Good Info
Tip to apartment/condo dwellers from Richard: I have a quick dog tale. Last week placecountry-regionJordan was ill. She had the runs. I live in an apartment with a doggy door to the porch. She went on the porch. I came home to a mess on the porch. I figured better there then the carpets. I pick up the bleach, a roll of paper towels and clean. I pulled the sliding door open. placecountry-regionJordan sat perplexed, I just kept repeating, "good dog, good dog", she started to wag her tail. Apartment dwellers should get that panel with a doggy door in it. You place it between the sliding door and the wall, and then if you dog needs to do her business she can, without soiling the carpets in the apartment.
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Caring for Pets When You Travel
If you're a pet owner planning a business trip or vacation, the decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. While it may be tempting to take your furry friend with you, keep in mind that some animals are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness, or physical impairment. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian.
If you determine it is best for your pet to accompany you, you will need to devote extra time to prepare for the journey. For example, you'll need to have all of the supplies necessary to keep your pet comfortable while he's away from home, and you'll need to familiarize yourself with any pet-related restrictions or requirements imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, hotels, etc. Reading our guidelines for traveling with a pet will help make the journey a safe and enjoyable one for both you and your companion.
If you decide that your pet should not travel, consider the alternatives: Have a responsible friend or relative look after your pet, board your animal at a kennel, or hire a pet sitter.
If a friend or relative is going to take care of your pet, ask if that person can take your animal into his or her home. Animals can get lonely when left alone. Be
sure that your pet is comfortable with the temporary caretaker and his or her home, not to mention any pets that person has.
If you choose to board your pet, get references and inspect the kennel. Your veterinarian or local shelter can help you select a facility. You can also read our online tips for choosing a boarding kennel.
If you are hiring a pet sitter, interview the candidates and check their references. (A pet sitter may be preferable if your pet is timid or elderly and needs the comfort of familiar surroundings during your absence.) Be sure to check out our online guidelines on how to choose a pet sitter.
Whatever option you choose, your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations and in sound health. If you arrange for someone to care for your pet while you are away, provide the caretaker with the telephone number where you can be reached, the name and telephone number of your veterinarian, and your pet's medical or dietary needs. You should also make sure that your pet is comfortable with the person you have chosen.
Source: Humane Society of the United States
BEFORE YOU VISIT THE DOG PARK
If you're a dog owner fortunate enough to live near a dog park, you know they are fun places for your dog to play with other dogs. Summer is a great time to visit a dog park for fresh air, healthy exercise, and socialization for both dogs and people.
Dr. Sheila McCullough, formerly a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says that before visiting a dog park, owners should recognize risks associated with interactions with other dogs and take precautions to minimize these risks.
One risk is the spread of infectious disease. To minimize your dog's risk of getting sick, make sure all its vaccinations are current. "Dogs that are very sick do not usually feel well enough to run and play at a dog park," says Dr. McCullough, "so serious infectious illnesses may not be a major concern. Common sense should tell a dog owner to keep a dog at home if it is coughing or vomiting or has diarrhea."
Another hazard is injury from dog bites and dogfights. Serious fight injuries can be fatal. The best way to handle bite injuries is to prevent them, and the best way to do that is to train your dog well. Make sure your dog always comes when called and is well-behaved when interacting with other dogs, new people, and children. Some parks have separate fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs, which may help keep small dogs from getting accidentally trampled or bitten by larger dogs.
For your own safety, never get in the middle of a dogfight. Even if your dog is loyal and obedient, it may not be aware of who or what it is biting when engrossed in a fight. Putting any parts of your body between fighting dogs will not stop them, but may send you to the emergency room.
Neutering your pet has benefits to both health and safety. According to Dr. McCullough, "In addition to extending a dog's health, neutering reduces male territorial instinct." She reminds pet owners that that a female dog in heat will inevitably cause confrontation between intact males. Even the gentlest male dogs, if not neutered, can be uncontrollable when a female in heat is nearby.
When playing in the hot sun, your dog may not notice that it is getting overheated. "Be aware that even though it's noon and 95 degrees, your dog will want to play Frisbee," advises Dr. McCullough. Make sure your dog takes breaks in the shade, gets plenty of water, and does not play for long periods in the hot mid-day sun.
Dog parks are wonderful places to enjoy a summer afternoon with your pet and to get healthy exercise and socialization for both of you. Taking precautions can help make your visits healthy, positive experiences.
If you have any questions about vaccinations your dog should have before visiting a dog park, or other questions about ensuring a safe day at the park, contact your local veterinarian.
Source: University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine
Recommended:
The Dog Whisperer (channel 107 on Cox). Cesar Milan has a unique understanding of dog behavior and demonstrates how he works with owners and their dogs on the National Geographic channel on Friday evenings.(www.nationalgeographic.com). You can learn some great tips on working with your dog and “mastering the walk.” He also has a new book out which is excellent reading called: “Cesar's Way.” As he states at the opening of his show, “ I rehabilitate dogs. I train people.” One can learn a lot by just watching this show.
“Marley & Me” by John Grogran: “the heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.” This book is available on amazon.com and local bookstores including Sam's Club.
www.pets911.com: excellent source of information on a variety of animal programs, issues, etc plus a place for find a lost dog or adopt a new one.
Beware of Foxtails
Spring has sprung in the Valley of the Sun. It's time to enjoy the great outdoors with our canine companions before it gets too hot.As you head for the park or hit the trail, beware of foxtails - a desert grass that is blanketing the Valley right now … and putting our pets in peril!
Foxtails are a native plant that resembles wheat in appearance. Despite their unassuming looks, they can lead to serious injury, and even death, in pets. Each plant consists of several long, slender stems. Each stem is topped off with a bushy tip, hence the name “foxtail.” This time of year, the plant is green and wispy; in the next few weeks, however, it will dry out and become brown and brittle.
Why are foxtails dangerous?
“As the plant dries out, the bushy tip of the foxtail becomes very sharp and splintery - almost thorn-like,” explained Kim Noetzel, spokeswoman for the Arizona Humane Society. “That is when this plant is most dangerous to our dogs and other pets. The sharp tip easily attaches itself to a dog's fur, gets stuck in a dog's paws pads, or enters the ear canal. Our dogs can even inhale foxtails through their noses.”
The foxtail can easily work its way through a dog's fur and skin, and then enter the bloodstream. In a worst-case scenario, it will travel to a major organ and cause organ
damage that leads to illness or death. Veterinarians at the Arizona Humane Society frequently remove foxtails that have invaded a pet's ear canal or nasal passage and become infected. Foxtails are also a common culprit when a pet has a skin sore or infected paw wound, or even when a dog appears lethargic, begins to lose weight or is inexplicably ill.
How can I protect my dog and other pets?
› First and foremost, remove foxtails from your yard.
