Spring Check-Up For Your Dog.

Hello everyone! Seems like winter is finally on its way out. This means that it is time to be thinking about flea infestation and mosquitoes that carry heartworms. I am going to start with heartworms. Following the bite of an infected mosquito, young heartworms enter the bloodstream of the dog and actually mature within the canine heart. Symptoms are: tiring easily, chronic cough, coat loss and weight loss.

This is a very serious problem and can be treated with drugs to destroy the worms. But, preventive medicine is a better means on control. There are 2 things you can do: screen your dog against mosquitoes, and regularly give him heartworm preventive pills that you can get from your vet. But before your vet will give you the medicine he has to perform a blood test on your dog to make sure no heartworms exist.

Now I would like to mention those pesky fleas. Even though some of us think of the flea as not a big deal, it is! An infested dog suffers from blood loss and itchy skin, and can even contract tapeworms, which spend part of their life cycle in the flea. Dogs with fleas generally lose areas of hair, especially in the lower back, neck and inner thighs. Fleas are looking for a meal, and they will try to find one on a human, too. Bathing your dog with a flea shampoo or using a dip after using a regular dog shampoo is effective.

A very important thing to remember. If you are going to use a dip, make very sure that you use a regular shampoo. The reason for this is that if you use both (flea shampoo and dip), it would be too toxic to your dog and could possibly cause a severe life-threatening reaction. The best preventive is the between the shoulder liquid that you can get from your vet. The over the counter products work, but do not kill eggs or larvae, even though it says they do. They do not have the extra ingredient that the vet uses and sells. It is too strong to be sold without a prescription. I will have more tips on getting your dog ready for spring. Thanks for visiting.

Oak Hill, WV Couple Charged With Animal Cruelty and Child Neglect.

This is just one of a thousand abuse cases that involve children and animals. In the 3/29/08 edition of the Herald Dispatch, I had a guest column called " It's Time To Stop Abuse In All Cases." It dealt with the correlation of animal abuse to domestic abuse.

An Oak Hill couple was charged with multiple counts of child abuse and neglect after city police said they found four children living in "disgusting" conditions unfit for humans. Allen M. Fitzwater, 23, and Regina L. Ulmer, 28, of 11-7 Pine Knoll Apartments, were each charged with four felony counts of child abuse and neglect by a parent, guardian or custodian leading to bodily injury, according to Police Chief Mike Whisman and Patrolman M.J. Jarvis.

They were being held Tuesday at Southern Regional Jail on $20,000 bonds. Both were also charged with one count each of obstructing a police officer. Police were called to Pine Knoll Apartments around 4:30 p.m. Monday to assist Child Protective Services. CPS workers were there to remove Ulmer's four children -- three girls ages 10, 8 and 6, and a boy, 7 months -- after receiving an order to do so by a judge. When officers arrived, Ulmer and Fitzwater, her boyfriend, were instructed to open the door and they refused. So, officers entered through an unlocked rear door.

Jarvis, a police officer for five years, said he then encountered the worst living conditions he had ever seen. Trash was strewn throughout the three-bedroom, two-level apartment to the point where one bedroom door could not be opened, he(Jarvis) said. Dirty diapers were found "all over." Maggots were found in a bathroom. Officers also found dog feces and urine virtually everywhere, including the children's beds, Jarvis said. The two small-breed dogs that appeared to have skin problems were seized by animal control officers. "No human being should have to live like that -- especially kids," Jarvis said.

The children, initially upset, were taken to Plateau Medical Center as a precaution because of their living conditions, Jarvis said. They were then released to CPS custody. Jarvis advised people -- particularly school officials and others who work with children -- to be observant when it comes to children's overall hygiene and appearance, noting any constant and severe problems.

Micro-Chips and Cancer In Dogs.

Here we go again... Studies conducted in the 1990’s suggesting microchips may cause cancer have recently resurfaced. This time published by the Associated Press, the story gained some momentum and was picked up by the New York Times, ABC News and other major media sources. The fact remains however that in the last 10 years, no evidence has been found that in any way demonstrates the existence of a correlation between microchip implantation and incidence of cancer in cats and dogs.


Dr. Walt Ingwersen has been involved in discussions throughout the world regarding microchip implants for companion animals. He served as Editor of JAAHA (Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association) and has published a dozen articles on the subject. For the purposes of full disclosure, it should be noted that Dr. Ingwersen serves as an advisor to Pethealth Inc. from time to time.

"This is not a “microchips cause cancer issue” but rather that anything that gains entrance to the body and incites inflammation could be a trigger for cancer. This is extremely rare, although there appears to be a higher incidence in certain families or lines of animals indicating a genetic predisposition. This predisposition does not simply apply to microchips but to ALL products/items that end up in a subcutaneous location, including vaccines, foreign bodies, etc., and even trauma.

Additionally, the aforementioned studies were flawed from an epidemiological perspective because the rodents used (e.g., 4279 CBA/J mice) are genetically selected to be prone to cancer; therefore they are not representative of the general population of companion animals kept as pets. Additionally, it is well recognized that one cannot extrapolate from studies in one species (e.g., mice) to another (e.g., cats and dogs).

It is also important to know that work has been done to confirm the safety of microchips implanted into animals. A literature search only shows 2 case reports of a suspected inflammation-induced fibrosarcoma at the microchip implantation site, however there was not a definitive cause-effect conclusion as other injections had been given in the same area.

Additionally, the BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) has had a robust microchip adverse reaction surveillance system in place for over 10 years with only 2 reports of cancer associated with a microchip implant. Again, there was no causality assessment provided and this may simply be a coincidental occurrence. Even so, based on all adverse reports received by the BSAVA, this only equates to a 0.6% incidence, which is extremely low, especially when one factors in the high rate of microchip use in the UK (the majority of dogs and cats are implanted with a microchip)

http://www.bsava.com/resources/microchipadvice/adversereactionform/

Another Shelter Abuse Case - The Public Didn't Know About!

Chance thinks if the news media would get more involved in animal abuse cases, it might slow the tide.

Almost 2 yrs. ago, a Berkeley County woman was charged with keeping 149 dogs in inhumane conditions. Mari Spade, a 61 year old woman (at the time) that started a rescue called, ironically, "Second Chance", that actually arranged adoptions for hundreds of dogs at several Loudoun County pet stores and a local veterinary clinic, has been charged with animal cruelty.

This is another case of someone opening a shelter and not being able to handle it. Who suffers, the animals, of course. Her lawyer had the audacity to say, "There is no abuse. She may have been a little over-whelmed, but she is not a cruel person by definition." But, anyone that would defend someone like this woman, is desperate for a case. The evidence was abundant.

She has been ordered to pay restitution of about $115,000.00. This amount came from the total cost it took to take care of the dogs rescued from the hell they were living in. She pleaded no-contest in Dec. '07 to one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The charge is too lenient. I feel she should at least have done 6mo. to 2 yrs. in jail and paid the county back.

"Dognamic Duo's" 12/12/120 Tour.

This tour takes of April 6, 2008. The founder of Dogs Deserve Better, Tammy Grimes has been putting this together for a year. Now, it will be a reality. It is 12 States • 12 Days • 120 Dogs.

March 27, Altoona, PA — What if someone wanted to prove that they could drive to any state and in the space of a few hours easily find, photograph, and videotape a minimum of 10 dogs spending their lives at the end of a chain?

And what if they decided to test this theory by going on the road on a whirlwind 12 state tour, spending only 1 day per state, including finding the dogs, driving to the next state, securing lodging, possibly speaking, meeting media, and creating videos? And what if at the end of each day they uploaded pictures and videos of their findings in that state on that day for the nation to share in the truth of what is going on in our country’s backyards? And what if one day two women decided to make all these ‘what ifs’ a reality? The result is The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour.

