Make Sure Of All Information When Contacting Animal Control Or The Sheriff's Dept.

Our world is one of "I don't want to get involved, or I am afraid of getting sued." I had a person post a comment, anonymously, but posted nevertheless, about a possible abuse case in Huntington, WV. Unfortunately, the address I was given is non-existent.

If you see abuse going on, report it, as this person did. Be sure, though, to get the correct address. I had left a message for Chief Deputy Jim Scheidler over the week-end. First thing this morning, 6/30/08, he returned my call. I was, needless to say, very, very pleased. He personally went to the address I gave him, but it didn't exist.

Anonymous left the comment on my post about "Cloning of dogs and cats." I wish more people would take action as this person did. You can do this anonymously. It seems that our Animal Control was contacted, but never responded. The person said they had contacted the shelter, but never saw any of the control vans at the residence. But, if the address they gave me is wrong, and they gave that address to the control officers, then, of course they didn't show.

Please, please, make the call. But, again, get the correct address so the proper authorities can come and do their jobs. Anonymous had the courage to contact me. Thank you to them. If you have information on abuse, you can post it on this blog, and I will do my best to get help for the animals.

Largest Puppy Mill Bust In TN. History.

** some info taken from www.hsus.org **

On June 26, 2008, the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) along with local authorities executed a warrant on a puppy mill called Pine Bluff Kennels. The suffering they saw was unimaginable, even to the seasoned officers. More than 700, yes 700, dogs, 25 horses and donkeys, 20 cats, 4 parrots and 15 chickens were seized.

There was the the smell of massive tragedy. The most neglected area of this puppy mill housed mother dogs and young offspring. These animals were left to wallow in mounds of their own feces, most of them with no food or water. Because the youngest animals are most vulnerable they found several puppies who succumbed to neglect.

These animals died without ever having a chance. They never even had names—nothing but misery. The older breeding dogs at the facility didn't fare much better. They were housed in a sea of tiny wire cages that made it impossible for them to stand comfortably—forcing their legs through the grates. Many had never had the opportunity to feel the security of solid ground beneath their feet.

The team came across the grave site of a pile of dogs with multiple gunshot wounds in their decaying bodies. Shot and thrown away like garbage. But, people that have puppy mills don't care about anything but money. These animals are garbage to them when they can no longer produce.

The owner of this horrid operation had agreed to surrender all of the animals to the local district attorney's office. May the punishment fit the crime this time. So, remember, if you purchase a dog from a pet store, this is the kind of operations you are keeping in business. People who just breed dogs to death.

I have many, many posts on puppy mills, but this one took my breath when I read about it. Please, please don't purchase a dog from a pet store or off the Internet, or through classified ads in the paper. Remember, reputable breeders do not sell their dogs through these means. If you absolutely think you need a purebred dog, there are many, many breed rescues out there. I have heard people say, "Oh, I don't know what these dogs have been through, and I bet they have all kinds of behavioral and genetic problems." This is not the case.

Breed rescues know what animals are special needs and only place them with people who can give them that special care. And, your local shelters have many purebreds up for adoption. Give a shelter dog or a breed rescue dog a second chance.

Depression and Dogs.

"I know when my mom needs one of my famous "puppy kisses."

If you are like me, you get down in the dumps sometimes. It never fails, though, that my dog, Chance, knows when I get this way. He has a way of just coming up to me and giving me the sweetest "puppy kisses," as I call them. Dogs, and cats, are the best therapy for the "blue" times in our lives.

I have several posts on therapy dogs on this blog. My old girl, Kallee, was a certified therapy dog, as is my boy, Chance. I have seen first hand what a dog can do to bring someone out of a "funk." My ex sister-in-law was in the hospital some time ago. I went to visit her, and low and behold, sitting on the bed next to her bed, was the cutest little dog. His owner, a nurse, brought him to visit her friend who was battling cancer. Unfortunately, she passed away sometime after that.

