Happy Dog

Happy Dog
A happy dog is a smiley dog!

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Are GMOs Making Your Furry Friends Sick? 
by Chef Alain Braux

Have you ever wondered, like me, why our pets are suddenly getting human sicknesses like heart, kidney or liver diseases - to mention a few?

It's been bothering me for a while now and it finally came into focus during the non-GMO training I took a few weeks ago with Jeffrey Smith. In most cases, it's all about food quality and GMOs.

In the 1990s, veterinarians started diagnosing their clients' pets with allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis and other skin problems; irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease; colitis, recurrent diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion; abnormalities in liver, pancreatic and immune system functions.

Doesn't that sound very similar to what we humans suffer from?

In their 2009 detailed review of animal safety studies of GM foods, Dona & Arvanitoyannis conclude that "The results of most of the rather few studies conducted with GM foods indicate that they may cause hepatic, pancreatic, renal, and reproductive effects and may alter hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters the significance of which remains unknown."

Altered DNA from GM foods can be incorporated by gut bacteria and may alter their behavior and ecology in the digestive tract.

Food quality is most important

Why should the quality of pets' food be worse than what we eat ourselves? Then again, plenty of American people eat fast food and processed food. You could say, "But one has nothing to do with the other, right?" Well, when you start reading food ingredients listed on our food as well as on pet food, you will find strange similarities. They all contain mysterious ingredients, including GMOs.

Considering our pets are probably our best friends and sometimes sole companions, and rely on us for their sustenance, shouldn't we make a special effort to ensure their food is safe? I certainly think so. Here are a few ingredients you should avoid at all costs.

Most pet food additives and preservatives are genetically engineered

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) or GM (genetically modified) or GE (genetically engineered) foods or food products are hidden in a majority of pet foods on the market. There are GM soy additives, GM corn derived vitamin C, vitamin B12 and many, many others. Even foods labeled "healthy" or "natural" are rife with GMOs, like GM corn-derived xylitol. In fact, any pet foods that are not USDA Certified Organic or do not bear the non-GMO Verified label are highly suspect.

Unfortunately, the list is very long. Here's what I have found so far.

Animal fat (Beef tallow, lard, poultry fat). Commercially-raised animals are fed the cheapest, most fattening crops, such as GM corn, soy, cottonseed, sugar beet and canola cakes made of the residues left after they are processed for oil.

Not to mention that these poor animals are pumped with growth hormones and antibiotics. Please remember that toxins are stored in these animals' fat. Now, do you see why your pets might get sick from eating these kinds of products? (I wouldn't dare call it food.)

Brewers rice (may come from GM rice). Please keep in mind that animals do not eat carbohydrates of any kind in the wild. That's why some pets are obese and developing another common human disease: diabetes.

Cellulose. Although cellulose can come from trees (unless your pets are termites, not a healthy source of fiber), the cheapest source is still GM corn, cotton and soybean fibers left over from processing.

Corn gluten (from GM Corn). Most corn grown in this country is consumed by humans and pets. In pet food, the corn crop is used as corn flour, meal, oil, starch, modified food starch, corn gluten, and corn syrup. Sweeteners such as fructose, dextrose, and glucose also come from corn.

Genetically modified corn has been linked to health problems, including weight gain and endocrine disruption. Then again, pets should not eat grains.

Glyceryl monostearate (from GM corn). Glyceryl Monostearate is an esterification product of glycerin and stearic acid. They can be made from palm kernel oil or soy and corn oil which are GM crops.

Maltodextrins. Maltodextrin is an oligosaccharide used as a food additive. It can be enzymatically derived from any starch. In the US, this starch is usually GM corn.

Propylene glycol (from GM corn). Do you maintain your own car? If you do, you should know what this ingredient is used for, anti-freeze! Wow! Polypropylene glycol or PPG is typically a byproduct of gasoline, but recently, in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, alternative products have been developed.

A new method converts glucose from corn to lactic acid, which can then be used with a copper catalyst to synthesize PPG. It is there to help control moisture and prevent bacteria growth. As with us, your pets need intestinal friendly bacteria to help break down and digest their food. Since this ingredient kills bacteria, it will kill your pet's helpful bacteria as well. Also, since it reduces moisture needed to aid digestion, your pet might have blocked digestion and develop cancerous intestinal lesions.