The brainchild of DDB founder Tammy Grimes, the road tour idea has been festering for over a year; now she and DDB public liaison director Dawn Ashby have decided to put the plan into action under the tour name of The Dognamic Duo’s 12/12/120 Tour! April 5th Grimes will fly to St. Louis, Missouri, where she will meet up with Ashby. There they will pick up a car, drive into Missouri to a likely location, and commence the 12 state tour bright and early the morning of the 6th.

The intention of the tour and the subsequent pictorial and video footage is to show how prevalent chaining and penning are in the U.S., educate the nation that it is common in all states, and put forth the idea that it is indeed something that must be stopped; that it is not humane and not an acceptable practice. They will be speaking to caretakers of chained and penned dogs, passing out treats, collars and leashes, educational materials and fencing applications, and seeking local help for situations that appear to be illegal, as well as engaging the public through speaking and media alerts.

The tour schedule is as follows:
12 Days, 12 States, 120 Chained Dogs
Day 1: April 6th, Missouri
Day 2: April 7th, Arkansas
Day 3: April 8th, Lousiana
Day 4: April 9th, Mississippi
Day 5: April 10, Alabama
Day 6: April 11, Georgia
Day 7: April 12, South Carolina
Day 8: April 13, North Carolina
Day 9: April 14, Tennessee
Day 10: April 15, Kentucky
Day 11: April 16, Virginia
Day 12: April 17, West Virginia

For more information, a tip form, and to see video and photos once the tour begins, visit the website at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/dognamictour.html

Dogs Deserve Better, a 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania, is the 2003 First Place Winner of the ASPCA Pet Protector Award. The group has 150 area reps in 38 states as well as in Canada and France. Grimes was also a Top Ten Finalist for the 2006 Animal Planet Hero of the Year Contest.

Lethal Injection Most Humane.

A story caught my interest when I was watching one of the local news channels on 3/24/08. It was about animal shelters in the state of WV that use carbon monoxide poisoning (gas chamber) and firearms as a forms of euthanasia for cats and dogs. It seems so barbaric. Lethal injection should be the only way animals are euthanized.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says that lethal injection is the absolute most humane. 11 states currently consider use of gas chambers illegal. 18 specifically say it is legal and 20 states, this includes WV, don't even mention it. Below you will find the link to take you to the amendment regarding laws.

http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2001_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/hb2555%20sub.htm

Humane Society of the United States:

http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/policies_and_guidelines/virginia_carbon_monoxide_euthanasia.html

Foreclosure Pet Fund.

To help keep families and pets together through foreclosures and financial crisis, The Humane Society of the United States has created a grant program to address the hardships visited on the voiceless victims of the current economic downturn. Animals have been left behind in foreclosed homes, and shelters are reporting that families are struggling to keep and feed pets. The nation’s largest animal protection organization, The HSUS is offering grants to animal shelters, non-sheltered rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to help establish, expand, or publicize services or programs that assist families in caring for their pets during the current economic crisis.

How You Can Help:
Make a donation to the Foreclosure Pets Fund. Contact your local animal shelter or rescue group to learn about the needs in your community. You may be able to help them organize pet food donations or pet supply drives—even coin collections and penny drives all add up to helping pets and families.

Shelters and Rescues:
Grants range from $500 to $2,000 per organization. Collaboration is encouraged and preference will be given to organizations that have a cooperative agreement with other agencies in their community such as a food bank or other community service agency.


Examples of the types of programs that would be eligible for funding from The HSUS fund include organizations that are: partnering with local food banks to donate and distribute pet food and supplies working with veterinarians to develop service vouchers to be distributed to people who need assistance with vaccinations, spay and neuter surgeries, or other veterinary care. Creating a special fund to provide needed financial support to the pets of families affected by the economic downturn to help cover the costs of food, supplies, spay and neuter surgeries, veterinary care, and other expenses for pets of families in need.

To be considered eligible for the grant, an organization must:
Be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or a municipal animal control agency eligible to receive restricted funds. Submit an online application that defines the need within the community for the program being proposed and describes how the organization plans to meet those needs.

Groomer Has It.

Chance wants everyone to check this new show out! He will be watching, for sure.

The founder and president of the grooming academy I graduated from, Nash Academy of Animal Arts, Jon Nash, just finished filming his new reality show called, "Groomer Has It." It will air on Animal Planet, April 12Th at 9pm.

This reality show will feature 12 groomers that are competing for a grand prize of a grooming truck, $50,000.00 in cash and the prestigious title of "Groomer of the Year." You can view a sneak peak on Animal Planet's website at: http://www.animalplanet.com/.

Little Victories Thrift Store Opening Soon.

Chance is dancing with glee over Little Victories!


In April, Little Victories, Cabell County's first no-kill shelter, will be opening a thrift store to help with vet costs and their new rescue farm on Wire Branch Rd. in Ona, WV. The store is located at 4465 WV Rt. 10 in Barboursville, WV. This organization has been giving homeless and abused dogs a second chance at life for 5 yrs.


The president, Sue Brown, is a tireless advocate for the abused and homeless animals that did not ask to be born. For more information on the new store or if you have questions about their organization, you can call 304 523-1666 or go to their website at: http://www.littlevictories.org/.

What a Joke.

It never ceases to amaze me how our judicial system works. The state dogfighting charges against Michael Vick and the 2 other men convicted on Federal dogfighting charges, have been delayed. Now get this, because it is up to the Surry County VA. Commonwealth District Attorney's office to figure out how to transport them to VA. to face the State charges. And he doesn't know how to work out the "logistics" to do this.

This is utterly ridiculous. One of the men has already been released from Federal prison, after serving a 2 month sentence. At least Vick is serving 23 months in Federal prison for his horrendous acts. Just an update.

Are You Prepared In Case Of A Natural Disaster? Part 2.

Chance says, "Don't get caught sleeping, be prepared!"

Identification: Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, if applicable, may help reunite you with your animal(s) in the event that you are separated. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation.

If possible, include your veterinarian's name, location, and phone number. Examples of some forms of identification are listed below. Small Animal: Collar tag (a piece of tape applied to the back of the collar tag can provide evacuation site information – use waterproof ink) microchip, tattoo, temporary neckband, waterproof pouch attached to collar with identification information inside, clear identification on cage/housing for confined animals.

Transportation/Housing: It is important to separate animals from different households as much as possible and to maintain the best possible hygiene to decrease disease transmission. Small Animal: Leash, collar, and/or harness for each pet. Collapsible cage or airline approved carrier should also be available for each pet, and bedded properly, for transportation and housing purposes - owning enough carriers to accommodate your pets, facilitates a speedy evacuation and may mean the difference between the life or death of your pet.

Familiarize your animals with evacuation procedures and cages/carriers. Take the cage/carrier out several times a year and put dog or cat treats inside with blankets and toys. By doing this, you hope to reinforce positive feelings associated with the animal carrier. Cat carriers should be large enough to hold a small litter pan and two small dishes and still allow your cat enough room to lie down comfortably or stand to use the litter pan.

Dog kennels or collapsible cages should be large enough to hold two no-spill bowls and still allow enough room for your dog to stand and turn around. For added assurance, clearly label each carrier with your identification and contact information. Locate and pre-arrange an evacuation site for your family and animals outside your immediate area. Ideally, this will be a friend/relative or a pet-friendly hotel that is willing to let your family and animals stay in the event of a disaster. Other possible animal housing options include veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and animal shelters.

Are You Prepared In Case Of A Natural Disaster? Part 1.

Chance is ready for any disaster! Nature and life have fury days: Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism... Devastating natural and man-made disasters can ravage our lives. No one is exempt from the possibility of being affected personally. You need to prepare for yourself and for your animals in case of disaster. Countless times people have been told to leave their homes for a "short time," only to find that they cannot return for days or weeks.

Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time. To prevent situations such as these take your animals with you. It is best to be overly cautious during a disaster warning. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly is the best way to keep you and your family, including your animals, out of danger. Be familiar with all types of disasters, including a hazardous material spill. Also, be prepared for extended loss of utilities.

