26 Attorneys General Join Case for Animal Cruelty Law

This post is courtesy of the Humane Society's blog, which can be found here:

http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/06/cruelty-videos.html

This fall, for the first time in more than 15 years, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a major case involving animal cruelty. The case concerns infamous dogfighting videographer Robert Stevens, who was convicted by a Pennsylvania jury of violating a 1999 federal law banning the commercial sale of videos depicting extreme and illegal acts of animal cruelty.

The Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act—authored by Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.)—was prompted in part by an HSUS investigation that uncovered an underground subculture of “animal crush” videos, where scantily clad women, often in high-heeled shoes, would impale and crush to death puppies, kittens and other small animals, catering to those with a sexual fetish for this aberrant behavior.

The law in question bans depictions of animal fighting and other extreme cruelty.

At the same time The HSUS filed its brief, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and 25 other state Attorneys General filed a brief arguing in support of banning these gruesome depictions, which merit no protection under the First Amendment.

The Attorneys General’s brief—which emphasizes how animal cruelty is often closely associated with other serious crimes such as gang activity, drug dealing, and violent felonies—is a powerful statement in support of The HSUS’s humane mission, and a reminder of how far we have come in a very short time in enlisting broad, mainstream support for the prevention of animal cruelty.

We garnered additional support from Washington Legal Foundation and Allied Educational Foundation, highly conservative public policy organizations, which also filed a brief arguing that Congress rightly banned trafficking in depictions of animal cruelty, and that doing so does not violate the First Amendment. As a frequent litigant challenging laws as violating First Amendment rights, the Washington Legal Foundation’s brief is likely to carry substantial weight with the Court.

At the other end of the political spectrum, New York University’s Center on the Administration of Criminal Law also filed a brief in support of banning depictions of illegal acts of animal cruelty. The Center is a leading academic think tank, which frequently weighs in on important governmental issues before the high court.

As explained in all of the briefs filed Monday, the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act criminalizes depictions of animal cruelty that have no significant redeeming political, social, or artistic value. This is essentially the same test for stopping the production and sale of certain forms of human obscenity. There is no reason that videos depicting cruelty should get more First Amendment protection than pornography does.

Indeed there are

strong arguments that such material, like child pornography, should not be entitled to any First Amendment protection at all. The makers and sellers of these videos are not making an argument or expressing a viewpoint—they are simply profiting from extreme cruelty, from predation on the weakest among us. This is a far cry from the values that the First Amendment is supposed to protect. We wouldn’t allow people to sell videos of people actually abusing children or raping women, and the same legal principles are at hand with malicious acts of cruelty, which are a felony in some form in every state.

Florida Attorney General McCollum should be commended for organizing Monday’s strong showing of the nation’s top law enforcement officers. When the Court convenes this fall, it won’t just hear arguments from animal advocates, it will be presented with a diverse cross-section of law enforcement officials, academics, and ideologically diverse public policy groups all saying the same thing: The trafficking in videos of extreme and illegal acts of animal cruelty finds no refuge in the First Amendment, and will not be tolerated by the American people.

Wowsers! This Dog is One Smart Cookie

You MUST MUST MUST check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FgONyS_qvI

Unbelievable!

Please, Please, PLEASE - DO NOT Leave Your Pets in Your Car!!!!

This story is truly tragic:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/191EDA28F711396D862575DF005870EC?OpenDocument

And should serve as a stark reminder that you should NOT leave your animals unattended in cars. Please! Such a simple concept that is sooo easily overlooked.....

Today is Take YOUR Dog to Work Day

Today is "Take Your Dog to Work Day" and thousands of businesses are expected to allow dogs to pass through security and lift the step of their employees.

Is YOUR company participating? Unfortunately mine is not - but there's always next year.

Check out this site when you have some time.....

http://www.takeyourdog.com/

(*** Original photo can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oohvintage/2947820852/ )

Kids Summer Animal Activities

Hey kids, want to spend your summer helping animals? Last summer, ten year-old Noel Beecroft (pictured here with SPCA International staff member Stephanie Scott) helped dogs and cats by organizing her neighbors, family, and friends in support of SPCA International’s Operation Baghdad Pups program.

