Petition: Restore Conservation Funding for Our National Parks

America's National Wildlife Refuge System, with its nearly 150 million acres of land, helps protect critical wildlife habitat, ensuring that wildlife protection remains a priority of these lands.

Years of stagnant funding fueled a spiraling backlog of $3.5 billion in operations and maintenance projects and a loss of more than 300 positions since 2004 in the wildlife refuge system. It's past time to restore balanced levels of funding for our National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, National Forests and other public lands all across the nation.

There is a wildlife refuge in every state and within an hour's drive of most American cities. More than 35 million people visit refuges annually, generating nearly $1.7 billion for local economies and supporting almost 27,000 private sector jobs. And they protect our most majestic wild animals.

Congress is considering budget levels for our public lands for 2010, and this is the perfect time for you to weigh in.

Take action today! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/725417591?z00m=19764282

Training: Potty Training

The thought of training your dog how to use the toilet is an awesome idea - but in reality, we all know it's never going to happen.

I'm sure, you, as a dog owner, don't like the idea of a messy floor or stained carpets after you are back home from work. The scenario, I assure you, would definitely change with proper training and a little patience. You should start potty training your dog from the day your bring him home because initial over indulgence may ruin his habits in the long run.

The first step you must take is to choose the housetraining method you think will be best suitable for you and your pet. Your housetraining methods should be based on how you can prevent your dog from eliminating at wrong spots and not on cleaning up the mess after your dog has committed the act.

For successful potty training, you can go for any of the basic methods given below:

- Paper Training Method

- Crate Training Method

- Litter Box Training Method

These methods usually work well for all dogs, irrespective of their breeds. Just remember, whatever you decide upon, always stick to it.

Also keep in mind, problems may occur if the dog is aged or if he has been abused previously. Such cases need time and human patience.

Always, always, always keep an eye on your dog. Don't wait for your dog to tell you that he needs to eliminate. Rather, try to understand him yourself through his body language. Follow a proper schedule. Make sure your dog eliminates after he gets up in the morning, after every meal, play, and exercise session. Don't blame your dog for the accident if you are not watchful.

Always remember to have some verbal communication with your dog for better potty training purposes. It is an excellent idea to always use some cue word or phrase like 'go potty', 'outside', 'business' when it is time to go to the bathroom. Whatever you choose, make sure you and everyone in the family uses the same word, all the time.

Don't forget to praise your dog when he eliminates at the designated place. It is also a good idea to treat your dog on occasions. But make sure you don't overdo it. And always use positive reinforcements to correct his act. A firm'no' or shaking a can of beans will startle him enough to stop his act.

Do not scold, shout or even beat the dog for causing 'accidents'. They are bound to happen. Many even keep their dogs outside all day and night only because their dog starts to eliminate the moment they are brought indoors. A dog never understands punishment. Your poor pet will never realize the reason why you are scolding him.

Training: Teaching your Dog to "Come"

Teaching your dog to come is one of the most important commands he will ever learn.

It is also a command that will take a lot of time to successfully learn.

Begin by waiting until your dog is already approaching you, then when two to three feet away, say"(insert your dog's name here) COME".

When your dog gets to you, praise him. You should repeat this exercise as often as you can for several months.

As your dog begins to associate "COME" with a good thing, you can gradually increase the distance. If your dog does not come when called, then he has not yet made the association of the word to the action. Give him time, he will eventually understand. The key to success with this command is for your dog to always associate the command "COME" with a good thing.

A common mistake made by novice handlers is they use a firm tone with the command causing their dog to associate fear with the command. If your dog fears you, its instinct will be to run away instead of coming near.

NEVER chase your dog when using the command "COME". He will feel, "WOW! My master is giving me attention and chasing me. This is FUN. Whatever she says, I am not going to her - she will keep running behind me."

Once you believe your dog understands the command, begin to reinforce it. Put a lead on your dogs collar and allow him to run around with the lead dragging behind. Gently pick up the lead, without him noticing and say "(insert your dog's name here) COME". If your dog does not come, then gently pull the lead, forcing him to come. Repeat this test often.

Fun Fact: Most Aggressive Dog Breeds

This kinda goes hand in hand with my post yesterday, however, I thought it would be beneficial for many of you.