Prepare a plan: Talk with your vet and assemble an animal evacuation kit. Develop a plan and practice it. If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are on record with the management of the apartment bldg. and can be evacuate down the stairwell. Dogs should be taught to go up and down stairs to better aid first responders. Be sure you are able to give rescue responders exact directions to your home or apartment bldg. Keep your vehicles full of gas and have emergency cash on hand.

In Case You Are Not At Home: Preplace stickers on front and back house doors, and bedroom windows and any other entrances to notify neighbors, fire fighters, police, and other rescue personnel that animals are on your property and where to find your evacuation supplies. Provide a list near your evacuation supplies of the number, type, and location of your animals, noting favorite hiding spots, in order to save precious rescue time.

To facilitate a successful rescue, provide muzzles, handling gloves, catch nets, and animal restraints where rescue personnel can find them. Keep in mind that animals may become unpredictable when frightened. Designate a willing neighbor to tend to your animals in the event that a disaster occurs when you are not at home. This person should have a key to your home, be familiar with your animals, know your evacuation procedures, and know where your evacuation supplies are kept.

In your evacuation kit, keep a pre-signed letter that releases your neighbor from responsibility if one of your animals becomes injured during the evacuation. You may also want to have a pre-signed veterinary medical treatment authorization with your Evacuation kit – this will aid your veterinarian if your animal must be treated during your absence.

Animals And The Film Media.

Ever wonder about that statement - "no animals were harmed in the making of this film?" The American Humane film and TV unit is the organization responsible for that slogan. That is the highest rating that can be given to any film media. By film media, I mean any motion picture or TV show.


Now, they are totally different from the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). For over 65 years, this organization has been monitoring motion pictures and TV shows to ensure that all animal actors are being treated humanely.


Since the introduction of their guidelines, illnesses, animal accidents and deaths have declined dramatically. Prior to 1980, 107 films were listed as "unacceptable" because of deliberate neglect or malice. But, from 1980 to 1988, when the guidelines were debuted, 31 films were found "unacceptable", and since 1988, only 16 films received the ignoble distinction.

Sometimes, an unpreventable illness, injury or fatality can occur to an animal on a monitored movie set. If, after a complete investigation, American Humane determines that the production followed the Guidelines and cooperated fully with their Safety Representatives, they will rate the film Monitored: Special Circumstances. Obviously, such a film could never carry the "No Animals Were Harmed" end credit. Instead, such films have always carried the modified disclaimer of “American Humane monitored the animal action.”

Chance Throws The Ball. His big movie break!

Continuosly Chaining A Dog Is Inhumane And Dangerous - Part 2.

8. Are tethered dogs otherwise treated well? Rarely does a chained or tethered dog receive sufficient care. Tethered dogs suffer from sporadic feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care, and extreme temperatures. During snow storms, these dogs often have no access to shelter.



During periods of extreme heat, they may not receive adequate water or protection from the sun. What's more, because their often neurotic behavior makes them difficult to approach, chained dogs are rarely given even minimal affection. Tethered dogs may become "part of the scenery" and can be easily ignored by their owners.



9. Are the areas in which tethered dogs are confined usually comfortable? No, because the dogs have to eat, sleep, urinate and defecate in a single confined area. Owners who chains their dogs are also less likely to clean the area. Although there may have once been grass in an area of confinement, it is usually so beaten down by the dog's pacing that the ground consists of nothing but dirt or mud.



10. But how else can people confine dogs? The HSUS recommends that all dogs be kept indoors at night, taken on regular walks, and otherwise provided with adequate attention, food, water and veterinary care. If an animal must be housed outside at certain times, he should be placed in a suitable pen with adequate square footage and shelter from the elements.



11. Should chaining or tethering ever be allowed? To become well-adjusted companion animals, dogs should interact regularly with people and other animals, and should receive regular exercise. It is an owner's responsibility to properly restrain her dog, just as it is the owner's responsibility to provide adequate attention and socialization. Placing an animal on a restraint to get fresh air can be acceptable if it is done for a short period. However, keeping an animal tethered for long periods is never acceptable.



12. If a dog is chained or tethered for a period of time, can it be done humanely? Animals who must be kept on a tether should be secured in such a way that the tether cannot become entangled with other objects. Collars used to attach an animal should be comfortable and properly fitted; choke chains should never be used. Restraints should allow the animal to move about and lie down comfortably. Animals should never be tethered during natural disasters such as floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards.



13. What about attaching a dog's leash to a "pulley run"? Attaching a dog's leash to a long line—such as a clothesline or a manufactured device known as a pulley run—and letting the animal have a larger area in which to explore is preferable to tethering the dog to a stationary object. However, many of the same problems associated with tethering still apply, including attacks on or by other animals, lack of socialization and safety.



14. What can be done to correct the problem of tethering dogs? More than 100 communities in more than 30 states have passed laws that regulate the practice of tethering animals. Maumelle, Ark., and Tucson, Ariz., completely prohibit the unattended tethering of dogs. Many other communities only allow tethering for limited periods of time or during certain conditions. Orange County, Fla., for example, does not allow tethering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or during times of extreme weather.



15. Why should a community outlaw the continuous chaining or tethering of dogs? Animal control and humane agencies receive countless calls every day from citizens concerned about animals in these cruel situations. Animal control officers, paid at taxpayer expense, spend many hours trying to educate pet owners about the dangers and cruelty involved in this practice.



A chained animal is caught in a vicious cycle; frustrated by long periods of boredom and social isolation, he becomes a neurotic shell of his former self—further deterring human interaction and kindness. In the end, the helpless dog can only suffer the frustration of watching the world go by in isolation—a cruel fate for what is by nature a highly social animal. Any city, county, or state that bans this practice is a safer, more humane community.

Continuously Chaining A Dog Is Inhumane And Dangerous - Part 1.

1. What is meant by "chaining" or "tethering" dogs?
These terms refer to the practice of fastening a dog to a stationary object or stake, usually in the owner's backyard, as a means of keeping the animal under control. These terms do not refer to the periods when an animal is walked on a leash.

2. Is there a problem with continuous chaining or tethering?
Yes, the practice is both inhumane and a threat to the safety of the confined dog, other animals and humans.

3. Why is tethering dogs inhumane?
Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive.

In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and covered with sores, the result of improperly fitted collars and the dogs' constant yanking and straining to escape confinement. Dogs have even been found with collars embedded in their necks, the result of years of neglect at the end of a chain. In one case, a veterinarian had to euthanize a dog whose collar, an electrical cord, was so embedded in the animal's neck that it was difficult to see the plug.

4. Who says tethering dogs is inhumane?
In addition to The Humane Society of the United States and numerous animal experts, the U. S. Department of Agriculture issued a statement in the July 2, 1996, Federal Register against tethering:

"Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury."

5. How does tethering or chaining dogs pose a danger to humans?
Dogs tethered for long periods can become highly aggressive. Dogs feel naturally protective of their territory; when confronted with a perceived threat, they respond according to their fight-or-flight instinct. A chained dog, unable to take flight, often feels forced to fight, attacking any unfamiliar animal or person who unwittingly wanders into his or her territory.

Numerous attacks on people by tethered dogs have been documented. For example, a study published in the September 15, 2000, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that 17 percent of dogs involved in fatal attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 were restrained on their owners' property at the time of the attack.

Tragically, the victims of such attacks are often children who are unaware of the chained dog's presence until it is too late. Furthermore, a tethered dog who finally does get loose from his chains may remain aggressive, and is likely to chase and attack unsuspecting passersby and pets.

6. Why is tethering dangerous to dogs?
In addition to the psychological damage wrought by continuous chaining, dogs forced to live on a chain make easy targets for other animals, humans, and biting insects. A chained animal may suffer harassment and teasing from insensitive humans, stinging bites from insects, and, in the worst cases, attacks by other animals. Chained dogs are also easy targets for thieves looking to steal animals for sale to research institutions or to be used as training fodder for organized animal fights. Finally, dogs' tethers can become entangled with other objects, which can choke or strangle the dogs to death.