You can help too! Here are five fun activity ideas for you and your friends:

Raise Money for Shelter Animals: You can help dogs and cats by creating a collection can out of an old coffee can or glass jar and asking your friends, family and neighbors to donate. First, set a fundraising goal - $10, $25 or even $100. Then, decorate the jar or can with photos of animals or your animal drawings. After you have reached your goal, ask an adult for help mailing the donations to SPCA International or ask them to take you down to your local animal shelter to deliver the results of your good work in person.

Pet Food Drive: Many people are struggling this summer because jobs are hard to find. You can help the pet parents among them by collecting cans and bags of pet food and delivering this donation to a local food bank. This is a great way to help animals in need and prevent struggling pet parents from having to surrender their friend to a shelter.

Bird Watching: Visit your local library and ask a librarian to help you find a book about wildlife and birds in your area or search for information online. Read about the wildlife and birds and then venture out to a local park or wildlife preserve with an adult. Bring along a pair of binoculars to get a closer look. Hopefully, you’ll be seeing the wildlife and birds from your book in their natural habitat. Afterward, have a conversation with your friends about what you saw. Learning about the wildlife around you and teaching your friends about these special creatures spreads understanding and promotes humane action.

Shadow an Animal Shelter Volunteer: You may be too young to volunteer at your local animal shelter or sanctuary, but you can ask to shadow a shelter volunteer for an hour. The volunteer can show you the animals and tell how they keep them happy and healthy. This fun trip will help you get ready to become a shelter volunteer once you reach the minimum age requirement.

Neighborhood Pet Parade: Get your friends together and celebrate animals! Set a date and time and ask all your neighborhood friends to bring their pets, making sure that each animal is safely contained or restrained. Ask a parent to find a safe quiet residential street nearby and with their help parade around the block with your animals. You can even make signs and hand out humane education flyers to passersby.

Humane Society's TAFA Conference, 2009

As an FYI for those of you who haven't recieved the memo:

http://www.takingactionforanimals.org/

Last year, more than 1,000 people attended TAFA's training workshops, plenary sessions, exhibit hall, Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, cooking demonstration, rally to stop puppy mills, and much more. This year’s theme is “The Art of the Possible: Change Animals Can Believe In.”

Learn how to plan effective campaigns, walk the halls of Congress to lobby your federal legislators on animal protection issues, and hear from speakers such as HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle, comedian and author Carol Leifer, Colorado State University professor and bioethicist Dr. Bernard Rollin, U.S. Representative Jim Moran (D-Va), co-chairman of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-Mich), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Plan now and take advantage of the early registration rates. Unlike other conferences that charge you extra for every meal, TAFA registration includes two lunches, a banquet dinner, food and drinks at a welcome reception, and other snacks between workshops.

This truly is a MUST-ATTEND event for any animal advocates.... See you there!

Funny Foto: The Stuff our Dogs Do....

Dog Care Alert: Everyday Foods that are HIGHLY Toxic to Your Dog

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - Be aware of potentially life threatening "people food" you feed your favorite four-legged companion!

Warning to Dog Owners!

This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.

I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing Acute Renal Failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but....Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 ½times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72hours.

The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream.We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Re-checked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.

He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220.. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.

This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.

Laurinda Morris, DVM

Danville Veterinary Clinic

Danville , Ohio

Courtesy of http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp

Heart Set on a Particular Breed of Dog? Adopt from a Purebred Rescue Group

Purebred rescue groups are usually run by people with in-depth knowledge of a specific breed. Rescue groups keep adoptable animals until they can be placed in loving, permanent homes. These animals may come from failed breeding operations; arrive from boarding kennels and veterinarians, where they were abandoned; be rescued as strays living on the streets; or be obtained through the cooperation of local animal shelters.

