Sherry’s Corner

Must-Reading, Cesar on QVC, and Taking Your Pet to Celebrations

MORE INTERESTING ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE DOG WORLD…”I’m a Rescue Dog” tag! A pet vending machine franchise and my favorite–Aqua Pure Breed spring and mineral waters packaged in PORTABLE BOWL SHAPED BOTTLES! Makes perfect sense? Blue water for males, pink for females, yellow for coat and skin and green for bone support! The newest Q&A book is titled “Do Dogs Have Bellybuttons?” Do you know? Also did you know that dogs’ bodies are 70% water compared with our 80%? They have to drink an ounce of water per pound of weight per day to stay hydrated.

THEN THERE IS DOG WORLD MAGAZINE–the definite “must have” issue is always September’s because it contains the rare breed standards. This magazine–owned by the DOG FANCY group–is for “thinking dog owners”. One of the best issues is the one on purebred rescue and includes such topics as why dogs end up homeless, agility for rescue dogs, how to volunteer, shelters and rescue groups bridging the gap. This is another “keeper” and reference. Another good issue for the serious dog owner is the guide on how to succeed in breeding. DOG WORLD is widely available on newsstands and by subscription for $28.00. It’s a good gift for someone who is truly a student of all things canine. For Pit Bull rescuers a new DVD –”The Pit Bull Paradox”. A presentation of the Latham Foundation, this was written to promote understanding and appreciation of pit bulls and encourage forever homes.

CORRECTIONS: The PSPCA logo-dog is named “Feller” and not Tramp! I apologize to one and all. On Rep. David Millard–he was invited to present the Best in Show trophy at the Bald Eagle Kennel Club Show–not Lackawanna– by Doreen Slaybaugh. She says that, according to the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs, we are all to thank Millard for DELAYING the vote on HB 2525 until all of the amendments the Federation feels are essential are in place. As of July 4^th 58 amendments have been offered and 2525 is waiting in the Appropriations Committee. Apparently the vision of puppy mill dogs facing snow and rain this winter in Pennsylvania is not part of this group’s perceptive process. Not being a politician I impolitely emailed Millard that his campaign re-election sign was not welcome on my property this year. All I can say about the Federation is that its leadership needs vision.

(Although it is not common knowledge, an amendment that gives the cat status as a domestic animal is now part of the Dog Law. This is important.)

HOPE you like the new column debuting this Sunday and once a month thereafter. It was conceived by the Daily Item as a veterinarian question-and-answer column. The questions are or will be from the readers and area veterinarians are invited to participate with answers. Hopefully with your help we can convince the editorial powers to run this column more often–at least twice a month. Also, please send in the type of questions you want to see answered and discussed–and do talk to your best friend/veterinarian and ask him or her to participate. If you want to know how I feel about the questions and answers, you will have to read it here–I am only the moderator for the newspaper column. But, I feel this could be a step or pawprint out of syndicated columns to a place to air local pet problems and opinions.

DID YOU SEE CESAR ON QVC? He remained calm and assertive and was not the salesman, but the educator. His books and DVDs sold well as did his dog toys. The toys are sold with a scent bottle since he says smell is the first sense developed by a dog–in order to fully engage and interest a dog, this sense must be engaged first. All toys also have a DVD to help with good play–not prey! (Toys have been proven to provoke dog bites.) There is a squirrel, a duck and a mallard. There is also a tennis racket with balls. He also had natural shampoos in various scents–interestingly enough, lavender was one and the only scent proven by behaviorists to calm dogs. And, stressing “living in the moment,” he said to exercise your dog and get him tired before giving him a bath. And, begin with the feet and not the body.

BE A GOOD CITIZEN AND SHOW YOUR GOOD MANNERS Before bringing your dog to a party, carnival, festival, or other celebration, or into someone’s home and yard or the community, ASK PERMISSION.

