OK Cat Allergy Sufferers, There Is Now A Vaccine

Vaccine To Treat Cat Allergy Sufferers Developed

Good-bye itching, watering eyes and sneezing. McMaster University researchers have developed a vaccine which successfully treats people with an allergy to cats.

Traditionally, frequent allergy shots have been considered the most effective way to bring relief - other than getting rid of the family pet -- for the eight to 10% of the population allergic to cats.

Both options - one difficult and costly, the other troubling - may now be tossed aside thanks to the work of immunologist Mark Larché, professor in the Department of Medicine in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and Canada Research Chair in Allergy & Immune Tolerance.

Building on research he's conducted for the past 10 years in Canada and Britain, Larché and his research team have developed a vaccine which is effective and safe with almost no side effects. The research is published in a recent (January 2011) issue of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, a leading journal in the allergy field.

The researchers took one protein (molecule) that cats secrete on their fur which causes the majority of allergic problems. Using blood samples from 100 patient volunteers allergic to cats, they deconstructed the molecule and identified short regions within the protein which activate T-cells (helper cells that fight infection) in the immune system.

Using the amino acid code for the whole protein, researchers made synthetic versions of these regions. For the cat allergy vaccine, they found seven peptides (strings of amino acids). "And those synthetic peptides are what we mix together to make the vaccine," said Larché. "We picked the peptides that would work in as much of the population as possible."

Known as "peptide immunotherapy", a low dose of the vaccine is given into the skin. Initially, four to eight doses a year may be required, but the side effects of the traditional allergy shots do not arise, Larché said. The optimal dose will be determined in phase three clinical trials which are getting underway with a much larger group of cat allergy sufferers.

The development of a vaccine to treat people allergic to cats is the first in a line of vaccines developed with Adiga Life Sciences, a company established at McMaster in 2008. It is a joint venture between McMaster University and Circassia Ltd., a UK-based biotech company.

Adiga and McMaster are now collaborating on research into the use of peptide immunotherapy for house dust mite, ragweed, grass, birch tree and moulds.

Source:
McMaster University

Park City Fire Department Save’s Trapped Dog After Nine Days In A Cave

We all know how well the fire fighters are train and after viewing this video you can see that it wasn’t just any cave that a dog named Half Pint who was out hunting with his owner Roger Moore out in Metclafe County, Kentucky.



The dog owner Roger Moore said: He could hear Half Pint barking, but the cave was filled with water and he couldn't reach her. I didn't think I'd ever get her back, She got stuck on a ledge. I don't know why she couldn't get off.

A Park City Fire fighter named Ken Russell said: As much rain as we had last night and the night before, we knew it would be tricky getting in there and getting her. We had on helmets and we had to take them off to get through.

So a Big Thanks goes out to these firefighters that helped rescue Half Pint.

Read the article by Josh Breslow here.

Dog Fighting Operation Bust And An Animal Activist Arrested For Animal Abuse

The Largo deputies were in the middle of a bust for drugs at Michael Lang’s home when they can upon what they believed was a dog fighting operation going on at Lang’s home.



The SPCA was called in to remove five pit bulls that were used in fighting that had no water or food. So now Michael Lang will be charged with animal cruelty on top of the other charges relating to the raid.

Brent Bardell who works with the Pinellas County’s SPCA said: There's some scarring on the face, on the legs and on the chest. When in a fight that's the normal area the dogs bite and pull on each other.

Read the article by Carson Chambers here.


Up in Iowa the Ottumwa police have charged a so called animal activist named Noelle Stanbridge with beating one of her dogs that was caught on video today.

The Ottumwa police Chief Jim Clark said: Fifteen times taking a club to an animal, nearly pulling its leg out of a socket, in my mind that's abuse. Unfortunately with our state laws, if you beat your own dog and it does not suffer serious injuries, it's just a simple misdemeanor. It appeared that she was going beyond disciplining the animals and actually abusing them.

And to think that this animal abuser rescues animals is unreal, I think that she should have had all her dogs taken away for her after viewing the video you can see how deranged she became while beating this poor dog.

Read the article here.

If you want to see the sick video watch it here.

Could You Ever Imagine Your Dog Being Attacked By Pit Bulls

This poor women named Karen Grumm was devastated when she seen her little Schnauzer named Ally being attacked by a bunch of pit bulls on her surveillance camera. I will tell you that this video isn’t for the light hearted to view.

 

Karen Grumm said: They went for her chest and severed her jugular vein. The skin was horribly mangled and as the vet said: it was chewed up, just chewed up. It was horrific, blood everywhere, it's smeared on the walls, it was horrifying. I was hyperventilating and my heart was pounding.

I really feel for this women Karen on what she must have went through to see her little dog being attacked. Thankfully the little dog will be alright after all she went through and to be thankful that her two little buddies came out to help rescue her even though they were just little dogs too.

Read the article here.

So What’s One Of The World's Most Aggressive Dog Breed

Photo by Sin Chew Daily


We read about all different kind of dogs being aggressive but this Fila Brasileiro is considered to be one of the world’s most aggressive dogs out there from Brazil.

These dogs are mainly used as guard dogs and they are very loyal to their owners, but they might not be as passionate to a stranger or even a family member as they will attack without a thought.

A lot of states and countries have made it illegal to even own one of these dogs. So if you ever decide to own one of these dogs you need to read the FQA about these dogs first because your whole life will need to change.