Adoption fees vary, depending on veterinary and other costs that have been incurred. Follow-up counseling is usually available. To locate a rescue group that specializes in the breed of dog or cat that interests you, contact your local animal shelter, check the classifieds section of the newspaper, or search the Internet. You can call The HSUS at 202-452-1100 (ask for the Companion Animals section), and we'll be happy to help you find out if there is a breed-rescue group near you.

When you contact a breed rescue group, be sure to find out as much as you can about the group, how it cares for its animals, how it decides which animals are adoptable, and what other adoption and post-adoption services are available.

I am the first to attest to this type of dog adoption, as this big fella in the picture above was a blessing in disguise to me - and I was fortunate enough to have found him through a purebred rescue group.

An Interesting Read: How Pets Help People

Many of us enjoy the companionship of pets. In fact, according to a 2008 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63 percent of American households include pets. These animals don't ask for much—just a short list of basics such as food, shelter, veterinary care, and, of course, our companionship. Pets offer far more in return, teaching us about love, improving our emotional and physical health, and providing us with unconditional affection and friendship.

Pets Make Good Teachers
Companion animals are natural teachers. They help people of all ages learn about responsibility, loyalty, empathy, sharing, and unconditional love—qualities particularly essential to a child's healthy development.
Through helping to care for a pet, children also learn to care for their fellow human beings. There is an established link between how people treat animals and how they treat each other. Kindness to animals is a lesson that benefits people, too.

Pets Can Be Therapists
Given the right animal, people, and circumstances, pets can indeed serve as "therapists." In animal-assisted therapy programs, a companion animal may visit with hospital or nursing home patients. For the program to be safe and effective, the animal must be carefully screened and the pet's caregiver must be trained to guide the animal-human interactions. When a specific therapy is desired, a credentialed professional should monitor the program. Even in less formal animal-assisted activities, where the animal is introduced to an individual or group with no specific therapeutic goal, patients and staff often experience improved morale and communication.

Pets Can Serve as Helpers
Specially trained assistance dogs provide people who have physical and mental disabilities with the profound gift of independence. Assistance dogs are not classified as pets under the law, and they are allowed in public places where pets are prohibited. These dogs serve as the hands, ears, or eyes of their human partners and assist them by performing everyday tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. Dogs may also detect changes in behavior, body language, or odor that precede seizures in their human partners, alerting them so that they may seek a safe environment.

Pets Can Be Healers
Pets are good for our emotional and physical health. Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups. It's well known that relaxed, happy people do not become ill as often as those who suffer from stress and depression.
Animal companionship also helps lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And studies show that having a dog increases survival rates in groups of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest. Dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting provide increased physical activity that strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and slows the loss of bone tissue. Put simply, pets aren't just good friends, they are good medicine.

Can Pets Benefit the Elderly?
Because many Americans are living longer lives these days, sometimes elderly people find themselves living alone because they have outlived loved ones, or because they live far from any family. There is a way, however, for the elderly to find new meaning in their lives, and to redefine what it means to be "young at heart"—by adopting a companion animal from a local shelter.

We already know that the many physical benefits pets confer onto people work for all ages, whether you're eight or eighty. If you're older, a pet can offer you a sense of well being, a sense of encouragement, and even a reason for living. Being responsible for another life can add new meaning to your own life, and having to care for and provide a loving home to a companion animal can also help you remain active and healthy.

You may want to consider adopting an older animal, however, rather than a puppy or kitten or a rambunctious "teenage" pet. Older pets are move likely to be calm, already housetrained, and less susceptible to unpredictable behavior. Older animals are often more easily physically managed by elderly persons than stronger, excitable younger animals; yet older pets still confer the same medical and emotional benefits on their owners as younger animals do. Animal shelter staff can help potential adopters find the most suitable animal for their lifestyle, ensuring a great match between pet and person.

For More Information
Listed below are just a few of the many magazines and books available to help you learn more about how pets help people. You can also find more information online by following the website links below.

