The other day during an appointment at the Geisinger Medical Center a doctor told me that when his mother-in-law died, he and his wife promised her they would give her cat a home.She is a calico, he told me, and now she sleeps in bed between him and his wife.When he gets home she greets him with a demand for a special neck massage.She knows the word for treats, too.No, he didn’t pull out a picture of the newest family memberfor me to see but did tell me that he and his wife had purchased a new vacuum cleaner especially for the cat hair.It is great on upholstery, he said.As I left, his cell phone–or perhaps it was his pager–sounded.It is probably the cat, I commented.He smiled at me and nodded.She knows our voices on the phone, he said, and can tell if it is his or his wife’s.
And so this question.I wonder if more cats than dogs go into forever homes when their owners pass or can no longer care for them?After all, cats are easier to care for–or so we have been led to believe. ( I wouldn’t be surprised if that was a feline myth.)But, it may be the reason we see more pictures of older dogs in need of homes–the picture of two ten-year-old Beagles haunts me as do the other pictures of geriatric dogs.BUT if dogs hadcanine good citizen certificates they would be more adoptable!And, if more puppies had Marjean AKC S.T.A.R. 6 weeks of classes they would be easier to re-home.Keep the CGC certificates and all training/graduation papers with your valuables.They may justguarantee your pet a “forever home” if you can’t.
GATHERINGS.Westminster celebration begins on Sunday the 14th with an art show, with the lead exhibit being the brass and leather collar worn by Charles Dickens’ dog!It is valued between $4,000 and $6,000.
FISH OIL REDUX. I received an e-mail from a Cornell nutritionist who said he believes fish oil helps arthritis more than glucosamine!
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CONFERENCE. There is a BEST FRIENDS FOREVER CONFERENCE scheduled for August 5-8.Pia Silvani is one of the participants.For those of you who own a copy of the CGC videotape she is a participant and was an early advocate of the program–along with her then “boss” Ed Sayres Jr.Sayres is now the president of the ASPCA.When the CGC tape was made they both were at St. Huberts Giralda.Pia helped to write a series of training manuals.Puppy kindergarten included the CGC.You might call it the first S.T.A.R. program.The ASPCA has joined the animal relief coalition of Haiti (ARCH) with plans to deploy mobile clinics to help serve the estimated 5 million head of livestock as well as the stray and companion dog population and native wildlife affected by the recent earthquake.
PAWABILITIES 2010 is March 13-14 at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
The CANINE PARTNERS PROGRAM FOR MIXED BREED DOGS starts April 1st.Dogs with AKC partners listing will be eligible to participate in the SAME AKC agility, obedience and rally trials as purebreeds and earn the same titles.Dogs must be enrolled in AKC canine partners.($35 fee)
FIRST CASE OF HIN1 FLU REPORTED IN N.Y. DOG. A 13-year-old neutered, mixed-breed male has tested positive for the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus, according to IDEXX laboratories.Test results were confirmed by the Iowa State Laboratory.The N.Y. dog appears to have been infected by his owner and recovered after treatment by a veterinarian.The symptoms included a dry cough, lethargy, a temperature of 103.6 and loss of appetite.
CANCER RESEARCH. A well-known human cancer research institute–Van Andel Research Institute in Michigan, a recipient of a National Cancer Institute grant–is asking for help from practicing veterinarians and dog owners.The research is on five main tumor types: ostecosarcoma, lymphoma , melanoma, hemangiosarcoma and malignant histiocytosis.The Institute is asking for fresh tumor samples and blood samples.The researcher is also doing cheek swabs on healthy dogs at dog shows.http://www.vai.org.I have forwarded this information to veterinarians I know and perhaps others would like to do so also.
HALL OF FAME.Two authors in the area of dog training books are being inducted into the Dog Writers Association of America Hall of Fame this February before Westminster.Don Arner founded Off-Lead magazine and has been active in the American Rescue Dog Association as well a a charter member of the American Boarding Kennel Association.His writing background extends back to 1974 and he is known for developing prototype programs in the use of dogs for detectionof pollutants.Bob Self Sr. founded Front and Finish, a magazine devoted to companion and performance sports.He is author of such books as Dogs Self Trained and Puppy Manners.Self was one of the active consultants in the development of the Canine Good Citizen evaluation.