› Encourage your neighbors to do the same. Pull foxtails up or mow them down
and throw all parts of the plant away in the garbage. If you don't want to remove the
foxtails from your yard, then be sure they are inaccessible to your dogs.
› Keep pets away from foxtails during outdoor excursions. Don't let dogs walk, run
or play in or near them.
› After you've been outdoors with your dog, take a moment to inspect him carefully.
Check his ears, pads and fur. This is a good time to brush your dog.
› Remove any foxtails you find and throw them away.
› Cats are protected by staying indoors all the time. If kitty ventures out, however,
bring her back indoors and inspect her coat, paws and ears for foxtails.
What are symptoms that a foxtail is affecting my dog?Dogs may exhibit symptoms of a foxtail-related injury or illness in a variety of ways. For example:
A foxtail in the ear may lead to frequent scratching of the ear, whining and head shaking; over time, an infection will develop in the ear canal. Your dog may begin rubbing the side of his head on the ground very frequently. If a serious infection develops inside the ear, you may detect a foul odor. A foxtail in the paw often leads to a mysterious foot wound or limp; once again, a painful infection is likely to develop. Inspect the foot for open wounds, redness and swelling. A foxtail under the skin may cause swelling, redness and bleeding. The dog will likely scratch the area and whine. Infection is easy to spot and should be treated right away.
If a foxtail enters the bloodstream and affects a major organ, your dog might become very lethargic; stop eating; and lose weight. Any inexplicable and unusual symptom should serve as a red flag. In all cases, seek veterinary care for your pet right away.
“The good news is, this is preventable,” Noetzel said. “By using caution with our dogs when they are outdoors, and then inspecting them from nose to tail when the come indoors, we can prevent them from suffering a serious foxtail-related injury or illness.”
Source: Arizona Humane Society, www.azhumane.org
Did you know?
The Arizona Humane Society will spay/neuter your pit bull/pit bull mix for only
$20 and you get that back after the surgery and in the mail. Just show proof of
Maricopa County residency-limit 6 dogs per household.
www.pets911.com is the place to go for: lost & found pets, to adopt, for good
advice, etc.
It's the law to have your dog leashed in public unless in a specially designated
dog park
Dogs sweat through their pads and feet and they pant to rid themselves of heat
According to the American Kennel Club, the top ten most popular breeds of dog
in Phoenix are: Labrador retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers,
Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Miniature Pinschers,
Miniature Schnauzers and poodles
AHS Welcomes Gulfport Pets in Peril
Dogs and cats still struggling to survive - five months after Hurricane KatrinaThe Arizona Humane Society late Sunday (January 28, 2006) welcomed 28 dogs and puppies and 11 cats and kittens from the Gulf Coast - five months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged their home state. The pets arrived from the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi in Gulfport where, animal advocates say, the stray and pet-overpopulation problems are more severe than ever. After the storm, countless dogs and cats ended up on the streets and began to survive as strays, said AHS Director of Operations Jill Van Tuyl, who has been monitoring the situation closely.
“Most of the animals roaming the streets are not spayed or neutered,” Van Tuyl said. “They've been breeding uncontrollably for several months. Our counterparts in Mississippi are inundated with stray animals, including scores of newborn puppies and kittens.”
Several U.S. shelters have been taking regular shipments of homeless pets from the Gulf Coast region since September 2005. Now, the AHS is helping too, as cooler weather has temporarily slowed its animal intake. The dogs and cats who arrived at the AHS Sunnyslope Facility Sunday appeared to be in good health overall and were in remarkably good spirits. The animals arrived via a transport truck at about 10 PM. Their cross-country trip began in southern Mississippi on Friday.
“These animals were trucked across the United States in just two days, but handled the trip just fine,” said Kim Noetzel, AHS vice president of Marketing and Community Relations. “The dogs wagged their tails and were eager for love and affection. Most of the cats just purred and purred. None of the animals seemed to be `stressed out' or unusually uncomfortable.” All of the animals received vaccinations, blood tests and complete veterinary examinations late Sunday; five cats were admitted to the AHS Second Chance Animal Hospital™ for treatment of mild dehydration and upper respiratory infections. Some of the dogs may require treatment for kennel cough. Veterinarians will continue to monitor the animals' health; and, many of the pets need to be spayed or neutered. All dogs were tested for canine heartworm disease - a condition that could require weeks of treatment. However, AHS officials expect to put most of the Gulfport pets up for adoption in about seven to 10 days.
For information about adopting one of these pets, call (602) 997-7586, Ext. 1045; or, visit www.petharbor.com to see the full selection of adoptable animals at the AHS.
VALENTINE TREATS
Did You Know…
Certain types of candy and other goodies that are so popular during this romantic time of year can be harmful to pets? For example, dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately. According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, some data also appears to point to a possible link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.
Chocolate is another treat well loved by humans that could make pets ill. Depending on the form involved, it can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
Source: www.aspca.org
A New Website is Making Life More Enjoyable for Pets and PeoplePetgadgets.com features the latest product innovations for animals of all shapes and sizes -- from cats and dogs to reptiles and birds. "There's a shift in consumer spending toward high-end, high-tech and innovative products that's not being addressed by traditional pet stores.
Our website fills that void," says Petgadgets.com creator Geoff Mott, who scours the internet and trade shows for the hottest products to showcase. Some of those items include: Cy-purr Mouse: With one meow or touch from your cat's paw, this toy springs to life, zigzagging in unpredictable directions with supersonic vocal sounds. Global Pet Finder: Never lose Fido with this new GPS tracking system. Your pet's location is continually tracked and sent to your cell phone or computer. PetSafe Automatic Feeder: Stuck in traffic after work? Don't worry. Just program the dish's food compartment to automatically open at dinner time. You can also record a voice message that calls your pet to dinner.
Mott started Petgadgets.com after his own exhaustive internet search for unique pet products turned up very little. Most of the items were scattered among hundreds of sites. "I realized there needed to be a site that offers more than just the average pet toy or gift," he said. Mott also sensed inventors' frustration in finding a website that targets consumers for their pet gadgets.
This year consumers will spend an estimated 35.9 billion on their pets, making the pet market larger than both the toy and candy industries, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, a trade group that analyzes market trends.
The strong growth is fueled, in part, by high-tech gadgets, such a timed feeders and containment systems that enable a larger cross section of individuals to own pets. Currently more than half of U.S. households have pets.
Top 10 Tips for Feeding your Cat or Dog
reprinted courtesy of aspca.org
Adult cats and dogs require sufficient nutrients to meet energy needs and to maintain and repair body tissues. The amount you feed your adult dog or cat should be based on the animal's size and energy output. Activity levels vary dramatically between pets, and will play 
an important role in determining
an important role in determining caloric intake. Here are our top ten tips:
1. House pets vary widely in their activity levels. An animal with a "normal" activity level should receive what we call "maintenance" energy. A pampered lap dog may require ten percent below maintenance, while an active pet who regularly exercises outdoors may require maintenance plus 20 to 40 percent
2. Show dogs and cats must be fed a balanced diet with the correct amount of energy, since deficiencies may be quickly reflected in coat quality. While on the show circuit, the pet's energy requirement may increase by 20 percent or more. The pet should be fed maintenance amounts when not on the show circuit.