Soy flour. Soy is the most prevalent GM crop in the US. Soy beans are the most important crop worldwide for producing oil and vegetable protein. Soy and their processed derivatives are used in a multitude of food, groceries, supplements, pet food and cosmetics. Additionally, the remaining soy mass is used as protein-rich animal feed for fish, poultry, pigs and beef. Soy is estrogenic and can wreak havoc on your pet's endocrine system. Soy is not recommended for pets.

Vegetable oils. Here we go again. The largest sources of cheap vegetable oils are GM crops: corn, soybean, cottonseed and canola oil.

Wheat gluten (may come from GM wheat). No grains for pets.

Yeast, like Brewer's yeast is made from a one-celled fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When bred as a food supplement, brewer's yeast is often grown on glucose or fructose, or on disaccharides such as sucrose and maltose from sugar beets or corn - two suspected GM crops.

I only addressed the GM ingredients I could find. There are many more scary and downright disgusting ingredients in pet food such as artificial coloring and petrol-based preservatives.

Do you really want your cherished pets to eat those? For more detailed information please check this list at the Dog Food Project: http://www.dogfoodproject.com/?page=badingredients

Other Suspect Ingredients

Artificial colors, flavors, sugars, and sweeteners.

BHT/BHA. Butylated-hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is also used to preserve human food. BHA is often responsible for kidney damage. BHT, even more potent, is used to help reduce food spoiling and has been directly linked with cancer in both pets and humans. If the food in those cans were of good quality, we wouldn't need these preservatives.

"By Product" A code name for any leftover remains (carcasses and entrails) after commercial animals (themselves fed GM corn, beet, soybean, cottonseed or canola cake feed) have been "harvested". The animal "by products" are the internal remains of animals such as cows, chicken, fish, lamb, and turkey after the good muscle meat is removed for human food.

In the industry, it is referred to as "4-D" meat sources - defined as food animals that have been rejected for human consumption because they were presented to the meat packing plant as "Dead, Dying, Diseased or Disabled." Because of lack of sanitary supervision, these leftovers often include diseased tissues, organs and tumors. If we are lucky, they might be doused with bleach - another toxic poison - to get rid of bacteria.

Corn syrup. Corn syrup is as damaging for pets as it is to humans. It is a genetically engineered sweetener that comes from GM corn. Since when have you seen a cat or dog eat candies or sweetened food in nature? As for humans, too much sugar over time will lead to dental diseases (carries), weight gain, diabetes, hyperactivity, and even a change in mental behavior. 

Corn. It is used as cheap filler in pet food. It comes from a genetically engineered crop, and over time it may develop mold or fungus which will affect your pet's healthy very negatively. Both corn as a filler and corn syrup are unhealthy for pets. Pets should not eat grains in any form, GM or not. End of the story.

Ethoxyquin. This preservative can be found in pet food. Do you know why it was created? As an herbicide! Really? An herbicide in my pet's food? It can cause kidney and liver damage, cancer (liver, spleen, stomach, and skin), immune deficiency syndrome, blindness, and leukemia. How's that for human diseases?

Propyl gallate (E310) is an artificial food additive that can also be found in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. You'll find it in assorted frozen meals, breakfast cereals, candies and chewing gum, chicken soup base, frozen dairy products, mayonnaise, meat products, microwaveable popcorn, pet food, shortening, soup mixes, and vegetable oils.

Rat studies have shown that propyl gallate may be carcinogenic. Other possible side effects are stomach and skin irritability, as well as allergic reactions that impact breathing, kidney and liver problems. Although the FDA considers propyl gallate safe, in other countries it is either banned or in very limited use.

Am I upset about all this information?

You bet I am. I am upset at the fact that pet food manufacturers are dumping this crap onto our favorite companions' food while loudly marketing the "benefits" of this brand over that brand.