But, this little guy was so sweet. He just cuddled up to her, it was great. My dog, Chance, has been by my side as I battle with my cancer. I am in remission right now, but am having a little scare. So, needless to say, I have been pretty depressed. But, my buddy just keeps on giving me the "puppy kisses" that he does so well. I couldn't ask for a better therapist.

If you are feeling down, lonely or just a little blue, give your companion animal a hug and kiss. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel.

Cloning Of Dogs And Cats.

Did you know that in the U.S. there are companies that are "trying" to clone cats and dogs? I certainly didn't. This process is still very experimental and subjects hundreds of dogs and cats to very painful and invasive procedures and produces abnormal animals who fail to survive birth. This is not mentioned by cloning companies when advertising their services. According to published reports, a total of 3656 cloned embryos, more than 319 egg "donors," and 214 surrogate mothers have been used to produce, now get this, just 5 cloned dogs and 11 cloned cats who were able to survive only 30 days after birth.


These cloning companies try to capitalize on people's grief over losing a beloved pet. They charge exorbitant fees for gene banking (storage of genetic material). Cloning is a way to, like the Phoenix, resurrect a beloved pet. South Korea is a hot spot for this horrid practice. But their government has suspended and prosecuted researchers for fraudulent activities.

It seems that 80% of Americans do not support this practice. This industry in the U.S., is not regulated like other research facilities that use animals for research. They (clone researchers), should be held to the same standards, minimal as they are, that are outlined in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Here are some prices: Genetic Saving & Clone, Inc., (what an original name) was started in 1999 by John Sperling, a billionaire, who wanted to clone his own dog. They charged clients anywhere from $295.00 to $1395.00 for gene banking and, get this, $50,000.00 to clone a cat, even though the only cat the company had cloned, has a different physical appearance and personality from her genetic donor. In 2004, this company offered to accept 6 "orders" for cloned cats, but were only able to obtain 5 and only delivered 2. They have failed to clone a dog. In 2006, they closed their doors, thankfully.

I searched the internet on genetic banking and found many, many companies that are attempting to clone.

Boating With Your Dog.

If you own a boat and a dog, here are some great safety tips to ensure that your day on the water with your best "bud" is a safe and fun one. First, don't assume that all dogs can swim, because they can't. And, the ones that can, may not be the best swimmers. They are like humans in that respect. People are not the only ones that need to wear a PFD (personal floatation device) or life jacket. If your buddy would happen to fall overboard without a life jacket, they could succumb to exhaustion or hypothermia (depending on the time of year) before you could rescue them. You can find life jackets online very readily. We got Chance's online from Cabela's.

Make sure that the PFD fits securely and allow your dog to practice swimming in it before heading out for that weekend boat ride. If your pet has never worn one, give them time to adjust to having it on, as most of the time, they will resist a little at first. Most of them have straps that fit up under the groin area, and under the arm pit area. Follow the instructions on how to fit it properly, and your dog should have no trouble adjusting.

The next vitally important tip is plenty of fresh, cold water. We keep a cooler full of ice and water for Chance. Take their water bowl, too. Dogs lose a fair amount of body fluids when they pant, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! The sun is the next factor. Just like humans, excessive sun exposure is totally dangerous. It can cause heat problems such as sun stoke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Have an area on your boat that is shaded so your dog can get in out of the sun. Plus, letting them swim is the best way to keep them cool. Remember, the sun is like a giant reflector. Most boat surfaces are made of fiberglass, and it gets extremely hot, and dogs absorb heat through the pads of their feet, so keep them protected.

With all the water drinking, your dog will need to potty. So, every hour or so, go ashore and let them potty. Some say to train your dog to go in a specific area of your boat, but personally, I think that is a bad idea. It takes less time to go ashore to let them potty for a few minutes, than clean up a mess on your boat. And, if you happen to beach on someones property, clean up your mess. Keep a scoop and plastic bags on board. You can dispose of the bag when you get back to the dock or boat launch.

