PetsUnlimited.com

Pet Safety Tips for the Summer

2010-06-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

Summer time is the season of fun in the sun. You love it. Your pets love it. Sun, warmth, trees growing, what’s not to love? Well, there are some dangers to pets that summer is well known for, so be sure to follow these tips from Mercury News to encourage your pet’s safety over the warm holiday:

--The patriotic holidays during the summer months often are preceded by and celebrated with fireworks. The bright flashes and loud bangs are terrifying to some pets and can cause anxiety, stress and even escape.
--Likewise, some pets react in a similar way to thunderstorms. Normally calm pets may become distressed, destructive and even bite in an attempt to get away from the noises. While running, they could be hit by a car, become lost or encounter another animal that might be aggressive.
--The warm summer season also brings out many pests that will actively seek out your pets. Fleas and ticks are two examples, but some species of biting flies are very fond of dogs' ears. Repeated bites can cause a condition that can be serious and difficult to control known as "fly strike."
--First and foremost, always be aware of the weather forecast. Knowing the high temperature can help guide your plans for the day.
--Don't leave your pet unattended outside or plan heavy exercise on hot, humid days. If your pet is left outdoors, he must have access to adequate shade and fresh water.
--If you find your pet disoriented, panting excessively or collapsed in the yard, move him immediately to a cooler environment. Use cool wet towels over his back, armpits and groin to help bring his temperature down. Fans often are helpful, too. DO NOT USE ICE! Then, get him to your veterinarian immediately so that they can assess his status and begin lifesaving treatments.
--Your veterinarian is also a good source of advice for products that will kill fleas and ticks. Some veterinarians also carry an insecticide gel that repels biting flies

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To read up on more tips to help keep your pets safe this summer head straight over to: http://www.mercurynews.com/columns/ci_15245207?nclick_check=1

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2139

Lost a 30 Pound Cat in Watervliet?

2010-06-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

Another fat cat ends up homeless. It seems this recession is placing even the most well-fed animals on the streets. Okay, maybe this is a little exaggerated, but one really big kitty is homeless tonight. Is it possible she's eaten his owners out of house and home?

All jokes aside, the cat, a 30 pound brown tabby was brought into the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society in Menands, New York by a good Samaritan. The kitty is a female with brown markings and a very large white belly, good for petting. Besides the fact that this cat needs to go on a diet there appears to be nothing wrong with her. She's well-fed, friendly and in good health. Obviously, this big kitty is someone's pet who decided to take a walk on the wild side.

This cat is not the largest feline ever recorded, according to the World Guinness Book of Records. That award goes to a 46 pound cat Don't bother trying to get your cat in the record books thought, Guinness has decided to stop recording this particular record because it encourages overfeeding of pets. So, that 46 pounder kitty will be the world record holder indefinitely.

Given the cat's heavy condition and good health it's assumed that she didn't wander too far from home when she was picked up in Watervliet. If you live in this area and are missing a fat cat, check online at http://www.mohawkhumanesociety.org/ where a picture of the kitty is posted under lost and found. You can also call at 434-8128 to inquire about the cat.

Executive director Brad Shear, "She is very friendly and obviously has a home."

Read more: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2138

Get a Cat for $1 at this Shelter

2010-06-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

The recession has been just as hard on pets as it has been on people, especially in the southwest. Here, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) is overcrowded with over 450 pets. They are in desparate need of owners. To help save the lives of these animals the HSSA is offering pets for adoption at extremely low rates for National Shelter Pet Appreciation Week from June 4 to 13th.

During this time adoptive families can get adult cats for $1, kittens for $15 and dogs for $15. Plus, these pets will still have all of the usual wellness exams, up-to-date vaccinations, spaying or neutering and a free vet visit, leash or cat carrier and bag of food. That's a lot of free stuff for the low price of a dollar.

The shelter is also extending its hours June 11th and June 25th for a late night adoption happy hour until 9pm. During these happy hours pets will be available for adoption at deeper discounts. $5 for Senior dogs, all adult cats are $1, kittens are 2 for the price of one and some pets will be available for free.

Anyone who is thinking about a pet and lives in the area should stop in at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at 3450 North Kelvin Boulevard. Or you can call at 327-6088 or visit their website at www.hssaz.org.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2137

Beagle Hunts Down Bed Bugs

2010-06-05T01:23:00.001-07:00

Following the thread of dogs that can do amazing things with their noses, heres a look a Dino, the bedbug sniffing dog. This little beagle has been trained to sniff out bedbugs, by J & K Canine in High Springs, Florida but lives with his handler Jason Webeck in Pennsylvania.

Dino regularly sniffs out the bugs at homes, bed and breakfasts, motels and offices as part of his owner's bed bug detection business. Webeck's main career is as director of a funeral home.

Despite his job in the business, Webeck and Dino don't remove the bedbugs if they find them. They recommend an exterminator come in and remove the creatures if Dino detects them.

Bedbug sniffing dogs are a pretty good business, because the little creatures are quite annoying and can be difficult to exterminate. Complete removal of bedbugs often requires 100% dedication by the homeowners, removing all bedding, beds, and clothing in the affected areas, regular visits by exterminators and even ripping up the carpets. So, a lot of people want to make sure that's what they've got before they start with expensive and time consuming removal efforts.

Bedbugs often hitch rides on people's bedding, clothing and luggage to get to new places. Plus, they are hard to see as the newly hatched bug is only the size of a poppy seed. Yet, dogs highly sensitive sniffers can detect them.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2136

Researchers Use Dogs to Detect Prostate Cancer

2010-06-02T21:12:00.001-07:00

This new research puts new meaning on the traditional doggy greeting of butt to nose. Okay, there's no butt sniffing, but dog's do get up close and personal to sniff out cancer. French researchers are using a Belgian Malinois shephard to sniff out prostate cancer in men's urine. We didn't say it would be pretty, but it's a little better than butt to nose.

A team of researchers at Tenon Hospital in Paris trained one dog, that was already well known for it's ability to sniff out bombs, to sniff out Prostate cancer. Then, they tested it's accuracy.

In a study of 66 samples the dog correctly identified the samples of men with prostate cancer in the trial group and only misidentified three other men as having prostate cancer when they didn't. Much better than the standard Prostate-specific antigen, PSA, blood tests that doctors use today.

PSA tests are notorious for returning false positives, sending many patients into a state of unneccessary worry.

According to lead researcher Jean-Nicolas Cornu to Business Week, "The dogs are certainly recognizing the odor of a molecule that is produced by cancer cells...[But] we do not know what this molecule is, and the dog cannot tell us."

The doctor's hope their research will eventually reveal what these molecules are, so that they can develop an 'electronic nose'or device to be used in hospitals and doctor's offices around the world to detect cancer more accurately.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2134

Florida Shelter Overwhelmed with 260+ Dog Rescues

2010-05-31T21:27:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest problems of shutting down a hoarder or puppy mill is handling all of the dogs that must be rescued. As the shelter in Winter Haven, Florida is learning after taking in 261 dogs from the Mid-Florida Retriever Rescue Center where dogs were living in terrible conditions.

The first thing these dogs were scheduled for was a thorough bathing, in fact they got two baths. Jack Novoselski, with Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue stated, 'We basically washed all of those dogs twice, because that's how filthy they were. A lot of fleas. A lot of ticks and things we were picking. We had to pick 37 ticks off one little gal. Now the shelter is totally overwhelmed. I can't think of any shelter in the world that's ready to take in 260 dogs in one day.'

It took dozens of volunteers from rescue groups all over the Bay Area to get the dogs clean, which were in pretty bad shape. One of the dogs has even died. However, the survivors look ten times better than they did before and now the shelter is busy trying to make room for them. The animals currently aren't adoptable, which means the shelter has to make room by adopting out the hundreds of animals that were already at the shelter before the rescue. Those interested in adopting one of the shelter's other dogs to help make room for the new influx of animals can contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2133

Vet Visits Made Easier with these Tips

2010-05-31T02:36:00.000-07:00

We've all had to take the pets to a veterinarian and at least once had that become an unpleasant experience for ourselves or our animals. Don't worry though, it doesn't have to become a habit. Just practice a few of these tips from About.com in advance of your next vet appointment and the pets will be a lot happier:

- Work Up To It
For routine office visits such as vaccinations, annual checkups and so on, it is wise to work on desensitizing your pet to the car rides and office stress as much as possible. Short car rides to pleasant places, such as a park, can take away some of the fear of the unknown.

- Communication Is Key
The key to a smooth vet office visit is communication. If you know that your pet gets very stressed or aggressive at the veterinary office, talk with your vet about pre-visit tranquilizers or other in-office methods for a calm exam. Scheduling at quieter times of the day, when extra technicians are available, or planning a direct-from-car-to-exam route will benefit some animals.

- Difficult Times
If you are scheduling an appointment for euthanasia, let the receptionist know how upsetting for both you and your pet; and that you may need a little extra time. (This should be obvious, but each pet and each owner are different.) Most euthanasia appointments are scheduled during less busy times to afford clients some quiet time and privacy. Speak to your vet about a pre-visit tranquilizer to sedate your pet if necessary.

- House Calls
Another option to avoid veterinary office stress is to find a mobile veterinarian; one that does house calls or has a mobile clinic that can come to your location. Check the phone book, the Internet, or ask your veterinary office if they offer or can recommend a mobile veterinarian.

To learn more tips on making that next vet visit a calm and happy one visit: http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesconditionsfaqs/qt/QT_pettovet.htm

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2132

Dogs and Their Owners with Diabeties Healthier

2010-05-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Pets can come down with chronic health problems often without our knowing about it, simply because they can’t tell us what’s wrong. Yet, pet owners who suffered from those same health problems like Diabetes, may notice the same tell tale symptoms in their pets that they experience themselves. That’s how Daniela Trnka realized her dog was diabetic. She began noticing the signs in her dog, a Siberian Husky named Cooper. The pup became lethargic, urinated frequently and was lethargic.

Her veterinarian confirmed Trnka’s suspicions and she assumed the task of caring not only for her own diabetes, but also for her dog’s as well. While this may seem like a lot of work, Trnka found that it actually helped her own health. Every time she thought to check the dog’s blood sugar, she would check her own and a number of other little things kept her focused on her health too.

Trnka and Cooper are part of a study run by the Population Health Intervention Research Center in Canada which looks at pet diabetes and how caring for a pet actually seems to improve the owner’s health. Melanie Rock is the lead author of the study and an investigator at the research center.

Rock states, ‘What we observed was that people take the care of their pet very seriously, and in doing so, they blur the lines between their own health and their pets' health...Being responsible for a dog may get people up and out of the house on a rainy day...Taking care of a diabetic pet may mean adhering to a schedule of injections and meals, or perhaps going for more walks to keep a diabetic dog healthy. Previous research has shown those types of routines and the opportunity for physical activity can be very important for people, particularly as they age.'

So, the same holds true as before, pets help people stay healthy and in shape.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2131

Get Free Hugs from Guide Dog Puppies

2010-05-26T02:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who love animals but don’t have a pet you can do the next best thing. Head on over to the Southeastern Guide Dogs campus in Palmetto, Florida on weekday morning and you’ll find dozens of free range puppies ready and willing to hug. The Guide Dog campus lets the puppies in their program out every morning for a few hours to socialize with anyone who shows up. It gives the puppies a chance to interact with strangers of all sorts and multiple people at once, developing skills necessary for every guide dog. However, the puppies enjoy the activity too and who wouldn’t want to cuddle with some cute puppies?

The school's Patsy French, "It's great for the puppies...It's wonderful for (them) to meet all these people, to have contact with big people and little people, and people with soft voices and loud voices, people of various ages. Building confidence so they're comfortable in every circumstance...And of course, the time with the puppies is wonderful for the people who come here — calming, cheering."

Five days a week plenty of people gather in facility reception rooms until that nine o’ clock strikes and the puppies are released from another room to run playfully into the throng. They get to play with people, cuddle and get pet for a few hours before being called back into the facility.

For those who like older dogs or want a little exercise can walk the slightly older dogs in training. This is good for the dogs because it gets them used to walking over different surfaces with people who have different walking speeds.

French goes on to say, "Our goal is to create as many interaction opportunities as possible...We don't know when they're puppies which ones will conform to those stringent requirements so every dog is socialized and trained as if for guide jobs."

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2127

FDA Opens New Pet Food Safety Portal

2010-05-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Many people have been complaining about the hazards of pet food in these past few years. Especially, with the recent scares from contamination of food from China. It took the FDA a long time to get involved in these cases and pet owners that wanted to file a complaint against a particular brand had to write in or call in to the FDA. Now, to make it easier for owners to report potential problems the FDA n conjunction with the National Institutes of Health have created a safety reporting portal online at https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/fpsr/WorkflowLoginIO.aspx?metinstance=73B21E0956665B3FD88E5FD83278B90D66F3DDE0&IncompatibleBrowser=true.

This site will make it easier for owners to report adverse reactions of pets to food. Drug companies will also be able to report issues concerning issues pets can have with their drugs as they become apparent.

Any pet owner should make sure to favorite this site. Its filled with plenty of additional benefits. You'll find the Reportable Food Registry to be more user-friendly way to submit the food reports required by law. It also collects reports from the food industry and public health officials regarding problems with food and animal feed that may cause serious health issues or death. Additionally, it will provide ways for researchers involved in human gene transfer trials to report adverse events.

According to the FDA this is the first step towards an electronic reporting system that will let people file a single report for several different agencies.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2126

Pharmacist Mixes Special Compounds for Pets

2010-05-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

In Florence, South Carolina one of the few experts in compounding medicines is helping to make life a little easier for animals. Pharmacist RT Moss Jr. receives requests from doctors, vets and physicians in all fields both human and animal for special combinations of medication. The kind of mixing that only doctors and pharmacists of days past used to get at, but has now become a dying art form with predosed and measured medications coming straight from the big pharmaceutical companies.

Moss has helped quite a few animals with his skills including parrots suffering from depression like the 38 year old parrot that spiraled into depression when her previous owner died. The new owner whom inherited the parrot brought her into the vet for a little help and received a prescription for Haldol mixed up by Moss. The prescription helped here through the worst of her depression and to get over a serious case of feather plucking syndrome.

Moss said of his work, “We do a little bit of everything...We serve the special medical needs of patients. We can tailor medicine to the individual patient...The PCCA has 30 pharmacists on staff who are available at a moment’s notice...If I have a problem, I can always call them for a solution.”

Compounding allows Moss to create medications in forms to suit certain needs too. One cat needed to be put on Prozac for excessive licking and everyone knows how difficult it is to get a cat to take a pill. Moss compounded the medication so that it could be poured into the cats ears and absorbed.

Another woman’s rats were suffering from respiratory infections, but the medication needed to be vegetable based so Moss did it. Even a duck that had swallowed a lead sinker and was suffering from lead poisoning received ‘relief’ in the form of one of Moss’ laxatives.

He stated, “The duck was really wobbly and in pain...I fixed him up with a laxative and he was one relieved duck. He was happy and so was his owner.”

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2125

Tips for Buying a Dog's Leash

2010-05-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Every dog needs a leash, the law says that it's necessary and you can bet the police will be ready and willing to cite you. However, dogs can get uncomfortable with ill fitting leashes and they can cut into the dog's neck or even be too loose and slip off. To help you in finding proper leashes for your pet here are a few tips from DogTipsDaily.com:

__The leather lead is built to sustain lots of pulling and tugging.

__The nylon lead is lightweight. Many dog handlers and trainers work with a nylon lead.

__The cotton webbing lead works well for heavy-duty workouts with your dog.

__For the overly rambunctious dog, purchase a harness. The harness provides total security with no chance of your dog backing out of his collar leaving you standing holding an empty lead. Dog Collars and harnesses can be purchased as a set in the same material ensuring your dog is well coordinated.

__Getting the right lead and collar is an important purchase. It lets you provide your dog with the ability to exercise freely, do a little investigating and still know you are close by keeping an eye on his activities. They also allow you to identify your dog. Attach a tag with owner’s name and phone number so if by chance the dog gets away from you he can be returned promptly.

__Leads are more than functional; they are a big part of your dog’s attire. You want to feel confident that ‘man’s best friend’ makes a good impression where ever he goes. Safety, convenience and security – all are equally important when selecting the best lead for your dog.

Read more at: http://www.dogtipsdaily.com/the-importance-of-a-good-dog-lead.html

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2124

2800+ Postmen Attacked by Dogs in 2009

2010-05-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

We know as dog owners that most dogs just don't like mail carriers. It must be something about the uniform or maybe the way those carriers so deftly and daringly come right up to the front door and deign to invade your pup's territory with letters. In any case, it seems that dogs manage to take a good sized bite out of many mail carriers each year. The postal service recently performed and released a study on the numbers attacked each year and found that over the course of last year 2,863 mail carriers were attacked by dogs.

Yeow! This study was released as part of the Bite Prevention Week occurring right now. The postal service hopes to be able to raise awareness of pet safety and the dangers that mail carriers encounter on their daily trips. Plus, you do knew that they can choose to stop delivering mail to your home if they feel like the dog is too much of a threat. Sure, you can go into the post office to pick up your mail but that's a real hassle.

The Postal Service also found that on average about 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. Most of those attacked are small children. It's not to say that your pet pooch isn't safe around kids but it's important to have a well-trained, acclimated, socialized and patient dog around kids. It doesn't hurt to get your kids trained too!

Delores Killette, Postal Service vice president and Consumer Advocate stated, “Given the right circumstances, any dog can bite. Working with animal behavior experts, we’ve developed tips to avoid dog attacks, and for dog owners, tips for practicing responsible pet ownership."