3. The dietary needs of working canines, such as police dogs, guide dogs and cattle dogs, will depend on their occupations. Energy needs will increase with the work level and/or stress. A dog with a moderate work load may require an energy increase of 40 percent compared to maintenance, whereas a dog with a high work load may require an extra 50 to 70 percent.
4. Environment influences energy needs. Extreme hot or cold weather can increases a pet's energy needs. Both keeping warm and keeping cool require extra energy expenditure.
5. An animal recovering from surgery or suffering from a disease may have an increased nutritional requirement for repair, healing and fighting infection.
6. Cats and dogs may be fed successfully in a number of ways that meet both the owner's and the animal's needs and circumstances. First up is portion-control feeding. You will measure your pet's food and offer it as a meal, thereby controlling the amount of food that can be consumed. This method is used for weight control programs and for animals who might overeat if fed free-choice. Food can be provided in one or more meals daily.
7. We generally recommend that all dogs be fed twice daily. Simply divide the amount suggested on the label of your pet's food into two meals spaced eight to twelve hours part. Puppies, kittens, and animals recovering from certain medical conditions often require more than two meals per day.
8. Free-choice feeding is also known as "ad lib" feeding or "free feeding." Food is available at all times, as much as the pet wants, whenever the pet wants. Most lactating pets are fed by the free-choice method, and it is generally the method of choice for feeding most cats. This method is most appropriate when feeding dry food, which will not spoil if left out.
9. Some dogs and cats, however, will overeat when fed free-choice, which can result in:
a) Obesity. If your pet eats free-choice and has put on too much weight, you will need to switch to portion-control feeding, AND
b) Developmental Bone Diseases. If you have a large- or giant-sized puppy of a breed susceptible to OCD, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, or hip dysplasia, do not free-feed your pet. He may overeat, which can lead to rapid growth and a greater incidence of bone diseases. Large- or giant-breed pups should be fed with the portion-controlled or timed-feeding methods (see #10).
10. The timed feeding method involves making a portion of food available for the pet to eat for a specified period of time. For example, the food can be placed in the dog's bowl for a period of thirty minutes. After that time, if the pet has not consumed the food, it is removed. This can be a good feeding method for puppies, particularly just after weaning. A standard guideline would be to offer food to your puppy for 30 minutes, two or three times per day.
SECOND CHANCE BY Gayle WoodsNot everyone gets a second chance, and some never get to experience a life of independence. But for some Tucson shelter dogs, their new lease on life and independence with the Second Chance Prison Canine Program extends beyond just their own. This program allows inmates at the Florence Correctional Center to train dogs all the skills necessary to assist people with disabilities, creating the opportunity for a full and independent life for all those involved.
It all started with six dogs from the Pima Animal Care Center that were waiting for a new home back in August of 2003. Gayle Woods and a band of volunteers helped those dogs find a new home by providing them an opportunity to learn a new set of skills. These skills were taught by inmates who had completed eight weeks of classroom instruction as well as actual experience with dogs, to become handlers. Through a positive reward training system, the inmate handlers taught the dogs many skills, including how to pick up objects, walk beside a wheelchair, retrieve a phone and turn lights on and off.
On June 30, 2004, the first graduation ceremony was held for the five dogs that successfully completed their training. Chance, Buddy, Loki and Dash then took their skills and put them to work by being given to people with disabilities, allowing them a more independent lifestyle.
Today, the program continues with the help of Gayle, Pima Animal Care Center, Pinal County Animal Shelter, the FlorenceCorrectional Center and all of the Second Chance volunteers. With their newfound skills, these once unwanted dogs provide an incredible service that is both physical and emotional. They are loyal companions to not only their inmate handlers but the people they are given to at the end of the program.
A new partnership with FAIR, started in March of 2005, has allowed the program to expand to include puppy care and training and basic obedience training. Now the lives of even more unwanted dogs are being saved as inmates bottle feed the orphaned puppies and by 5 to 6 weeks, have them maintaining eye contact, sitting and lying down. All of this training and care from the inmates helps make these dogs even more adoptable and ready to share their independence.
If you would like to learn more about the Second Chance
program and how you can help, please visit our website at
www.secondchanceprisoncanine.org or call (520) 742-0338.
THE NOSE THAT KNOWS by Kathy “Kat” Albrecht
Holding the feisty terrier by her collar, Hardin Weaver gives the search command. “Susie, are you ready? Search!” Immediately Susie lurches forward, pulling hard in her harness as she sniffs the air currents in search of the scent that she is trained to find. But unlike most other search-and-rescue dogs, Susie is not searching for a lost child, a missing hiker, or even a confused Alzheimer's patient-what she is searching for is a lost cat!
Susie is one of several search dogs that are currently being trained through a course offered by Pet Hunters International, the nation's first pet detective academy. Pet Hunters
offers certification courses for pet detectives also known as Missing Animal Response (MAR) Technicians. MAR Technicians are certified to use high-tech equipment including amplified listening devices, humane traps, and snappy snares. They are also trained to solve cases using law enforcement investigative techniques like deductive reasoning, search probability theory, and the analysis of physical evidence. For example, MAR Technicians have used a DNA test on a cat whisker to solve one lost cat investigation and a forensic anthropologist to solve another. In addition, MAR Technicians are taught how to profile lost pet behavior in order to develop a specific search plan after identifying variable factors that are present in all lost pet cases. These variables include the species involved (dog vs. cat vs. snake), the temperament of the specific animal, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the population density, and the environment. The unique and exciting nature of MAR work has attracted the interest of various people in the pet industry. Pet sitters, veterinary technicians, dog trainers, and groomers have jumped on the pet detective bandwagon. In addition, rescue group volunteers have attended the MAR Technician course with plans to offer MAR services as a way to generate revenue for their organizations. People who lose their pets are desperate for hands-on assistance. Rescue groups that offer lost pet services will be offering a needed service that can generate revenue (service fees and donations) to support their day-to-day operations.