Writers, or as I like to think of them–“communicators”, play an important role in the world of animals and people.More than ever their talents and time are needed as we face ongoing animal welfare problems, as well as a lack of print space to reach dog owners.Many dog owners do not have Internet access and magazines are ever and ever more expensive or specialized.Recently, for example, my daughter sent me an article on the personality profiles of dog and cat owners.It is to be published this spring in Anthrozoos.This publication has not been published for a decade and since rarely do publications resurface the spring issue will be interesting.It is a global publication with authors from all over spectrum of animal interest.
And there is a new AKC publication that I haven’t seen a copy yet called CITIZEN CANINE, about the AKC Canine Good Citizen!!For the average dog lover club newsletters play a very important role in connecting members with the world of dogs. However, newspapers–both daily and weekly and letters to the editor–are also very important, and you trainer/writers might consider sending your training story to the Daily Item.No pay for your effort, but I understand a picture will be published and of course it would be great club publicity!Also,this might be a good time for local dog writers to form an organization to help each other improve their skills in order to reach the vast audience of area pet owners.
IT STARTS AT HOME.On Monday I purchased a bag of the usual food for Bacall and Heppy.(Cagney, my senior, receives a special diet of j/d and b/d). On Tuesday I opened the new bag and poured it into a pink plastic bin with a lid.The freshly purchased dry food was their usual dinner.Wednesday morning there was vomit in the x-pen shared by the girls.I fixed them breakfast and two hours later there was again vomited foodin the x-pen.I called my vet and she said she wouldreport this immediately to the manufacturer and to keep the bag in case either she or the company needed more information.She also said it was important to report this type of problem promptly. By noon I received a call that the company and hospital would replace the food with a different lot number and would deliver it in time for dinner.They took away the bag and the first batch of food.There have been no further problems.This is one reason pet owners should discuss feeding upsets with the veterinarian.This is the only way we can protect and safeguard what our pets eat.I will continue to feed the same product because in five years of using this food this was the first and only problem–if indeed the vomiting was caused by the food.As pet owners it is up to us to be proactive.
LAVENDER, VANILLA. Lavender and vanilla have been combined by Air Wick into an oil odor dispenser that has changed the lives of my Springer ladies!The other evening despite guests my dogs remained quietly calm and dozing.And, in fact, my senior canine slept right through her traditional ten o’clock nightly potty break!!The only explanation I have is the new air freshener I purchased which combines lavender and vanilla.Studies have indicated that lavender has a quieting effect, especially on dogs that don’t enjoy travel.And, of course, DAP is used on puppy kerchiefs when the young ones go into training class.
THE BIBLE AND DOGS.Susan Bulanda is the author of READY TO SERVE, the SAR book of first-hand field accounts that is almost poetical and very dramatic. Susan told me her newest book was a joy to research –“dogs have a voice”!It is titled A BIBLICAL VIEW OF ANIMALS.Susan’s website is www. sbulanda.com.Click on books for more information and how to obtain an autographed copy.Also, to obtain a list of SAR teams look up National Search Dog Alliance.By the way, Bulanda is a Pottstown resident.
DO DOGS GIGGLE?My daughter believes her dog Monroe giggles.I have never seen any of the Springers I own giggle although they are supposed to be a joyful breed!But, this was the question posed by a producer of products for pets.The object, of course, is to encourage oral health and daily teeth care.I never heard the late Dixon Cuff ask the “giggle-question” but he stressed and encouraged dental care and clean therapy dog breath.Unfortunately, one of the anesthetics widely used in dental work–ketamine–has been the cause of at least 5 deaths in cats.(More pets are anesthetized than humans.)The anesthetic is made by Teva, butas in the food recall many companies have their labels on this drug (Fort Dodge and Pfizer) so not even veterinarians can be sure the ketamine they are using is not contaminated.There is an FDA alert–a little late since ketamine was allegedly discovered to be tainted in 2006!Further, another anesthetic–buterphenol–has also been recalled so both pose dangers to pets undergoing procedures and restraints.
