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:

http://thebark.com/content/making-dog-theft-felony 

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

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

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

A Florida man saves his dog from the death grip fangs of a hungry 6 foot alligator.

Mr. Gary Murphy, age 72, was at  his Palm City, Florida home about 80 miles north of Miami, when he heard his West Highland terrier named "Doogie" making yelping sounds in the back of his yard.

Murphy quickly discovered his companion pet was in the jaws of an alligator that had entered the yard from marshland behind the property.  

He launched a rescue attempt by jumping on the reptile's back and hitting it on the head.

"I had loafers on and I hit the back of that gator. It was like jumping on a pile of rocks," Murphy told the newspaper. 

The alligator let go of Doogie, who required veterinary treatment for deep gouges, lung injuries and liver damage, but was expected to make a full and total recovery from this life threatening ordeal.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warned it was alligator mating season -- making the reptiles more active -- and suggested pet owners keep a sharp vigil, and keep their animals on a leash, especially around water.

Murphy said he isn't a hero and likely would have done the same for anyone. Well, almost anyone.

"I'd have probably done it for anybody, except a politician," said Murphy.

Fukushima: Pets starving, scavenging in nuclear danger zone.

Via The Star: Pets starving, scavenging in nuclear danger zone. Excerpt:

They are family members, with names and birthdates, and they are often adorned with cute ribbons, sweaters or socks. 

But thousands of these pets are scavenging or starving to death as they wait for their owners to come to homes within a 20-km radius of the Fukushima nuclear power plants, which have been spewing radiation since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. 

When about 80,000 people were forced to flee explosions at the reactors in March, many couldn’t get fuel for their cars, and they weren’t allowed to bring their pets on buses. Thousands left their dogs and cats at home, thinking they could soon return for them. 

More than 70 days later, while they sleep in crowded, noisy evacuation shelters, their pets are still far away, alone or roaming in packs. 

“I called health officials at the Fukushima prefectural office a few days ago, and they still won’t allow us to rescue the pets,” says Akiko Fujimura, leader of Japan’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The SPCA is one of about 70 groups of animal welfare activists who have been protesting in Tokyo. 

“Many people want to save these animals, but the government won’t give them permission. It’s really horrible,” says Fujimura. “If the pets have radioactive elements on their skin, it’s no problem to wash it off. I think the government basically doesn’t care about animals.” 

The government says the rescues are too risky amid high levels of radiation. They have asked residents, who last week began taking buses to their homes for brief visits to collect photo albums and small valuables, to tie their pets to the front gates for collection. So far, about five government workers have picked up dogs, and only a few, says Fujimura.

One Man, One Dog, One 140,000 mile Life Changing Adventure.

A few years ago, Ara's 26 year old son died of cancer. He was lost without hope, felt empty and purposeless. Then, a dog named Spirit came along and Ara adopted him right away. Spirit had a tough go of it in the past and also had damage to overcome.......

Read this heart warming story at: http://www.freekibble.com/knews.asp

Is People Food OK for Dog Treats?

While many people will say dogs should not have "peo ple food," most dogs will do absolutely fine with wholesome, fresh, human-grade meats and other foods incorporated as part of their diet. In fact, many "people foods" that dogs like are much healthier than commercially available dog treats. Boiled chicken, yogurt, small bits of roast beef, a taste of baby food or tuna fish make extremely high value training treats and are not generally unhealthy provided in moderation. Dogs have walked the earth with us for tens of thousands of years. Kibble and prepared dog treats are actually rather modern inventions, and before that, dogs ate "people food" all the time because food was just, well, food!

by Casey Lomonaco (KPA CTP, APDT), proprietor Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training

Most Pet Owners Don't Know What to Feed Their Aging Pets.

A recent survey conducted by Tufts University uncovered the fact that most U.S. pet owners hold certain beliefs about dog food marketed for ‘senior’ pets that may or may not be true.

