WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND SCOOBY-DOO PARTNER WITH DOG WHISPERER CESAR MILLAN FOR FIRST ANNUAL NATIONAL FAMILY PACK WALK
Over 1,000 Attendees Participated in Dog-Friendly Event That was Held in Los Angeles on October 30 in Support of the Millan Foundation
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, internationally renowned dog behavior expert Cesar Millan, and Scooby-Doo were joined by over a thousand dogs and their loyal owners for the Scooby-Doo and Cesar Millan National Family Pack Walk on Sunday, October 30, at Lake Balboa Park in Van Nuys, CA. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event were donated to the Millan Foundation, which strives to create and deliver community humane education programs and promote animal welfare by supporting the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of abused and abandoned dogs.
As part of an ongoing partnership with Scooby-Doo and Cesar Millan, the National Family Pack Walk brought together humans and dogs for a day filled with fun activities, games, training and education. The entire experience was geared toward enhancing the relationship between owner and dog, which kicked off with a 1.5-mile Pack Walk around the lake led by Cesar and the beloved Scooby-Doo.
And the hot weather couldn’t scare away the fun – people and pups of all ages came to enjoy the Halloween-themed event. Special guests included “General Hospital” stars, Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos) and Lisa LoCicero (Olivia Falconeri), actress and model Mayte Garcia (Firehouse Dog), LaMonica Garrett (Sons of Anarchy), and children’s author David Shannon (Good Boy, Fergus).
Attendees and their furry friends who needed a beat from the heat took it easy in tented areas like the Mutt-i-grees Reading Lounge, the Monsterpiece Theater screening room,the Scooby Bark-cade gaming room, Barks & Crafts area and more. Other attendees teamed up with their pooches for photo booth sessions, a “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?” themed scavenger hunt, a Halloween doggie costume contest, an off-leash Bone Yard Play Yard, doggie agility demonstrations by Muttley Crew and Urban Mushing, and a meet-and-greet with Scooby and Shaggy costume characters and the Mystery Machine. A community row of “Pack Pals” highlighted animal friendly offerings from Dyson, Pedestrian Pooch Valet and the International Association of Canine Professionals. The West Valley Animal Shelter was also on hand processing pet adoptions. An afternoon raffle awarded over $2,500 in prizes, including a Cesar Millan Training Basket, Scooby-Doo toys and games, a Dyson vacuum, and an iPad sponsored by ScrollMotion.
In the Scooby-Doo screening room, fans enjoyed a preview of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group’s new Scooby-Doo release, Scooby-Doo Legend of the Phantosaur, as well as episodes from the first season of Warner Bros. Animation’s animated adventure series, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. Season 2 of Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated is coming soon to Cartoon Network.
In the Mutt-i-grees Reading Lounge, children and their pets were treated to a special reading from author David Shannon of his best-selling children’s book, Good Boy, Fergus, in addition to Scooby-Doo storybooks and a selection of stories from local Mutt-i-grees teachers. The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum is a new, innovative program that builds on children’s affinity for animals and highlights the unique characteristics and desirability of “Mutt-i-grees,” or shelter dogs. The Reading Lounge also demonstrated the latest in Scooby-Doo technological advancement with a new storybook app, “The Haunted Halloween: A Scooby-Doo You Play Too Book” for iPad from ScrollMotion.
Free product samples of tasty Scooby snacks such as General Mills’ fruit snacks and Blue Bunny fruit ice face bars brought smiles to all participants. Lunch was served by some of LA’s most famous food trucks including Me So Hungry, Del’s Lemonade, Knockout Taco, Down Town Dogs and The Hungry Nomad.
All proceeds from the National Family Pack Walk event were donated to the Millan Foundation which provides financial support to educational programs and non-profit animal shelters and organizations engaged in the rescuing, rehabilitation and re-homing of abused and abandoned dogs. The Foundation prioritizes funding for spaying and neutering programs to help reduce or eliminate dog overpopulation and has various initiatives, such as “Shelter Stars,” “Spay & Neuter is Nothing to Whisper About,” and the “Mutt-i-grees Curriculum,” which are targeted towards the overall improved well-being of the canine community.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
About The Millan Foundation
On Valentine’s Day 2007, Cesar Millan officially established The Millan Foundation with the mission to create and deliver community humane education programs and promote animal welfare by supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abused and abandoned dogs.
