In Between Panels

The young cat killer posted an apology today in his blog about the (now deleted) incident he was so proud of:



Here's one reaction from the Cats' Lair group whom I'm a member of and I agree with:

Everyone,

All we need to do is get this guy expelled from UP, please write to: The NIPS Dean and the College Disciplinary Committee. This guy needs a police record and psych counseling stat.

NIPs is the National Institute of Physics? If this guy graduates from UP or anywhere in the country, he'll be a physicist with psycho-sado terrorist tendencies. Imagine him in a lab with a laser and a cat victim-to-be.

2009 Code of Conduct
http://www.science.upd.edu.ph/nip/images/pdfs/draft%20-%202009%20student%20code%20of%20conduct.pdf
Would like to complain on Section 1.3 Harm (Section 1. Acts of Misconduct and Sanctions for Students) but descriptions don't apply (harm to persons or things), kitty abuse and murder neither person nor thing, unless you can make "future potential harm to persons" stick.

Found this, pg.21 of 83:
Acts of Misconduct
e. Engaging in disgraceful conduct within University premises;

Sanctions
Admonition to expulsion. The student may be advised to undergo counseling.

Section 1.6. Any other form of Misconduct
Acts of Misconduct
Engaging in any other form of misconduct, whether within or outside
University premises, which affects the good order and welfare and/or good
name of the University.

Sanctions
Admonition to expulsion.

pp. 39 of 83
http://www.science.upd.edu.ph/nip/images/pdfs/draft%20-%202009%20student%20code%20of%20conduct.pdf
Section 1. Disciplinary Bodies
There are three (3) disciplinary bodies in the University: the Student
Disciplinary Council (SDC), the College Disciplinary Committee (CDC) and the
Inter-College Disciplinary Committee (ICDC).

What if he bores of cat murder and gets aggressive with people? Does UP Diliman want to give him powerful science skills to use against living things?

Posting reactions on his blog would only invite more laughter and derision from him and his friends (which you can see in the comments below the so called apology). Better bring this incident to the attention of the proper authorities.

* I edited the post to delete some comments I made making fun of his apology and against his person. The apology may be sincere and I'd like to leave it at that. The boy certainly needs help and making fun of him online won't do anything constructive. I just hope he rightly responds to therapy and that good people surround him and influence him toward a better life.


By the way, someone sent this picture in the mail of the kitten he carelessly killed.

Labels: cats, dirrrrty, events, kittens, pets

My fat Himalayan/Siamese cat, Thoreau, finally bid his family grapes adieux after a painless procedure at the vet today. He still seems groggy and sleepy from the anesthesia but he's doing fine. He did his job (impregnating my other Siamese without so much as a permission) producing 3 good looking kids and I'm not looking to any more mouths to feed.

Plus, there are also the issues with the spraying on inappropriate surfaces like beds and doormats, and the occasional yowling during the late hours of the night.

He won't miss it in the long run. Eventually he'll just turn fat and contended without chasing any more skoits.

Labels: events, history, pets

I've been affected so much by the news of Ratchet, the recently controversial Baghdad pup, I copied the entire text of the online petition if only to highlight the seriousness, and utter ludicrousness of the rules imposed by U.S. Army officials on their soliders (sign the petition while you're at it):

Clemency for Ratchet
Target:U.S. Army
Sponsored by: M.A.R.S. Safe Haven

Soldier who saved puppy from life of hardship in Iraq could see her dog
face certain death.

URGENT! PLEASE DONATE to Operation Baghdad Pups:
www.baghdadpups.com and www.SPCA.com

They simply can not do this without our financial support as well! The more we help, the more animals can be brought home! Thanks.

Operation Baghdad Pups Dedication video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSDeM_qWsq8

Source: Eddie Wrenn/World News Online

Young Ratchet could face the death-penalty by U.S. Army officials

A soldier who saved the life of a young puppy in Iraq and expected to bring him back home with her could see her dog face certain death in Iraq.

Sgt. Gwen Beberg, a decorated soldier, has been held by the military more than 15 months past her original commitment due to the stop-loss policy. Sgt. Beberg befriended puppy Ratchet while serving in Iraq, and sent regular dispatches to her home in Minneapolis charting the dog's process, with 100s of fans tuning in on Facebook to follow the pup's life.

But the U.S. military takes a strict line with soldiers befriending animals, and confiscated Ratchet as Sgt. Beberg prepared to fly home from Baghdad Airport. Bringing wartime pets back home has always been a haphazard affair. It's also against U.S. military rules. In Iraq, adopting a stray is technically a violation of General Order 1B.

Operation Baghdad Pups, a program run by SPCA International, which has the motto 'No buddy gets left behind', is pleading with the U.S. Army to allow Ratchet to fly out of the country - amid fears the dog will die if left behind.