Before I got Chance, my old girl Kallee, did not like to boat. So don't "assume" that your dog will enjoy the experience. Often times, they prefer a still and stable surface. So, a day or two before you plan to go out, let them get acquainted with the boat while it is still on the trailer or moored at the dock. Plus, this is a great time to let them get used to their new "clothes." (life jacket).

The next step is to crank over the engine and let them get used to the sound and vibration. Make the first outing (for the inexperienced boat dog) a short one. This will allow them to get acclimated to the movement of the boat. Remember, dogs are like humans in the respect that they can get seasick, too. If you do this, your dog should have a great time with his "pack" out on the water.

Be safe and have fun.

Dog's Like A Good Massage, Too.

Chance says "I get a weekly massage and I love it!"

Did you know that giving your dog a light massage increases circulation and aids the nervous system? Here is the technique to give your dog a light massage in the comfort of your own home. A deep massage must be given by someone that has been certified in dog anatomy and trained and certified in canine massage.

To start your dog's relaxing, light rubdown, have him/her lie on a soft, but firm surface, such as their favorite rug. If you have a small dog, the massage may be done sitting or crouching on your lap. First start with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail. When you feel your best buddy relaxing, scratch gently behind the ears, moving to the cheeks, under the chin, over the nose, between the eyes (known as the stop) and over the head. Then rub each ear several times between your thumb and forefinger, working from the base to the tip of the ear.

Now, using 3 fingers, move slowly over the neck, shoulders and the chest in small, circular patterns, gently pinching folds of any loose skin in these areas. (If you have a Shar Pei, you will have a lot of loose skin to massage.) Then, lightly squeeze down the length of each foreleg. Placing 3 fingers on each side of the leg, softly rub in opposite directions several times.

Now, if your dog is comfortable having their feet worked with, use your thumb and forefinger(index), give the feet a couple of light, soft squeezes. While doing the body massage, take the time to look for any burrs, ticks or skin irregularities. Avoid any lumps, sore spots and rashes. Have these checked by your vet.

For the second phase of the full body, light massage: Place your thumb and forefinger(index) on each side of the spine and like you are "walking", go down the spine (If your dog has arthritis, be extremely careful not to press hard) to the base of the tail and then move to the outside of the thighs. And, you can also squeeze the length of the tail and move down the rear legs of your best friend, in the same way as you did the front legs, if your dog doesn't protest it. Always respect your dog's wishes. If they start to get uneasy about the massage, go back to the last area or technique they enjoyed. To finish, give several soft, slow strokes from head to tail.

******Remember, only a trained, certified practitioner can do the deep muscle massage. Keep everything light and gentle.******

Buyer Beware.

In a classified ad running in this paper, a "breeder," and I use that term very, very loosely, is advertising toy and mini Schnauzers. It says that the "breeder" is the only "breeder" of rare colored Schnauzers. The description is: toy parti's in liver, salt/pepper and black/silver. I want to refute a bunch of information in this ad. First, there are 3 sizes to the Schnauzers: Giant, Standard and Mini. No toys. That is the first false statement.

Now on to the colors. The black/silver, salt/pepper and solid black are the only colors accepted by AKC. Any other color, hence the liver, is considered a fault. This means that the dog is either not pure, or of very, very bad breeding. This "breeder" is asking an exorbitant amount of money for these puppies. 400.00 to $500.00 per pup. Don't be fooled into thinking you are getting a "rare" dog. This is just purely false.

Always do your research when you are getting ready to add a new member to your family. And, remember this one very important fact, there are breed rescues out there. Check them out first before going to a "breeder" you found in the paper or internet. Reputable breeders do not sell their puppies through those means.

