GRRRL Power- Outdoor Inspiration- A Divine Line

My good friend Jaima has started a new website to help connect the female backcountry enthusiasts of the Wasatch. Her site is called A Divine Line and her aim is to have a forum, gear reviews, classifieds to buy and sell used gear, interviews, and great trail information for ski touring and climbing in Utah. Jaima is an amazing athlete, from snowboarding, to backcountry skiing, to climbing, she is pretty much a badass, and her website will no doubt be a fun, inspiring place to visit and a great way to connect with other women who enjoy the Wasatch backcountry. Stop by and join her forum today!

I'm Like David Hasslehoff

Not really, but this is a banner week for media. I must be big in Japan...or Germany, or somewhere!

Yesterday, my friend Chris pointed out that I am a centerfold in the new Urban Climber for an FFA I did in LCC about two years ago...oh well, better late than never, right? And, for those of you who have asked, Yes, it was scary. It's actually Ditch Witch low, or sit, or whatever it's called and was a fourth overall ascent, first female ascent. Back when I used to be strong, was motivated, and had balls. I remember the day well, I made Andy promise to stay on the ground and spot me with Justin, and he PROMISED he would and that he wouldn't take pics. When I topped out that boulder and looked over in the trees and saw Andy in a tree limb with his camera in hand, and only little ol' Justin on the ground, I was MAD. But, I was also so ecstatic, and I forgave Andy, as I was happy to have his amazing pics to remember it by.

Then today, again in design blog land, I have popped up again on Apartment Therapy, a republish of a shot that appeared about a year ago. This time, they have labled me as having an "Unstuffy Dining Room." Cool, I'll take it. I need to entertain soon in that Unstuffy Dining Room, because as of late I have been a total and complete shut in.

While we're on the topic of my status as a shut in, Honey is still struggling. I can't really write about it, because it's painful. She is still having problems on her leg that was re-operated on, and we go back in again on Thursday for another xray. At this point, I'm saying no more surgery...let's let this poor Honey heal and try again in a few months. And as if to tell me how over it she really is, she took a dump in my laundry room- a first, and hopefully a last.

That's the news for the day, and if you have any funny stories, I could use a laugh right about now.

Pic by Andy Burr

pic by yours truly

pic by yours truly

Honored- Desire to Inspire Shout Out

Well, off the topic of pooches, and on the topic of design. Very thrilled and honored to have on of my photos appear on one of my favorite design blogs Desire to Inspire. If you ever are stumped on a house project, or just need to be inspired for your space, this blog is a must read! Thank you so much Desire to Inspire!

We Made the News

Our Pittie Pumpkin Party made the Deseret News, and personally, I think our photographer, who doesn't have any pets, really fell for some of the dogs, especially Aggie, the black and white pup in a chicken costume (I was quite smitten with her as well...).

Photos by Chen Wang, Deseret News

Michael Vick is Released from Prison

Yesterday, disgraced Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick left prison after serving 19 months for dogfighting. He will serve two more months at home, and has apparently offered to work with youth through the Humane Society to educate others about dog fighting. Hmmm...the irony there being that the HSUS wanted to euthanize all of the dogs that were seized.

Well, as you all can imagine, I'm not in the group of people that feel MV deserves a second chance.

The silver lining is that many of the wonderful dogs that were taken from his hellhole, were given a second chance, and they are thriving. Several have become therapy dogs, been adopted to good homes, are in foster care, or are living their days at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab.

I'd love to hear from you, I have posted a poll on the right sidebar. Vote, and tell me why you chose your answer here in the comments.

Please Vote for the Shelter Challenge!

Hello faithful readers! Please take less than 10 seconds out of your busy days to vote for No More Homeless Pets on the rescuesite.com's Shelter Challenge.

Go here, and then type in No More Homeless Pets in Utah- 1 click, and Voile! you're done. No registration required.

Thanks for supporting our local awesome no kill program! We will receive a $20000 grant if we win.

Apartment Therapy AGAIN!!