There is a common mis-perception of several breeds of dogs, pitbulls being one of them. Seems like there are stories plastered all over the news about how this breed of dog is nothing more than a baby killer. I owned a pitbull, and remember taking her to the park with me to the trails. This particular day was a hot day in late June 2001. Jupiter, my pitbull, was 3 at the time. We were finishing up a run, about to get into the car, when a mother and a little girl, probably 5 or 6, walked by. The little girl pointed at Jupiter, Jupiter sat down and wagged her tail at the little girl. The little girls mother stared blankly at me and said, "No no, that's a bad dog. It will eat you." Sigh......

I was always very protective of Jupiter - who I would allow around her, etc. Not because I didn't trust her; but because I didn't trust others.

So, for those of you who honestly believe that pitbulls are such an awful breed, here's some food for thought:

http://www.wsbtv.com/family/16819735/detail.html

Pretty interesting to learn that the dachshund is the most aggressive breed of dog. And that the pitbull didn't even make it into the top 5. Now THAT is some food for thought......

Petition: Michael Vick as an Animal Cruelty Spokesperson?

Ok, ok. This is me REALLY on my soap box here, but I have never been one to shy away from speaking my mind and saying exactly what I believe in.

When allegations first came out about Michael Vick, and his involvement in a dog-fighting ring, I was simply disgusted. At the time, as an owner of an angel of a pitbull named Jupiter, my heart ached for these dogs. It's bad enough that the breed itself has such a horrific reputation, where every news organization in the world LOVES to broadcast stories about what a "ferocious" breed of dog it is (amazing that stories involving other breeds of dogs never seem to get as much coverage). But to hear about the atrocities of what he actually did - was simply apalling.

Even more apalling is that when the story broke, Nike still endorsed him. Of course, I joined in the Humane Societies campaign to petition Nike to drop the endorsement - which they did! Small victory accomplished! Woo hoo!

I believe that people deserve second chances - however, I am 110% OPPOSED to the Humane Socities willingness to now use this dog murder as a spokesperson.

If you feel the same, please sign this petition to let the Humane Society know how you feel!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-to-hsus-and-michael-vick-as-spokesperson

The bottom line is that I don't think he is remorseful for what he did. He is remorseful that he got caught, and that he had to give up his charmed life. But actually sorry for what he did?!?! I think not! He lied to everyone about his participation, and once he was directly linked to the horrendous acts, he lied about how active he was a participant.

How we treat animals says a lot about our own character - so what exactly does that say about Michael Vick? I guess only time will tell..............

Training: Getting Your Dog to Walk NEXT to You (this was a real challenge for me!)

Getting your dog to walk on a loose leash is easy. However, sometimes your dog--especially if he's a young or adolescent dog--will still instist on walking slightly in front of you. He's not pulling on the leash... he's just not walking along side you, in the heel position. (The heel position means that his right leg is aligned with your left leg, and his toes and your toes line up, when you stop).

Many young dogs, especially, don't initially understand the concept of staying parallel to you.

Here's how to fix it:

Take a baby step forward. Only one. If he doesn't take one baby step forward, tug backward with the leash, until he takes a step backward and is parallel to you.

Now take one more baby step forward. Do the same thing. Continue this for about 50 steps, and you'll see your dog begin to make eye contact and only take on step forward.

Now take two baby steps forward, and stop. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Then three steps. And back to one step. Practice this, and remember to praise whenever your dog only moves with you, in unison.

Pretty soon, it'll "click" for your dog, and you and your pet will stroll along, picture-perfect.

Please Take Action: Operation Baghdad Pups

For those of you who aren't familiar with the program, the SPCA has created a program call Operation Baghdad Pups. It's a truly amazing program that few are familiar with.

Here's an excerpt from the website about the program:

Operation Baghdad Pups began with an email received on September 11, 2007. The desperate words of the U.S. soldier serving in Iraq told of his desire to get the dog, Charlie, he and his regiment had befriended out of the Middle East before their tour of duty ended. Because it is against regulations for troops to befriend an animal or transport one on a military flight, the likelihood of the determined soldiers succeeding alone seemed doubtful.