A Potpourri of Useful Information for Pet Owners

INVITATION.   Rep. David Millard, a member of the House Agriculture Committee who is debating the proposal to revise the dog law, told me recently that he intended to visit area kennels personally to check on conditions.  If you are a local kennel owner, invite him to do so.  Show him how dogs live in his district.  I especially urge rescues and foster homes to extend invitations to Millard.  And, while you have the opportunity suggest that the caging at the Fair Building Dog Show be an example for the rest of the state and all dog lovers. It should be an example of what kindness and care mean.  The crating in this building should be a benchmark.  I understand Millard has been accorded the very rare honor of an invitation to present the Best In Show Ribbon at the July American Kennel Club Lackawanna cluster.   

      While the AVMA still opposes traditional steel-jawed leghold traps, its policy now reflects the new trap designs and the need to capture animals in order to manage wildlife populations. 

      Also, veterinarians are now considering OCD as behavior in animals as well as in the behavior of people. 

      New research indicates a growing trend in pet ownership.  Childless working older couples and retired older couples are among the groups increasingly likely to own pets.  This was formerly exclusively a trend among young couples. Rescues and shelters must take this need into consideration when re-homing pets. The older pet with social skills could be the dog or cat in demand rather than a puppy or kitten.  Trainers and training classes will be vital in making sure that these needs are met. Perhaps adoptathons will become Ashow and go obedience/canine good citizen show cases”.

ECONOMIC COSTS OF PET FOOD RECALL

      Pet food recall costs are estimated to be approximately $54 million.  Among the larger food manufacturers and retailers affected were: Del Monte, Proctor and Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Nestle and Mars, Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway, Petco and Petsmart.  It is not known how much the local Del-Monte plant was affected in dollars and cents.  It is one of the largest plants owned and operated by Del-Monte.  

ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION

The American Humane Association (AHA) has formed a Human Animal Bond division to complement the Animal Protection Division and the Children=s Division.  The focus of this endeavor is to highlight pets and women=s shelters by promoting and providing shelter for the pets of victims of domestic violence.  The division will also include animal-assisted teams, educating health professionals on the use of therapy animals and exploring the links between violence toward people and violence toward animals.  The AHA was the first organization to work with the American Red Cross in helping animals in disasters.

THE LITERARY DOG

      The most recent Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) has a review of a book titled Small Animal Nerd Book.  In the most recent MODERN DOG, advertisements for agility equipment from Toys-R-Us !  Also, Nutrience, a pet food made with North American-sourced ingredients; PUP-GRASS, a synthetic grass built for dogs; and Royal Canin, which has a weight reduction diet for medium-sized dogs (like Cocker Spaniels) .  The cashew-shaped kibble supposedly also helps prevent cataracts and dental plaque!

Animal Safety and Health–Web Sites, Books, Etc.

Most of you are aware of the fire that killed 22 Beagles. But, are you aware that the proposed dog law would mandate smoke alarms and fire extinguishers as well as exit doors in all kennels? Of course we don’t know if this would have saved one life or made a difference but the important point is that this tragedy happens all too often. The second important point is that the suggestion to add smoke alarms in kennels was made by Anne Irwin, who runs a Pennsylvania shelter. But, you won’t see her taking credit for this suggestion or asking for donations. This is the difference between animal welfare groups and animal rights organizations.

The Morris Animal Foundation has announced a canine cancer website exclusive for dog owners and lovers featuring Colorado State and Cornell Veterinary Cancer experts. The website is www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/ccexclusive One in 4 dogs die of cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over 2 years of age.

According to librarian-reviewed commentary in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), the number one website for animal health is the American Veterinary Medical Association’s page that includes Animal Health Brochures, which are available at www.avma.org/communications/brochures/animal_health.asp. The site offers online brochures for common pet health concerns as well as public health brochures and a children’s area. A close second is Petplace.com, available at www.petplace.com. This site includes consumer-friendly information and a high-quality veterinarian-created forum for pet owners.

I am often asked about books. I can’t say I agreed with any of the choices. Their number one choice in dog books was the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventative Care for Dogs by Darlene Arden. Arden is not one of my favorite authors so I may be biased. Their second choice was the ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual by Bruce Fogle. Again, I am not too delighted with Fogle. Amy Shojai has a book on the care of an aging dog that is good to look at. Also, if you can obtain an inexpensive copy, look at Essential Dog published by Readers Digest 2006. As always, check Amazon for good prices on new and used copies.