offers certification courses for pet detectives also known as Missing Animal Response (MAR) Technicians. MAR Technicians are certified to use high-tech equipment including amplified listening devices, humane traps, and snappy snares. They are also trained to solve cases using law enforcement investigative techniques like deductive reasoning, search probability theory, and the analysis of physical evidence. For example, MAR Technicians have used a DNA test on a cat whisker to solve one lost cat investigation and a forensic anthropologist to solve another. In addition, MAR Technicians are taught how to profile lost pet behavior in order to develop a specific search plan after identifying variable factors that are present in all lost pet cases. These variables include the species involved (dog vs. cat vs. snake), the temperament of the specific animal, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the population density, and the environment. The unique and exciting nature of MAR work has attracted the interest of various people in the pet industry. Pet sitters, veterinary technicians, dog trainers, and groomers have jumped on the pet detective bandwagon. In addition, rescue group volunteers have attended the MAR Technician course with plans to offer MAR services as a way to generate revenue for their organizations. People who lose their pets are desperate for hands-on assistance. Rescue groups that offer lost pet services will be offering a needed service that can generate revenue (service fees and donations) to support their day-to-day operations. In addition to benefiting the people in a community, lost pet services will have a tremendous impact on reducing the homeless pet population. Pet dogs and cats that escape from their owners' care make up a large percentage of the “stray” and “homeless” animals which crowd animal shelters, rescue groups, and
feral cat colonies. MAR Technicians certified in a technique called “trap-and-reunite” have already recovered many lost (displaced) cats simply by utilizing baited humane traps as a recovery tool.
MAR Technicians and MAR K9's certified through Pet Hunters International offer a much needed service that will reduce the homeless pet population, save the lives of animals, and assist people who have had no where else to turn. For more information on how you can become a certified pet detective, visit www.pethunters.com.
Kathy “Kat” Albrecht is a police officer-turned-pet detective and Founder of Pet Hunters International, the first-ever pet detective academy. Kat's book, The Lost Pet Chronicles: Adventures of a K-9 Cop Turned Pet Detective chronicles her unique journey from cop to pet detective.
Summer Safety Tips repinted with permission from akc.org
Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for your dog. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and follow our tips to keep your dog cool.
Heat Hazards
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.
Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.
Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.
Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.
Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
General Health
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.
Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.
Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.
Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective
preventive to keep these parasites off your dog.
.
Water Safety
Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.
If you're swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.
Never throw your dog into the water.
If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.
Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.
If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.
If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.
Never leave your dog unattended in water.
Travel
By Car - Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated.
Put a sunshade on your car windows.
Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.
By RV - A dog's safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.
If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.
Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.
Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.
Early Stages:
Heavy panting.
Rapid breathing.
Excessive drooling.
Bright red gums and tongue.
Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.
Advanced Stages:
White or blue gums.
Lethargy, unwillingness to move.
Uncontrollable urination or defecation.
Labored, noisy breathing.
Shock
If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:
Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.
Apply ice packs to the groin area.
Hose down with water.
Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water. Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes. Check your dog's temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog's temperature has stabilized at between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool-down process. If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
Boarding Your Dog
reprinted with permission from akc.org
If it's not possible to bring your dog along on your vacation, you'll have to arrange for his care while you're away. One alternative is to have a reliable friend, family member, or neighbor come to your home several times a day to feed, water, exercise, and spend time with your dog. You could also hire a professional pet-sitter to perform these duties.
Another solution is to board your dog at a reputable kennel. Prices and services for kennels vary, but whether you choose your vet's office or a lavish "bed-and-biscuit" resort with complementary grooming and aromatherapy, keep these considerations in mind. 
Trust your senses (as well as your common sense) when visiting a kennel as a possible "vacation" spot for your dog.
Make sure that the whole kennel, outdoor and indoor runs included,
is clean and orderly.
Make sure there are no offensive odors. There should be adequate
ventilation. A well-run kennel should
not stink of doggy odors.
Make sure the temperature is adequate, not too warm and not too cold.
Ask to see the outdoor running area. It should be close to spotless and made of gravel or concrete.
Ask how frequently the areas are cleaned. All responsible kennel owners and operators will ask you about your dog'svaccinations and will require proof of certain shots. All responsible kennel owners and operators will show you each area in which the dogs are kept.The outdoor runs - and the whole kennel should be very secure. Many dogs will attempt to break out, so talk to the kennel owners about this if you're worried. Some last tips...Bring along your dog's bed or favorite toys. When you leave, be positive and upbeat. Tell your dog "Here we are, Fido--it's your summer vacation. Good boy/girl!!" Do not apologize to your dog, he will sense your discomfort and become upset himself. Keep the goodbyes short and sweet. You may return and find that your dog enjoyed his "vacation" just as much as you did!
Protecting your dog from rattlesnakes!
Living in the desert of Arizona, it is not a matter of "if" you are going to cross
paths with a rattlesnake, but more a
matter of "when". The desert is
disappearing at a very high rate, and
the odds of a rattlesnake showing up
on your back step someday are high.
Humans of the South West have been
educated to stay away from rattlesnakes through school, news stories, and hearing about the cousin of a friend who got bit at a party one night. We know to stay away from rattlesnakes because we can process that type of information. We know that snakes are dangerous and to stay away. Dogs unfortunately don't know that. We cannot tell our dogs that rattlesnakes are very docile creatures that just want to be left alone. We cannot tell our dogs that they could suffer tremendously, or possibly die if a rattlesnake bites them.
That is why there is Rattlesnake Aversion Training. It is a process that uses pain to steer dogs away from rattlesnakes. When done correctly this process can be very effective.
First a neutral desert type location is chosen because dogs are very place
specific and if something bad happens to a dog in a certain area they think every time they go back to that spot the bad thing will happen again. That is why this training should not be done in the back yard or on your favorite hiking trail.
Very old dogs or dogs under the age of 10 months should not take this training. Also any dog with hip or neck injuries should not take this training.
The process involves a live de-fanged rattlesnake and an electric collar.
The snake has to be de-fanged to avoid injury to people or dogs. Snakes have fangs in development so when one shatters or sheds, a new fang can be in place within 2 or 3 days. I have taken out as many as 5 sets of fangs at one time from larger snakes and that buys me about 2-3 weeks.
Next, the snake is placed out in the open with a snake wrangler near by to insure the snake doesn't wander off. Usually the snake will stay coiled up for the entire first test. One dog is taken up at a time with a long rope and an electric collar, down wind. Most dogs will hear the snake first, then try to see the snake, then they will position themselves to smell the snake. At that nanosecond when all three senses are focused on the snake, a severe correction is delivered with an electric collar. You will witness gymnastics and vocalization as dog and handler run away as fast as possible from the snake.
At that point the dog is scared and confused. After the dog and I run a safe distance away, I pet and comfort the dog. Normally I don't reward fearful behavior but I want the dog to know right away that I had nothing to do with that creature over there. I then try to take the dog back up to the snake until I create a zone as large as possible. If the dog agrees to walk back up to the snake a much lighter stimulation from the collar is used until I get a mule on the end of the rope saying………No Thank You!!! I won't go back over there with, or without you.
Then the dog is taken back to the owner and another dog is selected. After all dogs have been through this first test, the snake is then gathered up and scotch tape is used to silence the rattle. The silent snake is then placed into a mesh type bag and hidden in a bush.
