We’ve all heard a “ton” (pun intended) about Prince Chunk; the 44 lb cat found roaming the streets in a New Jersey neighborhood this summer. It turns out he wasn’t exactly a stray, but a well-loved, well cared for pet whose owner, Donna Oklatner lost her Voorhes, NJ home to foreclosure. The feline eventually wound up at a shelter in Camden, NJ and in no time the media frenzy began.
The good news is that Prince Chunk, aside from being grossly obese, is completely healthy. His test results, surprisingly, revealed that the fat feline shows no signs of diabetes and no thyroid problem – he’s just a really, really big eater.
His highness also has a new home. The adoptive family wishes to stay anonymous, but is thrilled to have been chosen out of the more than 500 applicants to take the 10-year-old Prince Chunk home to live with their two other cats. Word has it that his new “father” is actually building an actual castle over Chunk’s litter box.
Although there was a happy ending for the Prince of Pudge, there is something still disturbing about this story…
Over 500 so-called cat lovers applied to adopt this celebrity cat, but obviously only one could be chosen. One would think that these people must have already wanted to add a new feline fluff ball to their family anyway, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The shelter reported that not a single applicant that had been turned down to become Prince Chunk’s new family agreed to adopt any of the shelter’s many other homeless cats. Sad? Definitely. Shocking? Not even close.
We experienced something similar after returning with homeless animals from Gulfport, Mississippi shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit. Along with a local animal shelter we publicized the “Katrina dogs” availability for adoption on a particular day and, as expected hundreds, of people turned out at the shelter to see the furry refugees and all of them turned in applications. There were many more applications than the limited number of “Katrina dogs” available, so most applicants were turned down. We realized then and there that we were witnessing another tragedy. Not a single person that came to see the “Katrina dogs” would even look at, let alone consider, adopting any of the other dogs (or cats) at the shelter. It was really heartbreaking to witness. It made us wish we could take back every single application and tell everyone to go home. Perhaps we shouldn’t have told the throngs of potential adopters which ones were “Katrina dogs” and which weren’t. Maybe we should have said all of the animals in the shelter were “Katrina pets.” In hindsight, had we done either of those things, every animal in the shelter might have found a home that day.
I guess it’s just way cooler to say “I adopted a Katrina dog” than “I adopted a regular dog that wasn’t displaced by a hurricane.” Isn’t the rest of that sentence the same either way? It’s the part where someone says: “…and he loves us and we love him… we can’t imagine our home without him.” That feeling is the same whether the animal is a media celebrity, a victim of a natural disaster, a victim of foreclosure, or just a victim of human neglect and stupidity.
Oh, and one more thing, so far, no one has reported on the status of Prince Chunk’s former owner, Donna Oklatner. We wish her well and hope she was able to find some help landing back on her feet just like her beloved cat. Maybe one day someone will build her a castle, too.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
DOG MEAT OFF OLYMPIC MENU
Canine cuisine is being sent to the doghouse during next month’s Beijing Olympic Games.
According to Pakistan's Daily Times, dog meat has been struck from the menus of officially designated Olympic restaurants, and Beijing tourism officials are telling other outlets to discourage consumers from ordering dishes made from dogs. Waiters and waitresses should ‘patiently’ suggest other options to diners who order dog, city tourism bureau Vice Director Xiong Yumei.
According to Pakistan's Daily Times, dog meat has been struck from the menus of officially designated Olympic restaurants, and Beijing tourism officials are telling other outlets to discourage consumers from ordering dishes made from dogs. Waiters and waitresses should ‘patiently’ suggest other options to diners who order dog, city tourism bureau Vice Director Xiong Yumei.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
9/11 Canine Hero to be Cloned
A dog that sniffed out survivors from under the rubble of New York's World Trade Center after the 2001 terror strikes is to be cloned, the California-based firm conducting the procedure said.