Beck, A., and A. Katcher. 1996. Between Pets & People: The Importance of Animal Companionship. Purdue Press.
Becker M. 2002. The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy. Hyperion Press.
Fine, A., ed. 1999. Handbook of Animal-Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Guidelines and Practice. Academic Press.
Robinson, I., ed. 1995. The Waltham Book of Human-Animal Interaction: Benefits and Responsibilities of Pet Ownership. Pergamon Press.
Wilson, C.C., and D.C. Turner, eds. 1997. Companion Animals in Human Health. Sage Publications.
Also check out the journals Anthrozoos and Society and Animals, which frequently focus on the many physical and psychological benefits of human-animal companionship.

Funny Foto: Sometimes a Picture is Really Worth a Thousand Words

more Fail Dogs

Dog Park Etiquette: What To Know Before You Go

Here are a few common rules at dog parks. Make sure you bring everything you need to abide by the rules (waste bags, a leash, etc.) and make sure your dog knows some basic training commands before going to the park to ensure that you can control him.

Owners must clean up after their dogs to prevent transmission of parasites, reduce odor, and promote general cleanliness.

Dog owners must be in the park, within view, and be able to maintain voice control of their dogs at all times. This encourages dog owners to seek some level of training for their dog and promotes appropriate dog behavior through strict supervision.

Dogs with a known individual history of dangerous behavior are not permitted in the park. This discourages aggressive behavior. No dog should be excluded based solely on breed.

Dogs must be removed from the dog park at the first sign of dangerous behavior toward people or other dogs in the park. Responsible dog owners must teach their dogs that such behaviors are unacceptable.

Dog owners must have a leash in hand at all times. This enables the dog owner to remove a dog from the park for any inappropriate behavior.

Small children should not be brought into the dog park. Small children can be harmed inadvertently by a playful dog. Chasing may be viewed as a threat to a dog, and running away from and high-pitched screaming may trigger hunting instincts in a dog. A responsible dog owner needs to devote their full attention to watching their dog.

Dogs should be leashed while entering and exiting the dog park. It is important for safety and legal reasons to obey leash laws whenever your dog is not in the boundaries of the dog park.

Fill any hole your dog digs. Dogs and people in the dog park may be injured if they step into a hole. Designated digging areas within the dog park may help preserve the landscape and train dogs to dig only in specified areas.

Puppies and dogs must be properly inoculated, healthy, and parasite-free. This protects all dogs and promotes responsible veterinary care. For puppies less than 4 months of age without full vaccination protection, socialization with friends’ or neighbors’ dogs with known vaccination histories and temperament may be safer.

Dogs must be licensed. This promotes rabies vaccination of dogs and their licensing as required by law.

Limit three dogs per visit. It would be difficult for one adult to monitor more than three dogs.

Do not bring food into the dog park. Fights may occur over food, and dogs may get sick if they eat foods that are not part of their usual diet.

Summer Safety Tips

Dogs can make wonderful travel companions. Many dogs are quick to jump in the car and stick their head out the open window, but taking your dog with you is not always a good idea. The summer heat can quickly cause a car ride to become a deadly outing.

Every year dogs die when they are left in parked cars because outdoor temperatures can be deceiving. On extremely hot days, most people realize leaving a dog in the car isn’t safe, but you may not realize that same risk applies on more mild days.

When it is 85 degrees outside the inside temperature in a parked car can reach 120 degrees within just a half hour, even if the windows are slightly open and the car is parked in the shade. When a dog is left in a car under these conditions they can die or suffer permanent physical damage. A dog’s normal body temperature is 101 to 102.5 degrees. Since dogs do not sweat, they are at greater risk of hyperthermia if their body temperature goes above 105 degrees.

