I Beg

I BEG, PLEAD, CHALLENGE, What ever it takes to get you to take the 80 mins to watch this. And when you are done watching, to pass it along to as many people as you can.
 
 

A Fall From Freedom from OdyseeTV on Vimeo.

Its Been to Long

I apologize for being so silent lately. To be honest it was nice having a little break from all the heartache. Unfortunately it didn't last long enough. Scott West with Sea Shepherd has returned to Taiji in the past couple days, only to discover that they continue to kill. When he arrived at the Cove he discover 50-80 Pilot whales trapped in nets with no way out. When morning arrived they started killing them by 5's. This is horrible and my heart breaks for this family.
I just don't get how these men that live in a country that just went through a horrific natural disaster could continue to be so greedy and have absolutely no compassion.

Well Japan the world has shown you compassion by helping out your country during this horrible time. Don't you think its about time you show a little compassion yourself.


I would also like to address something that someone brought to my attention yesterday by an anonymous comment. I posted a blog a while ago regarding the earth quake and tsunami in Japan. I was contemplating going to Japan to help victims of the tsunami. I have many supporters of my trip to Japan, and simply posted that blog for everyone that has donated to me. I wanted input. I have had only one complete stranger donate to me and the rest have been Family and friends. I am not sure if ANONYMOUS was the donor that I have never met, but I assure you that my number 1 mission is to help stop the slaughter of dolphins and help conserve our oceans. Please feel free to contact me by my personal e-mail if you have any concerns about my mission. I would be happy to talk to anyone and everyone! neyney23@comcast.net

Just an FYI. I have deleted that post because this person is right it is not fair to those whom have donated, for me to think about doing anything else other then trying to put a stop to the slaughter. I am just a very compassionate person and sometimes that makes me think to fast and make wrong decisions.



Please take a few moments today and call a few Embassies and Consulants. Ask them politely to stop the slaughter, tell them your concerns about the high levels of mercury, and possible radiation.

Seal Slaughter

My passion is not just for dolphins and whales, it is for the oceans and every living thing that keeps it alive. The dolphin hunt may have ended for the season in Taiji and the Whales in the southern sanctuary are safe for now, but seals are being clubbed to death in Canada.

Hundreds of thousands of harp seal pups are in danger of being slaughtered. It’s the largest slaughter of marine mammals in the world. And this is done for there fur.
I am disgusted and appalled that anyone would want to design something or wear anything that is made of fur. Once again human GREED and SELFISHNESS.

Please take a minute and sign this :Petition





This is a short list of some of the designers that use seal fur.
Gucci
Annika Heinadottir
Birger Christensen
Prada
Dolce & Gabbana



How would anyone harm these babies.

The Fight

The Dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan has come to an end a month early. Captain Paul Watson and his crew on the Sea Shepherd forced the Japanese whalers to end there hunt 6 weeks early. This is all fantastic news. I believe these are all great strides to end these atrocities for good. As these end, The Canadian Seal Slaughter has begin, Shark fining is still happening and Dall's Porpoises are still being harpooned of the coast of Japan. My point is that horrible things are still happening all around us and we must keep fighting for our Oceans.

I think often about my children's futures. What is this world going to be like when my grandchildren are growing up. Will man still be as destructive, or will man be working together to conserve whats left.
Everyone needs to stand up and fight. Its not only about loving animals and believing they have a right to live, Its about this earth we all share with them. Find your passion and fight hard for it. If you choose to sit around and do nothing you might as well look at your children and apologize for not fighting for there future. A little girl once said "If you don't know how to fix it, Stop breaking it"
I'm can't remember the little girls name but she gave an amazing speech and the quote sticks in my head.

As I continue my fight for ocean conservation, I also will continue to fight for Lolita's freedom. If you do not know Lolita's story I will post a video at the bottom of this post about her life. Lolita has been performing for 41 years at the Miami Seaquarium. Her tank by law is WAY to small. She has no other orcas with her. Orcas are very social creatures and need the company of another. My heart aches for Lolita.