Trakr, a German shepherd who lives with his owner James Symington in Los Angeles, was picked by BioArts International as the most "clone-worthy" canine in a competition offering an owner a free chance to replicate their pet.
Symington said he and Trakr were among the first search and rescue teams to arrive at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks, and were responsible for locating the last human survivor under about 30 feet (nine meters) of debris.
Now aged 15, the dog no longer has use of his back legs due to a degenerative neurological disorder. According to BioArts, experts believe the condition may be linked to exposure to toxic smoke at the World Trade Center site.
"Trakr means the world to me," Symington said. "To know that part of him is going to live on is just beyond words. It's the greatest gift I've ever received."
In the next month, BioArts said it would transport a sample of Trakr's DNA to the South Korean lab of its partner, the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, and the clone could be ready by the end of this year.
Trakr, a German shepherd who lives with his owner James Symington in Los Angeles, was picked by BioArts International as the most "clone-worthy" canine in a competition offering an owner a free chance to replicate their pet.
Symington said he and Trakr were among the first search and rescue teams to arrive at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks, and were responsible for locating the last human survivor under about 30 feet (nine meters) of debris.
Now aged 15, the dog no longer has use of his back legs due to a degenerative neurological disorder. According to BioArts, experts believe the condition may be linked to exposure to toxic smoke at the World Trade Center site.
"Trakr means the world to me," Symington said. "To know that part of him is going to live on is just beyond words. It's the greatest gift I've ever received."
In the next month, BioArts said it would transport a sample of Trakr's DNA to the South Korean lab of its partner, the Sooam Biotech Research Foundation, and the clone could be ready by the end of this year.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Break out Your Camera
Enter Your Favorite Shots in the American Humane Association's Pets & Pals Photo Contest
Each year the American Humane Association puts out a call for the nation's best photographs featuring animals and their pals. Beginning Sunday, June 15, American Humane will accept entries for the 2008 Pets & Pals Photo Contest.
Regardless of whether you are a professional or an amateur, a digital shooter or a 35 mm devotee, an outdoor enthusiast or a studio photographer, you can enter. Enter as many photos as you like for a shot at a grand prize of $2,000! The call for entries will only run until July 31, so start snapping away!
This year's Pets & Pals Photo Contest is bigger and better, with new categories and more prizes. American Humane is looking for photos that would fit the following categories:
Dogs - Your dog is a loyal friend, playmate, service companion or member of the family. Capture your dog's personality. This category is open to pictures of one dog alone or more than one dog together.
Cats - They're graceful! They're playful! They're curious! What is your cat up to? This category is open to pictures of one cat alone or more than one cat together.
People & Pets - What are we without our pets and what are our pets without us? Honor a special human-animal bond. This category is open to pictures of one or more animals with one or more people.
Petpourri - Have a great picture of your dog and cat together? Got a pet besides a dog or cat? This category is open to pictures of one or more companion animals of any variety.
Down on the Farm - Take your pick of the many animals found on a farm and capture a unique shot. This category is open to pictures of farm or ranch animals.
Shelter Life - At an animal shelter, amazing, devoted people take care of homeless animals waiting to be adopted. Snap a shot honoring both the animals and the professionals. This category is open to pictures of shelter staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and animal control professionals and/or animals, in shelter settings.
Last year, the winners included touching pictures of adorable children, poignant photos of endearing animals and creative shots of animals with people. So give it a try and see what your photographer's eye can come up with! Visit www.americanhumane.org/petsandpals for submission guidelines.
The Fine Print
Two Grand Prize winners will be selected: one from the first five categories combined, and one from the Shelter Life category. Each of the two Grand Prize winners will win $2,000 plus a noncash prize package. Of the remaining finalists in each category, six Category Winners (one in each category) will each win $500 plus a noncash prize package. Entries will be judged on creativity, composition, photo quality and appropriateness to category. Last year's winners are not eligible to win. Entrants must be 18 or older. One prize per person. Grand-Prize winners are not eligible to win Category prizes. See the official rules for more details. Winners will be announced on or about September 10, 2008.