Um, super sweet, third time this year, BOOYAH, thanks AT!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/inspiration/how-are-your-home-resolutions-coming-along-083170

Get Shorty

Yup, that's me, Shorty. Photo by Adam.

Blogosphere JACKPOT

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! I made Apartment Therapy again! I LOVE it, I'm so excited, what a huge honor to be recognized there. I check AT several times a day to find interior inspiration, and I love the variety of content there, all geared towards smaller space, creative design. So cool, I'm ecstatic. There is talk of a future online house tour of our home. We'll keep you posted!

And another blog, Plastolux, also picked it up! Thanks to everyone who has given us feedback.

Five Ten Treasure Hunt

 

I'm not sure exactly how this works, but if you are on Twitter (that's YOU Cragbaby and Wasatch Girl!)then check it out!

Me As a Superhero!

This was really fun to make. Go here to make your own!

 

A Fantastic Article in Sports Illustrated

I know lately, a lot of this blog has been centering about dogs...specifically pitties.  I've been volunteering for No More Homeless Pets and Best Friends, and of course, having two rescued pittie mixes of my own, clearly this is close to my heart.  I have been following the stories of a lot of dogs, and I am hoping to adopt another rescued pittie in the future (though not while Sweet Winn is of this earth).  I, like many, have been captivated by the stories of the Vick(tory) Dogs that have ended up at Best Friends, and Bad Rap, another fantastic dog rescue out of the Bay Area.

This article was in Sports Illustrated today, and I think it's a great one.  It chronicles not only the horror that these dogs endured, but the hope they now have.  You will also see in print, PETA's stance- if you don't remember reading this on this very blog previously, I'll recap:  PETA believes in Breed Specific Legislation, and that pit bulls should be euthanized.  Sickening and oh-so-ironic.

Anyways, please read this article  in SI today online and be sure the check out the photo gallery if you have a chance- it will enlighten you not only to the plight of the Vicktory Dogs, but to the tradgedy of dog fighting in general, and the important work of the rescues involved.

Also, if any of you readers have cable, tomorrow on the National Geographic Channel, they will run a marathon of the show Dogtown, which chronicles many of the 500 various rescued dogs living at Best Friends.   Adam and I will be volunteering again January 1-4 in Kanab at Dogtown, and I am counting the minutes.

Another ridiculous cop out of "humane" treatment of pit bulls by the SPCA

So…Where Are the Dogs?
reprinted from the Bestfriends.org website
The real victims of Houston’s dog fighting bustBy Ed Fritz, Best Friends staff.

On November 14, one of the largest dog fighting rings in the country was busted in Texas, according to the Houston Chronicle. The individuals facing charges come from all walks of life; from school teachers to oil industry executives to hardened criminals. While many man hours and resources have gone into prosecuting this case to what seems to be the fullest extent of the law, what is missing from the news reports is what has become of the victims? How many resources went into helping these dogs used as pawns by these violent offenders? Chillingly, all reports suggest that all 187 of these dogs have been summarily euthanized, no questions asked.

One group, Love-A-Bull would like to know why rescue organizations were not consulted, if only to save one life - it would have changed the world for that one victim.Desperate attempts were made by rescue groups to get as many dogs as possible to safety. The dogs were placed in custody of the Health Department. Because the Health Department does not house animals, local organizations stepped up. It turns out that the offer to help did not pan out so well for the dogs. These organizations do not adopt out pit bulls, nor do they provide sanctuary.Lydia Zaidman, President of the 501c3 pit bull advocacy organization Love-A-Bull in Austin, Texas is one of those that reached out to offer help with rescuing the confiscated dogs. Lydia was shocked to hear from SPCA spokesperson, Meera Nandlal, that the dogs were “line bred for fighting” and were going to be “humanely euthanized.” According to Zaidman, representatives of the SPCA would not answer more questions or comment any further. She then decided to advocate the best she knew how. She rallied the group and passed the ball to fellow pit bull advocate, Robyn Roberts who got things rolling with her Houston Press blog.

