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Research on aging using Rottweilers as subjectssuggests that how long females keep their ovaries influences how long they live.The study published in the December 2009 issue of the journal, Aging Cell, found that Rottweilers that were spayed after they were 6 years old had a life span four years longer than those spayed at a younger age.But, and most important — the researchersuggests that it is important not to over-generalize from these findings, saying that much more research is necessary.This is important to stress because IN THE SPAY/NEUTER AREA WE TEND TO OVERGENERALIZE .It has become a knee-jerk process–for both pet owners and veterinarians.We have even come to equate spay/neuterwith the belief that if you love your dog/cat you will spay/neuter him/her as a puppy/kitten.If you neglect to elect this surgery for your pet, it can only mean that you are irresponsible as well as unloving.
Another recent study comparing the strength of the human-animal bond between Hispanic and non-Hispanic pet owners found that although both groups scored high on an attachment test (a test that scores how much you care about your dog), compared to non-Hispanic owners, Hispanic owners were significantly less likely to spay/neuter their pets.In an effort to explain these unpredicted and unexpected results the researchers concluded that the Hispanic owners did not understand the importance of spay/neuter.They further concluded that this was due to a lack of understanding.It did not occur to the researchersthat one could love a pet and be responsible and still not elect spay/neuter surgery.Another example of the dangers of overgeneralizing the importance and meaning of spay/neuter.
There are even those who feel we should have mandatory spay/neuter legislation.They forget that this would endanger all dogs and cats so that eventually we would have no dogs and cats.This would mean not only nopets–butno dogs to detect explosives, to guide the blind, to work in search and rescue, to help our soldiers as well as children heal in countless hospitals and help us in our individual goals to be better men and women and live better lives.
Further, they forget the landmark study that spotlighted the celebration of dogs and the beginning of pet therapy–the famed “heart attack study” authored by Drs. Alan Beck, Aaron Katcher and Erika Friedman.Male heart attack patients were studied exhaustively and it was found that those victims who owned dogs significantly out-lived those who were not dog owners.No one thought about whether the dogs were intact or not.The importance was owner longevity.Many of our most talented, versatile, brightest and best canines have not had this surgery– that is why we still have generations ofbest friends.
JUSTICE. The husband and wife responsible for Chemnutra’s import of melamine from China which resultedin the recall of more than 150 pet food brands and many deaths of beloved pets received a three-year probation and a $5000 fine!!
COMMUNICATION AND GENETICS. Although many researchers believe dogs became domesticated due to an attraction to the first garbage piles compiled by prehistoric men, David Paxton believes better communication abilities resulted in the co-evolution of humans and dogs.He compared both wolves and dogs and found thateven if both were raised apart from man, only dogs possess the ability to react to non-verbal human communication cues such as pointing and facial expressions.Thus, Paxton believes this ability is an hereditary trait.Dog trainers care to comment?
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 3/2010;Between Pets and People, Beck and Katcher; American Kennel Club Gazette, 3/2009.
For dog owners in need of financial help in paying for veterinary services, there is a 14-page list of groups and organizations available on the Internet www.speakingforspot.com/helppayingforveterinarycare.html.The resource is divided by region, breed, state, illness or disabilityand owner need.The list was compiled by Dr. Nancy Kay, who won a Maxwell award in the 2010 Dog Writers Association of America competition for her book, Speaking for Spot. Listed in Pennsylvania are the following: the Animal Rescue of Western PA, The Humane Society of Berks County Veterinary Hospital, the Animal Care and Assistance Fund and Animal Care and Welfare (Pittsburgh).Phone numbers and information follow each listing.
IF HEARTWORM, LYME DISEASE DON’T KILL YOUR DOG PERHAPS PREVENTION WILL?A chilling statement on one of the popular topical prevention medications reminds us to carefully consult PRODUCT INSERTS.“WARNINGS: For the first 30 minutes after application ensure that dogs cannot lick the product from application sites on themselves or other treated dogs from one another and from other pets to reduce the risk of ingestion.Ingestion of this product by dogsmay cause serious adverse reactions including depression, salivation, dilated pupils, incoordination, panting and generalizedmuscle tremors.In avermectin sensitive dogs the signs may be more severe and MAY INCLUDE COMA AND DEATH.CHILDREN SHOULD NOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE APPLICATION SITE FOR TWO HOURS AFTER APPLICATION.I would add– a dog should not be treated 2 hours before going to training class or going to a nursing home, hospital or school visit.
