On December 13, little Charlie went missing from his home. His family searched frantically for him.
On January 10, we received this email: “I regret to inform you that Charlie was found by CP Rail just a mere block from where he went missing…he passed yesterday…it is unclear how exactly. Some say the train but he was in immaculate condition, and his hair was white and no matts. Just like we last saw him, and he was being fed as he has not lost any weight.”
Charlie was just six months old when he disappeared.
The following letter appeared on The Taber Times today. It’s a letter from Charlie’s “mom” where she is talking to the person believed to have had Charlie for the more than three weeks he was missing from his home. I cannot say how this story breaks my heart. We all expected such a different ending. Everyone with DAISY Foundation extends heartfelt hugs to Charlie’s family.
EDITOR;
This is for Charlie, our sweet, loving and innocent puppy taken from us so senselessly. He never got to experience his full puppyhood with his family because of human greed and insensitivity.
You kept him for over three weeks, you kept him clean, you fed him well and were able to see him grow. Then what happened?
Did you feel the heat from all the flyers mailed out and then the Taber newspaper report?
Were your dreams dashed because this little puppy had posters up from British Columbia through Manitoba, so no one would buy him from you?
Or, were you planning on keeping him, but because he was so well known you panicked and did the unthinkable?
If you had used the brains you were born with and simply given him a mud bath or made him really dirty, given his family a call to say you had found him, everyone would have been happy — you, with your large reward and this family for the return of this very precious puppy with no questions asked.
You saw this family and the community out there every day for over three weeks scouring the village for Charlie. You must have been blind and so cold hearted not to have seen the love and devotion they had for him. To keep him from his family was the ultimate in inhumanity.
Your kind of people are a menace to any community, because who else’s pet will be taken next and then discarded so lightly when things don’t go your way? In our hearts, we know your justice will come sooner or later for your cowardly deed.
May Charlie’s memory live with everyone who knew him or of him, and his family, and know we are ever so grateful to all the people who gave of their time, energy and support in search to bring him home.
LYNDA MURRAY
Lethbridge
reprinted from The Taber Times
It’s not going to be a happy New Year for one family unless Jersey returns home. Jersey and her two canine companions woke Colleen up at 2 a.m. on December 28th. She let the three dogs out. In a couple of minutes, she whistled for Oscar, Diva and Jersey. Colleen heard a whistle immediately following her whistle. Colleen whistled again… and once again a whistle followed. She ran back into the house and locked the door. Colleen was afraid to be out there alone at 2 a.m., so she promptly awoke her daughter. When they got to the door, they hollered for the three dogs. Oscar and Diva came back. Jersey did not. She woke her son and the three of them searched the entire area including Airdrie for hours and now days.
There was no evidence of an animal attack…she just disappeared. The whistle is suspicious.
Jersey is in urgent need of her medication. She recently had surgery for an aggressive infection. There were complications with the surgery and Jersey had to have the surgery repeated. If she doesn’t get her medication, Jersey’s life is at risk.
Jersey is a member of a family. She is a 7-month-old brown brindle pit bull. She has more light hairs on her belly. She has stunning coppery brown eyes. She is a slender 18” tall lightweight. She has a slight lumpy mark on the left side of her neck from the surgery. She’s active and loves her family, is timid with strangers but not vicious.
Colleen has a very special eight year old son named Ben. He suffers from 3 major diseases; last of which was a liver transplant. He has recently been treated for a major rejection. When Ben cries, Jersey is there. He doesn’t have many friends because he is “different.” Jersey builds Ben’s confidence and is his best friend and constant companion. Jersey looks out for Ben.
Ben believes Jersey is coming home. He needs his best friend back. Please, if you have seen Jersey or know of her whereabouts, call the D.A.I.S.Y.? Foundation at 403-475-1020. Someone knows where Jersey is.
If you have Jersey’s and want to stay anonymous, you can drop her off at any vet in Airdrie, Crossfield, Carstairs or Calgary North Vet.
Colleen’s children have emptied their piggy banks and pooled their resources. These kids have come up with a $295.00 reward.
If you would like to make a donation to Jersey’s Reward Fund*, please click here and note that you donation is for Jersey’s Reward Fund.
The family is not whole without Jersey.
*Any extra monies received will go to the DAISY Foundation Veterinary Assistance Fund.
Remember Duke, the little Chihuahua who was abducted by a coyote, but managed to drag himself back home despite his injuries? Who was later abducted by a hawk, but again survived?
Yes, THAT Duke.