Read the article by My Kampung here.

A Sheep Gives Birth To A Dog?

I wouldn’t have believed it myself until you look at the photo.

Photo by Quirky China News/ Rex Features


A farmer in China named Liu Naiying has said that his sheep has given birth to a dog.

Liu Naiying said: I was herding the sheep, and saw a sheep licking her newborn lamb on the grassland. The lamb was still wet; when I went up close to check on the lamb I was shocked because it looked so weird, like a cross between a sheep and a dog.

Read the article here.

Possibly 500 Dogs Might Have To Be Killed

The Miami Dade County animal shelter has been hit with might be canine distemper and now they have shut down the shelter. It’s sad when you read about any shelter having to deal with this. Hopefully all the dogs will not have to be killed.

Read the article by Todd Wright here.


Yesterday I posted a video of a drunk guy trying to walk his dog and today the police in Naperville, IL have arrested a person named Kelly L. Johnson for being drunk when they found her lying in the middle of the road with her dog.

Read the article by Bill Bird here.


And a little good news today: we have a couple named Marie Williams and Mark Morgan who adopted a deaf dog knowing how it feels to be deaf themselves.



It just goes to show the love of these two who now have a little pet Springer Spaniel to enjoy life with as she leans sign language. Who says you can’t teach a dog new tricks.

Read the article here.

Are You And Your Pet Ready For A Disaster ?

Disaster Plans Must Include Pets; AVMA Video Offers Advice To Help Save Lives

As emergency crews respond to the tsunami crisis in Japan and flooding in California, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding pet owners in a video to include pets and livestock in emergency plans.

"Taking care of pets can be one of the most rewarding jobs of everyday life, but many of us are completely unprepared to protect our animals in the event of a disaster like an earthquake, wildfire, tsunami or flooding," explains Dr. Heather Case, the AVMA's disaster response expert, in the video. "Recent events remind us just how desperate disaster situations can be. It's not difficult to put together an effective disaster plan and kit that will help you to protect your pets and livestock, so I encourage everyone to do it. It's too late once disaster hits."

In the short video, Dr. Case details the simple plans and precautions that pet, horse and livestock owners can undertake to protect their animals if disaster occurs. The video details how prepare a disaster kit with information and supplies that will allow you to evacuate safely with your animals. The kit should include, among other things, special disaster identification tags, with your cellphone number, a hotel where you'll be staying and/or the number of an out-of-town relative so that you can be found even during an evacuation.

Source:
American Veterinary Medical Association

Sometimes You Just Shouldn't Walk Your Dog Drunk

You have to wonder if this guy and his dog made it home safe or not.

What A Day For Animal Abusers

Why would someone try to skin alive a dog is beyond me? Apparently that’s what someone tried to do to a German Shepard in Pulaski County, Arkansas and luckily the dog is still alive to bark about it.

A neighbor of the dog’s owner named Debbie Johnson said: It was just all open, the whole side of her was open like you would have skinned a rabbit.

While Lt. Carl Minden from the Pulaski County Sheriff's office said: Your normal person is not even going to think about doing something like that. You are looking at someone who is somewhat disturbed to do something of that nature. If you would do this to a dog, think what you would do to a person,

Read the article by Lauren Trager here.

There is a warning if you decide to watch the video due to the graphics


Cumberland County has finally gotten the test results back confirming that the meat that killed five dogs last month was poisoned. Now everyone including the Cumberland County SPCA is looking for whoever used a pesticide called Carbofuran that killed these dogs.

One of the dead dog owners named Joan Jerdel said: Our highest hopes from our family and the community is that this devious perpetrator is found out and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Our family is distraught about the loss of our dog.



Read the article by Dan Stamm here.


The Ex Beverly Hills mayor Charlotte Spadaro has finally had her day in court for animal cruelty and was given three years probation along with community service for having one hundred and eighty dogs at her place.



With even more charges coming her way for other charges of animal abuse hopefully she won’t be doing this again.

Read the article by Leticia Juarez here.


Over in Chicago the Cook County sheriff's deputies had arrested two animal abusers named Earl Johnson and Toriana Watson when they stopped a dog fight taken place.

Hopefully the judge is a dog lover when he sentences these two animal abusers.

Read the article here.

Who You Let Your Dogs Live In This

That’s what this person named Dennis Lee Brooks did to his dogs which is inexcusable for anything to live in.



Apparently there were about thirty two dogs living either in this mess or stuck outside in a small pen and the only time Dennis Brooks was their was to feed these poor dogs when he wanted to.

Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton said: the dogs were found in worse than deplorable conditions.
Sgt. Tandy Reeder said: The animals that were kept outside were in a six foot by twelve foot pen with seven dogs. Sgt. Tandy Reeder also said: Their shelter was an old washing machine tub.

Two neighbors discussed early on how the place looked and smelled along with only seeing Dennis there once in a while. My question is why did it take some many months for this to go on before they finally reported this to the authorities?

Read the article here.

Las Cruces, NM Animal Shelter To Kill 50 Puppies On Monday Morning

How sad to read a headline like this but due to being overwhelmed with dogs at the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley.

After watching the video I just wanted to cry because as a staff member at the shelter named Paul Richardson said: We only have so much space and so many people to take care of them so, we get so many litters...litters of puppies make a large mess and that means a lot more staff hours that we have to put in to taking care of them.