RECENT CLINICAL FOOD TRIAL RESULTS SHOW IMPROVEMENT IN DOGS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS. The Journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association recently published two studies which indicate that ingestion of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids improves clinical signs of dogs with osteoarthritis.Hills Prescription Diet j/d was the test diet against control diets (Purina and Pedigree).In one study the dogs were fed the diets for 6 months and evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 weeks.According to owners in that study the dogs had an improved ability to rise, walk and play.In my opinion in most studies involving diet and behavior–behavior comes up descriptively short.If there cannot be physical measurements there should be anecdotal material.After all, we need to know we are improving or could be improving our pet’s life.When my 12-year-old struts by with a toy and/or runs by me to avoid a nail clippers I feel good about her diet.The diet is working–perhaps.I am satisfied.However, veterinary nutritionists are not behaviorists and there is the lack.In my small kennel my 12-year-old has a morning ration of j/d while her daughters have a fish oil capsule added twice a day to their regular food.My veterinary hospital always takes a history with each visit and one of the questions involves diet and medications, supplements.It is always wise to discuss any dietary change with your pet’s doctor.(JAVMA , Vol. 236, No. 1)
PARVOVIRUS PUPPIES AND PROTECTION. I recently received an e-mail from a local rescue that accepted and transported a litter of puppies that had parvovirus.They needed money to help pay the mounting veterinary bills, which included the Watsontown Emergency Center–over $5000.I worry about the little ones that are suffering as well as those working to keep them alive.Could this be avoided?It should be and must be or this tragedy will be repeated and the disease will spread by well-intentioned small shelters that have more love than they have good sense and ample resources.One step might be to broaden the scope of the Puppy Lemon Law, which now has jurisdiction only over commercial kennels and pet stores.The Puppy Lemon Law does not apply to individual small breeders or to non-profit shelters and rescues.In this time of rapidly mutating viruses this must change.The Puppy Lemon Law or the Dog Purchaser Protection Act is enforced by the Attorney General–currently candidate Tom Corbett.We live in a virus danger zone.We cannot tolerate negligence.There is a good vaccine to prevent parvovirus just as there is rabies.This should and could be prevented so that all are protected.
Animal-Vues has always fought for more education and communication between pet professionals and the pet-owning public.Susan Bulanda, an educator, author, and well-known SAR trainer and leader, is offering a free seminar through teams of “Canine Training and Management” at Kutztown University on February 13th.Volunteers and workers from rescue groups, shelters, non-profit animal welfare organizations, individuals fostering dogs should attend.So shouldveterinarians andanimal healthcare professionals. Trainers and behaviorists will be interested in the parts on rehabilitation related to dogs raised in commercial environments.
ARCH AND HAITI. As I write this BLOG, two teams of SAR dogs are on the ground and two more are expected to arrive this week.Five additional teams have been activated awaiting deployment.It will probably be some time before the TDI therapy dog teams trained for disaster work are deployed.Disasters can be large or small, local or global, involve one person or many.Quite different in mission from the search-and-rescue teams that work to help people, the county animal response teams work at home to help other animals in need.However, with the magnitude of the earthquake I doubt whether any teams trained in this task will be sent in for a long time.Veterinarians have a fund andmedical veterinary assistance teams (VMAT), which will no doubt be arriving soon to give any animal assistance needed.Donald Kamsler was an early member of this group during 9/11 as well as the Bush inaugural.Also, the American Humane Association was a pioneer in animal disaster care, publishing the first Guidelines.To keep up with the effort and Haiti and to contribute, search for ARCH.ARCH is a group of legitimate animal aid organizations.ARCH members include Humane Society International, American Humane Association, International Fund for Animals and the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
CANINE KING OF POP CULTURE. The American Kennel Club recently polled readers on the most popular dogs in society.As you might expect there were few surprises.Snoopy was crowned the Canine King of Pop Culture!( I wonder how many of Snoopy’s admirers know he was born in a western puppy mill!)Fourth on the top ten list was Eddie, the deceptively well-behaved RussellTerrier in “Frasier”.“Duke” of Bush’s Baked Beans fame led the voting in advertising and Lassie was top dog in the movies.Bo Obama, of course, won the nod as top political dog.
