No collection drive necessary! Pick and choose from the collection of toys from past holidays–add a few very loud squeaky balls and be prepared to become a PLAYER! There is nothing like a new puppy or a new canine family member to give old old toys new life! And, of course, the magic and most necessary ingredient is YOU. But, of course, that is what interactive means! This holiday I never go outside without a squeaky ball in my pocket to throw–inside I cuddle a lambskin sheep. My 9-year-old Springers join in the fun and wonder–where did the excitement go over the years? All the gently and even roughly used toys need is the addition of attention and love. A New Year’s resolution–more play!
NEW PACKAGING. Although the MAD MEN of TV fame have yet to tackle the advertising world of pet food–Hill’s Science Diet has a free starter kit for feeding the new puppy. Besides a generous sample of food there is a measuring cup, a puppy guidebook and checklist with calendar stickers. Since Bennett is a medium-size breed puppy I chose the large breed puppy food kit on the advice of a Hill’s nutritionist. Hills is always helpful with individual advice 1-800-445-5777
PET PAPERS. The folder the veterinarian gives each owner after the initial health evaluation and immunizations can be a source of other valuable information. In the folder I received I found information on PA Dog Laws,how to reach area veterinary emergency services including a card with the number of the pet poison helpline, and an explanation of vaccines needed for the pet. I wish the veterinary hospital had included information on AKC registration and its value for dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds. A directory of pet services would have been another valuable addition, including dog training organizations, kennel clubs, groomers and trainers in the area.
FIRST DOG. “Bo” stayed with the President and probably had a big influence on the Lame Duck Session! A natural bird dog! Now of course, he is taking a well deserved vacation in Hawaii. Wonder if he wears a lei and exercises with a surf board?
Dec 25, 2010 | | Uncategorized
My new puppy sat when I opened the door and waited, sniffing the outside. I stepped around him and off we went, with him following. Together with a “good dog”, click or pat–a perfect perfect lesson. Contrast this with the Christmas puppy pushed quickly outside so there won’t be an accident to clean up by busy owners and–a tug on the leash around his tender neck. A lesson in open the door and rush out to avoid pain! The first lessons must be easy and natural in order to be lifelong habits. The same with calling the puppy. Puppies are incredibly fast and with children and adults in pursuit, all the puppy learns and what is being taught is to run run run–away. Call the youngster with a favorite toy and with you at eye level. When he approaches have a short game before taking him inside. Coming must mean fun, not stopping fun. And, never punish him for not coming when YOU want him to. In fact, my puppy learned his name before he learned the word “no”.
Speaking of names–the Eukanuba National Obedience Champion is named “High Times Ris’n Above the Tide”. His call name is “Buoy”! (The show will be televised on January 23rd on ABC.) And, did you know that former President George Bush named his Springer Spaniel “Spot”? When asked why, he answered, “I am just creative I guess”. Spot died at age 14 after numerous strokes. He is buried on the Bush ranch. My new puppy, a black and white English Springer Spaniel, is named after Tony Bennett. His call names are Bennett, Ben and Ben Boy. He has three brothers and a sister looking for special homes.
The Hartford has announced it will sponsor the CGC and S.T.A.R puppy program for all dogs registered with the AKC. Owners of dogs historically ineligible for coverage may be eligible if they pass the CGC 10-step evaluation. As most readers know–all dogs regardless of breed and mixed breeds are eligible now for AKC registration. Perhaps rescues and shelters should offer AKC registration as a bonus along with microchips.
DOG NOTES
Pawsabilities will be held March 12th and 13th in the Farm Show Building.
There is a pet-only airline with toilet facilities, food and water monitored by trained pet attendants. Also now available around the clock–Internet veterinary services with advice from licensed vets–fees from 12.95 to 34.95.
The Lehigh Valley Kennel Club AKC-sanctioned Learning Experience will be held on Jan. 29th and 30th in Allentown, Pa. $10 pre-entry with Jim Rau.
Dec 14, 2010 | | Uncategorized
AREA VETERINARIAN EARNS NATIONAL HEADLINES FOR MID-EAST ANIMAL CARE. Local veterinarian Dr. Inayat Kathio not only cares for Pittston pets but oversees seven low-cost veterinary clinics in Pakistan. The Pakistan-American veterinarian was the object of a recent story in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is known as a strong advocate for low-cost spay/neuter surgery at his small animal Pittston clinic
Kathio is a fellow with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and says it is imperative to get food and medical supplies to the animals in Pakistan immediately. According to veterinarians working there, “Livestock in the country are the poor people’s ATM”. Approximately 200,000 cows, sheep, goats and other animals are presumed dead from the recent floods, with poultry stocks often wiped out entirely. Kathio may be reached at 570-655-2412. His appointment cards not only have cats and dogs printed on them but rabbits, snakes and parrots.