The second test might require some owner participation since the dog is not so willing to take a second walk with me. We walk the dog into the scent stream looking for some type of recognition like: UH OH! That is a snake, I'm out of here. If that is the case the training is done. If the dog lingers, and I think they smell the snake, they will get another slight correction with the E-collar. Sometimes a third test is done but hardly a fourth.
Here are some observations I've made since my snake proofing career began in 1992:
Some dogs are naturally cautious of rattlesnakes (typically herding breeds).
Some dogs charge rattlesnakes upon hearing the rattle, (typically terriers).The majority of dogs are curious and will approach a live rattlesnake.The majority of dogs live from a rattlesnake bite without any treatment, Usually the larger ones! Most dogs get bit in there own yard after dark!
Advantages of Snake Aversion Training:
It reduces the chance your dog will willingly approach a live Rattlesnake
Your dog can alert you that there is a rattlesnake present, keeping you from getting a snake bite.
Disadvantages of Snake Aversion Training:
Your dog could exhibit fear when in the presence of the handler at a later date.
If too much power is used with a timid or already fearful dog, the results could be negative.
The perfect candidate for getting bit by a rattlesnake is a well socialized, confident, curious, young dog! This training is for life. For more information please contact Jay Smith at www.comdogtrain.com or call 520-792-6411.
Advice from the Arizona Humane Society: Tips for introducing your new dog to the family
The decision to add a canine companion to the family is big one - even more so if you already have a dog. Will the two dogs get along? How can I tell if they like each other? What are the warning signs of possible problems? The following
tips from the Arizona Humane Society will help with the process of
introducing a new dog to the family:
Select a neutral site. Step one in the introduction process is picking the right place. Selecting a neutral site is key because your resident dog is less likely to feel as if “an intruder” has entered his territory. Select a site that is unfamiliar to both dogs.
Have separate handlers. A separate adult should handle each dog during the introduction. Both dogs should be leashed just in case a melee breaks out. Do not involve children in the introduction process.
Keep it positive! This is a happy time, and your voice and behavior should reflect it. Allow the dogs to embark upon the typical “sniff-sniff” behavior. As they do, speak to them cheerfully and encourage a happy outcome. After a short “meet-and-greet,” separate the dogs. Ask them to obey a simple command such as “sit” and reward each of them with a small, yummy treat while continuing to praise them. Take a short walk with the dogs, with each handler allowing his or her dog to sniff and investigate the other dog for short intervals (all the while, continue the happy talk in a friendly tone). Stop, separate the dogs, ask them to obey a simple command, give them a yummy treat, and shower them with praise. Repeat this activity several times.
Pay attention to posture. By observing the dogs' body postures, you'll get a sense of how the introduction is going. For example, a happy “play-bow” indicates a dog is happy and ready to play! The “play-bow” involves crouching with the front legs on the ground and the hind end in the air. Conversely, aggressive postures indicate that a scuffle could ensue. Watch for hair standing on end; teeth-baring; ears back; stiff legs; and long stares. Growling is another aggressive behavior - a signal that at least one of the dogs is NOT happy. If you observe aggressive postures, separate and distract the dogs. Ask them to obey a simple command and give them a treat. Do not allow the situation to escalate into a scuffle. When both dogs have had some time away from each other, try again - very slowly and carefully. Keep the dogs a bit further apart, and keep the meeting brief. Slowly build upon the time they can spend investigating one another and gradually decrease the distance between them. The introduction is a process, not an event. Be patient … and be careful.
Heading Home. When the dogs tolerate each other and there are no signs of aggressive behavior, they can go home. Continue using caution; supervising them; praising them for behaving nicely; and watching for aggressive behaviors.
Getting Help. In some cases, the dogs may not get along. Dog fights can be dangerous - never put yourself in the middle! If problems arise, consult a behaviorist or trainer immediately. Scolding and punishment don't work; in fact, they could make the problems worse. But with professional help, your dogs could enjoy a doggone good time together!
The Arizona Humane Society is the state's largest, nonprofit animal-welfare and protection agency. For more information, call (602) 997-7586 or visit www.azhumane.org.
Nutless But Not Gutless by Julie Pasquinelli, www. pets 911.com
Neutering male dogs removes their testicles, not their cajones!
Kaile is a two-year-old dog that belongs to one of my co-workers. Kaile comes to work almost every day, so I have become attached to her. She's smart and playful and all the things a happy dog should be. She loves to tear apart her squeaky toys and wrestle with her "boyfriend" Gunnor and the other office pets. She's mostly golden-brown with a splash of white on her chest, white toes and a white blaze on her forehead. Kaile weighs about 35 pounds and has one eye that is blue and one eye that is half blue and half brown. Every day I see her, I marvel at how beautiful and smart she is. Even though I love Kaile as if she were my own, she never should have been born. Kaile is the result of an accidental litter from a family whose plan was to "just take them to the pound" and not worry about what happened to the puppies. Out of a litter of nine, one died and the rest were adopted. As grateful as I am that the puppies went to good homes, I am angry because eight dogs that had been waiting for homes - at animal control, a shelter or with another rescue group - were killed because Kaile and her brothers and sisters were born.
Animal overpopulation is not a new problem. Groups such as American Humane and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have been fighting for protection of companion animals for over 100 years. More recent groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) not only fight for animal rights but also search for a solution to the animal overpopulation crisis. When dogs are sterilized, their reproductive organs are removed, which eliminates the flow of hormones through their bloodstream. With no hormones raging through their bodies, dogs are generally less aggressive, have fewer medical problems and are more people-oriented. The ASPCA, American Humane and the HSUS accept sterilization as a method of controlling animal overpopulation, as do other local animal welfare organizations and veterinarians across the country. While they all agree that sterilizing pets would help, the general public has fallen prey to various myths as reasons not to sterilize their dog.
Male dogs are subjected to myths concerning their sexuality, toughness and intelligence. There is a fear that "he'll be less of a man" if he is
neutered. Dogs reproduce to preserve their breed, not to have a family. According to the Dog Owner's guide (www.canismajor.com), dogs do not nurture their puppies for 18 years and then send them off to college and career and wait for "grandpuppies." Rather, puppies are nursed for a few weeks, taught to behave like dogs, and that's that. Sometimes, males do not recognize puppies as their own.
Dr. Tracy Land, a veterinarian in Cumming, Ga, specializes in pediatric sterilization, and can shoot down any reason you can give for not sterilizing your pet. "When people worry about neutered dogs not "doing their job" - hunting or whatever - I remind them all guide dogs and assistance dogs for the handicapped, hearing ear dogs … ALL are sterilized." Land, who is also a life-long Mastiff owner, laughs at the idea that dogs become wimps when they are neutered. "I dare anyone to try to get at me past my neutered boys!"