BETTY WHITE will receive an award on January 23rd.The renowned, animal-loving actress will be presented with the SAG Life Achievement Award by Sandra Bullock.White was one of the first to publicly praise the CGC, and is a former president of the Morris Animal Foundation and a present member of the Board.
PA HIGH COURT HAS RULED THAT THE PA SPCA IS NOT A STATE AGENCY AND CAN BE SUED!Once again the organization is reputedly in disarray with Board resignations, new board members and looking for a new CEO.The organization lost a case involving a Reading kennel.It will be back in court this week on a cruelty citation leveled when the owner of a 100+ dog kennel was cleaning feces during a rainstorm.According to Julian Prager the whole country is watching this trial due to what is termed the SPCA’s “high-handed” behavior.
SHELTER STRAIN. This week, more than 100 commercial kennels will close, putting a severe strain on small shelters struggling to find homes and temporary housing for a flood of dogs.One shelter manager who has placed 75 of these dogs says the major problem that the dogs have is “shyness”.“They’re not vicious,” she says, “they are frightened.”This is a problem shared with the Vick victims.When we terrorize our dogs, are we teaching lessons of terrorism?
NEEDED GUIDELINES. With AKC mixed-breed recognitionthere is a need for guidelines to help those who want to adopt or purchase a mixed-breed puppy.Many if not most of the guidelines, of course, are already in place or in the Puppy Lemon Law.However,in order to be eligible for the new AKC programs both parents must be from AKC-recognized breeds.A puppy from two goldendoodles would not be eligible.A puppy from a Golden Retriever and a Poodle would be eligible.So once again if a mixed breed is preferred –meet the dam and sire if possible.If they have a CGC and are active in therapy or other performance events the puppies could be more desirable.Take the time to search and to evaluate the owner/breeder and kennels–avoid BACKYARD BREEDERS WHO ARE THE NEW PUPPY MILLS (under the 26-dog limit of the Dog Law radar).Take the time to visit more than one breeder, more than one shelter and rescue.Also, with mixed breeds price is important.Don’t buy “trends” –they cost more.It may be just as economical to buy a purebred dog as one of the new “designer dogs”.Do ask for veterinarian references and references from trainers and others who have purchased/trainedpuppies from past litters. Breed rescues are probably the most reliable source of mixed-breed litters.And, remember a pet store puppy cost more than the same puppy from a breeder or a shelter.Check veterinary hospital bulletin boards and avoid newspaper classifieds and the Internet.Above all–think long and hard about your lifestyle and your budget!The new dog will be an importantfamily member.There is no such pet as a free pet!Now we need to publish informational guidelines.
THE RISK OF CUDDLING. Sick in bed and enjoying the warmthand companionship of yourpet?Not so fast!According to a report in JAVMA, although the number of animal cases is small, evidence suggests that pets can catch the flu from their owners. Thus far, cats seem to be most susceptible–not just to H1N1 but all forms of flu.It must be stressed that there is no evidence indicating pets give people flu–the evidence is that WE ARE THE CARRIERS and infect them.Tell your veterinarian if someone in the home has been ill.Is it any wonder cats are constantly washing their paws?
INTERNET ADVICE FROM A VETERINARIAN. Nancy Kay, DVM, recently shared guidelines on how to find reliable, accurate information on the Internet.Kay’s first suggestion–ask your veterinarian for Web site recommendations.Second– search for veterinary college Web sites.Enter “veterinary college” or “veterinary school” after the disease or symptom you are researching.She also says that Web addresses ending in “.org”, “.edu”, and “.gov” represent nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies, respectively, and will likely be sources of objective and accurate information.And, if your dog has a breed-specific disease pay a visit to the site hosted by that breed’s national organization.Kay cautions against business-sponsoredWeb sites.And, last of all, she says that disease-specific online forums provide information and a wealth of emotional support.She advises searching those sponsored by Yahoo (http://groups.yahoo.com). More Kay advice: look for groups that have lots of members and have been around for several years.Kay is a Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; the recipient of the American Animal Hospital Association 2009 Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award; and author of Speaking For Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life.