Sgt. Beberg's mother Patricia said: 'This year has been extremely difficult on my daughter and her family. It has been a year of disappointments, loneliness, and fear because of all the sacrifices the army has required of Gwen.

Ratchet was the savior of her sanity. Now they have cruelly ripped Ratchet away from her and sentenced him to death. I don't know how my daughter will cope. Ratchet has been her lifeline."

Sgt. Beberg is also under military investigation for befriending the dog that saved her life.

A close friend of Sgt Beberg said: 'It hasn't been easy for her - and the puppy she saved has been one of the few things that has kept her going. She's shared pictures of him as he grew from a frightened ball of fur to an adorable young dog.


Gwen with 'lifeline' Ratchet in Iraq

She's kept us up-to-date on his travel schedule, and badgered us into contributing money to bring him home.

Soldiers can face immediate court-marshal for befriending animals and some even see their animals brutally murdered by a direct gunshot to the head from commanding officers who will not bend the rules.

It was so close... Ratchet was on his way to the airport. And now he might not have a chance to be with Gwen and her family, and she might be punished herself because she dared to care about him.

One soldier wrote to Baghdad Pups: "I have sacrificed a lot to serve my country. All that I ask in return is to be allowed to bring home the incredible dog that wandered into my life here in Iraq and prevented me from becoming terribly callous towards life."

The SPCA International has asked the U.S. Army to show clemency to Ratchet, and allow the dog to return to Gwen's parents in Minnesota and friends of Gwen have launched a campaign to get American senators to intervene.


Ratchet as a puppy

IF YOU REALLY WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE for Gwen and other soldiers, donate to Baghdad Pups. It can cost over $4000 to bring back a dog or cat to the US, and Baghdad Pups receives 3-4 new requests from soldiers every week. Please help them to continue their mission.

We can make a difference. It's called the "Court of Public Opinion" and they will listen... Spread the word!

UPDATE: Katie has let us know that Ratchet has until early next week to be officially released in order to make the Operation Baghdad flight out of Iraq.

HERE ARE THE CURRENT PROBLEMS:

ISSUE 1: Ratchet is not allowed to leave. Since officers are refusing to let Ratchet go, he needs a military order to officially release him to leave Iraq.

ISSUE 2: Baghdad Pups needs donations to sponsor their upcoming trip to Iraq. Ratchet was scheduled to leave on their October 6th flight. Their next flight is early next week, and Ratchet must be on it. Gwen will be shipping out later this month and Ratchet will have to be abandoned if he doesn't leave before her.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

First, contact Minnesota senators and representatives (even if you're not from here). Here are some details:

Ratchet is at Camp Striker in Iraq / 15 other dogs were allowed to leave with Baghdad Pups on the flight Ratchet was supposed to be on. / The base's commanding officers seized Ratchet on his way to the airport. /
Ratchet has had his necessary vaccinations and is HEALTHY. / Ratchet needs a military release because the military is refusing to let him leave Iraq.

Calling is best because Senators and Representatives get thousands of emails. However, click here for a sample email if you prefer that.

Here is the Contact information for the MN Senators and Gwen's Representative:

Senator Amy Klobuchar:
(888) 224-9043 -or- (612) 727-5220

Senator Norm Coleman:
(800) 642-6041 -or- (651) 645-0323

Representative Keith Ellison,
(West Twin Cities, Minneapolis)
(202) 225-4755

Second, donate to Baghdad Pups! When Ratchet is released, Baghdad Pups needs to be able to pick him up from Iraq. Since Sgt Beberg will be transferred at the end of the month, Ratchet must be on Baghdad Pups next trip. Donate: Help Ratchet get another plane ticket.

By donating to them, you will not only help Ratchet get home, but you will also help other soldiers save their dogs and cats. As Gwen told Katie, "The [Baghdad Pups] program manager has made it pretty clear in her emails to those with animals that if some immediate funding doesn't roll in, they may not be able to rescue all 70 some animals on the schedule for this fall. That would be terribly sad."

Third, pass this story along. Tell your friends and let them know how they can help. The more people working to help Ratchet, the better for all the soldiers and the animals they have grown to love.

Sign the petition to demand release of Ratchet. Let's surpass our goal!
Thank you to everyone for their support and help getting attention for Ratchet. Let's keep this amazing story going. If you want to get in contact with SPCA International and Operation's Baghdad Pups on Ratchet's behalf, they have set-up a special email address for him.

Send your emails to saveratchet@spca.com.

~ Thanks from Terrie & Rachel Scott of M.A.R.S. Safe Haven ~
A division of M.A.R.S. Productions/proud mom, dog owner & Army Veteran

Thank you to EVERYONE that has spent so much time posting, emailing, calling, blogging and signing petitions in a combined effort to bring Ratchet safely home with Gwen. Thanks to Katie & Stephanie for the updates!