Keep your dog indoors when it's close to time for a delivery even if the dog is friendly and make sure you are present for any interactions between your dog and a delivery person.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2123

One Kitty Spa and Groomer Goes All Out

2010-05-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

Dogs aren't the only creatures that enjoy a bit of grooming now and then. It seems that many cat owners are also spending more time and money on pampering their feline pets these days. In fact, if you head to Spring Hill, Florida you'll find the Smitten Kitten Cat Resort and Spa created especially for the care and relaxation of cats.

The spa is run by owner Susan Barr, CPCT, and has been pampering cats here since 2003. It contains grooming facilities, suites, condos for boarders and a Pet and Play Room where guest felines can get out and stretch their little legs from time to time. They even get one-on-one playtime, petting and brushing from Barr.

This facility spares no expense in taking care of these high quality guests. The kitty condos designed to provide comfort and some privacy for the cats are 8 feet high, 2 feet high and 2 feet deep with five levels for the cats to wander over. They even come with toys, beds, private litter box and dining area and a flat panel TV screen that displays swimming fish.

Suites at the facility are similarly luxurious measuring 8 feet high, 3 feet wide and 6 feet deep. They contain a multi-level climbing fixture, litter container, carpeting and food and water bowls.

Both condos and suites are cleaned daily by Barr who states, 'My place is always clean; I don't have a problem with people just walking in."

If you don't need to leave your cat at the Smitten Kitten facility you can also just get him or her groomed by the owner. The standard kitty grooming includes a good scrubbing, flea bath if needed, drying without heat, brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, a free bandana for kitty and a spritz of cologne.

These cats have it so good it almost makes me want to sign up for a night or two at the facility myself.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2122

Pit Bull Requires Viagra for Heart Condition

2010-05-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

The Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in long island New York is seeking donations of viagra. This is for a six year old pit bull named, Ingrid. No, it's not to revive her libido. It's actually to help treat a life threatening heart condition.

Ingrid has been taking the little blue hills ever since a veterinarian recommended them two years ago. She is dependent on two 50 mg doses of the drug a day to stay alive.

However, these little pills cost about $10.00 each and they aren't covered by pet insurance. So, to keep Ingrid in the blue stuff the long island shelter launched its first ever Viagra drive two plus years ago. They took donations from all around the country after people learned about the dogs plight. Many sent in single pills through the mail. Some dropped off pills at the shelter itself and one woman even dropped off her husband's stash when she suspected him using the pills to fuel an extramarital affair.

Jodi Record, spokeswoman for the Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington, 'She's the first, and the only, dog that I've ever known that needs Viagra...If she didn't have it, she'd most likely go back into heart failure...She's such a sweet, loving dog...Some people are afraid of pit bulls, but all she's going to do is kiss them.'

Of the woman who believed her husband to be cheating on her, Record stated, 'She was happy to be giving it to Ingrid...As long as her husband wasn't getting it, she was happy."

Ingrid was rescued after being neglected by her owners who had kept her tied to a fence for most of her life. She has heart worm disease and the vet recommended viagra which was originally developed as a heart medication to improve blood flow.

Read more: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2121

Pool Safety Tips for Dog Owners

2010-05-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

This summer pets are bound to get a lot of enjoyment out of playing the water and using the pool. This is a great way for them and you to cool off, but there can be hazards. Remember, some dogs are not as strong swimmers as other dogs, Plus, you want to make sure to supervise your pets whenever they are playing in the pool, especially if they are in the pool at the same time as other people. A dog’s play in the water can be scary to small children and dogs may even become frightened themselves or feel a need to protect someone in the pool, resulting in an attempt to climb onto people in the water, biting them and trying to drag them out of the water or simply herding them to one corner of the pool. Supervision is needed to make sure everyone stays safe.

Here are a couple of additional safety tips for playing in the pool with pets from Pawnation.com:

Be Careful With "Protective" Gear
While items such as pool covers do have their purposes, they may not be the best option for your dog. South points out that sometimes, covers actually can be riskier. If a dog jumps onto the pool cover, it may cause the entire cover to sink, possibly trapping the dog underwater.

Displacement alarms, which measure the water levels in your pool and can be set to sound an alarm when a pet or child falls in, may be a good way to prevent against accidental drowning as long as someone is around to hear it.

Consider the Chlorine
Even dogs who love the water may not love chlorine. "Pets can get upset stomachs from drinking too much pool water," South said. "Chlorine can irritate their eyes or their respiratory system. Remember, chlorine gives off vapors that will sometimes irritate their little lungs." Also be sure to periodically check your dog's ears and eyes for signs of irritation from the water.

If you're concerned about chemicals, there are more natural ways of keeping your pool water clean that are not only more pet-friendly, but more eco-friendly too. According to Green, Your ionization, oxidation and sonic wave pool cleaners are all able to keep your pool water pure in different hi-tech ways, but these systems can be expensive and require expert upkeep. Converting your pool to a saltwater pool or using purifying plants in the water are both natural ways to keep your pool fresh.

Source: http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/17/pet-pool-safety-keep-your-dog-safe-this-summer/ and http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2120

Your Cat's Most Common Illnesses

2010-05-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

Your cats often seem almost too self-reliant, and that tends to indicate that they will remain happy and healthy all on their own. However, your cats will succumb to health problems from time to time. To keep you on top of the potential problems, here are a listing of some of the most common cat ailments from cat-advisors-online.net

1. Fleas
Although cats and dogs can live with fleas, flea infestations should be controlled for several reasons. The most common flea, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) may carry the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm larvae. If cats eat fleas during grooming, they may become infested with these tapeworms.

Fleas also could transmit other infectious agents. If kittens are exposed to fleas, they may become anemic. Cats can also develop an allergy to flea bites, resulting in excessive scratching or possibly skin disease. Finally, humans are also susceptive to itchy flea bites, usually on the ankles.

2. Hairballs
When cats cannot digest hair and food debris, they regurgitate hairballs. Hairballs are formed either at the back of the throat or in the small intestines. Hairballs not only sound disgusting while your cat is producing them, but they also make an unsightly mess on your carpets and floors.

3. Overactive thyroid
Overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces excess amount of thyroid hormone. The condition is often provoked by a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. The good news is that thyroid tumors have only a 2-5% chance of malignancy.

4. Diabetes
Feline Diabetes can affect cats of any age, but is most common in older, obese cats—typically males. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is caused by insufficient insulin production while Type 2 results from a body’s inability to handle insulin effectively. Another type of diabetes, secondary diabetes, occurs as a side effect of drugs or diseases that impair the natural secretion of insulin or its effects in the body.

Find further advice, articles, cat care FAQ, and more at:
http://www.cat-advisors-online.com ALL ABOUT CATS ! CAT GUIDE !

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2119

Whale Trapped in Netting off California Coastline

2010-05-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

A gray whale is pretty lucky today after spending several days floating listlessly in the shallow end of Dana Point Harbor. The reason, this whale was caught up in mesh rope and netting, which had been wrapped around the whale's head and tail. It prevent the whale from moving properly and even hindered its ability to feed. The whale's health declined until experts believed that it was much older than it appeared, as well as being very emaciated.

A special team of marine animal rescue workers were called out to remove the mesh from the distressed whale. It took them four hours in a rubber dingy to cut away the wire.

While the whale remained calm and docile throughout the rescue operation, it promptly swam back out to sea after they freed it. This was a happy end to a tense situation and it is the first time in more than a decade that a whale has been successfully freed from nets in Southern California.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2118

Four Things Your Cat Food Needs for a Healthy Cat

2010-05-10T17:53:00.001-07:00

We all know or like to think anyway that we're doing a good thing for our feline friends by picking up those oh so tasty cans of cat food at the store each week. What are we really giving our cats though when we open up a can, bag or pouch of food and place it before them each morning?

Cats are very much carnivores. It may not seem like it, but your cat is highly dependant on protein, especially meat based protein. Whereas people and your domesticated dog can really be more omnivorous. This and a few essential amino acids are needed by your cat to survive. So, you can't turn Missy Fluffikines into a vegetarian.

As a result most cat food contains varying amounts of the following four ingredients; protein, fat, carbs, and fiber. We all need a little more fiber in our diet.

When you buy your cat food, look for one kind of protein, preferably animal based, to be in the top spot on the food ingredients list. This can be salmon, chicken, eggs, fish and even organ meat. In fact, intestines contain one of those essential amino acids called, taurine, that cats need to remain healthy.

Cats need good fats like everyone else, especially those omega 3s and omega 6s which cats are able to get from predominantly seafood based meals. Make sure you get kitty a variety of meat choices each week, including fish.

Fiber is important to help your cat stay regular and some premium brands of food will even contain probiotics for kitty. To achieve this aim most cat foods contain some apple and beet pulp as well as a few grains.

Cats don't really need Carbs the way dogs and humans do, but they are necessary in the making of dry kibble. So, you'll find that these products often contain whole-grain barley, cornmeal and rice. This won't hurt your cat as long as the Carbs are in small amounts. Not at the top of the ingredients list.

Keep these four food groups in mind when you go shopping for your cat's next meal and you'll have a happier and more regular carnivore on your hands.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2117

Summer Hazards for Cats and Dogs

2010-05-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

As the warm weather increases and summer enters it's full bloom, you'll definitely want to get your pets outside to enjoy it. There are some issues and dangers that come with the summertime, which both cat and dog owners should be aware of and it's not just fleas and ticks. Below are a few extra tips from MercuryNews.com on some of the hazards of summer fun:

Parasites
Fleas and ticks and other critters flourish in warmer temperatures, and you really need to pay attention to make sure your pets don't have them. Fleas and ticks easily can take over your home and be a nightmare for pets.

Check with your vet about which topical treatment is safe. Don't use one intended for a dog on cats; because the dosage is stronger, it can kill them.

Chemical Lawn fertilizers
These are toxic, so make sure you store them where your dogs, cats and children can't get to them. Check the label to see how long you should safely wait before allowing your dog back on the grass after you've fertilized.

Cleaning products
If you find yourself in a spring-cleaning tizzy, make sure you pay attention to product labels, especially if they warn "keep pets and children away from area until dry." Keep them stored away from pets and children, too.

Jet-setters
Try for flights early in the morning or at night, when temperatures are the lowest. Pets too large to fit in a carrier under your seat must fly as checked luggage in the cargo section, which has no temperature guarantees. It's better to leave your pets with a sitter at home or safely housed in a kennel.

Remember your pets can have a hard time in the heat, just like you. So, also keep them cool with plenty of water, shade and don't make them wait for you in a hot car or on the hot sidewalk while you grab a few things.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2115

Dog Hair, Other Animal Hair Can Help at Gulf Coast Oil Spill

2010-05-07T23:53:00.000-07:00

The things you learn. It seems that hair has many uses, it can be used for wigs, to help start a fire and to absorb oil. That's why the San Fransico based non profit, Matter of Trust, is collecting as much hair as possible at the moment. It's to be used to create hair booms that can be used, hopefully, to suck up some of the oil that's spilling into the Gulf Coast region.

Matter of Trust is asking salons and pet groomers all over the nation to gather up their excess hair and send it to them. The environmental organization states that one pound of hair can absorb as much as one quart of oil per minute. Now, it's estimated that 210,000 gallons of oil are leaking into the Gulf Coast each day, so you'd need a heck of a lot of hair.

Currently, we may not have to rely on hair booms to help combat the oil, according to Petty Officer Matt Schofield, a spokesman with Deepwater Horizon Incident Joint Information Center in Louisiana. He states, 'Right now, there's sufficient resources available to not have to use hair as a method of combating the oil.'

It's not to say this method won't come in handy if needed. Hair booms have been used before, in the San Fransisco Bay spill of 2007 and another spill in 2006 in the Phillipines. Still, we're going to need a lot of hair, lucky for us it's a renewable resource.

According to Matter of Trust Founder Lisa Gautier some 450,000 pounds of hair have been donated this week. If my math is correct thats about 112,500 gallons of oil potentially sucked up by the hair.

If you are looking to donate hair to the non-profit Matter of Trust visit: http://www.excessaccess.com

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2114

Google Earth Found World's Largest Beaver Dam

2010-05-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

I've just learned about one heck of a Beaver Dam! That's a big, damn dam for anyone who hasn't heard about the world's largest Beaver Dam. It's actually large enough to be seen from space and yes, you can see it on Google Earth. In fact, this dam has be showing up on NASA Satellite maps since the 1990. That's at least 20 years to build this thing.

The dam which was first spotted on Google Earth back in 2007 by some people with lots of time on their hands is located in the Southern Edge of Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. Its estimated by biologists that the dam has taken at least twenty years to build, so it could be very old by beaver standards. Can you imagine the numbers of industrious beavers it must have taken to put this thing together? It's estimated to be at least 850 meters long, although, to be honest beaver dams in Canada can commonly get to be around 500 meters in length. You can't see those dams from space though.

While many tourists will have the urge to go visit this dam, it's unlikely they'll be able to reach it. The dam is located in an unaccessible area of the park about 190 kilometers Northeast of Fort McMurray. So, you'll have a difficult time getting out there.

Ecologist Jean Thie discovered the dam on Google Earth while searching for evidence of global climate change. Instead, he found evidence of a super colony of militant beavers with one goal in mind expansion. Okay, I made that last part up.

However he has been qouted by CBC News in 2008 that, '"[Beavers] are one of the few species that really leave a footprint on the Earth that is visible from satellite."

See, humans aren't the only creatures on Earth that can leave a big footprint.

Read more: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2113

May 5th Tips for Pet Safety

2010-05-06T00:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone! While you are celebrating this holiday, don't forget your pet's safety and nerves. This day often lends itself to a lot of drinking and raucous events so here are a few tips to help you keep pets happy and as low stress as possible while you are out celebrating from Pets911.com:

1. Be observant of your animal’s response to loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are the best known causes for pet anxiety, but celebration party favors and popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing. If you are hosting a[]...Party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable. When possible, refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to the same ruckus and worry.

2. Always keep your pet’s tags on. In the case they do get spooked and bolt for an open door or gate, an ID tag will be imperative to getting them home safely.

3. Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that has been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.

Remember to keep yourself safe during Cinco De Mayo too. It can be harmful to humans too!

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2112

May 5th Tips for Pet Safety

2010-05-06T00:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone! While you are celebrating this holiday, don't forget your pet's safety and nerves. This day often lends itself to a lot of drinking and raucous events so here are a few tips to help you keep pets happy and as low stress as possible while you are out celebrating from Pets911.com:

1. Be observant of your animal’s response to loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are the best known causes for pet anxiety, but celebration party favors and popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing. If you are hosting a New Years Party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are comfortable. When possible, refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to the same ruckus and worry.

2. Always keep your pet’s tags on. In the case they do get spooked and bolt for an open door or gate, an ID tag will be imperative to getting them home safely.

3. Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that has been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.

Remember to keep yourself safe during Cinco De Mayo too. It can be harmful to humans too!

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2112

Animals Hurt by Oil Slick in Gulf Coast

2010-05-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

As many of you are already aware there has been a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico this year. In fact, that oil rig which exploded is still leaking thousands of gallons of oil into the ocean daily. This oil slick which rests on the surface of the ocean is threatening much of the native wildlife and already killing animals. It's been reported so far that dead sea turtles and jellyfish are washing up on the shore. In addition it appears the slick is expanding and threatning areas of shallow water where Dolphins'have congregated for their birthing season.

Many of the dead sea turtles include, loggerheads, mother heads and kemp's Ridley. Three species which are extremely endangered in this area of the gulf coast. If the oil slick is not contained quickly its possible even more turtles could wash up leaving the species in more danger.

There is a 10 day fishing ban in effect for local fishermen which will probably be extended due to the seriousness of this spill. The region around the gulf coast is responsible for as much as 1/2 our nation's seafood supply. So, you may expect to see prices go up very quickly.

It's also possible that Florida will be involved in a lawsuit against the oil company, BP, that operated the rig which is now leaking. No one knows for certain if the oil slick will hit the shorelines around Florida and many of the southern states, maybe even as far north as South Carolina. It would certainly ruin tourism, as well as the local aquatic and shoreline environments for native wildlife.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2111

We Like Ike: Dog from Expressway Is Safe

2010-05-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

A dog spent two days running around the Eisenhower expressway evading the Broadview police. The dog, nicknamed Eisenhower or Ike for short, spent days running around the freeway after mysteriously showing up last Tuesday.

The pit bull encountered a great deal of danger during his time trapped on the express seeming unable to fight his way out via the nearest exits, as some motorists find is the problem for themselves. He even nearly got flattened by a semi truck at one point, and various police agencies spent several man hours trying to collar the pup.

In the end it was Ike himself who gave up, simply laying down as an officer approached him. It seemed he had no more fight left in him.

The arresting officer, Antonio Santucci, states, 'I was just hoping he wasn't going to turn violent and bite on me...After hours of running, Ike had no more fight left in him...He was very tired and happy somebody finally got to him....As soon as he lay down in the back of my car, he fell asleep.'

Ike is currently recuperating at the Hillchester Hospital for animals in Hillside. He sprawls out on a gurney with an IV on his right front leg and is simply resting up for another adventure. There's very little damage to Ike physically, except for some excessive wear on his paw pads. Hillchester staff state the worst result seems to be that they have spent much time fielding calls about Ike from the media and those wanting to adopt him or claiming that he's a long lost pet.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2109

Is Your Dog a Better Listener than Your Husband?

2010-05-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

According to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll, 25% of married women think their dogs are better listeners than their husbands.

The GFK Roper Public Affairs and Media corporation polled 1,112 pet owners by phone to find out their most intimate thoughts concerning their pets. What they found was almost self-explanatory.