This past week Lolitas show has been canceled. They say its becuase she has a infected tooth. This could kill her. She has been the longest living Orca in captivity. She has made the Seaquarium millions. She deserves to be free. Her family still resides in the Puget sound. A sea pin has already been purchased, Scientist and Marine biologist all agree Lolita can be set free. A million dollars has been offered for her, but turned down. And As I type this Activists are trying to raise 3 million for her freedom. Please Join the fight for Lolita.

Whats going to make the Difference.

So last night I read all the Q&A's with Rick O'berry. And In my opinion I agree with a lot he had to say. I do believe that we have to change the hearts of the Japanese citizens. We have to educate them on what is happening. Most of them are not even aware of what is happening. I don't believe boycotting them is the answer. We have to keep in mind that there are only a hand full of men that do these horrible things in Japan.

When I go to Japan I want to win the hearts of many Citizens. I do not want to go there and disrespect them in any way. Now If I come face to face with the fishermen that will be another story. I want them to know that as a citizen of this earth, I have an opinion on what is happening to our oceans. Japan plays a huge role in the depletion of our oceans. They need to be educated not disrespected.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Anyone that is making an effort to change this has my respect. I may not always agree with there tactics but everyone has a right to do things there way. We can all agree to disagree and still have respect for one another.
If you ever question why people are fighting this please watch this Video

My Plans

Lately my mind has been spinning. I want to bring something new to Japan. My plans so far for my week in Japan are.

* Talk to as many Japan Citizens as I can.
* I am going to put together some sort of pamplet to hand out in Airports, Train stations and on the streets.
* I would love to hand out copies of "The Cove".

I am going to Taiji to be a voice for all the people that cannot make the trip them selves. I want to represent all the compassionate people that care about our Ocean friends. So if you have any Ideas or things that you would like me to accomplish while I am there, Please post a comment or email me directly at. Neyney23@comcast.net

Keep in mind that I will not break the law, I am going at this with as much respect toward Japan. I believe the Change has to come with in Japan. Yes outside pressure is going to help the Japanese people open there eyes and help change there mind, But it all should be done respectfully.

Please also ocnsider donating to my trip. Even if its just a Dollar. I am planning a bake sale, Yard sale and silent auction. All of this will happen in the spring. So if you have Items that you can donate for any of these that would be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you so much for all the support, And a HUGE THANK YOU to the wonderful and caring people that have already donated.

Who Would of Thought

Who would of thought that there is so much drama in the activist world.
Lately I have been seeing a lot of jabs and stabs between conservation groups and even individuals on facebook. I know drama is apart of just about anything you are involved in, but I think it should stay between the individuals involved.

We are all fighting for the same thing! I am a huge supporter to anyone who is trying to make a difference. I don't believe any idea that anyone comes up with to help the cause is a bad one, be it new or old. I have read that calling the embassies won't work. I believe that calling is a huge part of whats going to make the Japanese Government change. Like I said I don't think there is a bad idea or tactic.

Please people if you have a beef or are angry with anyone else, be an adult take it up with them personally. Do not post hateful comments on your status or write public notes. Don't try and turn anyone against anyone else. Its childish!!!!
We don't have to like everyone, but if that's the case don't bully them to death, don't be friends with them on facebook and PLEASE have the balls to confront them directly and privately.

Being an activist is tuff enough. Between outside critisism and all the horrible things that we have to see and fight for, The last thing we need to worry about is each other. Who is going to take us serious if there is a constent battle raging between everyone. Please be respectful to each other regardless of your beliefs.

No Holding Back

Lately I find my self so angry. So I am warning you now, This blog will have bad language. I have been holding back because I don't want to offend my readers. But now I have realized that I started this blog to share my feelings. So if i am holding back i am not being truthful. If you know me then you know that I can be your best friend, I am loyal and I can Love very passionately but I also am very blunt, Pushy, Bitchy and I don't really care what people think of me.

I am absolutely fucking disgusted. In the past few days I have watched Shark Water and Gordan Ramsay's journey to find out the truth about shark fining. I just can't understand why these idiots who consume shark fin soup and kill these sharks for there fins don't get the horrible impact this is causing. They have to be the dumbest people on the planet. How fucking greedy can you be, This is effecting the whole planet.

Sharks are the top predator of the oceans. What will happen when there are none left?
I don't care what fucking country you live in or how you were raised. You can not be stupid enough not to know the impact of shark fining.