7. Are these dogs dangerous to other animals?
In some instances, yes. Any other animal that comes into their area of confinement is in jeopardy. Cats, rabbits, smaller dogs and others may enter the area when the tethered dog is asleep and then be fiercely attacked when the dog awakens.

How Therapy Dogs Help.

Kallee was a Certified Therapy Dog from 1995 until she passed away in 2005. Read her story on this blog.

This is just one of many, many stories of how a therapy dog helps people cope.

Five-year-old Kelsey was a patient staying at Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati. A tracheal tube made it impossible for her to speak, but she didn’t have to utter a word to make an instant friend in Duncan, a smiley 3-year-old Westie. Using simple hand gestures, she was able to ask Duncan to sit, roll over and shake hands. Words couldn’t describe how that made Kelsey, and everyone else in the room, feel. “I think even Duncan had tears in his eyes,” says Clifton Lin, Duncan’s owner.

Duncan is one of 15,000 certified therapy dogs in the country. Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and even disaster areas. In some cases they also play an integral role in the treatment process. For example, a therapy dog could play fetch with a stroke patient but bring the ball back to the affected side to help promote use of that arm again. The positive effects of animal therapy visits can be both emotional and physical.

The opportunity to connect with a friendly and loving therapy dog can help lift a lonely patient’s spirits, while the turning, reaching, and stretching of playing with an animal can help encourage mobility in other patients. Studies have shown that even the simple act of petting a dog can reduce blood pressure and promote the release of “feel good” hormones in the body. For more information on pet therapy or to find out about sharing the happiness of your dog with others you can visit Therapy Dogs International at www.tdi-dog.org.

Dog - Proofing Your Home.

You may think your home is perfectly safe, but it may not be - especially when viewed by your dog. To your dog the cleaning products in your cupboard may be especially interesting. And although they are stored in a cupboard, your dog may not find them very difficult to get to. Most dogs are very adept at using their paws and muzzle to nudge things like cupboard doors open.


Child-proof locks are a good idea for keeping household items that may be dangerous to your dog safely out of his reach. If you get a second dog, don't assume that because your first dog isn't curious about the floor wax your new dog will follow suit. In fact, your new dog is likely to be interested in everything in your home because it's all new to him. Take a tour through your home, looking at each room through a dog's eye view. The following will give you an idea of what to look for.


Garbage receptacle: Make sure that your garbage receptacle has a tight fitting lid. Most dogs love to nose around in garbage when they have the opportunity and items such as candy wrappers and chicken bones can be choking hazards. Chocolate can be poisonous to your dog, and food that has spoiled can make him very ill.


Electrical cords: Chewing behavior is common to most dogs and cords can be very appealing. Cords should be coiled and tucked away, even if this means rearranging your furniture. A bit of careful thought about how to keep cords safely unavailable to your dog's teeth may prevent him from being electrocuted.


Cleaning supplies, disinfectants, shampoos and perfumes: These items may smell, and even taste, great to your dog but they should be kept safely out of his reach as they can make him very ill. Household cleaning supplies should be kept in a high cupboard that your dog can't reach, or in a cupboard protected by a child-proof lock. Shampoos shouldn't sit on the side of your tub where your dog might easily reach them. Instead use a shower caddy or a high cupboard or shelf to keep them away from curious canines.


Jewelry and loose change: Jewelry is often of the right size to be easily swallowed by most dogs, and is dangerous to your dog as he may choke on it. The same goes for loose change that is left lying about. Some coins, for example pennies, contain zinc which can cause vomiting, anemia, or even death if ingested by your dog.


Garbage bags and nylons: Garbage bags can be very tempting to most dogs but they are dangerous because it's easy for your dog to get tangled up in them, and this could lead to suffocation. Nylons are also very tempting toys and can obstruct your dog's intestine if swallowed.


Plants: Many are toxic in live or dried form. Ask your nursery for a complete reference on plants you want to purchase. When in doubt, keep the plants well out of your dog's reach.


Nails, screws, needles: These are small, easily overlooked objects in your home that are easily swallowed and very dangerous to your dog.


Medication: If your dog swallows your medication he will usually become ill. Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage or gastric ulcers in dogs. To keep your dog safe, medication should never be within his reach.


The best rule of thumb when dog-proofing your home is to follow the same steps you would if you were child-proofing your home. Take a careful walk through each room and place any items that could harm your dog safely out of his reach.

Not Long Enough!

One of the men sentenced in the Michael Vick dog fighting case was released from federal prison Thursday after completing his 2 month sentence. Just 2 months, how ridiculous! He cooperated with the Federal government to testify against Vick and 2 other men.


Vick is serving a 23 month sentence in one of the toughest prisons in America, the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, KS. Personally, I think the sentence is too light. But, with the conviction of this idiot, dog fighting has been brought out of the shadows and into the public eye.


It is a shame that it takes someone famous getting caught to shed light on this horrid blood sport. Dog fighting has been going on for centuries, literally! You can find out more about dog fighting and the law in earlier posts on this blog.

Warm Weather Brings Increase In Attacks on Children by Chained Dogs.

Chance says that "he is thankful that he was adopted into his family, or he might be tied out to a tree."

Mothers Against Dog Chaining warns against danger of chaining dogs, especially in springtime when attacks increase four-fold. Dogs that spend their lives on chains often become neurotic, aggressive and pathologically protective of the patch of dirt where they spend their lives. Frustrated and unsocialized, chained dogs pose a year-round danger to unsuspecting children who approach these dogs. However, children are especially vulnerable in the springtime, according to Mothers Against Dog Chaining, an initiative of non-profit Dogs Deserve Better.

The groups are dedicated to ending the suffering endured by chained dogs and to educating the public about the dangers chained dogs pose to America's children. Since 2003, when Mothers Against Dog Chaining began monitoring attacks nationwide that result in serious injury or death, it has traditionally seen an increase every spring when the warmer weather beckons more children outside and chained dogs can be especially frustrated after another lonely, agonizing winter.

In 2007, Mothers Against Dog Chaining logged 81 serious attacks on children by chained dogs. Thirty of these attacks - more than one-third of the entire year's attacks-occurred in April and May alone. Of the 81 attacks logged in 2007, 8 resulted in the death of a child. "Our records include only those attacks serious enough to make the newspapers, and include only those we are able to locate," explains Tammy Grimes, founder of Mothers Against Dog Chaining and Dogs Deserve Better.

"There are many more attacks that unfortunately go unmentioned and unreported. We encourage any parents of children who've been attacked by chained or penned dogs to get in touch with our organization so we can log their info and include their story."The fact pattern leading up to the death in July 2007 of Tiffany Pauley, a 5-year-old Atlanta girl with Down Syndrome, is typical of many of these attacks: a child wanders into a neighbor's yard and wants to pet the chained dog, but the angry, perpetually chained animal attacks when it feels its space is threatened.

The dog's caretakers then claim that there was nothing they could have done, unaware that the very method of confinement to which they subjected their dog led directly to the animal's aggression. "Children are dying because of the misguided belief in certain segments of our society that it is appropriate to chain a dog to a tree and leave it there to pace the same patch of dirt and excrement for years on end," says Miranda Riane, the mother of an 8-year-old boy who was seriously mauled by a chained dog in November 2007. "Myson did nothing but run past a dog that spent its life on a short chain. He paid the price for the owner having taken the negligent and "easy way out" with regard to caring for her dog.

"In part because of the public safety issues posed by perpetually chained dogs, a number of states, cities and counties have started passing laws addressing how long people can chain their dogs. California and Texas recently passed statewide laws that put specific time limits on chaining and a number of other states, including Pennsylvania and South Carolina, are currently considering similar legislation.

source: http://www.ddb.org/

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe At Easter.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Spring has sprung and it's almost time for the Easter bunny to make his rounds. But before you start celebrating, here are five tips for keeping your pet safe and happy this holiday weekend.