It seems that while 25 percent of women think that dogs are better listeners, only 18% of married men believed their pets were better listeners than their wives. One man even claimed that his dog doesn't mind as much when he curses compared to his wife who starts telling him how crude he can become. He even goes as far as stating, 'He's just a really kind soul and is patient and quiet throughout my entire rant.'

However, cats don't seem to fare as well in their owners eyes as good listeners. Only 14% of cat owners felt that their cats were better listeners than their spouses.

On another topic, pet owners also felt that their dogs and cats rarely got depressed and only 5% had ever taken their pets to the veterinarian for possible diagnosis and treatment of depression.

Pets may even be responsible for ending marital woes. Tara Conklin states in her poll interview, 'My dog listens to all my problems...When my husband and I fight, I leave the room, lie down on my bed and Butch, my Lab jumps up, licks my face, wags his tail, and I forgive my husband. Butch is that good of a canine psychologist.'

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2110

Secondhand Smoke Hurts Pets

2010-05-02T22:27:00.000-07:00

Many people are aware that second hand smoke can be terrible for your loved ones, but few realize that it’s just as bad for their pets. Yes, second hand cigarette smoke is just as bothersome and unhealthy for your pets as it is for other people. Here are a few pieces of trivia for smokers who own cats or dogs concerning the subject:

Dogs that inhale secondhand smoke are three times more likely to develop lung or nasal cancer than dogs living in smoke-free homes.
Dogs can experience allergic reactions to secondhand smoke. Common symptoms of this allergic reaction are the scratching, biting, and chewing of their skin. Owners often confuse this reaction with fleas or food allergies.
Cigarette butts can also be deadly. Two butts, if eaten by a puppy, can cause death in a relatively short period of time.
Cats exposed to secondhand smoke in the home have a higher rate of an oral cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which may be due to the way cats groom themselves. When cats groom themselves they eat the poisons from secondhand smoke that have settled on their fur.
Cats exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher rate of feline lymphoma, a deadly form of cancer, than cats not exposed to secondhand smoke.
Cats can develop respiratory problems, lung inflammation, and asthma as a result of secondhand smoke. There are 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke, and 43 are known to cause cancer.
By ingestion of cigarette or cigar butts which contain toxins. Death- From 1-5 cigarettes and from 1/3-1 cigar can be fatal if ingested.
By drinking water that contains cigar or cigarette butts (which can have high concentrations of nicotine)
By ingestion of nicotine replacement gum and patches.

Information courtesy: http://tmdcelebritynews.com/second-hand-smoke-affects-your-pets/011516

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2108

Canadian Goose Lands in Veterinarian's Yard with Arrow in Chest

2010-05-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

This is one lucky duck….or should I say goose? It seems a Canadian Goose that had been shot in the chest with a hunter’s arrow, had the good fortune to land in the yard of a New Jersey Veterinarian. The bird landed in the yard of Bernard Levine about a month ago, a retire veterinarian who noticed immediately that it needed assistance.

Levine managed to capture the goose by feeding it, causing it to come close enough to grab. From there he took it to the Tom’s River Animal Hospital that he founded in 1955 and removed the 6 inch piece of arrow from the bird, as well as several pellets from an air rifle. Then, he transported it to the state’s largest bird rehabilitation facility, The Raptor Trust.

Apparently, this guy wasn’t keeping himself busy enough during retirement.

Levine states of his encounter with the goose, "This is a smart goose...He happened to come into the yard of a veterinarian that could take care of him...With the encroaching civilization and the loss of a lot of habitat, these birds are pressed for survival...I'd rather not shoot and kill them. I'd rather feed them and sponsor their lives."

The goose weighed in at 8 pounds when he first landed in the vet’s back yard, but weighed in at a healthy 12 pounds just before his release from the bird rehab facility. The bird was released into a wooded stream on the trust’s property three weeks after it’s arrival with Levine on hand to witness the celebratory event.

He states, ’It feels great to see him free and liberated, enjoying life the way a goose should.’

Source:

http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2107

Pet Stamps Help Feed Shelter Dogs, Cats

2010-04-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

It seems the post office is putting a face to animal adoption with their newest series of stamps for the 'Stamps to the Rescue' program. Tomorrow a set of ten first class stamps will go on sale depicting the faces of dogs and cats. Its meant to raise awareness of the plight of shelter animals and give animal lovers a new way to express themselves.

The Stamps to the Rescue program will also help out shelter animals by raising money to buy food for the animals in shelters. Naturally, you'll want to head out the door first thing tomorrow to pick up a set of stamps.

These stamps are worth 44 cents and feature five separate cats and five separate dogs. Their photos taken by the photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce. All ten are shelter animals that have been adopted out by the New Milford, CT animal shelter. The stamps are arranged on pre-pasted standard sheets for easy removal.

Each stamp is simply in it's design with an up close image of a cat or dog against a white background. Along the left side of the stamp runs two lines of vertical text, 'Animal Rescue, Adopt a Shelter Pet'.

Many people are hesitant to adopt shelter animals due to their unknown history and the fear of picking up an animal that's too old to bond with properly. Often these preconceived notions prove to be untrue when a family does take the plunge. Shelter animals are checked by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, observed and tested for temperament and are cheaper than animals from a pet store or breeder. Often, they are friendly, eager to bond and come to the family already knowing some basic commands.

Even if you aren't in a position to adopt yourself, you can help out by volunteering or simply picking up some extra stamps at the post office during the Stamps to the Rescue program.

Source: http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/cat-dog-stamps-push-505345.html

2010-04-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

Three newborn bobcat kittens were orphaned in the woods of Alabama by a hunter. It seemed as if they would be without a feline mother during those critical weeks when their immune systems and bodies are developing. However, one cat… A house cat named Bobbi at the big cat rescue in Tampa decided to step in. When the two week old wild kittens arrived she began nursing them as if they were her own.

The kittens arrived at the rescue by way of a veterinary clinic in Alabama when a hunter brought them in one day. It’s believed the hunter killed their mother as it’s illegal in many states to hunt bobcats for sport. From there the clinic contacted the big cat rescue about taking the kittens. Since they were so young workers at the sanctuary went online to ask other rescue groups if they had nursing cats available for the orphans. This is when Suncoast animal league called up and asked if they could use Bobbi. Beyond nursing the kittens, the house cat has also taken on the duties of cleaning them and giving of warmth and she’s also doing with her biological kittens.

The contact will not only help the kittens survive, it will also teach them how to interact with other cats. The big cat rescue will eventually teach them how to hunt live prey as well as surviving in the wild. The rescue says the cats should be returned to their native environment within a year to 18 months.

President Jamie Veronica of the Big Cat Rescue states, 'I'm glad we have this opportunity to give them a second chance and let them do the things that bobcats do...They are one of the most wicked, deadly animals that you could ever come into contact with...They never get tamed.'

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2106

Doggy Gets Trapped in Maw of Electric Recliner

2010-04-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

A little dog in Naperville had a hair raising encounter with a recliner this last week. On Thursday evening a little Jack Russell mix named, Ebonyzer, was trapped painfully so, beneath his master’s electric recliner.

It was a regular habit of resident Ken Makris, 87, to sleep every night in the electric recliner with his little dog a five year old terrier mix. However, one night Ebonyzer was nowhere to be found in the tiny one room apartment at sunrise assisted living home. So, Makris decided to settle in without the dog. He got into his chair and pushed the button to recline his feet. The little dog yelped and the man realized his pup was underneath the recliner.

Makris states, "I heard a sharp yip sound from under the chair...I got off the chair — tried to get him out from under it — but his leg was pinned behind a metal bar...We pushed the button (on the chair) to get the foot rest to go higher but we still couldn't get him out...That's when we decided to call the Fire Department."

Naperville Deputy Fire Chief Mike Zywanski said that his firefighters had to get the little dog out by cutting a hole in the bar that the dogs leg was pinned behind. He goes on to say, 'The dog was actually stuck under the foot extension...We cut the (metal) mechanism and got the dog out quite easily.' The chief can't recall any other time that the firemen were called out for a similar case.

Ebonyzer who weighs a mere 25 pounds was taken to an animal hospital with a sore back foot. He is expected to get better but there may be some nerve damage that doesn’t quite go away. Makris is happy that his puppy is alive and doing well and reports that the dog now wants nothing to do with his recliner.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2105

Pets Get Hot Over Zoo Fire

2010-04-26T22:46:00.000-07:00

The penguins at the St. Louis, Missouri zoo are getting pretty hot and bothered this week. This coming after a series of bad storms left the zoo without power. Naturally, penguins are cold weather creatures. Without power up the zoo will not be able to provide the air conditioning needed to preserve the penguins frozen environment.

Apparently, so much rain hit the St. Louis area that it seeped into the zoo's electrical area and started a fire. This destroyed the system leaving the penguin and the puffin exhibit without power. Fire men managed to keep the smoke from the flames away from any part of the exhibits containing the animals. While the zoo does have backup generators the fire managed to destroy the wiring making it difficult to hook up the generators and get power to the air conditioning unit for the penguin and puffin exhibit.

Battalion Chief Gerald Jorden stated, “We found out in the long run, this basically disabled their whole cooling system...We offered our assistance manpower wise, that if we needed to throw ice into the water for the penguins and the puffins, we of course would have done that."

I certainly hope that the penguins didn't get too uncomfortable this weekend. If it were me, as a penguin, I'd be begging for the ice. However, zoo employees that they have the situation under control.

Curator of Birds, Michael Macek says, "Of course, when the actual emergency happens you have to expect the unexpected. And this was probably one of the worst case scenarios."

They managed to get the generators hooked up and are powering the exhibit to keep the animals cool, but it's currently closed to visitors. The zoo hopes to get the exhibit fixed and reopened by sometime next week.

Read more: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2104

Tips about Your Dog's Paws

2010-04-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

The weather is warming up which means we'll be spending more time outside with pets. While that's great for exercise, we must remember that our dogs don't wear protective footwear the way we do. It's important to know what's happening with your dog's paws, when healthy or injured. So here's a few tidbits on your pup's feet from Tal Boldo at AssociatedContent.com:

__Healthy Dog Paws are Rough

Dog paws need to be rough to offer insulation from heat and cold, as well as good traction for running or digging. For this reason, there is no need to apply moisturizers to dog paws if they feel rough. However cracked dog paws can occur when paws are exposed to extreme heat or cold. This can expose soft tissue underneath or even cut blood vessels, and therefore can be painful. Applying anti-bacterial ointment on dog paws before the dog goes to sleep can help promote healing. If a dog owner sees that his dog's paws are apt to crack in extreme weather, it is advisable to get the dog booties for protection. (You can read more about how to buy dog booties that stay on.)

__Healthy Dog Paws are Groomed Smartly

Dog paws are furry to offer insulation and protection. In fact, some dog breeds seem to have Hobbit paws. However too much fur, especially under the paws, can trap twigs, thorns or dirt. On the one hand this can be a nuisance as dog paws drag mud into the house. But more seriously, overly furry dog paws can pose a health threat to the dog. To avoid thorns or twigs getting trapped in the fur between the paw pads, dog owners should trim their dog's paws from excess fur underneath, though leave enough for insulation both against the heat of summer and the cold of winter.

I remember being quite worried over my dog's paws during the winter when snow and ice reigned supreme. We would always dry her little feet off with a towel after walks and check for cuts or debris. Of course, the dog disliked this manhandling and after getting away from our attentions promptly sat down to lick her feet clean her own way.

For more information about your dog's paws head to: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2764390/tips_for_healthy_dog_paws.html?cat=53

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2101

Could Wisconsin Be Harboring Massive Numbers of Sturgeon?

2010-04-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

In Wisconsin there is a unique fish being protected by the local population and wildlife officials. This fish is practically prehistoric, having been around since the days of the dinosaurs. It’s called the whisker snouted sturgeon and while being one of 25 species of this type that is endangered it seems to be doing fairly well in upper Wisconsin.

To look at the great fish with its bottomless maul and pink tendrils one wouldn’t think that this fish could garner of such protection and even admiration. However, the local residents of Shawano, Wisconsin are avid fans of the great fish. Currently, the fish is so well protected in Lake Winnebago where they come to spawn each year that they are now an estimated 40,000 strong. While in the 1950s they were only about 10,000 strong.

State officials credit this population to recent strict limits on spearing and poaching as well as restocking efforts and the growing popularity of spring spawning with the tourists. State Sturgeon expert Ron Bruch says, ‘If we can restore the sturgeon population in the Great Lakes and manage the current population effectively, then we know we are doing a pretty good job of managing the other aspects of the aquatic community.’

Sturgeon are usually quite popular for their eggs, which many pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars for a taste. Naturally, this destroyed the sturgeon populations in many areas, but Shawano is working hard to preserve their own little piece of the population.

In fact, they are so admired that the group ‘Sturgeon for Tomorrow’ was 1977 with the sole purpose of keeping the fish and the traditions surrounding them alive. Bruch even credits this group in part for the recent growth of the local population with their efforts to guard the sturgeon during spawning and funds they’ve raised to help create hatcheries for restocking of the fish. With luck the local sturgeon will continue to grow more in size and popularity.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2100

2010-04-22T22:08:00.001-07:00

The state of California is considering legislation that would make it illegal for landlords and property owners to require declawing or debarking of animals before allowing people to move into their properties. Assemblyman Pedro Neva have introduced the bill which would make it illegal for landlords to create these requirements as a condition of occupancy. The bill if passed with also make it illegal for landlords to get preferential treatment for pet owners who do have their pet’s declawed or debarked.

So far it there doesn’t appear to be much opposition to this bill. The California Apartment Association with its 50,000 plus members supports the bill, saying that the rental agreements they provide do not include language for the requirement. While the California Veterinary Association initially planned to get behind the bill but changed their minds concerning some wording in the legislation. They state that the bill is rewritten they will consider changing their position in support of the legislation.

The wording that the CVA is concerned about is language in section one of the bill stating that declawed cats are more prone to biting and have a hard time finding homes. Nava states of his decision to bring the bill, "I had always thought that declawing was barbaric and shouldn't be done...And the more I learned of it, the more apparent it became that this was a procedure being done for the convenience of people without any real thought to the consequences to the animal...It was pretty clear that a statewide ban was going to engender a great deal of opposition and would jeopardize any progress in getting people to understand why I didn't favor the practice."

The latter section of the above quote referring to Nava’s initial decision to present a statewide ban on declawing, but later he decided to change his legislation to this narrower bill.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2099

NYC Animal Control Deals with Some Wild Calls

2010-04-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

It's natural to think of New York City as the urban jungle, but we rarely expect to see wild animals roaming the streets. Yet, that's exactly what many animal control officers encounter in the city on a daily basis. It's not just cats and dogs, they also find alligators, snakes and more when called out about an issue.

For example, police officers carrying out drug bust at a nondescript house in Queens also encountered a baby caiman, eight dogs and a snake amongst about a dozen animals. Some of the other creatures in this particular home zoo were geckos, marmosets and tarantulas. This home even featured two monkeys.

That's not all that's wild about New York. The city is also home to a group of peregrine falcons that have taken up residence over the New York Harbor from the brooklyn tower. This spot is a perennial favorite of two peregrine falcons which regularly hatched their eggs 600 plus feet above the water.

New York is also home to a feisty parrot which has flown the coop of its owner's home and decided to go wild again. The bird somehow manages to live in the colder weather and thrive with its own large and presumably warm twig built nest in Whitestone.

In another interesting case, a woman got the surprise of her life when she went to the bathroom to find a 7 foot python curled up in her toilet. The creature apparently slithered up through the pipes to rest inside her toilet bowl.

These are just a few of the many wild animals of New York. If you want to see some more head over to http://www.nydailynews.com/news/galleries/new_yorks_urban_jungle/new_yorks_urban_jungle.html.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2097

Expensive Medical Attention Given to Two Lost Pets Found in San Diego

2010-04-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

In a strange case in San Diego, California two lost animals were recently picked up by the County Department of Animal Services. Now, lost animals are taken in by animal services all the time around this country, but what makes these two cases so unusual is that both animals appeared to have undergone expensive medical treatments prior to getting lost.

One animal, a siamese cat found in an unincorporated area of El Cajon just lately underwent surgery for a fractured jaw and still had the wire in its jaw. Additionally, one of it's front left toes had been amputated.

The second animal, a two year old male poodle was found by animal control on April 3rd in Logan Heights. The poodle had trouble putting weight on it's rear leg and a veterinarian x-ray found that two cross pins had been placed in the leg to stabilize the leg. The pins were causing problems and were removed and the dog will need physical therapy for it's leg.

Someone paid a vet a lot of money to have these animals taken care of, and it's a mystery as to how they ended up wandering the streets and why not one person has come forward to claim them. If the owners don't come forward by next Friday new owners will by found for these two animals when they are placed up for adoption.

Both animals are being kept at the animal shelter on Gaines St. in San Diego, California.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2095

What You Should Know About Walking the Dog

2010-04-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone and I mean everyone should walk their dog daily. It's good for you, it's good for the dog and it keeps you know what out of the back yard. If you aren't man enough to pick up poop, you aren't man enough for a dog.

Should you be a happy dogwalking supportive pet owner, but still a little confused about the concept, here are a few tips for walking with a dog from About.com:

Walking Your Dog on a Leash
If your dog is on a leash, it can't get away and cause problems. Consider using a pinch collar while walking your dog, if he is a puller, to increase your control and comfort. Some walkers use a harness, and others find retractable leashes to be the best way to give the dog a little more slack, then reel them in as needed.

Are Dogs Allowed Where You Plan to Walk?
Check with the organizers of walking events you plan to attend. If walking in a park, call ahead to check to see if there are any restrictions. Note that dogs are sometimes allowed on trails, but not in shuttle buses or visitors' centers.