While watching Gordan Ramsay he interviewed a family while they were eating a bowl of shark fin soup. He asked them if they cared where the fins come from. They said No and they didn't really care. SELFISH< IGNORANT< GREEDY STUPID STUPID PEOPLE!!! And that's putting it mildly. If you consume Shark fin soup you are en charge of killing this earth. You have earths blood on your hands. You are affecting the hole world by your ignorant greed. I am pissed because you are making my future, my kids future, and there families future look VERY VERY GRIM.

I also can't understand how people can sit on there ass's and not do anything about this. You don't have to be an animal activist to do something. Write a god damn letter, do some research. Most people are so stuck in there own little la la land that they don't give a shit as long as its not affecting them. WAKE UP people it is affecting you and will continue to do so if we all don't try to do something.

For some more info please visit:SAVING SHARKS

The Shark population has dropped 90% in the past 10 years. We will be lucky if there are anymore sharks left at all in the next 10.

Murder

40+ striped dolphins were driven into the cove.
Every day around 2:30 I know that any minute now I am going to find out the fate of the dolphins in Taiji. If we are lucky the boats are all still docked in the harbor. When we are not so lucky is when the cove guardians see the boats in formation.
Each and every time I read that they are driving a pod in, My heart sinks. It is very hard for me to focus on anything other then the dolphins. This time was no different. Throughout the evening I repeatedly check facebook trying to find out whats going on. But each time is the same. These men are heartless and very cruel S.O.B's.
These men claim to kill the dolphins humanly and say they die quickly. What a crock of shit. The video below shows exactly the truth. I got completely sick to my stomach after watching this.


These Men have no conscious or heart. These men say that dolphins are just fish to them. There is NO doubt in my mind, they no the truth. They know how intelligent they are, they know that this dolphins are way smarter then them (OBVIOUSLY). They continue to do this for GREED. They probably think doing this makes them look tough or proves there man hood. Well this may be true to some of the Japanese people, But to the rest of the world they look like complete SICK, HEARTLESS PRICKS. Karma will hit them like a brick wall some day, and I hope very soon.

Oceans

Not only do I feel empowered to help save our oceans, I feel Obligated. And I believe everyone should feel the same way. If you don't do something you are contributing to the death of our oceans and to the death of this earth.

The Ocean takes up 2/3 of this earth and 80% of life comes from the oceans. The Ocean is the heart of this earth, it is the pulse that keeps us all alive. With out it there would be nothing.

Scientist have report over 400 dead zones in the ocean. That equals roughly 95,000 sq miles. That is roughly the size of New Zealand. That is an astonishing amount.
And this is just the beginning can you imagine how many have not been discovered. A dead zone is an area of ocean that has little to no oxygen for most marine life.

What causes dead zone?
Pollution! Fertilizers that are being washed into the oceans. This is just a small part in the depletion of our oceans.

Man has become so greedy that we are rapidly killing the oceans. Here are some facts on the over consumption of the oceans by man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Over 100,000,000 million sharks are killed each year just for there fins. In some coastal towns the population of sharks has depleted so much so that they are killing small sharks that have not even hit a mature breeding age.

Most of these sharks are caught illegally using long lines. Not only are they killing sharks at a rapid rate, but turtles, sailfish,etc... and even birds
are being killed in these long lines. So much is being wasted! After the sharks fins are cut of they are thrown back in the ocean to die a slow and painful death.

People who consume shark fin soup believe that sharks do not get sick or get any diseases. And by consuming it they to will have good health and be less likely to get cancer or any other terminal disease. This is very far from the truth. Sharks get sick just like any other fish and yes they even get cancer.

Sharks are a huge part of the oceans. Most sharks have been around for 65 million years. Its amazing what man can do to sharks in a remarkably short amount of time.

Please take the time to watch Sharkwater.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Japan kills roughly 23,000 cetaceans a year. Ever since the award winning documentary "The Cove" came out no one really new about what was happening there.
A group of fishermen (BASTARDS) kill roughly over 2000 Dolphins a year in the cove.
Some of these species includes:
BOTTLENOSE
STRIPED
SPOTTED
RISSO


In the Cove Dolphins are also ripped from there family to live a miserable life of slavery, performing for food just for our entertainment. They do not belong in captivity.