Photo Contest For You And Your Pets.

source: email to me from American Humane

I received an email from the American Humane about their 2008 Pets & Pals Photo Contest. You love your pets. And you love taking pictures of them. Why not enter your pictures in the 2008 Pets & Pals Photo Contest? The 2008 contest categories are Dogs, Cats, People & Pets,Petpourri, Down on the Farm, and Shelter Life. Two Grand Prize winners will each win $2,000 plus a non-cash prize package. Six Category Winners (one in each category) will each win $500 plus a non-cash prize package. All entries must be postmarked no later than July 31, 2008, and received no later than August 7, 2008. Get the category descriptions, read the complete rules and download the official entry form at:
www.americanhumane.org/petsandpals

Do You Have A Chewer In Your Midst?

"I'm just a lazy boy...no chewing for me anymore! "

Back in March of '05, I talked my husband into letting me get Chance, my yellow Lab. I already had Kallee, my Aussie Shepherd/Smooth Collie mix, whom had been at my side for 14 yrs. And when I say, "at my side," that is a literal statement. She went to work with me everyday and when home, she was constantly by my side. Chance was about 4 mo. old and a bundle of energy. If you looked out in the yard, he would be hanging onto Kallee's ear as she cruised around. When she got tired of him hanging onto her ear, she would shoo him away with a grump and growl (as I liked to put it). When she passed away on May 15 of that year, Chance was sitting by her head. She had passed away very peacefully in her sleep. He (Chance) had tried to wake her up by doing what he had done for those 2 months he was with her, chewing on her ear.

Little did I know that the chewing was not over. For one solid year, he chewed everything he could get his little teeth on. We had wood lattice work around our porch, he totally destroyed that. Then on to the tire cover on my spare tire. He chewed the bottom completely off it. Then he moved on to the mud flaps on my car. I have 2 Japanese Dwarf Maple trees that he chewed down to stumps. (luckily, they came back). Do you see a pattern emerging. My personal opinion is he was missing Kallee.

Why do dogs practice this behavior? Dogs are very oral. They don't have hands, so they use their mouths to investigate things. They chew for many reasons, really: entertainment, boredom, teeth cleaning and to strengthen their jaw muscles. Labs are notorious chewers the first year of their lives, too. And, they chew on their owners things, such as socks or shirts, because the odor reminds them of their owners.

You have to be very aware if you have a chewer. Swallowing objects is very dangerous. It can cause the blood supply to be cut off from the intestines if the object doesn't move on through them. This in turn means sometimes risky and very invasive and expensive surgery. Here are a few tips: 1. Know your pet. Pay attention to what your pet is particularly interested in chewing. 2. Keep a clean environment. This is self-explanatory. 3. Supervise. Keep a check on the toys to make sure they have not deteriorated, and supervise your puppy when he/she is playing with toys. 4. Train. Dogs sometimes chew due to boredom or anxiety. Certain commands are very useful, such as "drop it," or "leave it."

Here are the signs that might indicate your dog has something lodged in their stomach: diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, persistent vomiting or dry heaving, refusal to eat and restlessness. If your pet is exhibiting any of these behaviors, call your vet immediately.

Pet Store Activism.

source: Humane Society of the United States

We have pet stores in the Tri-State area that are selling puppies. Most likely, they are from a puppy mill. Here are some ways to identify if they are selling dogs from a puppy mill.

Try to identify the breeders. In most states, pet stores are not required to give out information identifying their breeders. When approaching a pet store to get information on the puppies they sell, be calm and polite. Being rude and demanding will get you absolutely nowhere. Go to the store at a calm, quiet time of the day. Look around for awhile and then discretely inquire about the cute puppies and where they come from. Most likely, you will be told they come from a private breeder, or USDA licensed breeders.

Find a specific puppy or two, and ask, again, politely, to see the paperwork so you can learn more about the puppy. Ask the name, and general location of the breeder. Write down the name, city and state of the breeder(s) you have identified.

