A dog trainer named Ronnie Williams was suppose to be taking care of the racing dogs when the Washington County Sheriff’s found some twenty Greyhounds at the Ebro Greyhound Park down in Florida dead.
It’s bad enough that this poor dogs are put though hell just to have them raced and when they’re not good enough the owners sometimes kill them. Thanks to all the greyhound rescue groups that try and make the dogs live better.
I only hope that the charges of animal cruelty against this dog abuser doesn’t go over easy for him.
Read the article here.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
7 Arrested For Dog Fighting
The Berkeley County Sheriffs and Florence County Sheriff's Department arrested a total of seven people for dog fighting named Henry Gee, Adrian Ingram, Marion Johnson, Jermaine Peace, Willienn Darnell Peace, Tyrone Washington and Robert Watkins.
They all have been charged with dog fighting and baiting where the officers recovered twenty dogs along with fourteen grand. Not a bad day’s work for these sheriffs. Now let’s see what the judge does to these lowlifes.
Read the article here.
Back in July of two thousand and nine a dog abuser named Edward Boo Bishop was arrested for dog fighting and he was finally sentence by judge William M Skrentny for his crime.
Read the article here.
They all have been charged with dog fighting and baiting where the officers recovered twenty dogs along with fourteen grand. Not a bad day’s work for these sheriffs. Now let’s see what the judge does to these lowlifes.
Read the article here.
Back in July of two thousand and nine a dog abuser named Edward Boo Bishop was arrested for dog fighting and he was finally sentence by judge William M Skrentny for his crime.
Read the article here.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Mike Arms Recieves Iams Lifetime Hero Achievement Award
Iams Creates Annual “Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award” For Animal Welfare
Inaugural Award Presented to Creator of Iams Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Campaign
Today, Iams presented Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center and founder of the Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption program, with the Iams Lifetime Hero Achievement Award in recognition of his commitment and extraordinary contributions to enhancing the lives of homeless animals for more than 30 years. In addition, Iams announced the creation of the annual Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award. Every year, the Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award will be presented to a person or animal organization that exemplifies the commitment and passion for the lives of orphaned animals similar to what Arms has been doing for so many years.
“I’m truly honored by this award. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m much better at giving than receiving,” said Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “The whole Iams Home 4 the Holidays program was just a thought, it was the wonderful people that cared that really made it happen.”
For the past 12 years, Iams has joined forces with Arms and the Helen Woodward Animal Center for the annual adoption campaign to help raise awareness of orphaned animals in shelters and rescues around the world. Through the program and his work, Mike Arms has created new ways to increase public awareness about orphaned animals, increase the number of pet adoptions, lower euthanasia rates, and set records for the number of people that are receiving humane education.
"Mike has been an incredible partner for us and we wanted to recognize his amazing contributions to enhancing the lives of homeless animals, not just in the U.S., but all over the world," said Michel Brousset, marketing director, P&G Pet Care. "Mike’s relentless passion is evidenced by the 5 million orphaned pets he has help save – Iams couldn’t be more proud to present this recognition to him."
About Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH)
As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, IH4TH partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding forever homes for orphaned pets. Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Since it began 12 years ago, IH4TH – along with more than 3,500 pet adoption centers – has helped 4.6 million families experience the joy of pet adoption, including nearly 1.4 million pet adoptions from 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/Iams.
About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.
About P&G Pet Care
For more than 60 years, P&G Pet Care (NYSE:PG), the maker of Iams and Eukanuba, has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba® and Iams® Dog & Cat Foods or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at (800) 446-3075. You can also visit us on the Web at http://www.iams.com or http://www.eukanuba.com.
About Procter & Gamble
Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 127,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands..
Inaugural Award Presented to Creator of Iams Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Campaign
Today, Iams presented Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center and founder of the Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption program, with the Iams Lifetime Hero Achievement Award in recognition of his commitment and extraordinary contributions to enhancing the lives of homeless animals for more than 30 years. In addition, Iams announced the creation of the annual Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award. Every year, the Mike Arms/Iams Hero Award will be presented to a person or animal organization that exemplifies the commitment and passion for the lives of orphaned animals similar to what Arms has been doing for so many years.
“I’m truly honored by this award. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m much better at giving than receiving,” said Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “The whole Iams Home 4 the Holidays program was just a thought, it was the wonderful people that cared that really made it happen.”
For the past 12 years, Iams has joined forces with Arms and the Helen Woodward Animal Center for the annual adoption campaign to help raise awareness of orphaned animals in shelters and rescues around the world. Through the program and his work, Mike Arms has created new ways to increase public awareness about orphaned animals, increase the number of pet adoptions, lower euthanasia rates, and set records for the number of people that are receiving humane education.
"Mike has been an incredible partner for us and we wanted to recognize his amazing contributions to enhancing the lives of homeless animals, not just in the U.S., but all over the world," said Michel Brousset, marketing director, P&G Pet Care. "Mike’s relentless passion is evidenced by the 5 million orphaned pets he has help save – Iams couldn’t be more proud to present this recognition to him."
About Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH)
As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, IH4TH partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding forever homes for orphaned pets. Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Since it began 12 years ago, IH4TH – along with more than 3,500 pet adoption centers – has helped 4.6 million families experience the joy of pet adoption, including nearly 1.4 million pet adoptions from 2009. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/Iams.
About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.
About P&G Pet Care
For more than 60 years, P&G Pet Care (NYSE:PG), the maker of Iams and Eukanuba, has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba® and Iams® Dog & Cat Foods or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at (800) 446-3075. You can also visit us on the Web at http://www.iams.com or http://www.eukanuba.com.
About Procter & Gamble
Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 127,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands..
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Two Animal Abusers Arrested For Dead And Sick Dogs In South Carolina
After a raid by the Dorchester County Animal Control two animal abusers named Hampton Reeves and Brian Edward Altman have been charged with multiple charges of animal neglect.
The animal control officials found ten dead dogs out of the thirty one dogs that was on the property. Some of the dogs had heart-worm and other problems along with the neglect of nourishment.
I don’t understand how people can do this to dogs and not even feel guilty about it. With all the charges against them, I hope the judge sees the server neglect these two did to the dogs and really hits them with the book.
Read the article by Prentiss Findlay here.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
DOD Restarts Funding Military Spouses For Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College Welcomes Return of Funding for Military Spouse Education
Animal Behavior College (ABC) is ready to enroll military spouses in any of its three exciting animal-related career courses thanks to the re-launch of the Department of Defense's (DOD) Military Spouse Career Advancement Program (MyCAA). Funding for the highly successful program had been suspended for revamping by the DOD earlier this year, but not before ABC enrolled almost 1,000 military spouses in its programs.
ABC President Steve Appelbaum says, "When I think of the sacrifice and dedication of our armed forces, and I consider all they do to keep us safe, it is an honor for ABC to help military spouses by affording them the opportunity to learn the types of viable, portable careers they can utilize to assist their families. ABC's unique distance learning technique makes for a perfect fit with the highly unpredictable and mobile lives that our military families lead. What's more, in a salute to our new MyCAA students, we are not only offering our existing military discount; ABC is taking care of the cost of books and training attire as well."
The MyCAA program was launched in August of 2009. Since the program began, 970 military spouses have chosen to pursue animal-related career training through ABC. Spouses are eligible for any of ABC's three courses: Certified Dog Trainer, Veterinary Assistant or Groomer. Donald High was one of those students. After finishing his tour of duty in the U.S. Army Infantry, High wanted a new career - a career that was "portable" and would go anywhere his wife's career as an active member of the Army would take her. Donald, who graduated from ABC's Certified Vet Assistant program in September, says, "I am grateful to have found a school like ABC. I have not only been able to fulfill my goal of working with animals; I have a new and exciting profession that I can take with me wherever we go." High was immediately hired by the Banfield Pet Hospital in Lakewood, WA. Thanks to ABC and the MyCAA program, Donald plans on continuing his education and becoming a Veterinary Technician.
Through the MyCAA program, military spouses are eligible to receive $4,000 in education benefits to pursue associate's degrees, certificates and licenses. After graduation from any of ABC's three courses, many students are immediately put to work by the businesses they complete their "hands-on" training through. For more information on ABC and the MyCAA program, please visit http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/tuition.asp.
Animal Behavior College (ABC) is a vocational school that specializes in animal-related career training. ABC currently offers three programs - a Certified Dog Obedience Instructor training program, a Certified Veterinary Assistant program and a Certified Grooming Instruction program. ABC has training locations in all 50 states as well as in Canada and is the premier school for animal lovers who wish to pursue animal-related careers.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
White Sox Pitcher Mark Buehrle Helps Support Adopt-a-Pet.com
White Sox Pitcher Mark Buehrle Launching Pet-Adoption Billboard and PSA Campaign Today
White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle has a message for the city of Chicago: adopt a shelter pet. Buehrle and his wife Jamie have partnered with Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America's largest non-profit pet adoption web service, for a public service campaign launching today in the greater Chicagoland area.
Starting today, Chicagoland residents will see light-hearted adoption-promoting billboards and televised public service announcements featuring Mark and Jamie Buehrle playing with their three dogs on the grass at U.S. Cellular Field. Funding for the billboards was generously provided by Nestle Purina.
"Pets in Chicago's shelters are getting a boost today, thanks to Mark and Jamie Buehrle," says Adopt-a-Pet.com executive director Abbie Moore. "By speaking out about their passion for pet adoption, and educating people that they can go to Adopt-a-Pet.com and see photos and information about pets in shelters, they're truly making a difference in the lives of people and homeless pets."
Says Mark Buehrle, "Our dogs add so much to our lives, and our family wouldn't be complete without them. The shelters are filled with great pets, both mixed-breed and purebred. We recently adopted a purebred Viszla. You can pretty much find any kind of pet you want in a shelter."
Adds Jamie Buehrle, "We're really excited to launch this campaign with Adopt-a-Pet.com, and we hope that everyone, no matter what team they root for, will become a fan of getting pets out of shelters and into loving homes."
The Buehrles are extremely active in companion-animal welfare issues. Together they founded Sox for Strays, a monthly pre-game adoption event that brings pets from local shelters and rescue organizations to U.S. Cellular Field. They are also funding a brand-new adoption and care center for Hope Animal Rescues, an Illinois-based rescue group.