Japan also hunts Dall's Porpoises. It is the largest hunt of any whale, dolphin or porpoise species in the world.
15,000 Dall’s porpoises are killed each year in a hand harpoon hunt that has been repeatedly described by the IWC’s Scientific Committee as “clearly unsustainable”.

Dolphins are Highly intelligent, self aware and sentient beings. They are know to save the lives of humans and have extended nothing but friendship towards man. They deserve respect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Blue fin Tuna in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea are nearing extinction. Because of over fishing. A quota of 32,000 tons has been set for blue fin tune in the Atlantic, But it is believed that that quota has been violated buy at least 50%.

•Overfishing with hi-tech commercial fishing fleets and rampant illegal fishing will make the blue fin populations vanish from Mediterranean waters. They are in great danger.
•The blue fin tuna fishing were traditionally caught with traps. Currently, purse seines are used instead and then the fish are transferred to tuna farms in cages to be fattened up.
•They are caught with purse seines, long lines, troll lines, and trap nets. Sometimes harpoons, hand lines, pole-and-line, and nets.

Because of some of these fishing methods a lot of Bycatch is thrown back to sea.
The term “bycatch” is usually used for fish caught unintentionally in a fishery while intending to catch other fish. Again a lot of waste being thrown back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seal Hunt

Seal hunting, or sealing, is the personal or commercial hunting of seals. The hunt is currently practiced in five countries: Canada, where most of the world's seal hunting takes place, as well as Namibia, the Danish region Greenland, Norway. Canada's largest market for seals is Norway.

Baby Seals roughly 12-14 are killed for the fur coats.
90% of sealers on the ice floes of the Front (east of Newfoundland), where the majority of the hunt occurs, use firearms.[29]
A hakapikAn older and more traditional method of killing seals is with a hakapik: a heavy wooden club with a hammer head and metal hook on the end.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Faroe Islands:

Whaling in the Faroe Islands has been practiced since about the time of the first Norse settlements on the islands. It is regulated by Faroese authorities but not by the International Whaling Commission as there are disagreements about the Commission's competency for small cetaceans. Around 950 Long-finned Pilot Whales are killed annually, mainly during the summer. The hunt is called The Grind.

Boats drive in huge pods of pilot whales close to the waters edge. Men standing by waiting for them to be close enough run into the water and start stabbing, slashing and brutally killing them.
Most Faroese consider the hunt an important part of their culture and history. Animal-rights groups criticize the hunt as being cruel and unnecessary. As of the end of November 2008 the chief medical officers of the Faroe Islands have recommended that pilot whales no longer be considered fit for human consumption because of the levels of toxins in the whales.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many of these practice are considered tradition. Well I say screw tradition. Tradition can no longer be an excuse, not when the future of our ocean is at stake. We all must come together and start living sustainable lives.


This is all just the beginning of how we are killing our oceans. In my eyes these practices are inhumane and unsustainable.
We can only change this by having Knowledge of it and educating those who do these horrendous things. Laws need to be made to protect our oceans.

Thoughts.

There are so many thoughts that race through my head that I feel I just need to get it out. So sorry if this blog feels like I am just rambling on.