That is one of the most lame excuse for killing these poor dogs. To top it off they still want to charge seventy five dollars to adopt a dog instead of just giving away the dogs so that they don’t have to be killed.

If you would like to adopt one of these puppies before they are killed you can call 575-382-0018 or go to their web site @ Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley

Read the article by Stephania Jimenez here.

2 Year Old Cocker Spaniel Holding On After Being Thrown From A Car

Someone threw their dog out of a moving car in New Salisbury, Indiana on Friday and Thanks to Tiffany Crone fast thinking when she got a friend to retrieve the dog and call 911.



Thanks to all the communities help on trying to find the person the police may now have the person who did this to the poor dog.



Now hopefully little Bambie will make it and be able to live her life as the dog she once was.

Read the article by Johnny Archer here.

Also if you would like to help with the medical bills for this dog and others you can contact The Shamrock Pet Foundation

Was It Distemper That Cause 18 Dogs To Be Killed Or Was It Some Kind Of Mystery Illness

After two different dogs were brought into the Caldwell County Animal Control shelter in North Carolina some of the dogs there starting to show signs of aggression and foaming of the mouth. To be safe on the unknown illness the director Greg Greene decided to kill the eighteen dogs that were in the same area due to the unknown illness that might have speared even further throughout the shelter.

It seems like the two dogs that were brought in were adopted and I wonder if they came from the same breeder or puppy mill that might have a bad situation going on what out even knowing it and that even more dogs could be passing on this illness to other dogs.

Drs. Dan Jones from the Lenoir Veterinary Hospital said: He believes the dogs most likely have canine distemper. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping its distemper because I really don't know what it is, if it's not that.

Read the article by Beth Shayne here.

So What Might Be Causing The Shar-Pei Dog's Skin To Wrinkle

A Mutation Causing Wrinkled Skin Of Shar-Pei Dogs Is Linked To Periodic Fever Disorder

An international investigation has uncovered the genetics of the Shar-Pei dog's characteristic wrinkled skin. The researchers, led by scientists at Uppsala University and the Broad Institute, have connected this mutation to a periodic fever disorder and they propose that the findings could have important human health implications. Details appear on March 17 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.

Purebred dogs are selected for defined physical features, and the inadvertent enrichment for disease-risk genes may have unexpected health consequences. The thickened and wrinkled skin of Shar-Pei dogs contains an excess of hyaluronan, most likely due to the over-activation of the hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene. The Shar-Pei also has a high prevalence of a periodic fever disorder similar to human inherited autoinflammatory periodic fever syndromes. Hyaluronan may create a 'danger' signal to the immune system, analogous to the effects a pathogen may have. Because of the health implications, Shar-Pei breed clubs have strongly supported research into the cause of periodic fever.

To find the genetic cause for wrinkled skin, the researchers first compared the Shar-Pei genome to that of other dog breeds. Simultaneously, they compared the genome of healthy and sick Shar-Pei to locate the mutation for the fever. Both studies pinpointed the same region, which contained the HAS2 gene. In this breed alone, a DNA segment located close to HAS2 was duplicated erroneously, sometimes multiple times.

"It was really exciting to realize that the two traits had the same genetic origin," says Mia Olsson, one of the authors. "Copies of the duplicated segment increase the risk for periodic fever in these dogs, and the overproduction of hyaluronan is the predisposing factor."

"With this genetic information, people can avoid breeding Shar-Pei with many duplications," said study co-author Linda Tintle. "Understanding the causes will also lead to more effective treatments."

The researchers have shed light on the role of hyaluronan in inflammatory disease. The association of HAS2 dysregulation and autoinflammation is of wide interest since the genetic cause of periodic fever syndromes in approximately 60% of human cases remains unexplained. "The finding that hyaluronan is a major trigger of fever opens a new research field in canine and human inflammatory disease," said senior author Kerstin Lindblad-Toh.

Financial Disclosure: This work was supported by the Swedish Research Council; FORMAS; the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences, and Spatial Planning; the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research; in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health; and the Chinese Shar-Pei Charitable Trust. KL-T is the recipient of a EURYI award from the European Science Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing Interests: The authors KL-T, MO, and LT have filed a patent for development of a genetic test.

Citation: "A Novel Unstable Duplication Upstream of HAS2 Predisposes to a Breed-Defining Skin Phenotype and a Periodic Fever Syndrome in Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs"
Olsson M, Meadows JRS, Truve´ K, Rosengren Pielberg G, Puppo F, et al. (2011).
PLoS Genet 7(3): e1001332. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1001332

Are You Feeding Your Senior Dog The Right Food ?

Wide Variety In Nutritional Content Found In "Senior" Dog Foods

The nutritional content of dog foods marketed for old dogs varies as widely as owner's perceptions about them, according to a study published this month by veterinary nutritionists at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

Although it is commonly accepted that nutritional needs-both for humans and pets-change with aging, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and National Research Council have not set official dietary requirements for aging dogs. As such, foods marketed for "longevity" and "maturity" or "senior," "old" or "mature" dogs do not have to adhere to a standard nutrition profile beyond the AAFCO nutrient profile minimums for adult dogs.

In the study, Tufts researchers polled more than 1,300 people online about their perceptions about these foods. Their responses were correlated with the actual nutritional content of nearly 40 commercially available "senior" dog foods, and the study, led by resident Dana Hutchinson, DVM and Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, were published in the latest issue of The International Journal for Applied Research in Veterinary Medicine.