Since its inception The Millan Foundation has been creating lifelong healthy relationships between dogs and people through a series of grants to non-profit animal shelters and rescues, community education programs including The Mutt-i-Grees Curriculum, spay and neuter campaigns and emergency animal rescue through the Daddy’s Emergency Animal Rescue (DEAR) Fund. For more information visit www.millanfoundation.org
SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Hanna-Barbera.
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Abandoned & Saved Dogs
More Pets Being Abandoned Due to Housing Issues
BIRMINGHAM,UK
Research from animal charity the Dogs Trust has found that more people are having to abandon their pets as they are unable to find rented accommodation that accepts animals.
In the last five years, the charity has seen a 56% increase in the number of people giving their dogs to a rehoming centre due to housing issues.
The current problems in the housing market mean that many people are unable to purchase a home as it is more difficult to get a mortgage. About half of all households in the UK are thought to own a pet, but the latest figures from the Dogs Trust has found that a third of owners struggle to find accommodation which will accept them with their pet.
Nearly half (47%) of pet owners said that their letting agency didn't help them in finding pet friendly accommodation, with 29% of people choosing not to use a letting agency because they didn't believe that they would help them.
A campaign has been launched to encourage landlords consider taking pets and make it easier for house hunters to find pet friendly on accommodation websites.
Pet owners who are concerned about their dog being rejected from accommodation should look to invest in dog training supplies to help put potential landlords' minds at rest. The Dogs Trust says that landlords should be encourage to meet a pet before refusing to let a property to an owner as it can put most of their fears to rest.
75% of tenants are willing to pay to have carpets or soft furnishings cleaned after the tenancy has finished, and if a dog is well trained using dog training leads and always wears dog collars, a landlord should have no objections to letting a property to a tenant with a pet.
Diseased Dogs Rescued From Dinner Plates in China
BEIJING -- Hundreds of dogs who narrowly escaped the fate of being on a restaurant menu two weeks ago, received emergency vaccinations today provided by the International Fund for Animal Welfare - IFAW (www.ifaw.org). At the same time, IFAW issued an open letter to the Chinese authorities, calling for enforcement of health and quarantine regulations to prevent the illegal, unsafe and inhumane inter-province transport of dogs for human consumption.
On October 14, concerned residents intercepted a truck packed with more than 800 dogs in Zigong, Sichuan province heading to Guangxi for slaughter. The dogs were cramped into 100 cages without food or water for three to four days.
Veterinarians conducted health examinations and found the dogs were not only suffering from various degrees of dehydration, fractures and trauma, but many were also infected with potentially lethal infectious diseases, such as canine distemper and Parvovirus and serious illnesses caused by fungi and mites. Twenty-seven dogs have died so far due to injury and disease.
"The transport of live animals in urban and rural areas carries a high risk of spreading infectious diseases to both animals and people. It also brings great challenges to the prevention of epidemics," said Dr. Kati Loeffler, IFAW's Veterinarian Advisor. "It poses a direct threat to human health and public safety."
IFAW questions the mishandling of the case by local authorities who failed to uphold existing regulations to ensure public safety. In a letter to authorities, IFAW appeals for strengthening existing regulation to protect companion animals from the illegal meat trade and advocates for the anti-cruelty legislation to protect all animals, including dogs and cats.
"This is the second time this year that concerned citizens have intercepted companion animals headed for slaughter – showing that times are changing," said Grace Gabriel, IFAW's Asia Regional Director. "The Chinese public is speaking up and taking action against animal cruelty. IFAW's team on the ground will continue to call for China's laws to catch up with the growing desires of Chinese people for greater dog protection."
About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare
BIRMINGHAM,UK
Research from animal charity the Dogs Trust has found that more people are having to abandon their pets as they are unable to find rented accommodation that accepts animals.
In the last five years, the charity has seen a 56% increase in the number of people giving their dogs to a rehoming centre due to housing issues.
The current problems in the housing market mean that many people are unable to purchase a home as it is more difficult to get a mortgage. About half of all households in the UK are thought to own a pet, but the latest figures from the Dogs Trust has found that a third of owners struggle to find accommodation which will accept them with their pet.
