ASPCA Blog

If you have not yet checked out the ASPCA blog, go now. Not only do they have great and helpful posts, but they also feature an adoptable Pet of the Week. This week it's a sweetie named Brooklyn and they have actual video of her so you can see her in action. What a great idea!

Free Studio Session With Petographs!

Our friend and photographer, Ixiana Hernandez of Petographs, is running a January special. Get a free studio session for your dog with the purchase of one 8"x10". Here's one of her fantastic photos of Hank:


That's a huge savings, but you'd better hurry. You have to book your studio session by February 1st. Contact Ixiana for more information and to book your session. Go here to join her mailing list to keep up to date on all specials.

Crumb

My cousin, Alanna, works at Banfield, The Pet Hospital in Cherry Hill, NJ. She alerted me to the story of poor Crumb, a delightful Pit Bull who will soon need to find his forever home after enduring a terrible ordeal.

Last Saturday a family called the hospital and spoke with Alanna. They had found a dog 2 months ago but now wanted to euthanize him because his skin was in such bad shape that it was bleeding everywhere. Alanna convinced them to bring the dog in by offering them a free office visit.

When Crumb arrived she could tell he was an approximately 2 year old Pit Bull. His skin was raw, crusty, scabbed up and bleeding all over. He only had a few patches of fur. It turned out that the family had been bathing him in motor oil in an attempt to cure his skin problem, and had therefore caused ulcers to form in his eyes. On top of all of these problems he was also emaciated.


Luckily for Crumb, the hospital would not euthanize a dog for a bad skin condition. However, it was clear that his family was not taking care of him whatsoever so the hospital had them sign Crumb over to them.

Crumb now belongs to Banfield, The Pet Hospital and will be in the loving care of the staff there until he is better. Alanna estimates that it will take Crumb about 3-4 months to recover and has this to say about him, "Despite his miserable situation he is the happiest, bravest, sweetest, most beautiful little dog ever."



If anyone might be interested in adopting Crumb once his recovery is complete, please call the office at 856 317-0505. I will try to keep you updated on his progress.

Washington Post Article Causes a Stir

Hal Herzog, a professor of psychology at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. who has studied societal attitudes and behavior toward animals for more than 20 years, published an article in yesterday's Washington Post urging President Obama to adopt a dog from a shelter in the South.

His piece was not exactly hard hitting news, but it has cause quite an uproar online.

You can see his original article here.

You should read the comments here.

And check out this blog post about it.

Some people might be surprised to hear this, but most of what he is saying is true. What he fails to communicate are the reasons behind the facts.

Yes, many many dogs in Northern (no-kill) shelters are un-adoptable. Yes, many of them are Pit Bulls or Pit mixes. Those two facts do not go hand in hand. Some of the Pits would be perfect family pets, while another breed with a better reputation might be a nightmare.

Spay/neuter programs have been very successful here. Therefore, many of the unwanted litters are from people that could not afford to spay/neuter or, worse, bred for fighting. That explains the overwhelming number of dogs that have been traumatized before even getting to the shelter.

Still, it is possible to adopt a perfectly wonderful dog in the North (Pit Bull or otherwise). I've adopted 2 Labrador Retrievers. One had been imported from a German puppy mill to sell in a pet store and one had been abandoned by a s#*$$y breeder. See, there are jerks up here too.

The next time you go to a Northern shelter, though, ask them where they get their dogs. Many of the big ones (North Shore Animal League included) get the majority of their dogs by scouring shelters in the South for adoptable pups.

I hope that when people read Herzog's article they take the facts and leave the delivery. But, whatever you take away, please continue to adopt and continue to spay and neuter your pets!

Can A Dog Ride A Bike?

Apparently, the answer is yes.

Hahahahahaha!

Obama Artwork Helps Get Dogs Adopted

Thanks to the Woof Report for pointing me to Mutts Like Me. Adopt-a-Pet has teamed up with Shepard Fairey, the artist behind Obama's iconic Hope poster.