A FRIEND FOR EXERCISE

David Frei, the dog guru of Westminster fame, picked six breeds he felt would be the most suitable companions for dog owners who are into fitness. His first choice was the German Shorthaired Pointer –a breed he calls “the ultimate SUDS–sports utility dogs.” He picked the Whippet for interval training companionship for their intensity and focus. For marathons and as a year-round athlete Frei picked the Siberian Husky. He stressed their dense coat, which keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For overall speed, endurance, and energy, the Smooth Fox Terrier was one of Frei’s choices. For the best companionship in a jog the surprise choice was the Poodle and for a breed that will run circles around his human athletic owner–the Border Collie! Someone needs to get Frei’s choices of breeds that are the best exercise companions for senior citizens with and without walkers and canes!

Rabies, Medications, and a Loss to the Local Dog Community

THREE to remember. 1. The first case of rabies in pets–Lionville cats–has been diagnosed. 2. Dog law officers are surveying for licenses. Be ready. 3. Scranton is looking at passing breed-specific legislation and asking for help. This terrible form of canine discrimination is coming closer and closer to our area.

Dog Owners SHOULD take care when giving pet medications

An interesting article on giving medications to pets seems an important one to share. According to the article’s author, dosage is important because many medications must reach a certain level in the bloodstream before they become effective. Always find out whether medications need to be given on an empty or on a full stomach. Before powdering a pill and sprinkling it on the food remember some pills have a protective coating that may play a role in delayed release of the medication. Often pet owners stop giving medication when they see improvement. This can be counterproductive especially with antibiotics. Antibiotics fail when not enough is given or they are given over too short a time. Also, this can lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria which may make the infection more difficult to control the next time. Pay attention to how the medication affects the pet=s appetite, consistency and frequency of stool and urination and ask how soon you may expect to see improvement.

The most recent court case involving the value of a pet stems from a medication situation. Interestingly, it is about two Vermont cats that were diagnosed with hypertension. The cats died soon after they began treatment and the owners sued the veterinarians and the pharmacy for noneconomic damages, citing breach of contract and negligence as well as loss of companionship and society, severe emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. According to an article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) the American Kennel Club (AKC) noted that the courts won=t allow a person to collect emotional loss damages for wrongful injuries to friends, siblings, and other important relatives. The AKC has urged the Vermont court to stick with traditional law.

DALE BERKHEIMER

Those of us who participated in the AKC performance events that had Jim Rau as a superintendent knew Dale Berkheimer. I met him hundreds of years ago when his dog of choice was a Boston Great Dane. He was an important part of founding the Mid-Susquehanna Valley Kennel Club. There were no kennel clubs locally in those days and he helped to found all local AKC performance events. Dale=s obituary not only mentions surviving human family but the surviving dog family and the GrandDogs and Great GrandDogs. I hope someone writes about my dogs like that. I believe in spay/neuter but I also feel we need to acknowledge good breeders. They are an endangered species. One last note–Jim Rau will forever stand high in my memory for creating the first and only Canine Good Citizen qualifying ribbons. He was told to cease doing so by the American Kennel Club and he did. I still have a few samples and they are truly creative and beautiful. Connie has some also. My favorite is the one with a rainbow- colored ribbon because a Canine Good Citizen represents all of the qualities and colors of companion dogs.

A STRAY DOG AND A COVERED BRIDGE

Long ago, the symbol of the Pennsylvania SPCA was a woe-be-gone dog named Tramp. Tramp carried his possessions in a bag attached to a stick balanced against his shoulder. He was the symbol of the homeless, the stray dog. As the SPCA grew, Tramp began to wear clothes. During World War II he dressed up as Uncle Sam and once he even donned a cap and gown and graduated from school–presumably obedience school. I wonder if Tramp is still alive, still the symbol of the homeless, and what he looks like! Most importantCI wonder if Tramp ever found the Aguaranteed good home@. As one who has whelped litters of puppies I am thrilled that the PSPCA can guarantee that its dogs and cats can be placed in Aloving forever homes@ (Director of Branch Adoptions, Chad Weaver). Finding loving forever homes is the most difficult part of raising puppies. I hope the executive board shares this priceless information with all dog lovers. Does Tramp have a Pennsylvania covered bridge for sale, too?