Members of this Army regiment discovered the dog earlier that summer while patrolling a dangerous neighborhood on the outskirts of Baghdad. The malnourished and flea covered puppy, no bigger than a baked potato, was scooped up by a soldier who felt sorry for the pitiful orphan. Hidden in a tattered blanket, the puppy was snuck onto the Coalition Outpost. As the soldiers took turns secretly caring for the puppy the strong bond between man and dog grew.

“Taking care of Charlie gave me something to look forward to everyday,” one soldier explained. “When all the guys got to playing with him we forgot where we were, the horrible things we had seen, and what we still had to go through. Charlie definitely made our time in Iraq more bearable. He was like a welcomed piece of home right here in the midst of Baghdad.”

Abandoning Charlie in this war ravaged country, consumed in hatred and destruction, would have meant certain death for him. “We all made him a promise that we would not give up. We’d find a way somehow to get him to a better life in the states,” the soldier wrote in that first email.

Operation Baghdad Pups has now successfully rescued Charlie and other dogs befriended by our troops, out of Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the logistics of moving animals from a war zone to a new home are extremely complicated and expensive.

With each rescue, the Operation Baghdad Pups team repeatedly beats the odds, but the challenges are still very much a reality. Soon after Charlie’s rescue, SPCA International heard from many more military personnel in Iraq hoping for assistance. Before long, SPCA International had over 35 active cases and that number continues to grow daily.

This is a true opportunity to salute US Soldiers for all that they do - and to make a real difference to the life of an animal whose future remains uncertain....

Check out the website today: http://baghdadpups.com/

Fun Fact: Where did this phrase originate?

I'm sure you've heard the expression, it's raining cats and dogs!

But, have you ever wondered where it came from?

It actually originates back to the 1600s.

Back then, drainage was very poor and gutters overflowed with rubbish and unsavory items. It is thought that animals ,such as rodents, lived in the thatched roofs and when it rained heavily, the dead carcasses would fall out of the sky - so coining the phrase it's raining cats and dogs!

Yikes................

A Guide to Flea and Tick Products

It's summer and your dog enjoys nothing more than spending time romping around outdoors. He's not the only one. Fleas and ticks are also active this time of year—and in very large numbers. So it's inevitable that some dogs will come into contact with those pesky little nippers.

Did you know that a single industrious flea can bite a dog hundreds of times in just one day? It's true. The resulting itching and scratching of flea bites can lead to skin irritations, open sores, and even fur loss. And a female flea can lay hundreds of eggs on your unsuspecting pooch, making him the unwitting host of many future flea generations.

Ticks can also be a nuisance—and worse. Tick bites are irritating and they may cause an allergic reaction as well transmit diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. And you could get those same infections, too, if infected ticks migrate from your dog to you.

Taking action against fleas and ticks
From shampoos and spot-ons to sprays, wipes, collars, and dusts, there's no shortage of anti-flea and anti-tick products on the market. And with such a wide variety of forms/types and ingredients, the choice can be confusing. Especially when you consider that some products contain ingredients that may be harmful to pets and children.

Before buying a product, consult with your veterinarian for a professional recommendation. Be sure to tell your vet if there are children in the household—and let your vet know how much time your dog spends outside in areas where he is likely to meet fleas and ticks.

Precautions to keep you and your dog safe
Follow directions exactly. If the product is for dogs, don't use it on cats or other pets. If the label says use weekly, don't use it daily. If the product is for the house or yard, don't apply it directly on your pet.

Protect yourself. After applying any product, wash your hands immediately with soap and water. Use protective gloves if possible.

Watch for side effects. If your pet shows symptoms of illness after treatment, call your veterinarian. Symptoms of poisoning may include poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation.

Check your dog regularly. Comb your pet with a flea comb, vacuum often, and dispose of the bags immediately after use. Also, mow areas of the lawn where your dog spends time, wash pet bedding weekly, and bathe your pet with a pet shampoo recommended by your veterinarian. Remember, fleas spend 90% of their time in your dog's environment, not on your dog. If your dog spends time in wooded areas or in areas with tall grass, check for ticks.

Safety issues to keep in mind
It's important to remember that the active ingredients in anti-flea/tick products are insecticides. According to the Humane Society of the United States,* in 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that, to help better protect pets, it will explore further restrictions on the use of the commonly used ingredients in these products.