The majority of people surveyed (over 84 percent) believe older dogs should eat differently than adult dogs, but only about half of them feed a senior diet. The reality is nutritional requirements should be tailored to the individual dog -- not based simply on the age of the animal.

Neither AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nor the National Research Council (NRC) provides guidelines for senior dog formulas. There is no distinction made between the nutritional requirements for adult dogs and those for senior dogs. As a result, the ingredients used in pet food marketed for ‘seniors’ is determined by the manufacturer and varies widely.

According to Dr. Lisa M. Freeman, a professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts, pet food manufacturers "might be increasing protein, decreasing protein or keeping it the same.” Survey respondents (as well as many veterinarians) generally believe senior dog food formulas are lower in calories and contain less fat, protein and sodium. In fact, the 37 commercial senior formulas tested by Dr. Freeman and her colleagues didn’t necessarily have decreased levels of those three ingredients, and calorie counts per cup varied widely, from 246 to over 400.

* Publishers note….. Remember that dogs are carnivorous scavengers that require a raw-meat, raw-veggie heavy diet. Grain based dog foods are species inappropriate, and eventually lead to liver, kidney, skin & coat problems, and including countless other health issues tagged to inappropriate, and unhealthy human Veterinary bills.

Lawmakers in Iran have proposed a bill to criminalize dog ownership.

The law states that owning a dog “poses a cultural problem” and is “a blind imitation of the vulgar culture of the West.”

Many believe the purpose of this “war on terrier” is to distract Iranians from the bigger problems their country faces. The Iranian government gets billions of dollars in petrodollars every year, and uses that money to build weapons of mass destruction instead of using the money to better the lives of their citizens. And now the regime has made the elimination of dogs a priority, instead of the elimination of unemployment and poverty. 

Ten days ago, companies from over 30 countries, including Germany, Britain, and France participated in the Iran Oil Show in Tehran, despite U.S. and E.U. sanctions.

By continuing to trade with the Iranian regime, Western companies are enabling this disregard for human rights to continue.

“Iranian officials find themselves in a cultural war with the West and see what they're offering as an ‘Islamic lifestyle’ failing measurably.”

For much of the past decade, the Iranian government has tolerated what it considers a particularly depraved and un-Islamic vice: the keeping of pet dogs.

During periodic crackdowns, police have confiscated dogs from their owners right off the street; and state media has lectured Iranians on the diseases spread by canines. The cleric Gholamreza Hassani, from the city of Urmia, has been satirized for his sermons railing against "short-legged" and "holdable" dogs. But as with the policing of many other practices (like imbibing alcoholic drinks) that are deemed impure by the mullahs but perfectly fine to many Iranians, the state has eventually relaxed and let dog lovers be.

Those days of tacit acceptance may soon be over, however.

Major league baseball season kicked off last week. Was your dog singing, “Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd?” Dog friendly baseball games are becoming more popular – in fact, this season you and your pooch are welcome to take in a game at 15 major league stadiums. Not only are these events a lot of fun, a portion of the proceeds generally benefits local shelters or rescues.

Properly trained owner and a well socialized dog are prerequisites to attend these games since (1) only certain sections are reserved for people with pooches to sit and watch the game and (2) there is normally one designated entrance where most dogs hang out until the gate opens. If you join in the festivities, remember to bring proof of your pup’s rabies vaccination (a current tag should suffice). Call the ticket office to confirm other particulars.

If you live near these ball parks, grab your whole family and let your pup ruff, ruff, ruff for the home team.