HONORING VETERINARIANS

The Morris Animal Foundation has announced an essay contest honoring veterinarians. The contest is sponsored by Hill=s Pet Nutrition, Veterinary Practice News Magazine, Dog Fancy, and Cat Fancy. The contest runs from June 1 to August 31 and in 300 words should address: 1. The veterinarian=s outstanding clients, 2. commitment to the human-animal bond, 3. service to community, and 4. service to the veterinary profession. For rules and to enter online, go to www.ThankYourVet@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org. Entries can also be mailed to the Morris Animal Foundation, Thank Your Vet Contest, 10200 E. Girard Ave., Ste. 8430, Denver , Colorado 80206. For a printed copy of the rules call 800.243.2345. The Morris Animal Foundation funds over 1,400 humane animal health studies to protect, treat, and cure companion animals. Hills Pet Nutrition paired with the Morris Animal Foundation in the 1940s when Mark Morris, DVM, created a special food for a seeing eye dog, Buddy, who had kidney disease. This began the prescription diets now sold through veterinarians and include r/d (weight loss), j/d for dogs with arthritis, t/d a food for tartar control, and the famed b/d for older dogs who are in the beginnings of senility.

CALMING SIGNALS

One of my very favorite books and videotapes is titled ACalming Signals@.

They say there was no warning–but there always is. For example, in the ATurning of the head@, the signal can be a swift movement, turning his head to the side and back, or the head can be held to the side for some time. It can be just a tiny movement or the whole head clearly to one side. Your dog may use head turning when another dog is approaching him to tell the other dog to calm down. Maybe your dog was approached too fast, or directly head on instead of in a curve. His head may turn if you stoop over him. Maybe he turns his head but stands still, which tells you about his discomfort. You can use head turning yourself when a dog starts to get worried or frightened when you approach him. When a scared dog starts to bark or growl at you, turn your head.@ Once when Dixon was sitting in my livingroom he picked up this book and, while reading it, fell asleep!

More on Proposed PA Dog Law; Dog-friendly Homes

The proposed new dog law takes care of puppy mill breeding stock, targeting about 650 large-scale commercial breeders–roughly one-fifth of the nearly 3,000 licensed kennels. However, now the stakeholders will begin arguing about definitions and other concerns. It is important that they do not nit-pick and continue to keep the big mission and target always first in their mind–making life better for the dogs living in the commercial kennels.

On the first page of the new dog law dogs are still defined as personal property and this sets the tone for the entire document. Dogs need our protection more than the sofa does and that is why we are going through this process of legislation but we wish that another category was being used, rather than “property@.

Also, the terms residence and structure always bother me. They really are important and we must remember that the hobby breeder raises litters in dark basements and cold garages. And, I know breeders who whelp a litter in a bedroom or livingroom. Puppy mills are not always Lancaster barns. They can be trailers and private homes. Is love really enough in these cases? Do we need to have more restrictions on the small breeders? Will small breeders disappear just like small farms or will they get better? After all, organic farms are small. Should homes with pets also be subject to inspection the way puppy mills are? Many call this instrusive but then so is the Patriot Act. One protects the country and one protects pets and the people who live with them.

I have a house built for pets but if I had to build it again I would make changes. How many cat homes need to have floor-level windows with the heat source directly above on the wall so our feline friends– who now should stay indoors–still have access to the sounds, sights and smells of the outdoors? Dogs need access to a sofa, of course, but what about places they can go and just be dogs? Indoor fencing–dog rooms, not just crates–to keep us out! They need to stay in touch with their dogginess. We love them for their dogginess and not as Apeople@. I wonder why they don=t design houses for people with dogs and people with dog hobbies? The dog law enforcement officers could inspect the plans and the final dwelling.