About Adopt-a-Pet.com:
Adopt-a-Pet.com is North America's largest non-profit pet adoption website, helping over 9,500 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters. Over 200 Chicago-area animal shelters rely on Adopt-a-Pet.com's services to help them find homes for the pets in their care. Every month, Adopt-a-Pet.com displays photos and descriptions of adoptable pets to over 1.2 million people trying to adopt a pet. Funding for Adopt-a-Pet.com is provided by the passionate pet lovers at Nestle Purina and Bayer Animal Health.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Some Sick Dog Killers And Abusers Out There
A Whack’ O from Virginia named Leshawn Harper set his brother Demestrius Harper dog on fire, has sick is that.
I hope that the dog lovers in jail take care of this lowlife.
Up in Somerton, Pennsylvania another sick’o has cut Sherri Verdons dog in half and left it on her porch. What is this world coming too with all the animal abuse going on?
Sherri Verdon said: It’s very gruesome. It’s very scary. It’s a sign to me. If somebody’s disturbed enough to do that to a dog, what are they going to do to me?
I think that this women should get some protection in case this person comes back.
Read the article by Valerie Levesque here.
A company called K9 International LLC from Royal Palm Beach, Fl had one of their dogs seized when an employee found three dead puppies in a dumpster to see if the puppies were from their dog.
Apparently this company has had some twenty one dogs seized before this. Something is a little fishy to me about this company and you would think that the clients would be aware of all the seizures.
Read the article by Sonja Isger here.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
I Thought That We Neede A Liitle Dog Fun Today
Yes I know that this video is old, but it's still enjoyable.
100% of product sales fund the Freedom Flight Program
Saving the Dogs One Purchase at a Time
Orange Dog, Kevin Costner, and the way to save dogs online
Actor, Director, musician, Kevin Costner has joined forces with Orange Dog founder Jan Folk as she works to save the lives of lovable mutts from California, and give them a new lease on life. Being a dog lover herself, Jan decided to take action. Once Kevin heard about the cause, there was no stopping him from jumping on board. That’s how the two dog-lovers joined forces for a cause.
Freedom Flights!
Orange Dog is the brainchild of Edmonton businesswoman and philanthropist, Jan Folk. As a friend of and generous donor to the Edmonton Humane Society, Jan leapt at the opportunity to help in this life-saving initiative in June 2009, but still she wished she could do more, so Orange Dog was born. The Orange Dog web store features a selection of high quality products for dogs and their owners – 100% of product sales fund the Freedom Flight Program. The animals are brought from California humane societies, where many of the dogs are in their last days on “doggie death row.” The Edmonton Humane Society finds that more people are willing to wait for the California dogs because they know that many of those sold in newspaper or on-line ads, or in pet stores may come from puppy mills or brokers where they often live in horrible conditions; and are often bred without considering the dogs’ welfare.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
They Killed His Dog While He Sat In Jail For Trying To Break His Dog Out
A man named Edwin Fry from Hydro, OK who had his little poodle named Buddy Tough locked up in the kennel because a neighbor didn’t want the dog in her yard and brought the dog to the kennel is now in jail and his poor dog has been killed.
Edwin Fry was caught trying to break his little dog out of the pound when he got caught red handed by the police because he didn’t have the money for the fine. During the time Edwin was in jail for trespassing and burglary while trying to retrieve his dog, the kennel had killed his dog.
You need to picture the whole story behind this because Edwin Fry was a seventy three year old man who’s love for his dog had made him attempt to try and rescue his dog. How many people do you know that have the love for their dog that would do this?
Edwin Fry said: They told me they were going to kill him, so there was no choice but to take matters into my own hands.
Things also got a bit serious when Edwin said: I told them I don't advise you take my dog unless you want to face my shotgun.
It’s a sad ending for this whole story when you understand the love of Edwin had for his dog and what he went though only to have his dog killed. Yes it was the wrong way to go about this but when that’s all you have in your life you learn to treasure it no madder what.
Read the article by Ann Kelley here.
Friday, October 22, 2010
A Dog Stuck Up In A Tree?
Are you sure that this was a dog and not a cat?
Even the fire Department were bewildered when they showed up to rescue a dog named Belle who was stuck up in a tree some thirty feet up.
The poor owner named Kez Jenkins had help from friends to help look for her dog when after five hours they found the dog in the tree.
Now if that isn’t funny, I wonder if she thought that she was a cat.
Read the article here.
Today's Animal Abuse Articles
Sometimes neighbors don’t get along and things go too far. A women named Megan Vititoe from Indianapolis said that her dog Lucy had come home smelling like gas. So did her neighbors really do this to her dog?
Hopefully the police will figure out how this happened and charges will be filed.
Read the article by Troy Kehoe here.
A dog killer named Shane Thompson from Boca Raton, FL has been charged with animal cruelty for killing his dog. It’s bad enough to kill your pet dog but they way Shane had killed his dog is upsetting and I hope the judge really throws the book at him.
The Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control Captain Dave Walesky said: He appears to have caused this dog to die a very painful and extreme death that was completely unnecessary.
The awful part of this is that his friends knew that Shane Thompson was abusing his dog called Moonshine and nobody even reported it to the authorities.
Read the article by Carey Codd here.
Working on a tip the Morgan County Sheriff’s and the ASPC along with the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Facility Act raided a home where they found eleven dead dogs and removed twenty two other dogs from the owners.
So with charges pending hopefully these dog killers will be charged for what they did to these poor dogs.
Read the article here.
In Louisville, KY a dog killer named Amanda M. Mikesell is being charged with killing her boyfriends little puppy.
What would make this girl kill a little puppy like that is beyond me, hopefully the judge will see this threw a dogs eye and hit her with the book.
Read the article here.
Hopefully the police will figure out how this happened and charges will be filed.
Read the article by Troy Kehoe here.
A dog killer named Shane Thompson from Boca Raton, FL has been charged with animal cruelty for killing his dog. It’s bad enough to kill your pet dog but they way Shane had killed his dog is upsetting and I hope the judge really throws the book at him.
The Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control Captain Dave Walesky said: He appears to have caused this dog to die a very painful and extreme death that was completely unnecessary.
The awful part of this is that his friends knew that Shane Thompson was abusing his dog called Moonshine and nobody even reported it to the authorities.
Read the article by Carey Codd here.
Working on a tip the Morgan County Sheriff’s and the ASPC along with the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Animal Care Facility Act raided a home where they found eleven dead dogs and removed twenty two other dogs from the owners.
So with charges pending hopefully these dog killers will be charged for what they did to these poor dogs.
Read the article here.
In Louisville, KY a dog killer named Amanda M. Mikesell is being charged with killing her boyfriends little puppy.
What would make this girl kill a little puppy like that is beyond me, hopefully the judge will see this threw a dogs eye and hit her with the book.
Read the article here.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa Rools Out The Red Carpet Tonight
World's Premier Pet Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening with Celebrity Pawprint Event
After years of international research and planning, The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa opens for business October 25th, 2010! On Thursday, October 21st, 2010, The Barkley will host an exclusive red carpet event for celebrities and their pets to view the world’s most luxurious pet resort and commemorate their pet’s pawprints along the hotel’s Walk of Fame!
After years of international research and planning, The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa opens for business October 25th, 2010. On Thursday, October 21st, 2010, The Barkley will host an exclusive red carpet event for celebrities and their pets to view the world’s most luxurious pet resort and commemorate their pet’s pawprints along the hotel’s Walk of Fame. The Barkley, considered the “Ritz-Carlton” for pets, is the only pet care facility in the world that offers unique accommodations alongside Rodeo Drive, Planet Hollywoof, The Kodog and Growlman’s Chinese Theaters. A full "mutt"tini bar has been set up for the pet celebrities, which include favorites like Barkardi, Arfsolut and Kennel One, which even the snootiest schnauzer would raise its "sniffer" to. But not to worry, limo service is available for pets who cannot control their "licker." This long awaited grand opening has been in ‘paw’pular demand since the media started reporting on it more than two years ago.
The celebrity event will include a silent auction with generous donations from Pfizer, Abbott, Elanco, Antech, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Natren Inc., just to name a few. Proceeds from the event will support The Barkley Foundation, who is in partnership with local animal rescue charities including Lifeline4Paws and Saving Animals From Euthanasia. The reception will be catered by Malibu’s own, Monrose Catering Co. with alcohol provided by the newest Cajun hotspot, Orlean’s Restaurant and Lounge. KnotJustFlowers.com donated all the floral décor and centerpieces to make this an event to be remembered. Gift bag donors include StickySheets LLC, ilovecookiesdogbakery.com, and XYNG, Fuel 4 Life. The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village donated a $1,000 “Stay-cation” with accommodations and spa treatments for two and Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts donated a week vacation at Lahaina Resort in Maui.
About The Barkley: The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa provides a variety of services for dogs, cats, birds and exotics at affordable prices. Along with overnight accommodations in uber-luxurious suites along Rodeo Drive and Hollywoof Boulevard and full-service day spa services (offering spa baths, body massages, mud-masks and "pawdicures”), every inch of The Barkley’s unique and proprietary designs were micromanaged by pet care consultants, architects, psychologists, behaviorists, and contractors worldwide. Described as a pet's paradise for relaxation, socialization, exercise or just sheer enjoyment, The Barkley is undoubtedly a “Five-Paw Property.” The custom-designed facility even offers doggie day camp, obedience training and limousine trans’paw’tation service! With an extensive guest service menu featuring bedtime tuck-in service, tummy rubs, and Skype® sessions, The Barkley is sure to be the “bark” of the canine community.
To learn more about The Barkley, come join the fun, food and entertainment during their public preview days on October 23rd and 24th. Proceeds support The Barkley Foundation’s animal rescue charities. Register a free tour spot at http://www.westlakepet.com. No pets please.
Schedule of Grand Opening Events
Saturday, October 23rd – Public Sneak Preview Day 8 am - 5 pm
Sunday, October 24th –Public Sneak Preview Day 8 am - 5 pm
The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa is located across from The Four Seasons Hotel at 31166 Via Colinas in Westlake Village, California.
For more information call 818-889-BARK (2275)
Email - malia(at)thebarkleypethotel(dot)com; or go online at http://www.thebarkleypethotel.com.
Pedigree Foundation honors Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Chosen as Recipient for Pedigree Foundation Grant
Pedigree Foundation honors Muttville Senior Dog Rescue with its Innovation Grant for iMuttville's Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue announces a huge honor in recognition of its signature “Senior for Seniors” adoption program that matches senior dogs with senior citizens. 2010 is the first year of the Pedigree Foundation “Innovation” Grants, recognizing innovative new ideas in dog rescue. Out of 230 applicants, ten were chosen. Muttville’s “Seniors for Seniors” program was selected and awarded a $12,000 grant. This grant supports Muttville’s efforts to facilitate senior dog adoptions by senior citizens by underwriting adoption fees and providing free dog care kits. Additionally, this grant will fund “Seniors for Seniors” education and outreach events at Bay Area senior citizen communities.