▪   Cincinnati Reds – Sunday, April 3

▪   Houston Astros – Sunday, April 17

▪   Pittsburgh Pirates – Tuesday, April 26

▪   Atlanta Braves – Sunday, May 1

▪   Washington Nationals – Saturday, May 14

▪   Chicago White Sox – Tuesday, May 17 (SOLD OUT)

▪   Pittsburgh Pirates – Tuesday, May 24

▪   Los Angeles Dodgers – Saturday, May 28

▪   Texas Rangers – Sunday, May 29

▪   Florida Marlins – Friday, June 3

▪   Pittsburgh Pirates – Tuesday, June 21

▪   St. Louis Cardinals – Saturday, June 25

▪   Pittsburgh Pirates – Tuesday, July 5

▪   Washington Nationals – Saturday, July 9

▪   Oakland As – Friday, July 15

▪   San Diego Padres – Saturday, July 16

▪   Florida Marlins – Friday, August 12

▪   Pittsburgh Pirates – Tuesday, August 16

▪   Atlanta Braves – Sunday, September 4

▪   Houston Astros – Sunday, September 4

▪   Kansas City Royals – Sunday, September 18

▪   San Francisco Giants – Sunday, August 28 – More info will be available on the Giants website soon.

▪    

▪   New York Mets – Saturday, September 10

▪   Cincinnati Reds – Wednesday, September 14

▪   Pittsburgh Pirates – Tuesday, September 13

▪   Washington Nationals – Saturday, September 24

Also remember that many minor league baseball teams have similar “Bark at the Park” promotions. Check them out, too!

Man Bites Dog, Then Sues Over Police Canine's Act

PHOENIX -- A 33-year-old man who bit back after he was caught by a Phoenix police dog is suing police. 

Erin Sullivan alleges the dog violated his civil rights and used excessive force to capture him after he ran from officers in 

Glendale during a burglary investigation last year.

Police say Sullivan bit the dog back, injuring it. The lawsuit names the cities of Phoenix and Glendale and four officers.

Precursor filings to the lawsuit sought $200,000 from Glendale and $250,000 from Phoenix.

Officials in Glendale and Phoenix have declined comment.

Sullivan also alleges Glendale police refused to give him insulin to treat his diabetes. Sullivan's attorney, Keith Knowlton, has said his client suffered a diabetic seizure in a Glendale cell.

 Sullivan is serving eight years for convictions in the Glendale burglary.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com

Police dogs are trained to do a very specific job. And,  for the most part they do it faithfully well. We all love our dogs and try to always give them the best. However, the best is often expensive. For some real recession savings however, click on the Pet Meds. link on the right sidebar, and browse through their extensive pet products. You'll immediately recognize the huge savings. And, free shipping is another way to treat your pet to the things you thought you may not be able to afford.

Ohio man charged after barking at police dog.

Police say an Ohio man has been charged with a misdemeanor for barking at a police dog. 

 A police report states 25-year-old Ryan James Stephens was charged with teasing a police dog in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason.

Officer Bradley Walker wrote that he heard the K9 dog barking uncontrollably inside his patrol car while he was investigating a car crash at a pub early Sunday morning. Walker says Stephens was making barking noises and hissing at the animal.

Walker reported that Stephens said "the dog started it" when asked why he was harassing the animal. The officer said Stephens appeared highly intoxicated.

There was no answer to calls to Stephens' home in Mason. He is to appear April 21 in municipal court.

Brush Your Pet's Teeth.

Although brushing your pet's teeth may be a difficult task, doing so can help prevent tartar and plaque buildup, which over time could lead to periodontal disease. For many pets, especially small dog breeds, periodontal disease is a common problem. However, brushing your pet's teeth with the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit for Dogs and Cats from Pet Meds. can help prevent dental diseases and reduce the likelihood of costly vet bills for oral surgery. 

For plaque removal supplies, click on Pet Meds in right sidebar, and enter  PLAQUE SUPPLIES.

Traveling by air with a pet? Some great tips to make it less stressful.

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 non-spill container 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.  

What's in your dog's food?? They have very specific needs.

      The lack of protein content of dry dog food. This is important information to know, because your dog has no biological requirement for carbs. Dry foods contain a high carb content, (mostly grains, & fillers) and is therefore not species-appropriate for your carnivorous canine, and can eventually produce serious health challenges. Chances are the carbs in the dry food are displacing some percentage of protein your dog's body really needs.