I was told that Seward Johnson (Johnson & Johnson) had an interesting doggy door in his bedroom. He owned German Shepherds and when they wanted to go out at night they left his bedroom through the doggy door that opened onto a ramp that extended down two floors to a special area. I never saw it, of course, but then neither did I ever see the submarine he used to travel to Europe in. He and his wife used to pack a picnic lunch and have lunch at Hammhausen Kennels in Hopewell, N.J., where he would watch Ed Hamm train the dogs.

When it comes to dog landscaping there are common myths that should be avoided, according to an article in cg magazine–@celebrating greyhounds@ (the magazine for greyhound adoption). The primary myth is that encouraging a dog to drink more dilutes urine and avoids brown spots in the lawn. Not so, say the experts. Also a myth–adding tomato juice, baking soda, and vinegar to the diet to change the urine=s pH. Instead, the authors suggest choosing a urine-resistant grass seed like a Ahigh activity@ or Aplayground@ blend that contains a high percentage of Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass. They also suggest watering right after the dog urinates to dilute the nitrogen, training your dog to use certain areas of the yard for elimination, and constructing play surfaces of artificial turf.

Since exercise is mandated in the new dog law the question of exercise surfaces as being as important as the backyard. Ideally, the exercise surface should stay cool in the summer but dry easily in the winter–not muddy or icy. It should be easy to clean and disinfect and yet rough enough so toe nails stay short and healthy. Is artificial turf the answer? Discounting the cost, there still seems to be the question of safety. If artificial turf is being blamed for athletic injuries and possible toxicity, then perhaps that is not the answer either? It is easier to write a law and agree with it than to make it effective.

The New PA Dog Law Bill, Miley/Doris/Liza, Arlene, and Lighting Up Cagney

PA STATE DOG LAW. As many of you know, a group met with Special Deputy Secretary of Dog Law Enforcement Jesse Smith and a delegation from Harrisburg to discuss and gather information on the overhaul of the state dog law. The present bill is one I believe we can all agree upon. It targets only commercial kennels (60 dogs and over) and is aimed at the breeding stock. It excludes puppies born in these facilities until they are 8 weeks of age. Then, they are considered to be protected by all welfare standards built into the overhaul. I have a strong feeling we will see more dog-targeted legislation in the near future. This is a start toward helping the most helpless and their Acash source of dogs and bitches@. It is thus the most important. A tethering bill is under revision and it appears to be headed toward a balance we can all live with. (It is interesting to note that no one could remember who Tammy Grimes was–thus, her 15 minutes as a celebrity are over. At least let=s hope so .) Carly, the de-barked Pomeranian, seems to be the new canine celebrity. My vote, however, goes to the Shih-tzu who watches his owner wash the car while tied in the shade. This little companion belongs to the head of the Sportsmen=s Alliance. One has to wonder what he hunts?

Probably the most interesting developments are a series of seminars on how to live with the better standards imposed by the new bill. They will be offered free of charge through the Lancaster District Attorney=s office with a great faculty from the Department of Dog Law. Wish we could do that locally. By the way, Jesse Smith brought pictures of her Chow Chow puppy, who is in puppy kindergarten, to the Bloomsburg meeting. Too many of those who talk a lot don=t own dogs. Clearly, that is neither the case with our Special Deputy nor our Governor.

MILEY, DORIS, AND LIZA. While everyone was reading the Miley Cyrus story in Vanity Fair, I read about Doris Day. As some of you know she is the ex-movie star who is probably as famous for APillow Talk@ and Rock Hudson as she is for her advocacy of spay/neuter. Spay/Day USA became HER day each February until the AVMA decided it could not support the Doris Day Animal League. Thus, with this cause as her main reason for animal welfare fame it is ironic that on her 86^th birthday in 2007 the famous Liza Minelli paid her a birthday tribute on a radio program by announcing that her Miniature Schnauzer was in labor! The spay/neuter cause rivals gun control as one of the most emotional debates in America with plenty of irrationality as well as reason on both issues.