Jeaneen McKinney, a volunteer member of the Scottsdale [Ariz.] Police Department, works with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certified dogs. Her boys, Opie, a 110-pound Bloodhound, and Ronin, a 70-pound black Labrador work in search and rescue, urban disaster and rubble search. Opie, now 7-years old, was neutered when he was about 7 months old. According to McKinney, being sterilized didn't hurt Opie's skills or desire to work. Ronin, now 5-years old, was sterilized when he was a year old. Ronin excelled at search and rescue; he was even called to help search the Pentagon for survivors after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Women seem to have no problem having their male dogs sterilized. Men on the other hand, tend to hesitate. "I wouldn't be able to look him in the eyes," said my neighbor Roy, about his dog Rex. Even so, the benefits of neutering are spreading across the country.
Janice and Ken Clark, from Hamtramck, Mich., have owned dogs for almost 20 years. They currently have a 7-year-old Shiloh shepherd, Harley, who was neutered when he was 8-weeks old. Now hovering around 130 pounds, Harley would protect them or their home without a second thought. One time when Ken and Janice were walking Harley, they stopped to talk to a friend. Harley sat and waited. After several minutes, the conversation got animated, and the friend gave Janice a playful shove. Harley suddenly stood upright and positioned himself between Janice and the friend. With Harley around, Ken doesn't worry about "anything bad happening at home." Does he think his dog is less intelligent, or less protective because he was neutered? "No way!" He adds, only half-joking, that he'd welcome anyone who'd try to prove him wrong.
Nathaniel Roque, the South Western Region Director of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, trains dogs for the sport of Schutzhund. According to Working Dogs Cyberzine
(http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0035.htm), Schutzhund (Sch H), literally, "protection dog," originated in Germany as a test for the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) so breeders could evaluate and pick the highest quality dogs for their breeding programs. Some of the qualities breeders look for are a reliable temperament and courage without viciousness. Sch H offers three levels of titles: novice, intermediate and master. In each title, there are three phases: tracking, obedience and protection. Roque has a male GSD, Saber, who was sterilized at 6-months of age and went on to be Sch H 3 champion (master level). Roque has trained or helped train at least 15 sterilized dogs to Sch H titles. He says he "saw no difference that was remarkable in their ability to be trained for this sport." He also tells of "one dog in our club that was recently neutered after completing his training … this dog has not shown any change of temperament."
Dave Hess, an officer with the Tempe [Ariz.] Police Department K-9 Unit, has been training dogs for the department since 1994. Hess worked with a male patrol dog that had to be neutered due to a testicular infection, and Hess says he was still the same tough dog after surgery as he was before. Hess believes that training is more important than whether or not the dog is sterilized. As long as the dog has proper training and a sound temperament, "he'll do just fine" after sterilization surgery.
Most of the myths surround the idea that dogs are sexual beings, which they aren't. When a male dog is neutered, he doesn't feel anger at his owner for taking away his ability to reproduce. In most cases, the dog becomes more focused on his family because he doesn't have hormones distracting him to find a mate. If men are still not convinced, there's a 130-pound Shiloh shepherd named Harley that would love to meet you.
Dogs on the Loose by Maryann Mott
You're walking down the street with Fido, having a fine time, when suddenly a loose dog appears. There's no owner in sight, and you don't know if this dog is friend or foe, so what should you do to
keep you - and your pet - safe?
keep you - and your pet - safe? Follow these tips to help defuse the potentially dangerous situation and stay calm, cool and collected:
1.Read body language. Dogs communicate their feelings through body language. A friendly pooch's ears are relaxed; mouth open in a grin and tail slowly wags in a wide sweeping motion. On the other hand, a “flagging” tail - a tight, forceful swish that looks like a child waving a flag back and forth -- is a possible sign of aggression. Furthermore, be wary of stiff, jerky movements as well as a direct stare or raised lips and low growl.
Other signs of combativeness (or possibly fear) include flattened ears and raised hair along the spine.
2. Stay calm. Experts say your pet is usually the target of this unwanted attention, not you. “Don't act nervous when another dog approaches,” advises Rachel Jones, owner of K-9 Divine. “People often make the situation worse by tightening up on the leash and
saying to their dog in a worried voice, `Everything's OK.'” “That transmits down the leash to the dog, `We've got a situation here,'” says Jones. “If you are calm and silent, you stand a much better chance of keeping the encounter under control.”
3. Break eye contact.
In confrontational situations dogs stare at each other until one looks away. The pooch that loses this staring contest is essentially saying, “You win.” “If you break eye contact, sometimes the dogs lose the drive to become aggressive toward each other,” says Dan Teich DVM, of Dupont Veterinary Clinic. If no one backs down, a fight may ensue. For owners whose pets wear head halters (like a Gentle Leader or Head-halti) he suggests gently pulling on the leash, which turns Fido's head sideways. Then walk slowly backwards and away from the loose dog. Don't run -- even a friendly pup will chase you. If worse comes to worst and a battle erupts, don't try to break it up. Warns Jones: “Even a nice dog that's not trying to harm you will bite if you stick your hand in the middle of the fight.”
4. Don't forget to pick up small pets.
“Small dogs are delicate. We don't see it too much, but one bite from a large dog can be fatal,” says Teich. “If you're unsure about the loose dog's intention, pick-up your tiny pooch then turn around and walk the other way.” Exercise caution -- if the unleashed canine is already right in front of you, bending down to pick-up up your pet puts your head and hands at risk of being bitten. Your pet may also inadvertently bite you while trying to protect itself.
5. A little caution goes a long way.
Experts suggest carrying one of the following items with you on walks to either break eye contact or scare away an unleashed dog: An air horn or whistle, a large umbrella that quickly opens with a whooshing sound, a filled water pistol or squirt bottle, or a silent noise maker designed to repel dogs. “The best way to deal with this situation is to avoid it,” says Teich. “Always be on the look out and see what's on the horizon. If you see a strange dog in the distance, turn the corner and go the other way.”
Maryann Mott is a local freelance writer. Visit her website to see more of her work: http://www.petwriter.com
Breaking the Chain by Debra J. White Breaking the Chain, or why chaining dogs
outside is inhumane, was the theme of the
Arizona Animal Welfare League's first annual
art and story telling contest for young
children. To take part, children had to read a short story I wrote and either write their own conclusion or draw a picture. The story involved a feisty feline named Harriet who moved next door to a chained dog. When Harriet's owner left for work the next day, the drowsy cat had just settled in for the first of her many daily naps. Loud yapping from the neighbor's yard awakened her. Harriet squeezed herself through a hole in the window screen and went outside to investigate. She met Joey, a fluffy brown dog that had been chained up for several years. Harriet demanded that Joey keep quiet because he was disturbing her sleep, but the dog explained that he was bored, lonely and terribly thirsty. His water bowl had been empty for quite sometime. He told Harriet he needed a friend. Would Harriet help him get off his chain?