Nearly half (47%) of pet owners said that their letting agency didn't help them in finding pet friendly accommodation, with 29% of people choosing not to use a letting agency because they didn't believe that they would help them.
A campaign has been launched to encourage landlords consider taking pets and make it easier for house hunters to find pet friendly on accommodation websites.
Pet owners who are concerned about their dog being rejected from accommodation should look to invest in dog training supplies to help put potential landlords' minds at rest. The Dogs Trust says that landlords should be encourage to meet a pet before refusing to let a property to an owner as it can put most of their fears to rest.
75% of tenants are willing to pay to have carpets or soft furnishings cleaned after the tenancy has finished, and if a dog is well trained using dog training leads and always wears dog collars, a landlord should have no objections to letting a property to a tenant with a pet.
Diseased Dogs Rescued From Dinner Plates in China
BEIJING -- Hundreds of dogs who narrowly escaped the fate of being on a restaurant menu two weeks ago, received emergency vaccinations today provided by the International Fund for Animal Welfare - IFAW (www.ifaw.org). At the same time, IFAW issued an open letter to the Chinese authorities, calling for enforcement of health and quarantine regulations to prevent the illegal, unsafe and inhumane inter-province transport of dogs for human consumption.
On October 14, concerned residents intercepted a truck packed with more than 800 dogs in Zigong, Sichuan province heading to Guangxi for slaughter. The dogs were cramped into 100 cages without food or water for three to four days.
Veterinarians conducted health examinations and found the dogs were not only suffering from various degrees of dehydration, fractures and trauma, but many were also infected with potentially lethal infectious diseases, such as canine distemper and Parvovirus and serious illnesses caused by fungi and mites. Twenty-seven dogs have died so far due to injury and disease.
"The transport of live animals in urban and rural areas carries a high risk of spreading infectious diseases to both animals and people. It also brings great challenges to the prevention of epidemics," said Dr. Kati Loeffler, IFAW's Veterinarian Advisor. "It poses a direct threat to human health and public safety."
IFAW questions the mishandling of the case by local authorities who failed to uphold existing regulations to ensure public safety. In a letter to authorities, IFAW appeals for strengthening existing regulation to protect companion animals from the illegal meat trade and advocates for the anti-cruelty legislation to protect all animals, including dogs and cats.
"This is the second time this year that concerned citizens have intercepted companion animals headed for slaughter – showing that times are changing," said Grace Gabriel, IFAW's Asia Regional Director. "The Chinese public is speaking up and taking action against animal cruelty. IFAW's team on the ground will continue to call for China's laws to catch up with the growing desires of Chinese people for greater dog protection."
About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Arrest Animal Torturer
This sick animal torturer named Daniel Wright Jr. from Harvey, LA has been arrested by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's for inflicting some sick things to animals has now been charged with ten counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said : Wright set the animals on fire, cut off their body parts and shoved items into their anuses. One cat was euthanized because of its injuries. This young man has issues, serious issues.
This sick o is sitting in jail now with a million dollar bond which I hope he doesn’t ever make for what he did to these animals. You can only wonder why this kid did this to these animals but maybe we will never know.
The director of the parish animal shelter Robin Beaulieu said: most of the tortured animals survived, although one was euthanized. Some animals fully recovered with little scarring, while others suffered serious disfigurements. Some of the animals were injured so badly, they could not walk.
Read the article by Allen Powell II here.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Today's Dog Video: Soccer Dog
This video is pretty cool to watch when the dog stops all play in the field and the crowd goes wild.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Mars Veterinary Come Out With An Optimal Selection DNA Test
Novel New Dog DNA Test Turns Breeders Into Genetic Matchmakers
-- Optimal Selection™ from Mars Veterinary™ Poised to Make Long-Term Positive Impact on the Health of the Worlds Dog Population --
Dog breeders in the United States and abroad now have access to a first-of-its-kind tool that will help them make better educated decisions on optimal breeding matches based on science. Mars Veterinary, the global leader in canine genetic breed identification, announced today the introduction of Optimal Selection, a DNA test that is expected to help breeders avoid many health problems associated with inbreeding while still being able to select the physical and behavioral traits that are important to them.
Changing In-Breeding to Out-Breeding
For centuries, dedicated breeders have worked to improve the temperament, conformation, and health of their purebred dogs. However, this can cause a decrease in genetic diversity leaving the breeding community to contend with concerns such as smaller litter size, puppy mortality, and other health issues, in addition to a negative consumer perception around breeding practices.