Muttville Founder and Executive Director Sherri Franklin said, “Muttville is thrilled to have this support and recognition for the work we do to bring resecued senior dogs to senior citizens. Our “Seniors for Seniors” program has grown tremendously over the last year and we’d like to see that growth continue with this help from the Pedigree Foundation. We have seen the joy that a new canine companion can bring to light up a senior’s life and we hope to save many more senior dogs and place them in the loving lap of a senior citizen. We have much gratitude for this gift from The Pedigree Adoption Drive Foundation.”
Why adopt an older dog? Here are the top ten reasons to adopt a senior dog: (with thanks to srdogs.com)
1. Housetrained
Older dogs are housetrained. You won’t have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
2.Won't Chew Inappropriate Items
Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won’t chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
3. Focus To Learn
Older dogs can focus well because they’ve mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Know What "NO" Means
Older dogs have learned what “no” means. If they hadn’t learned it, they wouldn’t have gotten to be “older” dogs.
5. Settle in with the "Pack"
Older dogs settle in easily, because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Good At Giving Love
Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they’ve been given.
7. WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8. Instant Companions
Older dogs are instant companions – ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Time for Yourself
Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. A Good Night's Sleep
Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
About Muttville Senior Dog Rescue: Muttville is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs. Muttville’s mission is to change the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice. Locally, Muttville rescues senior dogs and finds them new homes or gives them hospice. On a global level, Muttville provides information about caring for older dogs and support for people who do.Through associations with shelters and other animal organizations, Muttville finds senior dogs that have been given up and are not likely to find adopted homes.
If you’d like more information or to schedule an interview with Executive Director and Founder Sherri Franklin, please call Patty Stanton at 415 871 8844 or email Patty at patty(at)muttville(dot)org
Contact: Patty Stanton
Phone: 415 871 8844
Email: patty(at)muttville(dot)org
Pedigree Foundation honors Muttville Senior Dog Rescue with its Innovation Grant for iMuttville's Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue announces a huge honor in recognition of its signature “Senior for Seniors” adoption program that matches senior dogs with senior citizens. 2010 is the first year of the Pedigree Foundation “Innovation” Grants, recognizing innovative new ideas in dog rescue. Out of 230 applicants, ten were chosen. Muttville’s “Seniors for Seniors” program was selected and awarded a $12,000 grant. This grant supports Muttville’s efforts to facilitate senior dog adoptions by senior citizens by underwriting adoption fees and providing free dog care kits. Additionally, this grant will fund “Seniors for Seniors” education and outreach events at Bay Area senior citizen communities.
Muttville Founder and Executive Director Sherri Franklin said, “Muttville is thrilled to have this support and recognition for the work we do to bring resecued senior dogs to senior citizens. Our “Seniors for Seniors” program has grown tremendously over the last year and we’d like to see that growth continue with this help from the Pedigree Foundation. We have seen the joy that a new canine companion can bring to light up a senior’s life and we hope to save many more senior dogs and place them in the loving lap of a senior citizen. We have much gratitude for this gift from The Pedigree Adoption Drive Foundation.”
Why adopt an older dog? Here are the top ten reasons to adopt a senior dog: (with thanks to srdogs.com)
1. Housetrained
Older dogs are housetrained. You won’t have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.
2.Won't Chew Inappropriate Items
Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won’t chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
3. Focus To Learn
Older dogs can focus well because they’ve mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Know What "NO" Means
Older dogs have learned what “no” means. If they hadn’t learned it, they wouldn’t have gotten to be “older” dogs.
5. Settle in with the "Pack"
Older dogs settle in easily, because they’ve learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Good At Giving Love
Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they’ve been given.
7. WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8. Instant Companions
Older dogs are instant companions – ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Time for Yourself
Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. A Good Night's Sleep
Older dogs let you get a good night’s sleep because they’re accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
About Muttville Senior Dog Rescue: Muttville is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs. Muttville’s mission is to change the way the world thinks about and treats older dogs and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice. Locally, Muttville rescues senior dogs and finds them new homes or gives them hospice. On a global level, Muttville provides information about caring for older dogs and support for people who do.Through associations with shelters and other animal organizations, Muttville finds senior dogs that have been given up and are not likely to find adopted homes.
If you’d like more information or to schedule an interview with Executive Director and Founder Sherri Franklin, please call Patty Stanton at 415 871 8844 or email Patty at patty(at)muttville(dot)org
Contact: Patty Stanton
Phone: 415 871 8844
Email: patty(at)muttville(dot)org
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Offers Help For Cushing's Disease In Dogs
New Surgical Technology First Tested In Humans At Cedars-Sinai Is Giving Fido A Second Chance, Too
Some of man's best friends are wagging their tails - literally -- thanks to human research on a new type of surgical imaging device being pioneered at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Nine dogs that would have died of canine Cushing's disease are alive and barking today, and even one cat has been given a new lease on one of its nine lives.
Neurosurgeon Adam N. Mamelak, M.D., had been studying the use of a scope called a VITOM™ for human surgery when he was approached by a group of veterinary endocrinologists and surgeons at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital who were interested in having him teach them to perform similar surgeries in dogs. Some pituitary tumors are extremely common in dogs, and often fatal.
After studying the problem, Mamelak, an expert in minimally invasive pituitary surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery and co-director of the Pituitary Center at Cedars-Sinai, noted that the VITOM device happens to be a nearly perfect fit for use in dogs with pituitary tumors. He agreed to proctor the animal hospital veterinarians in performing potentially life-saving canine neurosurgery to remove these tumors.
This arrangement benefits both canine and human patients because after a tumor is removed, Mamelak takes tumor tissue back to Cedars-Sinai's laboratories for study, and research teams have already begun to make important observations about treating the tumors with certain drugs.
Only one other group in the world - in the Netherlands - is known to be regularly attempting a similar procedure in dogs. Both groups use what is called a transsphenoidal approach, creating a tiny hole in the back of the mouth to enter the skull at the base of the brain and remove the tumor. But because dogs have long snouts, Mamelak says there isn't much to see. The VITOM, which is also called an exoscope, solves this problem by providing up to 12 times magnification and projecting the operating field onto a large high-definition video monitor. This gives the surgeon a vastly larger and sharper view of the tumor and the surrounding brain structures, making removal safer and easier.
Mamelak says veterinary medicine is becoming increasingly sophisticated and is almost as technologically advanced as human medicine. The exoscope is cutting-edge human surgery technology that has made an early jump - at least in a limited way - to a veterinary application.
"I've been training the veterinarians to use the exoscope," Mamelak says. "They've never done any significant neurosurgery, let alone through a tiny hole, but they're getting better and better. By adopting technology developed for humans - and tested initially here at Cedars-Sinai - to veterinary medicine, we are able to provide a technological leap that makes the procedure more accessible to veterinarians and their patients."
So far, the operation has been performed on 14 animals. Eight dogs and one cat have survived and are doing very well, according to Mamelak.
Although canine pituitary tumors are not identical to those in humans, they are very similar, making the canine disease a very good model to study for understanding human illness as well. Interestingly, the most common tumors found in dogs - those that produce too much of a hormone called ACTH and cause Cushing's disease - are extremely rare in humans. Cushing's disease occurs in only about one in every 1 million people, but there are more than 100,000 cases in dogs each year in the U.S. alone.
Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, diabetes, hair loss, thinning skin, increased appetite, and abdominal enlargement. Without treatment, the canine disease is fatal, and the few existing drugs for the condition are usually not curative, have serious side effects, and can be very expensive.
All of the veterinary work is done with the expressed consent and approval of the pet owners, using strict federal guidelines for humane animal care.
"This research collaboration benefits both humans and canines with these tumors. In addition to saving dogs' lives, it provides a mechanism for early testing of drug therapies that may be useful for humans as well. As we progress with our laboratory studies we are identifying drugs that may treat the tumors. We then hope to be able to give medicines to dogs to shrink their tumors, then monitor the dogs, perform the surgery, and restudy the tissue to see how it was affected by the medicine," says Mamelak, a dog-lover who has a 6-year-old mutt named Maya at home. "This working model really benefits dogs and veterinary medicine as much as it benefits people."
Note: Additional background on Dr. Mamelak and human pituitary surgery:
Although the VITOM exoscope appears to be an excellent tool for several kinds of human surgery and canine pituitary surgery, it is not ideal for human pituitary surgery. For that, Mamelak uses an endoscope - a narrow tube with an HD camera lens at the tip. It is inserted through the nose and the back of the nasal cavity. A small burr hole through bone allows the endoscope and operating instruments to be positioned directly in the area of the pituitary gland, and the surgical site is displayed on a large HD monitor.
"There are no external cuts, bruises or tissues that need to heal, and because the endoscope provides a wide field of view, we can remove tumors deep inside the brain and we can be sure to get every little last bit of the tumor out," Mamelak says.
Most neurosurgeons who treat pituitary tumors still use an operating microscope, which also provides HD viewing, but the equipment is large and bulky and has a fixed focal point. The deeper the tumor, the narrower the field of vision becomes - almost like tunnel vision. Mamelak trains residents in Cedars-Sinai's neurosurgical residency program in the use of the endoscope because, while the microscope is easier for the surgeon to use, he believes the endoscope provides a much better experience for the patient.
The exoscope is something of a hybrid of the endoscope and the operating microscope. It provides image quality rivaling the microscope but is lightweight, portable and far less costly.
Source:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Some of man's best friends are wagging their tails - literally -- thanks to human research on a new type of surgical imaging device being pioneered at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Nine dogs that would have died of canine Cushing's disease are alive and barking today, and even one cat has been given a new lease on one of its nine lives.
Neurosurgeon Adam N. Mamelak, M.D., had been studying the use of a scope called a VITOM™ for human surgery when he was approached by a group of veterinary endocrinologists and surgeons at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital who were interested in having him teach them to perform similar surgeries in dogs. Some pituitary tumors are extremely common in dogs, and often fatal.
After studying the problem, Mamelak, an expert in minimally invasive pituitary surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery and co-director of the Pituitary Center at Cedars-Sinai, noted that the VITOM device happens to be a nearly perfect fit for use in dogs with pituitary tumors. He agreed to proctor the animal hospital veterinarians in performing potentially life-saving canine neurosurgery to remove these tumors.
This arrangement benefits both canine and human patients because after a tumor is removed, Mamelak takes tumor tissue back to Cedars-Sinai's laboratories for study, and research teams have already begun to make important observations about treating the tumors with certain drugs.