Even the vet-recommended brands are suspect. Question everything, even when it comes from your vet. For example, here is the ingredients listing for one of the most recommended pet foods sold by your vet, Science Diets and Hills. For complete details, click here: http://www.hillspet.com/products.html

Adult Optimal Care(r) Original. Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat (grain), Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat (see above), Brewers Rice (see above) , Wheat Gluten (see above), Chicken Liver Flavor (?), Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Egg Product (?), Calcium Sulfate, Lactic Acid (from GM corn), Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Fish Oil, Soybean Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Iodized Salt, Taurine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement (from GM soy), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C form GM corn), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement (from GM soy), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Lysine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Oat Fiber (grain), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Phosphoric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Natural Flavors, Dried Apples, Dried Broccoli, Dried Carrots, Dried Cranberries, Dried Peas.

To me this reads like a science experiment, not pet food. If it has more than a few ingredients I can't understand, I will not feed it to my kitty.

Compare that to a good quality pet food ingredient list:

Free-Range Meat = 69%. Chicken meat including bone, chicken gizzards, chicken hearts and chicken livers.

Organic Vegetables = 29.3%. Carrots, squash, yams, zucchini, celery, romaine, parsley, apple cider vinegar

Special Nutrient Mix = 1.7%. Kelp, sea salt, inulin, zinc, copper and iron amino acid chelates, vitamin E

That's more like it.

Good Quality Pet Food Sources

By the way, all of this information concerns both wet canned food and dry food and treats. Please read those labels carefully. For a long time, I used the Wellness line of pet food because they did not contain grains and their ingredients list was clean. But lately I switched my girl to certified organic pet food.

Commercial pet food can be expensive, especially for big dogs. Keep in mind that the higher the quality, the less you need. Animals are overfed anyway. I know, they  beg for more but be firm. Ask your vet for proper ration size and stick to it.

How about preparing food for your pets? Buy meat raw from a wholesaler or butcher and serve it to them fresh. Once again, have you ever seen wild animals cook their food? I don't think so or I have been watching the wrong nature shows. As long as it is good quality, serve it raw, and freeze the rest.

Give them fresh bones. They will love them. Some even like raw veggies. Play around and see what works for them.

The dollar and emotional cost

Pet food is the same as human food. You get what you pay for. Yes, you will pay a little more for grain-free or organic pet food. But isn't it better than paying huge vet bills and seeing pain in their eyes when they suffer? Losing a beloved pet is second only to losing a beloved human. I know, I just lost my feline companion a month ago.

Lose them as late as possible

Some people might think, "It's easy for him to talk, he's a food nutritionist and a chef." True! But a lot of that information is available for free online. I wrote this article to open your eyes and teach you what to look for.

I know, they will eventually leave us, as we all will. But isn't it worth the minimal effort to keep them healthy and happy as long as possible? Through my curiosity and care for her, I managed to keep my kitty girl/old lady for 23 years. I can only wish you the same.


Click to view books by Chef Alain Braux


 
Quick Health Tip

If you're lost and don't know where to start, check out these sites for excellent information on pet food: 
Here's a great video by Dr. Karen Becker:
The 3 Best Pet Foods You Can Buy: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx


Reprinted from:





 

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Ten Percent of the nation's homeless have a pet.

In some areas it's 24%
                   
Feeding Pets of the Homeless also known as...... 
"Pets of the Homeless" is a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides pet-food and veterinary care to the homeless and less fortunate people in local communities throughout the US and parts of Canada with 300 collection sites, and 309 distribution sites.
To learn more about making a much welcomed contribution to these faithful loving animals, and/or volunteer for this oh-so worthwhile organization, go to: "Pets of the Homeless"
 "My pup is all that I live for."


Genevieve Frederick, founder of Pets of the Homeless, Carson City, Nevada

 


Saturday, January 21, 2012

BOOMER’S TURNING TO GRANDPUPPY LOVE.


      More American households these days have dogs at home as opposed to children. With birth rates down in the US, and young adults having fewer children, and for many, later in life, boomer parents are turning their love during the absence of grandkids to another well deserving group; Man’s best friend.

Want unconditional love? Companionship? Want a  death-do-you-part devoted friend? These are the blessings that we all know and love about the dog’s in our life, past and present.

See video: "Grandpuppy Love" on CBS.
http://alturl.com/te6pi




Not everyone is cut out to be a dog owner. And those who stumble blindly into the relationship... or with unrealistic expectations about what it takes to raise a healthy dog... often wind up banishing their pet to a lonely backyard existence. Or worse. Learn why "outside dogs" make miserable pets... and see if you have what it takes to be a responsible dog owner.