CUSTOM POETRY. A new web site by Arlene Kline is worth a look. Kline is another celebrity who counts among her close friends Betty White. On the web site, http://www.designingpoet.com, Arlene announces that she will write poems for you and your pet. Arlene is a trustee and board membe rof the Morris Animal Foundation. She is the proud owner of Scout, a champion Yorkshire Terrier. She knows just about every AKC judge present and past and stars in the Latham Foundation videotape on the Canine Good Citizen. For Yorkie lovers there is a videotape, @A Day In the Life of a Dog@, and a wonderful book of poetry titled I Never Wanted To Say Good-bye. Visit her.

There is encouraging news on the CANINE INFLUENZA RESEARCH front. The Florida immunologist, Dr. Cynda Crawford, who first identified canine flu in Greyhound kennels and later in shelters, has identified a respiratory coronavirus as partly responsible for respiratory infections in dogs. The coronavirus and parainfluenza virus appear to thrive in shelters where there are inadequate isolation procedures for both dogs and staff biosecurity. Many dog owners probably remember coronavirus from the time when the big mystery was parvovirus, a disease that can be not only contagious but fatal. Canine flu, on the other hand, has a low mortality rate.

GATES GIFTS INCLUDE ALL LIFE. Bill and Melinda Gates have gifted Washington State University with funding for a SCHOOL FOR GLOBAL ANIMAL HEALTH. As part of the school=s focus–vaccine development, disease detection and control from animals to humans. AThe school=s mission meshes with the one-health concept which integrates animal, human and environmental health for the benefit of all.@

LIGHTING UP CAGNEY. I have found a new use for those blinking collar lights. Cagney now wears one beside her therapy dog tag so she and I don=t have night-time collisions. I turn off the light and then turn on Cagney!

Opinionated

As many of you know there has been an effort to help our pets lose weight. My veterinary hospital has been weighing my dogs at every visit; miraculously, one of my couch potatoes lost 2 pounds. Bacall was born to be a plus size and she still doesn=t look like she is ready for a Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers commercial! But, because of her success in the National Canine Weight Check she received a gray polyester thermal blanket made in China. I think the award embarrasses her. Embroidered on one corner is the Slentrol logo. Slentrol is the first FDA-approved prescription medication to manage obesity in dogs. It supposedly works by decreasing appetite in dogs but is not approved for snack- giving owner use or for cats. Of course, it would be much cheaper and less dangerous if owners exercised more self-control in treat giving. (I am always suspicious of new drugs–and gifts made in China.)

Dental treats have their own problems. Although a study reveals that rawhide can remove calculus from teeth more effectively than dog biscuits, they should be sized for the dog and carefully monitored. Chew-ezz and Milk Bones were used in the study over a 3-week period.

As disposable income shrinks it is more important than ever to be careful in giving to animal organizations. If the jar on a counter with the picture of a homeless puppy doesn=t have a telephone number on it– pass on the impulsive urge to contribute. Make sure this is a group you want to support. Limited funds mean limited support for those groups you truly believe are accountable. If giving is difficult at this time consider volunteering time, or purchasing an extra bag of food to donate. Also, it is safe to assume that groups that do pet therapy never solicit funds and are strictly volunteer, with members picking up all expenses out of their own pockets–transportation and extra medical expenses. Hopefully, the legislature will consider adding a member of a therapy club to the Dog Law Advisory Board to advise Harrisburg about the needs of these selfless volunteer therapy teams. During the upcoming discussions about the proposed dog legislation, we need to remember that many groups are stakeholders and readers should know who they are and what they believe. The real policy and mission of each one is evident in the vocabulary used in press releases, etc. For example, beware of a group who uses the term Aguardian@ rather than pet owner. (This term is now part of the PSPCA newsletter dialogue.) ASportsmen kennel@ is a traditional label but it can mean Amoney from hunting@ before Awell bred hunting dogs@. Although the AKC is often called Aelitest, this stand is not without good reason–this organization’s purpose is to safeguard and protect the bred-for-purpose companions we enjoy as friends. Could Cesar have rehabilitated a bomb sniffing Labrador without counting on the breed=s hard-wired love of the water? Doubtful.