How to Protect Your Dog

If you must take your dog with you never leave them alone in a parked car. Take a second person with you so they can sit outside with the dog in the shade if you have to park your car and go inside where dogs are not allowed. Be sure to bring a bowl and drinking water to keep your pet hydrated while they await your return with the dog sitter. If you are going out to eat, find a restaurant with an outdoor patio that allows dogs. When traveling check into pet friendly hotels. When you return to your car, get inside first and roll down all the windows and turn on the air conditioning to cool off the car before your dog jumps in. Taking these extra precautions could save your dog’s life.

How to Save a Dog Locked in a Hot Car

If you encounter a dog that has been left in a car on a hot day, quickly assess his condition. If the dog is panting heavily, breathing deeply, has increased salvation, is vomiting and appears disoriented, immediately call 911. Explain to the operator that you have found a dog in a parked car that is in serious trouble. They will ask for your location and then dispatch either a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer. Stay at the car until the officials arrive.

Spread the Word

Use this flyer to leaflet your local parking lots early this summer to help spread this safety message. Your education action may save lives.

Brought to you by the SPCA - http://www.spca.com/petcare/item/139

The Humane Society's Work to Prevent Inhumane Dolphin Slaughtering

Something I HAD to share........

The HSUS and our international affiliate, Humane Society International, engineered the European Parliament’s May 5 vote to ban the trade in seal fur, and it’s a serious blow against Canada’s annual seal hunt. But half a world away from Newfoundland’s blood-stained ice, another sickening slaughter of marine wildlife plays out along the coastline of Japan.

Fishermen corral and slaughter dolphins annually in Taiji.

Each year at the picture postcard village of Taiji in southwestern Honshu, large pods of dolphins are driven from the ocean by a line of power boats. They are “herded” into a tiny cove and trapped in shallow waters. As the terrified animals thrash in fear and frenzy, hunters tear into them with blades. Some die slowly owing to injuries and loss of blood. Some drown. Others are literally butchered to death after being dragged ashore for processing.

Not all of the animals are killed, however. Hunts are attended by trainers from aquariums, marine-themed amusement parks, and swim-with-dolphin attractions who pay up to $200,000 for “show quality” females.

With the annual massacre of up to 2,300 coastal dolphins—as well as some 1,000 great whales killed in the southern and northern Pacific oceans and up to 18,000 Dall’s porpoises slaughtered in Japan's offshore waters—Japan is responsible for the world’s biggest massacre of cetaceans. Thousands of magnificent oceanic animals transformed into cellophane-wrapped packages of prime cuts on supermarket shelves, or ground up for pet food and fertilizer.

Campaigning by HSI and other animal welfare and conservation groups has made the world well aware that Japan’s continuing insistence on killing whales for “scientific research” is a thinly veiled charade for a commercial operation that is heavily subsidized by the government.

Not so well documented is their annual high seas slaughter of Dall’s porpoises.

Smaller than their dolphin cousins, the porpoises are easily caught with hand-thrown harpoons as they ride the bow-wave of the hunting boats. They are then gaffed, hauled aboard, and left to die of blood loss or shock. Japan’s hunt occurs in direct defiance of a request by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to cut their take in half because it is unsustainable.

The Taiji hunt has wiped out the regional population of striped dolphins and a similar fate may await other coastal dolphin species. But what really appalls animal welfare advocates, many conservationists, and even a growing number of scientists is its sheer cruelty.

Dolphins are gregarious, social, highly intelligent animals who often maintain lifelong bonds with fellow pod-mates. My colleague, HSI senior scientist and marine mammal biologist Naomi Rose, Ph.D., says dolphins suffer terrible trauma during the hunt. “These animals are thinking and self-aware,” she says. “The fear, pain, and suffering they feel when the killing begins are profound. They know exactly what is happening.”

For the few spared an agonizing death, the trauma lasts a lifetime—and a reprieve as a captive entertainer only postpones the inevitable. As co-author of the recently published fourth edition of “The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity,” Dr. Rose points out that dolphins—who can live 40 to 50 years in the wild—rarely live for long after capture in the drive fisheries.