Only one other group in the world - in the Netherlands - is known to be regularly attempting a similar procedure in dogs. Both groups use what is called a transsphenoidal approach, creating a tiny hole in the back of the mouth to enter the skull at the base of the brain and remove the tumor. But because dogs have long snouts, Mamelak says there isn't much to see. The VITOM, which is also called an exoscope, solves this problem by providing up to 12 times magnification and projecting the operating field onto a large high-definition video monitor. This gives the surgeon a vastly larger and sharper view of the tumor and the surrounding brain structures, making removal safer and easier.
Mamelak says veterinary medicine is becoming increasingly sophisticated and is almost as technologically advanced as human medicine. The exoscope is cutting-edge human surgery technology that has made an early jump - at least in a limited way - to a veterinary application.
"I've been training the veterinarians to use the exoscope," Mamelak says. "They've never done any significant neurosurgery, let alone through a tiny hole, but they're getting better and better. By adopting technology developed for humans - and tested initially here at Cedars-Sinai - to veterinary medicine, we are able to provide a technological leap that makes the procedure more accessible to veterinarians and their patients."
So far, the operation has been performed on 14 animals. Eight dogs and one cat have survived and are doing very well, according to Mamelak.
Although canine pituitary tumors are not identical to those in humans, they are very similar, making the canine disease a very good model to study for understanding human illness as well. Interestingly, the most common tumors found in dogs - those that produce too much of a hormone called ACTH and cause Cushing's disease - are extremely rare in humans. Cushing's disease occurs in only about one in every 1 million people, but there are more than 100,000 cases in dogs each year in the U.S. alone.
Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, diabetes, hair loss, thinning skin, increased appetite, and abdominal enlargement. Without treatment, the canine disease is fatal, and the few existing drugs for the condition are usually not curative, have serious side effects, and can be very expensive.
All of the veterinary work is done with the expressed consent and approval of the pet owners, using strict federal guidelines for humane animal care.
"This research collaboration benefits both humans and canines with these tumors. In addition to saving dogs' lives, it provides a mechanism for early testing of drug therapies that may be useful for humans as well. As we progress with our laboratory studies we are identifying drugs that may treat the tumors. We then hope to be able to give medicines to dogs to shrink their tumors, then monitor the dogs, perform the surgery, and restudy the tissue to see how it was affected by the medicine," says Mamelak, a dog-lover who has a 6-year-old mutt named Maya at home. "This working model really benefits dogs and veterinary medicine as much as it benefits people."
Note: Additional background on Dr. Mamelak and human pituitary surgery:
Although the VITOM exoscope appears to be an excellent tool for several kinds of human surgery and canine pituitary surgery, it is not ideal for human pituitary surgery. For that, Mamelak uses an endoscope - a narrow tube with an HD camera lens at the tip. It is inserted through the nose and the back of the nasal cavity. A small burr hole through bone allows the endoscope and operating instruments to be positioned directly in the area of the pituitary gland, and the surgical site is displayed on a large HD monitor.
"There are no external cuts, bruises or tissues that need to heal, and because the endoscope provides a wide field of view, we can remove tumors deep inside the brain and we can be sure to get every little last bit of the tumor out," Mamelak says.
Most neurosurgeons who treat pituitary tumors still use an operating microscope, which also provides HD viewing, but the equipment is large and bulky and has a fixed focal point. The deeper the tumor, the narrower the field of vision becomes - almost like tunnel vision. Mamelak trains residents in Cedars-Sinai's neurosurgical residency program in the use of the endoscope because, while the microscope is easier for the surgeon to use, he believes the endoscope provides a much better experience for the patient.
The exoscope is something of a hybrid of the endoscope and the operating microscope. It provides image quality rivaling the microscope but is lightweight, portable and far less costly.
Source:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Hey Manhattan Your Dog Has A New Club
Fetch Club Opens Private Members Canine Hotel, Boutique, Spa and Doggie Nightclub - Disco Ball Included
Co-founders Peter Balestrieri and Janna Lee have now officially opened Fetch Club, the ultimate destination for everything canine. Fetch Club is a private member’s canine club, hotel and boutique located in Manhattan’s Financial/South Street Seaport Historic District. Fetch Club caters to urban canines and their owners by creating a modern oasis complete with canine restaurant, theater, wellness spa, fitness center and even a canine photo studio.
Co-founders Peter Balestrieri and Janna Lee have now officially opened Fetch Club, the ultimate destination for everything canine. Fetch Club is a private member’s canine club, hotel and boutique located in Manhattan’s Financial/South Street Seaport Historic District. Fetch Club caters to urban canines and their owners by creating a modern oasis complete with canine restaurant, theater, wellness spa, fitness center and even a canine photo studio.
Co-founders Mr. Belestrieri and Ms. Lee say, “Fetch Club has been a labor of love for over a year now and is dedicated to taking care of all the needs of NYC’s urban canines. Proper exercise, mental and physical wellness is our focus. Our indoor grass park, waterfall and moguls will awaken the puppy-aliveness in every Fetch Club member.”
Fetch Club is situated in a newly renovated and state-of-the-art 13,000 square foot facility with a strong commitment to providing their canine clientele with the utmost clean and comfortable environment possible. Fetch Club has taken into account the four elements to keep their canine member’s health and well being in proper balance:
Earth/FOOD: For every pet’s dietary needs, Fetch Club has packed their boutique with a healthy treat bar, a variety of wholesome FOODS, amazing supplements and a wellness kiosk.
Water/H2O: Our canine friends can quench their thirst, have a bath, or play in the Club's purified waterfall - absolutely worry free. Our canine members or visitors can indulge in water that is purified to perfection with the Tensui WATER Purification System wherein all harmful chemicals are removed while also enhancing water with calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, vanadium, negative ions, et cetera.
Fire/Sunlight: As for SUNLIGHT, canine members can come and enjoy our amazing skylight in The Park or be treated to an infrared sauna imported directly from Japan. The far infrared heat is, in fact, a necessary form of energy that all living things require for optimum health.
Air/Oxygen: Our canine members also need clean air and plenty of OXYGEN. Indoor air has been shown in one EPA study to be 30 times more polluted than downtown NYC. To ensure all members have the purest air possible, Fetch Club has installed the Air Boss by Trion, an industrial air purification system with charcoal and HEPA filters. In addition to this air purification process, all air passing through the Club’s HVAC system is filtered by the AtmosAir Ionization Air Purification system. The AtmosAir System, deployed successfully in Europe for decades, is the product of original scientific development by Albert Einstein in “bipolar ionization” of oxygen molecules. AtmosAir Solutions has advanced Einstein’s original technology to create the best indoor air purification system available.
Fetch Club will also include special nightclub hours for our canine friends that want to stop by and shake their tails while their owners are out on the town. As the day turns into night, we open the Night Club exclusively for the Club’s VIP Members from 7pm to Midnight. The Night Club, complete with disco-ball, provides our canine members with evening services to either relax or party into the night. Staff is present 24 hours a day to ensure all our members’ needs are met and attended to create a safe comfortable place to relax or dance the night away.
Co-founders Peter Balestrieri and Janna Lee have now officially opened Fetch Club, the ultimate destination for everything canine. Fetch Club is a private member’s canine club, hotel and boutique located in Manhattan’s Financial/South Street Seaport Historic District. Fetch Club caters to urban canines and their owners by creating a modern oasis complete with canine restaurant, theater, wellness spa, fitness center and even a canine photo studio.
Co-founders Peter Balestrieri and Janna Lee have now officially opened Fetch Club, the ultimate destination for everything canine. Fetch Club is a private member’s canine club, hotel and boutique located in Manhattan’s Financial/South Street Seaport Historic District. Fetch Club caters to urban canines and their owners by creating a modern oasis complete with canine restaurant, theater, wellness spa, fitness center and even a canine photo studio.
Co-founders Mr. Belestrieri and Ms. Lee say, “Fetch Club has been a labor of love for over a year now and is dedicated to taking care of all the needs of NYC’s urban canines. Proper exercise, mental and physical wellness is our focus. Our indoor grass park, waterfall and moguls will awaken the puppy-aliveness in every Fetch Club member.”
Fetch Club is situated in a newly renovated and state-of-the-art 13,000 square foot facility with a strong commitment to providing their canine clientele with the utmost clean and comfortable environment possible. Fetch Club has taken into account the four elements to keep their canine member’s health and well being in proper balance:
Earth/FOOD: For every pet’s dietary needs, Fetch Club has packed their boutique with a healthy treat bar, a variety of wholesome FOODS, amazing supplements and a wellness kiosk.
Water/H2O: Our canine friends can quench their thirst, have a bath, or play in the Club's purified waterfall - absolutely worry free. Our canine members or visitors can indulge in water that is purified to perfection with the Tensui WATER Purification System wherein all harmful chemicals are removed while also enhancing water with calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, vanadium, negative ions, et cetera.
Fire/Sunlight: As for SUNLIGHT, canine members can come and enjoy our amazing skylight in The Park or be treated to an infrared sauna imported directly from Japan. The far infrared heat is, in fact, a necessary form of energy that all living things require for optimum health.
Air/Oxygen: Our canine members also need clean air and plenty of OXYGEN. Indoor air has been shown in one EPA study to be 30 times more polluted than downtown NYC. To ensure all members have the purest air possible, Fetch Club has installed the Air Boss by Trion, an industrial air purification system with charcoal and HEPA filters. In addition to this air purification process, all air passing through the Club’s HVAC system is filtered by the AtmosAir Ionization Air Purification system. The AtmosAir System, deployed successfully in Europe for decades, is the product of original scientific development by Albert Einstein in “bipolar ionization” of oxygen molecules. AtmosAir Solutions has advanced Einstein’s original technology to create the best indoor air purification system available.
Fetch Club will also include special nightclub hours for our canine friends that want to stop by and shake their tails while their owners are out on the town. As the day turns into night, we open the Night Club exclusively for the Club’s VIP Members from 7pm to Midnight. The Night Club, complete with disco-ball, provides our canine members with evening services to either relax or party into the night. Staff is present 24 hours a day to ensure all our members’ needs are met and attended to create a safe comfortable place to relax or dance the night away.
Study Shows Dogs Help Autistic Children
Children's best friend
New Universite de Montreal study shows that dogs help autistic children adapt
Dogs may not only be man's best friend, they may also have a special role in the lives of children with special needs. According to a new Université de Montreal study, specifically trained service dogs can help reduce the anxiety and enhance the socialization skills of children with Autism Syndrome Disorders (ASDs). The findings published this year in Psychoneuroendocrinology may be a relatively simple solution to help affected children and their families cope with these challenging disorders.