Carry a Pooper Scooper
If you don't have (or want to purchase) the actual tool, try a plastic bag. Many carry the plastic bags that newspapers sometimes come in. When the bag is placed over the hand, you can pick up what you have to, turn the bag inside out, and tie the end closed. Dispose of it properly. Zip-closure storage bags are another secure option.

Also, remember to walk back home after the dog has done its business. You can find more tips at: http://walking.about.com/od/dogwalking/a/dogwalking.htm.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2093

Things People Will Do to Avoid Pet Fees

2010-04-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

It seems more and more people these days are trying to get around the fees thta are normally associated with owning a pet. Whether it's the pet fee to bring fido onto the plane or the hotel that doesn't let you bring animals into their nice suites, more and more people are trying to get around them.

Writer Christopher Elliot of Tribune Media Services has plenty of anecdotes about pet lovers on the down low, but it's easy to see why they are trying to avoid being caught with a pet. Some airlines charge pet carry on fees that are more than the cost of the plane ticket. One woman, Robin Buggs often takes her chihuahua with her on trips and doesn't like the $150 surcharge airlines tack onto every flight.

So she like many others sneaks her dog onto the plane in her carry-on luggage, sometimes they catch her, sometimes they don't. When they do catch her they make her pay the $150 surcharge and she continues on her way.

Another woman, Amy Luwis has gone even further in her attempts to save a little cash while traveling. She put a reflective red vest on her pit bull and carried an official looking badge to flash at the staff of a luxury hotel in Savannah, Ga.. It convinced them that the dog was a service animal and she didn't have to pay the nonrefundable $150 pet deposit fee.

Luwis states, 'I'm not proud of this charade...But after 20 years of being relegated to the dank, bad hotel rooms and too many stays in biohazard motels — or worse, having no place to stay at all — I decided to take matters into my own hands and fool the general public.'

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2092

New Gadget Could Help Rescue Dogs

2010-04-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that rescue dogs are extremely helpful in disaster situations. They can get into places where rescuers can't, looking for trapped or injured people, pointing it out for the rescuers and even helping to keep trapped people alive and warm. These dogs are highly skilled and trained for years to hone those skills into lifesaving tools for humankind.

Now these dogs can get an upgrade, moving forward into the technological age. Student Laura Boffi and peers at the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design has come up with a high tech dog collar for these rescuing animals. The collar comes with a durable keyboard and screen so injured people can type messages to their rescuers. The collar will also record the exact location where each message was typed. The dog will then be able to take this message back to the rescuers, allowing them to ascertain a great deal of information about victims of a disaster before reaching them. They'll be able to determine if there are people alive and awake, whether they have any injuries based on messages sent and where they are in rubble and debris.

Student Boffi writes on her Vimeo page, "In those very first hours of fear and displacement people may just want to send a message to their beloved ones only saying that they are alive and safe, hoping the same for them as well. [Messenger] Dogs wear a particular uniform to identify them, equipped with a device that can record messages, store geolocation of where each message was taken and the time as well."

The device is turned off while the dog is searching but can be activated using an accelerometer that registers when the dog is sitting. Rescue dogs need only be trained to sit in front of people they find trapped in buildings and debris. The device can also apparently, record video for those who are unable to move their hands.

Source:http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2091

Canadian Shelter Needs to Adopt Fifty Cats, Rats and a Dog

2010-04-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Humane Society has launched an adoption free for all to get rid of their animals by Monday. It seems the shelter on river street will be closing for six weeks to retool. Which means, that all of the current animals in the facility, around 50 cats, eight rats and dog are in danger. While humane society officials maintain that any adoptable animals not adopted by the time the shelter closes will be transferred to other local shelters, it remains to be seen what classifications will be used to define adoptable. At the very least the remaining animals it transferred to other facilities could put a strain on their abilities to accommodate the extra animals.

A volunteer cat worker, Heather Brown stated that many cats have special needs which the other shelter at Victoria Park can‘t handle. Some cats have even lived at River Street for up to three years. "There is not one cat there that is not adoptable...The ones left, they’re so sweet, and you can kind of see their broken spirit a little bit. It’s almost like dodge ball, when you never want to be the last one picked for a team.”

The Toronto humane society has been an object of controversy in the past. This past November they were rated by the Ontario society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. At the time the humane society had about 1200 animals in its care, when the Ontario society alleged cruelty on their part. At the present more than 900 animals have been adopted out and 130 have been euthanized and dozens others placed in Foster Homes.

So there will be one last push to adopt all the remaining animals before the shelter is closed. After its closed the facility will be renovated and staff will be trained for a reopening on June 1.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2088

Cops Must Evict Feral Cats from Evidence Lab

2010-04-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

A police crime lab in San Francisco is having some real troubles lately. They are not only in the midst of scandal they are also being overrun with feral cats. This crime lab has an old hanger at the old Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard that they use for storage of police evidence. This hanger isn’t very well guarded, maintained and it’s just teeming with a colony of feral cats. The poor San Francisco Police Department!

Apparently the cats are in the building, sleeping one and around old evidence, hunting rats and mice in there and also defecating in the warehouse. You can imagine its not great for the evidence. Luckily, most of this stuff is really old evidence from trials long past, but I’d hate to think what the reaction would be if the cats were tampering with current evidence.

Some of this stuff is an important part of San Francisco’s history. For example, the suit that Mayor George Moscone was wearing when shot to death on November 27th, 1978 by former Supervisor Dan White was stored in the hanger, bundled up in nothing more than paper. Police state that it hasn’t been damaged, but seems like that cats might find it attractive as a place to sleep.

Assistant Chief Jeff Godown toured the hanger for an up-close look at the problem and has order it handled and the cats removed. It’s ironic that the cats are in the hanger in the first place because police officers put them there to handle the rat problems. At one point it seems the cats were even being feed canned cat food by officers, which negated the point. Naturally, the cats weren’t spayed or neutered and quickly became a colony that’s now out of hand.

Three cats have been trapped so far by Animal Care and Control Workers and are at the shelter on Harrison street. Workers say they will be up for adoption soon.

I think the idea of having cats in the hanger to keep down rats and mice is a great idea, they just have too many. Why not catch the cats, get them all spayed or neutered and release a couple back into the warehouse?

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2087

Micro Pigs are Heading Home and Not to the Market

2010-04-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Surfing the web I’ve come across a new pet trend that I really, really shouldn’t like, but they’re just too adorable. Micro-pigs are the hottest pets to hit the market and no, you can’t make bacon out of these little piggies.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/03/20/article-1259527-08CB66C7000005DC-428_468x313_popup.jpg

They are the latest in animal husbandry experimentation, normal sized pigs bred over the years, each time selecting for the smallest pigs until these cute little oddities occurred. Celebrities like the Beckhams have gotten these peccaries as pets and more people are hopping on board the trend train. While I’m not a fan of trends, because invariably they pass and lots of animals are without homes, I can see how it would be hard to say no to one of these sweeties.

Although it may be easier than it seems to turn down the purchase of a Micro-pig at around 700 pounds each. Despite the price they remain popular because of their petite size, only growing to 14 inches tall in full maturity and quite trainable.

Pigs are one of the smartest creatures on Earth and can definitely learn to live in a human home and are even naturally potty trained to the point of going outside for walks. They don’t fit the common stereotype at all.

If you are considering a pet pig for the family this year make sure it’s a commitment you are willing to make for life. It also means checking to make sure your area zoning laws allow for pet pigs in residential neighborhoods.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2078

A Bunny Story for Easter

2010-04-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! The bunny is quick and clever when leaving his special candy baskets, so I thought this year’s obligatory holiday post should feature the wit and sneakiness of the bunny rabbit. They are rascally rabbits! Here’s an excerpt from ‘How Brother Rabbit Fooled the Whale and the Elephant’ at Theholidayspot.com:

One day little Brother Rabbit was running along on the sand, lippety, lippety, when he saw the Whale and the Elephant talking together. Little Brother Rabbit crouched down and listened to what they were saying. This was what they were saying:
''You are the biggest thing on the land, Brother Elephant,'' said the Whale, ''and I am the biggest thing in the sea; if we join together we can rule all the animals in the world, and have our way about everything.''

''Very good, very good,'' trumpeted the Elephant; ''that suits me; we will do it.''

Little Brother Rabbit snickered to himself. ''They won't rule me,'' he said. He ran away and got a very long, very strong rope, and he got his big drum, and hid the drum a long way off in the bushes. Then he went along the beach till he came to the Whale.

''Oh, please, dear, strong Mr. Whale,'' he said, ''will you have the great kindness to do me a favor? My cow is stuck in the mud, a quarter of a mile from here. And I can't pull her out. But you are so strong and so obliging, that I venture to trust you will help me out.''

The Whale was so pleased with the compliment that he said, ''Yes,'' at once.

''Then,'' said the Rabbit, ''I will tie this end of my long rope to you, and I will run away and tie the other end round my cow, and when I am ready I will beat my big drum. When you hear that, pull very, very hard, for the cow is stuck very deep in the mud.''

''Huh!'' grunted the Whale, ''I'll pull her out, if she is stuck to the horns.''

Read the ending over at: http://www.theholidayspot.com/easter/smart_bunny.htm

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2077

Tips to Keeping Pets Safe on Easter

2010-04-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays, tomorrow is Easter and before you set up the decorations take some time to consider your pet's safety. Here are a few tips from CarolOnPets.com to ensure your decorations are safe for pets:

Use velvet bows instead of hooks to hang ornaments
Ornaments: Consider using non breakable, pet proof ornaments. For example, try homemade decorations made of cardboard, plastic, dried non toxic flowers, fabric and wood pine cones.
Use two tone ribbons instead of garland, tinsel and angel hair. This is especially important for cat owners. Cats love to eat and play with tinsel and angel hair. If they ingest either, they can block and obstruct their intestines. This condition often requires expensive surgery to correct and remove. Vets call this a linear foreign body when it is viewed on an x-ray.
Liquid potpourri, which is often placed in decorative bowls and simmering pots and Sachets are very popular during the holidays. They are also very dangerous, especially to cats. They can easily spill onto your cat’s fur, for example if your cat rubs against them. The result is that they are then ingested accidentally, as your cat grooms himself. Once ingested they can cause ulceration and damage to your cat’s mouth, skin and eyes. If this occurs,give your cat a bath in warm ivory soap, wrap in towel, offer warm milk and call your vet. Most cats recover in a few days of mouth.
Keep aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers away from your pets. They can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage
Batteries: Keep batteries away from your pets. They contain corrosives which can ulcerate your pet’s mouth, tongue and intestines, whether they are bitten on chewed on and/or swallowed

Read More at: http://www.carolonpets.com/blog/ask-dr-carol/dr-carol%E2%80%99s-easter-time-safety-tips-for-pets/

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2076

The Making of Doggy Mansions

2010-04-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of a dog mansion? It’s certainly enough incentive to get yourself put into the dog house these days. These mansions are really, really tricked out dog houses and the humans that built them for their pets love them. Naturally, the dogs find it pretty cushy in them too.

These mansions are becoming all the rage out west, where bigger is better, is often the popular motto. Tammy Kassis, 47, built a mansion for her three dogs in the old Victorian style. The mansion has its own turret, vaulted ceilings and even a television. Additionally, Kassis installed air conditioning and heating to help the dogs stay comfortable year round. She estimates that she and her husband spent around $20,000 on creating the mansion.

Other mansions can be even more decadent offering; plumbing, chandeliers, crown molding, closets, designer paint and wallpaper, patios, yards and fences for the pups whom stay in them.

Doggy mansions were doing great business up until the recession for one architect Alan Mowrer who runs La Petite Maison whom has made around 20 or so dog mansions in the past ten years. They started at $5,000 and ran upwards to around $30,000.

The owners of the company stated that while the recession didn’t necessarily affect their clients, many have decided to wait until sometime in 2010 to complete their orders for other dog mansions out of deference to the current economy.

Mowrer states, ‘It has a lot of wrought iron. It is Spanish style with turrets and a light in each tower. It looks great at night…It has hardwood floors, wallpaper, wrought iron on the front doors. We replicated part of her house."

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2075

Some Questions to Ask About Your Pet's Medications

2010-03-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

Many pet owners need to give their pets medication on a regular basis, and some usually need to give a pet meds at some point during their lives. This can seem easy enough, but you’ll need pay as much attention to these prescriptions as you do to your own. So, here are a few questions from the Consumerist you should ask the veterinarian about your pet’s medications:

1. Why has my pet been prescribed this medication and how long do I need to give it?
Your veterinarian can tell you what the medication is expected to do for your pet and how many days to give it.

2. How do I give the medication to my pet? Should it be given with food?
Your pet may have fewer side effects, like an upset stomach, from some drugs if they are taken with food. Other medications are best to give on an empty stomach.

3. How often should the medication be given and how much should I give each time? If it is a liquid, should I shake it first?
Giving the right dose at the right time of the day will help your pet get better more quickly.

4. How do I store the medication?
Some medications should be stored in a cool, dry place. Others may require refrigeration.

5. What should I do if my pet vomits or spits out the medication?
Your veterinarian may want to hear from you if your pet vomits. You may be told to stop giving the drug or to switch your pet to another drug.

6. If I forget to give the medication, should I give it as soon as I remember or wait until the next scheduled dose? What if I accidentally give too much?
Giving your pet too much of certain medications can cause serious side effects. You’ll want to know if giving too much is a cause for concern and a trip to the animal emergency room.

To see more questions you should ask head over to: http://consumerist.com/2010/03/10-things-to-ask-your-vet-about-your-pets-medications.html

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2074

Oregon Shelter to Adopt Out 40+ Purebred Pets

2010-03-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Most people don’t associate shelters with purebred dogs, but with the troubled economy many dog breeders and pet owners are having difficulties keeping their pets. Some are even moving from homes to apartments and don’t want to pay the pet fees. So, their expensive purebred dogs are being left behind in shelters.

Consider the 43 purebred dogs turned over to the Oregon Humane Society by a breeder trying to shrink their business. These dogs including; Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Bichon frisés, West Highland white terriers and a Brussels griffon will be going up for adoption soon. Potential adoptive families will be getting great deals on these pups as the average purebred is worth hundreds of dollars while the shelter only charge adoption fees of between $150 to $250.

The breeder giving up these pups are just on of the first to start shrinking their businesses in response to a new bill banning puppy mills went into effect on January 1st this year. The law basically prevents anyone from owning more than 50 dogs that are more than two years old and used primarily for breeding purposes.

Although the shelter has received such a large influx of dogs at once, they aren’t too concerned about getting the purebred dogs adopted. David Lytle, spokesman for the organization stated, "It could be a record day...I think every one of these small dogs will go...We've been delighted with them...Almost all of them are friendly with people and eager to give kisses. We were pleasantly surprised. So far, we've been putting them on leashes with good luck...But they will have to be trained from the ground up."

The shelter is planning on only letting in 8 to 12 people at a time into the shelter, since they don’t want to overwhelm the facility with a bunch of people at once.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2073

Squirrel Babies Find Wet Nurse in Toy Cup Poodle

2010-03-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Gail Latta of Oxford, North Carolina did her good did for the year in rescuing a litter of baby squirrels that were left homeless after the tree they were in was cut down. However, she ended up needing a little help to feed the babies.

Latta tried everything to get the wee ones to eat even attempting to nurse them with baby bottles for puppies, but it didn’t work. Finally out of desperation, Latta gave the three squirrel babies to her toy poodle, 4 year old Pixie. The dog just recently gave birth to her own litter and was still able to nurse. Pixie took to them like a duck to water, nursing the motherless squirrels as her own for nearly two weeks.

Unfortunately, Latta ended up having to turn the squirrels over to wildlife rehabilitation specialist Frank Newell at the end of this time. She may have been violating local and state laws by keeping the baby squirrels in her home. A tough task for Latta and Pixie, whom both became attached to the babies, but necessary. Newell will be raising the squirrels on his property until they are old enough to be released.

Pixie’s hard work didn’t go for naught though, by the time the squirrels were turned over to Newell, they were able to eat fruits and kitten replacement milk. Of course, Pixie had a hard time letting go. Latta states, ‘She kept sniffing the box where we had them and whined a little bit.’

However, a few doggie biscuits helped Pixie past her empty nest syndrome over the now gone baby squirrels. Hopefully, she won’t have to lose another litter, adopted or biological anytime soon.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2072

So Where Do Cats Come From?

2010-03-28T21:11:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered where domesticated cats originated from? Sure, there are felines in the wild, but they aren’t quite the ancestors of our modern cats. Research on cat genetics from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California indicates that cats were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 years ago. This area is a swatch of land that stretches from Turkey to North Africa where some of the earliest large civilizations got started.

It seems likely that cats were adopted by humans simply for their usefulness to people in hunting mice and other small rodents. Around 10,000 years ago is when humans really ceased their nomadic lifestyles and created permanent settlements focused on farming. They stored up large amounts of grains, which attracted mice, which then attracted cats. Soon we realized that the cats were keeping the mouse population down quite a bit and began encouraging the cats. Soon the cats were no longer afraid of people and our relationship became a more symbiotic one.

Even though we have hundreds of different breeds of cat there are really only four types; the European, Mediterranean, East African and Asian. Over time these cats spread around the world by following people on our typical migration and trade routes. Other people saw how great these ‘cats’ were and wanted one for themselves. It was a fad that never found an end, instead it grew and changed into our current relationship with the domesticated feline. So, the mysterious cat seems a little less and a little more friendly to humans. Just remember that the next time your cat pounces on shrews and tries to present them at your feet.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2070

Dog that Tore Up Police Car is Released

2010-03-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

A week or two ago I wrote about the dog that ate a police car, actually two police cars. The dog, a Pit Bull mix, defied police officers in his rage against the machine, withstanding mace and tasers in his desire to tear apart those cop cars.