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified(TM) farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
Each year the American Humane Association puts out a call for the nation's best photographs featuring animals and their pals. Beginning Sunday, June 15, American Humane will accept entries for the 2008 Pets & Pals Photo Contest.
Regardless of whether you are a professional or an amateur, a digital shooter or a 35 mm devotee, an outdoor enthusiast or a studio photographer, you can enter. Enter as many photos as you like for a shot at a grand prize of $2,000! The call for entries will only run until July 31, so start snapping away!
This year's Pets & Pals Photo Contest is bigger and better, with new categories and more prizes. American Humane is looking for photos that would fit the following categories:
Dogs - Your dog is a loyal friend, playmate, service companion or member of the family. Capture your dog's personality. This category is open to pictures of one dog alone or more than one dog together.
Cats - They're graceful! They're playful! They're curious! What is your cat up to? This category is open to pictures of one cat alone or more than one cat together.
People & Pets - What are we without our pets and what are our pets without us? Honor a special human-animal bond. This category is open to pictures of one or more animals with one or more people.
Petpourri - Have a great picture of your dog and cat together? Got a pet besides a dog or cat? This category is open to pictures of one or more companion animals of any variety.
Down on the Farm - Take your pick of the many animals found on a farm and capture a unique shot. This category is open to pictures of farm or ranch animals.
Shelter Life - At an animal shelter, amazing, devoted people take care of homeless animals waiting to be adopted. Snap a shot honoring both the animals and the professionals. This category is open to pictures of shelter staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and animal control professionals and/or animals, in shelter settings.
Last year, the winners included touching pictures of adorable children, poignant photos of endearing animals and creative shots of animals with people. So give it a try and see what your photographer's eye can come up with! Visit www.americanhumane.org/petsandpals for submission guidelines.
The Fine Print
Two Grand Prize winners will be selected: one from the first five categories combined, and one from the Shelter Life category. Each of the two Grand Prize winners will win $2,000 plus a noncash prize package. Of the remaining finalists in each category, six Category Winners (one in each category) will each win $500 plus a noncash prize package. Entries will be judged on creativity, composition, photo quality and appropriateness to category. Last year's winners are not eligible to win. Entrants must be 18 or older. One prize per person. Grand-Prize winners are not eligible to win Category prizes. See the official rules for more details. Winners will be announced on or about September 10, 2008.
About American Humane
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified(TM) farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.
Friday, June 13, 2008
COCOA BEAN MULCH CAN BE TOXIC TO DOGS
If your dog likes to spend his summer grazing in your garden, his treat-seeking nose may lead him to one danger in particular: the sweet-smelling, but potentially harmful cocoa bean mulch. Made of cocoa bean shells and considered desirable for its eventual degradation into organic fertilizer, this gardener’s choice can be toxic to canines if eaten in large quantities—and some dogs have been known to eat amazing amounts!
In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26 cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.”
Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.
Treatment includes administering medical-grade activated charcoal, bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and preventing further exposure.
“One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic matter,” says Dana Farbman, APCC Senior Manager, Professional Communications. “Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits, it’s important that you don’t leave him unsupervised or allow him into areas where such materials are being used.”
To avoid contact, pet parents should consider a nontoxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will keep your pooch—and your garden—healthy.
In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled 26 cases of cocoa bean mulch ingestion—a third originating in California. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Veterinary Toxicologist and APCC Director, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.”
Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine—a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.
Treatment includes administering medical-grade activated charcoal, bringing tremors under control, cardiac monitoring and preventing further exposure.
“One key point to remember is that some dogs, particularly those with indiscriminate eating habits, can be attracted to any organic matter,” says Dana Farbman, APCC Senior Manager, Professional Communications. “Therefore, if you have a dog with such eating habits, it’s important that you don’t leave him unsupervised or allow him into areas where such materials are being used.”