1. Pass on Poisonous Plants. Some popular plants—including Easter lilies—are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten.

2. Resist Pet Purchases. Bunnies, chicks, ducks and other animals are adorable, but resist the urge to buy or adopt a pet on impulse. People often forget that these cute little animals grow up into adult animals who require a commitment to provide daily care for the rest of their lives. Remember bringing any animal, including small animals like rabbits and chicks, into your home places demands on your time and financial resources and should be done only after carefully assessing your family's ability to meet the animal's needs.

3. Ditch the Dangerous Decor. Easter basket decorations, including plastic grass, are dangerous to animals if ingested. The grass can become twisted within a pet's intestines and can be fatal if not caught quickly enough. Often, the only solution is expensive surgery. Candy wrappers, plastic eggs and small toy parts can also pose a danger to critters. Keep your pet out of harm's way by using tissue paper instead of plastic grass and doing a thorough clean-up after Easter celebrations.

4. Give Your Pet Some Peace. Consider your pets when planning family gatherings or parties at home. Loud noises, erratic movements from children and crowds of people can be very stressful for animals. If your pet isn't up for the chaos of an Easter egg hunt or family dinner, put him/her in a quiet area of the house when guests are visiting.

5. Bag the Basket Booty. Keep your pet out of the Easter basket and away from candy, including chocolate. Candy can be harmful to pets, and chocolate is toxic to cats, dogs and ferrets. As many of you pet owners know, animals will eat just about anything that they can find, including Easter treats.

Chocolates and candies that are high in sugar and caffeine are especially bad for our animal companions. Every pet owner should make an effort to keep these foods out of the reach of their furry friends.

Educating children in what is good and bad for the family pet is very important.

For a total list of all the toxic plants go to: http://majordogquestions.blogspot.com/ and type in toxic plants in the search blog box, click search and then scroll to the bottom. The list is too extensive for this blog.

Nothing To Do With Abuse.

I am asking for people to please pray for my friend's son, Josh. He is in a hospital in PA. and he is a very sick young man. Prayer has helped a lot of people through very rough times. Thank you. Tamara

A Head's Up.

In the classifieds of the Herald Dispatch, there is an ad for basic obedience classes that will be held in Milton, WV. I called the number to get some information on the person that is doing the training. She said she teaches in Jackson Cty. WV and is certified to train people for the Canine Good Citizen test, or CGC as it is known.

I asked the one question that I feel is pertinent. Do you allow the use of pinch collars? Her answer was "Yes." Of course, she went on to say that she doesn't allow them unsupervised. I am sorry, but using a pinch collar is not necessary. They are cruel and unnecessary. Any trainer that uses a pinch collar, uses them because they use pain to get the dog to do the command quicker, thus the faster the dog is trained, the more money they can make with more dogs.

I call it "assembly line" training. I have post on basic obedience commands that talks about this. She had the nerve to ask me if I was alright, because I sounded strange because of the questions I was asking. She also said I was not the first call she had asking her questions about her credentials. This put a red flag up in my head.

If you are thinking of putting your dog in a class, call the facility and ask if you can come and view a class that is currently going on. If you like what you see, then make arrangements to have your dog put in a class with that trainer. Pain is not the way to train!

*****On the subject of pinch or prong collars, the statements made by me are from experience in working and training dogs for many years. I AM NOT a certified trainer and take no money for training any one's dog, but know that this type of collar, from my experience , is unnecessary. With the right approach, any dog, no matter how thick skinned or coated, will work for you without using this type of training device.*****

Moving On: Remember Your Pets When Relocating

Chance says "Remember your pets if you have to move. They want to go, too."

The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets with them when they relocate. It's a tragic occurrence that's happening every day in America—families are being forced out of their homes when banks foreclose on their mortgages. But just because a family loses its home doesn't mean that the family pet must lose both his home and his family.


With a foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is disturbed by reports that some residents forced out of their homes are simply leaving their pets behind. The HSUS urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets with them when they relocate. Remember, abandoning your pet(s) is both irresponsible and illegal!

Pet owners may feel financially unable to care for their pets or are overwhelmed by a sudden move, but there are many alternatives to leaving pets behind. Abandoned pets face a grim future. Many pets trapped inside abandoned homes aren't found until they're on the brink of starvation. Those lucky enough to reach a shelter have about a 50 percent chance of being adopted. No one likes to think of leaving their pet at a shelter, but if you can't take him/her with you, it is by far more humane than leaving them in an apartment or a house alone.

Too many animals die alone this way every year. If people are absolutely unable to care for their pet any longer, they should take him or her to their local animal shelter or animal control agency. The shelter can provide food and housing while they try and locate a new home. Plan Ahead! These outcomes can be avoided by planning ahead as much as possible and finding pet-friendly housing.

The following steps can help in the search for pet-friendly rental housing: Give yourself enough time. If possible, check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move or when you first learn that foreclosure and/or eviction may be in your future. Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving: the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets.

Gather proof that you're responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. This can include statements from current property managers and neighbors that you maintain your pet responsibly, as well as copies of veterinary records showing ongoing pet care.

Get it in writing. Once you have permission from a landlord, manager or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the pets

Has Our Society Become "Shoot First, Ask Questions Later?"

In the Herald 's, Letter to the Editor, dated 3/17/08, a writer had a letter about the dog that was shot and maimed and had to be put down by the owners relative. The person was wondering why nothing more had been said about this incident. On the website, www.petabuse.com, I looked up the case. It seems they have no concrete suspects.

After researching more, I was looking at some of the comments that had been left about this article. Some are saying that the dog had bitten before and was running loose. On the case file, it said that the dog was unleashed or loose. Either way, if the dog was on the owners property, the shooter was in violation of trespass laws. If the dog was loose and not on the owners property, then the law states that the animal control could be called.

But, shooting the dog, if it had not attacked anyone, was definitely wrong. It seems that it is a he said, she said problem right now. Unfortunately, unless it is a case of animal abuse that the Prosecuting Attorney's office deems bad enough, they do not feel it is a "priority." This is so sad. If we, as a society, allow people to just shoot first and then ask questions later, we are on the brink of ruin. Like the letter writer stated, if you can just shoot a dog, on the basis it is too loud, are children next that laugh too loud when playing outside?

In Memory Of A Great Therapy Dog - From Lost To Found.

This is Kallee and her favorite hat. She was my first Therapy Dog. She was certified by Therapy Dogs, Int'l. She also had her Canine Good Citizen certificate. Kallee, CTD, CGC - 1993-2005.

When I found Kallee, she was a starving little dog of about 4-5 mo. old. She went through basic obedience and advanced obedience with a great man named Billy Shaffer, owner of Labradite Kennels in Mink Shoals, WV. She took to her work like a duck to water. One day we were called, by a friend of mine. She knew of a man that was Autistic and had been bed ridden for 4 yrs. and had ceased movement for the last year of those 4. I work independently, so I took Kallee and we went to see him. When we went in, we were taken to his room and I saw this little man, wasted away from just lying there.

I put Kallee's mat down right by the head of his bed and told her to sit. I then asked the caregiver if I could place his hand on her head. She said yes. I gently placed his oh, so small, hand on her head. Kallee just sat there. She looked like a statue. Maybe 5 min. went by, and I was talking with the caregiver, and I heard her give the slightest of sounds. I looked over, and one of his fingers was moving and kind of tapping her head. We were speechless.

Normally, therapy dogs are rotated so that people get a variety. But, they wanted Kallee back the next week. We continued visiting this man for 4 months. In the 4th month, he was sitting up in bed and using his hands. It is a story that will be with me forever. She was special. When she certified, the judge called her an "old spirit" that had been handed down to her by another spirit. She was my companion until she passed away peacefully in her sleep, May, 15, 2005. Sit by the right hand of God, baby girl. You are missed every day.