Among the key findings:

Roughly 43 percent of respondents fed their dogs a senior diet-but only one-third of them did so on the advice of a veterinarian.

The vast majority of respondents-84.5 percent-felt that senior dogs have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs.

Most survey respondents felt that senior dog foods likely contained fewer calories. However, calories in the senior foods studied varied widely, ranging from 246 to 408 calories/cup.

While some dogs gain weight as they age, others lose weight-as such, the large range in calories might prove problematic for owners of older dogs, Freeman says.

Most respondents also said that senior dog foods likely contained less fat, protein and sodium. Among the sample senior dog diets surveyed, these, too, varied widely (Protein 4.8 to 13.1 g/100 kcal, fat 2.4 to 6.3 g/100 kcal, sodium 33 to 412 mg/100 kcal). "If an owner, for example, had a senior dog with heart disease, they might be inclined to feed them a senior food, thinking that it had less sodium," says the study's corresponding author, Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD, a professor of clinical sciences at the Cummings School and a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. "Instead, they might replace a diet that had a perfectly acceptable amount of sodium for one that is considerably higher."

Respondents were unsure whether, when compared to adult dog foods, senior foods would contain more or less phosphorous-restrictions of which may be beneficial in dogs with kidney disease. The actual diets had a three-fold difference in phosphorous content, including one diet that contained three times the AAFCO minimum for the mineral.

Sixty-three percent of the respondents said that ingredients were the most important factor when selecting a food for a senior dog. "This shows that we have much more work to do to educate the public," said Hutchinson, Freeman's co-author. "Factors that are equally, if not more, important are that the food is made by a well-established company-one with at least one veterinary nutritionist or qualified nutritionist on-staff-that has proven the food's nutritional adequacy through AAFCO feeding trials, and that has rigorous quality control standards."

The study illustrates a great deal of confusion in the marketplace, Freeman says, and it's important for owners to be aware that every "senior diet" is different and so may or may not be appropriate for an individual dog, depending upon his or her body condition and health.

"The decision to buy a certain type of food for your aging dog is an emotional one: you want to extend her life and ensure she's healthy well into her twilight years," Dr. Freeman says. However, not all older dogs require a senior diet and if you do decide to change to a senior food, talk to your veterinarian, because these foods are not all the same. It's important to select one that is right for each dog."

Although it is anecdotally speculated that many aspects of human aging are similar in dogs and that their nutritional needs also change with age, few studies have investigated this issue. Drs. Hutchinson and Freeman are continuing their research in this important area to help determine optimal nutritional levels for aging dogs.

As in people, the nutritional requirements cannot be universally applied to all senior pets. While some studies have suggested that aging dogs may lose weight and lean body mass, as people often do, others may gain weight as their activity levels and metabolisms slow. As a result, one senior dog may need more protein and calories than another-one more reason to check with your veterinarian to talk through which diets might work best, Freeman says.

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Founded in 1978 in North Grafton, Mass., Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is internationally esteemed for academic programs that impact society and the practice of veterinary medicine; three hospitals and two clinics that combined treat more than 80,000 animals each year; and groundbreaking research that benefits animal, public, and environmental health.

Source:
Tufts University

10 Million Yuan For A Tibetan Mastiff

Ok so there are only a few of these dogs left in the world but to pay that much for these dog in incredible. So now this rich owner can walk around and show off his new dog which is a status symbol in China.

I wonder how many dogs could have been saved with that kind of money? Hopefully this new owner of Hong Dong will be able to enjoy being with this dog and not just put it on a shelf for show.
I will say that this is a beautiful dog that looks like it would be fun to play with until it reaches its full size then it will be playing with you. Read the article by Daniel Bates here.

Missouri Closes Another Recue Shelter

The St. Francois Society which is by Bonne Terre, Missouri has had its license revoked due to all the violations that were still not taken care of from the last inspection. The owner Diana Blackwell had to give up one hundred and twenty eight dogs and sixty seven cats where some of the animals had upper respiratory infections and possibly internal and external parasites along with many of them having hair loss.

So I guess that this place was a healthy place for these pets to be in. Now that the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force has taken the animals to the Humane Society of Missouri in St. Louis where hopefully they can be adopted out after a court hearing.

The owner Diana Blackwell said: This is the most devastating day of my life, My reputation's in shreds and I won't get that back.

By what I have read about her rescue I don’t think much of her reputation with all these animals being sick and the conditions that they had to live in even after being offered help.

Read the article by Leah Thorsen here.


Down in Tennessee a Warren County Humane Society board member named Clay Lerch was ordered by a judge to give back two Great Danes that he took from Amanda McMinn or face being arrested.

The problem now is that one of the Great Danes is missing so I wonder what the judge is going to do now to Clay.

Read the article by Cynthia Williams here.

Dog Food Meant For People To Eat?

I think that I hear it all until I read about two lady’s named Hanna Mandelbaum and Allison Weiner from New York that are selling dog food that is fit for people to eat and they are now promoting it thought their company called Evermore Pet Food.

I don’t know about you but I don’t think that this is for me and my dogs eat a nice home cooked meal. So why would I even think about eating this dog food that they are calling human edible.

One of the owners named Hanna Mandelbaum said: It is a delicious food for dogs, the health benefits of eating this food are amazing, dogs absolutely thrive on it. The reason for the food is, there’s a big void in the market place for pet food…We’re sort of doing this to say, we’re saying our products are human grade and this is what we mean. We mean that we’re comfortable eating them for months straight.

