I Need A Home Or I Will Die.

The heading of this blog post is graphic, but, sadly true. Right after Just Dogs! Gourmet opened, last July, a lady named Vicky came into the store with a story about a dog her neighbor has that she has been kind of taking care of. He is possibly a Tibetan Terrier mix. He was gotten from the Kanawha Animal Shelter.

As we talked back then, she(Vicky) told me that her neighbor had gotten two Shih Tzu's and the shelter dog had been put out into the garage and tied up in there. She(the neighbor) told Vicky that she was going to have him put down if a home couldn't be found for him. So, I gave her websites of rescue groups, hoping that would help. But, it didn't.

Vicky came in this evening to the store and brought pics of this dog. She has until the end of this month, and possibly a few more days after that, to find him a home, or he is being put down. The woman just doesn't want him anymore. He is roughly about 40 lbs., long hair, black and white markings and about 4 yrs. old. He is current on shots and has been to an obedience camp sometime ago. But, where he has been left to fend for himself, except for the kindness of Vicky, he has regressed. With some patience and love, he would be a great dog for a single lady. He has some behaviors, that with a little work, can be solved, such as jumping up on you from behind, and nipping at your pant legs.

I have 2 pics, but my scanner is down. For any information on him call Vicky at 304-543-4756. He comes with his own dog house, multiple toys and a leash and collar and possibly a harness, I am not sure about the latter. He is also neutered. If you can help this dog, call her, please.

My PIt Bull Theory.

I have to comment on the scum that was slamming, shaking and kicking the pitbull. People like this scum are the reason Pits have the reputation they do. You abuse an animal, and it doesn't have to be a Pit, long enough and viciously enough, it will snap. I hope this scum gets whatever the law can offer to its fullest.

Here is some pertinent information I found in the archives of my blog from a very long time ago. I am friends with John Goodwin of the Humane Society of the United States. Here is what he sent me when I inquired about fighting bloodlines for the Pit Bull.

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. John."

If a Pit is bred and raised correctly, with love and compassion, though they are not for everyone, they are actually one of the more people friendly breeds. It seemed like, for awhile, everyday, you were hearing of someone being attacked by a Pit or a Rottweiler. And, it is because some scum has beaten it or fed it gunpowder to make it "mean." And, yes, gunpowder is fed to Pits to make them vicious. They just lose their minds from the pain of the gunpowder eating their insides up. Plus, it affects the brain.

I have met so many wonderful Pits in my life. I really have. Again, bred and raised correctly, they are great dogs. But, the wrap they have now is leading to them being banned in many cities across the nation. I have only had one person come into the store where I am working, Just Dogs! Gourmet, Huntington Mall, that boasted about hitting their Pit. I couldn't keep my tongue, so I said my piece and they left. If you have to beat your dog to make it do what you want, you are a coward and stupid.

Never buy a dog for looks, which is what I have noticed a lot of people in Huntington are doing when they buy a Pit. I have heard that on 9th Ave., someone was actually holding Pits down and cutting their ears to make them mean. Now, this I heard from a third party, whom I had never met before. They had come into Just Dogs!

My point is: Treat your animals with love and compassion and they will return it.

If you know of someone fighting dogs or that attends dog fights, go to this website and report them. If they are convicted, you will get $5000.00. www.hsus.org

Differences Between Responsible And Irresponsible Hobby Breeders.

source: Author Victoria Rose, POB 4816, Auburn CA. 95604. Permission given to reproduce this list.

There are many, many breeders out there that only breed dogs as a hobby. Many of them are responsible, but more than not, most are irresponsible with their breeding "programs." The differences are many, so I found a great list that tells the difference of each.

A responsible hobby breeders is active in the dog world, such as showing in conformation or obedience, or belongs to the local kennel club.
A backyard breeder just has dogs around the house.
A responsible hobby breeder has titles on their dogs from showing them in conformation or obedience or any other form of dog shows.
A backyard breeders doesn't care about quality, just money.
A responsible hobby breeder has pups with pedigrees full of dogs with show titles and never breeds dogs without papers.
A backyard breeder doesn't have this, or may not even have papers for their pups. But, now the CKC lets people register substandard dogs and "designer" dogs or mongrels. (mixbreeds)

A responsible hobby breeder supports all rescue groups.
A backyard breeder contributes to the overpopulation of dogs by breeding substandard pups that usually end up in shelters because of behavioral or medical problems.
A responsible hobby breeder is totally knowledgeable of his dogs breed, including all health issues associated with that particular breed. Researches genetics when choosing a mate.
A backyard breeder does not care or research anything about the breed they are breeding. It is just a way to make money to them.
A responsible hobby breeder is knowledgeable about all facets of house-training, socializing, training of dogs and is constantly reading up on new material about their certain breed.
A backyard breeder usually isn't up on their dog's breed, and doesn't care about socializing, just want them gone when they are about 5 wks. old.