Start you research with the info you have gathered. Find out if the breeder(s) are licensed with the United States Dept. of Agriculture's Animal Care Division. You can actually call the USDA/APHIS headquarters for assistance at 301-734-7833. You can also contact the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) for further help if needed at http://www.hsus.org/ and look for the contact tag. You can also acquire inspection reports on the breeders. The USDA publishes some inspection reports on their website, but only a few. Also, you can submit a Freedom of Information Act request to find out more. You can fax your requests to USDA/APHIS at 301-734-5941.

If the breeder(s) is not licensed by the USDA, see if they are licensed and inspected by your state. Some states, the USDA inspects kennels or breeders. In states such as PA and MO that have such programs, you may be able to request copies of the state inspection reports in addition to the USDA's. Also, do an internet search on the breeder(s) or pet store. Also, you can contact the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints about the store or the puppies. Your local shelter or Humane Society can tell you, too.

And, last but not least, gather information from individuals who may have purchased sick puppies at the store you are getting information about. If you happen to represent an organization, you may want to talk with your local shelter and see if they are willing to refer complainants to you. Then ask the complainants to fill out the Breeder Complaint Form on www.humanesociety.org/puppymills. You can also print out copies of the forms and give them to the complainants.

I am sure I will have some people say this is under-handed and sneaky. It might seem that way, but it is perfectly legal and you may save lives. Share your results with your local investigative reporter and pitch the story to them. But, contact only one reporter at a time. Reporters will not respond to an inquiry if it has been copied and sent to multiple outlets.

What It Takes To Properly Own And Care For A Dog.

source: www.puppymill.com

UNLESS YOU CAN ANSWER "YES" TO THE ENTIRE LIST BELOW, DON'T GET A DOG BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT OWNING ONE TAKES:


1. I will have my dog spayed or neutered.
2. I will spend a minimum of 1 hr. a day exercising my dog.
3. I will spend 30 minutes daily training my dog in basic commands, socialization around people and other dogs and manners around people.
4. I will 30 minutes playing with him.
5. I will brush him daily and brush his teeth at least several times a week.
6. I will remember to give my dog heartworm medicine monthly and protect him against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes with one of the vet-recommended products for spring, summer and fall.
7. I will take him to the vet yearly for shots and more often if he shows any health problems.
8. I will keep my dog safe, healthy, well-groomed and happy.
9. I will keep my dog for life.

1. I DO have the time to feed, train, love and exercise my dog.
2. I DO have the money for annual vet checks and any other medical problems that might occur; food; toys; grooming; and all other pet supplies
3. I DO NOT have -- nor does anyone in my household -- any allergies to dogs.
4. I DO NOT have any restrictions on dog size where I live.
5. I DO have the money to fence in my yard.
6. I DO have a family member, friend or trusted pet sitter to give proper care to my dog if/when I go on vacation.
7. I DO have someone to take my dog out and feed him should I temporarily need to work longer hours that keep me away from home.
8. I DO NOT have any physical disabilities or limitations that will impede my ability to take good care of a dog for its entire life.
9. I DO NOT plan to use ANY excuse for getting rid of my dog: moving, allergies, having a baby, changing jobs, extended work hours, no time, dog is too big or has "behavioral problems," other pets or family members don't get along with it, etc.

Insure that your dog lives on and is well cared for after your death.

The Dark Side Of The Amish.

Did you know that the mild mannered Amish in PA. are gaining a dark and despicable reputation as puppy mill operators? On May 1, 2007, an Amish puppy mill was raided in Southern Somerset County, PA. The dogs were rescued from a dark barn. Most were sick and many were dead. The owner said he sold the puppies to a man for $150.00 each and he, in turn, took them to a pet store where they were priced to sell at $500.00. Mostly it is Lancaster County Pennsylvania Dutch country that is notorious for puppy mill operators.


I have seen video of Amish dog auctions. The dogs are so scared. But, to the Amish, they are nothing but a "cash crop." Unfortunately, animals are considered just property. And part of the Amish culture is to sell as much product as possible, and the dogs are just another resource to make a buck.