We grow up as children very innocent, sweet and not a care in the world. Our biggest worry is what, who or where am I going to play today. My childhood was full of love, family, vacations, fun and friends. Never did I imagine the horrible things that happen outside my box of happiness. I would give anything to go back to that innocent part of my life. I would love to sleep knowing that everything around me was a fairytale. Unfortunately I have opened my eyes to this very disturbing and real world that I live in. There is no way I can turn my back on it now.
I look at my children and can’t help but wonder what there world will be like when they grow to be adults. Will there be anything left? Will this earth still be beautiful? Or will it be empty? I can dwell on so much or I can do something about it. The power of one can be an amazing thing. I hope that my children will grow up knowing that they to can make a difference. I want them to respect all living, growing and breathing things.
Absolutely every decision they make will effect something or someone somehow. My biggest fears have went from my children being hurt to my children having a future.
All these thoughts come from one decision that I made and that decision was watching the award winning documentary The Cove. The Cove documents the truth about what is happening in a very small coastal town called Taiji in Japan. Between the months of September through March a handful of fishermen drive families of dolphins into what is now the infamous cove. They net it of so the dolphins have no chance at escaping. Trainers come from the nearby whale museum and pick what they deem appropriate for captivity and the rest are ruthlessly murdered.
After watching this I was heartbroken for days. I felt so sad for these amazingly intelligent creatures. I started following blogs that were written by people who were in Taiji to document everything that was happening. I became friends with numerous people on facebook that felt the same way I did. Many of those people had made trips or were planning trips to Taiji to help document these atrocities. I wanted to do something so bad, and for some reason never thought I could. Then as I was sitting there thinking about all of this I asked myself why? Why can’t I go to Taiji? There is nothing stopping me. So that evening I spoke with my husband and asked if he would support my new endeavor. And that’s when my life changed forever.
From that point on I read articles, I watched video after video., I researched the intelligence of dolphins. Along the way I read, watched and learned so much more about the abuse of animals in general. The horror of it all has made me think twice about how I live my life. I have opened my eyes to the reality of it all. I have learn that I am just one, But all it takes is one and from there it will be a chain reaction.
We as the human race have so many day to day worries that it’s easy to move throughout life not thinking about anything but ourselves. We worry about things like work, food, entertainment, novelties and how much money we are going to bring home for the month. Will we be able to make ends meet? The people that are lucky enough to sore through life with all the money in the world worry about what they are going to wear the next day or where there next vacation is going to take place. I myself for so many years was only wrapped up in my life that nothing else matters . Then I came to realize that if people don’t start to worry about our day to day decisions then things will continue to decline.
When you wake up in the morning, Think really hard on what choices you make throughout the day and how they will affect something. Is this plastic grocery bag going to suffocate a bird? Is this plastic bottle that I threw carelessly into the trash going to liter our earth for thousands of years to come. How soon will there be no land left to hold our human consumptions? How long will it take for this one species of animal be extinct because of the selfishness of taking its life? I ask myself unbearable questions every day. These questions keep me motivated to make a difference.
There will be a day where we all are asking what happened? My answer is we were selfish. We chose to over consume Earths greatest assets. We chose to be careless. We chose to go out on our boat and harpoon a whale. We chose to fin a shark for a simple bowl of tasteless soup. We chose to skin a beautiful mink just to wear a beautiful coat. We chose to chop down these hundred year old trees just to add another shopping mall.
Now is the time to make a change before its to late.

Food Inc.

I watched Food Inc. last night and it only took me 15 minutes to be appalled.
It wasn't difficult to watch like Earthlings, But it will make you think twice about what you eat. I found myself being so angry at the government, the USDA and FDA. It just amazes me that things are done so cheaply and carelessly. The part that really got to me was the 2.5 year old little boy that died because of E-Coli. I blubbered like a baby watching this healthy little boy playing on a beach and 12 days later he was dead. All because of company's being careless and cheap.
I have children and my job as a parent is to protect them. Now I know that raising a healthy child includes teaching them to eat healthy things, but I didn't realize that even fruits and vegetables can be harmful to them.

Here are a few facts I learned from the Movie.
FOOD INC>

:Some of our most important staple foods have been fundamentally altered, and genetically engineered meat and produce have already invaded our grocery stores and our kitchen pantries.

:Approximately 10 billion animals (chickens, cattle, hogs, ducks, turkeys, lambs and sheep) are raised and killed in the US annually. Nearly all of them are raised on factory farms under inhumane conditions. These industrial farms are also dangerous for their workers, pollute surrounding communities, are unsafe to our food system and contribute significantly to global warming.

: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 76 million Americans are sickened, 325,000 are hospitalized and 5,000 die each year from food borne illnesses

:In January 2008, the FDA approved the sale of meat and milk from cloned livestock, despite the fact that Congress voted twice in 2007 to delay FDA's decision on cloned animals until additional safety and economic studies could be completed.

:Approximately 1 billion people worldwide do not have secure access to food, including 36 million in the US. National and international food and agricultural policies have helped to create the global food crisis but can also help to fix the system.