"Our findings showed that the dogs had a clear impact on the children's stress hormone levels," says Sonia Lupien, senior researcher and a professor at the Université de Montréal Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Centre for Studies on Human Stress at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, «I have not seen such a dramatic effect before."
Cortisol the telltale indicator of stress
To detect stress-levels, Lupien and colleagues measured the amount of cortisol present in the saliva of autistic children. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the body in response to stress. It peaks half-hour after waking up, known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and decreases throughout the day. Moreover, it is detectable in the saliva, which makes sampling its levels easy.
The researchers measured the CAR of 42 children with ASD. "CAR is a very useful marker of stress," say Lupien. "We used it to determine the effect of service dogs on the children's stress levels by measuring it in three experimental conditions; prior to and during the introduction of a service dog to the family, and after the dog was removed."
Cortisol and behaviour linked
Throughout the experiment, parents were asked to complete a questionnaire addressing the behaviours of their children before, during and after the introduction of the dog. On average, parents counted 33 problematic behaviours prior to living with the dog, and only 25 while living with the animal.
"Introducing service dogs to children with ASD has received growing attention in recent decades," says Lupien. "Until now, no study has measured the physiological impact. Our results lend support to the potential behavioural benefits of service dogs for autistic children.
Partners in research
This study was funded by MIRA Foundation, Quebec, Canada.
On the Web:
About the Psychoneuroendocrinology study: www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03064530
About the Centre for Studies on Human Stress : www.humanstress.ca
About the Université de Montréal: www.umontreal.ca/english
About the Fernand-Seguin Research Centre : www.hlhl.qc.ca/research
About the MIRA Foundation: www.mira.ca/en/
New Universite de Montreal study shows that dogs help autistic children adapt
Dogs may not only be man's best friend, they may also have a special role in the lives of children with special needs. According to a new Université de Montreal study, specifically trained service dogs can help reduce the anxiety and enhance the socialization skills of children with Autism Syndrome Disorders (ASDs). The findings published this year in Psychoneuroendocrinology may be a relatively simple solution to help affected children and their families cope with these challenging disorders.
"Our findings showed that the dogs had a clear impact on the children's stress hormone levels," says Sonia Lupien, senior researcher and a professor at the Université de Montréal Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Centre for Studies on Human Stress at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, «I have not seen such a dramatic effect before."
Cortisol the telltale indicator of stress
To detect stress-levels, Lupien and colleagues measured the amount of cortisol present in the saliva of autistic children. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the body in response to stress. It peaks half-hour after waking up, known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and decreases throughout the day. Moreover, it is detectable in the saliva, which makes sampling its levels easy.
The researchers measured the CAR of 42 children with ASD. "CAR is a very useful marker of stress," say Lupien. "We used it to determine the effect of service dogs on the children's stress levels by measuring it in three experimental conditions; prior to and during the introduction of a service dog to the family, and after the dog was removed."
Cortisol and behaviour linked
Throughout the experiment, parents were asked to complete a questionnaire addressing the behaviours of their children before, during and after the introduction of the dog. On average, parents counted 33 problematic behaviours prior to living with the dog, and only 25 while living with the animal.
"Introducing service dogs to children with ASD has received growing attention in recent decades," says Lupien. "Until now, no study has measured the physiological impact. Our results lend support to the potential behavioural benefits of service dogs for autistic children.
Partners in research
This study was funded by MIRA Foundation, Quebec, Canada.
On the Web:
About the Psychoneuroendocrinology study: www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03064530
About the Centre for Studies on Human Stress : www.humanstress.ca
About the Université de Montréal: www.umontreal.ca/english
About the Fernand-Seguin Research Centre : www.hlhl.qc.ca/research
About the MIRA Foundation: www.mira.ca/en/
You May Fetch Bones, But I Fetch Something Different
Photo by Kelley Balcomb-Bartok
They call me Tucker and I work with researches helping to find whale faeces for research which is pretty cool. Helping the zoologists with my trained nose helps the researches study the killer whales in the northern Atlantic Ocean sure beats finding bones.
Read the article by Andrew Luck-Baker here.
You got to see the video of my work here. Woof … Woof
Monday, October 18, 2010
If You Want To Talk To Me You Need To Know Sign Language
Photo by Daily Mail
Just because I’m a dog you think I can hear you, well let me tell you if it wasn’t for a women named Vicky Tate I’d be lost.
Amazingly this women Vicky Tate has been able to teach this Boston Terrier sign language which has made little Zippy the top dog in the kennel club obedience class.
Vicky Tate said: A lot of dogs which can hear were struggling with the exam. It was the first time the training school had given the award to a deaf dog and everyone was stunned when he passed.
Read the article by Andrew Levy here.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
So You Want To Dump Your Dog Off At A Shelter
I came across this post and it hit the spot as a dog owner, I just hope that it might change some of the minds of people that want to dump their dog off at a shelter because they don't want it no more for what ever reason.
Letter from a Shelter Manager
I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will.
First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know.
That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.
The most common excuses I hear are; "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".
Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door.
Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.
If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.
Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down".
First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.
When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?
I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.
I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter.
Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.
My point to all of this DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!
Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I maybe changed one persons mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog. I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt". THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT
Now if that doesn't blow you away, I just hope that those of you that did dump your pet off will never get another one. I also hope that this message stays with for the rest of your life..... As the writer said: The truth hurts and reality is what it is.
Letter from a Shelter Manager
I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will.
First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know.
That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.
The most common excuses I hear are; "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".
Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door.
Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.
If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.
Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down".
First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.
When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?
I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.
I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter.
Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.
My point to all of this DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!
Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I maybe changed one persons mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog. I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt". THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT
Now if that doesn't blow you away, I just hope that those of you that did dump your pet off will never get another one. I also hope that this message stays with for the rest of your life..... As the writer said: The truth hurts and reality is what it is.
I Can See Clearly Now Thanks To A Vet
This is just amazing to see the work done by Veterinarian Richard Marks that has allowed Molly to be able to see for the first time.
The in breeding has brought this entropion on which is found in a lot of these dogs.
Read the article by Adam Arnold here.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
An Upset View Of An Animal Adopter
I was reading a post on Craigslist list today when I came across this post and it had me wondering too why the pet adoptions could be better if they weren’t like what this person has went though when they went to adopt a dog.
I had to remove some of the language from this post.
Animal Rescues are Crazy
Date: 2010-10-16, 7:42AM MST
I have recently been looking to possibly get another dog. i started like most people do and went to the paper and checked out the ads for the breed i was wanting to buy. Found several that are a good possibility, but then i got to thinking, what about getting a dog from a rescue? At first I though it would be a good idea. YEAH RIGHT. These rescues must have the top 1% of all the animals of their particular breed because the bullxxxx they wanna try to make wade through to get one is retarded. First they talk about you have to fill out a two page or more questionnaire about yourself and every detail of your life, then they want to have a "panel" of volunteers approve you. After that if you pass they send out poeple to inspect your home and decide if you are fit to have a dog or not, then and only then can you even look at the pups and try to decide on one. And then come the fees. For the breed i was looking at the medium price was about $225 for an 8 week old puppy. these rescues expect $300 or more for any of their pups. They are XXXXXXX STUPID!!! What a waste of time.
now don't get me wrong I understand wanting to make sure that the home a dog goes to will be a good one, and that these animals will be properly taken care of. But pull your heads out of your xxxxx. They are stupid to believe that most people are going to be willing to pay more for an adult dog that unfortunately has probably come from a bad home and has problems, than they would for a new puppy that they can easily train, and have it grow up with a family. These Rescues should be happy to see someone who shows interest in taking one of their animals and placing it in a home.
Also i know the argument about how they have costs and bills and crap like that that are associated with each animal, but there is a reason that rescues are categorized as non-profit businesses. Its becasue they aren't suppose to make a PROFIT in the course of their daily dealings. Plus they get donations from both private parties and state agencies too. And hell most of the rescues have the dogs placed in foster homes the entire time as well, and those foster homes are volunteers as well so theres no cost there either.
Anyway thats my rant for the day and in close to all the Animal Rescues out there:
figure it out drop the whole better than everyone else image and let people adopt these animals for a realistic fee, without all the bureaucratic bullxxxx involved , and realize that there are people like me who would have been willing to adopt a dog from you instead of buying a new one if you guys would have pulled your heads outta your xxxxx before i started looking.
-An Animal Lover
PS Please DON'T email me, post a reply on CL so that everyone can see it. Thanks
After reading this post it does make sense that more dogs would be adopted if the price was lower and you didn’t have to go through all the paperwork that seems to be like going for a mortgage. The best part I found was ( These Rescues should be happy to see someone who shows interest in taking one of their animals and placing it in a home. ) I have to agree with this because that’s what it’s all about, finding a new home for these poor dogs.
So tell me what your thoughts are towards the high price of adopting a pet. And wouldn't it make sense to try and give the dogs away as soon as they get them to help keep the cost down. This way the turn around would be fast and there would be more room for other dogs to find homes before they are killed due to not finding homes for them.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Will Your Name Appear On The Pet Abuser Registry For The Public To See
You named just might appear on the pet abusers list if you live in Suffolk County in New York if they have their way. I think that this is the greatest way to help protect our animals from those who choose to abuse their pets.
The Suffolk County legislator named Jon Cooper who is sponsoring the bill said: We know there is a very strong correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence, almost every serial killer starts out by torturing animals, so in a strange sense we could end up protecting the lives of people.
The director of legislative affairs for the Animal Legal Defense Fund named Stephan Otto said: More than a dozen states have introduced legislation to establish similar registries, but Suffolk County is the first government entity to pass such a law.
I would love to see this law go National for all to see who the abusers are so that nobody will ever give them a pet again. Sorry if that makes you upset, but the lives of my buddies is more important than your desire to owner another pet.
Read the article by Frank Eltman here.
Whose Taking And Possibility Killing The Dogs
Someone has been taken and possible killing peoples dogs in two counties in Calhoun and Bay county in Florida which the police think might be a dog fighting ring. Hopefully the police will find these thieves before more dogs are taken.
Read the article by Sandra Osborne here.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
So Your Pet Has A Micochip
Merck Sued: HomeAgain® Pet Chip Implicated in Cancer
New website, ChipMeNot.com, features details on cancer case and other adverse reactions
Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. has been served with a lawsuit over claims its HomeAgain® pet microchip induced cancer in a cat. Animal rights attorney Steven Wise seeks "reasonable compensatory damages" for a malignant tumor "likely" induced by a HomeAgain® ID chip implanted in his client's cat, Bulkin.