The EPA is the government regulatory agency that approves which anti-flea/tick products can be sold in this country. This is another good reason to consult with your veterinarian. He may have the latest information and can help you make a sound and safe decision.

(content courtesy of pedigree.com)

An EASY Way to Help Animals in Your Community

For those in areas where Food Lion grocery stores are accessible, you should know that the company sponsors a really cool program that can benefit animals in your community.

Check it out (this is coming directly from their website):

Food Lion is involved in the local communities in which it serves, and LionShop & Share is our way of helping your community grow and prosper. It is the easiest, most convenient way to raise money for your local not-for-profit organization. Each time you shop at Food Lion and use your MVP card, a portion of your total grocery purchase will be donated to your organization.

Details on the program can be found here:
http://www.foodlion.com/IntheCommunity/ShopAndShare/

When you go to "Register your MVP Card", the site will allow you to search for non-profit organizations. Type in "SPCA" or "Humane Society"- they each have a substantial list of local chapters Food Lion is working with.

Of course, if you have a favorite local animal shelter or organization, you can certainly search for them as well - I just cannot guarantee that Food Lion has set up this program with them. But hey, if not - what better way to get involved!

Get active! Stay active! Every little bit counts!

Heartwarming stories of hope....

I've gotta hand it to the Humane Society - they just released the winner of the Second Annual "Dog of Valor" Award - if you've not checked it out yet, I would really encourage you to do so. The stories posted will leave you absolutely speechless.

Also (now keep in mind, this is me on my soapbox here) - I would advise you to pay special attention to the story about D-Boy, who won the "Peoples Hero" Award. It's a shame that you don't hear more stories in the news about this particular breed of dog and the heroic acts that they too perform. It's truly sad that all we tend to hear about is the negative.... hopefully D-Boy's story will remind us all of the dangers of stereotyping.

http://tinyurl.com/oup3mx

Training: Common Mistake 3

MISTAKE #3

Following Through Your Dog Training Lessons

For example:

You spend 1 hour on a Sunday training your dog to sit when you say SIT. But, during the week you are too busy and unable to devote much time. So, next Saturday you start again - but, your dog has most likely forgot the initial lesson.

You need to follow the training routine till your dog has learned the lesson thoroughly. Dogs love to learn and WILL learn by regular, consistent repetition.

Keeping Your Canine Cool This Summer

The sun is up—and your heat-alert level should be up, too. Especially if you own an older dog that is less likely to tolerate extreme summer temperatures. If your dog is panting heavily, salivating, or foaming, he may be having a heat-related problem. Get your dog to a cool location, provide small drinks of cold water, and, if he doesn't improve within a few minutes, contact your veterinarian. Here are some other tips...

Cool ideas for hot days
1. Groom him for summer. A shorter summer clip is fine for many dogs, but resist the urge to give your dog a buzz cut. His fur is part of his natural insulation system that keeps hot air out during summer. Also, shaving your dog's coat too short can put him at risk for sunburn.

2. Make sure he has a shady spot to relax in. If your dog spends a lot of time outside in the summer, provide him with a sun-sheltered area—or a pet door, so he can go inside when he wants. Like you, your dog loves a shady spot on a baking-hot day.

3. Think inside the house. Keep your dog indoors when you go out for more than an hour. If possible, restrict him to rooms with either air conditioning or a fan—but make sure the fan is out of his reach.

4. Keep his bed cool. Remove cushiony bedding from your dog's crate or bed. He may be more comfortable lying on the cooler bottom rather than on blankets or fleece. You can also take a look at the new-fangled cooling mats in your local pet specialty store. Some of them use water-activated crystals to keep the mat, and the dog lying on it, cool.

5. Provide plenty of fresh water. You're not the only one who enjoys a nice drink of refreshing water on a hot summer day. And if you take your pooch out for walk on a hot day, be sure to carry water and a drinking bowl for him. Speaking of going for a walk...

6. Save walks and exercise sessions for cooler hours. Schedule walks for early morning or after the sun goes down. Your dog will appreciate the cooler temperatures.

7. Never keep your dog in a car on a hot day. Even if you're parked in the shade with the windows down a little, the temperature could rapidly rise to a dangerous level.

8. Keep toilet lids down. This is the time of year when dogs are tempted to drink the cold water from toilet bowls. So keep the lid down and always try to avoid chemical cleaners and fresheners that stay in the bowl.