PA. is reputedly the puppy mill capital of the U.S. The Governor of PA., Ed Rendell is proposing much tougher health and safety standards for the states 2400 licensed kennels. It would require larger cages and 20 minutes of exercise per dog per day and strict record keeping of the exercise, sanitation and feeding. Opponents contend the plan would be costly and burdensome for law-abiding kennels. These are the people that ram metal rods down the throats of their breeding dogs so they don't have to listen to them bark due to the frustration of never having any human contact.


I have many, many posts on the subject of puppy mills. I just received my puppy mill flyers today, 6/11/08, and I plan to spread them out. Just click on the tag, puppy mill and it will take you to the posts.

Ticks. How To Remove And Prevent Infestation.

This year is one of the worst I have ever seen for ticks. These parasites can cause anemia, tick paralysis, or a very serious disease called Lyme disease. I had my dog, Chance, vaccinated for Lyme when he went for his annual shots in May. You have to request this, as it is not part of the annual shot regime. If you live near woods, or like me, take your dog to wetlands, check your dog from head to tail for ticks. Ticks like the ears, armpits and under the neck. I use the between the shoulder flea/tick/chewing lice treatment, Frontline Plus. This particular treatment will kill the ticks that carry Lyme disease. There are 4 types of ticks: Deer, Brown, American, and Lone Star.

The correct way to remove a tick is to grasp it with a pair of tweezers or hemostats and firmly, but gently, pull it straight out. Don't worry if the whole tick doesn't disengage. It will not grow back, and rarely the area will become infected. I use a diluted solution of alcohol and dab it on the spot where I removed the tick.


To kill the tick, the best method is to burn it with a match or lighter....but only after you remove it from the dog. I know that sounds really silly, but I read where some silly person tried to burn the tick while it was still attached. Needless to say, the dog was burned. You can also use a commercial dog dip to combat numerous ticks and to guard temporarily against re-infestation. If you do not like using a toxic dip, there are organic dips available, but they do not have the residual power of the dips containing toxins.********Read the directions on the dip carefully before using.********

Tick collars work only on the areas around the head and neck, so don't neglect the possibility of infestation re-occurring. But, if you use the between the shoulder applications, don't use a flea collar. And, do not, and I repeat, do not use a flea/tick shampoo before or after applying the liquid application. This will be toxic to your dog and could cause serious problems or kill them. The same goes for cats, too.

Why Do Shelters Kill?

source: www.dogsindanger.com

The connundrum of doing society's dirt work while trying to remain mentally and spiritually intact. Nobody who works at an animal shelter wants to kill the animals that are brought in for shelter. They do it because they see no alternative. They indeed see it as a necessary evil preventing the suffering of millions of animals that would otherwise be abused, neglected or abandoned to starve on the streets. Shelters across the country accept 6-8 million dogs each year. The inflow of animals is far greater than shelter space, and the shelter resources to find new homes. Shelters that euthanize dogs do so because they believe that warehousing the dogs is not in the best interest of the animals. Every animal deserves a decent quality of life, and living in prison cages over the long term does not support this principle. People who work in shelters want to help animals - they should not be required to take on the job of killing the creatures they love most. This terrible burden is unfair to shelter workers everywhere who care deeply for the animals and desire to nurture life not destroy it.

Relief For Overwhelmed Animal Shelters Due To The Foreclosure Epidemic.

I have written about this, but now it is finally happening. On June 4th, '08, the first round of grants from a special fund created by the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), went out to local shelters and rescue organizations. This fund was created in March of this year. It will help shelters and rescue organizations with the overwhelming amount of animals that are being left behind because people are having their homes foreclosed and the financial crisis that our country is in.