       The use of the term 'crude' protein, fat and fiber on the dry food label. Crude can mean a lot of things. Shoe leather, for example, is a 'crude' protein. Bottom line: there's no way to determine how much of an ingredient categorized as 'crude' is digestible or will provide nourishment to your pet's body. Raw meat is the natural diet of carnivorous scavengers. Then add a handful of grated raw carrot, and you have a meal that can rejuvenate ailing animals.   

For more documented facts go to:  www.barfworld.com   

It's the first day of spring, and Pet Poison prevention week.

March 20-26 is National Pet Poison Prevention Week with the objective of educating the public about potentially harmful substances commonly found in the home. The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline urge everyone to remember our four-legged family members during this week, as they are among the most vulnerable.


With today being the 1st day of spring, be aware of tulips, azaleas and cocoa mulch in the garden - they can be toxic to dogs. Also, household cleaning products, anti-freeze, raisins, chocolate, and other plant life.  


If you need immediate help for an ailing animal call Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680. There is an incident-fee service-charge applicable for their services. 

After all, dogs really are good luck!

Top 'o the day to ya all!

Being that St. Patrick's Day is March 17th it seemed appropriate for us to observe this "Lucky Dog" month.

After all, dogs really are good luck!

Dogs are vibrant, energetic, cheerful creatures. They bring happiness and joy to all those around them and, according to the art of Feng Shui, naturally raise the "yang" or positive energy in the home.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that governs spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to patterns of yin and yang and the flow of energy.

In feng shui it is important to keep the bright, positive yang energy flowing throughout the home in order to maintain balance and enjoy success and good health.

According to Grand Master Lillian Too:

"For homes that are left empty through the day, the presence of pets - dogs or cats - is even more beneficial as they ensure that energy in the home does not stagnate and instead is kept alive and moving."

"This continuous generation of life energy is particularly beneficial if they are assigned a part of the home that has an auspicious star..."

(Excerpt from Barf World, Premium Pet Food Products)

https://secure.barfworld.com/

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. 

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, ''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' 

The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Fly if you have wings.

2010--Filmmaker Louie Psihoyos is honored for "The Cove," while actress Melanie Griffith presents her mother, Tippi Hedren with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on behalf of captive big cats and other animals. Hedren, famous for her Hichcock films, reminded the audience that many people are fighting for the animals "so they can run if they have legs, swim if they have fins, and fly if they have wings."

Real or Fake? Until now people who wanted to avoid buying fur products had few….

Until now people who wanted to avoid buying fur products had few ways to discern the difference. But thanks to a new federal law, humane-minded consumers can make more informed choices. Since 1951, companies haven’t been required to label the species and country of origin on clothing with a certain amount of fur, defined today as $150 or less.

As a results, thousands of garments may have been sold   each year with no identification of what they’re made of: pelts of animals trapped inhumanly in the wild or raised in small cages and killed in gruesome ways.

While the ever-increasing sophistication of faux fur has been an exciting development for  conscientious fashionistas, the phenomenon has had a flip side. Through microscopy, mass spectrometry, and other detection methods, Humane Society staff have discovered rampant marketplace misinformation: fur garments promoted as faux or with incorrect species information—or not labeled at all. Armed with these findings, The Humane Society secured support for a bill to close the labeling loophole from consumer protection groups and companies such as Gucci, Burberry, and Overstock.com.  Major retailers like Saks Fifth

Avenue, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s also signed on when settling consumer deception lawsuits filed by the Humane Society.

Signed into law in December 2010, The Truth in Fur Labeling Act takes effect this month. As to whether companies will comply, they only to look to the example of the 300-plus retailers, designers, and brands that have joined the Humane Society’s fur-free list. 

No Pet Left Behind

Deployed troops have a place to turn with their furry friends, at home and on the battlefield.
Visit these websites to learn more about animal-and-pet rescue efforts related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.


www.spcai.org/baghdad-pups.html    Operation Baghdad Pups
www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org   Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets
www.hsi.org   Humane Society International
www.afghanstrayanimals.org   Afghan Stray Animal Ledague