Saturday, July 9, 2011

Recognition Helps Spread the Importance of Love

Well, heavens to Betsy, I, and my friends Brutus the Dane and Trailer Park Dogs, were just given an honor by Fido Friendly magazine. They selected all of us, and namely our rock band, Da Shibbering Cheetos, as one of the top 50 in the world of dogs (to see photo click here)! That's a pretty amazing thing, particularly since I know a lot of truly amazing animals.  I have to say I am honored and truly touched. Particularly as this months' Fido Friendly showcases one of the most active people in animal rights, Ms. Betty White.

Ms. White has "championed the cause of companion animals and wildlife as president emeritus of the Morris Animal Foundation and trustee with the Los Angeles, USA, Zoo—celebrate 40 continuous years on the board."  One of my momma's favorite thoughts about being right comes from Ms. White, "“Keep the other person's well being in mind when you feel an attack of soul-purging truth coming on.”

Momma always says to provide people, and that goes for animals too, some grace.  By giving someone grace, and not doling out embarrassment, they tend to do the things that matter the most and grow in to a much more enlightened person. Grace breeds grace... like love breeds love.  Giving away the things you desire the most, tends to bring an amazing bounty of wonderful things continually returning your way.

Well, now how did we receive this wonderful honor? Basically for all the work we do to raise awareness and funds for animals in need of assistance due to abuse, neglect, or in need of adoption/placement or shelter assistance.  For those that may not know, Da Shibbing Cheetos got started roughly two years ago.  We were the first rock band to host online/social media rock-concerts on Twitter (via Grooveshark) and ask "anipals" (animal lovers) to join in the fun, and help (through the use of various hashtags (e.g. #dudefest, etc.) to raise awareness, through social media, of animals in need. We've partnered with various groups focused on sparing animals an unfortunate and untimely demise; and recently with PetFinders to create a tweet out of animals throughout the US, to get their faces and stories out to potential adopters. We help spread the importance of spay and neutering, and the adopt don't shop, movement.

So, that's it - the story of four little dogs on Twitter who are trying to make a difference in this world.  I hope you get a chance to read this month's Fido Friendly - just so you can see Ms. White's smiling face.  She's super cuddly!

With much lub,
MattieDog