The grants can help alleviate some of the already massive load that the shelters are encountering. Unfortunately, the humans are not the only ones suffering. Family pets have to be given up or some are just left behind to fend for themselves. I have had some people leave comments that the HSUS is an organization just like PETA. That they want all animals to be free of human control. This is so untrue. If they were like PETA, they would not help shelters and rescue organizations. They are helping animals get a second chance at a life with a family that can care for them, instead of starving to death, which is the cruelest way to die.

The grants range from $500.00 to $2000.00 per organization. To be eligible, the organization has to be a registered 501(c)3 non-profit or a municipal animal control agency. Preference is given to shelters and organizations that have a cooperative agreement with other community agencies such as food banks or other community service agencies.

Hot Weather Update.

Chance likes to be inside in the a/c. So spoiled!

This is just a reminder that the heat is topping out in the 90's. If you have any animal outside, make sure they have shelter and plenty of fresh water. And, if you must take your dog with you, and you don't have a/c or it is broken, take a bowl with ice cubes in it. Any bowl with a tight lid will work. The ice will melt and your dog can have a good, cold drink if you have to be in the car for an extended time. If you are traveling with your dog, and have no a/c, take frequent stops and let them get into the shade. Remember, water, water, water. The bigger the bowl, the more ice, meaning more cold, fresh water.

We Need More People To Adopt Shelter Animals!

Chance says, "If you are looking for a new companion, check out your local shelters. Give all of them a try. You will find your perfect companion."

I just wanted to give a shout out to a great lady I met just today, 6/9/08, her name is Michelle. She is in the process of adopting one of the shelter dogs at Little Victories. If more people were like her, our shelters, kill and no-kill wouldn't be over-run. Go Michelle and good luck!

Shop Online And Save A Shelter Animal.

Chance and Mr. Puppy say, "Shelter animals need all the help you humans can give!"

Did you know that approximately six to eight million cats and dogs enter animal shelters each year, with an even number of pets being given up by their owners and those being collected by animal control agencies. Many of the shelters which take in and care for these animals rely on grants and the generosity of animal lovers and their donations to stay in business. The average cost of the most basic care for a cat or dog in a shelter ranges from $400-$700, not including special medical or training needs, so caring for these deserving animals can be quite costly.

I got an email about helping animals while you shop. It said that people can make a difference and help fund their favorite animal shelter, simply by shopping online. Petgive.com has teamed up with thousands of retailers and hundreds of pet charities to come up with a way to turn your everyday shopping into a charitable contribution. With each online purchase through PetGive, they will donate a portion of your sales total to the charity of your choice! Not only will your shopping be helping animals in need, but you will also have access to special savings and offers with leading retailers not available anywhere else!

Go to http://www.petgive.com/ and sign up. It is free and from what I read, it's legit and a great way to help animals without leaving your home.

Feline Agility Trials - Who Knew?

June is a busy month for animals. Sat., 6/7/08, the Charleston Civic Center, Charleston, WV, will be hosting the 2008 annual CFA(Cat Fanciers Association), Allbreed cat show and Feline Agility Trial. It opens to the public at 9am and ends at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults - $6.00, children and senior citizens - $4.00. And, children under 5 get in free.


The reason I am writing about this is due to the Feline Agility. I didn't know that cat's would do, or could be trained to go through an agility course. If you have ever seen a dog agility course, you would understand my sentiment. It seems that most cats are very trainable. People use feathers on sticks and other toys to get them to do what they want. I had a cat for almost 17 yrs., and Sybil(I named her after the movie - I swear she had multiple personalities), train her, Ha!! To me, cats have their own agenda. I like them, I just like dogs better. After Sybil passed away, I said I would never have another cat, and haven't gotten one.


But, while doing research on this, I discovered that more care is used when setting up the agility course. They have them away from high traffic areas, i.e. concession stand, restrooms. And, it seems that cats like to be up high, so that is also considered. If you want something different to do this weekend, head up to Charleston and check out the Feline Agility trial, and the cat show. Some of the different types of cats that will be there are: Maine coon, Tonkinese, Ocicats, Siamese and Persians.

