reality sound bites. A Heaping Helping of Gratitude
Benny is a handsome, three to four year old, Old English sheepdog. He could have been a stolen pet or a victim of the One Dog Policy in Beijing, China. In any case, he was destined for dinner; not as a guest, but as the main course, called “tender or fragrant meat” on menus. The controversial Lychee and Dog Meat Festival began in 2009. Held in
Yulin, Guangxi, China, this annual summer solstice celebration spans ten days. An estimated 10,000+ dogs are cooked for human consumption. A large pack, including Golden Retrievers (harbored by monks)
and Benny’s lives were spared when Big Dog Ranch Rescue stepped up. Significant planning and funding along with months of preparation were implemented to get dogs to safety, documented, immunized, vetted, and transported to South Florida. Most of the dogs coming from China are stressed, underweight and traumatized. Healing from her beloved Aussie succumbing to cancer in February,
Maureen Barber of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida was ready to add a dog to her family. She visited BDRR. “It was love at first sight,” she shared. “What Benny lacks in manners, he makes up for in cuddles and comedy. He is so affable, I have no doubt a family loved him.” Benny is gaining weight, learning English commands and house man-
ners, and making lots of friends, as Maureen’s cats accept this energetic new addition. There is talk about him earning his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification and becoming a therapy dog.
Big Dog Ranch Rescue, 14444 Okeechobee Blvd., Loxahatchee, FL 561.791.6465
BDRR.org
Benny, a very lucky and
well-read dog. Photograph and story by
Tina K. VaLant
For The Love Of Franklin
Franklin’s Friends is pleased to announce that they are expanding their scope to consider grant applications from nonprofit and gov- ernment animal welfare agencies in Brevard, Polk, and Hillsborough counties. This is in addition to the counties that they currently serve: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, and Lake. Franklin’s Friends is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization whose mission is to support Central Florida animal welfare by fundraising for local nonprofit and government agencies dedicated to Shelter/Rescue, Spay/Neuter, or Community Education projects. They raise money primarily through two sig- nature events: the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest and the gala “Unleashed. Uncorked. Unframed.” Through a rigorous application process, funds are granted to deserving local animal welfare agencies. Prior grant recipients include Partnership for Paws, Husky
Founded in 2003 by two UCF graduates, Drs. Monisha Seth and Anthony Douglas, in honor of their rescued hound Franklin (pictured above), Franklin’s Friends has raised more than $1.5 million for local animal welfare.
FranklinsFriends.info.
16 THE NEW BARKER
Haven, Way Home Inc., Sophie’s Circle, The Pixel Fund, Happy Trails Animal Rescue, Spay the Strays, Chi Chi’s Rescue Ranch, Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, RAIN (Rescuing Animals in Need), Osceola County Animal Services, TEARS of Seminole County, SpayNSave, South Lake Animal League, Poodle and Pooch Rescue, Hound Haven, and ARNI Foundation. “We are so excited to have reached the point where we are
able to expand and award grants in neighboring counties. Thank you to our supporters for helping us reach this milestone.” exclaimed Franklin’s Friends’ Board member Steve Butler.
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