I now have a 3 yr. old yellow Lab named Major B Chance or Chance, for short. He was 12 wks. old when she died. He had been with us and Kallee for 2 mo. Before she died, when I would work Chance on his obedience in the yard, I would have to work her first. Then she would come around on my right and Chance on my left. This next part is the truth: if Chance didn't do something right, she would circle out, go behind me, and bump him in the bottom with her nose.

Since she was part Smooth Collie and part Australian Shepherd, she had that long Collie nose. It was so, so funny. He was sitting by her head, and her little ear was wet, (where he had chewed on it, trying to wake her), when I went to wake them and let them out. Chance used to hang on the same ear, as she would walk around the yard. He was certified in Aug. '07 for therapy. Visit Therapy Dogs International at www.tdi-dog.org.

How To Help Prevent Stress At Bathing Time.

This information is for abused or non-abused dogs.

Do you wonder why your dog gets edgy when you go to bath him/her? Particularly, when you turn on the shower hose and start to wet them down. The sound of the water coming from the shower hose is actually deafening to them. To alleviate this stress, hold the shower head flush with the dogs body. This stops the roaring sound, and it floods the coat for better saturation. Always start with your dogs head and work back toward the tail.

To make sure you have the proper water temperature, test it on your forearm. If the water is uncomfortable, it will be way too hot on your dog. If the water feels comfortable, it will feel nice to your dog. NEVER use cold water. I do not recommend bathing your dog outside. If you have too, heat the water first. Cold water will make your dog sick, believe it or not!

If you have a dog that has cropped ears or prick or semi-prick ears (ears that stand up), put cotton balls in the ears to prevent water entering the ear canal. If you have a dog with fall ears or drop ears, you can hold the ear closed by taking your hand and placing it completely over the ear or use the cotton ball. I prefer to hold the head at a downward slope, instead of holding it up, to keep from getting water up the nose and down into the lungs.

After lathering the coat, depending on the directions of your shampoo, rinse you pet, using the same method as described above. If the coat feels squeaky, it is rinsed properly. If it feels slick, rinse, rinse, rinse. Proper rinsing will keep your dog from having skin problems. (problems not related to food or genetics) Remember to rinse the privates very well, as soap gets in there and irritates.

If you are not comfortable around your dog's face, use a wash cloth. Rinse the cloth and wipe the face very well to get all the shampoo off. If you happen to get soap in the eyes, rinse the eyes with water for about 5 min. and if your dog shows signs of irritation, such as rubbing the eyes with the side of their paw, call your vet immediately. Remember, your vet is important, and will do whatever is necessary to help you. Also, your dog will close his/her eyes as the water runs over them. They react like humans in that aspect.

Remember, DO NOT force the cotton ball down into the ear canal, as this could cause damage. And, don't forget the cotton ball after the bath is complete. I do not recommend using a human hair dryer on a dog. A dog's skin is very thin and not like a humans scalp. Even on low, a hair dryer can burn the dog. Towel drying is the best method for a dog that does not go to a groomer. Also, you can go online and purchase a hand held dryer that is made for dogs. I hope this information helps to get your pet more comfortable when getting their bath.

I Wanted To Share This Information With Everyone.

I saw an ad in the Herald Dispatch classifieds the other day for Pit Bull puppies, specifying a particular bloodline. Curiosity got the better of me, so I emailed John Goodwin at the Humane Society of the United States about fighting dog bloodlines. Here is his reply.

"Tamara, There are some pretty prominent dog fighters in WV. But the Razors Edge and Gotti dogs aren't generally fighters. Those are what they call "blue" pit bulls, due to their bluish fur. They are larger and slower than the smaller fighting dogs, and don't show the game "gameness", the same drive to stay in the fight, even when severely injured. Some of the more popular fighting bloodlines are Redboy-Jocko (shortened to RBJ in many classified ads), Jeep, Mayday, Barracuda, Chinaman, Frisco, Eli and others."

It is disturbing to know that WV has many prominent dog fighters. If anyone has any information on any dogfighting ring busts in WV, please post the information. Thanks.

Desensitization Techniques For More Severe Cases Of Separation Anxiety.

The primary treatment for more severe cases of separation anxiety is a systematic process of getting your dog used to being alone. You must teach your dog to remain calm during "practice" departures and short absences. Experts recommend the following procedure:

Begin by engaging in your normal departure activities (getting your keys, putting on your coat), then sit back down. Repeat this step until your dog shows no distress in response to your activities. Next, engage in your normal departure activities and go to the door and open it, then sit back down. Next, step outside the door, leaving the door open, then return. Finally, step outside, close the door, then immediately return. Slowly get your dog accustomed to being alone with the door closed between you for several seconds.


Proceed very gradually from step to step, repeating each step until your dog shows no signs of distress. The number of repetitions will vary depending on the severity of the problem. If at any time in this process your actions produce an anxiety response in your dog, you've proceeded too fast. Return to an earlier step in the process and practice this step until the dog shows no distress response, then proceed to the next step.


Once your dog is tolerating your being on the other side of the door for several seconds, begin short-duration absences. This step involves giving the dog a verbal cue (for example, "I'll be back"), leaving, and then returning within a minute. Your return must be low-key: Either ignore your dog or greet him quietly and calmly. If he shows no signs of distress, repeat the exercise. If he appears anxious, wait until he relaxes to repeat the exercise. Gradually increase the length of time you're gone.


Practice as many absences as possible that last less than ten minutes. You can do many departures within one session if your dog relaxes sufficiently between departures. You should also scatter practice departures and short-duration absences throughout the day. Once your dog can handle short absences (30 to 90 minutes), he'll usually be able to handle longer intervals alone and you won't have to repeat this process every time you are planning a longer absence. The hard part is at the beginning, but the job gets easier as you go along. Nevertheless, you must go slowly at first. How long it takes to condition your dog to being alone depends on the severity of his problem.

Separation Anxiety In Dogs And How To Treat It.

Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they're left alone. Typically, they'll have a dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20–45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most common of these behaviors are: Digging, chewing, and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners. Howling, barking, and crying in an attempt to get their owner to return. Urination and defecation (even with house trained dogs) as a result of distress.

Experts don't fully understand why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and, under similar circumstances, others don't. It's important to realize, however, that the destruction and house soiling that often occur with separation anxiety are not the dog's attempt to punish or seek revenge on his owner for leaving him alone. In reality, they are actually part of a panic response. Abused dogs are not the only dogs that suffer this ailment. Although, they are more prone.

Separation anxiety sometimes occurs:

When a dog accustomed to constant human companionship is left alone for the first time. Following a long interval, such as a vacation, during which the owner and dog are constantly together. After a traumatic event (from the dog's point of view), such as a period of time spent at a shelter or boarding kennel. After a change in the family's routine or structure (such as a child leaving for college, a change in work schedule, a move to a new home, or a new pet or person in the home).

It's essential to correctly diagnose the reason for the behavior before proceeding with treatment. If most, or all, of the following statements are true about your dog, he may have a separation anxiety problem:

The behavior occurs exclusively or primarily when he's left alone.
He follows you from room to room whenever you're home.
He displays effusive, frantic greeting behaviors.
The behavior always occurs when he's left alone, whether for a short or long period of time. He reacts with excitement, depression, or anxiety to your preparations to leave the house. He dislikes spending time outdoors by himself.

What to do if your dog exhibits anxiety behavior: For a minor separation anxiety problem, the following techniques may be helpful by themselves.

Keep arrivals and departures low-key. For example, when you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes, then calmly pet him. This may be hard for you to do, but it's important!
Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you—such as an old t-shirt that you've slept in recently. Establish a "safety cue"—a word or action that you use every time you leave that tells your dog you'll be back. Dogs usually learn to associate certain cues with short absences by their owners. For example, when you take out the garbage, your dog knows you come right back and doesn't become anxious.