PA CELL PHONE DOGS. It should be interesting to watch passage of the bill mandating the K-9 Cell Phone Detection program in our state prisons.And, we should be proud of Rep. Bob Belfanti for recognizing the need and supporting the bill.In N.J. the prison staff trained the dogs.Who will do the training in the Commonwealth and can the dogs be shelter dogs?More employment for our best friends.
DOGNAPPING. The editor of the Spectrum, Bloomsburg University’s magazine, is writing an article on dognapping.There really isn’t much need to steal dogs today to supply research and educational needs.We have an abundance of dogs from puppy mills.Class B dealers handle random-source dogs, dogs who come from various places.The dog law prohibits dogs from shelters going to research facilities so the way to save puppy mill surplus dogs is to put them in shelters.There was a time when the Buckhorn truck stop was the location of “bunchers” who stole dogs to sell to dealers.Also, many residents thought Geisingerresearch benefitedfrom local strays and missing dogs.However, when Dr. Howard Morgan took the helm of the research center he also had on staff a very capable and caring veterinarian, Dr. Sally Wixon, who zealously guarded the health and welfare of all animal subjects–ALL BRED FOR PURPOSE.Today, of course, strays are a source of concern for local dog wardens.Melissa Bair is working on such a case in Lewistown and asking for support.527-4016.
MORE IMPORTANT THAN ACADEMY AWARD VIDEOS. The AKC Health Foundation has announced the release of five videos (each over an hour in length) for dog owners.Topics include cardiac research, oncology trials, immunonutrition, new neurological disease findings and “One Health, One Medicine” links to the human-animal bond.All are available on your PC.
Last week we wrote about an anonymous New Jersey Pug that set a legal precedent when he was declared to have a “Special Subjective Value” in a custody case.Now another New Jersey Pug has made history by inspiring his owner, a Princeton neurosurgeon, in a scientific breakthrough in the study of dog brains.Perhaps we should look into the possibility of Pugs being Ambassadors of the Bond?
In the latter case, the Pug was taken to a veterinary clinic for spinal surgery.The owner, a Princeton researcher, noted the multitude of MRIs around and immediately realized he had discovered a source of datafor research on dog brains–scientific canine phrenology!He writes, “We began by looking for relationships between dog brain size and complex tasks.My Pug is very sweet, but not the brightest– whereas Australian Shepherds and Poodles can do complex tasks.”Of course, he then decided to also look into brain size in relation to behavior and temperament.The researcher advises peoplethat doing Sudoku will not maintain mental fitness but doing physical exercise might!!So how do we translate increased exercise into higher IQ’s or is this something dog trainers have known for years?
RETITLING THE BLOG. If I were to re-title this BLOG I would call it “THE DOG OWNERS READERS DIGEST”.It seems to usually consist ofinformation I have read and think you would like to know or read too.There may be an opinion or so– hopefully something for you to question
READ THIS MONTH’s “BARK”. The latest copy of BARK is my choice of reading matter this week for everyone–it contains a list of the 100 of the Best and the Brightest, most influential people in dogdom.I am sure you will have some favorites who should have been there and are missing.Notably missing for me were Drs. Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher, whose book on the human animal animal bond was and is a bible.Dr. Beck also pioneered in dog bite research. Dr. Mary Burch is missing as well as are the others who formed and codified the Canine Good Citizen test. (Watch it being used with the Vick victims in DogTown on National Geographic.)I also would add Jamie Quakenbush, who wrote the first book on grief and pet loss, and the late Job Michael Evans, who changed our world with “How To Be Your Dog’s Best Friend”.And our own Ursula Kempe is missing.If your name isn’t there–mine wasn’t, of course–we are in good company!Do read this copy of BARK.Some of these greats I knew personally and intend to share stories with readers as well as backstories.
DOGS IN THE NEWS. You might call “Sadie”, the Scottish Terrier that went BIS at Westminster, an “old-fashioned dog”!No fancy toys for her–her handler’s shoes are the favorite fun and chicken hot dogs the favorite snack.She knows the words hot dog in 5 languages!Plans for the future–motherhood.