Due to limited funding, we restricted the contest to third grade students in the Phoenix public school system. Initially, no schools responded to my query. I felt discouraged but not enough to give up. Since it was close to holiday time, I decided to pursue after school programs like the Boys and Girls Clubs when the Christmas holiday was over. But then something changed. The Village Meadows Elementary School in Deer Valley called me and said they wanted to enter. Great, I thought, at least we can have the contest, even if it's with one school. No sooner had I delivered the entry forms when a second school, the Moya Elementary School in West Phoenix, also called me. They too wanted to participate. The first annual Breaking the Chain Art and Story Telling Contest was off to a start.
The contest grand finale occurred on 2/14 at the Village Meadows School where the two students won first place prizes of new bikes. One student won a third place prize, which was a $15 gift certificate to Border's Books and Music. School principal Cheryl Paul and third grade teacher Sandy Tarleton organized a small ceremony in the library. On hand to award the prizes were Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who may be America's toughest sheriff but he has a soft spot for kids and animals. Also present were Thelda Williams, Division Commander, Custody Support Division, Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Bari Mears, President, Pets911 Auxiliary, Eileen Procter, owner It's a Ruff Life Doggie Day Care Center and myself.
A second awards ceremony was held on 2/18 at the Moya Elementary School in West Phoenix attended by myself and Sam Spinelle from the Arizona Animal Welfare League. Two students won second place prizes of portable CD players for art and story telling. One student won a third place prize and received the gift certificate to Border's.
The contest undoubtedly had a significant impact on the children. Sandy Tarleton, third grade teacher who organized the contest at Village Meadows, said, “The project was helpful because all children relate to animals even those who don't
necessarily relate that well to people. All the kids are aware that animals are living beings that feel pain, emotion, and need to be cared for properly.” Joey DeLaHuerta, Assistant Principal of the Moya Elementary School, agreed. He said, “Thank you for involving our students. I feel that it was a good lesson for them. We look forward to working with you in the future.”
When coordinating this event, my goal was to convince at least some Maricopa county residents to unchain their dogs. At first, I hedged about canceling my original plan to host a public awareness day about the cruelty of chaining dogs. In the end, however, I am absolutely convinced that Breaking the Chain sent a valuable message about humane education to at least a small audience of children. Their essays and artwork showed a tremendous understanding of why chaining dogs is not in the dog's best interest. These young children also demonstrated an enormous capacity to learn. Bari Mears said, “It was wonderful to see the children realize the plight of the dog on chains. The project opened their eyes to the feelings and suffering of an animal. We hope this is the beginning of a more humane and kind generation.”
I have no doubt that Breaking the Chain became a valuable learning tool, even if it was only for two public schools. We have planted a seed. Next year, Breaking the Chain will grow and more schools will participate. Ultimately children will learn that chaining dogs isn't a good idea and in future generations we expect to see fewer dogs chained outside in the Phoenix area. And for me, what started out as an idea ended up as a very worthwhile project indeed.
If anyone would like to read the short story, please contact me at: whitedebraj@yahoo.com
One Woman's Efforts to Help by Debra White
When I first started to volunteer at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control in the summer of 1997, I was struck by the small size of the dog cages. I had volunteered in shelters in New York, Colorado, Florida and Massachusetts. The cages in Maricopa County were by far the smallest. The sheer number of animals in the shelter tugged at my heart. As I returned week after week, I became more familiar with the over- whelming problem of pet overpopulation in Maricopa County. People drop off family pets because they are moving and see taking along their 11 year old dog or 9 year old cat as an inconvenience. Others simply decide their pets are nuisances because the dog barks or the cat meows. What do they expect, Gregorian chants? Strays, even those with tags or microchips, often are not reclaimed. Despite the laudable efforts of Maricopa County to find new homes for all of the animals that enter their shelters, the task is daunting.
On top of dealing with a constant flurry of unwanted, abused, injured and sick animals, Maricopa County desperately needs new shelters. The existing buildings are old and decrepit. In these tight fiscal times, it is unlikely that public funding for new construction will be forthcoming. Competition for private funds is fierce.
After nearly eight years of having my heart broken each week by homeless animals in cramped cages barking or meowing for attention, I embarked on a mission. I wrote Nobody's Pets (a tale of humane education told by shelter animals) to help unwanted animals. Tell me you heard about my book from Doggy Tales and I will donate $3.00 from each sale to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control towards a new shelter. Does this sound like a lofty dream? Perhaps so. But I nearly lost my life in a car accident in 1994. Why not dream? Maybe my dream of a new shelter for the unwanted animals in Maricopa County really will come true. I cannot do this alone but I can make a
difference.
To buy Nobody's Pets, visit my
website at: www.4-footedfriends.com
or send $10.00 (includes shipping to) Four Footed Friends PO Box 25737, Tempe, AZ 85285. Also available at Changing Hands bookstore in Tempe
Can Your Best Friend Be Your Biggest Liability? By Chris Wencker, Hochuli & Benavidez, P.C.
Part 1
Dogs love us completely, and we try to love them in kind. Part of being a responsible dog caretaker, though, is being aware of the requirements that accompany a dog into your home. The following discussion is not meant to provide a comprehensive analysis of “dog law,” but rather to present a primer on some of the special liabilities that dog owners can face.
Nearly every town, city and county has a “leash law” on its books. This law may also be dubbed a “dog-at-large law.” In short, these laws require those living with dogs to ensure that those dogs are not able to roam freely about the neighborhood. These laws are enacted to protect the public safety and welfare, by preventing a potentially dangerous animal from coming into contact with citizens. Accordingly, when a dog is loose in violation of a “leash law,” the dog's owner may be held liable for any damage that the dog causes. This includes any damage caused by the dog - even if the dog does not bite anyone. For example, consider the following scenario: A dog gets loose and encounters a man strolling down the street. Being afraid of dogs, the man runs away, and the dog chases him. In an attempt to escape the dog's clutches, the man jumps over a picket fence, and in the process breaks his leg. Although the chain of causation is rather tenuous, the dog owner in this scenario faces liability for the full amount of the man's medical care. Note that this liability may be imposed even if the dog owner took precautions to keep the dog from escaping - if the precautions are insufficient to keep the dog from escaping, then the dog's owner will be liable. Erecting reasonable barriers can limit a dog owner's liability, though. Thus, the best course of action is to put up proper barriers to keep your dog from escaping, alter your dog, and enroll your dog in an obedience class that will minimize escape behavior.