Emergency Pet Care:

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. When a medical emergency befalls our furry friends, pet parents may find it difficult to make rational decisions, especially if something occurs during the middle of the night. That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency plan in place—before you need it.  Here's how............


How Do I Find 24-Hour Emergency Care for My Dog?

Talk to your veterinarian about an emergency protocol. Does your vet provide 24-hour service or does he or she work with an emergency clinic in the area? Some practices have multiple veterinarians on staff who rotate on-call services after hours. Check to see if your primary care vet has partners who might answer an emergency call.
It’s also a smart idea to keep the name, number and address of your local emergency pet-clinic tacked to the refrigerator or stored in your cell phone for easy access.

When Does My Dog Need Emergency Care?

Your dog may need emergency care because of severe trauma caused by an accident or a fall, choking, heatstroke, an insect sting, household poisoning, or other life-threatening situation.

What Are Some Signs That My Dog Needs Emergency Care?
  Pale gums
  Rapid breathing
  Weak or rapid pulse
  Change in body temperature
  Difficulty standing
  Apparent paralysis
  Loss of consciousness
  Seizures
  Excessive bleeding

What Should I Do if My Dog Needs Emergency Care?

Dogs who are severely injured may act aggressively toward their pet parents, so it’s important to first protect yourself from injury. Approach your dog slowly and calmly; kneel down and say his name. If the dog shows aggression, call for help. If he’s passive, fashion a makeshift stretcher and gently lift him onto it. Take care to support his neck and back in case he’s suffered any spinal injuries.
Once you feel confident and safe transporting your dog, immediately bring him to an emergency care facility. It’s also a smart idea to ask someone—a friend or family member—to call the clinic, so the staff expects you and your dog.

What Are Some First Aid Treatments I Can Perform on My Dog?

Most emergencies require immediate veterinary care, but first aid methods may help you stabilize your pet for transportation.
  If your dog is suffering from external bleeding due to trauma, try elevating and applying pressure to the wound.
  If your dog is choking, place your fingers in his mouth to see if you can remove the blockage.
  If you’re unable to remove the foreign object, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver by giving a sharp rap/push to the chest, which should dislodge the object, .

Should I Perform CPR on My Dog?

CPR may be necessary if, you remove the object your dog is choking on, but he is still unconscious. First check to see if he’s breathing. If not, place him on his side and perform artificial respiration by extending his head and neck, holding his jaws closed and blowing into his nostrils once every three seconds. (Ensure no air escapes between your mouth and the dog’s nose.) If you don’t feel a heartbeat, incorporate cardiac massage while administering artificial respiration—three quick, firm chest compressions for every respiration—until your dog resumes breathing on his own.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Something Poisonous?

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. 
Trained toxicologists will consider the age and health of your pet, what and how much he ate, and then make a recommendation—such as whether to induce vomiting—based on their assessment.
For more on pet first aid.....



Guide For New Dog Owners:


Getting acquainted with your new family member
and understanding their needs.

You‘ve decided you want a loving and faithful companion, one that exhibits unconditional love, devotion, and friendship. Should you search for a puppy, or rescue a shelter dog? There are issues to consider for either.

Mature Shelter Dogs:
Many people adopt a truly grateful shelter dog, and soon after, may either regret their decision, or return the animal. This is usually a result of not choosing the right animal, or of not being aware of what to expect when bringing Fido home. By adopting the right dog, one that can adapt to your lifestyle and fit into your family‘s expectations is critical. Receiving prior introduction to the pros, and cons of choosing the right dog and what to expect when placed in your home can make your decision to keep and cherish your new companion, a most joyful and lasting relationship. 
If your are thinking of adopting a mature dog,  remember that they have lived with others and may have adopted some bad habits or, may have been abused, mistreated, chained up, or generally neglected. Some may be none of the above, and are calm and loving from a caring previous owner. Knowing what to expect before you choose a dog will hopefully prepare you for the few tough times until the dog matures into your acceptable standards. Many people return dogs because they simply were never prepared for such responsibility, or degree of tolerance and commitment. 