To avoid contact, pet parents should consider a nontoxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. These will keep your pooch—and your garden—healthy.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Kansas City Dog Park Debate Elicits Barks and Growls
By Courtney Smith
Parts of Kansas City are at war with one another. But of all the issues to be so vehemently opposed to, an off leash dog area in a city park does not seem like a sound first choice. However, many Waldo residents do not want Sunnyside Park to incorporate an off leash area. It reminds me of the movie “Footloose” where the entire town was fighting about whether or not the kids should be allowed to dance – fighting over something so absurd you have to laugh. I mean, really? It’s a dog park. Those attending the meetings regarding the park really don’t have a final say in the matter, but their opinions are being considered by the task force. The final decision will be made by city officials.
On May 29, 2008, the WOOF “advocacy group” again outlined their plan for an off leash dog area in Sunnyside Park to a city-appointed task force for adding dog areas to already existing parks. Ironically, just like in “Footloose,” the task force held the meeting in a church, and just like the movie, the two sides split off to two opposite sides of the sanctuary. The presentation also served as a sounding board for local residents who wanted to put in their two cents, and no one could say they weren’t heard or understood.
Deb Hipp, the spokesperson for WOOF, stated that only fifteen percent of Sunnyside Park would be delegated for the off-leash area, and that its use would require paid membership. That along with donations and fundraising would mean there would be no tax money used at all.
The plans are well thought out, designed by a professional architect donating his time and talent to the cause. Stinkies Pet Waste Removal will also donate a weekly clean up to the park and ten waste disposal stations to remain in the park as well. Safety features in the park plan include double gates with swipe cards so the dogs don’t escape and wreak havoc on the rest of the park. There are additional features, all designed with non-dog park users in mind.
Even with all of these precautionary measures for the benefit of both dog park and non-park users, including the task force reminding the group that they plan on putting two dog parks in each of the three districts in the very least (in order for dog owners to have several choices instead of overloading the one park), the opposition is still no less than furious.
Instead of listening to the plans, dissenters yelled, insulted and interrupted the presentation, furiously reiterating their desire to keep the park as it is. Issues such as waste removal and parking (or the alleged lack thereof), though addressed several times throughout the meeting resurfaced time and again, those opposed to the dog park were clear that they were also opposed to a solution or compromise. The only problem that seemed to have merit was the parking issue, and not because the area is consistently too crowded; in my opinion the drivers are just not very considerate (I drove through immediately after the meeting).
John Hager, president of the little league ball club that plays in Sunnyside, worried that if the kids lose a ball over the fence they wouldn’t get it back unless the children put themselves in danger by climbing over the dog park fence into a mob of angry dogs to get it.
Several others also seemed to be under the impression that the dogs would be unsupervised and left alone in the off-leash area. News flash: the off leash areas are there so pet owners can exercise and socialize their dogs. The owners would always be in with their dogs. I imagine any nearby human being will be more than happy to throw the ball back.
Proponents of the dog park answered the concern by saying that they would throw the ball back, and added that if a kid could hit a foul ball one hundred feet over the fence and the trees called for in the WOOF plan, the kid should be signed up for the major leagues. I agree. I’d watch baseball if some elementary school kid could hit like that.
Another dissenter, one of the angriest, came to the front of the meeting and, yelling into the microphone, called those who want a dog park “lazy dog owners!” The rest of his statement didn’t come across clearly as he was too busy berating people for wanting a place to take their dogs.
Those who support the off-leash area plan remained fairly congenial and calm throughout the meeting, and when a concern was raised, members of WOOF attempted to answer and provide a compromise to appease the neighborhood citizens. That doesn’t seem to carry any weight, however. People living right next to the park have their minds made up; most of them already having yard signs lining the street protesting the very idea itself.
Even after every single argument was answered with some kind of solution by a supporter, a board member, or Deb Hipp herself, the opposition stalked out of the building like a pack of angry wolves.