Even if your dog never escapes, he can cause you legal difficulties. If your dog bites another person or animal, you may be held liable for the damages incurred. Long ago, the law would not hold a dog owner liable for damages if the owner had no knowledge that the dog would bite someone. This rule was affectionately known as the “one free bite rule,” because a dog would get one bite “for free.” Thereafter, the dog's owner would be charged with knowing that the dog was dangerous. This legal regime changed when states, including Arizona, passed laws making dog owners liable for their dogs' bites even without specific knowledge of their propensity to bite. Additionally, many states - again, including Arizona - have passed laws allowing criminal liability for a biting dog.
This article will use the term “owner” to refer to those who have dogs living in their homes, because it is the term used in the law for such people. Not all areas use this term, however, as many cities are adopting the term “guardian” to refer to those who care for domestic animals.
How can Your dog benefit from Dog Massage? By Gwynne Farber, pvconsulting@cox.net Your pet's body can very often control its own
pain, but sometimes it needs a little help.
Massage reduces stress and aids in healing. It
also increases blood circulation and lymph
movement. It can aid in pain relief and
discomfort by releasing the naturally produced
endorphins of the body. Increasing circulation
throughout the entire body helps and maintains
the healing process. Older dogs with reduced activity can benefit with the increased circulation at pressure spots.
Massage is physical therapy that also has psychological benefits. Psychologists have proven that touch is a basic, essential need, just as food or water. Your dog craves this reassuring warmth that comes from touch.
Keeping your canine athlete in top physical form requires a regular prevention and maintenance program. Canine massage therapy is a valuable addition to your program, assisting your dog in reaching their full potential. Regular massage therapy can reduce the risk of injury to your canine athlete.
By giving your dog the gift of massage, you are rewarding him/her for a lifetime of companionship and friendship. It should be noted that massage is a compliment to, not a substitute for veterinarian care.
IS GREYOUND RACING RIGHT OR WRONG?
by Debi Woodman, cofounder Fastdogs-fastfriends.
That is the question many of us have been asking for years and the argument is very heated and passionate on both sides. Any more, I think it is best to redefine the question to: are racing greyhounds well cared for while in the racing arena and what steps are being taken to provide for them once they retire. While the debate will wage for several more years, many adoption organizations are transferring their focus to pro-responsibility; for the track and it's personnel, the adoption organization and for the final adoptive family. It is in this respect that we can all work as one cohesive unit to insure the best possible life for these amazing athletes.The very simple fact of the matter is that greyhound love to run. There is no one on their backs encouraging them to run fast. I've seen them stop on the track when they were passed. I've seen dogs that only trot down the front stretch. I watched dogs that break free of the gate and sit down to lick themselves. They run for the sheer joy of it. This breed is a hunting dog and I firmly believe that many people fail to recognize that fact. Once they are no longer competitive, or loose the desire to run, then they are placed in retirement and surrendered to one of many adoption agencies throughout the country.
For the racing industry, the greyhound is an investment and is well cared for as any other item of value. You wouldn't buy a new sports car and then beat it up, and the same applies to these dogs. Their life in the racing arena is just very different from that of a standard house pet, not better - not worse, just different. When the greyhound is placed with an adoption organization it is their responsibility to help both the hound and the new adopters adjust to this new “plush” lifestyle. Since greyhounds are extremely adaptable and smart creatures, they make the change readily.
It is still important to remember their previous lifestyle and keep them safe by ALWAYS utilizing identification tags, and keeping them on a leash when not in a fully enclosed safe environment. Exercise and a good quality diet for them is as important, as a wonderful family to love for their continued well being. It is really not important to the greyhound what your personal belief is about greyhound racing. What we all seem to agree on it that this is an amazing breed that will continue to win our hearts.
Gabriel's Angels, Pets Helping Kids
Looking into Gabriel's eyes, you can see the unconditional love and compassion he has for the
children he visits. This gentle gray weimaraner spends
several hours each week with the children residing at
the Crisis Nursery in Phoenix. Gabriel is a Certified Pet
Therapy Dog who intervenes in the lives of children in
crisis.
This special time between Gabe and his kids began
when Pam Gaber, president and founder of Gabriel's
Angels, brought him into the Crisis Nursery to play
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at the annual
Christmas party. The staff and Gaber noticed the
positive interaction as typically fearful and hesitant children came up to the gentle dog and gave him hugs and kisses. Recognizing the power dogs had to reach children, she and Gabe were certified as a pet therapy team and in 2000, Gabriel's Angels was established.
Now a four year old non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, Gabriel's Angels has 100 certified pet therapy teams visiting over 45 valley facilities servicing at-risk, abused and neglected children. Their mission is to end the cycle of violence that is a haunting predator of children who are victims of abuse and neglect or are at-risk. “Our aim is to intervene in this cycle of violence by providing an alternative non-threatening experience,” explains Gaber. “We want to show these children positive relationships so they can build a foundation of compassion, trust and love.”
To ensure that Gabriel's Angels is able to continue their work with children in crisis, Gaber relies on a variety of sources for funding including individual donors, foundations, corporations and charitable events. Gabriel's Angels is holding their third annual Golf Marathon Classic on November 5, 2004. Golfers collect pledges per hole and play 100 holes of golf in one day! No golfing experience necessary! For more information on Gabriel's Angels, log on to www.petshelpingkids.org or call 480-460-5333.
The Myth behind “AKC Papers”
By Kim Gauchat, Born to Run
When you're looking at adding a new dog to your family, you first have to decide if you want a purebred dog or a mix-breed dog. There are lots of wonderful mix-breed and rescue dogs looking for new homes, but this article will focus on the purebred dog.
Within the United States, the largest and most widely known organization that regulates dog breeding and sports is the American Kennel Club, or AKC. Their mission is to protect the purity of the dog breeds and to promote the sport of the purebred dog. Every breed of dog has a “breed standard” which details what that breed should look like, how they should act, and how they gait. The breed standard goes into minute details such as the color of the eyes, the shape of the eyes, the bone structure, the height of the dog, the facial expressions, the coat texture, and where the dog places his/her feet when they trot. These breed standards can be found on the AKC website, www.akc.org.
When people proudly exclaim to me that their new dog “has papers”, I first ask where they got the dog and if they met the dog's parents. Anyone, yes, anyone, can breed a purebred dog “with papers.” The only things needed to do that are a male and female dog who each have their papers. They can be the ugliest dogs in the world with such horrible bone structure problems that they can't walk properly and have terrible genetic health problems, but they can still be “papered”! The papers reflect the fact that the dog comes from pure lines, but not necessarily good lines. The true testament to their breeding comes from researching their parents and the breeder. Responsible breeders will breed only dogs who meet the breed standards, are free from genetic problems, and preferably have AKC titles. A brief explanation of AKC titles follows.
Through local clubs, the AKC holds licensed conformation dog shows, much like the Westminster Dog Show with which most people are familiar. In these shows, dogs of the same breed compete against each other while a judge compares them each individually to the breed standard, and then chooses which dog most closely resembles the standard. That dog is then called the winner. After a complicated
formula of how many dogs