OIL AND ANIMALS. Jeff Corwin, animal biologist and NBC environmental consultant showed his audience a 5-foot long 40-pound lizard that had been rescued from Trenton, N.J. streets after escaping from an owner who burned its neck. His message to veterinarians–”these exotic pets are your patients too”. Abandonment and improper care are big problems for many endangered species living in American homes–and still unfortunately in small roadside zoos. A wildlife spokesman, Corwin says habitat is the secret to preserving wildlife. Habitat must be maintained and kept clean if we are to preserve wildlife. (Corwin is currently working with the sea turtles affected by the Gulf oil spill– wonder what effect the search for oil in Pennsylvania will have on our wildlife and their homes!)
The third veterinarian, Dr. Kenneth Gorczyea, works in rescue, helping AIDS patients keep their pets. He has worked to educate health professionals and the public about the minimal risk of contacting HIV/AIDS from pets. He helped establish PETS ARE WONDERFUL, an organization that provides supplies and care for pets belonging to low-income people who have AIDS or other disabilities and to senior citizens. A video showing this organization at work is available. Call me.
MIXED BREED MAKEOVERS. The newest grooming techniques turn a mixed-breed dog into a purebred of your choice–at least a breed look-alike! Wonder when this will be a feature on “Animal Planet” or even Good Morning America”? A Poodle is a Poodle is not!
STUDY ON DECLINE IN VETERINARY VISITS. Bayer Animal Health has launched a study to determine why there is a decline in veterinary visits. The study results should be known by Thanksgiving. Dog owners are averaging 1.5 vet visits with their dogs compared to 1.9– while cats dropped to less than one visit yearly. The EPA is also seeking comments on pharmaceutical disposals in the water. Veterinary clinics, hospitals and physician’s offices are among those targeted toward developing guidelines for pharmaceutical disposal–especially down drains. How do we pet owners dispose of unused pet medications?
Nov 22, 2010 | | Uncategorized
I begin the week knowing that soon I will have the company of a new companion who will share my life for the next 15 years. For a long time I have been in love with English springer spaniels; my new companion will be very hairy (requiring lots of detangling), and he will have a sense of humor. He will also enjoy watching “Dancing With the Stars” and visiting nursing homes. Truth be told, the first choice will be the breeder. Good breeders breed good dogs. And, without exception they always breed only one breed of dog. They are all football players or soccer players–but there are not two teams raised under one roof. I applaud those dog lovers who take the time to meet and research Greyhounds and all breeds and mixed breeds. They understand that dogs were bred for a purpose–a working and useful purpose. Purpose is hard-wired into every dog and it determines if the dog will fit the new owner’s lifestyle. You wouldn’t buy a coat that didn’t fit, was too short or had too tight sleeves. Why adopt a dog that doesn’t fit how you live?
Check out the internet and books and friends for dog breed research. Check out veterinary hospitals and people who own the kind of dog you like –shelters, rescues as well as breeders. And, if you decide on a mixed breed do remember they have a DNA mixture. They may want to dig holes as well as herd sheep. The American Kennel Club has a registry for mixed-breed dogs with events that may help you both decide whether hunting ground hogs is as much fun as playing with lambs. There is no reason not to register any dog with the AKC. It helps all dogs. There are AKC S.T.A.R. puppy classes and AKC Canine Good Citizen classes that lead to therapy dog visits. These are open to all breeds.
Pick your new dog’s name with care. If you name him “Killer” don’t expect the vet to spend a lot of time in the examination. And, if you name him “Sugar” (according to veterinarians) you might find he is prone to diabetes! I am naming my young best friend “Bennett” for Tony Bennett. I want him to bring joy to many people for a long, long time.
But a warning: Although you probably carry a picture of your pet in your wallet or on your cell phone don’t use your dog’s name as your bank or internet password. Your dog identifies you, all you own, who you respect.