Go to Mutts Like Me and you can download printable pdfs in several different sizes, a coloring page for kids, banner ads and links on Facebook and other social networks. You can also buy t-shirts, stickers and more! A super cool way to support pet adoption.

Plus, I think it's hysterical that Fairey got his start with his Obey Andre the Giant campaign and now he's doing huge, meaningful work.

The Tailored Pet R.I.P.?

According to The Brooklyn Paper, the Brooklyn Heights pet shop/groomers/kennel The Tailored Pet is probably shuttered for good after the death of it's owner, Serena Bellino, in December.

I haven't been there in years. I took my old Golden Retriever, Magic, there to be groomed once but was turned off because the whole place smelled of cigarette smoke. I think, however, the shop had a pretty large, loyal clientele. Will The Tailored Pet be missed?

Inauguration Pet Specials

Inauguration Fever is everywhere! I have never seen so much excitement surrounding a new president and companies are using it as an excuse to promote special offers. Some these offers include our pets.

Loews Hotels are celebrating with an "Indoguration" Package. For the first 100 days of Obama's administration, you can get a special "Stars and Stripes" room service meal for your dog and a patriotic-themed bandanna for your pooch to wear home.

Do you know of any other Inauguration Dog Specials out there?

Dog Casting Call

The second season of Animal Planet's Dogs 101 is casting for several different dog breeds.

The breeds they are seeking are:
Brittany Spaniel
Siberian Husky
English Mastiff
Miniature Schnauzer
Xoloitzcuintli
Old English Sheepdog
Afghan Hound
Pomeranian
Havanese
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Australian Shepherd - Merle Only
Toy Fox Terrier
Pekingese
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Bernese Mountain Dog
Chow Chow
Portuguese Water Dog
Cairn Terrier
Alaskan Malamute
Bull Terrier
Chinese Crested
Italian Greyhound
Lhasa Apso

If you think your dog could represent his/her breed go here for all of the information to audition.

England To Ban Clothes For Dogs?

This is an article from about the lengths people are going to these days to dress their dogs.

Dog owners who dress up their pets could face prosecution

By Daily Mail Reporter

The RSPCA is threatening legal action against dog owners who 'over-dress' their pets.

Officials claim that putting on items such as boots, all-in-one trousers and hoodies, could be harmful to dogs and lead to prosecution for owners if they feel an animal's welfare is at risk.

Canine couture is big business and the increasing trend among owners to dress their pets fashionably has even led to top designers including Vivienne Westwood and Ben de Lisi creating dog outfits.

Lily the Chihuahua dressed as Vivienne Westwood Bride at the Pet-A-Porter dog Fashion Show at Harrods. The RSPCA is threatening legal action against owners who 'over-dress' their pets

The luxury Harrods store in London also has an annual fashion show called Pet-a-Porter where canines take to a 'dog-walk' and parade in a variety of daring outfits.

Experts said there are a few occasions where dog clothing is acceptable, such as with small dogs and short-haired varieties.

Jess Bland, professional dog walker and pet sitter from My Pet Friend, said: 'Dog clothing certainly serves its purpose when it's cold and wet, but it has to fit properly.

'Although dogs would survive in the wild, they're generally used to being indoors.

A dog is seen on the 'dogwalk' during the Pet-A-Porter fashion show

'There is a case that they need coats in the winter, especially shorter-haired dogs and smaller dogs.'

However, Lynn Williams, founder of dog charity Happy Dogs said: 'To see a little dog dressed up in boots, I think, is a little over the top.

Paris Hilton and her pet dog Tinkerbell. She is among the many celebrities who dress their pooches in fashionable attire

'You can buy anything fashion-wise for your dog.

'I have an extreme love of the dog, but I don't like to see them dressed up as little human beings.

'I don't think they like it either. It's unnatural.'

Dorset RSPCA spokeswoman Jo Barr said: 'Dog owners should be aware that under the Animal Welfare Act that came into force in April 2007 they have a duty of care to ensure that all of their pets' needs are met.