Pet Owners Awarded Settlement For Contaminated Pet Food Deaths.

source: Fox News
"A judge has granted initial approval to a settlement in which companies that manufactured or sold contaminated pet food would compensate pet owners for all costs related to the death or illness of their dogs and cats. Under the deal, granted initial approval by U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman, pet owners in the United States and Canada would be notified of the settlement by June 16 and would have until early December to submit claims. A final hearing on the $24 million settlement is scheduled for Oct. 14. The settlement doesn't pay pet owners for pain and suffering."


In 2007, over 1500 dogs and cats died by eating food that contained tainted wheat gluten. The company, Menu Foods, is at the center of this terrible tragedy. It seems that China, where the contaminated ingredient (wheat gluten) came from, has very, very loose inspection laws.

The chemical that is used to make plastic, melamine, was the contaminate. When it was discovered, it started the largest pet food recall in history. The company (Menue Foods), set up a fund called the Menu Foods Income Fund, and announced back on 4/1/08, that it is settling the lawsuits of pet owners who lost pets due to eating the contaminated food. The settlement is 24 million dollars. The final hearing is set for 10/14/08.

This Is Adopt-A-Cat Month.

source: email to me from American Humane Organization.

June is American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month. It's the time of year when shelters are inundated with cats and kittens. To promote adoptions of these loveable animals, celebrate American Humane's Adopt-A-Cat Month, proudly sponsored by9Lives Cat Food. Learn more and download your Adopt-A-Cat-Month Shelter Kit for a flyer, cat care tips, sample press release, and sample public service announcements to spread the word about Adopt-A-Cat Month.

http://www.americanhumane.org/site/R?i=qlOIu-stw60n6Wf6htkEgA..

Fish Hook Removal Tip.

Do you fish? If so, do you take your 4-legged best friend with you? If you do, would you have any idea how to remove a fish hook should your dog get one stuck in a paw or a lip? Here is the proper way to remove a fish hook.

Push the hook through the skin until the barb emerges and clip it off with pliers or a wire cutter. If the hook is small, you can attempt to remove it at home, if it is not lodged in an area that is not extremely sensitive, such as the skin of the leg or the body. Removal becomes very difficult if the hook is in an area of the face or feet, unless the dog is sedated by a vet.

Be careful if you use a treble hook. Dogs can get into these just as easy. If your dog gets into one of these hooks, cover the hook with a towel so your dog won't get more barbs in him/her. Dogs also will swallow a baited hook. If this happens, DO NOT pull the hook back out the mouth. It will get hooked on the esophagus or the stomach and will increase the difficulty to the vet that will do the surgery, as this is the only way to get a swallowed hook out. Cut the line as short as possible and immediately get to a vet.

Hot Weather Tips.

Chance says, "swimming is the way to cool off."

With the hot weather here, heatstroke is a common occurrence. Animals can get heatstroke by being confined in a car with the windows up, kenneling them in poorly ventilated areas, or exercising them in the hot, humid weather. The signs are rapid, shallow breathing, rapid heart beat, very high body temperature, over 104 degrees, and then collapse.

It is vital that a dog suffering this be cooled down as quickly as possible, and treated by a vet immediately. To cool a dog down you can spray them down with cool water, ice packs at the groin and around the neck and head, and wrapping cold, wet towels around the dog. Again, it is vital that you get your dog to a vet after instituting first aid. This is because there are many complications that come with an elevated temperature. Stop the cooling process when the temperature gets down to 103 degrees.

Remember, to prevent this from happening, just use common sense. Never, never leave any animal in a car with the windows up. You should really never leave them in a car, even with the windows cracked. A car temperature can soar in a matter of minutes. If you have to leave your dog in the car, keep the car running with the air conditioner on. If your dog is outside, make sure that it has adequate shade to get under, and plenty of fresh, cool water.