The dog left two cop cars with flat tires and at least one missing bumper when the local animal shelter sent out someone to corral the dog.

Well, since then, the dog named Winston has been a model prisoner at McKarney Animal Center in Chattanooga. It seems he hasn’t been in trouble before this incident and the owners are baffled as to what could have set their dog off.

The judge reviewing Winston’s case, Judge Sherry Paty has agreed to drop Winston’s citation as a ‘Potentially Dangerous Dog’ as long as he takes court ordered obedience training and successfully completes it. With his new orders, Winston’s owners, Michael Emerling and his mother Nancy got to take him home on Thursday.

While the dog’s owners are relieved at the decision and second chance for Winston, the judge reviewing the case offered some words of warning, "If it were a person or a child (attacked), it could have been devastating...I don't even want the remote possibility of that happening."

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2067

Three Women Arrested for Freeing Dangerous Dogs from Animal Shelter

2010-03-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

In the small town of Coombs, British Columbia three women are in trouble le after taking two dogs out of the local ASPCA facility, shall we say…after hours last Thursday? The women were apparently trying to rescue the dogs from euthanasia after they had been declared dangerous and a BC judge ordered them put down in January of 2009.

The women cut a hole in the fencing surrounding the SPCA shelter and once inside cut the locks on the dogs cages to free them.

Obviously the dogs were still alive when they rescued them, as the dogs are in the middle of a controversial and lengthy legal battle over their fate. The euthanasia order is currently in the midst of an appeal process and it could be a while before it’s truly determined if the dogs will be put to sleep. In the meantime, these three women, all residents of the Oceanside area got tired of waiting around.

Police are declining to state whether these women knew the dogs previously or were protestors just trying to ‘free willy’ as it were until the charges against them have been approved by Crown counsel. Currently police are recommending charges of breaking and entering, theft and possession of stolen property.

The cause of all this brouhaha are the dogs which were declared dangerous after they ran free from their owner’s yard and attacked a small dog in the company of some children. The attack just the latest of 9 previous reports of these two attacking smaller pets.

The two dogs, a German Sheppard cross and Black lab cross are currently being held at an undisclosed location. The women were released from police custody after a promise to appear at their next court date on May 12.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2065

Man is First Jamaican to Finish the Iditarod

2010-03-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

In a historical moment for the Alaskan Iditarod, Newton Marshall has become the first Jamaican and black man to finish the race of more than 1,000 miles. Marshal, 27 years old, managed to finish 47th out of 71 starters.

The race took him 12 days, four hours and 27 minutes to complete. The harrowing experience was enough to nearly kill him.

Marshall said this of the race, "The toughest moment, when I thought I was going to die, was when we were up in the hills and it was windy and there was zero visibility...You could not really see the trains or the dogs. You would have to point your headlights at the reflectors on the trail to get the dogs to follow the reflectors to stay on the right trail...The dogs took the wrong trail one time. We went in the deep snow up to my chest...I had two female dogs who were on heat. My male dogs were always turning back and trying to mate and I was trying to get them to take the right path...I dozed off a couple of times. There were many times I found myself rocking off the back of the sled and I grabbed myself back on."

Marshall’s career in dog sledding got it’s start when he was asked to train dogs to pull buggies along sand dunes in Jamaica. This was done for Danny Melville, a partner in the package tour operator Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

His interest peaked, Marshall trained under expert and this year’s Iditarod winner, Lance Mackey, who ran the race in eight days, 23 hours and 59 minutes. Marshall did suffer frostbite on the nose and cheeks during the race. As his reward for completion of the Iditarod, Marshall plans on a holiday of snowboarding and skiing before returning home to a heroes welcome at one of Mr. Jimmy Buffet’s Jamaican restaurants. Buffet, the writer and songster of Margeritaville sponsored Marshall’s run in the Iditarod.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2063

Many Animals Languish for Years at No Kill Shelters

2010-03-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

No kill shelters are a growing in numbers around the country, but it seems that there are still many cats and dogs whom never get homes. These are the long time veterans of shelters that don’t euthanize. They are repeatedly overlooked for adoption by families because of repeat offenses, chronic illness or they don’t fit the mold of traditional cuteness. Some of these animals are stuck at no kill shelters for years before finally being adopted or being placed at an animal sanctuary. Yet, these pets love and crave human companions just as much as any other.

In fact, there are so many of these animals at shelters that they’ve earned the nickname, long timers by the Humane Society. The problems that kept certain pets from being adopted at shelters prior to the no kill policy are often the same ones that keep animals from being adopted today. There may not even be anything wrong with these animals. For instance, black dogs usually take longer to get adopted out. This can be because of superstitions or just that people have a harder time seeing the dog’s facial expressions. So, these cute puppies sit around languishing.

Living in a shelter is not conducive to an animal’s health. Cats are usually kept in single rooms with a dozen other cats at a time. They have little privacy and must deal with the constant interruptions of strangers. For dogs it can be worse. They are kept in single small rooms, typically by themselves. They don’t get the kind of human and animal interaction they need, nor do they get the kind of exercise needed to keep them exercised and mentally stimulated.

No one wants to be a long timer. Next, time you head down to the shelter, consider these veterans of the shelters first, so they’ll have a chance to experience a home of their own.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2062

How to Handle Pet Shedding

2010-03-20T01:09:00.000-07:00

Well, spring is here and that means another round of shedding from dogs and cats alike. Yes, soon your house will be overrun with the teeny, tiny, white and black hairs of your very fuzzy pets. Not to mention all that dander! To help combat this seasonal problem here are a few tips from the Windfield Daily Courier:

1. Feed an appropriate pet food. A pet’s coat is often a reflection of what they eat. Feed a high quality food with good digestible protein sources.

2. Cover your furniture and car seats. Upholstery is a magnet for pet hair, and removing pet hair from furniture or car seats can be tedious. If you allow pets on your furniture or bed, you would be wise to invest in a few furniture throws. Throws will keep your furniture looking (and smelling) better and make your home more inviting to guests. Car seat covers are also an excellent investment and are highly recommended.

3. Control allergies and fleas. If your pet is scratching because of allergies, supplement with Vitacaps® and Biotin to control inhalant allergies that irritate the skin. You should also see your veterinarian to make sure your pet is getting proper allergy relief. To prevent itching and scratching from fleas, use a flea repellent that your vet recommends to prevent and control infestations.

4. Have regular checkups. Many diseases can affect the skin and haircoat. Regular visits to your veterinarian will help identify problems early and provide more effective treatment.

5. To control shedding, use the right brush. Slicker brushes, shedding blades, matbreakers and Love Gloves have specific functions and work best on the type of coat they are designed for. Most pets need more than one type of brush to remove all of the dead hair.

Read a ton more tips at: http://www.winfieldcourier.com/articles/2010/03/19/people/people/doc4ba3a0217d876203856586.txt

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2061

Australian Woman Charged with Keeping 20+ Animals

2010-03-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here’s a strange tale, this woman says that she was forced to move out of her $1.5 million dollar mansion and live in her car with over 20 pets. The woman was living with her pets in an underground parking garage in Australia for an undisclosed period, until someone filed a complaint about her.

The RSPCA found the woman, Carol Lynette Samuels, 66, in the underground parking lot of a shopping center living with 12 cats and 11 dogs. The woman claimed that she was once a successful cat breeder but fell on hard times and ended up living in her car with her pets which she feels are like her children. She was discovered last September.

The animal inspector told Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland's Gold Coast that there were 11 long haired Persian cats, a Himalayan cat, nine Pomeranian dogs and two poodles. They were all inside carriers in the car, which stank of ammonia and the dogs were standing around besides the cars.

All of the animals were seized by the RSPCA. Their fur was matted, they had fleas and the cat flu. One of the cats did have to be put down. Samuels pleaded guilty to nine counts of breaching the Animal Care and Protection Act by failing her duty of care to feed, clean and provide adequate shelter.

The courts fined Samuels $4,000, ordered her to give the RSPCA $5,000 for veterinary care and to pay $73.80 in court costs.

RSPCA Inspector Sommer Heath-Crilley stated, ‘The RSPCA is very happy with the outcome…It's been a long process for us but hopefully from here on in we're able to find new homes for the cats."

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2060

EPA Wants Pet Medications to Clarify Instructions

2010-03-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

I wrote a few months ago about the FDA looking into the safety of topical flea and tick medication. It seems that something may be happening on that front, but it’s not the FDA, it the EPA which will soon be requiring pet meds to list their ingredients.

This comes after a series of reports that pets suffered seizures and even died after owners applied topical flea and tick treatments. In 2008 the EPA received over 44,000 complaints and reports of such negative reactions from pets over double the increase of reports from the last year. To help ensure pet safety the EPA is going to require that makers of these products not only provide better labeling, they are also to clarify their instructions for applying the medication. To make sure that the owners don’t apply too much medication or give cats meds that were intended for dogs and vice versa.

The EPA’s requirements are going to affect most topical over the counter and prescription medications for flea and tick prevention. Companies such as Merck & Co., Bayer AG and Pfizer Inc. make these products and sell them under names such as Frontline Top Spot for Dogs, Promeris Canine Flea Control and Enforcer Flea Drops for Cats.

After the EPA looked into the problem they realized that the cause was labeling and not consumer’s improperly using the products. For instance, many pet owners didn’t realize they would need to adjust the size of the dosage based on their pet’s weight.

To start the EPA is asking pet medication makers to clarify their labels and instructions. If companies don’t voluntarily comply the EPA states they will be forced to change.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2059

A Tale for St Patrick's Day

2010-03-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day! There are plenty of animal legends relating St. Patty and the Irish from snakes to celtic dragons! In honor of the holiday here’s an excerpt from a fun little tale about a Dragon and a Leprechaun called, Treasures & Trees, Dragons & Dreams at Spunsilk.pair.com

Drimlin was a dragon. Not a little bitty, ordinary, everday lizard, mind you...but a real live honest-to-goodness fire-breathing, smoke-snorting, wing-flapping dragon who lived all alone in a huge cave set in the loftiest peak of the highest mountain in all the land.

Drimlin was rather a nice sort of dragon -- as far as dragons go. He hardly ever went around scaring people, and he very seldom stampeded their cattle. But then Drimlin wasn't exactly perfect either. You see, Drimlin liked treasures. And unfortunately...what Drimlin liked, Drimlin took. Yes. Drimlin was a bit of a thief. Drimlin slept all the day, and flew 'round all night looking for treasures to steal.

Lucy was a leprechaun, born to laugh and dance, play pranks and sing. Lucy, however, was not quite perfect herself. Lucy, you see, was a bit of a dandy. She loved fine clothes, and she wore them with just a shade too much pride. She loved nothing better than to prance around wearing nothing but emerald green and a big bright smile.

Lucy lived in the hollow trunk of a huge old oak tree in the middle of a quiet valley. She stood barely taller than a unicorn's knee, and like all leprechauns, Lucy had her very own pot of gold hidden at the end of her very own rainbow.

Now once upon a brightly moonlit night, as Drimlon soared high over Lucy's valley, he caught the scent of leprechaun gold. The dragon became excited and he began to swoop over and around the valley in huge circles. As he swooped, his circles grew smaller and he flew lower and lower, but still without a rainbow to guide him, he couldn't find Lucy's cleverly hidden pot of gold. Finally he gave up his search and off he flew toward his cave near the top of the Emerald Mountain, high above the clouds.

Angry Dog Tears Into Police Cruiser

2010-03-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

Some dogs are sweet, some are rambunctious and some are just plain nuts. That’s my diagnosis for the Pit Bull which attacked a cop car sitting by the roadside in Chattanooga this past Sunday. The car was occupied by a police officer running radar to check speeding on the local road.

According to police spokeswoman, Rebecca Royval, “He felt his car shake so got out to see what was going on and it was a pit bull chewing on his bumper…[The officer first tried scaring the dog away, but when it wasn’t impressed, he pepper spray the pooch. The spray had no effect.] Then he tried tasing the dog and that put him down for a few seconds but then he chewed the probes right out of his skin and continued on…He had shown aggression against a lawn mower before... I don't know. Maybe he doesn't like tires."

During this event a second police car responded to the scene and the dog attacked it’s tires as well as attacking two other cars driven by private citizens. All in all the dog, destroyed the bumper of one cop car, two tires, destroyed a paint job and deflated two additional tires on a second car. This was one very determined dog.

Eventually Animal Control arrived and was able to capture the dog and remove it from the bumper of said cop car. The dog managed to escape from the fenced yard of Mann’s Welding along with two other dogs witch were captured but weren’t trying to take apart anyone’s cars.

The dogs belonged to Nancy Emerling who was cited by animal control and all of the dogs were removed from the property officers.

They aren’t certain yet what the fate of the Pit Bull will be. While he didn’t actually attack any of the police officers, his aggressive behavior and strong destructive intent is a big concern. They fear they may have to put the dog down to prevent any possible attacks on people should the dog feel threatened at some point.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2057

5-Minute Speed Dating for Doggies

2010-03-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

Many people know that their dogs are great for meeting potential dates at the dog park, but have you ever tried taking Fido on that first date? Seems like it could get awkward fast. What with the dog begging at the restaurant table and tripping all the staff to get at their plates. Yet, the ‘Must Love Dogs’ event run hosted by the Social Connection in Ferndale, California is encouraging people to bring their dogs on dates.

The event will occur next Sunday at the Canine Resolution, which is a doggy behavior and training business out in Waterford. It’s going to be one big speed dating event for people and their pets. Everyone signed up for the event will get 5 minutes a piece with their prospective dates. Hopefully, Fido will remain well behaved and not sniff too many crotches.

There are many, including Jack Wilson, 50, of Plymouth whom feel that this is a great way to emphasize how much their pets are a big part of their lives to prospective partners, while also meeting other people who feel the same way about their own pets.

Wilson states, "For better or worse, she's part of the package...They would need to understand there's a lot of obligation with having a dog, especially for a single person...It's hard go away on weekends. It's not like having a child, but there are similar responsibilities."

Wilson is looking for someone who is willing to deal with his dog’s shedding and understands that he needs to be able to get home right after work to walk the dog. Even going on vacation is more involved as he can’t leave the dog at home, and a prospective partner needs to deal.

Admission to the event is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. All doggies must have proof of their vaccinations and be non-aggressive. The phone number to contact them is 248-543-1000

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2056

Small Town Passes Vicious Dog Laws without Breed Specific Regulations

2010-03-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

The city council of Elgin, IL has voted to adopt tougher dangerous dog laws. However, they won’t be creating suggestive language to outlaw specific dog breeds, or restrict their owners the way other dangerous dog ordinances have in the past few years.

Initially, the law when presented to the city council late last month, featured Pit Bull specific language. Owners of these dogs were to be required to purchase dog licenses for three years at a time, get their dogs micro chipped and carry $100,000 worth of homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance. Pit bulls were to be considered dangerous dogs and to be required to follow a number of restrictions. Their owners would need them to be evaluated, spayed or neutered, take obedience classes, walked on non-retractable leashes and muzzled when they go out and only those over the age of 18 be allowed to walk Pit Bulls.

After a lot of protests from citizens and deliberation in the council, these requirements will not be Pit Bull specific. Only those dogs, whatever the breed, that a hearing officer or court deems vicious. In addition, they’ve made the requirements less harsh for owners of these dogs. They will only need to pay a license fee to $50 and they reduced the size of required signage; owners can have smaller fences, provided a dog is muzzled or tethered and under adult supervision; and they are allowing pit bulls from outside Elgin to be in the city only with proof of registration and/or licensing elsewhere.

When a dog is declared vicious their owners will not be able to take their dogs for walks on the city streets and they will also need to put up signs warning neighbors and visitors of vicious dogs.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2054

The AMVA Releases Membership Data Shows Interesting Veterinary Trends

2010-03-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

When you take your pet to the veterinarian have you paid much attention to the person poking and prodding your Fido or Fifi? Or have you been to distracted by your pet's potential discomfort? Well, either way it seems your veterinarian is more and more likely to be female as opposed to male these days. I know I’ve taken pets to both male and female vets and just never really thought about it, but this is an interesting point.

Recently, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) posted a listing of all its member's data online revealing some pretty interesting info about veterinarians including the tidbit that you are more likely to run into a female veterinarian. This is such an amazing piece of knowledge because its the first time in history that women have outnumbered men in the veterinary profession. This shift occurred in 2009 when the number of female vets passed the number of male at 44,802 to 43,196. An important milestone in this traditionally male dominated career field.

In addition it seems that more and more veterinarians are opting to specialize and getting board certification for it. It used to be that a veterinarian was either a small pet or farm animal vet and that was about as focused as they got. Now there’re specialties in certain species and areas of veterinary medicine. Look out in your yellow pages for the Avian Expert in Oncology or the homeopathic doggy vet.

Dr. Larry R. Corry, president of the AVMA states his opinion on why this is happening, "As the human-animal bond continues to grow, veterinarians are being asked by pet owners to provide increasingly advanced treatments, which is driving them into specialties like internal medicine, neurology and oncology."

Let’s hope these trends in veterinary medicine are a sign of improving health care for pets and don’t lead to rapidly rising prices and greed.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2053

Tips for Dealing with Loss of a Pet

2010-03-11T00:58:00.000-08:00

After that Cesar Millan post yesterday about the loss of his dog I figured we could use a post with tips on dealing with pet loss. Everyone loses a pet at some point in their lives, simply because dogs, cats and many other animals don't live as long as people do. It can hurt a lot too. To help you deal here's some tips from PetLoss.com:

Am I crazy to hurt so much?
Intense grief over the loss of a pet is normal and natural. Don't let anyone tell you that it's silly, crazy, or overly sentimental to grieve!

