Project Hope - In Defense of Animals

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Doll's Diary
Account by Doll Stanley, April 6th, 2005

It's been another amazing week. Among other things, I had the privilege of speaking on "How To Run a Successful Investigation" and "Grass Roots from the Burbs to the Bible Belt" at the Grassroots Animal Rights Conference (GARC) in New York City. Though it was the first time this conference was held it turned out well. Yeah, sessions weren't always on time (sometimes because we speakers didn't stick to the time allotted), but people gained helpful information, and the camaraderie was tremendously inspiring. Though I witness animal abuse on a regular basis, the videos still stoke my determination. Videos reach a level of emotional awareness that on-site cruelty and exploitation drowns, maybe because being there in person is so intense and acting on the spot requires so much energy and concentration. Connecting with the awesome people who are working every avenue of animal rights and protection is in itself a must at such gatherings.

I'm chuckling. I could write pages on my "mastery" of the New York City transit system and subway map. It took me nearly four hours to get from the airport to my hotel. If I hadn't left early - and I mean early - for the conference, I would have missed my first opportunity to speak on a panel. Well-meaning New Yorkers too often sent me on the wrong train in the wrong direction. Hopefully, GARC's organizers will provide next year's attendees with information on staying within access of the conference center to protect out-of-towners from travel mishaps.

The food that was served looked great but ran out before many of us had a chance to try it. For my first meal, I found a vegetarian Chinese restaurant on Mott Street, but forgot to ask if they used MSG and had an awful reaction. I joined a young woman involved in ecological programs for a delicious after dinner mango and black tapioca drink. I did my best to convince her that she doesn't have to give up being a vegetarian when she becomes pregnant.

I met many wonderful people on the streets and subway cars. Everyone who spoke with me learned about the conference. I spoke with two young New Yorkers originally from Greece who mentioned the positive impact that recent spay/neuter programs were having back home.

On another evening I met five ladies from South Carolina. They swept me into their cab and off to dinner we zoomed. Yikes! Tribeca Grill, a restaurant in which actor Robert DeNiro has holdings, serves both foie gras and veal. Contact them at 375 Greenwich Street, NY, NY 10013 or (212) 941-3900 if you want to let them know how you feel about the torture baby cows and ducks are forced to endure in the production of these so-called "delicacies."

Despite the cruel items on the menu, I was served a copious and creative vegetarian meal, which my new friends openly admired. I was relieved that at least they did not order the veal or foie gras, and was pleased that volunteerism and animal issues dominated our conversation. One of the women serves as director for a non-profit that provides AIDS patients with everything from transportation to dental care; another woman's daughter brought her into the world of dog rescue. The evening was delightful, promoted a circle of compassion, and two of us struck up a conversation with a compassionate attorney who was out walking his dog. We agreed to e-mail each other.

During yet another meal of salad and pasta in Times Square, I had a fruitful dialogue with a family who had just come back from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (the father holds box seats through his company). I knew they'd been there because the children were carrying popcorn boxes from the show.

As you can see, I didn't miss an opportunity to keep the issues animals face at the heart of my mission.

I'm grateful to Sonya and Heather for overseeing the sanctuary and caring for the animals in my absence. And of course, I jumped right back into the fray upon returning home. Yesterday we aided a Germen Shepherd who would have otherwise been euthanized. He bit a neighboring boy who approached "while he was chained" – damn chains! After hours of investigating and working through anger, confusion, and blurred details, we helped to pay for a portable enclosure that would house the dog. He is a handsome and really well behaved dog. I suspect that he viewed the boy as a threat when he came to visit the girl who lives there and was petting the dog at the time. Anyway, we loaned the guardians a large crate for the dog's trip to the vet to be neutered, and gave solid advice on handling and housing him. We also referred the guardians to a friend of ours who works with shepherds that exhibit overly protective behavior.

Three pups arrived today. The guardian is one of the most irresponsible people we know of. While we accepted the pups, we are pushing his girlfriend to take responsibility for the mom by getting her spayed. We will ask the Greenwood shelter if this can be arranged through their program. We have already aided the family several times.

I took the pups to the vet. A newspaper reporter is coming to do a story on them. Hopefully, this will help these pups find good homes and reduce the number of animals being recklessly bred.

While I was in New York, two of our pups that were destined for Texas got placed in Jackson. It was a blessing. Our friend who helps place them in Texas can only bring four back this time instead of the nine she'd hoped to take. That leaves us with three, but they are in foster care in Jackson.

I am still working on the cruelty cases from last week, and responding to the many calls that came in while I was gone.

Tonight I will address the Cleveland Aldermen (and women) on the issue of restricting "pit bulls." My thrust is on banning log/tow chains and requiring humane, but secure, fencing. All dogs need this, not just one breed.

Well, it's been quite a week. Thanks for reading about my adventures.

Doll

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