Many shelters will allow you to spend some time, and take dogs for walks around the grounds before you commit to that special one. It is a great way to get acquainted, and you’ll soon know if this dog is the one for you. Please remember that, unhappy pet owners are prone to abuse and neglect of their dog. A dog is a precious living being with emotional feelings. Please make a wise choice before you commit to a loving companion.

Helping you choose the perfect dog for you.
There is nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than receiving unconditional love, loyalty and affection from your special canine friend and companion. The gender of the dog you choose should definitely be considered. Men will usually find that: 

• Male Dogs are normally more of the MACHO character type, that traditionally   
   likes to play rough, and is not usually afraid of anything. At first.

• Female dogs however, are somewhat more suited to the ladies due to their more  
   sensitive nature, and are traditionally more timid and cuddly.

Dogs are also responsible for bringing comfort, companionship, healing, and happiness to their owner/s who may often be devoid of these simple pleasures. A special relationship exists that goes far beyond just sharing a home together. It’s proven that many health benefits can be derived from our happy-go-lucky furry companions such as, reducing stress, anxiety, including stress related conditions such as depression, heart attacks, anxiety, and even blood pressure.

Puppies:
If you bring a puppy home (3 to 14 mos. old), they will require much more patience, understanding, commitment, and a lot of forgiveness. House training will be your first priority. Those initial days before they are full potty-trained can be exasperating. During the house-breaking period, and when you’re away, a simple new device called the "Potty Patch," that looks like a patch of grass with a catch-tray beneath, will help keep your home safe from unwanted accidents. 

Dog's desperately want to please you, so a little effort and patience will produce happy results. Don’t expect them to understand why you’re angry at their puppy-misdeeds of mess & destruction. It’s easy to get discouraged when returning home only to find your shoes/clothes or other household items chewed up or otherwise damaged beyond repair. This is common with young bored unattended dogs, especially puppy’s. The teething process  (usually from 6 mos. to 14 mos.) can be infuriating for dog owners. Being aware of your dogs needs and teething habits can save a lot of grief, and  including your relationship. 

If your pup is chewing-up your home while you sleep, or your auto while unattended, a simple muzzle gently slipped over their snout during these times will do wonders for your relationship. And, by simply affording them a few minutes of calm, patient training each day will also quickly pay-off. It doesn’t take long, as dog's are always eager to please you. Unruly dogs are usually a result of an owner that has not engaged his companion in a few simple training exercises.  Like children, you pup is a reflection of you. You need to spend the time. Think of it as fun time, and you will be proud of how you pup will amaze strangers, rewarding you with its obedience. 

Spanking or punishing a pup or any dog will only confuse the animal, and is usually more painful to yourself.  However, if you absolutely must give them a love spank, a rolled-up newspaper will not harm the animal but will make a heck of a lot of noise, and scare them to pieces. 

While you’re away:
Find a safe-secure-dog-run or area, out of the weather where your pup can‘t escape while you’re away. Dogs are dedicated great masters of escape. They can climb fences, dig under them, and vacate an area that you'd likely have difficulty escaping from yourself. Look for a safe haven, and provide a clean non-spill bowl of drinking water that will not spill or turn over. An area that will humanely contain your pup so it does not destroy your possessions, and send you into a return-this-beast rage. You‘ll most likely feel that it’s a lot easier to return the animal rather than put up with the destruction, clean-up and tolerance required with a mischievous pup. It will all eventually pass, and you’ll be left with a loving, and grateful friend.

Behavioral problems can also be health related. Make sure your pet has a complete medical exam once a year, or anytime you are unsure of your dog’s immediate health.

Prepare for disaster. 
Have a plan for you pet in the event of a disaster, ie., fire, hurricane, flood, tornado, auto breakdown, etc. Have an emergency travel bag for your pet, as well as for yourself. Include everything you’ll both need in case of an extended emergency situation. Plan ahead for your pets future in case something happens to you. Remember, you have to think for your pet and keep him out of harms way. Always look ahead for potential danger when with your dog, and  anticipate dangerous situations as you see them evolving ahead of you. Think for your dog since they can’t do it for themselves. They are entrusted in you. You are their custodial guardian.



      The Humane Society of the United States recommends these 
                               7 Steps To A Happier Pet

•  Make sure your pet always wears an ID Tag to enable him to be    
     returned to you if lost. Losing your pet can be a demoralizing, 
     and heart breaking experience.