During the years you spent with your pet (even if they were few), it became a significant and constant part of your life. It was a source of comfort and companionship, of unconditional love and acceptance, of fun and joy. So don't be surprised if you feel devastated by the loss of such a relationship.

People who don't understand the pet/owner bond may not understand your pain. All that matters, however, is how you feel. Don't let others dictate your feelings: They are valid, and may be extremely painful. But remember, you are not alone: Thousands of pet owners have gone through the same feelings.

What Can I Expect to Feel?
Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, you may also experience the following emotions:

Guilt may occur if you feel responsible for your pet's death-the "if only I had been more careful" syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with guilt for the accident or illness that claimed your pet's life, and only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief.

Denial makes it difficult to accept that your pet is really gone. It's hard to imagine that your pet won't greet you when you come home, or that it doesn't need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry this to extremes, and fear their pet is still alive and suffering somewhere. Others find it hard to get a new pet for fear of being "disloyal" to the old.
Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the driver of the speeding car, the veterinarian who "failed" to save its life. Sometimes it is justified, but when carried to extremes, it distracts you from the important task of resolving your grief.

Depression is a natural consequence of grief, but can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell upon your sorrow.

What can I do about my feelings?...Read more on the process at: http://www.pet-loss.net/index.shtml
Also check out http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2052 for other pet related advice.

Daddy the Pit Bull from Dog Whisperer Passes Away

2010-03-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

I'm a fan of the show, Dog Whisperer, and watch as often as I can get to it. Naturally, Cesar's show featured many dogs, but one of his most popular from the doggy pack itself was 'Daddy' a very calm, surprisingly gentle Pit Bull. Daddy after 16 long and fulfilling years died on February 19th 2010.

According to a press release, Daddy passed away while surrounded by friends and family though it didn't state how he died. Cesar did know that Daddy was getting close to passing on prior to the day though. He apparently helped Cesar pick out a new pup to replace him in the pack when the time came.

Daddy came to live with Cesar at 4 months old originally lived with the rapper, Reginold Noble AKA Redman. However, the rapper was having trouble with Daddy so he brought the pup to Cesar's Dog Psychology Center where Daddy ended up becoming a permanent resident due to the rapper's other career related responsibilities. Eventually, Cesar adopted Daddy and the two became very close.

Over time Daddy's extremely balenced, calm and submissive nature garnered the notice of millions of Dog Whisperer fans. Cesar often brought Daddy in to help calm excited out of balenced dogs on the show and even referred to the pit bull as an Ambassadar for all Pit Bulls.

Chris Albert, Vice President of Communications for the National Geographic Channel states of the dog, "There would be people who would say, 'You know, Daddy has completely changed my mind about dogs or about 'pit bulls' or about life'...It was just amazing to hear those stories"

To honor Daddy's memory the Millan family has established an emergancy animal rescue fund in his name. The fund will be available to help dogs that are victims of abuse, violence or even natural disasters such as hurricanes and fires. Millan plans on burying Daddy in a special temple he will build on his ranch. wherever you are, may the force be with you Daddy.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2051

Image Source: National Geographic, Daddy and Cesar Millan

Cat Uses One of Nine Lives to Cold Storage Warehouse

2010-03-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

No kitty would like to become a catsicle by getting stuck in a warehouse, but this kitty nearly did! A cat survived being trapped in a frozen food warehouse for at least a month. This at a warehouse in England which maintains a constant temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Numerous people working at the warehouse reported seeing the cat and attempted to cat the kitty for it’s own safety. Yet, no one was able to bring the kitty cat in. He was just to shy and quick to get away.

After a month on the run they were finally able to bring the cat in and took it to the Leicester's RSPCA Woodside Animal Centre. The poor kitty cat didn’t get out of this tough situation completely unharmed though. The cat now appropriately named ‘Frosty’ had already been missing one ear when they caught him. At the center they had to remove the cat’s other ear and his tail since being rescued. So the poor cat probably isn’t feeling too good about his captures right now, despite their good intentions.

Rachel Allcock, an RSPCA care assistant, started, "When he came into us he was pretty shy, which isn't surprising considering the ordeal he'd been through. He's a lovely cat and he's become very playful."

The cat will have to spend some time at the center recovering from his ordeal and even being monitored before he can be placed for adoption. Hopefully, the cat will find a nice home with a warm and toasty fireplace to sit in front of on cold winter nights.

Interestingly enough, another cat had been caught out in the cold for a good 20 days during freezing temperatures before being rescued and brought indoors.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2049

What Does Your Dog's Body Language Say?

2010-03-06T00:24:00.000-08:00

Everyone thinks they can read their dog's body language. Just because Fido has lived with you for years doesn't mean you correctly interpreting everything that pup does or even their vocalizations. In fact, many people believe that tail wagging is a sign of happiness, but it's really a sign of excitement. Even fighting dogs will wag their tails. So, to ensure there are no miscommunications here are a few signs for your pooches moods from About.com:

Confident
The confident dog stands straight and tall with her head held high, ears perked up, and eyes bright. Her mouth may be slightly open but is relaxed. Her tail may sway gently, curl loosely or hang in a relaxed position. She is friendly, non-threatening and at ease with her surroundings.

Submissive
A submissive dog holds her head down, ears down flat and averts her eyes. Her tail is low and may sway slightly, but is not tucked. She may roll on her back and expose her belly. A submissive dog may also also nuzzle or lick the other dog or person to further display passive intent. Sometimes, she will sniff the ground or otherwise divert her attention to show that she does not want to cause any trouble. A submissive dog is meek, gentle and non-threatening.

Happy
A happy dog will show the same signs as a confident dog. In addition, she will usually wag her tail and sometimes hold her mouth open more or even pant mildly. She appears even more friendly and content than the confident dog, with no signs of anxiety.

Aggressive
An aggressive dog goes far beyond dominant. All feet are firmly planted on the ground in a territorial manner, and she may lunge forward. Her ears are pinned back, head is straight ahead, eyes are narrowed but piercing, tail is straight and full. She bears her teeth, snaps her jaw and growls or barks threateningly. The hairs along her back stand on edge. If you are near a dog showing these signs it is very important to get away carefully. Do not run. Do not make eye contact with the dog. Do not show fear.

As you can see there are many moods to your mutt. So, it's quite important to figure out the body language signals your dog is sending you.

To learn more doggy body language head over to: http://dogs.about.com/od/dogtraining/tp/dogbodylanguage.htm

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2048

Nearly Starved Cat Found in Warehouse Truck

2010-03-04T22:31:00.000-08:00

A severely dehydrated cat was found on Wednesday in Alberton's Warehouse at Billings, Montana by warehouse workers. It seems the kitty was stowed away in a truck coming in from Utah. When they discovered the it first appeared that she was feral. She hissed and growled at the workers when they tried to approach.

According to the warehouse, the workers were unloading the truck which originated in Utah on tuesday when they happened upon the kitty. She appeared to be quite thin and without food or water for 'quite a long time' So, it's believed the cat was someplace, maybe inside the truck, for longer than the 24 hours it took for the vehicle to get to the warehouse.

Animal control officer, Nancy Lindstrom of Billings Animal Control picked up the cat and brought it back to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, which shares a building with Animal Control. She states, "I opened the box and she looked up at me and meowed at me. And I said, 'Aww, you're not feral.' I reached in and petted it...Really nice, very sweet, didn't act wild, so I picked it up and it was just skin and bones."

The shelter estimates that the cat is about 10 years old, so she's been around for awhile. shelter director Chris Anderson said, "She's very thin and very dehydrated, so it makes me think she has been some place for far longer than 24 hours...Twenty-four hours without water, they're thirsty, but they would not be so dehydrated. She is truly bone thin. So she's been some place without food and water for quite a long time."

Hopefully, this kitty will recover quickly and find a new home with people willing to plump her up a bit.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2047

Two March Poems for Lambs and Lions

2010-03-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

March is upon us and for those of you familiar with popular phrases it's a month assiociated with two unlikely companions, the Lion and the Lamb. What's that phrase again? In like a lion, out like a lamb. Well March certainly roared in where I'm living this year. I thought I'd track down a couple of animal themed poems commemorating these monthes. This first one is posted at Gardendigest.com:

The March wind roars
Like a lion in the sky,
And makes us shiver
As he passes by.

When winds are soft,
And the days are warm and clear,
Just like a gentle lamb,
Then spring is here.
- Author Unknown

And here is another poem by the poet, Joyce P. Hale, comparing the Month of March to these two famous animals, who really don't get along all that well if you ask me. Maybe that's their appeal in attempting to describe the vagaries of the month of March.

March - Lion and Lamb (poem) by Joyce P. Hale
MARCH has tumbled on the scene,
exits mild, but enters mean...
Winter waves a fierce goodbye,
while robins promise Spring is nigh.

Daffodils are peeking through...
forsythia is budding, too.
Clouds are racing, sun is cool,
in like a lion is the rule!

Birds all seem to know it's time
to answer Mother Nature's sign;
they listen to an innate command,
and there goes March, out like a lamb.

© Joyce P. Hale

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2045

Man Walks Dog from Car, Police Take License

2010-03-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the urge to you know, walk the alongside the car? It's a lazy sunday afternoon and Fido really needs a nice longwalk but you just aren't feeling it. So, you decide to walk the dog alongside the car at say, 5 miles per hour. Well maybe not, but Paul Railton of England decided to give it a try.

Most people these days will skateboard, rollerblade or even bike ride with their dogs, but few rarely attempt to drive a car while walking the dog. This tends to be dangerous and makes it hard to pick up after a pet at any rate. Plus, it's certainly eye-catching.

Which is what happened when Paul Railton took his pooch for a walk. A passing cyclist saw Railton driving slowly down a country lane with his dog's leash hanging out the driver's side window and his dog trotting alongside.

Police were called and Railton ended up in court. His defense, "a lot of people exercise their dogs in that manner."

The magistrate didn't buy it and ended up pleading guilty on Monday to not being in proper control of the vehicle. The man was fined 66 pounds in fines plus costs and lost three points on his driver's license. As he had previous point deductions on the license Railton is now banned from driving for six months.

According to British newspaper The Sun, Railton said after the hearing, "It is a joke...I'm not bothered. I knew I would get three points. I might save myself some money not having a car." Railton is 23 years old.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2042

Singer Incurs PETA's Wrath After Idle Tweet

2010-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Jessica Simpson, the singer and actress, is considering a rather unusual new pet. She’s thinking about bringing home a pet pig. This decision mentioned via her Twitter account when she stated, "I'm thinking about getting a pet pig...Does this mean I'll have to give up pork?"

Of course, the seemingly innocuous statement sparked controversy, especially with PETA whom, naturally, disapproves. PETA has stated rather sharply about Simpson’s idea of adopting a pig, ‘Pigs, who are smarter than dogs and every bit as sensitive to pain and stress, don't belong in Jessica's stomach or carted around as her latest accessory.’

Jessica Simpson has been the center of some other controversy arising from her time on the reality television series, Newlyweds, with her ex-husband, Nick Lachey. PETA has previous dealings with Simpson after commenting on a tee shirt she wore with the phrase, ‘Real Girls Eat Meat’ in 2008.

The singer is still dealing with the sudden loss of her dog, Daisy, which was a gift from ex-husband Nick Lachey. Daisy had been in the backyard of her home when the small dog was snatched by a coyote and carried off. A tragic end to be sure, but not entirely uncommon out west. This is a definite warning for owners of small dogs. Don’t leave them alone outside.

Of course, Simpson isn’t the first person or even celebrity to consider a pet pig. George Clooney developed a well-known affection for his pot-bellied pig called ‘Max the Star’ who lived with the actor for 18 years before dying. Paris Hilton also adopted a teacup piglet last fall and David and Victoria Beckham are said to have their own pair of piggies.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2041

Tallahassee Feral Cats Spayed in Catch and Release Program

2010-02-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

The catch and release program in Tallahassee, Florida is doing a lot of good for the feral cat population. In recent years, a new kind of spaying and neutering program has popped up amongst animal lovers and non-profit groups. Instead of trying to bring feral cats into good homes with adoptions, where they have a hard time adjusting and usually run off from time to time, groups are working to catch feral cats, spay or neuter them, give them their shots and put them back where they came from.

This method seems to work best in areas with large feral cat populations and people who care for them but can’t convince them to stay indoors.

In Tallahassee, the Leon County Humane Society and local cat organizations offer Trap, Neuter and Release of feral cats to property owners who request the services. They don’t even have to catch the cats either. The shelter sends a volunteer trapper to the area with humane cage traps. The traps are set, filled with food and curious cats come calling. Trappers check their traps each day and the captured kitties are taking to a vet for surgery and shots. After some down time, cats are returned to where they were captured.

The cost of these services is quite affordable at $41 to $66 and will help keep the feral cat population from getting out of hand on your property. Alley Cat Allies, a national organization working on behalf of feral cats estimates a city like Tallahassee has about 20,000 feral cats and each female capable of producing two to three litters a year.

Additionally, catch and release programs save the government money on catching, caring for, adopting out or possibly euthanizing feral cats. Without the ability to breed, eventually large populations will diminish and become less of a hazard for local birds, rodents and overly curious dogs.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2040

NIKE Stops Sale of Products with Exotic Animal Skin Leather

2010-02-27T22:45:00.000-08:00

PETA has convinced another retailer to stop selling products made with animal skins, at least exotic animal skins. After an in-depth investigation into the exotic skins industry in places like Africa, PETA sent footage of the extreme suffering animals go through during the process to the Nike corporation.

The company based in Beavertown and it's affiliate Cole Haan has revised their policy concerning the production and sale of exotic animal skin products. Their new policy reads, 'Animal Skins must not be any species considered to be exotic. Examples include, but are not limited to alligator, crocodile, lizard, snake, ostrich, fish, marine mammals, etc.'

They will no longer sell products made from exotic animal skin. PETA is counting this as a big victory and is urging other major retailers to follow NIKE's example. PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman states, "Every snakeskin bag, shoe, or jacket sold in a trendy boutique comes with a high price--and it's paid by animals who are torn away from their jungle homes and cruelly killed...We're asking retailers worldwide to follow Nike's lead and step away from cruelty to animals by giving exotic leather the boot."

The undercover footage sent to NIKE includes some pretty strong imagery which makes it hard to watch. The footage shows animals such as snakes, lizards and even alligators being skinned alive after improper attempts were made to kill them and even after being subjected to what can be called torture.

Exotic animals are primarily hunted, raised or killed for their skins in Africa, Asia and the United States.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2039

Dog Goes Missing In Virgina and Turns up in Florida

2010-02-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

A lost dog returned home recently after being found hundreds of miles away. Deacon, a German Sheppard went missing from Virginia just a few weeks before Christmas and turned up in Florida this month. It is still a mystery how the dog managed to make it that far in such a short period. My guess, he went south for the winter.

Deacon was rescued in a way after being spotted weaving in and out of traffic with another dog in Florida. A convenience store clerk noticed them and coaxed the two dogs into the store for their own safety. Both dogs were placed in a city run shelter called, Second Chance Kennel. The dogs were checked for a microchip and turned out Deacon had one. Lucky for him his owners thought ahead.

Once Deacon’s information was found the shelter authorities called his grieving owners, Pamela Holt and her husband in Virginia. They had long assumed that Deacon met an untimely end after getting lost and even went so far as to decide not to bring anymore dogs into their lives. Imagine the surprise when Pamela received a call from the Deland Animal Control Officers in Florida.

Pamela recounts getting the news to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, “My husband and I had grieved and had moved on. We had decided we were not going to get any more dogs...He asked me if my dog was missing and I told him that he is missing but that I am pretty sure he was dead...He said, ‘No he is not dead. I am looking at him'."

Deacon and his owners were reunited last weekend. He’d only just been adopted by a shelter in Statesville, N.C last year.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2037

More February Dental Health Tips from Best Bullys

2010-02-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

To help wrap up February, which happens to be Pet Dental Health Month I’ve tracked down a few more tips on keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. These practical ideas come from bestbullysticks.com:

1. Give your dg a good dental chew or treat to help keep tarter and plaque at bay. Not only are dental chews a great way to keep your dog’s teeth clean but also is a way fun away to keep your dog entertained for hours. Our bully sticks & dog chews do the trick!

2. Brush your pet’s teeth on a daily basis (2-3x is a week). Although dental chews are a great, they should not substitute for a good teeth brushing. Purchase a special pet toothpaste & toothbrush; never use human toothpaste since pets cannot spit or rinse. The key to successful teeth brushing is to start your pet off slowly for your pet to adapt, be gentle and use positive reinforcement. Treats work wonders! To make teeth brushing easy for the both of you, it is important to acclimate your anxious & often fearful pet [to the process]. Start by placing toothpaste on your fingers and gently rubbing them in your pet’s mouth. Not only will this get your pet accustomed to the taste of toothpaste and fingers, it will be a lot easier to introduce a toothbrush.

3. Professional Dental Cleaning At home pet dental cleaning is a must, but nothing compares to a good thorough yearly cleaning by a certified vet during your pets yearly physical. During your pet’s yearly vet checkup, your vet should inform you if a professional pet dental cleaning is needed. Consult with your vet further about any specific health risk for your pet prior to procedure since anesthesia will be used. Remember each pet’s circumstance is unique.