One gentleman who runs every single day in the park, yelled at the supporters of the plan because he never saw any of them in the park already – as if to imply that they had no right to it now. The reply he received was, “That’s because we have no reason to go there right now.”
The debate continues and at press time there have been no recommendations made to the Park & Recreation board. The Parks board is under no obligation to follow the task force’s recommendations, so we will wait and see. You can count on us letting you know what happens.
Parts of Kansas City are at war with one another. But of all the issues to be so vehemently opposed to, an off leash dog area in a city park does not seem like a sound first choice. However, many Waldo residents do not want Sunnyside Park to incorporate an off leash area. It reminds me of the movie “Footloose” where the entire town was fighting about whether or not the kids should be allowed to dance – fighting over something so absurd you have to laugh. I mean, really? It’s a dog park. Those attending the meetings regarding the park really don’t have a final say in the matter, but their opinions are being considered by the task force. The final decision will be made by city officials.
On May 29, 2008, the WOOF “advocacy group” again outlined their plan for an off leash dog area in Sunnyside Park to a city-appointed task force for adding dog areas to already existing parks. Ironically, just like in “Footloose,” the task force held the meeting in a church, and just like the movie, the two sides split off to two opposite sides of the sanctuary. The presentation also served as a sounding board for local residents who wanted to put in their two cents, and no one could say they weren’t heard or understood.
Deb Hipp, the spokesperson for WOOF, stated that only fifteen percent of Sunnyside Park would be delegated for the off-leash area, and that its use would require paid membership. That along with donations and fundraising would mean there would be no tax money used at all.
The plans are well thought out, designed by a professional architect donating his time and talent to the cause. Stinkies Pet Waste Removal will also donate a weekly clean up to the park and ten waste disposal stations to remain in the park as well. Safety features in the park plan include double gates with swipe cards so the dogs don’t escape and wreak havoc on the rest of the park. There are additional features, all designed with non-dog park users in mind.
Even with all of these precautionary measures for the benefit of both dog park and non-park users, including the task force reminding the group that they plan on putting two dog parks in each of the three districts in the very least (in order for dog owners to have several choices instead of overloading the one park), the opposition is still no less than furious.
Instead of listening to the plans, dissenters yelled, insulted and interrupted the presentation, furiously reiterating their desire to keep the park as it is. Issues such as waste removal and parking (or the alleged lack thereof), though addressed several times throughout the meeting resurfaced time and again, those opposed to the dog park were clear that they were also opposed to a solution or compromise. The only problem that seemed to have merit was the parking issue, and not because the area is consistently too crowded; in my opinion the drivers are just not very considerate (I drove through immediately after the meeting).
John Hager, president of the little league ball club that plays in Sunnyside, worried that if the kids lose a ball over the fence they wouldn’t get it back unless the children put themselves in danger by climbing over the dog park fence into a mob of angry dogs to get it.
Several others also seemed to be under the impression that the dogs would be unsupervised and left alone in the off-leash area. News flash: the off leash areas are there so pet owners can exercise and socialize their dogs. The owners would always be in with their dogs. I imagine any nearby human being will be more than happy to throw the ball back.
Proponents of the dog park answered the concern by saying that they would throw the ball back, and added that if a kid could hit a foul ball one hundred feet over the fence and the trees called for in the WOOF plan, the kid should be signed up for the major leagues. I agree. I’d watch baseball if some elementary school kid could hit like that.
Another dissenter, one of the angriest, came to the front of the meeting and, yelling into the microphone, called those who want a dog park “lazy dog owners!” The rest of his statement didn’t come across clearly as he was too busy berating people for wanting a place to take their dogs.
Those who support the off-leash area plan remained fairly congenial and calm throughout the meeting, and when a concern was raised, members of WOOF attempted to answer and provide a compromise to appease the neighborhood citizens. That doesn’t seem to carry any weight, however. People living right next to the park have their minds made up; most of them already having yard signs lining the street protesting the very idea itself.