He has a new home!
When Gail Gallant first told his story and said that he was looking for a new home, I immediately had the feeling that DAISY Foundation founder, Heather Anderson, would be the perfect match for him. I felt it in my gut and in my heart. But knowing that Heather already has a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds and reptiles, I decided it would be best to see if they would find each other.
So we created a blog post and spread the word about Duke. We received offers from far and near, but for one reason or another, they did not work out.
About a month later, we were working on our plans for the 4th Annual DAISY Foundation Fundraiser. Because it was being held at the community center, we thought we would invite Duke. Perhaps if people could see him in person, they might be interested in him or know someone who was. And that’s exactly what happened when Heather and Duke met — Heather with her cane and Duke with his cart. A match made in heaven!
A reporter recently interviewed the two of them at Heather’s house and filed this article. He also shot a video so everyone can meet Duke, aka Mr. Hot Wheels! As you can see in the video, not much slows this boy down!
Congratulations to Heather and Duke. I KNEW you would find each other!
And a special thanks to Gail for stepping up for this little man!
JEREMY NOLAIS | METRO CALGARY
Previously down on his luck, a resilient pup has rolled his way into a new Calgary home … and the heart of his new owner.
Known as Duke, the two-year-old Chihuahua has endured attacks by both a coyote and hawk, suffering extensive injuries that left his back two legs unusable.
Unable to afford pricey vet bills, his owners in Lacombe outfitted Duke with a set of wheels to replace his back two legs, but quickly realized they would no longer be able to give him enough care and attention.
Luckily, Calgary’s Heather Anderson, founder of animal rights advocacy group The Daisy Foundation, has come to the rescue.
Duke moved into Anderson’s humble abode earlier this month and has quickly made friends with a canine named Colt, who lost a leg as result of a gunshot wound.
“He’s got this spirit you wouldn’t believe,” Anderson said. “He’s incredible. I truly believe he has come into my life for a reason.”
Duke’s previous owner, Valerie Parish, spent months searching for a new home for him with the help of a complete stranger and Good Samaritan, Edmonton’s Carol Gallant.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Parish said of Duke’s new abode. “It was a long road but knowing where he went has made it all worthwhile.”
reprinted from MetroNews Calgary
UPDATE: Duke has found a new home — with Heather, founder of DAISY Foundation 
When I think of a dog named Duke, I think of a big dog; 60 pounds or so. But in this case, this Duke is a tiny mite with a big personality.
Meet DUKE! The little Chihuahua with the big heart!
Duke used to live out in the country where he had a doggy door so he could go outside as needed. One day last summer, his owner found him laying on the doorstep unable to move. His vet believes that Duke was attacked by a coyote; that he was given the “death shake” that injured his spine. But somehow Duke managed to get away and make it home before the swelling to his spine made that impossible.
Now Duke gets around via his fancy “wheels.” According to his owner, “The [cart] he has is super light and works wonderful. I think you will be surprised as to how well it works. He can run in it; he can go through most terrain.”
Circumstances are such now that Duke’s family is looking for a new home for him: “I am so sad that we can not keep him, it breaks my heart, but it isn’t fair to him not to have someone who can change his diapers regularly and care for him properly.”
Will you help Duke?
We used to live in the country.
We had a doggy door which they used all the time. One day he was attacked by a coyote and I found Duke on the door step. He was not able to move.
The Vet figured he was given the death shake and it broke his back. He was still able to run away but as he stopped, the cord began to swell. The vet gave us the option to take him to Calgary where they could have exposed his cord to relieve the pressure. He would have had a 50/50 shot of recovering completely. The procedure was $5000 and with all the other tests and stay, it could have been up to $10.000 which we just didn’t have.
So the vet did keep him for 3 days, gave him pain killers and iv fluid, xrays, etc, etc.
The [cart] he has is super light and works wonderful. I think you will be surprised as to how well it works. He can run in it, he can go through most terrain. I personally don’t think he needs a new one.
We looked at the professional ones to get the basic pattern. It took my husband and my brother-in-law (who is a welder) 3 days to finally get it right. I have a seamstress who made all of his supplies including [the supplies] for his cart. His supplies cost over $500.00. They are starting to wear so probably in the next year he will need some of them replaced.
I am so sad that we can not keep him, it breaks my heart, but it isn’t fair to him not to have someone who can change his diapers regularly and care for him properly.
Can you take him?
Thank you.
