A SOUL WITHIN - A Raise Ur Paw Poem

Let humanity observe within my eyes, what many ignore to see

An immortal essence that is called a soul, a power that resides in me

They try their best to deny it, but is this denial really fair?

That just because you cannot see something, means it isn’t there?

Who says that a soul is something only humans can hold inside

For if we cannot see this spirit, how do we know it does reside

Perhaps if many seen the truth, they would treat us differently

To show compassion and respect for us – an act of real humanity.

It’s true that we are different, but possessing life we are the same

Like many races of life on earth, we own an immortal flame.

We do not request a lot on earth, but don’t deny us what you don’t know

Take a second to observe with in my eyes, a spirit that will forever glow.

Take these words in which I state, and share them far and wide

In hopes that one day the world will see – the soul we have inside.

~ Written By Ben Sterling

Please Also Check Out Our Facebook Page If You Have A Moment - https://www.facebook.com/pages/RAISE-UR-PAW/125752294246014

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LIFE FOR LUCY - Our Open Letter to Government of Edmonton & Valley Zoo

Dear Government of Edmonton, Its Officials and the Officials of the Valley Zoo:

   We the people worldwide are coming to you in a civilized manner to request that you give freedom to an innocent life named LUCY, Canada’s last Northern Elephant at Edmonton’s Valley Zoo.

    Please take note that this is not a dispute or argument in regards to whether or not Lucy’s human caregivers love her or not - it is simply a request to make the honorable choice to give Lucy sanctuary, so that she can be provided with a connection that her caregivers cannot provide to her – and that is the real family, friendship, and natural environment that she desperately needs – a union and bond that needs to be a role within her life.

Because after all, isn’t it imperative to put the needs of life before our own?

   First, we want you to know that we understand, according to sources, that the zoo in which Lucy resides in has made upgrades to her living environment – but in truth, money cannot purchase aspects of life that is needed and that is freedom, family, fulfillment of developmental needs that only those of her own species and natural environment can provide to her.

   She has played a huge role in the community, more so than many other members considering that she has been obligated to give up her life and freedom to provide entertainment to countless individuals – years within confinement, and many times in solitary—and so we respond to this by asking – shouldn’t the time be now that we give her the opportunity to experience that life that she was intended to have and not the life we intend her to live, to finally give her that taste of freedom?

   We are also making this appeal due to the statements, also according to sources that Lucy is suffering from health concerns and issues; rheumatoid arthritis and respiratory issues.  Such concerns and issues as these can be affected by the coldness – which Lucy is enduring due to the environment in which she resides in – and I am sure that the effects that coldness does to humans with this form of arthritis, has the same impact on animals – inflammation and pain to the joints, and also this type of weather can cause problems when dealing with respiratory issues as well.

   It is not enough to just upgrade the environment or bring her in when it’s cold outside, she is in desperate need of sanctuary – to be placed in an environment in which is appropriate and suitable for her species, where she can be provided with the necessities of life that she requires and is in dire need of.

    We do not know how much time she has left, but would it not be more humane and compassionate to allow her to live whatever time she does have in happiness, and the way that she was meant to be. The fate of her life is literally in your hands, and we hope that you will find it in your hearts to give back to her what was taken, to show her that her well-being and welfare matters.

Don’t let her leave this world as a slave to humanity – let her leave as she came in – Free!

Thank You

RAISE UR PAW

 

REMEMBER ME THIS WINTER - Pet Poem

Think of me this winter

Before you leave your pets outside

If only my owners would have thought of me

Perhaps I would not have died.

We feel the cold as you humans do

Shiver in the harsh frigid air

Frost bite can strike us, just as quickly you know

A lesson that whole world should share.

Think of me this winter

When you see a life in need

When the weather is cold, and the risks are high

Please do your part to do a good deed.

When it comes time for winter

Remember the choice my owner’s made

Bring in your pets and keep them warm

Don’t let them pay the price I paid.

~ Written by Douglas Atherton, Raise Ur Paw

POWER OF THE PAWS - Request For Support To Ban Yulin Dog Meat Trade 2015

OUR LETTER REQUESTING SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS, PERSONS OF POLITICAL POWER AND INFLUENCE & MEDIA ETC.

Dear Sir or Madam;

   We at RAISE UR PAW, a not-for-profit incorporation, are writing this letter to request your immediate & urgent support in aiding the ban of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which is due to take place on June 21, 2015.

    As members of humanity, we are truly saddened and many outraged over the fact that such a barbaric and inhumane festival and trade still continues within a modern civilized society - and we hope that what we present to you will not only help you understand the reasons for this sadness and outrage - but also raise awareness within your eyes and give you an outlook on the concerns and negative impact that this festival/trade has not only on the beloved animals, but the people as well.

    First of all we would like to share with you the health concerns & risks that go hand in hand with the consumption of dog meat; risks and concerns due to rabies and other viruses, diseases and illnesses that come from the animals themselves which people are taking into their bodies. Please understand that these beloved canines travel, sometimes for days, in crowded and unsanitary conditions - many having low immune systems, which added together makes them susceptible to spreading these health risks onto civilians and other animals.