MESSAGE FROM: 10:40 pm PDT, Oct 8, Gwen Beberg, Minnesota

" THANK YOU TO EVERYONE SUPPORTING MY DOG!! I can't get this done without the hundreds of people supporting me, nay, THOUSANDS! I am moved to tears. Thank you, over an over, for taking our story to heart and contributing to Ratchet's wagging tail being the first thing to greet me when I go home!"

We found this on the Department of Defense website and wanted to share it with you. Remarks to the Daughters of the American Revolution (Washington, D.C.) As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, D.C., Friday, July 11, 2008

"...And, of course, then there are the stories of citizens like you citizens whose support plays a pivotal, if rarely discussed, role in this narrative. Hundreds of grassroots organizations are supporting our troops providing homes or plane tickets or supplies for Iraqi school children. One group leads an international effort to bring back to the United States dogs that have been adopted in theater ... and that units are loath to leave behind. It may seem a small thing, but in the midst of war, cats and dogs become part of the unit. As one soldier said, Even the gnarliest dudes turn to putty around...our dogs."

Please read this update posted to the SPCA's site today 10/08/08:

At least 5 other soldiers are facing situations similar to Sgt. Beberg as the military cracks down on animal friendships the y consider to be harmful. SPCA International strongly disagrees, citing medical studies and military insiders who testify to the mental health benefits animals bring to their soldier companions in times of depression and crisis. "

There comes a point when Americans must ask, whose side is the military on? The way the military is blatantly disregarding free therapy for our mentally wounded soldiers begs that question today," states Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups Program Manager.

Hundreds of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East befriend animals in the war zone to help themselves cope with the hardship and terror they face every day. These dogs and cats become their lifeline - saving them from deep depression and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The military refuses to help or formally recognize the lifeline these animals give to our mentally wounded. Veterans returned from Iraq are committing suicide at twice the rate of average Americans. It is time that Americans ask the Veterans Administration and the military to embrace all measures to ensure the mental health of every one of our soldiers returning from war. Operation Baghdad Pups dogs and cats can help fight this silent killer.

From the StarTribune - Minneapolis, Minnesota Oct 12 2008

"There are commanding officers there who are animal lovers and recognize that these animals make a difference," Crisp said. "We've had high-ranking officials bring out animals themselves." Ratchet, she said, has been the only animal confiscated once the evacuation process had begun, but at least 36 other animals that soldiers were trying to get out of Iraq have been destroyed. "To me, it's totally senseless, because they took away something that could help soldiers, and this just causes more trauma for them," Crisp said.

From TwinCities.com Minnesota Oct 12 2008

On Friday, Beberg wrote that she was transferred to a staging area in preparation for her trip out of Iraq in November. Just before she was transferred Friday, she went to check on Ratchet.

"I found no leash, no dog, no trace," she wrote. "The incoming unit replacing mine has said they do not want the dog. I'm almost crying too hard to type."

**Update: Amid reports that Ratchet was missing, Stephanie has let us know that Ratchet has been found by a fellow soldier. Although Ratchet's exact location is unclear, Sgt. Beberg was told the dog is safe, for now. 10/13/08 5:09pm est

Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups Program Manager, and Patricia Beberg, mother of U.S. Sgt. Gwen Beberg, are available for interviews.

Contact: saveratchet@spca.com

FYI: Is signing a petition effective? Yes! In general, the more a target organization is impacted by public opinion, the more effective are the petitions. ThePetitionSite enhances the credibility of online petitions by centralizing signature collection, structuring/regulating signature data collection and output, facilitating communication of petitions via fax, email, etc. Remember the effect of a petition usually goes far beyond the actual list of signatures. Journalists write stories about the petitions, signers get inspired to take additional actions, and other "potential targets" conform their behavior to avoid being a target. The more signatures the greater the impact!

M.A.R.S. Safe Haven Mission Statement:

To raise public awareness as to the plight many soldiers and their beloved companions face. To respectfully request policy changes that will reflect a more humane approach to securing the bonds between our service men and woman and the animals they come to love and care for under the most difficult of circumstances.

Most reading this petition were not even aware that these problems existed. Educating the public and sharing this with family and friends will go a long way in helping these soldiers and their animals. It encourages people to get involved and donate. Hopefully, one day no soldier will go through this again. History itself has shown us that public opinion can move mountains.

Here are some pictures of other puppies free from the war - thanks to Operation Baghdad Pups. These animals can make all the difference in a soldier's life.

Beatrice/Baghdad Pups

Abibi/Baghdad Pups

Chewey/Operation Baghdad Pups

More photos can be found at Operation Baghdad Pups website.

Operation Baghdad Pups also has a WISH LIST of items they regularly need when bringing dogs and cats home from Iraq and Afghanistan to the United States. These items help reduce the overall cost per animal and allow Operation Baghdad Pups to help more animals.