GOLDEN GIRL BETTY WHITE FUNDS RESEARCH. The Morris Animal Foundation has announced that Betty White will match up to $25,000 donations made to fund research into Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal and contagious disease affecting a growing number of dogs.Data indicate that the disease is spreading despite the use of two vaccines. Early signs of the disease include lethargy and vomiting.Humans are exposedthrough contact or shared environments, such as streams, pools of water and snow.My dogs lick snow.Do yours?
DO WE NEED THERAPY DOG SPECIALISTS? Therapy dogs pass a universal evaluation that allows them to be active in nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, schools and even prisons.However, like service dogs, some show aptitude more suited to certain areas than do others–not better.Different.Should we recognize these talents with advanced training and evaluation?For example, some dogs seem to enjoy children more than adults.And, I have known quite a few dogs that seem to have a wonderful ability to work with autistic children.These dogs are special because they seem to understand a special type of child.TDI has specially trained and evaluated dogs that work with disaster victims.Is it time to take a similarrecognition into our communities and move a few steps further?
Dogs have been used in commercials more than any other animal.The question is, what will Gillette do with Tiger Woods?They may have to add his dogs to new commercials.Already both dogs are frequently pictured with a smiling Woods family.
In commercials and as image builders dogs are popular because they have a strong positive product viewer-recall.Ad agencies like dogs because they are much easier to train than cats–although with Tiger, a cat might be a better fit!However, not all cats are as trainable as my Rusty, an orange marmalade stray, who quickly learned to come when called and to heel on command!Rusty was in a college production targeted at understanding cats in order to avoid cat bites–bites that are more dangerous and more frequent than dog bites.HE WAS THE STAR.
HELPING THE UNEMPLOYED BECOME DOG TRAINERS–ANOTHER QUESTION. The Salvation Army and author Matthew Margolis have proposed teaching low-income and no-income people how to become dog trainers–small business owners.Is it time to have criteria for calling oneself a dog trainer?Is it enough to have trained one’s own dog, to have attended multiple dog training classes and to earn a degree with an internet certificate?Teaching man’s best friend should not be considered a job but aprofession with EXPERIENCE.
HAVE A BLACK AND BLUE CANINE CHRISTMAS–EVERY DAY I FEEL SORRY FOR BLACK DOGS.I wish there was a prayer especially for them.If there were black Springers I would own one.If I were going to foster a dog I would foster a black dog.There are many reasons for this feeling– number one is that I believe color does make the dog!I believe we will find that black dogs are genetically more sound than the other colors in a breed.A Cornell researcher once told me black Labradors, for example, had fewer eye problems than the yellow and chocolate Labs.To further reinforce that recently I had the opportunity to watch the renowned Jim Reynolds judge the sporting group.His pick was a black Labrador that he said, “spoke to him and I always put up the dog who speaks to me”.And yet, black dogs are less apt to be chosen for adoption in shelters and rescues.The next time someone asks you to help them, choose a puppy or a dog as a family addition–maybe this Christmas–do look long and hard at the black dogs, and it wouldn’t hurt to listen either!
The other color dog I would advise all parents to consider is the BLUE DOG.“Blue Dog” is the name of a colorful way to prevent dog bites through an American Veterinary Medical Association program on communication with dogs.The Blue Dog Parent Guide and CD is designed to help parents and children safely interact.It is targeted toward children ages 3 to 6 and the cost is only $8.Call the AVMA at 800-248-2862, ext. 6655 or visit www.avma.org/bluedog.It is an especially appropriate gift since so many bites are triggered by play and toys–the ones which squeak–and become toys of choice at Christmas.I even believe toys which make a noise should have a warning label, “this toy may bring out the prey instinct in a dog”.
WHAT DO YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO HAS NOTHING?–has lost his best friend!A new booklet published by the Argus Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado University, is filled with valuable suggestions from both the hospice and medical standpoints.It is especially helpful for anyone who suffers the inevitable guilt which comes with the loss of a pet.Thanks to the generosity of Dr. and Mrs Walter Brasch, the booklet is available through veterinary hospitals or by calling the Grief Hotline at 570-784-2460.