•  To prevent animal behavioral problems, make sure you enroll 
     your new puppy or dog in behavioral training classes.   

•  Animal behavioral problems can be health related. Make sure
    your pet has a complete medical exam by a veterinarian at
    least once a year.

•  Prepare for disaster. Make sure you have a plan for your pet
     in the event of a hurricane, tornado, fire or flood.

•  Plan for your pet‘s future in case something happens to you
    
•  Learn how to avoid dog bites, and how to prevent your dog 
     from biting, by going to  www.NoDogBites.org.

•  Have a heart, be smart and make sure your pet is spayed or
     neutered.

    For more great tips on pet care and ownership visit www.humanesociety.org.


Please be aware that it is cruel, and also unsafe to leave your dog in the car, or the bed of a pick-up truck on hot summer days, or inclement weather, and especially without a clean non-spill bowl of water. Many animals perish yearly from heat-stroke, and many states have adopted laws prohibiting this sort of inhumane cruelty with severe fines and including jail time.

Report instances of animal cruelty and abuse to your local authorities.

Contact your elected officials and let them know that you expect them to pass stronger laws to protect our precious and loving animal friends.


            ------------------------------------   •    ----------------------------------
                              
Traveling With Your Dog:

Bring along any health vaccine certificates you may have for your dog including rabies certificates. Bring extra medication in case they need be refilled. If you give your dog tranquilizers, be aware of side effects, and know the dose range for your pet. Keep your pet safe while traveling, and use a dog harness attached to the seat belt or use a pet carrier with a locking door. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are killed yearly from falling out of truck beds and auto windows.

A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand up and lie down.
Dogs need more water while traveling and require to be let out to stretch and relieve themselves every few hours. A clean non-spill bowl of water is recommended. 
If traveling out of the country, are there quarantines or other restrictions at your destination, and what type of documentation will be required?

Walk your dog and feed a light meal a few hours before departing. Do not introduce a new food if they are not eating.

These and other travel tips are in the AAA Pet Book, “Traveling With Your Pet,” a yearly-updated publication that lists many pet-friendly accommodations. 



Air Travel with you dog:
Many airlines have imposed new restrictions for passengers with pets. Most airlines now will only book you with your pet on non- 
stop flights.
This way you have less chance of having your pet put on the wrong connecting flight.
Remember that the temp. on the tarmac can get to extremes if the flight is delayed, and the temp. at heights that airlines fly is usually 40-50 degrees below zero. Cargo holds, where pets are located, are heated providing the equipment is functioning properly.
It’s a good idea to leave food or snacks, and a clean non-spill bowl of water in the transport carrier, or a simple baggie with ice cubes if nothing else is available.
Check with your air carrier for all restrictions way before your travel date to make preparations well prior to departure.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------  •  ------------------------------------------------------------
       
        Thank You For Being A Responsible Pet Owner!

  
                          A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my loving spirit with a stick, for I lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
                                         
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep  falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god, and I am your devoted worshiper.

Please keep my bowl filled with fresh water, for although I would not reproach you were it dry. I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should you be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me merciful reward of eternal rest.... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your loving hands.






         

Pet PottyPotty Patch

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Making Dog Theft a Felony!


NY bill passed to strengthen punishment for pet thieves.
JoAnna Lou | June 3, 2011

Having a beloved pet stolen is one of my worst nightmares. In New York, pet thieves are typically only charged with a misdemeanor since dogs are considered property by law. The value of stolen property must exceed $1,000 to qualify as a felony larceny. Since it's hard to place a dollar value on an animal, most thefts are prosecuted as the lesser offense. Fortunately, it looks like this may be changing for the better.
Read the whole story:


Thursday, June 9, 2011

Did the Scent of Feet Bring a Lost Dog Home?


Human scent trails as a recovery strategy


I recently finished reading a story in Bark's summer issue about best practices for recovering lost dogs, based on the experiences and research of folks at the Missing Pet Partnership (MPP). Among their techniques for locating lost dogs are scent-detection dogs, i.e., using one dog to track down another. What I hadn't heard of was relying on the lost dog's nose to get himself home.