Now I heard it all. Hey Ma what’s for dinner: Puppy chow son? I don’t mean to be cruel but I’m unable to figure out why anyone would eat this dog food.

Read the article Laura Donovan here.

Who Would Shot A Pregnant Dog ?

That’s what the Triad SPCA in North Carolina would like to know when they found an abandoned Husky/ Shepherd that was shot three times and had eight puppies on which only six survived.



The SPCA's Executive Director Allison Loiselle said: she has three bullets in her that are 25 caliber. So it's a target shooting round from what I understand. The injuries were a month old. And that's about the same age as the puppies. This kind of thing, for a helpless animal who has no defense against guns, in the middle of winter and giving birth to puppies, that's the definition of inhumane.

I agree with Allison that whoever did this is not only inhumane but they are also one sick person who is heartless.

The SPCA is looking for your help in finding the lowlife that did this and they can be reached @ 336-375-3222

Read the article by Liz Palka here.

Thanks To Wyoming’s New Law Because This Time A So Called Animal Rescuer Has Been Charged

You would have thought that this person named Marci Biesheuvel who owns the Lit’l Bit of Love Animal Rescue in Carpenter, Wyoming would have done a better job in maintaining her rescue after having her dogs seized last year.

But no here she is again and this time the Cheyenne Animal Control had taken forty seven dogs and four cats from her mobile home for what was described by the Animal Control spokeswoman Baylie Evans: The animals were kept in horrid conditions surrounded by urine and feces.

What kind of rescue was this suppose to be, surely not any place a dog would want to live in. Now Marci Biesheuvel has been charged with fifty one counts of animal cruelty for allowing her place to get to this disgusting point.

You know that we might not be reading articles like this if only we could stop these back yard breeders that are only in it for the money.
Yes Marci probably had all the good intentions of helping these animals but she didn’t know when to stop or even ask for help when things got beyond her capabilities. So Please adopt a pet before you think of buying a pet from a puppy mill and maybe we can put a stop to them and give all these dogs that are looking for a home a real place to call home.

Read the article by Josh Mitchell here.

Update: Marci Biesheuvel has surrendered her dogs and cats.

Eli Manning Returns For The 34th Annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic

34th Annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic with NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning Tees Off June 13th

NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning returns in 2011 with the country’s best blind golfers to host Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s 34th Annual Golf Classic on Sunday, June 12 and Monday, June 13. Guiding Eyes, an internationally accredited nonprofit guide dog school headquartered in Yorktown Heights, each year holds the Classic at Whippoorwill Club in Armonk, NY and Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY – two of the region’s favorite and most challenging courses.

Blind golfers, magnificent dogs, and a football star; not your average golf charity event! The 34th Annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic will be held on June 12 and 13 at two esteemed Westchester County, NY courses – Mount Kisco Country Club and the Whippoorwill Club. Hosted by NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning, this outing is played on two golf courses over two days with the country's best blind golfers and Guiding Eyes dogs in attendance.

Eli Manning's interest in Guiding Eyes is the result of a childhood friendship with Patrick Browne III whose father, Patrick Browne, Jr., is the twenty-time winner of the Corcoran Cup, considered the masters invitational of blind golf. When Eli and Patrick were young, they were taught how to play golf by Browne, Jr., who remains a Manning family friend. “This is my fifth year hosting the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic and it’s very special to me,” says Manning. “It’s important to raise money for the school so that people who need guide dogs can have them.” Manning took over hosting duties in 2006 from PGA Masters Cup champion Ken Venturi, a Corcoran Cup founder.

On Sunday, June 12, 2011, fourteen of the country's best blind golfers will compete for the Corcoran’s coveted trophy at Mount Kisco Country Club. The community gets into the act on Monday, June 13 at Guiding Eyes' mega-sponsor charity golf outing held at the two country clubs. The field will include golfers hosted by Diamond Sponsors Gatorade and Entergy Nuclear Northeast, and over $500,000 will be raised for Guiding Eyes.

Corcoran Cup participants: 2010 Corcoran Cup Champion Patrick Browne, Jr. of New Orleans, and LA and Cribari Trophy recipient David Meador, of Nashville, TN will return to compete in 2011. Also on the roster are Bill McMahon (of Framingham, MA) who received the Joe Spoonster Trophy in 2009 for most improved player, and Sheila Drummond (of Lehighton, PA), winner of the McFarland Trophy. Additional top ranked blind golfers invited to participate in this year’s Corcoran Cup are: Ron Murner (of Wellington, OH), Ron Derry (of Baltimore, OH), Mike Mercado (of Albany, NY), Ted Fass (of Rockville Centre, NY), John Casolo (of Waterbury, CT), Mario Tobia (of Mount Laurel, NJ), George Pilz (of King of Prussia, PA), Jim Baker (of Nashville, TN), Dick Pomo (of Green Valley, AZ), and David Wall (of Canada).

Each blind golfer plays with a coach who aids in club selection, alignment, setup, and distances. At Monday's sponsor-supported outing, blind golfers will challenge their sighted counterparts to experience golf as a visually impaired person by inviting them to take a shot at hitting the ball blindfolded.

Sponsor information: Sponsorships are available at the Platinum, Gold, and Silver levels. Additional support opportunities include bronze foursomes, individual play, hole sponsorship, and journal advertising.