'One of those needs is to express normal behaviour and it could mean that with restrictive clothing they are not able to do that properly.

'We're concerned that any pet should be viewed as a fashion accessory. Taking on an animal is a long-term commitment. It's quite humiliating and sends out the wrong message about pet care.

'We've seen trends in recent years brought about by the rise in celebrities with "handbag dogs".

'This usually leads to people taking on pets because they are "fashionable" and sadly that means many are neglected.

There are quite a few good points in there. I am all for dog clothes when they serve a purpose. Here in NYC, boots are sometimes necessary to keep paws protected from ice, salt and snow. But not all dogs need a coat in cold weather. People often ask me why my dog doesn't wear a coat, and my response is usually "he's already got one." However, I also don't leave him outside for extended periods of time to freeze.

Adoption Alert!

Here's Temple's flyer from our friends at Monster Mutt:

TEMPLE Needs a Home!!!


TEMPLE is a 4 year old Beagle. He is male, neutered, fully vaccinated & in excellent health. He is friendly, happy, super sweet & the perfect size for a Brooklyn or NY apartment. He loves people & dogs alike & she deserves a wonderful FOREVER HOME.

Temple belonged to a woman who is in the military. The woman was deployed to Iraq. She found someone to take care of Temple while she was gone, but it turns out that person was unable to keep Temple. The Mayor’s Alliance of NYC was asked to help and has asked Monster Mutt to help find Temple a FOREVER HOME.

Now he is living at Monster Mutt, with really nice dogs to play with and nice people to pet him, but he really needs his very own FOREVER HOME.

Please come visit TEMPLE at:
Monster Mutt LLC, 297 Warren Street, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, 718-858-9028

Is Wii A Danger To Dogs?

This is not something I would have expected to see. Very weird. I don't let Hank out when the Wii is being played, but that's only because he'll try to eat it.

Tiny dog revived after being killed by flying Wii remote

MARQUETTE, Mich. - A wee dog is lucky to be alive after a run in with a Wii remote.

Ozzy, a five-month-old miniature Sheltie, was watching his owners play with their new Nintendo Wii console in Marquette, Michigan when he was accidentally hit with one of the game's remote controllers.

"We had just got the Wii for Christmas," explained owner Kathy White, "so we were trying it out, and that's when Alexis and I were bowling and Ozzy was standing by me and he jumped up and I hit him in the temple and killed him instantly."

White says Ozzy wasn't moving or breathing.

Her first instinct was to call her neighbor Pene Honey for help.

"I was brushing my teeth and my husband handed me the phone," said Honey, "and I put it to my face and it was Kathy and she was screaming that she killed Ozzy and to come over right now."

Honey says she picked up the lifeless dog and felt for a pulse.

"I just waited to see if he would breath and his heart was racing and racing and then it slowed and then just stopped, and that's when I gave him a breath in his nose," she said.

After four or five breaths, Honey says Ozzy coughed and woke up.

White then rushed him to the vet where she found out he had severe brain swelling and was in cardiac arrest.

After a couple weeks of recovery, White says he's almost back to normal.

Now she knows you have to be careful when playing a Wii.

"I just want people to be aware of their environment," White said, "especially small dogs and children so this doesn't happen to them. Because it was a horrifying experience and I don't want anyone to go through this."

Ozzy is no longer allowed in the room when the family plays the game.

Metro Sniff Video

You may recall, this summer I shot a dog training video for Metro Sniff. Well, these things take time to put together but Melissa from Metro Sniff has given me the green light to post this first video here.

I think it came out really well, I'm very pleased. Look out for my clients Brooks and Spice starring in the video (they were super stars, thanks guys!!).

So, I present to you, the premier episode!! Let me know what you think.

Mickey Rourke Thanks Dogs at Golden Globes

Mickey Rourke has always scared me a little. Now that he looks as freaky as he acts, he scares me a little more. However, I think it's very sweet that he thanked his dogs in his acceptance speech for Best Actor last night at the Golden Globes.