A responsible hobby breeder will help educate puppy buyers about the dog they are buying.
A backyard breeder just say "goodbye and good luck."
A responsible hobby breeder is very, very willing to give references.
A backyard breeder has no references or "dances" around the issue of references.
A responsible hobby breeder knows his puppies ancestry and can tell you right on the spot.
A backyard breeder knows nothing about ancestry of the puppies they have brought into the world.
A responsible hobby breeder follows-up on their puppies and collects health information affecting their dogs. (will contact the person about 1-2 wks. after purchase to see if puppy is o.k. health wise)
A backyard breeder does not concern themselves with the puppies after they leave the premises.

A responsible hobby breeder breeds to improve his bloodline and the breed.
A backyard breeder breeds just to make money or see is "great dog" procreate.
A responsible hobby breeder rarely breeds because it is not a business and strives for quality, not quantity.
A backyard breeder breeds constantly for money or a puppy mill. If for ego, just once in awhile, or just once before spaying or neutering.
A responsible hobby breeder rarely repeats a breeding.
A backyard breeder often repeats breeding's, mainly those that are cheap and convenient.
A responsible hobby breeder only breeds dogs that meet the breed standard.
A backyard breeder uses dogs that don't meet the breed standard.

A responsible hobby breeder breeds dogs with stable temperaments.
A backyard breeder will breed dogs with shy or aggressive temperaments.
A responsible hobby breeder breeds dogs only 2 yrs. old and a limited number of times.
A backyard breeder uses dogs of any age and any number of times.
A responsible hobby breeder uses mates from other places and rarely uses their own males to breed.
A backyard breeder chooses mates that are cheap and convenient and local. Usually their own sire and dams.
A responsible hobby breeder does all the genetic testing required for that breed and does not breed dogs with genetic defects.
A backyard breeder does not spend the money to have the required testing done and breeds dogs with genetic defects knowingly.

A responsible hobby breeder has a waiting list for their puppies and has a contract that goes with every puppy.
A backyard breeders sell on the "first come, first served," basis and through the paper and pet stores on consignment or in a flea market. No contract.
A responsible hobby breeder sells pet quality pups for $500.00-$600.00. (show quality is more)
A backyard breeder's pups are all pet quality and sell super cheap, usually $200-$400.00.
A responsible hobby breeder sells pups with health guarantees
A backyard breeder sells pups sometimes with a guarantee, but more than not, no guarantee. If they do, and a pup is brought back, a lot of times it is resold, if it doesn't die, or they will spend money to get it well and add that expense to the price and say it is show quality or breeding quality.

A responsible hobby breeder raises pups indoors and socializes them that way.
A backyard breeder raises pups outside and unsocialized.
A responsible hobby breeder keeps pups with mother for a minimum of 49 days to let the pup learn from the mother and other litter-mates and get the proper nutrients from the mother's milk.
A backyard breeder doesn't know or care that leaving the litter early can cause life-long temperament problems or staying too long can hurt bonding with humans. The sooner the pups are gone, the sooner they can have another and make more money.
A responsible hobby breeder has visitors remove shoes and wash hands to prevent the spread of parvovirus.
A backyard breeder takes no precautions to prevent diseases and doesn't care. It is the buyers responsibility to prevent disease.

A responsible breeder interviews prospective buyers and meets the whole family and will not sell to substandard homes or homes with abusive children or extremely young children.
A backyard breeder sells to anyone and does not care what type of environment the puppies are being taken into to.
A responsible hobby breeder takes into consideration the dog first.
A backyard breeder does not care if the dog is indoor, outdoors, chained up and isolated, they are only money to them.

Please consider all these things if you are considering buying a puppy from a hobby breeder. And never, never buy from a pet store. If you are looking for a specific breed, remember there are breed specific rescue groups with dogs awaiting a loving home.

The Elder Dog.

Is your dog getting up in years? If so, here are some things you can do to help ease the transition from young pup to senior citizen. First is to recognize the signs that your dog is aging. Note any physical or mental changes such as getting up slower, taking more naps, not socializing with the family or getting up and forgetting where they are going. Also, pacing at night, like an Alzheimer's patient. Dogs can get a disease that is called cognitive dysfunction syndrome or canine Alzheimer's.