Even after every single argument was answered with some kind of solution by a supporter, a board member, or Deb Hipp herself, the opposition stalked out of the building like a pack of angry wolves.
One gentleman who runs every single day in the park, yelled at the supporters of the plan because he never saw any of them in the park already – as if to imply that they had no right to it now. The reply he received was, “That’s because we have no reason to go there right now.”
The debate continues and at press time there have been no recommendations made to the Park & Recreation board. The Parks board is under no obligation to follow the task force’s recommendations, so we will wait and see. You can count on us letting you know what happens.
Friday, June 6, 2008
JUNE 20TH IS "TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY"
This June, the "dog days of summer" will take on a whole new meaning at workplaces across America. On Friday, June 20, water coolers will be joined by water dishes; the blue-plate special will be kibble with gravy; and the collars worn by the day's special office visitors will have leashes attached to them.
Hard-working dog lovers will be joined by their canine companions for the 10th annual Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day(TYDTWDay®), dedicated to celebrating the great companions dogs make and encouraging individuals to adopt dogs from local shelters and rescues. The issue of adoption is especially important this year because of "foreclosure dogs," abandoned as the housing crisis has forced families from their homes. Animal shelters in Los Angeles, one of country's hard-hit foreclosure regions, saw a spike of 16% overall in pet drop-offs and the number of animals euthanized shot up 31 percent in the first four months of 2008, over the same period last year.
"The crisis is nationwide, with many thousands of dogs who have been part of a family now sitting alone in shelters, and we want to make a difference in helping all dogs find a good home," says PSI President Patti Moran. "Take Your Dog To Work Day celebrates the bond between dog and human, and our intention is that dogless co-workers will see how much joy a four-legged friend could bring into their lives and choose to adopt." Pet Sitters International takes a positive approach to boosting dog adoptions with a fun, interactive and dog-centric Web site (takeyourdog.com) for cubicle-dwelling canine enthusiasts and bosses alike, seeking information on how to get involved.
When people adopt a dog, they're not only helping save an animal; they're helping themselves. Research shows having a dog makes people healthier and happier, with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, diminished levels of depression and an increased sense of well-being. "There's nothing like the loyalty and unconditional love of a dog to balance the fast-paced, high-tech nature of life today," says Moran. "We experience much more stress in our lives now than we did 10 years ago when we started Take Your Dog To Work Day. But when you walk in the door and your dog rushes to meet you with enthusiasm, the troubles of the day melt away."
Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to visit takeyourdog.com and download a free copy of PSI's "Guide to Taking Your Dog to Work." The guide contains useful tips and aguide to help companies conduct a successful TYDTWDay event. Takeyourdog.com also features an online photo for anyone who wishes to feature their working dog. Last year, there were more than 125,000 visitors to the website in the months of May and June alone seeking ways to participate in TYDTWDay.
The event was created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999.
Hard-working dog lovers will be joined by their canine companions for the 10th annual Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day(TYDTWDay®), dedicated to celebrating the great companions dogs make and encouraging individuals to adopt dogs from local shelters and rescues. The issue of adoption is especially important this year because of "foreclosure dogs," abandoned as the housing crisis has forced families from their homes. Animal shelters in Los Angeles, one of country's hard-hit foreclosure regions, saw a spike of 16% overall in pet drop-offs and the number of animals euthanized shot up 31 percent in the first four months of 2008, over the same period last year.
"The crisis is nationwide, with many thousands of dogs who have been part of a family now sitting alone in shelters, and we want to make a difference in helping all dogs find a good home," says PSI President Patti Moran. "Take Your Dog To Work Day celebrates the bond between dog and human, and our intention is that dogless co-workers will see how much joy a four-legged friend could bring into their lives and choose to adopt." Pet Sitters International takes a positive approach to boosting dog adoptions with a fun, interactive and dog-centric Web site (takeyourdog.com) for cubicle-dwelling canine enthusiasts and bosses alike, seeking information on how to get involved.