I've seen photos of him over the years toting Chihuahuas with him on the red carpet, but figured it was him trying really hard to be eccentric. After last night I have to say that I am touched by his devotion to his little dogs.

"Sometimes when you're alone, all you got is your dog and they meant the world to me."
--Mickey Rourke, during his acceptance speech for Best Actor at the Golden Globes.

But he still creeps me out.

If you have not seen his speech, here it is.

This Photo Cracked Me Up

As a proud dog adopter (and trainer) I can sympathize with what must have led up to this photo, found on Reddit.

Hank vs. Snow

Yesterday evening was my first real opportunity to see what Hank thinks of snow. I let him out in our front gated area to play and just watched to see what he'd do. It turns out he loves snow. Loves to eat it, that is!

Every bit of fresh snow ended up with his tongue print in it. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given how much he loves to drink water. However, it is pretty funny to see him run around licking the ground like a fiend.

Of course, the recent snow makes me think about Charleston and how much he adored it, so I'm reposting the "Charlie in the Snow" video. For those of you that haven't seen it, when our Lab was diagnosed with terminal cancer we had 600 lbs of crushed ice delivered in June for him to play in.

Pet Insurance

After everything we went through with Charleston, Vinny and I decided that we should really get Pet Insurance for Hank. If we'd had insurance for Charlie, we'd have a much bigger savings right now.

When it came time to wade through the different insurance companies and plans, I was pretty overwhelmed. There are lots of companies, some with some pretty reputable names behind them (i.e. ASPCA). I got through it by doing what I always do: I made a list.

By making a chart of all the companies with the pros and cons it my decision was much easier to make. I ended up going with Pet's Best Basic Plan.

My advice for people embarking on an insurance search is:
1. Know what you want the insurance for. In our case, we wanted to know that if anything disastrous happened again we would not have to worry that we could not afford to give Hank the health care he needed.
2. Make sure you know if you have a deductible and what that is.
3. Find out how they define a "pre-existing condition." Some companies consider anything that happens in the previous insured year a pre-existing condition in the next insured year.
4. How do they pay claims? Do they pay a straight percentage or is the total based on a pre-determined schedule with maximum amounts for each specific procedure.

I found a decent article from The AP about Pet Insurance and thought that this was a really good point:

Hemstreet said pet insurance won't save people with healthy dogs much money, but can make the difference if a dog has a serious illness or accident. "I think pet insurance is for the person who will do anything to treat their pet and save their pet," he said, noting that advanced treatments like chemotherapy and transplants are becoming more common. "They can do all this stuff, but it gets pretty expensive."

Do you have Pet Insurance? What kind? What do you think?

Stray Dog Rounds the Bases at Citi Field

This story from the Daily News makes me visualized a comic fast motion scene of dog vs. dog catcher. It's probably closer to the truth that "Jackie" was super scared, but at least she has a chance of getting a good home now.

Dog is caught stealing a run at Citi Field

BY LISA L. COLANGELO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, January 8th 2009, 9:39 AM

A swift, four-legged Mets fan didn't wait for opening day to check out the new Citi Field.

A stray dog led animal control officers on a rainy romp through the stadium Wednesday after construction workers said she spent several days sniffing around the Mets' new digs.

The nimble pooch was finally snagged near the Jackie Robinson Rotunda after running the bases and racing up and down the aisles. Her rescuers have dubbed her Jackie.

"She was around home plate, ran up the first base line and ducked into the stands," said Mike Pastore, head of field operations for New York City Animal Care & Control. "We were going to set up a trap behind home plate."

Instead, Jackie ran into an enclosed area, and workers closed a gate behind her.

Pastore, Jackie and Animal Control Officer Eli Velazquez - all rain-soaked and exhausted - emerged from the stadium about 11 a.m.

"She was shaking and jumping around. This was probably her first time on a leash," Pastore said. "But once she calmed down, I was able to pet her."