We are looking for a forever home for Duke. Sometimes it takes a little longer with a “special needs” dog, so we are asking you to help us. If you are interested in knowing more about Duke, please email Carol (Enable Javascript to see the email address) or message her on Facebook.
If you are unable to adopt him, please share Duke’s story with your friends and family. There is a home out there for him and it may even be there with someone you know.
So, please help this little mite with the big heart out… SHARE his story.
Things seem quiet in Mirror these days after the dog poisonings in April. However, what has changed?
Last I knew, there was to be a town hall meeting in Mirror between residents and officials to discuss the poisoning deaths of 13 dogs and what was going to be done about it. But last I heard, the meeting never happened.
When the first reported poisoning of dogs happened a year ago, one RCMP officer involved in the poisonings talked with Daisy Foundation’s Heather Anderson. At that time, Heather pointed out research that shows a link between animal abuse and abuse of people. The officer rather sarcastically asked Heather if she was suggesting that there was a serial dog killer in Mirror. Her reply was, “Yes!”
A year passed and in April, at least 13 dogs died from poisoning in an overnight period. Coincidence? Or serial dog killer? My bet is on the latter.
It’s been a few months now and as expected, the hysteria has mostly subsided. People have returned to their normal lives. But what about the families victimized by the poisonings. At least one family lost dogs they had added to their family after their previous dog had been poisoned a year back. This family has again been victimized, traumatized and hurt. I wonder how they are doing these days?
Well, I think it’s time to shake out the rug and see what has settled underneath. Let’s not wait another year or even another season to see if the killer strikes again. Let’s raise some awareness.
I am asking the people of Mirror who have lost a pet to the poisonings to send me their story (Enable Javascript to see the email address) and a photo of their beloved dog. Let’s see if we can’t renew our search for justice and move forward to some resolution beyond what we have right now.
$5000 reward for the return of Benjamin to his family
call: 780-837-1049 | email: (Enable Javascript to see the email address)
Benjamin has been missing since January 20, 2011 when he was “taken” from his driveway.
“Ben was last seen on our end driveway talking to a stranger, being fed with a pizza box. Ben is not a wanderer, and is very attached to us, his people. Ben is 108 pounds, and 28 inches tall at the shoulder.”
It’s possible that Benjamin was sold to or adopted by someone who may not know that he was stolen from his family. If you have recently adopted a dog that looks like Benjamin, please check inside his ears and see if he is tattooed.
There is, however, reason to believe he is still in the company of the person who stole him.
“Benjamin is our child and our child is missing. We search everyday on all mediums…social media, websites, radio, newspapers, and posters.”
Please help us find Benjamin and bring him home. There is a $5000 reward for Benjamin’s return or a tip that brings him safely home.
If you have Benjamin and would like to anonymously return him, we are offering you several options to do that:
If you have any tips on the whereabouts of Benjamin, contact Benjamin’s family at the phone number/email above.
Our goal here is to re-unite this baby with his family; the family that has raised him from puppyhood; the family that misses him more everyday. Benjamin is out there. Neighbors saw the vehicle that took him away. Please, we are asking everyone’s help in bringing this boy home.
Below is a LOST poster for Benjamin. Perhaps you can print it out and distribute it in your neighborhood to help us get the word out.
Please share Benjamin’s story with your friends and family: email them a link to this webpage; SHARE this page by clicking on the social media buttons at the top or bottom of this page; hang posters. Think of these gestures as “paying it forward.” We would all appreciate all the help we could get if we were in the shoes of Benjamin’s family.
We probably hear more stories about cruelty against dogs than any other animal. Why? I don’t know, but the stories are sickening and disheartening.
In one case last year, a man severely beat a dog with a flashlight causing serious injuries to the dog. When authorities arrived to investigate, they found the dog sleeping beside the man who had abused him.
There is something in dogs that remains loyal beyond all reason. It’s as though they see something more in us than we do. Or perhaps it is a naivety in their genes that makes them look up to us.
But any abuse against ANY animal must end. Without stronger laws against animal abuse and cruelty, we find that the current pattern of abuse just continues and even seems to be escalating. There have been links made to show that animal abusers can become abusive to people. It’s a behavior that must be amended as soon as possible.
We must not tolerate abuse on any scale.
If you see abuse, report it! There is no excuse for abuse.
By KEVIN MARTIN, CALGARY SUN — JUNE 16, 2010
Bashing his dog in the head with a flashlight, which led to the animal losing an eye, has landed a Calgary man nine months of house arrest.