Those contributing $10,000 or more are invited to a special sponsor recognition party with Eli Manning at Mulino’s of Westchester in White Plains. Current sponsors for the 34th Annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic include:

Diamond Sponsors: Entergy Nuclear Northeast & Gatorade
Presenting Sponsor: The Journal News
Platinum Sponsors: The Canine Companies, SafeHarbor Risk Management / Kinloch Insurance Services
Gold Sponsors: A. Devito & Son, Atria Senior Living Group, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, JP Morgan Chase, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Silver Sponsors: Aero Hardware, CBS, Citibank, Stanley Cohen, Freeh Group International Solutions, Inc., Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan, LLP, Albert and Carol Hallac, Paul Holland, Arthur Levitt, Rolex USA, Skanska USA Civil Inc., The Stewart Family, TBS Shipping, Welby Brady & Greenblatt, LLP, Wilson and Son Jewelers

Individual play is $700 and a foursome ranges from $2,500 - $50,000. These fees include breakfast, lunch, a banquet dinner with silent auction, and a truly memorable day of golf. Spectators are welcome at the Corcoran Cup; registration is required for gallery seating. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, or for general golf information, please contact Michelle Brier, Events and Marketing Manager, at 914.243.2208 or mbrier(at)guidingeyes(dot)org.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is located at 611 Granite Springs Road in Yorktown Heights, NY. The organization can be reached at 914.245.4024 or by visiting http://www.guidingeyes.org.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Guiding Eyes for the Blind (http://www.guidingeyes.org), an internationally accredited nonprofit guide dog school, was founded in 1956 to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and expanded horizons of opportunity. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,300 guide dog teams. It provides superbly bred Guiding Eyes dogs, professional training and follow-up support services to students at no cost to them and depends on contributions to fulfill its mission. The comprehensive cost of breeding, raising, preparing, training, and supporting a Guiding Eyes team is $45,000. Guiding Eyes for the Blind's Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, NY and the Canine Development Center is in Patterson, NY.

Dog Rescuer Who Had A Cease And Desist In One State Has Surrendered Her Dogs In Another State

The owner of Help A Hound in Oppenhiem, NY named Veronica Thompson has surrendered her ninety seven dogs to the Montgomery SPAC due to being able to care for all the dogs. There were rescue groups from all over that came out to assists in the removal of the dogs.

The ASPAC had put out a press release:

ASPCA Assists in Triage, Placement of Nearly 100 Dogs Surrendered by Overcrowded Animal Rescue in Fulton County, N.Y.
Various agencies across N.Y., N.J. collaborate in facilitating removal, re-homing of displaced animals


The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), at the request of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department in Johnstown, N.Y., is assisting in the triage and placement of 97 dogs surrendered from a non-profit animal rescue known as Help A Hound Canine Rescue in Oppenheim, N.Y., approximately 35 miles east of Utica.


“The ASPCA is currently examining and assessing all the dogs that were signed over to the Montgomery County SPCA and providing much-needed resources to help these displaced animals,” said Jeff Eyre, Northeast director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “Our goal is to quickly assess the animals and place them with various animal welfare agencies as soon as possible to minimize any stress on both the animals and the community.”


Help A Hound Canine Rescue has gradually accumulated 80 dogs in an area allocated to house just 25. Public complaints and numerous visits from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department ultimately led Help A Hound Canine Rescue to close its operation. Various breeds were discovered on the property, including pit bulls, basset hounds, bulldogs, Chihuahuas, and shepherd and Lab mixes. Eyre reported that some of the dogs appear underweight and have skin problems, among other medical conditions. The dogs were relinquished to the Montgomery County SPCA.


ASPCA responders arrived Wednesday and are assisting local officials in triage and placement of the dogs. The ASPCA also deployed its fully equipped Northeast “Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit,” a specially-designed vehicle on which the dogs are being examined, evaluated and treated. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools and medical equipment tailored for animal patients.


Agencies assisting the ASPCA on scene and with placement include: Lollypop Farm (Fairport, N.Y.); Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society (Menands, N.Y.); SPCA Serving Erie County (Tonawanda, N.Y.); Ulster County SPCA (Kingston, N.Y.); SPCA Serving Allegany County (Wellsville, N.Y); Columbia Greene Humane Society (Hudson, N.Y.); Saranac Technical Rescue Team (Plattsburgh, N.Y.); St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center (Madison, N.J.); Finger Lakes SPCA (Bath, N.Y.); Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter (East Hanover, N.J.); and Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association (Ledgewood, N.J.). As part of the emergency relief efforts, PetSmart Charities® provided supplies, including pet transport carriers and crates.


“It’s a tremendous strain on local agencies when they’re suddenly faced with caring for a large number of animals,” added Eyre. “The Montgomery County SPCA stepped up to the plate where resources were severely lacking, and the ASPCA is committed to helping them care for these dogs and place them with the appropriate rescue groups.”
If the public would like to support the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department for these rescued animals, please contact Christina VanValkenburgh in the Criminal Investigative Unit at cvanvalkenburgh@co.fulton.ny.us or (518) 736-2100.


A guy named Larry Watkins who had complained about the way the dogs looked to be in poor health said: I'm happy that the dogs may be in safer places, I'm sure they may be having better care.

Another neighbor named Ryan Tennant said: It's all about the animals, and we're glad they're getting help.