   With the Government permitting such a festival/trade to occur, they are putting in jeopardy the lives of their civilians, not to mention the animals that suffer and endure the torturous treatment and suffering that such festival/trade enforces upon them. 

   This should be considered a hazardous safety issue, considering that canines are not meant to be raised as a food source, so therefore standards and policies for food safety do not apply or enforced. This being said, there is no way to prevent sick and dying animals from passing illnesses, viruses etc  (due to transportation, slaughter and preparations) onto the humans in which consume them – and due to this public health issue it should be in the Governments best interest and imperative that this festival/trade be shut down before an outbreak causes damage & deaths of their people.

   We also must acknowledge the cruelty and torture in which these animals endure – stemming from being electrocuted, skinned/boiled alive, being beaten and stabbed to the point that they are left to suffer and bleed out, because some believe that extreme trauma and suffering of these beings tenderizes the meat, making it better quality etc.  Does this really seem like a humane action?

   This festival/trade is raising outcries of negativity & outrage from individuals worldwide – including individuals from China because of the barbaric and torturous nature and actions – not to mention has also brought upon conflicts and according to sources even violence due to many of these canines are stolen pets, along with strays and dogs which are raised on dog farms for such events/trade such as this.

   In our time, and the time of the past, we have come to observe dogs as more than just man’s best friend, but beacons of loyalty, companionship, unconditional love and respect – even putting their own lives and health at risk and on the line to help humanity and protect them, isn’t it time that we unite as one and be the same beacon for them – to protect and keep them safe so that they are not paying for their loyalty and unconditional love for us with their innocent blood and suffering.

   Please RAISE UR PAW along with the countless others who are dedicated and speaking out against this issue and support the ban on the Yulin Dog Meat Festival and Dog/Cat meat trade – it is time that we take the first step towards making a better and compassionate world, not only for animals and us humans but for our future generations to come.

PETITION ( Almost 6K signatures already) https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival

Thank You

RAISE UR PAW

 

PROTEST YULIN DOG MEAT FESTIVAL - URGENT VOICES NEEDED

MESSAGE TO INDIVIDUALS OF THE WORLD FOR SUPPORT!

   We at Raise UR Paw, a not-for-profit incorporation, are writing this letter to request your immediate and urgent support and participation in aiding the ban of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival which is due to take place on June 21, 2015.

    This festival of inhumanity is raising outcries of negativity and outrage from individuals worldwide, due to the barbaric and torturous nature & actions which have/will inflict much pain, torture, suffering and death upon thousands of dogs – thus making it very imperative that this event/trade be stopped and that aid and support is desperately needed in order to successfully achieve this goal.

    Last year, 2014, individuals worldwide came together to not only raise their voices but also to unite as one to bring upon awareness, and took to the frontlines in order to save “man’s best friend” from a fate that was worse than death – Unfortunately, although some dogs were saved, there were countless others who were not so lucky (strays, stolen pets, dogs raised on dog farms) It was certainly a heartbreaking and shameful scene – a scene that might have been prevented if there was more participation and involvement from media and voices of those of power and influence.

     In our time, and the time of the past, we have come to observe dogs as more than just man’s best friend, but beacons of loyalty, companionship, unconditional love and respect – even putting their own health and lives on the line to save and protect our race – and yet many people remain within the shadows of silence, while these babies are paying the price for their loyalty to us with their suffering and innocent blood being shed – a shame that falls upon not only those who participate in this inhumanity, but also upon those who turn away and ignore – not able to spare one single minute to reach out to help these innocent lives.

    Something needs to be done today – not only to stop/ban this event/trade, but to also introduce and establish animal welfare and protections laws which will be enforced in order to help these innocent beings – and for this to be achieved we must all unite as one – for the responsibility to save/protect these animals falls upon us all.

    We truly hope that each individual takes a single moment to see through the eyes of these beings, to imagine the pain/suffering/death in which these animals are forced to endure and do what is right by standing up and raising their paws along with us to save these souls, and end this horror and disgrace once and for all.

PLEASE SIGN/SHARE THE PETITION TO HELP - https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival

We truly appreciate your time

RAISE UR PAW

    

    

COMPASSIONATE CHILDREN - Educating Our Future

    Well it seems the internet is "BUZZING" about photos that Sarah Palin posted on her facebook - showing images of her son, Trig, who has down syndrome, standing on the back of their furry family member (black Lab retriever.. I believe) and it is certainly causing more than just a stir of outrage, but fueling political views from individuals claiming that the negative comments and outrage is because of her being a politician!

ARTICLE - http://www.people.com/article/sarah-palin-trig-dog-step-stool-photo?xid=socialflow_facebook_peoplemag

    I have to say that these photos did catch my attention, as does the countless other images that other individuals have posted- showing the exact same actions and some even worse - and my views and opinions on this issue has absolutely nothing to do with political status, but that permitting such actions can sometimes cause damages and injuries to not only the animal itself but the child as well - and it is imperative that parents take upon themselves the responsibility to not only protect their child, but also the animals in order to prevent a negative outcome from happening.