Optimal Selection will help breeders make better educated decisions on breeding matches based on science. Breeders can make a preliminary assessment of a number of dogs based on their respective breeding goals. When the list has been narrowed to the top candidates, they can then use Optimal Selection to help make their final breeding decision. This new test uses a small blood sample to analyze and compare chromosomes of potential breeding pairs. By comparing the potential sire and dam's chromosomal similarities and differences, the breeder is given the opportunity to diversify the genetic makeup of their puppies and reduce the risk of recessive medical conditions while still being able to select for the physical and behavioral traits that are important to them. The analysis provided by Optimal Selection utilizes a scoring system based on the dog's DNA that can be compared across multiple potential pairings. Each potential mate will be given a breeding score based on the compatibility of the chromosomes analyzed. The lower the score, the more likely it is that these dogs will produce puppies with the desired traits while limiting their disease risk. Everyone benefits as a result of this test.
"We have leveraged our extensive knowledge of the genetic structures across breeds to closely examine the DNA of dogs within each breed and help owners take their breeding programs to the next level," said Dr. Angela Hughes, Veterinary Genetics Research Manager at Mars Veterinary. "Optimal Selection has the potential to transform dog breeding so that the genetic diversity within a breed or family line can be protected and maximized, which can make a tangible, long-term positive impact on the health and wellness of these wonderful dogs. Dogs, breeders and owners -- everyone is better off!"
Optimal Selection Puppies Poised for Champion Status
Among the first breeders to benefit from using Optimal Selection was Woodland, Wash.-based Miriam Couto. She has bred Dandie Dinmont Terriers for over 10 years and has now produced three litters with Optimal Selection. Three puppies from those litters are actively competing and doing very well in American Kennel Club conformation shows; one of which has become a champion and achieved three Terrier group wins at only 7 months of age.
"Optimal Selection helps breeders dedicated to selecting the best for both their program and their breed. We already select for best possible type, temperament, health, and soundness," said Miriam Couto. "Now, using Optimal Selection, we have a brilliant means for choosing genetic diversity as well. This is thrilling especially for breeders passionate about numerically endangered breeds and their overall health and wellness. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
Mars' Science behind Optimal Selection
Mars Veterinary's canine DNA analyses are based on more than a decade of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world and the Waltham® Center. This science has also yielded Wisdom Panel Insights, the most comprehensive swab-based mixed breed dog DNA analysis on the market and Wisdom Panel™ Professional, the only blood-based dog DNA analysis available exclusively through veterinarians, as well as the new Wisdom Panel Purebred and Designer Dog tests.
About Mars Veterinary™
Mars Veterinary is a division of MARS® Incorporated, a company known for innovative consumer and pet food brands that are trusted by people around the world. Its mission is to facilitate responsible pet care by enlightening pet owners and communities with valuable insights into their pets as individuals through innovative, science-based discoveries. For more than a decade, Mars Veterinary has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionizing personalized pet care. By discovering a dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programs that fit the needs of a dog. For more information, visit www.wisdompanel.com.
SOURCE Mars Veterinary
-- Optimal Selection™ from Mars Veterinary™ Poised to Make Long-Term Positive Impact on the Health of the Worlds Dog Population --
Dog breeders in the United States and abroad now have access to a first-of-its-kind tool that will help them make better educated decisions on optimal breeding matches based on science. Mars Veterinary, the global leader in canine genetic breed identification, announced today the introduction of Optimal Selection, a DNA test that is expected to help breeders avoid many health problems associated with inbreeding while still being able to select the physical and behavioral traits that are important to them.
Changing In-Breeding to Out-Breeding
For centuries, dedicated breeders have worked to improve the temperament, conformation, and health of their purebred dogs. However, this can cause a decrease in genetic diversity leaving the breeding community to contend with concerns such as smaller litter size, puppy mortality, and other health issues, in addition to a negative consumer perception around breeding practices.