I can only wonder why it took so long for anyone to check on these dogs since a complaints were filed a long time ago.
A Big Thanks goes out to all those that were there in the cold to help remove these poor dogs. Hopefully they all will find a new home where they will be loved.

Read the article by Bill Pitcher here.

Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews

Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase.

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 2pk bag with header card–item upc 741956001047 lot 2420

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 100ct box-box upc 741956001139 lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 50 ct box-box upc 741956001504 lot 2490, 2840

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 25ct box-box upc 741956001467 lot 2700

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2700, 2840, 2420

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 10pk printed bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840

Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10 pieces bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2560

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001511 lot 2630

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2420

Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12pk bag-item upc 741956001245 lot 2910

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.

Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663.

Ashley Greene Twitters That Her Dog Marlo Has Been Attacked

Little Marlo has been attacked by another dog and Ashley Green is upset and worried that her little fox terrier might not make it.

Ashley Greene posted on twitter : Everyone please please please pray for Marlo, A dog attacked her. She's in the hospital. But as it turned out that Marlo is doing alright and she is stable now.

Read the article by Jennifer Still here.

Photo by National Photo Group

You have to wonder how upset Ashley Greene must have been when she told PEOPLE at the Eclipse premiere in Los Angeles last week: I feel so bad I'm about to have to leave her in a couple days to go abroad to do the rest of the press tour. She's just the most fantastic little puppy I could ask for, she says. I've had her for a little over a year and I like to think she's my constant amidst constant change. She's the one thing that's there.

Read the article by Scott Huver here.

Lord Redesdale's Dog Control Bill One Step Closer To Passing

Voice Of The People Finally Heard As Dog Control Bill Successfully Passes Committee Stage, UK

Over 10,000 people called for it; the country's leading animal welfare and veterinary organisations, charities and local authorities fought for it; and Members of the House of Lords supported it when they voted to move Lord Redesdale's Dog Control Bill on to its final stage in the Lords.

The Bill proposes to replace failed dangerous dog legislation with a new law that would repeal breed specific legislation, introduce Dog Control Notices, and apply to both public and private places. Constructed by the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), the Dog Control Bill is continuing its path through the legislative system after being tabled by Lord Rupert Redesdale as a Private Members Bill in 2010.

Following the success of the Committee Stage of the Bill, Lord Redesdale commented:

"The Dog Control Bill quite rightly focuses on the other end of the lead - the dog owners themselves - and I am delighted that it has passed to the next stage. By introducing preventative measures, such as dog control orders to dogs of any kind, I believe we can go a long way towards protecting the public and ensuring responsible dog ownership for the benefit of all."

Subject to passing the Report Stage, the Bill will then move to the House of Commons. The final Report Stage in the House of Lords will take place approximately two weeks from today's Committee Stage.

In support of the Bill, DDASG launched a petition which has now received over 10,000 signatures.

DDASG believes in the principle of deed not breed, representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations which include Battersea Dogs Home, The Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, Mayhew Animal Home, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelters.

Notes

1. The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) is a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations.

2. The Dog Control Bill is a tough new piece of legislation to replace the failed Dangerous Dogs Act and is supported by the DDASG. Specifically, the Bill would look to change the following:

- Repeal all existing 'dangerous dogs' legislation including breed specific legislation
- Introduce Dog Control Notices
Apply to both public and private places

3. The BVA position on dangerous dogs is available on our website

Source:
British Veterinary Association

What A Day At The 18th Annual Beggin' Pet Parade

Pets Unleashed Their Inner Party Animal at the 18th Annual Beggin' Pet Parade


As one of the world’s premiere pet events, the Beggin’® Pet Parade attracted more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people looking for a tail-wagging good time. Pets unleashed their inner party animal with fun games, including “Thick Cut Bead Toss” and a photo booth.



Thousands of eager sniffers discovered millions of exciting smells at the 18th annual Beggin’ Pet Parade on Sunday, Feb. 27.

As one of the world’s premiere pet events, the Beggin’® Pet Parade attracted more than 8,000 pets and 80,000 people looking for a tail-wagging good time. Pets unleashed their inner party animal with fun games, including “Thick Cut Bead Toss” and a photo booth.

Best of all, the 2011 Beggin’® Pet Parade helped to raise funds for the homeless pets at the Open Door Animal Sanctuary. More than $18,500 was raised to benefit this St. Louis animal sanctuary.

One of the highlights of the Beggin’® Pet Parade was the coronation ceremony to select the 2011 Beggin’® Court. Five lucky costumed canines were chosen to be the King, Queen, Prince, Princess and Jester. And back by popular demand, the best group costume title of “Most Loyal Subjects” was awarded to the pack of pets whose collaborative costume efforts were heads and tails above the rest. The Beggin’® Court represented the spirit of the celebration through the memorable, fun-loving personalities and elaborate attention-getting costumes. All five of the canine court members took home royal titles, along with prizes including a year’s supply of Beggin® Strips.

For more information about the parade, visit http://www.begginpetparade.com .

About Nestlé Purina Pet Care
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company.

My Dogs Live In The House While I Live In The Car

The kind of tells the story for this person from Lowell, Ind. As per her neighbor who had complained about the smell from her house. By the time the Lake County Sherriff’s were able to raid the house they found fifteen dead dogs in the freezer and nineteen other dogs living in what you would call hell.

Apparently this animal abuser was selling dogs out of this rat trap of a home that she wouldn’t even live in. Hopefully the Southland Animal Hospital will be able to find some real homes for these poor dogs and the police will charge this person with some hard charges for what see did to these dogs.

