath has been ordered off the farm within 12 days. We will fight this, but regardless, if Animal Services finds that we have not moved in time, it is their intention to forcibly take the 150 dogs to their slaughter.  

We desperately need your help to convince the City officials to either immediately issue a kennel license to Sabbath, or, in the alternative, to grant a stay for 12 months in order for Sabbath to resolve this situation.  

After 9 years and 2500 dogs AS could have grand fathered this license in but they chose not to. 

To all: Robbie needs all the help he can get. If you feel you can help please call him or me. 

IF ANIMAL RESCUES EVER NEEDED TO BOND TOGETHER AND FIGHT SOMETHING THIS IS IT. 

 CROSS POST TO ANYONE THAT MAY BE ABLE TO HELP.

Danny Kresky
DKresky8@aol.com
954-929-2097

If there's anyone who knows how to legally help Sabbath Memorial Dog Rescue and these 150 shelter dogs, please contact them. Please also sign this petition.

Thank you everyone! Hugs and woofs!

Nikki Moustaki

Hi Everyone! 

First, thank you for sending in so many great cards in June! I am on "mail delay" from NYC (I'm in Miami Beach right now), so judging will commence soon. 

Second, an update on puppy Pearl. She has turned into such a good, smart dog, but she's still in that "I'm a puppy so everything is mine and I can chew it all to bits" phase, which is can be annoying, but it's normal. The casualties haven't been too bad: 

• 11 flip flops
  
• The cord to my electronic drum kit
  
• My expensive BOSE headphones 
• The bungee on my suitcase duffel
  
• A friend's underpants (don't ask) 

That's not terrible, but warrants a lot of puppy-proofing, and I've sprayed all cords and flip flops with Bitter Apple. I've seen puppies do MUCH worse. My only real concern with her is that she's way too interested in my parrots. I'm going to have to do some training in that area. She chases the wild birds outside as well. This morning, as I was walking Pepper and Pearl, I turned around to see Pearl with an entire fried chicken leg in her mouth. Imagine how difficult that was to get away from her! She likes birds WAY too much, fried or otherwise. 

Have you ever had one pet kill another pet? I've seen it happen and it's gruesome. 

On a happy note, Pearl is very well house trained now, and if she can't wait to go outside, she goes on her Wizdog, and I'm thrilled about that. 8 in 1 Pet Products sent us a TON of amazing treats and floor cleaner for pet odors, which I use a lot, since both dogs are puppy pad trained. 

Check out this nice note I got from May's winner of the Dave Stevenson "most artistic" award:

"I received the Pepper Coin pendant from Dave Stevenson. The photo of this piece does not do it justice. I put it on and fell in love with it. It hangs perfectly and the dog reminds me of my Puggles with their ears flapping when they run. Just returning from vacation in the Berkshires and Catskill Mountains, we visited many artisan shops. I truly appreciate all the workmanship created from pottery, medalists, paintings, crafts and other hand made treasures. Dave's work is outstanding! I love the ease and flow of the pieces he creates. I can't wait to show it off to all my friends and when it's not around my neck, it's going to be displayed on a hook next to the portrait of my dogs! Thank you and many thanks to Mr. Stevenson!"

The Pepper Charm is indeed BEAUTIFUL. You can't tell how nice it is from the photo, that's for sure. 

Miami Beach is hot as heck, but it's fun to take the dogs to the beach in the late evening when the lifeguards leave. I take Pearl in the water and she swims to shore, then usually runs up to someone else and sits in their lap. Silly girl! I guess she's not going to be one of those surfing dogs. 

Remember, there's a new category "You know you love dogs/cats when" or "You know you love your dog/cat when" -- you fill in the rest on your postcards. 

Hugs and Woofs, everyone! 

Nikki Moustaki 

PS: Please support the generous prize sponsors! Remember, this site doesn't many any money -- it's ALL to help feed and fund shelter dogs. Check out the latest prize sponsor: 

One DOG card will get a goody box filled with Whole Dog Daily, Healthy Motion and Omega-Glo-Coat from Green Dog Naturals! A $60.97 value!

You know you love dogs when ________________

I started a hashtag trending topic on my Twitter called #uknowulovedogs -- You know you love dogs when . . . 

 

#uknowulovedogs when you don't care any more if there's dog hair in your food.

You know you love dogs when paw prints on the furniture have become part of the fabric's pattern.

You know you love dogs when you take them out for a pee in the morning before you have your pee!

You know you love dogs when someone wants to sit down at your house & you tell them that's "the dog's chair."

You know you love dogs when their nails are polished but you haven't had a pedicure in months!

You know you love dogs when you use their nice shampoo on your own hair (guilty!).

You know you love dogs when you'd rather go to their vet when YOU are sick!

Soooo . . . how about we start a new postcard category called "You Know You Love Dogs When" -- who's up for it? 

Call for postcards: You Know You Love Dogs When _______________

Same dog time, same dog place. There will be "You Know You Love Dogs When" prizes for July! 

Hugs and Woofs! 

Nikki Moustaki