Nov 13, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Once in awhile my English Springer Spaniel Heppy looks up the stairs and wags her tail in a friendly greeting. But, there is no one there. What does she see or hear? Bacall, her sister, will bark a greeting long before a visitor turns into the driveway. Neither of the girls have slept in the spot favored by the senior Springer, Cagney, although she crossed the Rainbow Bridge almost a month ago. Are animals psychic? Do they possess senses that alert them to people and things we do not see or hear? Pet grief counselors counsel that there is a “phantom pet”. This is a pet that can be glimpsed and/or heard by owners soon after pet loss. Halloween can be a sad holiday and a haunting experience for our pets as well as pet owners. Dr. Michael Fox calls these unexplained phenomena “psi-trailing”. Cesar Millan says dogs communicate through energy. And, Fox believes this process is the result of a higher state of sensitivity. “The mind can “feel-see”–using the whole body to receive and transmit”, he writes. Fox calls psi-trailing “a sixth integrative sense which lies latent in all of us to be rekindled as we rediscover our kinship with all life and the true brotherhood of mankind.”
Whether or not we believe in the spirit world of positive and negative forces and energy, Halloween is a holiday we should share with sensitivity and extreme caution–especially when it comes to our pets. It’s not just chocolate and raisins and glow sticks and costumes we need to fear when our pets are involved.
Fox also believes that the closer the attachment, the more vulnerable and responsive the animal will be to his owner. He calls this relationship “sympathetic resonance”. Cesar uses layman’s terms and calls it “balance between people and dogs”.
Dr. Fox believes we must be cautious about prescribing animals for the emotionally handicapped since animals will be harmed. If the owner is depressed, angry, paranoid, over-dependent, or insecure the animal may also feel rejected, afraid, anxious, and/or uncertain. It may become a fear biter or develop diseases ranging from epilepsy and heart disease to cancer.
Note: It was interesting to find a connection between the views of Michael Fox, English-educated veterinarian, and the understanding of Mexican ex-groomer/now TV famed dog whisperer, Cesar Millan. It is as if they speak a universal language in their kinship with dogs and life. Both are worthy of our respect as they seek to help us make the world a better place. By the way, I met Dr. Fox in Williamsport when he was invited to speak there by the late Margaret Meghan, then president of the Bald Eagle Kennel Club. No one ever said no to Margaret!
A MONSTER LIST ON LONG ISLAND: A VETERINARIAN HOPES IT BECOMES CONTAGIOUS. Suffolk County has just passed legislation creating the nation’s first animal abuse offender registry. People convicted of animal cruelty within the county have their names placed on an online list of offenders that is accessible to the public. The bill’s sponsor argued for the registry based on evidence that found animal abusers and those convicted of domestic violence are often the same people. The bill was prompted by a recent increase in animal abuse cases, including that of a mother who forced her children to watch her torture and kill kittens and dozens of dogs and then bury them.
Oct 31, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday, and when it comes to pet safety it holds first place. Common hazards are chocolate (over-indulgence on candy as well as snacking on candy wrappers) and raisins. Also, glow sticks are especially dangerous to cats so resist using them as chase-toys. And, even the snaps and buttons of pet costumes can be lethal.
There was a time when the emergency entrance to the Geisinger Medical Center was known for its poison garden. This was the era of MR. YUK. MR. YUK’S green face with its look of disgust was the symbol of poisons for area children. (The green was a shade deeper than the green now signaling danger worn by highway workers and first responders.) It’s real-life spokesman was Dr. Tom Royer who gave programs on the dangers of poisons. And, the late Lillian Edson, Benton, dubbed “Mrs Yuk”, gave advice on pets and people cases of suspected and accidental poisonings. Of course, the pair were very busy at Halloween. PETS ARE CHILDREN TOO. And, so the YUK family were the ones called by pet owners and veterinary hospital personnel. Today, we have the pet poison helpline –800.213.6680. www.petpoisonhelpline.com
The Poison Helpline is available 24 hours seven days a week. The staff provides assistance in poisoning cases of all species. The fee is $35 per incident and includes follow-up consultation.
FEEDING OR FUELING FIDO?? ARE ALL-AGE DIETS REALLY NEEDED? Again this year Rufus, the most famous colored Bull Terrier in show ring history, is making therapy dog history with his appearances. According to press releases, “Rufus is FUELED by Purina Pro Plan brand dog food!” It used to be our famous canines ate a brand of food but the verb “eating” doesn’t seem exciting in print!! Thus, Rufus is “fueled”. Does the ordinary family dog eat or fuel? Is there a special fueling food for therapy dogs? And, do our pet stores and markets have FUEL AISLES?
