We are not from your country, the U S of A

but we have something important we need to say

Much of the clothing you buy bears our fur as trim

for coyotes, wolves, and other dogs, too, it is grim

Some of the labels say the trim is faux fur

but often without testing you cannot be sure

For there on the collar may be our fur and skin

or that of the other Canidae, who are our kin

Our once huge numbers are now being thinned . . .

Did you know many of us are alive when skinned?

We are caged in large numbers–killed in brutal ways.

But if you speak up for us, we will have our say

Will you protect us, unveil the ugly truth for all to see?

Will you help us to have a future where we are free…

Copyright 2007 Kathy Pippig Harris

Domestic dogs and raccoon dogs are killed in savage ways for their fur in China. The raccoon dog is a wild member of the dog (Canidae) family with markings similar to those of a raccoon. Clothing with fur trim from Raccoon dogs has shown up in U.S. stores.

The Humane Society of the United States filed a legal petition with the Federal Trade Commission seeking to enforce the Fur Products Labeling Act against 14 major retailers and designers concerning false advertising and false labeling of fur garments.

In response to the investigation, many retailers and designers took positive action to put customers and animals first, but a disappointing number did not…

Kathy lives in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley with her husband and furry family. She is a published author of five novels. She states, “Were it not for her need, desire, and love of writing — she would surely go mad!” She writes to reach the reader’s heart and mind–and make a connection.