ONE MAN’S JUNK–ANOTHER DOG’S FOOD! Nutro Products has recalled several lots of dog foods after finding pieces of a worker’s plastic hat in the production line.The recall applies to Nutro Ultra Puppy Food and Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Meal, Rice and Oatmeal Formula Small Bites Puppy food.Also, Wysong has recalled lots of dry dog foods containing mold.The recall affects Maintenance dog food, Senior dog food and Synorgon dog food.And Diamond Pet Foods has recalled several lots of cat foods deficient in thiamine manufactured for PremiumEdge.Information about pet food recalls is available on the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls.
SOCIALIZATION OF DOGS CAN PUT THEM AND YOU AT RISKThe AVMA has released a reference guide to educate dog owners about the health risks of dogs socializing.The guide notes that dogs can spread diseases to other dogs and people in settings such as dog parks, day care and boarding facilities, competitions and training classes.Other health risks include bite wounds and environmental hazards.The three sections of the document cover risks for dogs, risks for people and protective measures.The document summarizes risks for dogs of canine distemper, canine influenza, canine parvovirus, external parasites, fertilizers and pesticides, fungal infections, heartworm, heatstroke injuries, intestinal parasites, kennel cough, leptospirosis, rabies, regional wildlife and feral animals, ringworm, tick-borne diseases and toxic plants.The guide is available online at www.avma.org/animal health by scrolling down to “Pet care” and clicking on “Dogs’ social lives and disease risks”.
DID DINOSAURS SNEEZE?Will researchers find the origins of swine flu H1N1 in dinosaur bones?According to an article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, “new research indicates that tyrannosaurid dinosaurs may have been affected with a disease similar to one that causes lesions in the jaws of modern birds of prey.The finding represents the first evidence for the ancient evolutionary origin of an avian transmissible disease in non-avian theropod dinosaurs.”One researcher suspects there is ahistory of co-evolution of diseases and their hosts(Today it has been speculatedthat the present day influenza virus could be a result of DNA swapping between avian flu and those affecting other species.If there is “co-evolution” between diseases and hosts we may have added the possibility of prehistoric origins to a modern pandemic.Unfortunately or fortunately dinosaurs did not have vaccines.)
BEST IN GARBAGE. Nearly 4,000 canines are going to compete for more than $225,000 in prizes at the ninth annual AKC/Eukanuba National championship in Long Beach, Dec. 12th and 13th. The two-day event is held in connection with the AKC Agility invitational and the AKC National Obedience invitational with entries of 457 and 109.Dogs from 41 countries are entered with the largest entry–106 Golden Retrievers.(The show is open and not by invitation as it has been in the past and will be again next year.Wonder if this is due to the economy and small breed event numbers?)The Eukanuba booth promises to be the most amazing. It features an exhibit where attendees can see, smell, hear, and taste exactly as a dog does.I think it would have been less expensive if they had read the research by past AVMA president and veterinary behaviorist Bonnie Beaver.Fried liver was the preferred food when dogs go on a best in garbage search.This is followed by baked or fried chicken.Sorry, Eukanuba.
FIRE HYDRANTS AND TREES share a new bond. In addition to being among the favorite places for dogs to pause, they now share headlines with the golfer, Tiger Woods! The recent headlines regarding this talented golfer have worried and enthralled us over the last several days. Tiger owns two dogs–a Border Collie named Taz and an Australian Labradoodle named Yogi.Yogi is more than a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle–his parents are both Australian imports.Yogi’s ancestors thus include Irish Water Spaniels and both the American and English Cocker Spaniels.The breed club began in 2005 and has a standard and a web site (worth checking out before considering a puppy purchase)and perhaps AKC recognition aspirations.The Standard stresses that the breed must be “Good family companions with temperament and soundness as key elements” .Size, however, is a problem–three sizes are now accepted. Also,coat colors read like a stylist’s dream–bleaching and discoloration are considered ideal.Color and coat texture alone will be problems for recognition–without a much longer history of consistency.Thus, it would seem that it will be awhile before the Australian Labradoodlejoins the Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound and Boykin Spaniel as AKC recognized breeds.The next breeds in line for AKC recognition are the Icelandic Sheepdog, Cane Corso and Leonberger.The Labradoodle will also not be eligible for any of the new AKC events since its parents are not AKC recognized breeds.Sorry, Tiger, no majors for your dogs! Of course, the most famous dog connected in a way withTiger Woodsbears his name–the Wolfhound that won the 2009 Hound Group at Westminster!