Look at the labels on cans and bags of pet food; except for the brand they are remarkably similar in the amount of protein, fat, etc. Pay more for Newman or Ray or less for the store brand and you will get the same quantity. It is the source of the protein and fat that makes the difference OR NOT (remember the cross-brand-recall due to contaminated protein). Also, most pet diets are targeted to “maintaining” weight or “weight-loss”. If a pet is recovering from surgery or is ill or aged and needs to gain weight the pet owner is out of options. Jean Cunningham Smith, VMD retired, Bloomsburg, advises Eukinoba Premium Performance moistened with goat’s milk for breeding/lactating bitches to increase weight and energy. Chances are that would work for an anorexic dog. Since Rufus is a senior canine, this diet could fit him, too?
It is impressive that Rufus visits the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. The Ronald McDonald House located on 73rd Street in Manhattan hosted Rufus as part of its therapy dog initiative which includes regular visits from celebrities and other famous canines. Hopefully many houses will have Canine Good Citizen- certified therapy dogs greeting trick-or-treaters this Halloween and so all will be welcome as well as safe. Maybe we should have signs reading “Happy Halloween–a Canine Good Citizen/therapy dog lives here.”
Oct 22, 2010 | | Uncategorized
WANT TO ATTRACT A MAN? A Saturday morning news program had a story about a spray that made men more interested in the opposite sex. It seems this available by prescription only spray has as its main component oxytocin –just like DAP (dog appeasing phenome)! So dear readers, off to a pet store or to the veterinary hospital where the cost is minimal and no prescription necessary. Use it on one of those scarves so fashionable today or hang it in the bedroom.
This substance has been studied extensively in many species with many behavior altering claims. For example, take the study by Neumann and Wagger in Neuroscience titled “Brain oxytocin differential inhibition of neuroendoctrine stress responses and anxiety-related behavior in virgin, pregnant and lactating rats.” I hate to quote Newkirk, who wrote “a rat is a boy” or was it the other way around–but I shall.
A grant from MADDIE’S FUND in shelter medicine research revealed that most dogs in shelters do not have adequate protection against the canine distemper virus and the canine parvovirus. Cost is the main reason given for not vaccinating the shelter dogs in residence. (If there was a choice would you rather have your new family member micro-chipped or vaccinated?) For the newest family member and the family dogs at home– budget in a veterinary hospital visit as an additional expense to add to the adoption fee.
THE CANINE ATHLETE. Caroline Coile in the AKC Gazette advises owners of dogs that compete in events to feed a high-fat and high-protein performance diet year round. Adjust quantity of food, not quality, to maintain weight, she advises. Feed 24 hours before performance and then again 30 minutes following exercise. Feed a food containing maltodextrin, whey and carotenoids. And, importantly keep the dog well hydrated. Hydration is critical for all the dog’s body functions and it is easier to keep a dog well hydrated than it is to re-hydrate a dehydrated dog. Coile –an excellent well researched author must be forgiven for deleting mention of a foundation study in this area–nutrition and longevity. Dogs on restricted diets live longer than dogs on maintenance diets. So perhaps it might be wise to use the magic 25% decrease in quantity of the study when your pet reaches a senior status.
One of my daughter’s dogs decided to be a mom and gave birth to seven English Springer Spaniel puppies. The pictures show a happy family. They will all be looking for responsible homes–except for one that will come to join my family. I hope Connie will evaluate them with the puppy aptitude test (PAT). I have told the homies they must share in the training and grooming while I switch mental diet concerns from feeding older dogs to feeding a puppy! And, of course the litter will be AKC registered– hopefully with limited registration– the newcomer will be eligible for participation in AKC obedience etc.
My pet sitter continues to amaze and give me feeling of security. This week he noticed a droopy eye (Hepburn) and also noted that the ladies preferred the bedding that was flatter rather than stuffed and round. Everyone needs a support group of an observant pet sitter, a careful groomer and an alert dog trainer.
Oct 08, 2010 | | Uncategorized
FOR THE LOVE OF MADDIE. MADDIE’S FUND started with the love of a dog, Maddie. David and Cheryl Duffield began the charitable trust with a $300 million gift. Object: a no-kill nation. Many believe the fund gives money to shelters that go “no-kill”. This is a very small part of its mission. There is more than not killing unwanted animals–there is education in responsible ownership. Maddie’s Fund funds the development of systems that save all healthy and treatable animals in a geographic region.
To qualify for funds, an ENTIRE community must unite animal control, private shelters and rescue groups in a long- range plan to end the killing of healthy and treatable pets. Since 1998 the fund has given $35 million to communities all over the country, including $8 million to shelter medicine programs at 16 veterinary colleges. Although the Pennsylvania SPCA has received Maddie’s Fund funding it is difficult to see its effect in this area. There is little community and/or county effort and leadership to bring together organizations to achieve these goals and, in fact, to some it seems Maddie’s Fund has had a negative effect on area pets.