If you can donate items, please email answers@spcaquestions.com

Things like red or blue adjustable collars and leashes, house training pads to line transport crates, approved airline crates, etc. Please visit their site for a complete list of items they need. Thank you...


Want to see how much animals mean to our troops? WATCH

Operation Baghdad Pup dedication video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSDeM_qWsq8

Here's a video of another soldier's struggle to get their dog out of Iraq:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ4WYuHxkK4

Soldier's homecoming with his dogs
www.liveleak.com/view?i=147_1223108811

AP NEWS BRIEF: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, DC October 13, 2008 SPCA International will send Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager, back into the Iraq war zone for an emergency rescue attempt this week.

SPCA International is taking this drastic step with the hope that congressional appeals and extensive public outrage around the confiscation of Sgt. Gwen Beberg's dog, Ratchet, will move the military to release Ratchet into SPCA International custody on Wednesday, October 15. SPCA International refuses to take no for an answer in the fight to save Ratchet. Sgt. Beberg deserves to save the dog that saved her life. More than 11,000 signatures have been collected in support of Ratchet and Sgt. Beberg.

Operation Baghdad Pups is a SPCA International (www.spca.com/) program created to provide medical care, clearance and transport for the animals U.S. soldiers have come to love during deployment in the Middle East.

Terri Crisp, Operation Baghdad Pups program manager and Patricia Beberg, mother of U.S. Sgt. Gwen Beberg, are available for interviews. Larry Garrison, President of SilverCreek Entertainment, is handling all public relations for SPCA International.

M.A.R.S. Safe Haven is a division of M.A.R.S. Productions/Mason, Ohio
www.marsproductions.net
Contact: tms@marsproductions.net
www.myspace.com/frodoscott
www.myspace.com/mars_productions

This petition was created on Tue, October 7, 2008 11:46 pm

Labels: dogs, events, pets

Straw polls can't predict a presidential election. But Madagascar cockroaches can. The hissing insects ran in a cockroach derby held by the New Jersey Pest Management Association in New Brunswick yesterday. They have correctly forecast the winner of the White House more than 80 percent of the time. Find out which candidate won.

This is really amusing and quite interesting in light of how the U.S. elections are shaping up. Others say a specific 86% precision. Maybe they can scrap the voting in November and divine the elections this way. Heehee.

* From the video uploaded to YouTube by TVJersey.

Labels: awesome, curios, cute, entertainment, funny stuff, pets

This was something I picked up from the cat forum which is pretty funny. I wish my cats could talk to each other like that then I would just log off and watch them the whole day.


Those are the original video author's comments by the way.

Labels: cats, cute, funny stuff, pets, tabby

They were young.

They were in love.


They were clumsy.

But they still had kittens.

Be responsible enough to neuter or spay if you don't want unwanted pregnancies.

These kittens are up for adoption to responsible, cat-loving homes.

Labels: cats, cute, kittens, pets

Here's another e-mail from the Department of Forwarded Mails. Very funny too especially if you own or have owned both cats and dogs:

How To Give A Cat A Pill

1. Pick up cat and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth & swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor & cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm & repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbor's shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard, and close door on to neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss back another shot. Throw Tee shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.

12. Call fire department to retrieve the damn cat from the tree across the road. Apologize to neighbor who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil wrap.

13. Tie the little bastard's front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy-duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of filet steak. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.

14. Consume remainder of scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and removes pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.

15. Arrange for SPCA to collect mutant cat from hell and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.


How To Give A Dog A Pill

1. Wrap it in bacon.

2. Toss it in the air.

By the way, I will be finally getting the odd-eyed kitten two weeks from now.

Labels: cats, cute, dogs, funny stuff, pets

Would serious cat breeders call me crazy for changing my stance about breeding whereas before I was all for neutering and spaying my pets and leaving the breeding part to those who have studied the breed and the genetics of their brood?

It all started when I bought the book Cats In Love by Hans Walter Silvester. Seeing the pictures of all these medium haired cats sparked a curiosity, since long haired cats are such a pain to maintain why not come up with medium haired cats* like this, this, this, this, or this? They're just as fluffy but the hairs won't get as much knots as their long haired cousins. I haven't decided on seriously joining the fray but I'm laying down the foundation, like the future queen pictured below, just in case I do decide to have planned breedings.
This four month old odd-eyed kitten has both a copper-eyed orange queen for a mother and a blue eyed pure white tom for a father. I'm still asking around about the incidence of getting odd-eyed colored kittens (according to this article, there are about 5% pure white cats out of the general cat population and only 15-40% of these pure white cats have one or two blue-eyes). We'll see.

* My take on it is as simple as crossing long haired domestics with short hairs and breeding the offspring back with long haired cats. I already have a half-Persian cat, I'm just waiting for a good looking Persian to test my theory.

Labels: cats, kittens, pets