Patti Strand once warned about the Ahi-jacking of the humane movement@ by animal rights groups and that seems to be the case and is much too evident in rescues, shelters and SPCAs. There are unprofessional and/or unethical commercial breeders or puppy mills and pet stores and there are problematic rescuers. Most animal lovers embrace some of the policies in several groups but not all of the mission of any one group.

FIELD CERTIFIED. Noted behaviorist William Campbell believes that behavioral stability along with conformation and performance standards should be part of all responsible breeding programs. He calls it Afield certified@. He would have parents rated on their behavior in their home environment and a description of that environment. This would place responsibility for behavior on the owner or the breeder and weed out dogs housed in livestock conditions. Campbell=s suggestion, along with the CGC, could just be the key to problems all owners face today. My last litter of puppies was whelped in an adjoining bedroom and both sire and dam were home-raised. My daughter=s most recent litter was whelped in her bedroom and spent their earliest days in a whelping box placed in the livingroom. New puppy buyers should always buy the breeder in addition to the breed!

How Are You Going to Celebrate “Take Your Dog to Work Day”? Mark the Calendar–June 20th

As most of you know, the American Kennel Club is concerned about the rise in pet theft. When I moved to Columbia County in the 1970s, the concern about stolen ( ?) pets targeted local medical research facilities. The allegation was that dogs and cats were mysteriously whisked away to become research subjects. That allegation, however, was never proven. When I was in medical school in New York state random-source dogs and cats were research subjects; their treatment and fate were enough to make me re-evaluate my career goal–especially when I was told to kill a cat by cutting off his head while he was still alive! Today, most research subjects are bred-for-purpose dogs and cats. At one time before the local medical research center was built, bred-for-purpose dogs and cats were brought into the area and boarded in local veterinary hospitals before being transported to the research facility. This was not common public knowledge and I doubt that anyone would confirm it today.

The kennels that breed and raise these dogs do so under federal regulations. These dogs are quite expensive and so usually rats and rabbits are commonly used subjects and a veterinarian watches over their health and welfare with great care. I have met some of these veterinarians and often wish they would go into private practice due to their compassion and alertness for any sign of pain or discomfort.

Returning to the concern about local animal theft, although the AKC suggests that pet owners implant a microchip to assist in the location of lost pets, the inner-thigh tattoo was the original marker signifying that a dog belonged to someone. Thanks to the National Dog Registry=s (NDR) efforts, medical schools and research laboratories all over the country helped pass a law making it illegal to use a tattooed dog as a research subject. Some of these institutions even worked with the NDR and set up free tattoo clinics for area pet owners. A tattoo is easily visible and in a disaster is probably the first sign the cat or dog is a pet. In Pennsylvania the tattoo is the license number of the dog and signifies a lifetime license. Since there is a substantial fine for possessing a dog with a tattoo registered to someone else, the tattoo should also help deter dognapping. Many dog owners also use a microchip as a back-up and when the new microchip is in place more and more dogs–and cats–will no doubt have microchips.

Have you ever noticed that headlines on both TV and newspaper list biting dogs as APit Bulls and/or Rottweiler-Pitbulls@? Yet if the story is about a home invasion or a stabbing, the alleged perpetrators are not identified as Whites or Latinos or African Americans! This “lumping together” of biting dogs under these terms is tantamount to canine racism! This may seem like a small point but such headlines and characterizations serve to fuel breed- specific legislation. In the Commonwealth there is an effort to allow towns and municipalities to pass laws that would circumvent the state dog law, which does not allow breed discrimination. The media must not be allowed to play the race card when it comes to dogs.

It is also important to note that the most recent study on dog bites published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) looks at neighborhoods as linked to dog bites. Thus, it is not the breed but the Ahood@ they live in–perhaps we should have a dangerous neighborhood list rather than a dangerous breed list!