The complaint, "Andrea Rutherford v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. and Digital Angel, Inc." (case # 1052CV1147) was filed last week in Cambridge (MA) District Court. The complaint named implant maker Digital Angel Corporation as a co-defendant.
"Based on the alarming number of microchip-linked cancers we're discovering, I predict this lawsuit will be just the tip of the iceberg," said Dr. Katherine Albrecht, a consumer advocate and expert on adverse reactions associated with implantable microchips.
Bulkin's case is featured at www.ChipMeNot.com, a new website launched by Albrecht's consumer group CASPIAN to bring attention to the plight of animals who have developed cancer and other adverse reactions from ID microchips. Albrecht documents several of these cases in "Microchip-Induced Tumors in Laboratory Rodents and Dogs: A Review of the Literature 1990–2006," a peer-reviewed academic paper she presented at a June conference of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers devoted to concerns about implantable microchips.
Albrecht's paper and a copy of the complaint are also posted at www.ChipMeNot.com. The site, co-developed with graduate intern Lidiya Prorochuk, spotlights a growing number of adverse reactions to microchips, including the chip-related cancer deaths of two dogs within the past year. The site also features a form where pet owners can report adverse microchip reactions, since there is currently no official registry in the US to collect such data.
"Merck and organizations that advocate pet chipping should take this lawsuit seriously and start warning pet owners of the risk of microchip-induced cancer," Albrecht advised. "As Andrea Rutherford and other pet owners can tell you, it's not a statistic when it's your pet."
About Katherine Albrecht and CASPIAN
Dr. Katherine Albrecht is the founder and director of CASPIAN, an organization that educates consumers about the dangers of surveillance and RFID microchip technology. She is also a syndicated radio host, bestselling author, and the VP of Marketing for www.Startpage.com, the world's most private search engine. Katherine holds a doctorate in Consumer Education from Harvard University.
After reading this article it makes you wonder if it is for real, I'm glad I didn't put any chips in my dogs.
New website, ChipMeNot.com, features details on cancer case and other adverse reactions
Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. has been served with a lawsuit over claims its HomeAgain® pet microchip induced cancer in a cat. Animal rights attorney Steven Wise seeks "reasonable compensatory damages" for a malignant tumor "likely" induced by a HomeAgain® ID chip implanted in his client's cat, Bulkin.
The complaint, "Andrea Rutherford v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. and Digital Angel, Inc." (case # 1052CV1147) was filed last week in Cambridge (MA) District Court. The complaint named implant maker Digital Angel Corporation as a co-defendant.
"Based on the alarming number of microchip-linked cancers we're discovering, I predict this lawsuit will be just the tip of the iceberg," said Dr. Katherine Albrecht, a consumer advocate and expert on adverse reactions associated with implantable microchips.
Bulkin's case is featured at www.ChipMeNot.com, a new website launched by Albrecht's consumer group CASPIAN to bring attention to the plight of animals who have developed cancer and other adverse reactions from ID microchips. Albrecht documents several of these cases in "Microchip-Induced Tumors in Laboratory Rodents and Dogs: A Review of the Literature 1990–2006," a peer-reviewed academic paper she presented at a June conference of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers devoted to concerns about implantable microchips.
Albrecht's paper and a copy of the complaint are also posted at www.ChipMeNot.com. The site, co-developed with graduate intern Lidiya Prorochuk, spotlights a growing number of adverse reactions to microchips, including the chip-related cancer deaths of two dogs within the past year. The site also features a form where pet owners can report adverse microchip reactions, since there is currently no official registry in the US to collect such data.
"Merck and organizations that advocate pet chipping should take this lawsuit seriously and start warning pet owners of the risk of microchip-induced cancer," Albrecht advised. "As Andrea Rutherford and other pet owners can tell you, it's not a statistic when it's your pet."
About Katherine Albrecht and CASPIAN
Dr. Katherine Albrecht is the founder and director of CASPIAN, an organization that educates consumers about the dangers of surveillance and RFID microchip technology. She is also a syndicated radio host, bestselling author, and the VP of Marketing for www.Startpage.com, the world's most private search engine. Katherine holds a doctorate in Consumer Education from Harvard University.
After reading this article it makes you wonder if it is for real, I'm glad I didn't put any chips in my dogs.
A Total Of 164 Dogs Removed And Counting
Down in Santa Fe, NM the authorities have their hands full with the recent removal of some fifteen dogs from the Heart & Soul Animal Sanctuary. They now might be charging the operator of the sanctuary Natalie Owens with fifteen counts of animal cruelty for leaving dogs in the car during extreme weather over one hundred degrees.
Natalie Owens & another employee named Paul Vigil are also looking at larceny charges for the thief of a dog.
Read the article here.
Photo by Fox News
Another sad dog story about the removal of twenty dogs that were so neglected that it makes you sick.
The Marion County Animal Services were working on a tip about some neglected dogs when they went to a women named Loreli Aguda’s home and found these poor dogs living in hell. How could anybody do this to their dogs and not even care is beyond me.
Read the article here.
News Video Of Dogs Being Removed
I will let the video tell the story about the removal of one hundred and twenty nine dogs from a puppy mill in Bowman County, NC.
The CCDHS were unable to even remove all the dogs from the puppy mill where they had to leave some sixty dogs due to being over whelmed with this many dogs at one time.
Read the article by Retha Colclasure here.
The Central Dakota Humane Society can use your support with any donations you have to offer.
Natalie Owens & another employee named Paul Vigil are also looking at larceny charges for the thief of a dog.
Read the article here.
Another sad dog story about the removal of twenty dogs that were so neglected that it makes you sick.
The Marion County Animal Services were working on a tip about some neglected dogs when they went to a women named Loreli Aguda’s home and found these poor dogs living in hell. How could anybody do this to their dogs and not even care is beyond me.
Read the article here.
News Video Of Dogs Being Removed
I will let the video tell the story about the removal of one hundred and twenty nine dogs from a puppy mill in Bowman County, NC.
The CCDHS were unable to even remove all the dogs from the puppy mill where they had to leave some sixty dogs due to being over whelmed with this many dogs at one time.
Read the article by Retha Colclasure here.
The Central Dakota Humane Society can use your support with any donations you have to offer.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Online Art Auction To Help Best Friends Animal Society
Art by Animals: Online Auction Bidding for Original Pieces by 'Residents Artists' of Best Friends Animal Society's Sanctuary
Animals at the nation’s largest sanctuary engage in an artistic competition to remember. Using berries, natural dyes and non-toxic paints, dogs, cats, horses, potbellied pigs, parrots, geese and a goat find their “inner Pawcasso.”
For more than 25 years, Best Friends Animal Society’s sanctuary in remote southern Utah has been a mecca for animal lovers and now it’s an artists’ haven, too — for furry and feathered creative geniuses.
Between now and Oct. 31, art connoisseurs can participate in an online auction to acquire pieces by these talented “resident artists.” It all started when sanctuary caregivers who watch over the feline residents wanted to develop a team-building exercise. That led to having the cats create art. Between laser pointer chasing, tap dancing on top of plastic, playing with toys, nibbling treats, flailing their tails around and more, Best Friends cats proved to be consummate creators, which led to the inevitable question: “What would a dog do?”
The cats issued a challenge to the other animals at the Sanctuary to participate in an art competition, while the caregivers devised the best way for the dogs, horses, parrots and potbellied pigs to prove they were the next “Pawcasso.”
Dogtown residents proved to be masters of the paw print, using their feet to bring life and color to everything from canvasses to hats to rocks. Horse Haven painters were likewise foot-savvy (and tail-savvy), creating inspiring equine canvasses that would make any art lover swoon.
The finished art from the parrots was mesmerizing. Using such mediums as card stock and coffee filters, the birds employed “beak and negative space” to create images that resembled a Dallas Cowboy football helmet, a totem pole, and the hugely popular “Portrait of an Owl,” by Olive, an Amazon parrot, which won an honorable mention in the contest.
Potbellied pigs got in touch with their inner Rembrandt. The caregivers placed deposits of paint on a canvas, then covered the canvas with plastic. At that point, the pigs moved the paint around in fascinating patterns with their snouts and hooves, albeit with a few treats placed here and there to help them find their subconscious muse. Hollywood the pig took second place overall with her stunning contribution, aptly titled “Done by a Diva.”
It was no small compliment that the cats’ artwork was most often compared to Jackson “Paw”llock. A feline named Wild Child took third place with a stunning painting that resembled a large fish, after which one of the judges decided Wild Child was clearly communicating the message “More tuna for lunch!”
Top honors for the day, however, went to a pair of geese, Kayenta and Nemi. Their rags-to-riches art success story proves that even art of the humblest possible origin can stand out from the crowd.
Caregivers placed a large paper canvas on the ground so that Nemi and Kayenta could employ the salad, berries, pellets and water nearby as art material. That’s all it took for the two budding Picassos to whip up a truly spectacular display.
Their finished offering contained a creative concoction of sand, berry juice, salad shavings, feathers, shredded pellets, grass (and no, not what you’re thinking) mixed into one dazzling combination. Their earthy materials of choice were enough to wow the judges into awarding the geese the grand prize.
And the art fans went wild. Best Friends members who read about these “resident artists” demanded a shot at purchasing some of the paintings. So for the month of October, selected pieces will be available through the Best Friends Animal Society Online Auction.
About Best Friends Animal Society®
Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®. The society's leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country's largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of members and community partners across the nation.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dogs Seized From All Over
So where was this so called dog breeder named Terri Lea Hamilton from Sardinia, OH when the local authorities found some thirty eight dogs left abandoning in the home she was renting. They also found dead dogs in the freezer and on the floor in the vacant house and one left outside.
The Dog Warden named Paul Hughes said: It's pretty bad. There is a lot of feces. The dogs have had the run of the house. They didn't get into all of the rooms, but there were dead bodies found in the back of the property.
So where is Terri hiding now that the courts are going to be looking for her and I hope they find her for what she did to these dogs.
Read the article here.
Photo by the Drexel Police Department
Another raid on a home in Burke County, NC has turned up forty more pets that were left along in a home that was unfit to even be in. The owner named Christine Butler is supposable in a nursing home at the time but she will be charged with cruelty to animals.
There is no excuse for these dogs and cats to be left to live under these conditions.
Read the article by Cameron Easley here.
Over in Reidsville, NC the police working on a tip had found dozens of dogs that were seized along with a few dead dogs on the property.
Read the article by Davetta Blount here.