Read the article here.


Up in Washington the Cowlitz County Humane Society had cited a so called dog breeder named Steven Yaroslaski for not having a breeders permit and for the way they found thirty four dogs in his home.

The article said that some of the dogs had bark collars that had grown into the dogs necks and other injuries. How could people do this to theses little dogs and not even care enough for their well being. I hope this guy gets the book thrown at him by the judge.

Read the article here.

LA Sheriff’s Bust Dog Fighting Ring

The LA Sheriff’s have busted a dog fighting ring in Antelope Valley yesterday where they seized seventeen pit bulls that were used to fight. Those arrested were Yvette and Jesse Jimenez when the sheriff’s found all kind of fighting items at their home.

The sad part about this was that these two had four little kids that were taken along with the dogs and hopefully they all will find a safe place to live and not be with these two animal abusers.

Read the article here.

OK Cat Lovers Wellpet LLC Has A Voluntarily Recall

Wellpet LLC Voluntarily Recalls Certain Lots Of Canned Cat Food

WellPet LLC announced today it has voluntarily recalled certain lots of Wellness® canned cat food.

While recent laboratory testing found that most lots of Wellness canned cat food that were tested contain sufficient amounts of thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1), some of the lots listed below might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine. However, out of an abundance of caution, WellPet has decided to recall all of the lots listed below.

Cats fed only the affected lots for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. If your cat has consumed the recalled lots and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

The lots involved in this voluntary recall are:

Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13;

Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best buy dates.

Consumers who still have cans of cat food from these lots should stop feeding them to their cats and call us at (877) 227-9587 Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Consumers with further questions should visit our website at www.wellnesspetfood.com or call us at this same number.

WellPet discovered the lower thiamine levels during independent testing conducted together with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to a single, isolated consumer complaint received by the FDA. Although WellPet has received no other reports concerning thiamine in its products, WellPet has taken additional steps with the manufacturer to ensure that this does not happen again.

“As a pet parent myself, I’m concerned for the health and welfare of all pets, and as a company we are committed to delivering the most nutritious natural pet food,” said Tim Callahan, chief executive officer of WellPet, the maker of Wellness products. “Even though the chance of a cat developing a thiamine deficiency is extremely remote, we are voluntarily recalling all of these lots of our canned cat food as an extra precaution.”

Ron Burn’s Celebrates 20 Years As An Artist That Helped Shelter Animals

Ron Burns' Announces 20th Anniversary Retrospective

Celebrating Twenty Years of Fine Art and Philanthropy

Ron Burns, affectionately known as America's Favorite Animal Artist, is honored to announce the launch of his online 20th Anniversary Retrospective - a celebration of twenty years as a professional artist and philanthropist. Over the course of 2011, Ron will be reflecting on his journey - his growth as an artist, his inspirations and how he learned that through his art, he could could help shelter animals everywhere. "When I picked up a paint brush in 1991 and created my first work of art, I had no idea the path I was headed down and where it would take me," says Ron. Burns went on to pioneer an art movement that is now often imitated but never duplicated - large, bright and colorful paintings of shelter dogs and cats whereby a portion of proceeds benefit our four-legged friends.



For Ron, there is no better place to start than with where it all began. While he found success running his own design firm in Los Angeles, in the late 1980's Ron found solace in painting - a means to relieve the stress of city life and running a business with a demanding clientele. Ron dabbled in a number of painting styles including still-life's and abstracts while using his childhood memories and experiences as a business owner in Los Angeles as his initial sources of inspiration. However, he soon found what truly inspired him creatively - Rufus, Jazzy, Kingsford, Smokey, and Sadie. Who are they? That question is answered in the 20th Anniversary Retrospective but if you asked Ron he would say "my kids."

The rest of the story, as they say, "is history." However, if you don't already know Ron's story, then the 20th Anniversary Retrospective is a more-than worthy entry point. Ron would like to cordially invites you to join him on his retrospective journey - from his early years growing up in Ohio to where he is now - an artist with a body of work that most artists can only dream of, that most importantly, has a purpose - to help raise awareness for shelter animals everywhere and to speak for those that cannot. Currently available retrospective years are the Prologue, 1991, 1992, and 1993. Over the course of 2011, each year leading up to 2011 will be added to the 20th Anniversary Retrospective ultimately completing Ron's twenty year journey as an artist and philanthropist.

Click here to view the 20th Anniversary Retrospective.


Ron Burns interview inquiries are available. Please contact Matt Manguso at 602-481-0563 or matt@burnsstudio.com. Thank you.




ABOUT RON BURNS

Affectionately known as America's Favorite Animal Artist, demand for Burns' original work, limited editions, and books continue to flourish on the strength of gallery sales, word of mouth among collectors, and media praise. He has been featured twice on Extreme Makeover - Home Edition, and on CNN, Fox News, and other national television spots, including a segment on Good Morning America. Additionally, his art has been in multiple magazines, including TIME, New York Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle, and Forbes, which writes that Ron's style is "extremely collectible." Ron holds the esteemed honor and privilege of being the one-and-only Artist in Residence for The Humane Society of The United States. In the state of Arizona, his Pet Friendly State License Plate has generated over $1,200,000 to support Spay/Neuter programs. Clients include Elizabeth Taylor, the Princess of Morocco, Joan Rivers, and Doc Severinson.