Provincial court Judge Bruce Fraser on Tuesday said Donald James Ainsworth poses no danger to the public, so a conditional sentence was warranted.
Fraser said barring Ainsworth from being around pets for five years would alleviate any concern he poses a risk.
He said the term behind bars sought by Crown prosecutor Gord Haight wasn’t necessary, noting Ainsworth had no prior criminal history.
“The court … must be satisfied that he would not be a danger to the community,” the judge said in citing one of the pre-conditions for considering a conditional sentence order.
“The offender has no criminal record, is 46 years of age, and if prohibited from having the custody or control of an animal … he could not be said to be a risk to the community.”
Ainsworth earlier pleaded guilty to wilfully permitting his dog to be caused unnecessary pain or suffering in connection with a March 14, 2009, incident.
Ainsworth became angry at his miniature Doberman pinscher, Gucci, when she urinated in his truck.
He grabbed Gucci by the neck and shook her before striking her on the head with a flashlight.
The animal ran under some shelving and Ainsworth was unable to get the animal out.
He went to bed, awakening the next morning to find his injured pet beside him.
Ainsworth eventually had a friend take the dog to the humane society, where a vet determined its injured eye would have to be removed.
Fraser agreed with defence lawyer Andrea Serink a jail term in the three- to five-month range sought by Haight wasn’t needed.
Outside court, animal activist Heather Anderson said Ainsworth’s five-year ban from having pets was a positive step.
“I wish it was a lifetime ban, but five years is better than two years,” she said.
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CALGARY HERALD | MAY 7, 2010
By Daryl Slade
CALGARY – A 21-year-old city man will not have a criminal record for beating a four-month-old husky puppy to death with a piece of wood, if he successfully completes a year of probation.
Provincial court Judge Terry Semenuk, in imposing the conditional discharge on Jacob Michael Rabeau on Friday, said although hitting the dog was unnecessary, “the offence was impulsive.”
Semenuk noted that Rabeau was in fear of the dog, Shea, when it came at him early on the morning of Aug. 2, 2007, as he stopped to urinate in an alley in the southeast community of Queensland. But he also admitted he overreacted.
“Even if he had a bona fide fear of the dog while urinating, he could have simply got into his vehicle and driven away,” Semenuk said in his decision.
Rabeau previously pleaded guilty to causing the dog’s death. He must pay $800 restitution to the owner, Justin Kotulak, and $250 to the Calgary Humane Society. He also must take counselling for anger management.
Willie deWit, Rabeau’s lawyer, said outside court his client was relieved. “This has been hanging over his head for a number of years. It certainly has been a drain on him,” deWit said.
“Of course, he feels badly. He still has to deal with probation and counselling, but he’s glad to get it behind him and move on.
“Certainly, this happened on the spur of the moment. As he said, he’d rather take a bite now than react like that.”
Court heard the dog, which weighed no more than 4.5 kilograms, had escaped from its yard after owner Justin Kotulak let it out into the yard late at night.
When the dog came towards Rabeau, he retreated to his car, grabbed a 2-by-4 or baseball bat and struck the dog on the head.
Heather Anderson, founder of animal rights group DAISY (Delegates Against Inhumane Suffering Y), said she was extremely disappointed with the sentence.
“It’s the worst slap on the wrist I’ve seen,” she said outside court. “He deliberately killed this dog . . . and robbed this family of a lot of years of love from this dog.
“What is $800 when you lose a family member. Kids have to suffer and they blame themselves for letting the dog loose in the first place.”
Crown prosecutor Richelle Freiheit, who had sought 21 to 30 days jail, said she was surprised by the sentence, but would have to review the judge’s written decision before deciding whether to appeal.
“It’s been very tricky, because there is this explanation that he acted out of fear. It’s hard for someone to prove what’s in someone’s mind,” Freiheit said.
“You normally have to look at their actions. In this case we’ve got a man who says, ‘I love dogs, I’ve had pets.’ I can’t dispute that he was afraid. To me, it’s a bit strange to be afraid of a four-month-old husky puppy, if you’ve had that experience with dogs. But we can only prove what people saw and the evidence that was there.”
Court heard Kotulak had let Shea out into the backyard shortly before the incident and he managed to escape. When Kotulak discovered his dog was missing and went to the alley to look, he approached a vehicle with several occupants and heard one voice say “we just killed it.”
The owner then discovered the puppy, which had severe head trauma, was bleeding from the ears and started convulsing. The car then drove away.
Kotulak then picked up Shea and carried him to the backyard, where the puppy died in his arms.
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