The pooch, a brown-and-cream shepherd mix weighing about 40 pounds, seemed scared and hungry. She was brought to Animal Care & Control's Manhattan shelter for evaluation.

The pup - estimated to be about a year old - could be up for adoption as early as Saturday if she's healthy and doesn't have an owner.

Citi Field, the new Mets home, is still under construction, while demolition crews continue to dismantle Shea Stadium just next door.

Stray dogs are a common sight at the numerous junkyards and auto body shops next to the stadium.

"Several of the construction workers were concerned about what was going to happen to her and some even offered to adopt her," Pastore said. "She's a cute dog."

I hope she does get adopted. I'll be scouring the CACC website for the next few days and if I see her up there, I'll let you know.

Does this foretell yet another "dog" of a season for the Mets? Go Yankees!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

New Health Concern for Brooklyn Dogs

This is from today's New York Daily News:

New York City animal shelters scramble after strep outbreak kills dogs

BY LISA L. COLANGELO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, January 7th 2009, 4:00 AM

A rare and potentially deadly illness has wreaked havoc on the city animal shelter system, killing several dogs and leading officials to shut down a Brooklyn facility for almost a week.

At least four dogs - and possibly a dozen more - were killed by an outbreak of Streptoccocus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, also known as Strep Zoo, at Animal Care & Control's Brooklyn shelter.

Worried animal rescuers said the toll might be even greater, fearing additional dogs could have been infected or felled by the dangerous bug before it was discovered.

AC&C officials said the danger to other dogs has passed and reopened the Brooklyn shelter late Monday. The shelter was closed last week to people who wanted to drop off and adopt dogs, but had continued to take in stray and unwanted cats.

Everyone, including police officers and rescuers with stray animals, were redirected to AC&C's Manhattan shelter, which is undergoing renovations.

"We didn't want this to spread. We started isolation with the sick animals," said AC&C spokesman Richard Gentles. "There is no instance of Strep Zoo in any of the other shelters."

Gentles declined to call the incident an "outbreak" and said all the animals were put on penicillin as a precaution.

Animal rescuer Kerry Clare said most of the six dogs her group took in from AC&C last month have fallen ill.

Clare, who helps run the Middletown, N.Y.-based Pets Alive shelter and sanctuary, said shortly after taking 2-year-old mutt Mindy from the Brooklyn shelter, the pooch started bleeding from the nose. Three other rescued dogs then began to vomit blood.

"We put all of our 80 dogs on penicillin twice a day and had to shut our own doors for nine days to avoid infecting the community," said Clare. "This is heartbreaking and a financial disaster for a shelter like us."

AC&C, a nonprofit that operates under a contract with the Health Department, has long struggled with underfunding, overcrowding and staff turnover.

Shelter officials were recently told by the Health Department they would have to cut almost $500,000 from their $8.6 million budget.

What I would like to know is why we are only hearing about this now? Shouldn't we have been making sure our own dogs are safe or at least watching out for symptoms? I have no way of knowing if the dog at the dog run was newly adopted from the Brooklyn CACC. I've even been on the CACC website within the last few days and there was not a single mention of this going on.

Grrrrrrr.

Adopt a Terrier: Edgar

I came across this little guy on Petfinder and was appalled at his story.

Hello, I'm Edgar and I was a little dog in a world of trouble! A very nice lady found me wandering around Astoria with some very bad wounds. The vet said it looked like I was tied up and the restraints cut into my flesh. I got loose somehow and it took the vet over 30 stitches to close my wounds. Now I'm safe and sound and ready to go home! I'm a 25 lb., male terrier mix who just has a little spice to go with my sweet personality. Take me home and I'm sure that we'll be a perfect match!

There are other photos of Edger on his listing and they are pretty gruesome. It's so difficult for me to believe that someone could tie up a dog to the point where whole swatches of flesh are torn off. After an experience like that, no wonder he "has a little spice."

If someone in Brooklyn adopts Edger, I will offer them a 15% discount on training. That's 5% more than the usually Shelter Dog Discount.