At IWC meetings, The HSUS has long campaigned against Japan’s cetacean killing, and we have worked in Japan, mostly with supermarket chains, to end the demand for the meat. We have also worked with our allies in Congress urging the passage of Sen. Frank Lautenberg's resolution calling on Japan to end these drive fisheries of dolphins and other cetaceans. Just over a year ago at our annual Genesis Awards event, I was delighted to present the young actress Hayden Panettiere with the Wyler Award for confronting the dolphin killers at the Taiji hunt in 2007. She followed Sir Paul McCartney, our 2006 top Genesis honoree, who joined The HSUS on the ice to protest the Canadian seal hunt. Also last year at Genesis, The HSUS presented journalist Boyd Harnell with the 2008 Brigitte Bardot International Print award for his three-part series in The Japan Times on the continuing dolphin slaughter.

Next year, I won’t be surprised if coverage of the Taiji carnage isn’t up for a third Genesis. A documentary called "The Cove," clandestinely filmed underwater and from the headlands above the inlet where the dolphins are slaughtered, will open in July at movie theaters nationwide. "The Cove" won an audience choice award in January at the Sundance Film Festival, and it deserves the widest possible audience here and in Japan.

Canada’s seal hunt has rightly drawn the world’s ire. Japan’s unconscionable killing of whales, porpoises and dolphins deserves the same condemnation, and now.

Funny Foto: What is this guy thinking?

Sigh, need I say more here......

you can find the original photo here:

http://faildogs.com/

Fun Stuff: Virtual Dog

Ok, so I will admit, I am just now getting into this - but what a fun little game.

It's called Virtual Dog.

Now, if you are anything like me, you are probably wondering what in the heck it is...... It's actually an on-going companion/adventure game with new worlds to explore. You choose a dog to "adopt" from the pound, and then embark on new adventures together. Together, you will face trials and share victories - only with commitment and friendship can you move forward. It's a pretty cute idea.

Check it out here -http://www.virtualdog.com/info/general/part1/

Fun Stuff to Do this Summer with Your Dog

Warm weather is here, and that means you and your dog will likely be spending more time outside.

We've compiled 10 ideas to help you and your pooch get in on some safe summer fun.

1. Splash around. Buy a plastic kiddie pool for your dog to cool off in, or let him practice his doggy paddle at a pool or the beach.
2. Beach blanket bingo. Hang out at a dog-friendly beach or bring your dog along for a waterside picnic.
3. Disc-o time. Test your dog's skills at Frisbee.
4. Squeaky clean. Schedule a bath time play-date with your friends' dogs and have an outdoor dog wash.
5. Take a hike. Bring your dog hiking on a nearby wooded trail. (Hint: here's what to do if you run into skunks or ticks.)
6. Campy fun. Take your dog camping at pet-friendly campgrounds.
7. Park life. Visit your local dog park for some doggy socializing.
8. Walk it off. Take your dog for a walk in your neighborhood.
9. Summer school. Choose a dog trainer so your dog can brush up on his etiquette.
10. Go for a ride. Safely secure your dog in your car, and take him with you for a ride.

Remember to outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.

And even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It's best for you, your community and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.

Also be sure that your dog has access to clean, cold water at all times—dogs can overheat quickly!

Now get out there, and enjoy the season!

(courtesy of the Humane Society, http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/top_10_warm-weather_outdoor_041508.html)

An Interesting Read: Police determined to find Sasha´s killers

A family in Portsmouth have been left devastated after their pet dog was found murdered and dumped in their swimming pool. Sasha, a six-year-old Staffy was found by its owner Jacqueline Curley on Sunday afternoon as she removed the covers from the back garden pool – which is raised 4ft from the ground.

The dog had disappeared a week ago from the 300ft-long back garden, which is surrounded by six foot fences in Southampton Road, Paulsgrove. What is remarkable about this terrible story is that the police are treating this incident extremely seriously - the area where the dog was found is being treated like a murder scene and forensic teams have spent hours at the house.

Mrs Curley, 51, said: ´When Sasha disappeared on Friday, we checked the pool and pulled the two covers over it. We scoured the local area, put out posters and knocked on all the neighbour´s doors.