In an article posted on the Animal Law Coalition website, Laura Allen writes that just days after the seizure of the dogs “…a judge awarded custody of dogs seized in Harris County to Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services Dept. Assistant District Attorney Belinda Smith told Animal Law Coalition these dogs have already been euthanized. Harris County animal control also has a policy of not adopting out aggressive dogs.”Nandlal, Public Relations Manager for the Houston SPCA, which took 61 of the dogs, had this to say, “These animals were bred from a long line of fighting dogs to be aggressive. We have made the decision to have them humanely euthanized.”

As Best Friends Animal Society took in 22 of the pit bulls from the infamous Bad Newz Kennels, owned by Atlanta Falcons Quarterback, Michael Vick, I can tell you with first hand experience that dogs that “come from a long line of fighting” do not inherently fight. It appears that even animal care professionals, in this case the Houston SPCA, still need an education on pit bulls.

Dogs from even the worst case scenarios can be rehabilitated and it has been proven by the progress made by the victims of Michael Vick. Some of the rehabilitated canines can even go on to become beloved house pets and therapy dogs! To think that the dogs seized in this raid were given no chances, no attorneys, no reprieve – only euthanasia as their final solution - is unconscionable!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1. We urge you to write to the President of the Houston SPCA and ask that they readdress their policy regarding pit bull type dogs.

- Request that in the future, when rescue groups stand up and offer help, that they accept it.
- Request that before decisions of euthanasia are made, reputable animal trainers and behaviorists are invited to fairly evaluate the animal in question.
- Request that the shelter system work towards developing model adoption programs for pit bulls and other bully type breeds.
- Insist that the Houston SPCA live up to their mission statement (from their own website): “The Houston SPCA is committed to accepting all animals in need and giving them a second chance at life.”
Patricia E. Mercer, PresidentHouston SPCA900 Portway Drive Houston, Texas 77024-8022Phone: 713-869-7722
Email: patriciamercer@hspca.org
Other contacts for the Houston SPCA

2. If you love pits, support bully friendly organizations such as:• Love-A-Bull • Bad Rap• Animal Farm Foundation• Our Pack

3. Support the victims of dogs rescued from fighting rings. Post your comments on the Houston Press Blog. For more background information and updates on this unprecedented case go to:• Petabuse.com

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staffPhoto credit: dogs pictured were not those seized and were taken by Best Friends photographers

I Am So EXCITED!

My absolute favorite design blog that I check a hundred times a day, Apartment Therapy, has posted a photo of my living room that they got from my Flickr account.  This is so exciting to me, as I look each and every day to AT for design inspiration!  How cool!

Here's a link:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/at-home-cure-la/southwest-fall-cure-planning-and-purging-week-four-weekend-068938

Melissa's Mad Skills Get a Shoutout!

I love checking in on Grassroots Modern every now and then, almost as much as I love obssessing over Craigslist and KSL.com. All of my friends know that I love bargain hunting and I love when people charge me with finding them a sweet deal on that rare or hard to find thing. Creede mentioned on his blog that he was looking for some Emeco chairs but didn't want to spend the ridiculous price of 400/chair that retailers like DWR charge. I found authentic ones some on CL.com for 70/chair and let him know. He promptly snagged them, and gave me a shoutout today:

http://grassrootsmodern.com/2008/10/08/thanks-melissa/

If anyone else needs anything, let me know, I'm always on the hunt. But beware, I might beat you to the punch if it's supa-cool!

Sweet Home Alabama

Melissa and Adam are back in the Deep South after a great Xmas break in NY. While we were home, the local Rochester paper did an article on John Lipani's bread baking. The article should be found at: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050108/NEWS0202/501080316/-1/ARCHIVE3

We're currently in Alabama climbing at Sandrock and Little River Canyon. Sandrock is good for free camping but there's a lot of graffiti on the rocks. Plus there seem to be 3 dozen guys doing National Guard training in the campsite next to us. Kind of strange to have guys in military uniforms walking through the woods with blue M-16's. We want to go bouldering at Horse Pens 40 but we have some injuries currently that are keeping us from pulling that hard. Hopefully, we'll heal up fine.