Foster care is under scrutiny in dog law discussions about new regulations. However, while question and debate are necessary, it is now time to open your hearts and homes and consider being a PSPCA foster volunteer to care for kittens and puppies who need extra TLC. The PSPCA supplies bowls, litter, medical care and other supplies for animal care. Did you know that cats that live in a home with dogs visit the veterinary hospital less often than cats who live in a Acats only” home? Also, that there are no wellness guidelines for felines? If you are interested in becoming a PSPCA foster parent, contact the Director of Adoptions, Rescue, and Foster Homes rlittle@pspca.org

New Tricks and Treats for Pets and Pet Owners, Etc.

Penn State has announced that for a heart heathy diet, eat macadamia nuts. This may well be a fact, but beware, they are not for dogs–macadamia nuts will poison your best friend, so no sharing!

To prevent dog bites and heartbreak I believe we must understand breed standards. If a breed standard says a breed is noted for its loyalty, they really mean–watch out, they bite! And, if the standard reads, Anot for first time dog owners@, they mean it! More and more of our newly recognized AKC breeds have this statement in their standard. Breed standards are important and we must not homogenize them. What may be perceived as aggression in one breed is not necessarily aggression in another breed.

Carol Lea Benjamin has announced a new book– the first training book by this wonderfully talented dog trainer and artist in 11 years. Many know her for her Rachel Alexander murder mysteries, but for me it all began with Dog Tricks, which she co-authored with the late Captain Haggerty, followed by Mother Knows Best. Other titles of her training books include Surviving Your Dog=s Adolescence and Second Hand Dog. Her new book, titled See Spot Sit C 101 illustrated tips for training the dog you love, will be released on June 1st. It is filled with her incomparable drawings and illustrations Aas she painted them and fits well lin the hand like a puppy@. The book includes tips on how to keep a dog calm, house train, teach basic commands, play silly games and teach tricks. The list price is $12.95. Tony Lyons is the publisher (tlyons@skyhorsepublishing.com). Although I have aged and mellowed I still use many of the tips I learned in Mother Knows Best and look forward to gaining more help with another generation of my very innovative Springer ladies.

The Columbia/Montour Animal Response Team has free Pet Alert Wallet Cards available at their informational booth. There is a place on each card to list pets, names, veterinarians and other information in case an owner and a pet get separated due to an accident, sudden illness, disaster. When the cards were first published, the Geisinger Medical Center joined the effort, adding its logo to the card and giving them to patients being admitted to the hospital. Geisinger also added a question on its admittance forms, ADo you have pets at home?@ Perhaps this connection with the owner-pet bond can be re-established by all healthcare facilities.

Planet Dog has created a line of OLD SOUL toys for senior canine citizens who have diminished sight and hearing. The main color is white to make seeing the toys easier. White is a color used by pet hospice care givers to attract the attention of dogs that cannot see well. I know the white AKC toy sheep is my 12-year-old Cagney=s very favorite toy–the one she demands the others yield to her! The audio bonus is a low-pitched clicking sound or a Adouble-bellow squeaker@. The toys are softer and also are treated with a double dose of mint. Smell is one sense that doesn=t seem to be affected by age. All toys are made in the U.S. and proceeds benefit service dog organizations. The sample toys I was sent have been well received. Both the squeaky bone and squeaky buddy have received paws up ratings while the ball amazes them with its crazy leaps and bounds and the large OLD SOUL Orbee bone seems to be a puzzle. Did you know the oldest dog lived 29 years–Bluey, a Cattle Dog?

While working on an article on the effect of foreclosures and the economy in general on pet ownership– LOBBY THE EDITOR FOR ITC I found a great site by noted real estate columnist Elizabeth Weintraub on pet owner homes (About.com). Let=s face it–most homes are homes with pets and not just in the yards. Pets figure into home sales and home purchases. Those of us who are committed pet owners want the dogs and cats who share our lives to have safe and easy access to the outside, to comfort, to togetherness with us. Thus, Weintraub explains how to sell a house that is home to a pet as well as how to remodel a house to make it delightfully pet friendly. She also bluntly explains that for some pet owners, pets are nothing more than property, with some homeowners willing to strip a dwelling and then leave behind a pet just as he would an old sofa. The site is a virtual gold mine for any pet lover who is selling, buying or remodeling.