There is a part in there when a company explains that they rinse there meat with ammonia because it kills bacteria. WTF!!!!!Needless to say I will be making better consumer choices for my family. And eating fast food will be a VERY VERY RARE thing in this house.

At a Loss

I haven't blogged for a few weeks. I guess I just am at a loss for words. It has been 10 days since any dolphins have been driven into the cove. Which is a very nice and welcome relief. But I will never be truly relieved until the killing stops. I think about all the dolphins that have lost there lives already and the ones taken for a miserable life in captivity. I will continue to fight and raise awareness. I know that it is easy to relax and enjoy the days when there are no dolphins being murdered, but on those days we need to continue to make phone calls, write emails and continue to spread the word. We never want them to think for a second that we have forgotten.

In recent discovery the cove guardians have found a secluded pool and hidden behind a tall fence holding 1 lonely dolphin. We all believe this dolphin was left in this pool to die a slow and painful death. My guess is that it either won't preform for them or it has became ill and they don't want to spend the time and energy on saving it.

In this video they show you all the contact Info: for the Dolphin base. Please call and e-mail. I plan to send a letter every hour today.

I believe there is a special place in hell for people who torture, abuse and neglect animals.

There has been a lot said on how the cove guardians are handling things. People are angry that they don't do more to rescue the dolphins. Or questions on why they haven't cut the nets.
I would first like to say if you think you could do a better job, THEN GO THERE! Quit blabbing your mouths and do something. I love how people sit at there computer and talk shit about the way things are being done.
I support 100% how the cove guardians are handling things. If we go to Japan and break the law then what good does that do. The laws have to change there in order for these atrocities to stop. Going there an causing trouble will only make things worse. So in stead of judging try being supportive. After all we are all on the same team.

I would like to end this by Thanking all the people who have donated money for my trip.
Thank you to My family for being so supportive.
Thank you to all my wonderful new friends that I have met along the way.
Thank you to the Guardians who spent the Holidays away from there family and friends.
And Thank you to all that make phone calls, write letters, protest, and that continue to spread awareness.

The words of My beautiful Mother Inlaw

I have asked some people to write a post for my blog. And when I asked my Mother In law she was happy to do so. When I received this letter in my inbox I was immediately put in tears. Her kind words and encouragement means the world to me. So hear it is. Thank you Tresa so much.

Most people have heard of Jane Goodall and her study of chimpanzees or Bob Barker who resigned as host of the Miss USA Pageants when they refused to stop awarding furs as prizes or Mary Tyler Moore and her work as an animal rights activist. Those are names we recognize, but have you heard about Kim Bartlett, Steve Hindi or Tammy Sneath Grimes? They are just three of the thousands of lesser known people, maybe more like you and me, who, at some point in their lives, made the decision that they were going to do their best to make a difference in the world. And then they actually did it!

LeAnn has been shaken by the horror of what is happening to dolphins on the other side of the world and has made the decision that she, too, will do her best to make a difference in the world. She intends to take time away from her family, spend hours traveling to a foreign country, live in who-knows-what kind of conditions to help guard a tiny little piece of the world and be a presence to the men who are performing these atrocities in an effort to save the lives of a few dolphins. Sounds like a lot of effort for little reward, doesn’t it? I’m sure that’s the attitude of most people. I think most would like to help, but we don’t know how or we feel any effort would be too puny. When we’re shown injustices, we think about it for a while and wish we could find the time or the money or the fill-in-the-blank to help, but then we go back to our lives and eventually we’ve pushed it to the back of our minds and that’s the end of it.

What might be just a fleeting thought to some has become a mission to LeAnn. And don’t underestimate her determination or her passion. She is and will continue to make a difference in the world. She’s opened the minds and the hearts of everyone she’s come in contact with over the past several months. She’s spent hours learning and then sharing what she’s learned with anyone who will listen. She’s planning fund raisers, writing a blog and keeping current with news from the cove, all while running a household, being an incredible partner to her husband and an amazing mommy to their three-year-old triplets!

I feel honored to know LeAnn just because of the extraordinary human being that she is. I’m even more honored to call her my daughter-in-law and the mother of my grandchildren. I believe LeAnn will make this trip to Taiji, Japan and she will leave her mark on that cove. But even if she never leaves the country and even if most people don’t recognize her name, she has, and continues, to make a difference in the world. In my world, in the world of everyone she shares her passion with, and in the world of her children, my grandchildren, who will grow up knowing that one person can make a difference!