DENTAL CARE. So much on dental care this month.Watch for xylitol as an ingredient in toothpastes and water additives.It can cause low blood sugar and compromise the liver.Chlorhexidine is effective in killing bacteria but it has side effects including staining.Oral gels are best for dogs with missing teeth.Source: AKC Gazette
SAD NEWS FROM CESAR. Cesar Milan’s beloved “DADDY” passed yesterday. The pit bull was 16 years old and died of cancer. Although he had chemotherapy treatment I doubt whether those of us who watched the Dog Whisperer were aware of his illness.
I think we often forget that veterinary hospitals and clinics are small businesses.Further, these are also NOT non-profit.I note this because often we expect the veterinary hospital to perform services for free or for a reduced cost because the cause is good and the need is great.I remind readers of this because we live in an area where many hospitals have their foundation spirit in a family of caregivers.In the early years of vet hospitals, many saw the veterinarian’s wife scrubbing out cages and reception area floors, doing the billing and helping when needed in the surgery. There were emergencies and everyone in the community knew where to find help.Ruth Gunther, Belle Kamsler and the late Anne Leighow played important roles in the health of the Valley’s animals.Dr. and Mrs. DeVoe knelt in prayer before a surgery and in many emergencies.The veterinary hospital involved people whom we knew.And, in Berwick Tom Kowalchick still is the North Berwick Animal Hospital.
Today some hospitals and clinics are owned and managed by a large organization, such as the VCA animal hospitals and Banfield, which has over 100 hospitals in its conglomerate.The employee veterinarian often does not set policy or determine how your pet istreated.And, if the hospital has signed a contract with an animal emergency center, your pet will not even see his veterinarian when he needs him most. This makes for many interesting situations in pet care.For example, I once was appalled to learn that veterinarians could refuse to treat and care for certain breeds of dogs.Naively, I believed that if a dog was in pain or needed help, that the hospital staff would treat him and not discriminate because of his breed or that hospital’s previous history with animals of that breed. Not so, explained a veterinarian who was also a lawyer.A veterinarian can refuse legally to treat any animal.Also, I was amazed once to enter a reception area and see a well-known puppy store owner waiting.She had four or five cages of puppies.It never occurred to me that veterinarians had puppy store and puppy mill owners as clients.Again, they are small businesses and treating animals is their choice and their business.Also, reporting suspected cruelty and neglect is not part of their business nor is it part of the veterinary practice act in Pennsylvania (in some states it is).The AVMA believes that it is the veterinarian’s responsibility to document and report such cases to the proper authorities.On the other side of this policy is the fact that not all members of the veterinary profession are members of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).And, most importantly, many veterinarians believe they should treat victims of abuse and “don’t tell”.Their reasons are good.If the owner believes the abuse will be reported he will not seek medical treatment for his animal. Also, having the patient under treatment gives the veterinarian the opportunity to educate the client.Thus, “do no harm” isn’t as simple as it sounds.Finally, what about the owner who removed a fatty cyst from his dog?When it became infected and a veterinarian needed to treat the infection the owner was cited for cruelty. The cyst was probably benign, the veterinarian said.Could thisjust have been a frugal owner who was up against the economics of a veterinary small business?A thought:In today’s economy it might be a good-will gesture and humane for area animal hospitals to offer low-cost health clinics.Meanwhile, a bow to our area’s retired and past caregivers.At lunch once with veterinarians I commented on the fact that they all ate soup as a first course.An old trick, one told me.If the phone rings and I can’t finish dinner at least I have some food in my stomach!Good to the last drop.
NEW JERSEY COURT SAYS PETS HAVE A “SPECIAL VALUE” IN CUSTODY CASES.The N.J. court continued to maintain that the pet was “property” but that its value was in a different category which they termed a “SPECIAL SUBJECTIVE VALUE”.The pet was “unique personal property”, according to a precedent-setting decision by the court.A pug was the dog in dispute.
RED CROSS ENTERS INTO NEW PET AGREEMENT.The American Red Cross has entered into an agreement with the American Veterinary Medical Association to provide temporary housing for pets in case of house fires.The Chicago chapter has been concerned about the number of pet owners who have been sleeping in their cars afterthese disasters.
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?