Therefore, it's helpful to associate a safety cue with your short-duration absences. Some examples of safety cues are a playing radio, a playing television, or a toy (one that doesn't have dangerous fillings and can't be torn into pieces). Use your safety cue during practice sessions with your dog. Be sure to avoid presenting your dog with the safety cue when you leave for a period of time longer than he can tolerate; if you do, the value of the safety cue will be lost.

Leaving a radio on to provide company for your dog isn't particularly useful by itself, but a playing radio may work if you've used it consistently as a safety cue in your practice sessions. If your dog engages in destructive chewing as part of his separation distress, offering him a chewing item as a safety cue is a good idea. Very hard rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats and Nylabone-like products are good choices.

House Training Or Crate Training As I Call It.

I have found this method to work the best. Crate training is only successful if you are consistent. If your dog whines and cries, and you give in and didn't make her/him stay in her/his crate, you gave in. All you did was re-enforce in her/him the thought, "Oh, if I cry and act like a baby, I will get whatever I want. All dogs are den animals. The crate becomes their sanctuary, or den. Make sure that you purchase a crate(cage) that is big enough for them to stand up in and turn around comfortably, but not enough room that they can go to the back of the crate and potty. A dog will not potty where they eat and sleep, unless they are given no other alternative, such as chained up dogs, or dogs in pens outside that are too small, or they never get out of.

You start out by placing the crate in the bedroom, next to the bed, and right before bed, you take the puppy out. Praise greatly when the puppy potty's. Take the dog back in, put in crate, along with a favorite toy, and go to bed. Ignore the crying, they will stop. First thing in the a.m., you take the puppy out, praise after the potty, come in and feed. After they finish, wait 5 -10 minutes, not longer than 15, and take them back out. Same routine. Put crate in a place where the puppy can see the door you come in. Put puppy in just as you get ready to leave the house. Don't put puppy in and then hang around for 20 min.

When you come home, take puppy out, immediately go outside, praise and then go about your after work routine. Same routine as before for nighttime and feeding. Soon, you will be able to leave the door to the crate open and the dog loose in the house. They will go into the crate to sleep while you are gone. Put a super soft towel or bed in the crate and a few bits of kibble and a small amt. of water. Too much food and water in the crate when you start the training, will only make the dog have to potty sooner. And, never, never use the crate as punishment. This is their own little cave. Their alone place. Their hidey-hole, as I call it.

Another Horrid Case Of Shelter Abuse.

Chance asks, if you can - Please Help!

I am sure that everyone has seen the story about the raid on the animal shelter in Eastern KY. What a nightmare! More than 115 diseased and starving dogs and more than 40 dead dogs were discovered by the Jackson County KY sheriff's department. The abuse ranged from starvation to wounds inflicted on dogs by other dogs. 2 people were charged with 117 counts, each, of animal abuse, and the wife of one, will be allowed to surround on her own, as she was at the hospital with a sick child.

The 75 living dogs were taken to the Gray Hawk Veterinary Clinic on US HWY 421 So., McKee KY 40447. Their phone number is 1-606-287-8475. The clinic will house the dogs until they can be adopted out or placed in rescue organizations or foster homes. They will need dog food and monetary donations. If you can help in any way, please do. I know our shelters here need help, too, but this is an emergency. Thank you.

Updated information:

Send checks or donations to: P.O. Box 387, Gray Hawk, Ky. 40434. Another fund has been set up for paying veterinarian bills and buying dog food. The address: In care of Tim Fee, Jackson County Sheriff, P.O. Box 426, McKee, KY 40447. People can also send food directly to the Jackson County Sheriff's office.

Basic Obedience Commands - Part 2

Serious training should start when a dog is about 8 months old. Puppies younger than that have a very short attention span. So, serious training is really useless. Getting your puppy used to a flat collar (a collar with a buckle) and being on a leash is the first order of business. Then, when the puppy is of the correct training age, you can switch to a training collar. I believe in using treats or bait, as it is called to train. I know some don't agree with that, but I have had super success using it. Your training sessions should only be 15 min. at a time.


Heel: Starting with your dog on your left side and your lead in your right hand, step forward and give the command "heel." I use my dog's name and then follow with "heel." If your dog gets ahead of you, pop the lead lightly and say, "no, heel." (you want your dog even with your left heel) Repeat this until your dog is doing it correctly. (in the obedience ring, you start out leading on the left foot)


Sit: With your dog standing on your left, take your left hand, lightly push down on your dog's rump, while lifting up on the lead in your right hand and giving the command "sit." Remember, praise, praise, praise!! I usually do this command when I am walking my dog or I want to give a treat. When I stop, I want my dog to sit at my heel. (This is great for walks and you meet someone and want to talk. Your dog is being mannered and polite by sitting quietly while you visit)


Stay: From the sit position, step in front of your dog, facing them, give the command "stay!" and start to walk backwards. If your dog starts to move, step forward, putting your hand under their chin, and lightly push backwards, while saying the command " no, stay." This command is started when your dog has the sit command down pat. Repeat until you are satisfied with the results.


I am going to go to the come command, as the down command is often difficult, because it is a submissive posture for a dog.


Come: This is the most important of all the commands. If your dog knows this command, it can save his/her life. Put your dog in a sit/stay position. Step in front of your dog, (like you did when teaching the stay command), and walk backwards until you reach the end of your lead, still facing your dog. Wait a few seconds and using your dog's name, followed by the command "come!", at the same time, reel the lead in toward you, pulling your dog gently toward you. When your dog gets to you, use the sit command. Remember, praise, praise, praise!!! This can be taught, really at anytime. Say you are just walking around the yard (if you don't have a fenced in yard, make sure your dog is on the leash. Not only for their safety, but because of the leash law.) Have some treats in your pocket. Tell your dog to "come!", use your dog's name and then the command "come." When they come to you, give the treat and praise, praise, praise! Never, never, never, reprimand your dog when they come to you. This will make them afraid to come to you.


The down command is the most difficult for a dog. When a dog is laying down, they feel vulnerable. Start with your dog, on your left, in the "sit" position. With the leash in your right hand, slide your hand down the lead to where the leash meets the snap. Push the leash down toward the ground and at the same time, push gently against your dog's shoulder with your left hand, while giving the command "down." This will put your dog off balance and make it easier for them to go to the down position. Remember, dog's feel vulnerable when laying down, so praise, praise, praise when they get to a down position. Keep your hand in the same position on the leash, holding them down, gently, for 5 to 10 seconds and then let them up.


Repeat this several times and then stop and praise.

Training Your Adopted Dog - Part 1

I had an anonymous poster, even though they were rude with their comments, did have one good idea. When a person adopts a dog, what kind of training should they do. Most dogs that are adopted are strays, and have no training. You need to take into count that they have been abused and are frightened. Heavy handed training is a no-no. These dogs need light handed training. By this, I mean no jerking or yelling. You should never jerk or yell on any dog, abused or not. Remember that.


A dog that is trained in basic obedience commands: heel, sit, stay, down and, most importantly, the come command, will make life on both the dog and its adopted owner much simpler. I will attempt to take you through these basic commands and the equipment you will need. This training method is for abused and the non-abused dog.


Always remember, correction should be mild and non-violent. Correct when wrong, praise when right. It is best to be able to praise your dog as soon after a correction as possible, just make sure the praise is for correct behavior. Do this no matter how many times you've had to make the identical correction; it takes a few times for any correction to sink in. Praise after the correction does not lessen the impact of the correction, but it will reassure him/her that you are still friends, and training can progress without hard feelings on either side.


Your voice is your basic corrective tool, and the basic corrective command is "No!" There must be authority in your voice when correcting. Loud, yes, authoritative equally important. Panic, anger and annoyance can and will confuse your dog. Since we are dealing with abused dogs, watch the reaction of your dog. If your dog shrinks away from you when you use a loud voice, tone it down and use a slight "pop" (the term used when you lift up on the leash to let the training collar make contact with the dog) of the lead.