´On Sunday morning I woke up and opened the curtains and noticed the top cover had been moved. I thought it was strange, but I forgot about it until about 3pm when I was taking the covers off with one of my friends so our kids could go for a swim.

´We pulled them back and I saw Sasha, she was face down and there was blood at the bottom of the pool.´ Mike Curley, 48, said the incident has shocked his family and Sasha´s daughter Shadow, three.

Read more by clicking here - http://www.petstreet.co.uk/NewsStory/458071.Police%20determined%20to%20find%20Sasha_s%20killers_

Petition: Protect the Polar Bear

Tell Interior Secretary Salazar to Use the Endangered Species Act to Protect Polar Bears!

Interior Secretary Salazar has accepted Bush policies by NOT using Endangered Species Act protections for polar bears. Tell him it's time to change course and save these magnificent creatures.

Take Action TODAY! http://www.all-creatures.org/alert/alert-20090607-2.html

UPDATE: To My Post on Friday about Kit

Such a sad, sad Monday, but wanted to pass along some information to you all.... Checked in a few minutes ago about Kit, the dog I had posted about on Friday...... and the news was not good.

Per my friend:

Unfortunately she did not make it. It turned out she was in much more pain then we originally thought and was going to require many more surgeries and follow up then we thought. It was a difficult decision, but without much hope of a pain free life, they decided to put her out of her misery.

This dog was an 8 month old pup. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE - secure your animals to prevent tragedies like this from occuring!

Training: Grooming Your Dog

There is no doubt that grooming a dog is time consuming. But if you follow some quick tips, you can save both time and energy with perfect and effective results.

Start As Early As Possible
You should make your dog understand that grooming is as important in his life as eating and sleeping. For this realization, you need to start grooming your dog as early as possible. Most people think it is not wise to brush or bathe puppies undersix months of age. They fear the puppy might catch cold, or the brushing might prove too rough on the puppy. On the contrary, especially if your puppy comes from a breeder or humane societies, it is dirty, or smells bad.

Basic Hygiene
Like humans, a dog's face, ears, eyes, teeth and paws (nails especially) need to be cleansed regularly. That is because these body parts contribute greatly to your dog's state of health. A dog with wax-filled ears, teary eyes, or decayed teeth will not reflect good care and grooming, not to mention good health.

Brushing & Combing
Regular brushing and combing prevents your dogs coat from the dreaded "mat". A mat is basically a tangle of hair, often with undercoat, that has formed a knot tight enough to resist brushing and combing. In most cases, regular maintenance such as daily brushing and combing are needed to prevent tangles from turning into mats, but sometimes a mat will catch you off guard. Regular grooming should prevent the build up of mats, but if you have let things go, shaving down the coat might be a better approach, rather than going through hours and hours working with a mat splitter, scissors, and comb, pulling on the poor dog's coat.

Bathing & Drying
Once your dog is completely brushed, combed, and tangle-free, he is ready for a bath. Now you must get ready, too, and that means gathering and preparing all the necessary equipment and supplies so that you can reach what you need when you need it. If you put that dog in the bathtub under running water and then have to go in search of shampoo or a scrub brush, we all know what will happen: a jump, a shake, and you will be a left with a soaked bathroom and a wet dog bounding around the house. Make sure you dry your dog fully. Be it a towel drying or using adryer, make sure you use the right method. I know for me, I towel dry, as my 2 "bullies" are terrified of the blowdryer - guess I didn't start them soon enough...

Please Take Action: An Urgent Plea for Help, For all Dog and Animal Lovers

This was sent to me this morning by one of my very dear friends...... please donate what you can!

So as some of you may or may not know, I volunteer with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, a nonprofit group that rescues dogs from high-kills shelters and brings them to the DC Metro area to find new homes.