To learn some more wonderful tips for keeping your pet’s teeth clean not only in February but year round head straight to: http://www.bestbullysticks.com/blog/101-dog-care-tips/february-is-national-pet-dental-month-101-dog-care-tips-tip-37/

Today, Spay or Neuter Your Pet Day

2010-02-24T00:19:00.001-08:00

Today was Spay or Neuter your Pet Day all across the USA. Don't worry if you missed the notice about this 16th annual event run by the Humane Society International. It's not required, but highly recommended. So, if your pets haven't already been spayed or neutered, consider it for their life long health and the improved quality of life that future generations of pets will receive.

Many animal shelters took part in this event, offering low prices on the surgery not just today, but throughout the year. For example the Barren River Animal Welfare Association in Kentucky is offering low income residents a $20 voucher for dogs and $10 for cats through this Saturday.

Glasgow-Barren County Animal Shelter Director Margie Patton stated, 'All of us who work in shelters want people to have their pets spayed or neutered...This is a good opportunity for people who are struggling financially to get their pets fixed this month.'

Typically the pet population sees a dramatic increase during the spring months so now is the time to spay or neuter. Puppies and kittens may seem cute at first, but you'll be responsible for getting those animals to the vet, getting shots, feeding and caring for them and finding suitable homes. It's a lot easier to avoid the possibilityof your pets getting preggers all together.

Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society Director Lorri Hare states, 'We can help control the pet population and euthanasia. Spay/neuter is the only way it will happen. This is by far the most important part of the year to catch everything before the spring litters...People ask, ‘How does my one make a difference?’ In seven years, one cat and her offspring can give birth to 420,000 kittens. In six years, one female dog and her offspring can have 67,000 puppies.'

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2034

Can You Believe this Dog is Seven Feet Long?

2010-02-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

The World Guinness Book of Records has a new entrant today. It’s the world’s tallest dog, a Great Dane from Tucson, Arizona named Giant George.

The pup is a ginormous 43 inches from paw to shoulder and even more surprising 7 ft. 3in. From the tip of his tail to the end of his nose. He’s certainly not a lap dog that’s for sure. This isn’t to say that the dog is the world’s tallest dog, but it is the tallest dog recorded in the record books. So, if your dog is taller it’s time to come forward and contest the claims.

Giant George weighs around 245 pounds and manages to eat around 110 pounds of dog food each month. A special Guinness World Records adjudicator came out to the dog’s home in Tucson to confirm the dogs actual height. Guinness hopes that the record announcement will encourage other pet owners to examine their own pets for potential world record traits.

The former record holder as world’s tallest dog was Titan, another Great Dane from San Diego. Giant George managed to beat him out by just three fourths of an inch.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, states, ‘This record has also sparked great interest in finding other pet records, so we're asking everyone to check their dog houses, scratch posts and under the bed - they just might be living with a record-breaking pet.’

Guinness is currently launching a search for new doggy and kitty record holders in the areas of longest ears on a dog, the smallest dog, the oldest dog, the smallest cat and oldest cat.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2033

Lost Child Kept Warm in Freezing Overnight Temperatures by Pet Dog

2010-02-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

There is a very lucky little girl in Cordes Lakes, Arizona tonight. Three-year-old Victoria Bensch and her dog named, ‘Blue’ wandered away from home on Thursday, managing to get lost and spending the night in the freezing cold.

Her panicked parents had last seen Victoria playing outside near their home around 5 pm. When they noticed that the girl was missing they searched for an hour before calling the police.

Immediately local police began searching for the girl in the area around her home and also contacting local sex offenders in case she’d been abducted. They even sent out helicopters and dogs to search for the girl.

Shortly after dawn a helicopter team finally found the girl when they spotted movement near the underside of some shrubbery.

According to the pilot Matthew Uhl who found Victoria, ‘'I saw some movement which drew my attention to the area...Then I saw the dog right away. Then I saw her laying face-down motionless, initially...I kneeled down next to her, told her, `Hey, I'm going to take you to your mommy. She smiled at me and put her arms up. I picked her up and took her back to the aircraft...The dog which had protected the girl all night seemed to know help had arrived.'

The temperatures dropped far enough during the night that the child may have suffered some frostbite, but otherwise appears to be healthy. She was wearing only a tee shirt, shorts and tennis shoes. Authorities don’t believe there was any foul play involved. It simply seems that the girl wandered off, either following her dog or with the dog following her.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2030

Little Scotty Wins Best of Show at Westminster

2010-02-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

The well-known annual Westminster Dog Show finished up last night and those of you who watched it on the telly know that this year's winner is Sadie the Scottish Terrier. Not a surprise since Sadie was the favorite to win. Even bookers in Vegas were taking bets on this dog show and gave Sadie 8 to 1 odds of winning. Pretty good, considering there are hundreds of dogs competing in the show.

Yes, Sadie is a real winner. She's only 4 years old and has a slew of awards, including a second place showing from Westminster last year. She would have taken first but judges were biased when she appeared to pee on the carpet during judging.

Sadie's owner is Amelia Musser of Mackinac Island, Michigan and her handler is Gabriel Rangel who claims to have a very close relationship with the pooch. Even going so far as to compare it to a marriage by stating, "I'm happily married, as long as I say 'Yes honey.'" That yes often includes lots of treats including her favorite, chicken hotdogs.

Her win tonight at Westminster makes Sadie the 8th Scottish Terrier to take the Best in Show award, which is second only to 13 wins by Wire Fox Terriers over the years.

There were dogs from 173 different breeds competing at the Westminster show. Next year, they will welcome a further 6 breeds including the bluetick coonhound, a favorite of hunters and sportspersons.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2028

Cat Manages to Get Head Stuck Inside Food Tin

2010-02-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

A cat in Scotland is extremely lucky after having gotten it's head stuck inside an open tin can. The cat like many animals could have died painfully of starvation or been attacked by another animal. However, this cat was extremely lucky in that it managed to wander right up to a Scotland SPCA in its city of Middlebank, Dunfermline.

The cat was discovered at the center with what appeared to be a can of Whiskas cat food. It's head was lodged all the way up to its neck inside the can. This sort of problem occurs all the time when animals are scavenging in the wild and get stuck in human food containers. Shelter workers removed the can and checked the cat over before being sent to the Scottish SPCA's rescue unit in Balerno, Edinburgh.

Colin Seddon, manager at the centre in Middlebank, Dunfermline, states, 'Luckily no damage was done and the little cat was very pleased to be freed from the discomfort that comes with having your head stuck inside a tin can...We think it's likely that she was scavenging and came across this discarded tin of cat food. She may have got the can stuck on her head and then became disorientated, it's lucky she wasn't hit by a car.

It's hard to determine if the cat was dumped by someone who believed the center was a rehoming unit or was simply a domesticated pet that got lost. Besides having her head stuck, the cat appears to be in good health, even wearing a distinctive black collar with green cats on it. If the cat is someone's pet the shelter encourages the owner to contact them via their animal helpline at 03000 999 999.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2027

Two Dogs and Man Fall Through Ice

2010-02-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Well it’s wintertime and you know what happens in the winter. People and pets falling through the ice on lakes, ponds and rivers. Here’s a story about a man and his two dogs in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

The man was at the Redstone Park with his wife, children and dogs for a family outing. It seems both dogs were on leashes, but they saw some geese out on the lake and took off after the birds but fell through the ice. The man followed to help them and all three ended up in the water.

The lesson learned here, if your pets go out on thin ice do not follow. You weigh more than pets to start with so ice that may support them won’t support you. On top of that, the fire department will only have more rescues to make.

A witness to the incident, Jennifer Boettcher, stated, ‘One of the dogs had gotten out before I got here... she was able to pull herself out...The other dog looked very cold. You could see it drop under the water a couple of times. It was kind of scary...The man and his wife and his two daughters were here, so the daughters and his wife were, I'm sure, a little panicked.’

The Littleton Fire Department was called out and they rescued the man and one of his dogs from the water. It seems the second dog managed to pull herself out of the water on her own. The man hung on to a valve control sticking up out of the water to stay afloat until the fire department arrived. So far this season the local fire department has made four rescues alone at that pond.

Remember to stay off the ice if your pet runs out on open water. Do your best to call them back if the ice is holding them, but if they fall through or won’t come in call 911 and have the professionals rescue the pets themselves.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2026

Singer Winehouse Turns 11 Cats Over to Shelter

2010-02-15T00:06:00.000-08:00

Amy Winehouse, the well known singer, has recently given up 11 of her cats. I didn’t know she had that many cats in the first place. The British singer felt forced to give up her pets because they were getting out of control, a common complaint for many pet owners with more than two or three animals. At some point it just gets to be more than one person can handle.

According to a source close to the singer, ‘Amy was pretty upset about it because she loved them dearly, but she had to give them up. They were climbing all over the place, breeding and generally getting out of control.’

Apparently two of the cats have been given to her goddaughter Dionne Bromfield, and Winehouse has called on the animal shelter to come and pick up the remaining nine cats from her London home. Hopefully, the first thing the shelters and her goddaughter will do is spay and neuter the cats so the breeding problem doesn’t get worse. It should be noted that she managed to amass all of these cats over the past few months.

Amy Winehouse reportedly called the shelter up to come out and pick up the cats just days before she left for Jamaica to word on a new album. A practical solution considering that she would probably be there for weeks if not months and I’m assuming she couldn’t find anyone willing to take 11 cats in the meantime.

Winehouse often refers to herself as a ‘lioness’ and refers to her record company as Lioness Records.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2025

Westminster Competitor Can Warn When Seizures Will Hit

2010-02-12T23:15:00.000-08:00

That well known dog show of yore, Westminster is kicking off this monday with a whole new crop of pups on the floor. All of these dogs are purebred and many have lots of awards, but a few like Vala the Canaan are really special. Vala is special because of the attention she pays to her handler, 14-year-old Ethan Miller.

Mr. Miller has cerebral palsy with limited motor control on his left side and the occasional seizure as the result of brain damage when he was an infant. The cerebral palsy hasn't held this brave boy back, but the seizures are chronic, disturbing and often unexpected occurrence. They are made a little easier to deal with by the efforts of Vala.

Vala is one of those dogs who seems to have an extrasensory perception gifting her with the ability to know when Ethan Miller is about to suffer a seizure and she takes the time to warn him. Perhaps it's to do with scent or sound, but this dog's ability helps warn young Miller of an impending attack giving him a chance to get someplace safe before it hits.

According to the boy's mother, Vala will often warn of a seizure up to a minute before it starts, 'One time, about a minute and a half before the first onset of the seizure, Vala started walking back and forth between me and Ethan and was clearly trying to indicate that I needed to come help...I knew what Vala was trying to tell me...It helps to prevent him from hurting himself with a fall...It's very comforting for me, as a mother...It also helps Ethan a lot. He is able to relax and lie down when he knows [the seizures] are coming.'

You can see Vala compete in her breed at Westminster Monday and Tuesday this week. Ethan and family aren't expecting the big win, but hope to see her win Best in Breed. Whether Vala wins or not she certainly seems to be the best friend of Ethan Miller.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2023

Dog Mugged in New York

2010-02-12T00:23:00.000-08:00

What a world we live in today, what a world! Sometimes it seems like petty crimes are growing ever more prevalent and committed for almost no reason at all. Why, just last week some poor dog got mugged in Park Slope, New York.

Lexie, a 10 year old Westie was waiting outside of the local grocery store while his owner picked up a few groceries when someone stole the clothing off his back.

Somebody robbed Lexie of a very posh green wool coat with leather belt and trim. Now I know how some of you feel about leaving dogs tied up alone, but Lexie’s owner, Donna McPherson, insists she only ran into the store for two minutes to grab some milk. I assume this was around the time New Yorkers were expecting that first batch of heavy February snow.

While McPherson shopped in the Ace Supermarket she heard a ‘funny bark’ from her dog and went out to investigate. Lexie now fully naked, sat shivering in the street to the owner’s much shocked consternation. McPherson stated, ‘I asked him, 'Where's your coat?' like he could answer me. I looked all over and could not find it...How could anyone steal a coat off someone's back in the freezing cold?’

On reporting the crime, Lexie’s owner states that the wool coat is worth about $25 and that it’s quite lucky the dog hadn’t been wearing his more expensive Burberry coat. Thanks for letting us know your dog wears Burberry.

Don’t worry too much about Lexie though, McPherson does care more about her dog than fabric, stating, ‘I was so angry…But in the end, I was grateful that it was just the coat and not him.’

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2022

Ideas for Helping Out Animals

2010-02-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

Even if you can’t keep a pet there are many ways you can help out animals in need. Try volunteering at the local shelter. Or you can donated food to an animal in need. Have fun, be creative, and you’ll see that there are many ways to help out. Here are some ways you can help local animals in need from MSNBC.com:

__Consider being a foster parent to pet in transition. There are many local organizations that specialize in placing animals in loving, temporary homes.

__Do you know how to sew, knit, or crochet? You could make and donate sweaters, blankets or even toys to help keep the animals cozy and entertained while awaiting adoption.

__Throw a party! You can introduce your friends to your local Humane Society or SPCA and then ask for donations. You’d be surprised how generous people can be after a few glasses of wine ...

__Use the power of your vote! Let your local and state representatives know that caring for animals is a priority for you. Write an email that clearly states your views and forward it to your friends and acquaintances to pass on.

__Volunteer to use your special skills to support your local shelter. Can you design a flyer, write an article, or analyze a legal brief? These (and many other) skills can be invaluable to an underfunded and understaffed non-profit.

__Be vigilant! Pay attention when you see signs of animal abuse and report suspicions to an animal protection agency.

__Be generous! Monetary donations to the general operating funds of local organizations keep the shelters alive. The holidays are a great time to make a gift.

__Consider adoption and check out your local shelter. Many of these animals have suffered terribly and desperately need your love.

__Join up! Become a member of an SPCA, Humane Society or another local shelter in your community. Many offer newsletters and invitations to events where you can meet other animal lovers in your area.

Read More Ideas at: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35298304/ns/today-today_books/

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2021

Tips For Bird Lovers

2010-02-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

Keeping birds can be a joy, but there are a few things about bird ownership that they didn't tell you at the pet store. To help you out with caring for your feathered friends I've gathered these tips from Plannedparrothood.com

*Be careful when wearing zippered clothing around your bird. My bird grabbed a metal tooth from my sweatshirt, and got it stuck on his lower beak. I had to wrap him in a towel, and use a knife to pry it off. - *submitted by Shelley Rice

*Be sure to secure those lift up cage doors before you leave your home. It was reported that a little parrotlet lost its life by lifting up the door, getting its head stuck under it and trying to struggle free. A plain easy to use dog clip will prevent this from happening

*NEVER use cedar or cedar shavings! The fumes can be toxic and cause irreparable damage, if not death, to your birds. The best alternative is plain large pine shavings or aspen. For nestboxes and brooders, oat flakes (like Quaker Oatmeal)or steamed rolled oats can also safely be used.

*Don't give Dried Beans. Doing so can be very dangerous as several varieties of beans are acutely toxic when uncooked. Varieties known to be toxic include soy, black, red, yellow wax, and kidney beans. Cooking destroys the hemaglutin toxin

*When feeding chopped or chunked juicy fruits such as oranges and pomegranates, mix some CheeriOs (not too many because they contain too much iron) or Zupreem Primate Biscuits in the bowl with it to absorb the healthy juices. The birds love the tasty oat rings.

*It is best to pull out the broken blood feather(s) if possible. If you cannot do that properly and are caught short with no Qwik-Stop, NEVER use human styptic. It is toxic! Use some cornstarch or melted candle wax to stop the bleeding.

For more tips head to: http://www.plannedparrothood.com/birdtips/birdtips.html

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2020

New Dog Food is Vegetarian?

2010-02-08T01:35:00.000-08:00

There are lots of vegetarians in the world from people to animals, but I’m having a little trouble believing that this new vegetarian dog food will be a success amongst dogs and their owners. It seems that the Humane Society of the United States is getting into the pet food business with a new all natural, organic dog food with no animal by products, called, Humane Choice.

I’m all for living the healthy life and even going veggie if you can pull it off, but not so sure about forcing pets to forgo meat. Dogs are great pets, friends, family members, but they are still strongly led by their instincts and those instincts scream, ‘Bacon!’

Though, I have to admit it looks very good for your dog, as in healthy. There’s none of the weird miscellaneous animal parts that so many dog foods contain. Instead you’ll find Organic ground canola seed, organic brown rice, organic soybean meal, organic buckwheat, organic flaxseed and other organic products all apparently intended to make your dog a good pooper.

On the odd side though, Humane Choice is made in Uruguay by a USDA Organic-certified grower and manufacturer. Although, I’m not certain how frequently the USDA sends someone down there to inspect the facilities. It does say that the business is family owned and ‘has been growing grains and vegetables and making and exporting organic and vegetarian dog food for many years’.

Yes, I did a double take at ‘vegetarian dog food for years’ myself. You mean other companies have been selling veggie dog food…successfully? Well, I’m not sure how popular it is, but veggie dog food is offered by many like; Natural Balance, Iams and Avo Derm. So, if you felt like going out on a limb with your pooch the option is there. Personally, this information makes me scream, ‘Bacon!’ on the inside.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2018

Study Says Cat Owners More Educated

2010-02-07T00:37:00.000-08:00

A new study just recently released by the University of Bristol indicates that cat owners are ‘brainier’ than…well; I’m guessing that they want to imply dog owners. We’ll just have to see about that won’t we? Before pooch pals and doggy lovers start raising protests let’s take a look at the process behind the statement.

The study resulted from interviews with 2,980 people in the United Kingdom about pet ownership, geography and education. They also combined the results with current census information.

Overall the study found that households with degree holders, people who went for that college degree or higher, were 1.36 times more likely to own a cat. These same households were less likely to also have a dog than those homes where no one held a degree.