   So with that being said, instead of taking a picture that could lead to a negative outcome, or battle with words trying to defend actions - why not take the moment to educate and encourage respect and compassion, which will lead to a more positive experience -- the choice is ours to make!

    I understand what it is like to be somewhat centered out due to opinions, views, and even actions we have taken - and although sometimes we feel the need to "put our guards up" and throw back words - we aren't really achieving anything - except more negativity which is not leading to an outcome that is imperative and positive.  It should be a lesson learned and not fought about - educating, encouraging and empowering compassion & respect to living beings.

   Yes I agree that name-calling towards the innocent child that some have said was clearly inappropriate and unacceptable, and that there were some stating that if the dog was bothered it would move - but what if the dog did move and threw the child off, causing serious injury etc to the child - I am certain that concern by the parents would be there, and therefore perhaps blame the dog for such actions (possibly leading to the dog being given away, put in a shelter or worse "killed")! That is why it is important that we, like I said, "Nip These Actions in the Butt" before such events do take place.

   I also wish to say that Sarah Palin is not the first person to post such pictures on the net, and won't be the last - and she has even put it out there using a photo that Ellen Degeneres put up of a young girl standing on a dog -- So I believe that the attacks should not be upon one another, but make it an eye opener of how imperative it is to educate our youth, stop them from doing such actions that can either hurt them or the animal, we are meant to be role models, guardians and protectors - and so we have a responsibility and duty to fulfill.

 AN OPPORTUNITY WORTH TAKING:

      When matters & issues such as this takes place - it is important that we take the opportunity and this occurrence to teach our children about the importance of compassion and respect towards innocent life (not only for animals but individuals as well) even if the animal doesn't seem to be in distress or being hurt or in pain etc - it is still an opportunity to "nip the issue in the butt" before it comes down to a negative outcome later on down the road, which could lead to be life-threatening or damaging to both the animal and the child.

       According to research, clearly stating, that compassion plays a key role in helping children develop into engaged, caring and optimistic adults - that such development can be achieved and first witnessed through experiences which they observe and participate in with parental and influential aid and demonstration. 

       It might also be essential to take the opportunity to reach out and request assistance as well from schools, clubs, etc to join along to assist in the education and development of compassion and respect for living life - creating after school activities, programs, providing out youth with excellent resources to establish these skills and participate in these practices, involving the parents, guardians etc as well .. a family experience!

      Taking a positive approach and role to educate, encourage and empower our youth should never be something to argue or be negative about - for it has nothing to do with politics or an individuals status - we need to be an example and demonstrator of compassion & respect - after all compassion starts at home.

Please COMMENT ways that can help aid and teach compassion & respect for innocent life - We can all do this together but first we need to RAISE OUR PAWS UNITED.

 Thank You

RAISE UR PAW

STOP ANIMAL TESTING - Be A Friend To Animals

  The topic that I have chosen to blog about, is one that I am sure makes many cringe at just the words – ANIMAL TESTING – a heated discussion that has been going on for decades and stirs outrage and sickness within the hearts and souls of many.

    But there are others that believe that animal testing and experimentation is needed in order to not only save humanity from the countless diseases, illnesses, etc, but to also advance medical techniques – furthering research experimentation... and with these opinions and views of some, I can’t help but wonder if those individuals were to actually observe and be present during these tests and experiments would they still see them in the same light?

    Let’s take for a moment that the shoe was on the other foot – and it was humans that were being experimented and tested on – against their will of course.  I am not just talking about adult humans, but babies and children as well, stripped from their parents and used as test subjects for chemicals and toxins – and subjected to these torturous procedures daily, without any form of anesthetic or pain killers... would we still consider it an OK action to be performed?

    It is truly imperative that we understand and acknowledge that what these animals endure & being subjected too are not just a simple needle and then that’s it... No, I am talking about procedures in which living beings are being forced to inject chemicals and toxins, having these products put in their eyes and injected into their skin – leaving these babies scarred, disfigured, suffering constantly with extreme pain and agony and some even losing their innocent lives... and for what reason??? To save humanity.... and if that is the case, how does cosmetics and household products save humanity?... because these are the chemicals & toxins used as well on our voiceless, so that if there are any effects to the products it won’t hurt people....

   We are residing within a technological world where alternatives and more animal-friendly methods and strategies can be used so that our voiceless are not undergoing these constant measures of inhumanity and cruel practices - there are even products and cosmetics etc which are not animal tested - so therefore we know that such alternatives can be accomplished & many individuals are moving towards a more animal-friendly choice & purchasing such products in order to save lives and show empathy towards them, instead of seeing them as mere "research tools" that many individuals and facilities are still seeing them as. 

PETITIONS TO SIGN (if you have a moment) - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/animal-welfare/animal-research/

    Together we need to RAISE OUR PAWS & Voices to make a change in the world – establishing a more animal-friendly place to not only reside in, but to leave our future generations as well.  We need to STOP ANIMAL TESTING Together and protect innocent lives from the physical, mental and emotional suffering and torture that they are experiencing for human necessities and products... this violation of their rights/welfare needs to end, and it is up to us to make that difference.

Please Raise Ur Paw Today!

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