Three years after being convicted of heinous, heartless treatment of dogs, Michael Vick is still the target of animal-rights protesters wherever his reborn football career takes him. There is no shortage of people who won't forgive and forget, no matter what Vick says or does. But while those folks have been quick to reach a conclusion on Vick's seemingly-permanent guilt, most have been rather slow to reach for their wallets, to put their money where their seemingly-permanent open mouths are.
They loudly (and, indeed, rightly) decry animal cruelty, but do little to help make things better. And then there is Lori McCutcheon-Benz. And Rachael Ray.
You probably know Rachael. Her bubbly cable TV cooking show led to a nationally-syndicated talker. But her website, rachaelray.com, has lots of pages devoted to everything pet - nutrition, recipes, care, news, and a special section called Rachael's Rescue. "Heartbroken by the thought of the millions of mistreated and abandoned animals taken in by shelters each year, Rachael has created the Rachael's Rescue website to highlight organizations that are dedicated to helping animals in need. In support of their work, she's also launched a new line of pet food called Rachael Ray Nutrish(TM)." A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these products will go to animal rescue organizations such as the ASPCA.
And if you live in Upper Bucks, you should have heard about Lori. For 20 years she has operated the non-profit Last Chance Ranch in Richland Township, which was originally devoted to saving sick and elderly horses from the slaughter house. But more recently, she has turned her attention to abandoned and mistreated dogs.
The organization's extensive website, lastchanceranch.org, has ooodles of information about what they do, and what is available for adoption. The Mission Statement includes "Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue is dedicated to promoting and educating the public to humane and responsible treatment of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules (equines) and other domestic companion animals. Last Chance Ranch, Inc. (LCR) provides a safe and secure refuge for abused, unwanted or neglected animals. LCR rehabilitates the physical and psychological issues of these rescued animals and places them into new homes where they receive the love they deserve."
You would think that in this Vick-fueled era of canine-treatment publicity, people would be thrilled that someone in their own community cares enough about those needy pooches to devote herself, and her money, full-time (translation - no public tax dollars) to saving the Suffering Spots. Yet Lori's biggest obstacle has been the pettiness of one of her own neighbors. A lone protestor complained to the township that Last Chance was now caring for dogs as well as horses. Although a dozen local residents appeared in support of Lori, she had to spend thousands of dollars to deal with zoning issues. In the end she got the permits, which allow her to do exactly what she was doing.
As you might imagine, an enterprise this extensive is expensive. But with the poor economy, all charitable efforts are suffering the consequences of reduced giving. Last Chance is always seeking donations of money or goods. Topping the need list is $250,000 to build a 40-by-40-foot shelter to house up to 36 dogs. Lori is still $150,000 short, and actively engaged in a fundraising campaign. If it is successful, Last Chance will break ground in February for the much-needed larger facility.
The current building is almost always full, and there are still those mindless Vick-alikes in our society who we don't hear about, but whose cruelties necessitate rescue facilities like Last Chance. Plus, many of the commercial kennels in PA, which have long bred, and boarded, dogs are being closed by the state, due to stringent, costly new regulations.
Enter Rachael Ray, and Mutt Madness. The name is a play on words for "March Madness", the annual college basketball tournament that starts with 64 teams, and eventually crowns a national champion. Ray invited organizations across the country that care for dogs in distress to submit applications describing their work, and vie for a first prize of $50,000.
The best 64 were selected for the tournament. The organizations were paired, and Ray's viewing public voted online, with the winner in each contest advancing until there were only two left - Last Chance, and Angel's Gate Hospice, an animal rehabilitation center in upstate New York. With the grand prize being awarded at Christmas time, who could be surprised when the 50 large went to the Angels?
It was a disappointment for Lori, but she appeared live on The Rachael Ray Show to accept the second prize of $25,000, which moves her building efforts closer to becoming Rover Reality. "We so desperately need it for our kennel," she told The Intel. Video of the ranch was also aired on the show, and Ray spoke passionately about the great need for people to adopt pets from places like Last Chance Ranch.
So for those of you who hate the Michael Vicks of the world, don't just talk the talk. Here is an opportunity to make a difference in your community in the new year. Start by visiting the Last Chance website. It is extensive, and very professional. Read the stories of some of the animals. Peruse the pictures, and see how Lori and her staff have saved countless lives.
Then follow the easy instructions on how to volunteer, adopt a pet, or make a contribution of money or goods. It's Rachael Ray tested, and Rachael Ray approved.