Aug
31
2009
The Roar Foundation Shambala Preserve is Tippi Hedren’s big cat sanctuary. It is located 6 miles east of Acton, California and is currently under mandatory fire evacuation. The fire officials have decided against moving the 64+ big cats as it would be a logistical nightmare. So far the cats have not panicked but the fire is moving in their direction rapidly.
Tippi founded the sanctuary many years ago. For those of you who are unaware of who Tippi Hedren is, she was a blockbuster actress in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Her daughter is Melanie Griffith.
Our wishes and prayers are with the big cats during this fearful time.
Aug
29
2009
With all the press coverage of Ted Kennedy’s funeral, Arlington National Cemetery has been in the news as well. Arlington is well known as a cemetery for military and political people. I have been noticing that some people have been questioning if war dogs or animals that have been known to serve in wars and become heroes because of their efforts can be buried there.
The answer unfortunately is no. Animals are not allowed to be buried at Arlington. Even ship mascots were denied burial when their ship was attacked and sunk. There are of course other special military burial grounds just for war dogs. One such place is the Fort MacArthur dog burial ground in San Pedro, California. The burial ground just underwent extensive remodeling in June 2009. Other war dogs and animals that serve the USA in official capacity are buried in local pet cemeteries all over the USA. Often when they are buried they have a full military funeral.