Maintaining regular vet visits can help you with recognizing an signs of aging. Things you might not notice, you vet might. Older dogs are more likely to develop illnesses, injuries and other age related problems. Diabetes, renal failure and the main culprit, arthritis are the main ones. What I see, alot, are over-weight dogs. Just like humans, weight causes many health problems. So, back off the treats and definitely stop the table food. Regular exercise, such as walking or jogging, or just running after a toy for 10 minutes, 3 times a day, can greatly help your dog to live longer and be healthier. Don't over-exert your dog, though. If your dog slows down on your walk or just stop and sit down, adjust your exercise accordingly. Panting heavily or coughing during exercise could be signs of heart of health or lung problems.

Their are many good senior dog foods. Putting your dog on one of these foods will also help. Some of these foods contain glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. Heavier dogs need a lighter diet with fewer calories and fat. Just check with your vet about the diet. Also, a good teeth cleaning is a must. You can have your vet do it, or you can purchase a finger toothbrush and dental gel and do it yourself. Giving a crunchy bone, such as a milk bone, is helpful in cleaning the teeth. Just Dogs! Gourmet in the Huntington Mall, has a peppermint bone that is great for freshening the breath and cleaning the teeth. It also soothes an irritated stomach. Plus, they also carry a dental gel and toothbrushes and finger brushes, plus a fabulous variety of bones, both soft and crunchy. I am not a fan of the Greenies that are sold in various stores.

Many elder dogs have achy joints, just like us. Using a supplement to soothe these aches and pains is a good idea. Ask your vet what he/she recommends. Soft beds and blankets that are heated and a ramp to help them get up on the bed or in the car is a great idea. You can find the steps at Just Dogs! Gourmet, too. Also, believe it or not, room temperature plays a big part on your dogs achy joints. There are also some new things out to help your elder dog. Acupuncture, hydrotherapy(water massage) and massage. Again, talk with your vet.

Has your dog lost some of his/her vision or hearing. You can accommodate for that. Approach your dog loudly and keep the yard well lit at night along with your house. You can also install cues for your dog, like a fragrance or noise in the house, things like that. And, maintaining a calm home is a must. Just like elder people, noise and change are disturbing to them. Keep it calm and as quiet as possible. Last, but definitely not least, make their last years fulfilling. Feeling useful is so important, not only for humans but animals as well. It keeps the mind occupied and busy. This will help so much. I found a term in a magazine calling them "geriatric gems." I love that.

Obedience And Conformation Classes Held In Dunbar.

I met a great man the other day at Just Dogs! Gourmet named Gene McDonald. He is the president of a kennel club in Kanawha County. He sent me this information on classes that they have in Dunbar, WV. If you are interested, check out the links on this post, or go to their classes and check them out for yourself. Here is the email he sent to me.

All obedience and conformation classes are held on Sunday at the Dunbar Recreation Center, 2600 Fairlawn Ave, Dunbar.
Rally Obedience - 12 noon
Advance, Open and Utility - 1pm
Beginners and Puppy - 2pm
Conformation - 3pm.

We will have three more weeks of obedience (Feb 8, 15 and 22) and another class will begin in September, the first Sunday after Labor Day. We have four more weeks of conformation (Feb 8 & 22, Mar 1 & 8). The March dates could have a time change. Conformation classes are held only once a year starting in January. We will also be offering a CGC test on Feb 22 starting at 12 noon at the Rec Center. The cost is $5.

As far as Agility you can go to this web site www.goodasgolddogs.com for information on that. I noticed they had a class to start the middle of Jan, so I don't know when another one starts. Marta Spry is the owner of the school but she has other instructors for the classes. I know that Beth Rutledge and Holly Portillo are two of the Beginner instructors and both are very knowledgeable and have dogs with high degree titles. You are welcome to visit one of our Sunday classes.
http://www.geocities.com/kaskade_tempsite
http://www.geocities.com/kaskade_tempsite
http://www.magicvalleykennelclub.com/index.htm_
http://www.geocities.com/mvkc.geo
http://www.basset-bhca.org
http://www.basset-bhca.org
http://www.akc.org
http://www.akc.org

If these links don't work, eliminate the http:// and just do the www.
Hope this information helps someone.

A Brave, Young Lady.

On Monday, the 2nd of Feb., I met a very courageous young lady. This was the girl that was attacked by Pit Bulls in Gallipolis on Jan. 26th. The dogs were killed by police in order to get them off her. She and her aunt came into Just Dogs! Gourmet to buy treats for the aunt's dogs. I had the opportunity to talk with this girl.

I noticed she was wearing a sling on one arm and the other arm showed what I thought looked like teeth marks. I asked her what happened, and she told me. As I listened to her relive her ordeal, I was so amazed at how together she was. She told me she had grown up around these two dogs, but the owner had been feeding them raw meat with gunpowder in it. (She didn't know this until after the fact) (She was supposed to feed the dogs while he was away.) This is indicative of someone that fights dogs. They do this to make the dogs uncontrollably vicious. Most of the time, the dogs turn on the owners. The gunpowder eats the brain, literally.