Optimal Selection will help breeders make better educated decisions on breeding matches based on science. Breeders can make a preliminary assessment of a number of dogs based on their respective breeding goals. When the list has been narrowed to the top candidates, they can then use Optimal Selection to help make their final breeding decision. This new test uses a small blood sample to analyze and compare chromosomes of potential breeding pairs. By comparing the potential sire and dam's chromosomal similarities and differences, the breeder is given the opportunity to diversify the genetic makeup of their puppies and reduce the risk of recessive medical conditions while still being able to select for the physical and behavioral traits that are important to them. The analysis provided by Optimal Selection utilizes a scoring system based on the dog's DNA that can be compared across multiple potential pairings. Each potential mate will be given a breeding score based on the compatibility of the chromosomes analyzed. The lower the score, the more likely it is that these dogs will produce puppies with the desired traits while limiting their disease risk. Everyone benefits as a result of this test.
"We have leveraged our extensive knowledge of the genetic structures across breeds to closely examine the DNA of dogs within each breed and help owners take their breeding programs to the next level," said Dr. Angela Hughes, Veterinary Genetics Research Manager at Mars Veterinary. "Optimal Selection has the potential to transform dog breeding so that the genetic diversity within a breed or family line can be protected and maximized, which can make a tangible, long-term positive impact on the health and wellness of these wonderful dogs. Dogs, breeders and owners -- everyone is better off!"
Optimal Selection Puppies Poised for Champion Status
Among the first breeders to benefit from using Optimal Selection was Woodland, Wash.-based Miriam Couto. She has bred Dandie Dinmont Terriers for over 10 years and has now produced three litters with Optimal Selection. Three puppies from those litters are actively competing and doing very well in American Kennel Club conformation shows; one of which has become a champion and achieved three Terrier group wins at only 7 months of age.
"Optimal Selection helps breeders dedicated to selecting the best for both their program and their breed. We already select for best possible type, temperament, health, and soundness," said Miriam Couto. "Now, using Optimal Selection, we have a brilliant means for choosing genetic diversity as well. This is thrilling especially for breeders passionate about numerically endangered breeds and their overall health and wellness. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
Mars' Science behind Optimal Selection
Mars Veterinary's canine DNA analyses are based on more than a decade of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world and the Waltham® Center. This science has also yielded Wisdom Panel Insights, the most comprehensive swab-based mixed breed dog DNA analysis on the market and Wisdom Panel™ Professional, the only blood-based dog DNA analysis available exclusively through veterinarians, as well as the new Wisdom Panel Purebred and Designer Dog tests.
About Mars Veterinary™
Mars Veterinary is a division of MARS® Incorporated, a company known for innovative consumer and pet food brands that are trusted by people around the world. Its mission is to facilitate responsible pet care by enlightening pet owners and communities with valuable insights into their pets as individuals through innovative, science-based discoveries. For more than a decade, Mars Veterinary has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionizing personalized pet care. By discovering a dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programs that fit the needs of a dog. For more information, visit www.wisdompanel.com.
SOURCE Mars Veterinary
Is The Ukrainian’s Barbarically Killing Dogs
What is being called the barbaric killing of the stray dogs in the cities of Kiev, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Lviv before the Euro 2012 soccer championship game. Everyone is accusing the government and the animal control officials for the mass killing of the stray dogs by poisoning them.
The head of the Ukrainian Association of Animal Protection Organizations Asya Serpinska said: It's a slaughterhouse, we are convinced that there is an unofficial order to purge Euro cities of stray animals so that, God forbid, some stray dog doesn't bite some foreigner.
A press attaché at the U.S. Embassy named James Wolf after losing his dog to poison said: It was very upsetting, If something like this happened in the United States or Western Europe, I would imagine the outcry would be sufficient so that somebody gets to the bottom of it and makes sure it stops.
Yes they all are denying the use of poison but the AP has proof of the purchase of zinc phosphate that is used to kill the dogs in a inhumane way.
Read the article by Svetlana Fedas & the AP here.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
North Carolina Dog Thieves On The Loose
Apparently there are three dog thieves running around in Moore County that are posing as animal control agents. So why would anybody be out stealing dogs when the animal shelters are so full of abandoned pets.
The Animal Control Officer Frank Ringelberg said: We believe they are trying to steal dogs, but we are unsure of the reason why. They are really trying to impersonate an animal control officer. Each one of the men was driving a white truck with dog cages in the back.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in arresting these three dog thieves. @ 910-947-2931
Read the article by Tom Embrey here.
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