Why is this exactly? It seems that cats are just easier to take care of than dogs. Apparently, those degree holders tended towards careers with long, late hours and long commutes. They weren’t able to devote as much time to caring for a pet as the people without degrees. Cats seem to be more independent and require less care, i.e. the walkies, than dogs. Don’t shoot me I’m just the messenger.

Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, who led the study, stated, "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference…Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."

The study will be published in the Veterinary Record journal and also found a few other interesting tidbits. Cat owners were more likely to be older and female and that both cat and dog owners were more likely than the general population to live in households with gardens in rural areas. In addition, the study indicates that there are about 10 million cat owners and 10 million dog owners throughout Britain.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2017

It's Pet Dental Month Again, So Clean Your Dog's Teeth

2010-02-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

February is Pet Dental Month. It’s time to make sure your pets have good dental health and pearly white teeth. To ensure that your dog keeps his pearly whites here are a few tips from ‘Must Know Tips for Dog Dental Care Issues’ by K. Taylor.

--There are many simple things that you can do to prevent dog dental care issues, one of the easiest is to feed your dog healthy treats such as peeled and cubed apples or baby carrots. Not only are these healthy dog treats, they are both a tremendous help in fighting plaque and other dog dental care issues.

--Another great way to clean your dogs teeth is with a product by Orajel. Orajel Tooth and Gum Cleaner is made for babies but it can be used on dogs.

--The thing that you really want from the Orajel Tooth and Gum Cleaner is the little cleaning brush that goes over the tip of your finger. This small cleaning brush has little ridges that clean and massage your dogs gums and this helps with the circulation in the gum area.

--If you can find one of these sold separately, you can use it with a bit of plain baking soda to clean your dogs teeth and gums. It is always a good idea to try this at a time that both you and your dog are relaxed.

--A tooth infection can quickly lead to more serious health problems if not treated properly. If you notice that your dog is running a fever or not eating well, it is best to seek the help of your veterinarian to treat your dogs dental care issues promptly.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2016

Man Caught with Exotic Lizards in Underpants

2010-02-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

A German man was arrested last December when he tried to board a flight in New Zealand with lizards in his underpants. Yes, a man was caught trying to smuggle 44 small geckos and skinks in his underwear.

Hans Kurt Kubus, 58-years-old, tried sneaking the lizards out of the country by hiding them in a handsewn packet in his undies. Naturally, everything about this situation was illegal. However, the authorities have charged Kubus with hunting protected wildlife and trading exploited species without a permit. There is no word on exactly how wildlife officials uncovered the underwear exploits of Kubus.

Apparently lizards are hot stuff in Europe and sell for a lot of money. The gecko can fetch 2,000 euros ($2800) on the market and who knows what a skink goes for. Just in case you didn’t know, skinks are lizards but several species don’t have limbs or have reduced limbs, thicker tails and necks. Geckos, like the Geico Gecko are usually green but there are over 2,000 species of them.

Kubus plead guilty and will be spending 14 weeks in prison, and paying a few grand in fines. Although he could have gotten up to six months in jail, and been ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.

Customs records indicate that Kubus had visited New Zealand five times prior to this occasion and in 2008 he was in the company of a Swiss Reptile Dealer. It can be assumed that Kubus made quite a bit of money off his exploits in black market exotic animals, but hopefully he won’t be putting any down his pants in the future.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2015

Little Rats Proving to Be Big Problem for British Rail Lines

2010-02-04T01:02:00.000-08:00

Rats are proving to be mightier than the British Railway System and there appears to be little that can be done to stop them. In the UK rats and mice are chewing holes through the some 20,000 miles of power and IT lines that run along rail lines.

Thus, leading to the destruction of property, stopping of trains and all kinds of delays. They are organized and taking out the transportation lines first! Next thing you know rats the size of dogs will be coming up out of the sewers in New York to take back the streets.

These small holes are causing some big problems too. Just last month a tiny hole chewed through the one inch high voltage power cable caused the breakdown of the West Coast mainline in Cheshire, Britain, leading to 20 train cancellations and 99 delays. A lot of people didn’t get home from work that day.

According to a Network Rail spokesman, "This is a serious problem and it does happen throughout the county…We've got 20,000 miles of railway, all of which has got various types of cable whether it be signalling cable, telecommunications cable, or power supply cable running alongside the line…It’s going to cost us millions. But if you take into consideration the problems that instances like this cause – we effectively pay compensation to any delays that are caused to trains operators – having to spend money on replacement cables is going to save us money.”

So now the country must spend millions of dollars, er...pounds, to fix the problem and prevent rats from getting too and chewing on the lines. My question is, why didn’t they cover the lines with something protective when they laid them in the first place?

"It's a nonsense that the whole of the West Coast mainline could have been brought to a standstill by a mouse."

-Eric Martlew, the MP for Carlisle

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2012

Songs for Groundhog Day

2010-02-02T23:21:00.000-08:00

Today’s the day that Groundhog came up out of his little burrow and declare proudly that we’ll have six more weeks of winter in 2010. Oh well! To help keep your winter cheer up though we’ve found the lyrics to a few catchy tunes for the holiday posted by peachygirl_GA in the Taste of Home Community Forums:

Groundhog
Tune = Hound Dog
© 1992 by Don Halley

You ain't nothin but a groundhog,
sleepin' all the time
You ain't nothin but a groundhog,
sleepin' all the time
Well you ain't never seen a shadow and I think you must be blind
You said you could forecast, I think that was just a line
You said you could forecast, I think that was just a line
Well you ain't never seen a shadow and I think you must be blind

Spring Will Soon Be Here
Tune = Joy To The World (the Three Dog Night version)
© 1991 by Don Halley

Punxsutawney has a groundhog
He is a good friend of mine
He always comes outside on February second
To guess the end of wintertime
He always has a mighty fine tim
Spring may soon be here
All stand up and cheer
If he doesn't see his shadow
Winter soon will go
But if he sees his shadow today
I'll tell you what it means
Bundle up your toes and your nose with warm clothes
Put away that sunscreen
Spring may soon be here
All stand up and cheer
If he doesn't see his shadow
Winter soon will go

Wintertime
Tune = Clementine
© 1996 by Don Halley
In a tree trunk with a chipmunk
Hibernating for a time
There's a groundhog who's the top dog
On this day in wintertime
Oh my groundhog, oh my groundhog
Oh my groundhog, so sublime
Is it frost and cold forever?
Are we stuck in wintertime?
Dawn appears on the horizon
Out of bed he starts to climb
Tis the day to find a way to
Check the length of wintertime
Oh my groundhog, oh my groundhog
Oh my groundhog, so sublime
Is it frost and cold forever?
Are we stuck in wintertime?
Of forecasters he's a master
He performs his craft so fine
Shadows mean no early spring so
Best get used to wintertime
Oh my groundhog, oh my groundhog
Oh my groundhog, so sublime
Is it frost and cold forever?
Are we stuck in wintertime?

Punxsutawney
Tune = Oh Susanna!
© 1995 by Don Halley
Oh I come from Alabama
With water on the knee
I'm going to Pennsylvania
A groundhog for to see
It rained all night the day I left
The weather it was warm
But up north I ran into
Bone-chilling winter storm
Punxsutawney
Have mercy on me
For I come from Alabama
With water on the knee

Check out the lyrics to some more fun songs at: http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/340280.aspx

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2011

Feral Dogs Roam New York Small Town

2010-02-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

In the small town of Orient Point, New York where the eastern Long Island woods run there is a pack of wild dogs on the loose. A pack of animals so vicious they strike terror into the hearts of pet owners when they hear the baying of these hounds. This pack of maniacal creatures which roams the lands searching for food and overwhelming dog walkers and their pets when they come across them. Yes, this pack of ferocious, feral, fiendish dogs are a menace. They are a loud, but very short pack of animals composed entirely of beagles.

While we may not normally associate the beagle with packs of feral dogs, they are quite the nuisance and starting to become a real problem for locals. Imagine yourself the rabbit or fox being chased through the woods by a dozen or more obnoxious creatures with sharp pointy teeth and you’ll get a feel for how the residents of the area around Eastern Long Island experience these dogs.

Made up of mostly hunting dogs with poor skills abandoned by hunters in the woods these dogs have joined up for companionship and possibly revenge. They, as you can guess, aren’t the world’s greatest hunters and are starving to death. Yet, they also associate food with humans. People have been beset by these desperate dogs, to the point of barking and clawing on their front doors to get into the home.

So far, it seems no one has been hurt by these crazed beagles, but there is always that risk as they grow more hungry and desperate. Shelters in the surrounding towns are trying to raise awareness of the beagles, rescue them and adopt them out to loving families.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2010

Dog Saved from the Ice on Baltic Sea

2010-02-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

This pooch rescued from the Baltic Sea was most definitely not a hot dog. He could be more aptly compared to a pupsicle.

A lucky mutt was rescued last monday from a floating sheet of ice 15 miles out to sea. His rescuers, the crew of the Baltica, a Polish ship of ocean scientists carrying out research found it to be a difficult rescue. Many times the dog slipped off the ice sheet and appered to drown. Once as the ship got close to the sheet the dog slipped underwater and slipped underneath the ship making the sailors think it was the end, but miraculasly the dog resurfaced. Finally, they rescued the dog by pulling him into a small pontoon by the scruff of the neck.

The rescued dog has been named, Baltic, though the ship crew doesn't know his real name they are looking actively for the dog's owner in hopes of reuniting him with his family. So far, a few people have come forward claiming to be the dog's owners but the dog has not had a positive reaction to them, leading the sailors to believe these folks are just looking for a famous pet and not their actual pet.

A veterinarian has looked at Baltic and says he's a mixed breed dog, tan and black in coloring, weighing about 55 pounds, and around 4 to 5 years old. Considering his general condition it does appear that someone took care of Baltic and treated him well before he ended up on the ice flow. If the ship's crew ends up being unable to find the dog's true owner, they state that they are willing to make him a permanent pet and resident of the Baltica.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2006

Ten Ways People Annoy Dogs

2010-01-28T23:35:00.000-08:00

We all know that people can have ‘pet peeves’ about each other and we certainly have some opinions about cats and dogs, but what about our ‘pet’s peeves’ with us? I saw this funny little article on Labradorfriends.com and had to post it.

By the way, the author is listed as unknown, so if you know where this first appeared let me know and I’ll credit it.

Ten Peeves that Dogs Have About Humans

1. Blaming your farts on me... not funny... not funny at all!!!

2. Yelling at me for barking.. I'M A DOG, YOU IDIOT!

3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose... stop it!

5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.

6. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

7. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

9. Dog sweaters. Hello??? Haven't you noticed the fur?

10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous.

Now lay off me on some of these thing's. We both know who's boss here. You don't see me picking up your poop do you?

Author unknown

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2001

Learn More about Groundhog's Day

2010-01-26T22:39:00.000-08:00

Groundhog’s Day is coming up. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Bill Murray movie on which this holiday is based, it’s a winter celebration that’s held in anticipation of the coming of spring. One of the most well-known mascots of groundhog’s day is, you guessed it, the groundhog. Each year towns around the country use their mascots to ‘predict’ whether spring will come early or if there will be six more weeks of winter. No groundhogs are harmed during the celebrations.

In my own anticipation of this holiday I’ve gathered a few factoids from the Cornell Chronicle about this creature and the holiday named after it:

Groundhog, woodchuck -- what's the difference?

Woodchuck and groundhog are common terms for the same animal, the rodent with the scientific name of Marmota monax. Most closely related to squirrels, woodchucks actually can climb trees and also swim.

What's so special about Feb. 2?

Celestially speaking, Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 is a "cross-quarter" day, about halfway between the winter solstice in December and the vernal equinox in March, and is celebrated in some cultures as the midpoint of winter. It's not far from the time many groundhogs end their hibernation anyway, around the second week of February.

What's going on in that burrow?

In the winter, not much. Groundhogs go into profound hibernation, greatly reducing their metabolic rate, and their body temperature drops to just a few degrees above ambient temperature. Because their hibernaculum, the deepest portion of the burrow where they hibernate, is below frost line, that produces a body temperature as low as 39-40 degrees F.

What's the wake-up call?

The groundhog's internal clock is believed to be affected by annual changes in the amount of daylight. Hormonal responses to cyclic changes in production of melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, are thought by some to be the signal to wake up.

If you want to read more head on over to: http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/96/2.1.96/facts.html

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/2000

Storms Force 100 Animals to Evacuate Shelters

2010-01-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

Animal shelters in Riverside County were forced to evacuate 100 animals from their facilities because of heavy rains that pelted Southern California.

Robert Miller, director of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services has stated, 'It’s our job to make sure we care for our stray and homeless pets the best we can...That’s why we needed to make this unusual decision.'

Of the animals evacuated there were 7 horses and 3 goats. The shelter felt that they did not have adequate drainage capacity to keep the animals safe in light of the heavy rains. All of the animals were transported safely from the shelter into awaiting vehicles. Apparently they were ready to get going.

Some of the animals were moved on tuesday to Coachella Valley Animal campus in Thousand Palms because of the heavy rains. Usually, the kennels can be dried out within a few hours but the constant rains this week have made that impossible. Since then, all of the cats and dogs have been passed on to the facility in Coachella Valley.

Petowners looking for lost pets shouldn't head to the Banning Area shelter until the rains have cleared up. If you have lost a pet in the cities of Beaumont, Banning or Calimesa you can still view photos of lost pets online at www.rcdas.org.

Miller goes on to state, 'It’s been reported that there are more storms coming this week and next so the animals will stay at the temporary facilities until we know it is safe to bring them back...It would just be too much on them to constantly transport them back and forth.'

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/1997

4,000 Animals at the SPCALA Shelters In Need of Emergancy Food Donations

2010-01-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

Even though the holiday season has passed it doesn't mean the spirit of giving should be forgotten. Many thousands of cats and dogs in SPCALA Animal Shelters in California are in desperate need of food. The shelters are quickly running out of cat and dog food and are asking for donations.

Madeline Bernstein, president of the 133-year-old nonprofit organization states, 'Until the bad economy, we fed our animals with donations from pet food firms, big-box stores and corporations...Now they've all but stopped donating...Until the bad economy, we fed our animals with donations from pet food firms, big-box stores and corporations...Now they've all but stopped donating.'

The group of shelters used to recieve most of their animal food from large corporations that have stopped donating. In fact, the shelters donations have dwindled to 10% what their original food donations were before the recession.

Currently the SPCALA is calling for emergancy donations of food and cash of any kind from individuals to keep their animals fed. They are looking for gifts of dry dog food and cat food, canned food, special diet foods for sick animals, formula for babies that need to be bottle fed and cat litter. You can drop off donations as SPCALA shelters in Long Beach, Hawthorned or their Los Angeles Headquarters.

Bernstein further states, 'We have no budget for food. We never needed one...We’re taking in more homeless pets than we can adopt out, and we’re trying to ship smaller animals to other cities where they can be better fed. Many of these animals come from people who’ve lost jobs and homes and are forced to give up their pets. We need help.'

There are about 4,000 cats and dogs staying at SPCALA shelters.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/1998

Some of the Best Cat Friendly Cities

2010-01-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

The CATalyst Council, an organization that is dedicated to improving out society's image of cats as aloof and difficult to get along with and pay close attention to their welfare, healthcare and connections with people, has run a little research and declared the top ten cat friendly cities in the United States. Among that list of cities in no certain order is San Francisco, Tampa, Phoenix, Portland, Denver, Boston, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta and Minneapolis.

The criteria that CATalyst Council used to determine which cities in the United States were the friendlist were the number of cats owned per person, the level of veterinary care, the number of microchipped cats and of course, the kinds of pet friendly ordinances. The purpose of this list created by the council was to help bring awareness to people about cats and their usefullness as pets.

Even though cats are quite popular as household pets it's been found that cat care lags behind care of dogs and cats don't receive nearly as much veterinary care as dogs do. Plus, more and more cats are submitted to shelters than are dogs.

Generally, cats are considered to be independent and aloof. Its falsely believed that cats are more capable of taking care of themselves than dogs. This can be seen as an acceptable reason to let more cats run around freely and fend for themselves than with dogs. However, cats are still domesticated animals and many are raised as indoor pets. When they end up abandoned outdoors it's very difficult for them to survive on their own having never had to hunt, fight off predators or find shelter.

So, for many cats this can be a devestating experience. Even though we are a cat loving country, more focus should be paid to their long term health and well being.

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/1995

Overstock.com No Longer Selling Products Made from Animal Skin

2010-01-20T17:59:00.000-08:00

The major online retailer of affordable goods and products, Overstock.com, has decided to pull all listings that involve products made from exotic animal skin. Overstock based in Salt Lake City issued a statement on Monday to this effect. They also promptly removed listings that including items made from; alligator, lizard, snake ostrich, stingray, eel, shark and kangaroo skins.

Their decision was influenced in part by a request from the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA to stop selling animal skin products. During a meeting with Overstock Chairman and CEO Patrick Byrne PETA showed video of lizards and snakes being skinned alive in some facilities which produce animal skin.

Byrne later thanked PETA for alerting them to the issue stating, ‘informing us of these issues and presenting us with evidence that factored into our decision.’

PETA has found that some producers of animal skins mistreat and abuse their animals during processing. The footage shown to the Overstock CEO is a result of their investigations into these inhuman practices.

Some of the products dropped by Overstock include; luggage that used alligator skin; shoes made of kangaroo, snake, ostrich and alligator skin; and watchbands of snake, shark and stingray skin

This decision by Overstock follows a recent move of theirs to boycott fur and ivory goods and products made with them. Melissa Wilson, a lobbyist for PETA, is urging other retailers to follow suit and ‘give exotic skins the boot.’

Source: http://www.petsunlimited.com/local_pet_blogs.cfm/id/1994