The equipment you need will be a chain or nylon choker. This can be found at any pet store. Never, never use a pinch collar. I know I will probably have someone refute this, but I am a firm believer they are not needed. The lead should be leather or nylon and about 6 ft. long. Correct collar size is determined by measuring around the largest part of your dog's head and adding an inch. The proper way to put the choke(training) collar is with the loose ring at the right of the dog's neck, the chain attached to it having come over the neck and through the holding ring rather than under the neck. (It should form a "P" when you hold it out if front of you before putting it over the head.)


Allow your dog to wear their new "clothes", as I call them, around the house to get used to it. Remember, never leave a choker on your dog unattended. A dog could get caught and choke to death. Now, on to the first command. It is continued on a new post.

Holly's Animal Haven Dog Rescue.

After doing research on this rescue group, I have found they are well established. So, if you are in the Lawrence County OH area and are looking for a great companion, you might consider them. All of their pets are special and need homes. Please consider adopting a homeless pet today.


Adopting a Dog: If you wish to adopt a pet , please contact them (email preferred, located at the bottom of this post). Local families should meet their dog. Long distance adoption is permitted. ***HAH considers each dog to be like a member of the family. They are looking for inside homes for all of their wonderful pets and think that you will enjoy sharing your living space with a bundle of fur!


Adoption donations are listed on the animal's post. The cost helps offset vet expenses and includes altering, vaccinations, deworming, heartworm prevention, and anti-flea medication. They never charge more than the actual costs and in fact, they often operate at a financial loss.


Donations: They need: *Towels*leashes *collars *dog toys *flea spray *crates (used is fine) *dog beds (see below)


Holly's Animal Haven prefers Kuranda Dog Beds because they are durable, chew proof and easy to clean. Who they are: They are a not-for-profit rescue in Ohio. Since they are in the country, some people think it is the perfect place to drop unwanted pets. Nothing could be further from the truth! Dumped animals are often malnourished, sick and/ or injured. With the help of friends and donations, they can nurse the animals, but the dogs need adoptive homes where they can receive the one on one attention they all need and deserve. **IMPORTANT** Many of their dogs are found in Wayne National forest or on the side of a remote country road where they have been abandoned.


They try to save space for such dogs and therefore can't accept owner turn ins if you can no longer keep your dog for some reason. However, they will be glad to help you try to work out the situation and keep your dog or post it on our site to help find a wonderful home. Please remember that they are limited on space but will be glad to help if they can.


If you can't adopt at this time, just come visit them and take a dog for a walk. Their dogs love to play catch. Advance notice is appreciated, so please email first. Remember, they have no shelter and operate at our home.
H.A.H. Hollys Animal Haven Lawrence County, OH, Email: TonPowe@aol.com


To see a list of their dogs, go to http://www.petfinder.com/. Choose dog(in animal type) and type in Huntington, WV (in location box) for the city and they come up along with the Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter. The Huntington, WV shelter listings are first and then Holly's are below them.

Put Your Missing Pet Info And Photo Online.

If you didn't know, the Herald Dispatch now has a section where people can post pictures and information about a lost pet. I had a poster that seemed to think I needed to be posting pictures of lost dogs, instead of my picture being on the blog site. The paper started this about a month or so ago. So, if you have a pet that has gone missing, just go to the photo gallery and scroll down to more photos and look for lost or missing pets, and you can post the picture and all the information about your pet. This is another great idea that the paper has started. Thanks HD!!

The Duties Of A Dog Groomer.

This does not deal with abuse, but I wanted to answer a poster's question.

I had a person, anonymously, asked just what does a dog groomer do. Well, I will tell you, as I was a groomer for many years. I am a graduate of Nash Academy of Animal Arts in Lexington, KY, and am certified by National Dog Groomers Association of America, and International Dog Groomers, Inc. This means that I have met the strict standards of the elite certification of both the United States and the United Kingdom.


Our duties include: When a dog comes into a grooming salon, I would look at the dog, ask the owner what they would like done. If the owner says I want my dog to look like it should, i.e. a Scottish Terrier, and the dog is not matted, I would cut that dog in the standard as required in the A.K.C. This means it will look like the picture in the A.K.C. dog book. First, I "rough in" the dog. This means I do a rough cut of the coat, cut the head coat, scissor the eyebrows, clean out the stop (between the eyes), scissor any stray hair at the inside corner of the eyes, shave the private area, scissor around the anal area, clean out the pads of the feet, clean the inside of the ears, and cut the toenails.


Then the dog goes to the bath. The anal glands are expressed in the bath for easier clean up. After the bath, it is blown dry, known as fluff drying. Then the dog comes back to me, and I do what is called "the finish." I go back over the coat with the clippers. (Clippers are used for pet dogs, show dogs are hand stripped) I touch up the eyebrows, and the tuffs on the ears, scissor the skirt for evenness.If the owner wants the dog stripped down, then I take the clippers and use a 5 F or 7F blade, and go over the entire dog. This is called a Kennel Clip. I clean the pads, shave the belly, scissor the anal area, clean ears and cut the nails. We call this "Pads, ears, nails and belly or PENB.


In the bath, the anal glands are expressed, too. Most of your pet dogs are done in the Kennel Clip for easy maintenance at home. On pet Lhasa's and Shih Tzu's, Havenese, or any dog that has a long coat, I try to get the owner to let me do a 1/2" clip for summer, or a 1" clip for winter. This leaves some coat and the dog does not look so skinny and bare. On smooth coated dogs, they usually just get a bath, nails and ears cleaned. The pads of the feet are cleaned, too. On some long-coated breeds that the owner does not want a cut, we just do a bath and brush out, along with the PENB (Pads, ears, nails and belly, including the anal area.)

Marines Show Kindness to 2 Wk. Old Puppies.

7 mix breed puppies arrived in San Diego on March 7, 08. They had been taken care of by a group of Camp Pendleton Marines in Iraq since they were 2 wks. old. The Marines built a dog house for them and kept them alive. They are now 14 wks. old and healthy. They were brought over here by the help of the Encinitas based Humane Society.


Each pup has already been spoken for by the Marines, who are part of a team training Iraqis to protect their country's borders. The pups will be temporarily housed at the Humane Society until the Marines return to Camp Pendleton.

Technology Helping To Fight Animal Cruelty.

Pet-Abuse.Com announces a new MySpace Group focused towards harnessing the power of social networking to help generate leads in open animal cruelty cases. Every week, criminal animal cruelty occurs across the country in staggering numbers and severity. A percentage of those new cases have NO SUSPECTS, and without help from the public, the odds of the police ever catching the perpetrators are slim.The group, simply called Open Animal Cruelty Cases, posts new open animal cruelty cases as they are added to the database. They ask that you simply cross-post these group bulletins to your local groups and local friends.


So if a case gets posted for San Diego, California, and you happen to run a San Diego group, or have San Diego friends, simply cross-post the bulletin to those local friends and groups. The more local people that see these bulletins (that is, people local to the incident itself), the more effective they will be at generating information that may be useful in bringing an animal abuser to justice.To start helping today, join the Open Animal Cruelty Cases group on MySpace - and be sure to add them as a friend.

This Is Outrageous!

In a deplorable act of animal cruelty, a marine was videoed throwing a puppy off a cliff. The puppy looked to be only 3 months old. As this vicious man threw the puppy, it was yelping helplessly, while this insane man laughed. Another Marine was heard, off camera and laughing too, saying "that was mean, that was mean." The Marine Corp has said that they have launched an investigation into this atrocious act. This is not the first incident of animal cruelty in the military.

If the video is authentic, the Marines involved could face judicial charges, a reduction in rank and pay and a court-martial. They could also be discharged. In this blogger's humble opinion, they should just be court-martial, dishonorably discharged and put in prison. If they get a slap on the wrist, there will be hell to pay in the media.