And as for the dolphins in the cove being slaughtered and our seeming ability to do so little, remember the story of the starfish:

The Starfish Story

While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.

He came closer still and called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

The old man smiled, and said, "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."

*****************************************************************************************************

This story has been circulated around the web in many versions, usually with no mention of author. It is said to be paraphrased from "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley, 1907 - 1977.

Won’t you join us in supporting this exceptional woman who is making a difference? Even a dollar helps and it’s a wonderful feeling to know you’ve done your part to make a difference!

And just so you know . . .

Kim Bartlett and Merritt Clifton

Publisher and editor, of "Animal People", the most widely read newspaper dealing exclusively with animal protection issues since 1992. Kim was previously the editor of "Animals' Agenda”, a now-defunct animal protection publication. She began as a volunteer dog rescuer, fundraiser and humane educator. Her husband Merritt Clifton founded “Animal People” with Kim. He writes over 200 articles for the publication a year and is an ex-news reporter, columnist and foreign correspondent who decided to specialize in animal and environmental issues. Clifton is a second-generation vegetarian.

Tammy Sneath Grimes

Founder and executive director of Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit focused on ending the cruel chaining and penning of dogs and incorporating them into the family unit. An artist and assistant web manager for “Animal People”. Grimes was arrested in 2006 for rescuing a chained, sickly dog in Pennsylvania named Doogie. Her trial is pending.

Steve Hindi

Former hunter who saw the light and founded Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) in 1993 in reaction to the cruel Hegins pigeon shoot in Pennsylvania, in which thousands of birds were slaughtered by both adults and children for prizes. Through SHARK, he has expanded his interest in animal protection issues to horse tripping, canned hunting, rodeos, bullfighting, and domestic animal cruelty cases. Hindi often travels across the country on his Tiger Truck, equipped with four outside video screens, to bring graphic images of animal abuse to the public and let them know what they can do to stop it.

I just Don't understand

I just can't fathom the fact that people kill other sentient creatures. Everyday I wake up and think, Is this the day that everything changes. Whether it be good or bad. What if every single person woke up and opened there eyes, and decided to make a change for the better.

Before I had children I never once worried about my future, Now all I can do is worry about my kids future. I watch videos and read articles and I am sickened by it all. I always new these horrible things happened, but I chose to ignore it like so many do. It never bothered me. I went on with my day like my world was perfect. Now that I have seen it, there is no way I can turn my back on it.

The number 1 question I ask my self is, What is this beautiful place called Planet earth going to be like in 50 years. I am not a religious person, but If God created all creatures, then he meant for us to live at peace with one another RIGHT? Its all so very confusing to me, I just don't understand. I have come to be a strong believer that every Man, Animal, Mammal etc.... should live there lives with love, happiness & freedom. And from there the Circle of life will lead us correctly in the right direction. If that makes any since.

I have this unbelievable feeling to want to save anything and everything I can. But the truth is that is unrealistic. But I can make a difference and I will make a difference. There are so many people that ignore things that truly bother them. Whether it be animal abuse, pollution, child abuse and so much more. Can you imagine if everyone stood up for what they believed in, If everyone decided that today is the day they are going to make a difference. If everyone woke up and said today I am going to start Recycling, Rescue and animal, ride my bike to work, donate to a charity or simply pay it forward in some way or another. Every decision you make effects something or someone somehow.

I ask you this. What is your passion? Have you found it yet? If you have what are you doing about it?

Molesters at work

Discust

Yesterday a huge FAMILY of dolphins were driven into the cove. Its always tense and devastating as read my facebook to find out the updates from Taiji. There were a few days that dolphins were not in the cove. I think everyone needed those few days to refuel. As soon as I heard that they were driving in a very large family I started writing E-mails and I made some phone calls as I always do. When I call the Denver Consulate I always speak with a person first then they send me to a voicemail. I ask the gentleman what his thoughts were on the murders in Taiji, He said "I'm not at liberty to say, But I understand where your coming from". Then I asked him if he was from Japan. His answer was No I just work here. I told him some facts and my thoughts and then let him send me to voicemail. I was taken back because the voice mails message was.