AT LAST–MICROCHIP PROGRESS. For a long time the AVMA and many humane societies have had as their goal improving microchipping as a form of pet identification.This involves developing universal scanners that can read ALL microchips.It also involves enrollingmicrochips IN REGISTRIES.Now the American Animal Hospital Association has a free web site where a microchip number can be MATCHED WITH THE MANUFACTURER even if the dog owner didn’t take the critical and important step of enrolling his dog in a registry.The site of this valuable resource–AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool — www.petmicrochiplookup.org.Another resource is Chloe StandardChecktheChip.com.The most important advance, however, would be to make it mandatory for all dogs and puppies sold in Pennsylvaniato have proof of a microchip or tattoo (Pennsylvania lifetime license number) at time of sale.This would provide more security for lost dogs–and perhaps act as a deterrent when people decide to dump a pet.We might lower license fees with identification.
PAW PRINTS AND CARBON FOOTPRINTS.As many readers know, there is a new book out titled, “Time to Eat The Dog–The Real Guide to Sustainable Living”.The authors maintain that dog owning is much worse for the planet than owning a SUV.And, they cite dog owners for driving larger-than-necessary cars and even RVs for carrying dogs to dog parks, dog shows and dog events.Would they approve of canine car pooling en route to do therapy at a nursing home or to attend a training class?
ApparentlyBill Smith (Main Line Rescue) didn’t read the book.He chartered a jet to rescue PA puppy mill dogs which had been taken to a Ohio auction. He was able to purchase six and cruelty charges will be brought against six puppy mills as a result of his mission.The puppy mills which are to be cited have approximately 500-plus dogs each.The rescue jet was a big carbon footprint–but perhaps thousands of dogs will now have a chance at better lives with footprints free from pain!We can’t always measure compassion and caring in carbon footprints.
Did you ever wonder where these thousands of dogs will spend the holidays with the Commonwealth’s overflowing shelters?
DOGS AND SEARCHES FOR CELL PHONES. Here are a few thoughts as more and more states pass anti-texting while driving laws!Did you know that cell phones have a distinct smell, so distinct in fact that dogs can be trained to search and find them?These cell phone sleuths are used now in prisons but one could add cell phone detection to traffic searches.The smell is said to be a sweetish, metallic, ozoney, weird robotic reek, according to a recent New Yorker article.Not only do these dogs find cell phones, but they can also find cell phone chargers, batteries, ear pieces and related objects. In fact, the search dogs can find the electronic devices anywhere–impossible to hide!New Jersey now has seven German Shepherds and Labradors on duty.The Jersey dogs were trained by prison officials–and interestingly enough using no tax payer funds.All these cell phone dogs come from the Seeing Eye dog center in Morristown.
One other thought on “texting”.Texting could be dangerous to dogs and dogownership and training.Dog owners adept at texting as a form of communication may not be developing the skills necessary to read and communicate with their REAL BEST FRIENDS. This is indeed a danger.It isa very cold world without such special friends.Dog owners should be told to turn off their cell phones when they are with their canine companions AS A DANGER TO THE HEALTH OF THE BOND.
LIABILITY INSURANCE.Those who work with dogs, especially those who train or title themselves behaviorists or counselors affiliated with veterinary practices, now can obtain pet liability insurance in Pennsylvania from the John Diana Insurance Agency in West Hazleton.Phone 570-459-5060.Both Hartford and Travelers have policies.Also, noted author Susan Bulanda is teaching two courses at Kutztown University.A Level 2 course is targeted toward those who want to be a certified canine behaviorist consultant.(The last word is the important one!!)
DON’T SPAY BEFORE AGE FOUR.A recent study of Rottweilers has found that bitches spayed before the age of four had a significantly shorter lifespan than those spayed at a later age.Hopefully, more studies will cast some light on this interesting finding.