WHAT IS DAP? For dog owners it is a synthetic DOG APPEASING PHEROMONE commercially marketed for the treatment of stress in dogs–a mixture of fatty acids representing components of a natural pheromone identified in sebaceous (fatty) gland secretions from the intermammary sulcus of lactating bitches. These secretions have been isolated during a period beginning 3 to 4 days after parturition and ending 2 to 5 days after weaning. DAP treatments have been described as having a calming effect on dogs in stressful situations and a positive effect on behavioral problems that may include fireworks and house soiling. Clinical trials are few but there is an unscientific, unproven wealth of anecdotal material on DAP’s effects. However, one clinical trial found that puppies wearing DAP collars learned faster in training classes. A more recent study found that DAP had a positive effect on the surgical recovery of spay/neuter shelter animals. In this study the authors also speculated that DAP might have a positive effect on lactation after a cesarean section. As always it is always best to read the original clinical study. A word of caution: nutritionists are saying that DHA benefits brain function in dogs–check out the packaging advertising on puppy food! It probably does but as yet this has not been scientifically proven–nor has a behavioral link been established. At best it has been accepted by nutritionists that DHA has a positive effect on sight, specifically on the retina.
AKC GAZETTE REPORTS NEW VACCINE FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS. Leptospirosis can cause fever, jaundice, liver inflammation and death. In August Merial launched Recombitek 4 Lepto, a four-way vaccine that prevents the shedding of spirochetes. This is a new weapon in the protection of dogs from this increasingly visible disease. The standard vaccine for leptospirosis is one of the core vaccines. Discuss this option with your veterinarian.
GOOD HEALTH IN THE FOOD DISH. Only 7% of pets that could benefit from a therapeutic food are receiving such a regimen, according to AAHA. Accordingly, there is a push on to emphasize nutrition’s role in proper veterinary care. Veterinarians are being urged to discuss nutrition with every pet owner during every hospital visit. Therapeutic diets have been described as “almost medications” and there are diets for dogs that need to lose weight, dogs with arthritis, senility, allergies, sensitive stomachs, kidney disease, etc. etc. There even has been and perhaps still is an effort to develop a cancer diet that would have the effect of starving tumors. Therapeutic diets are only sold in veterinary hospitals and require a prescription.
Oct 03, 2010 | | Uncategorized
In the most recent JAVMA in an Advantage advertisement–WARNINGS “For the first 30 minutes after application insure that dogs can not lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated dogs and separate treated dogs from one another and from other pets to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Ingestion of the product by dogs may cause serious adverse reactions including depression, salivation, dilated pupils, incoordination, panting and generalized muscle tremors. Children should not come in contact with the application site for 2 hours after application.”
WORLD RABIES DAY. We need to add one more date to the already crowded September canine calendar–September 28 is WORLD RABIES DAY. This is an opportunity to educate about this deadly disease. A bit of Pennsylvania history. When sportsmen imported rabid raccoons into the Commonwealth to populate and thus increase coon hunting the disease rapidly spread to our cats and dogs, prompting the RABIES LAW. Unfortunately, rabies education (very competently accomplished by Dr. Bobby Jones, a public health veterinarian, and veterinarians John Cable and Max Van Buskirk [founder of the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital] from the Bureau of Animal Industry) was driven by the annual rise in September dog bites. And, so another law was passed–The Dangerous Dog Law. This law-pair was largely due to our Senator Edward Helfrick–and both are still controversial. For example, in 2010 we are still in court battling misinformation and misinterpretation of the DANGEROUS DOG LIST. There are today 335 dogs on the state’s list. On the list a greyhound afraid of pit bull looking dogs, a poodle-Old English mix, and a 15 pound terrier mix. One dog killed a chicken, another nipped a boy. The bite only required a band-aid. Yet, in all cases the breeds were not removed from the list and required legal action and defense. Most important–the dangerous dog list is the major influence on homeowners’ policy rates. Dog organizations have been holding child safety education and rabies clinics. Now they need to explain the Dangerous Dog Law and LIST and demonstrate CGC training. A dog that bites is not always a dangerous dog. A CGC is the best insurance any dog can have against unfair discrimination. Make sure your insurance agency understands what the CGC stands for.