Down in Vicksburg, MS the local fire department had stumbled upon what might have been a dog fighting ring when they found twelve pit bull terriers that had wounds on them and were chained up outside.
I can only say that I hope the owners of these dogs get hit with the book by the judge.
Read the article here.
El Paso Texas will be without one more pet store named Petland due to the new laws that were past and a few animal activist come the end of the year. But the store’s owner is going out with a bang when Marlene Estrada filled a lawsuit against four animal welfare groups.
I guess we will have to wait and see how this lawsuit works out in court to know if the animal groups are really responsible for the closing of this store.
Read the article by Gaby Loria here.
The Dog Warden named Paul Hughes said: It's pretty bad. There is a lot of feces. The dogs have had the run of the house. They didn't get into all of the rooms, but there were dead bodies found in the back of the property.
So where is Terri hiding now that the courts are going to be looking for her and I hope they find her for what she did to these dogs.
Read the article here.
Another raid on a home in Burke County, NC has turned up forty more pets that were left along in a home that was unfit to even be in. The owner named Christine Butler is supposable in a nursing home at the time but she will be charged with cruelty to animals.
There is no excuse for these dogs and cats to be left to live under these conditions.
Read the article by Cameron Easley here.
Over in Reidsville, NC the police working on a tip had found dozens of dogs that were seized along with a few dead dogs on the property.
Read the article by Davetta Blount here.
Down in Vicksburg, MS the local fire department had stumbled upon what might have been a dog fighting ring when they found twelve pit bull terriers that had wounds on them and were chained up outside.
I can only say that I hope the owners of these dogs get hit with the book by the judge.
Read the article here.
El Paso Texas will be without one more pet store named Petland due to the new laws that were past and a few animal activist come the end of the year. But the store’s owner is going out with a bang when Marlene Estrada filled a lawsuit against four animal welfare groups.
I guess we will have to wait and see how this lawsuit works out in court to know if the animal groups are really responsible for the closing of this store.
Read the article by Gaby Loria here.
Which Dogs Rate Among The Most To Have Cancer
Pet Insurance Company Releases Top Breeds Affected by Cancer
Pet insurance company Trupanion reviews cancer claims and releases top dog breeds affected by the disease.
Trupanion, the nation’s fastest-growing pet insurance company, today released a list of dog breeds most prone to cancer, according to pet insurance claims received since August 12, 2000.
The Boxer ranked first on the list, with 98 cancer-related claims totaling $47,501.45. Boxers are a playful and outgoing breed, but are sensitive to the heat and cold.
Second on the list was the German Shepherd, with 96 reported claims associated with cancer, and a total of $42,489.57. This is a faithful and protective breed, commonly used as police dogs.
The Golden Retriever ranked third, with 86 cancer-related claims from insured dogs. Golden Retrievers are extremely obedient, good natured, intelligent, and very easy to train.
The Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher rounded out the top five, with 86 and 42 cancer-related claims respectively.
According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, canine cancer affects one in every three dogs, and of those affected, half will die from the disease. To catch the disease as early as possible, the foundation encourages all dog owners to routinely examine their dogs for any physical or behavioral abnormalities and bring their dogs in for regular veterinary exams.
Symptoms of cancer include abnormal swellings, lumps under armpits and under the jaw, sores that won’t heal, foul breath, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and unexplained bleeding.
About Trupanion™
Trupanion™ pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada. Trupanion™ is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion™ to offer a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit. Trupanion’s mission is to deliver fast, simple and user-friendly financial support to pet owners. For more information about Trupanion™, call 800-569-7913 or visit http://www.TrupanionPetInsurance.com.
About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Trupanion™ is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary community. As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products. To learn more, visit the North American Pet Health Insurance Association website at http://www.naphia.org.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Georgia Man Arrested For Poisoning Neighbors Dog
Why would anybody do this to a poor dog if the first place, but this lowlife named Darryl McKinney was caught in the act by the dog’s owner. Luckily the owner was smart enough to bring his dog to the vet where it was confirmed that the dog was poisoned.
Let’s see what the judge has in store for this lowlife.
Read the article here.
Let’s see what the judge has in store for this lowlife.
Read the article here.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Just A Touching Story
We read all the time about dogs either being abused or some good news about dogs, but this is a story about a women who touched the lives of others with her dogs.
Sadly to say that a women named Kathy Yager from Nevada had passed away and for her dedicated work the Hutchinson Kennel Club will be holding memorial services for Kathy at the kennel club.
It makes you wonder why there, but if you read about the work this women did for the love of dogs and the joys she brought with the dogs to the hospice center to help bring some joy to the kids it will make you understand why this women has touch the local people’s hearts.
So today I thought that I would post this article to help share to others about how much the dedicated workers that work with their dogs to bring a little joy and companionship to others means to them.
I don’t know Kathy, but after reading the article she has touch my heart, So I say Thank You Kathy.
Read the article by Kathy Hanks here.
Sadly to say that a women named Kathy Yager from Nevada had passed away and for her dedicated work the Hutchinson Kennel Club will be holding memorial services for Kathy at the kennel club.
It makes you wonder why there, but if you read about the work this women did for the love of dogs and the joys she brought with the dogs to the hospice center to help bring some joy to the kids it will make you understand why this women has touch the local people’s hearts.
So today I thought that I would post this article to help share to others about how much the dedicated workers that work with their dogs to bring a little joy and companionship to others means to them.
I don’t know Kathy, but after reading the article she has touch my heart, So I say Thank You Kathy.
Read the article by Kathy Hanks here.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall
Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. Recalls Limited Production Code Dates of Dry Dog Food Because of Possible Excess Vitamin D
Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., recalls certain dry dog food because of possible excess Vitamin D that can affect the health of some dogs. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., is recalling certain packages of its Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods sold under thc "BLUE" brand which have the potential to contain excessive levels of Vitamin D.
While Vitamin D is a beneficial component of these foods, the Company believes that these products may have levels of Vitamin D that are beyond the formula specifications, and has therefore chosen to withdraw them.
Dogs reacting to the higher levels of Vitamin D may show signs of lethargy or exhibit unusually frequent water consumption and urination. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The affected productions of Blue Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods were distributed nationwide through pet specialty stores.
Only these production runs of the products are involved in this recall:
Product
Bag Size
Best Used By Dates
BLUE Wilderness Chicken (Dog)
4.5 lb., 11 lb., 24lb.
JUL1211B, JUL1311B, JUL2611Z, JUL2711Z, JUL2811Z
BLUE Basics Salmon (Dog)
11 lb., 24 lb.
AUG2111B, AUG2211B
BLUE Large Breed Adult Chicken
30 lb.
SEP 22 11 P, SEP 23 11 P, OCT 26 11 P
No other BLUE dry or can pet foods are involved in this recall, and only the specific code dates of these products are involved.
To date there have been 36 cases nationwide of dogs reported with symptoms consistent with elevated Vitamin D in their systems while feeding on these specific productions of the products. In all cases the symptoms have subsided upon discontinuing feeding these products, with no apparent long term health consequences.
Blue Buffalo learned of this potential eondition in its products when it received reports of dogs diagnosed with high Vitamin D levels while feeding on the products from these specifie production runs. On further investigation it was learned that a sequencing error had occurred at the supplier of the dry ingredients for these products. Immediately before producing the ingredients for these specific production runs, the supplier had run a product for another customer that contained a more potent form of Vitamin D used in chicken feeds. It is now believed that there was some level of carry over of this Vitamin D product into the ingredients for the specific manufacturing runs of the BLUE products, thereby increasing the Vitamin D activity to unacceptable levels in the Blue ingredients.
Consumers who have purchased any of the products being recalled are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-523-9114 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time or visit the Company web site at http://bluebuffalo.com/news/vitamin-d-voluntary-recall.shtml to read the letter from Bill Bishop explaining how this happened.
Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., recalls certain dry dog food because of possible excess Vitamin D that can affect the health of some dogs. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., is recalling certain packages of its Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods sold under thc "BLUE" brand which have the potential to contain excessive levels of Vitamin D.
While Vitamin D is a beneficial component of these foods, the Company believes that these products may have levels of Vitamin D that are beyond the formula specifications, and has therefore chosen to withdraw them.
Dogs reacting to the higher levels of Vitamin D may show signs of lethargy or exhibit unusually frequent water consumption and urination. If your pet has consumed the recalled products and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The affected productions of Blue Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods were distributed nationwide through pet specialty stores.
Only these production runs of the products are involved in this recall:
Product
Bag Size
Best Used By Dates
BLUE Wilderness Chicken (Dog)
4.5 lb., 11 lb., 24lb.
JUL1211B, JUL1311B, JUL2611Z, JUL2711Z, JUL2811Z
BLUE Basics Salmon (Dog)
11 lb., 24 lb.
AUG2111B, AUG2211B
BLUE Large Breed Adult Chicken
30 lb.
SEP 22 11 P, SEP 23 11 P, OCT 26 11 P
No other BLUE dry or can pet foods are involved in this recall, and only the specific code dates of these products are involved.
To date there have been 36 cases nationwide of dogs reported with symptoms consistent with elevated Vitamin D in their systems while feeding on these specific productions of the products. In all cases the symptoms have subsided upon discontinuing feeding these products, with no apparent long term health consequences.
Blue Buffalo learned of this potential eondition in its products when it received reports of dogs diagnosed with high Vitamin D levels while feeding on the products from these specifie production runs. On further investigation it was learned that a sequencing error had occurred at the supplier of the dry ingredients for these products. Immediately before producing the ingredients for these specific production runs, the supplier had run a product for another customer that contained a more potent form of Vitamin D used in chicken feeds. It is now believed that there was some level of carry over of this Vitamin D product into the ingredients for the specific manufacturing runs of the BLUE products, thereby increasing the Vitamin D activity to unacceptable levels in the Blue ingredients.
Consumers who have purchased any of the products being recalled are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-523-9114 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time or visit the Company web site at http://bluebuffalo.com/news/vitamin-d-voluntary-recall.shtml to read the letter from Bill Bishop explaining how this happened.
Sometimes We Only Read About It, But To See It Is Really Upsetting
First off I wish not to post this video of two pit bulls fighting on this site out of respect for my viewers.
Yesterday's raid in Phoenix, AZ which resulted in the rescue of eleven pit bulls has brought more then we asked for. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has release a video showing the two pit bulls fighting which could be too graphic for some to watch.
If you wish to read the article and see the video click here.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Next Week
What Not to Feed Your Pet: Vets Warn Pet Owners on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
Everyone’s heard that we humans have a little weight problem. Okay, a huge weight problem. Studies show we’re now sharing those excess pounds with our pets. On October 13, 2010, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) will set out once again to determine how many of our furry friends are too fat.