As we talked, she told me her doctors told her they were amazed at how well she is healing, both physically and mentally. I agree with the mental part, totally. She didn't seem to be horribly afraid and said she had only had one nightmare. But, the doctors said she would probably have more dreams and would probably have to talk to someone outside of the family. I told her that I have a therapist, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Having someone to talk to outside of her family will help her deal with any feelings that she may have her family wouldn't understand.

She said that the man will probably go to prison for a "long time," as she put it. As he should. Dog fighting is a big "sport" in that area. Particularly in the back areas of Gallipolis and throughout Gallia County. These were two dogs that couldn't have been rehabilitated. Shooting them, sad as it was, was the best thing for them. For any fighters that might read this, you will be found, eventually, and put in prison! Remember that and I hope you spend your life looking over your shoulder! To everyone else; the HSUS (Humane Society of the U.S.) will give a $5000.00 reward to the person(s) who gives information that leads to a conviction of anyone fighting dogs.

My hat is off to this brave little girl. She is only 13, but acts much more mature. She is in my prayers.

Hunters And Search And Rescue.

This might not be an abuse story, but it involves dogs. It may save a life.

If you are a hunter, this post might save your life someday. And, it is a tribute to the SAR (Search and Rescue) volunteers. Search and Rescue isn't just a dog and its handler. It is a group of highly trained volunteers that come to the aid of people in trouble. There are pilots, group coordinators, chaplains, dog handlers, radio operators and posse leaders. Each of these talented people come together at the touch of a button to help save a life or lives.

If you are a hunter, having these items might save your life and the lives of anyone with you. Always make sure that people know where you will be hunting. Before you start into the woods, make sure someone see where you start from. Whether it be someone at a roadside store or gas station, or just someone else that is hunting the same area. Introduce yourself. This might save your life.

If you get lost, build a fire with green boughs to create a smoke signal type fire. This will be able to be seen by a search plane. Pack extra orange vests to hang on trees and in the snow for a signal. Using logs to create an SOS signal can save your life. Make sure the logs are 10 ft. or longer. I know you have seen people in movies using a mirror to make a flash to attract a plane. This is not just a movie stunt. Practice at home with a mirror. You can also use a pot or even a credit card. This works, don't laugh!

Use a headlamp instead of a flashlight. This frees up your hands to do other life saving duties. Gathering wood, as much as you can, will keep you warm all night. Remember to take kitchen matches, several lighters and butane with flint to keep them going and kept in a plastic bag. Keeping everything in a plastic ziploc is a must.

Did you know that air flows downhill? Pitching your tent in a lee (a valley) with the opening of your tent parallel to with the wind direction, will keep the smoke out of your tent. Insulating yourself from the cold can be done by using a square cut, closed cell sleeping pad. This will insulate you from the ground. If you don't have that, sit on your pad. Hypothermia is a big threat.

Take a whistle with you. Yes, I said a whistle. Blowing 3 blasts at 5 min. intervals, will alert any SAR volunteers in your area. Remember, panic will lead to death. It also leads to dehydration. Using a pot, preferably titanium, weighing less than an ounce, can melt snow for warm drinking water. If you didn't think to bring a tarp, a quick shelter to build is a lean-to using a tree branch for the ridgepole. Always have a small camping saw. This can be used to saw branches for shelter purposes, or fires. Go to the library before going hunting and look up how to build a lean-to. Or, go on the Internet. This small inconvenience could save your life.

Getting a space blanket, the silver looking type blanket, will save body heat if you need to wrap up at night. You can find these online at Cabelas.com. Remember, when you build your shelter to have the branches pointing down to direct the runoff. Use snow, if there is any, to insulate your shelter by banking it up against the sides. Once you build a fire, get out of your blanket and tuck the sides under the shelter edges. This will create a reflecting wall. It provides warmth and light.

SAR volunteers work hard to save lives. You can make their jobs easier if you just think before you start out. Believe me, we want to find you alive, and not have to bring in the cadaver dogs to finish the job. Be smart and you will live through any ordeal in the woods.

Use branches to insulate your body from the ground. Make sure it is about 8 in. thick. Placing a retaining log at the opening of your hut to make a seat and keep the heat from melting the snow under your branch bed. Logs can be used to direct the heat of your fire to the shelter you have made. Remember, if you are wet, take your clothes off, put on dry ones, if you have them, if not, wrap up in your space blanket, and hang your wet clothes by the fire. Hypothermia happens very quickly if you stay in wet clothes.

When you are found, don't forget to thank the people that find you. They are volunteers and give up their lives to help find you. Stop and think before you leave for you hunt. It will save your life.