9. Check the ground for hot spots. Blacktop can get scorchingly hot for your dog's pads. Touch the surface yourself—if it's too hot for you, it's probably too hot for your dog.

10. Hose him down. Try a gentle spray of cool water. Keep in mind it may take you a few tries before your pooch enjoys the experience. If all goes according to plan, he'll feel happy and refreshed once he's all nice and wet.

11. Check out the latest cooling collars. Your local pet specialty store might stock cool collars. Just fill them with ice and, while the ice melts, it helps keep your dog cool and refreshed.

(content courtesy of pedigree.com)

Training: Common Mistake 2

Here's part 2 of the email I was telling you about a few days ago.....

MISTAKE #2

Not giving attention to the your dog's emotions.

For example:

After around 15 minutes of training, you notice your dog is yawning too much or simply refuses to look at you. You continue training him but he does not respond.

The result:

You get frustrated and irritated - and remember, that affects him too.

It's easy to blame our dogs when they don't do what we want... and even easier to allow our emotions to get in the way. However, dogs are extremely perceptive, and its important to remember that, especially during training exercises.

Petition: Save the Habitat for the Florida Panther

I have a big soft spot in my heart for animals - and not just the domesticated ones. As such, one of my primary goals is making people aware of issues that face animals across the planet - and trying to inspire others to participate in change. My hope is that as the AnimalAdoration.com community continues to grow, we can all play a more active role in protecting, preserving, and helping animals worldwide.

As the saying goes, "An honest voice is louder than a crowd." We can make a difference.... So, please join me in the fight.....

Up today:
Target: Secretary of the Interior Ken SalazarSponsored by: Sierra Club
No protected habitat exists for the Florida panther, the only big cat east of the Mississippi. And fewer than 100 individual panthers remain, making the Florida Panther one of America's most endangered species.

Scientists conclude that the panther's existing habitat is the bare minimum needed for the remaining population to survive. Five panthers have already been killed on south Florida highways this year, with an additional 24 panthers killed by vehicles in the preceding two years. This situation must not continue.

The Interior Department has the ability under the Endangered Species Act to protect the remaining habitat now. Urge Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to designate critical habitat for the Florida panther today!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/478858019?z00m=19761548

Training: Common Mistake 1

Sorry guys, just a quick nugget of information for you today, as I am slammed.... In the midst of my insanely chaotic day, however, I received an email in my inbox which covers some interesting ideas as far as dog training - and I just HAD to share them with you. So stay posted, I'll be posting one a day over the course of the next several days.

MISTAKE #1

Calling your dog and then, when he comes to you, do you "punish" him or do something he doesn't like.

For example:

Your dog is having tons of fun in the dog park -- you call and he comes to you -- and you reward his behavior by putting him on a leash and taking him home. Do you think your dog is really going to want to come to you the next time?

Think about it... I am guilty of it as well. But, understanding these types of concepts and ideas can help all of us train our dogs to be better behaved best friends....

Lights! Cameras! Action!

Ok..... so I've tried this whole blogging concept before, and have failed miserably - I sadly seem to fall of the bandwagon after about 6 weeks or so. However, given the fact that I am "older & wiser" now (or so I am told), I am giving this one more shot with 110% commitment. I'm going to try and ease into it - and hey, who knows. Maybe I'll even jump on the Twitter bandwagon one of these days. I hear micro-blogging is the new "in" thing to do.

This blog is going to contain a pretty wide variety of information - ranging from random thoughts and observations to contests and giveaways; from training tricks and tips to games and cool stuff I've found on the web - all pet related, of course!

So, with all that being said, I encourage you to stop by often for a visit... I promise it won't disappoint... especially considering that my 2 beloved bull terriers, Kole (aka - Kole Dog) and Savanah (aka - Rammers) will be regular contributers.

So, without further adieu, here's what I've got for you today....the Greenie's Best Smile Contest! You can check it out by heading over to

http://www.greenies.com/en_us/showusyoursmile/gallery.aspx

The contest ends on June 30th, so make sure to get your entry in now. You don't want to miss a chance to win a years worth of Greenies products for your favorite pet! I know 2 VERY spoiled "bullies" who would LOOOVE more treats - and both have their paws crossed that they are winners!