Over the weekend, I read about the curious case of Annika Schlemm and her wirey Terrier, Charlie, who went missing during a walk not far from his home in West Sussex, England. He was on the lam for several days, and was frequently sighted in areas where Schlemm had recently been searching. So her mom suggested she go to the last place he'd been sighted and walk home, barefoot—leaving a scent path for Charlie to follow. It seems to have worked; the errant dog arrived home the following day. We won't know for sure, Charlie isn't talking, but it's an interesting notion.
Relying on a dog's keenest scent makes sense, except for one possible problem. During my lost dog research, I learned that panicked dogs can temporarily lose their sense of smell. "The olfactory portion of the brain will shut down when a dog is stressed," MPP founder Kat Albrecht told me. "They're not thinking of eating. They're protecting themselves. They are full of adrenaline and need to be ready to bolt and run." That may be why some dogs don't always respond to food as bait or, unlike Charlie, have a hard time finding their way home
Original source, Lisa Wogan, thebark.com











Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Armless Girl's Dream--to surf with Surf-Dog “Ricochet“ Comes True


"There is more than one way of doing things" You should focus on what you CAN do.

Sabine is a survivor of one of the biggest medical tragedies of modern times… Thalidomide, which caused birth defects and was withdrawn from the market in 1961. She was born without arms, but that doesn't stop her from following her dreams. Thanks to surf dog Richochet, Sabine learned that "there is more than one way of doing things" and that you should focus on what you CAN do.
See her amazing story……….. http://www.freekibble.com/knews.asp

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Dogs break out the champagne.


Dogs break out the champagne as Dogs Deserve Better, A non-profit savior of dogs, sets to close May 27th on Michael Vick's former Bad Newz Kennels
Will open mid-July as the DDB Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs.

Tipton, PA -- May 24, 2011 -- Dogs all over the country will be breaking out the champagne Friday as dog nonprofit Dogs Deserve Better—dedicated to ending the cruelty of chaining and penning dogs for life—closes on the property which once housed Vick's Bad Newz Kennels.
Sloane, a DDB foster dog recently rescued from years of living chained in the harsh Pennsylvania winters, will be the first foster dog to enter the property, where he will do a photo op for the Hampton Roads Magazine. In lieu of champagne (since it's really not good for dogs), Sloane will break out the doggie bones in celebration.

The dogs have cause to celebrate. Tamira Thayne, founder and CEO of the organization, states "Purchasing this property and in effect giving it back to the victims of the abuse that occurred here is a very powerful step for animal advocates and our country's dogs alike. We are sending a message to those who want to abuse and fight dogs that a new day is dawning in America, a day where dogs are treated with the love and respect they deserve as companions to humans. Here's to you, Dogs!"

Dogs Deserve Better, which has rescued and fostered over 3000 dogs in the ten years they've been in operation, hopes to build a facility on the property for their rescues which will house and rehabilitate 300-500 dogs a year when it is up and running.

But for now, the dogs will have to be happy with a symbolic triumph of good over evil. The group has raised the 30% down required by the bank, and will close on the loan Friday, May 27, when they will begin the transformation to the Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs. They still needs to fundraise to pay the remainder, build a fence around the property to keep the dogs inside and safe, and install temporary housing for dogs while they fundraise to build the facility.
They are seeking volunteers to help with these projects and materials, as well as transport for the org from Pennsylvania to Virginia.
The property was sold by Michael Vick to an investor as soon as the heat came on, and has been sitting vacant ever since. The group plans to maintain a memorial for the dogs who lost their lives in the brutality that occurred at the Moonlight Road, Virginia location.

Thayne continues, "Dogs Deserve Better has worked hard for chained and penned dogs for nine years, winning numerous awards, and fostering as many as 400 dogs per year out of our homes. With a center to call our own, we hope to rescue another 500 chained or penned dogs per year and move them on to new and better lives as members of a real, inside home and family. Dog lovers and supporters of our work will be welcome to visit us and our rescue dogs, as well as take a moment to honor the memory of those who died there.

"I ask every dog lover to donate what they can and spread the word. Ask your family, friends, celebrities, company owners, everyone you can possibly think of. Supporting this center as a major donor could only be good publicity, and Dogs Deserve Better continues to be an amazing nonprofit who will not let you down."
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ddbcenter.html