This past weekend a dog named Kit was brought up to stay at a foster home until she was able to find her forever home. After a trip to the dog park, Kit got loose and was missing for over 48 hours. Unfortunately, when we found her, she had been hit by a car. The driver didn't stop and she was left on the side of the road for dead.

Luckily a good Samaritan stopped and called the police who in turn called Lucky Dog. Kit was rushed to the hospital and is now in "doggie intensive care". Kit has a fractured shoulder which will definitely need orthopedic surgery, a collapsed lung, three pelvic fractures, and head trauma. We hope the collapsed lung will re-inflate on its own as they often do. We also hope the head trauma and swelling will go down in their own and leave no lasting damage. The orthopedic surgery for the fractured shoulder will, at a minimum, cost $2,500. The fractures in the pelvis are harder to determine, but we had four vets take a look at Friendship Animal Hospital (including one who just finished an orthopedic internship), and they feel, at this time, that the pelvis will heal on its own.

Right now, we have agreed to have Friendship monitor Kit through the night, make sure she is not in pain, and see how the lung and head swelling progress. We are optimistic that she will heal well and have a good chance of a pain free future. Because Lucky Dog is so new, we've got to get the ball rolling on raising money so that, if she gets through the next 48 hours, we have the funds to care for her. (So far, we have spent $2,500 on her care.)

Right now we are desperately trying to raise money to save this dog. I know it's a tough time to ask for money, but if there is absolutely anything you can do to help, please, give what you can.

ALL DONATIONS ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

PLEASE....if you can, give what you can. Attached are pictures of Kit from the hospital last night.

Donations can be made directly at http://www.luckydoganimalrescue.org./

Training: Dog Fitness, Some Exercise Tips

Fetch is a fantastic way to give your dog aerobic exercise. Get an old tennis racket to get some real distance on those tennis balls.

Jogging is another way to get canine hearts pumping. If you don't jog and your dog is well-behaved on his leash, you may have a friend or neighbor who'd welcome the company and the added security.

Swimming is a natural for retriever types, and if you're lucky enough to be near an off-leash dog park, play with other dogs is a first-rate exercise option.

Bicycling is another great exercise, and three products are on the market designed to help you bicycle safely. They attach to the bicycle and so allow you to keep both of your hands on the handlebars - a much safer plan than holding onto a leash with onehand and the bike with the other. The three products on the marketare the Springer, the Bicycle Dog Leash, and the K9 Cruiser.

Roadwork such as jogging or tagging alongside a bicycle can be good for dogs, but remember to pace your dog properly: A brisk trot is ideal.

Thinking of inventing an indoor dog exerciser? A tread mill for dogs? Don't bother: They've been around for years. One such productis The Trotter, a variable-speed treadmill used by show-doghandlers to keep dogs in top condition for the ring. The Trotter can be yours for a mere $1,000 or more, so keep that high price in mind.
Or you can just buy a regular treadmill down at your local Sears...and it even comes with a warranty!

A few caveats about exercise, especially roadwork:
Have your veterinarian sign off on any exercise program, making sure that your dog hasn't any joint problems that rule out any particular kind of exercise. Make sure that you build up slowly,especially if your dog is overweight. Let your dog set the pace,and check the bottoms of his feet often for tears or cuts.

Exercise when the weather is cool - dogs aren't as efficient at lowering their body temperature as we are - carry water, always,and know the signs of heat stress: glassy eyes, frantic panting. If your dog gets in trouble, get him wet and call your veterinarian immediately.

Do not force puppies to sustain a pounding pace, especially on pavement, lest you injure their developing bones. That means no jogging or bicycling until they're through adolescence - one year old is a good ballpark figure, but check with your veterinarian.

Fun Stuff: How Young is Your Dog?

This was pretty fun:

The DogAge Test measures your dog's biological age in people years, based on your dog's health, breed, risk of disease, and behavior. You’ll also receive personalized recommendations to help your dog grow younger!

Check it out! http://www.dogage.com/

Funny Foto: The Irony of this is PRICELESS!

you can find the original photo here:
http://faildogs.com/