Everyone’s heard that we humans have a little weight problem. Okay, a huge weight problem. Studies show we’re now sharing those excess pounds with our pets. On October 13, 2010, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) will set out once again to determine how many of our furry friends are too fat.
“As a practicing veterinarian for almost twenty years, I’ve never seen this many overweight pets.” remarks Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. “We’re witnessing the super-sizing of America’s pets before our very eyes.”
All that super-sizing carries a hefty price. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) claims it pays out over $14 million in weight-related claims each year. “It’s not only the cost in tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars in largely preventable medical expenses that concerns me.” reports Dr. Ward. “It’s the incalculable suffering and needless loss of life that compels me to take action against obesity. Pet obesity is by far the greatest health threat our pets face.”
APOP will conduct its fourth annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study October 13, 2010 in almost 1,000 veterinary clinics nationwide. “This year we’ve teamed up with Banfield Pet Hospital, the largest group of veterinary clinics in North America, to increase the number of pets in the study. Banfield’s commitment to helping us wage the war against pet obesity is a welcome addition to our efforts.”
Last year’s study revealed 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats were classified as overweight or obese by their vets. This equals almost 90 million pets at risk for developing diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and respiratory disease and many forms of cancer.
Ward says high calorie treats are a major cause of the problem. “Many of today’s treats are so full of sugar and fat that I call them “Kibble Crack” because they can cause the same sorts of changes to brain chemistry as illicit drugs.” Ward goes further to state that pets are often fed several treats per day. “I’m not against treats; I’m against too many treats. It’s no different than eating dessert at breakfast, lunch and supper and then enjoying a few in-between meal snacks. We’ve become a nation of mega-treaters.”
In Ward’s book on pet obesity, “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter,” he calculates the impact even small treats have on a dog’s weight. “If an average 20-pound dog eats a Snausages SnawsomesPeanut Butter and Apple Flavor treat, it’s the same as an average human eating half of a large Domino’s Pizza with Extra Cheese.”
Other of Ward’s “What Not to Feed” treats include:
* 1 Purina Busy Bone, size small/medium fed to a 40-pound dog is similar to an adult eating 4 McDonald’s Egg McMuffins
* 1 Milk-Bones Large Dog Biscuit fed to a 60-pound dog is the same as an adult eating 1 Snickers Bar
* 1 Pup-Peroni fed to a 10-pound dog is equal to an adult eating a Little Debbie Fudge Brownie
* 1 Premium Pig Ear fed to a 40-pound dog is no different than an adult drinking 6 12-ounce Coke Classics
* ½ hot dog wiener fed to a 20-pound dog is equivalent to an adult eating an 8-ounce choice, lean broiled T-bone steak
* ½ tablespoon Jif Creamy Peanut Butter fed to a 40-pound dog is the same as an adult eating 1 McDonald’s Sausage Patty
* 1 McDonald’s Cheeseburger eaten by a 60-pound dog is similar to an adult munching on 2 Taco Bell Taco Supremes and 1 20-ounce Coke Classic
“Because pet treats aren’t required to list calories on their labels, most pet owners aren’t aware of the dangers many treats pose. Our organization’s goal is to raise awareness about the causes and treatments for pet obesity in order to help pets and people live longer, healthier lives.”
For more information, visit www.PetObesityPrevention.org.
Don't Forget To Thank A Veterinary Tech Next Week
National Veterinary Technician Week: October 10-16, 2010
Celebrating the Veterinary Healthcare Team
Working everyday with ailing dogs, injured kittens, or rabbits takes a special sort of person to care for them. Veterinary technicians go into the office every day, rolling up their sleeves and working with their hands. One responsibility is to help educate the clients and facilitate proper care of the pet, and encourage a full recovery. Oftentimes, veterinary technicians aid members of the veterinary healthcare team with examinations, treatments and procedures. That’s why, in honor of veterinary technicians across the country, we bring you National Veterinary Technician Week, aptly themed “Hands-On Healing”.
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Inc. (NAVTA) has proclaimed the third week of each October to be National Veterinary Technician Week. This annual event, being held October 10-16, 2010, recognizes veterinary technicians for their contributions in pet healthcare, as well as veterinarians, assistants, practice managers and others involved in this care. This year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition®, a company dedicated to helping pets reach their full potential through quality nutrition and healthcare, is sponsoring the week-long celebration.
NAVTA is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the veterinary technician profession. NAVTA provides direction, education, support, and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology.
Pets give us unconditional love and veterinary technicians give us peace of mind. For this reason and many more, we celebrate the veterinary healthcare team during National Veterinary Technician Week. More information about NAVTA and this special week can be found at www.navta.net.
MU College of Veterinary Medicine To Start Clinical Trial Of Cancer Drug For Dogs
A Cancer Drug That Benefits People May Soon Benefit Man's Best Friend
Kim Selting, assistant teaching professor of oncology at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, is the principal investigator in a study that examines the efficacy of Attaxol™ in dogs with naturally occurring cancer. Attaxol™ was developed, and is produced, by CritiTech, a Lawrence, Kan. drug development company.
"Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in dogs," Selting said. "This study is important because most chemotherapy drugs available to people can be used in dogs, except for the highly successful taxanes that can keep cancer from proliferating throughout the body. The Attaxol™ formulation is built specifically for dogs and could allow taxanes to be used by veterinarians."
MU veterinarians will conduct the clinical part of the study and assess cancer response in the dogs involved in the study. Data from an earlier safety study was used to establish a starting dose, and this second study will consist of an escalation phase to determine the optimal dose, followed by an extended treatment. CritiTech scientists will analyze blood samples to determine plasma levels of the drug during the course of treatment. Enrollment of dogs in the study is set to start in mid October, and it is anticipated that the study will take about two years to complete.
The Scott Endowed Program in Veterinary Oncology at MU is one of the largest veterinary oncology programs in the country and actively initiates and participates in clinical trials, as well as provides routine treatment of animals with cancer, including chemotherapy, cancer surgery and radiation therapy.
"We are excited about our continued collaboration with the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and the commercial opportunity to use CritiTech's fine-particle drug technology in the veterinary field," said Sam Campbell, CritiTech president and chairman.
The Morris Animal Foundation provided funding for the study with a two-year grant. Also participating in the study are Carolyn Henry, professor of veterinary oncology and director of the Scott Endowed Program; Sandra Axiak, visiting scholar in veterinary medicine and surgery, and Charles Decedue, senior research fellow at CritiTech.
Source:
Steven Adams
University of Missouri-Columbia
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
You Didn’t Tell Me That The Dog I Adopted Had Parvovirus
Could you even imagine the odds of adopting a dog and to find out that it had a deadly virus called parvovirus. Well a guy named Tom Stengele who found a new dog on the web after his two dogs recently died of old age thinking that he’d find a new partner. Well it must have been real heart breaking to have adopted this dog from an animal rescue and have the poor dog die five days later.
Tom Stengele said: The vet was really upset too and he said tests for parvovirus are like thirty dollars, so Hilltop could have done this at home and all of this could have been avoided. The poor dog died in isolation because when they have this disease, they have to keep him in isolation so they don't infect the other dogs.
How sad is that for the poor dog to die due to not having proper care from the animal rescue shelter.
Read the article by Jon Yates here.
Tom Stengele said: The vet was really upset too and he said tests for parvovirus are like thirty dollars, so Hilltop could have done this at home and all of this could have been avoided. The poor dog died in isolation because when they have this disease, they have to keep him in isolation so they don't infect the other dogs.
How sad is that for the poor dog to die due to not having proper care from the animal rescue shelter.
Read the article by Jon Yates here.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
If I Were A Dog, I’d Rip Them Apart
First you have someone poisoning seven German Shepherds in Huron County, Michigan with antifreeze. Why would anybody do that to these poor dogs? Then over in Berlin, Maryland you have some nut case shooting a chocolate lab with two arrows while another dog has also been reported missing. This is really starting to get me upset reading about my poor buddies being hurt. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the MSP Berlin barracks at (410) 641-3101. Then down in Wittmann, AZ the police found what to be a puppy mill that was breeding pit bulls and a neighbor had told the police that the owners of the dogs would shoot them with a BB gun when they made too much noise. I would love to shoot these two nut cases with a BB gun for what they did to these poor dogs. Then you got the SOB who starved to death his two dogs named Norman G Lamphear from Northampton who was sentenced to only six months in jail for what he did to these dogs. Maybe he should be starved to death too and see how his dogs felt.
It’s just so upsetting to read about the poor dogs being abused every day that it makes you so mad. I only wish that there was a national law that help protect our buddies from being abused.
Beware Of Holloween Candy With Pets
Chocolate Halloween Candy No Treat For Pets, Says Veterinarian
Eating a bag full of chocolate Halloween candy is more of a trick than a treat for the average household pet, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian.
K-State's Susan Nelson, assistant professor of clinical services, says chocolate consumption by many pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, birds and rats, can be extremely hazardous.
"Chocolate contains large amounts of methylxanthines," she said. "Theobromine and caffeine are methylxanthines that are found in chocolate. It is theobromine that causes the majority of symptoms in pets."
When a pet ingests a small quantity of chocolate, an owner may notice no changes, or they could see such symptoms as vomiting, diarrhea and excessive thirst and urination. As the consumption of chocolate increases, Nelson said the symptoms become more severe and could lead to irregular heartbeats, tremors, seizures and possibly death.
"Symptoms typically occur within 12 hours of ingestion," she said. "Unlike people, dogs take much longer to clear theobromine from their bodies, which leads to the formation of toxic levels."
According to Nelson, different types of chocolate can vary in the concentration level of theobromine. Baking chocolate contains the most theobromine, white chocolate contains the least, and semisweet and milk chocolate contain a medium amount.
If a household pet consumes a large quantity of chocolate Nelson advises owners to call a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Inducing vomiting will most likely be advised, but she said this measure is not safe in all situations.
She also recommends keeping all foods -- especially Halloween candy -- out of a pet's reach to avoid hazardous consumption situations. Confining pets during parties or family gatherings also will help prevent guests from feeding them toxic foods, she said.
"Chocolate consumption is a very common problem amongst pets, dogs especially," Nelson said. "It is important to recognize that individual reactions vary by pets, but it is best to assume your pet is one of the sensitive ones and not delay in seeking advice from your veterinarian. Be aware of the chocolate sources in your house, and tell any new dog owner about this potential threat to their pet."
Source.
Kansas State University
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