WE MUST WATCH HOW REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE TOM CORBETT interprets the new dog law flooring regulations. Will he allow them to stand as written or rule there must be solid flooring for all dogs? Governor Ed Rendell favors solid flooring for both puppies and moms. The dog law–all 873 pages of regulations takes effect July 1, 2011. Already 2/3 of the commercial kennels have disappeared from the Commonwealth. However, this does not mean that puppies are still not a cash crop. Larger kennels are out- sourcing their breeding dogs to smaller operations, even to individual homes. Backyard breeders–perhaps Pennsylvania’s new small business– now advertise “home raised” without having to adhere to temperature, ventilation and lighting regulations. Puppies can be raised in dark basements, in spare rooms, in sheds.
NO ACCESS. If you have ever had your dog taken out of the examining room away from you— veterinarian Nancy Kay writes that there are probably valid reasons for the decision. Some areas of the hospital are off limits due to such dangers as radiation. Some areas are private–set aside for grieving clients and yes, sometimes pets are better behaved without owner presence. Owner anxiety can be contagious. Also, the staff can not respond to owner questions and perform their jobs. And, of course, there is always the owner who feels he/she has to instruct the staff. Trust your veterinarian.
Sep 19, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Before there was Del Monte Pet Foods in Bloomsburg there was Recipe, which was owned by the Campbell Soup Co. The nutritionist in charge of product was the renowned Cornell veterinarian Ben Sheffy. Sheffy was a bit of a rebel as nutritionists go and no one dictated his beliefs and research as they do today. For example, when all the product lines boasted about the high protein content in their brands Sheffy believed a protein content of nine or ten percent was more than adequate. During an interview he told me that a hard boiled egg was the perfect supplement for all dog foods. “Include the shell,” he smiled, “It will add calcium” I have taken his advice to the feeding dish. Generations of my Springers have received a (shell-less) hard boiled egg in their dinner and all have eaten that first! So you can see how I began to worry about the egg salmonella headlines. More worry–apparently they find salmonella not just in the eggs, but on the shells. However, a Penn State Newswire article was the calming note I needed. All eggs that are salmonella free have a logo of certification on the carton. The logo is easy to spot–it is of three eggs! Years ago (before Dr. Seuss and Green Eggs and Ham) Penn State devised a salmonella test; eggs that have been tested bear the three egg logo!
NEW BILL FOR RABIES EXEMPTIONS. Senator Stewart Greenleaf (author of the Puppy Lemon Law) has introduced a bill to amend the rabies law for a one-year exemption for dogs from rabies vaccination if a veterinarian certifies it would be counterproductive due to infirmity, a physical condition or therapy regimen. The exemption would have to be renewed each year. Many support this bill. I have heard of dogs that have a similar pass on the rabies vaccine but in the cases I am aware of the exemption was given only because of breed sensitivity! I don’t know of any studies that support this. I also have to wonder how much protection a one-year vaccine–usually a killed vaccine rather than modified live gives a dog. Can we afford this bill? Fact. The number of rabid feral cats in the Commonwealth (cats are the number one carrier of domestic rabies). Fact. The number of shelters importing dogs from other states and countries where there is rabies. It would seem wiser to amend the rabies law to include mandatory rabies vaccination for all cats–not just those that live inside and to introduce the vaccine in the form of bait geared to cats as we do wildlife.
AKC MYSTERY PLACEMENT. The AKC recognizes 160 breeds–this year added six. The half dozen will take some getting used to and may be hard to find! The Boykin Spaniel (sporting group) is the official state dog of South Carolina. The Leonberger in the working group is a great therapy dog but the Cane Corso, also in the working group, is definitely not a people dog and the AKC calls this breed also “a hunter of more DIFFICULT GAME”?? The Icelandic Sheepdog (herding group) dates back to 800 AD along with the modern-day Bluetick Coonhound, which has been placed in the herding group too–while the Redbone Coonhound is a member of the working group. I would have expected both coonhound breeds to be in the hound group!
SEPTEMBER A VERY DOGGY MONTH. Veterinarians have dubbed September NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH with the goal of encouraging Americans to work together toward emergency preparedness. The month has been marked with a Ready Campaign by FEMA. The AKC has placed RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS DAY on September 25 with MEET THE BREED EVENTS. For example, the Lancaster Kennel Club is holding an event featuring the K-9 Bomb Dog Team and Search and Rescue Bloodhounds. About 550 events are scheduled across the country. And, unfortunately dog bite statistics peak in September. The insurance companies are already alerting agents.
Sep 10, 2010 | | Uncategorized