If you are calling in regards to the Dolphin hunt in Taiji please leave you name and number. If you are not a Colorado resident your calls will be screened out.

I am glad that an actual person answers the phone, which gave me the opportunity to voice my concerns/opinions. I am also glad that they are receiving so many calls that they felt they had to dedicate a line for us. Although I still feel its there way of not dealing with us either.

I went to bed last night with a heavy heart. When things like this happen its just makes me that much more determined to reach my goal. Then I woke up to find this horribly sad video that a cove guardian name Martyn took. You can feel his emotion, and it immediately put me in tears.

This video will be in the next post, I am having a hard time embedding it.

Please also consider donating. There are so many who can find the time to go, I have the time Just trying to raise the money to be able to go. I would love to answer questions or even have a phone conversation with anyone who is skeptical about donating. My E-mail is neyney23@comcast.net feel free to email me anytime.

Dolphin Secret--Dolphin Smile

Change

Never in a million years did I think watching a documentary could change my life.
Ever since watching The Cove, My outlook on life has changed dramatically for the better. I used to wake up in the morning and worry if my crops on farmville are ready, or what news am I going to read on TMZ today. Now I wake up wondering what more can I do to make a impact today, or what else can I do to help people understand what is truly happening in this world. I know longer worry about farmville, TMZ or all the other small things. I am slowly learning the VERY sad and disturbing truth about the world we live in.

I recently became a vegetarian,and to be honest it hasn't really been that hard to leave meat in my past. I have only had a few moments where its been a struggle, but there are to many reminders out there that keep me on track. I can honestly say that I will never go back and that I am completely happy with my decision. If you ever feel that your on the fence about becoming vegetarian or vegan, I suggest watching the documentary EARTHLINGS
EARTHLINGS is a powerful and informative documentary about society’s treatment of animals, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix with soundtrack by Moby. This multi-award winning film by Nation Earth is a must-see for anyone who cares about animals or wishes to make the world a better place.

But I just want to warn you, It is very graphic. It took me a week to watch it and I cried through the entire thing.

I am a huge lover of all animals, I have even joked with my husband he better watch out if we won the lottery we would live on a huge farm with all kinds of animals that we have rescued. I would give anything to be able to rescue animals and keep them safe from anything that would harm them.

Sometimes I think it would be easier to not care. It would be a lot less painful, but that's just not who I am.

Yesterday in Taiji a huge family of dolphins were being driven into the cove. Half of that family were able to get away and the other half were murdered. It makes me wonder will the half that got away be captured tomorrow because they would leave there family behind? Every day it gets harder and harder to sit here and read the updates. I will continue to call and write letters to the embassies, and I will continue to spread the word. Nothing will make me give up this fight!
I know there are many people who wish to go to Taiji, but either don't have the time or money to go. Well I have the time and just not the money. SO PLEASE if you have the money and no time, PLEASE consider donating, Every dollar helps.

FOR THE DOLPHINS

Just for the Record

There has been so much drama on all the sights I visit that I just wanted to talk about it here. I am not going to justify to anyone why I am doing this, and I am not going to respond to trolls and there ignorance. I don't care what people think nor do I care if people want to think I'm a racist. What matters to me is what our futures hold and the dolphins that have to suffer everyday in captivity and the ones that are murdered. I chose to take a stand for what I believe in, and if that means accepting criticism then I am OK with that.
I have met some great people, who have a wonderful hearts and feel the same way that most of us do. But please do not respond to these trolls. You are only fueling there fire. They have nothing better to do then make the world a worse place then it already is. I refuse to buy into them or let them get me angry. We cannot make everyone believe this is wrong or make anyone change there mind.
As most of you know I have a facebook page and luckily I have had no drama on it. I am sure its only a matter of time before there is but I assure you. It will not be tolerated I will delete and block all negative people and posts.
I have to focus on getting the word out there and raising the money to make this trip. I cannot focus my energy on anything beyond that.

Please take a moment and pass my blog along. Donate a dollar if that's all you can, Call or write the embassies and say a prayer for the wonderful Cove Guardians in Taiji.