When people adopt a dog, they're not only helping save an animal; they're helping themselves. Research shows having a dog makes people healthier and happier, with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, diminished levels of depression and an increased sense of well-being. "There's nothing like the loyalty and unconditional love of a dog to balance the fast-paced, high-tech nature of life today," says Moran. "We experience much more stress in our lives now than we did 10 years ago when we started Take Your Dog To Work Day. But when you walk in the door and your dog rushes to meet you with enthusiasm, the troubles of the day melt away."
Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to visit takeyourdog.com and download a free copy of PSI's "Guide to Taking Your Dog to Work." The guide contains useful tips and aguide to help companies conduct a successful TYDTWDay event. Takeyourdog.com also features an online photo for anyone who wishes to feature their working dog. Last year, there were more than 125,000 visitors to the website in the months of May and June alone seeking ways to participate in TYDTWDay.
The event was created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Help Find America's Best Vet With 'Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet(SM)' Contest
If you think your veterinarian is the best in America, nominate him or her for the second annual Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet(SM) Contest. The national short-essay contest honors America's veterinarians for their dedication to helping animals and strengthening the bond we have with our pets. The contest is conducted by Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition, and DOG FANCY, CAT FANCY and Veterinary Practice News magazines, published by BowTie, Inc.
The nationwide essay contest runs from June 1, 2008, to August 31, 2008. Essays can be no longer than 300 words and should address four areas: 1) the veterinarian's outstanding care and treatment to clients, 2) commitment to the human-animal bond, 3) service to the community, and 4) devotion to the veterinary profession. For rules and to enter online, go to http://www.thankyourvet.org/ after June 1. Entries can also be mailed to Morris Animal Foundation, Thank Your Vet Contest, 10200 E. Girard Ave., Ste. B430, Denver, CO 80206. Entries must be submitted electronically submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT, August 31, 2008. Entries must follow the official contest rules to be considered. To receive a printed copy of the rules, call 800.243.2345.
"Last year's contest was a huge success with more than 1,000 nominations submitted. We are delighted that Hill's Pet Nutrition has joined us this year as the official corporate sponsor," says Patricia N. Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. "We are also very pleased to have the BowTie publications returning as our media sponsors. We received many nominations last year from their readers."
The partnership between MAF and Hill's dates back to the 1940s when Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr. developed a special diet that halted kidney disease in dogs. The diet became so popular that Dr. Morris couldn't meet demand, so he teamed with Burton Hill, owner of the Hill Packing Company, to produce the innovative dog food. This agreement inspired what is today the line of Prescription Diet(R) pet foods, manufactured by Hill's Pet Nutrition and available exclusively through veterinarians. Dr. Morris used the royalties from that agreement to establish Morris Animal Foundation.
"We are very proud to support this initiative that helps us express just how grateful we are to have so many great veterinarians across the country," Janet Donlin, Hill's chief veterinarian, said. "The number of nominations and the stories submitted along with them are extremely moving and remind us, the veterinarians, why we chose this rewarding career in the first place."
One national winner and five regional winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Winners will be contacted by November 1, 2008, and will be honored before their peers at the February 2009 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. Winners will be featured in the March 2009 issues of Veterinary Practice News, DOG FANCY and CAT FANCY magazines. All nominees will receive a nomination certificate.
The nationwide essay contest runs from June 1, 2008, to August 31, 2008. Essays can be no longer than 300 words and should address four areas: 1) the veterinarian's outstanding care and treatment to clients, 2) commitment to the human-animal bond, 3) service to the community, and 4) devotion to the veterinary profession. For rules and to enter online, go to http://www.thankyourvet.org/ after June 1. Entries can also be mailed to Morris Animal Foundation, Thank Your Vet Contest, 10200 E. Girard Ave., Ste. B430, Denver, CO 80206. Entries must be submitted electronically submitted or postmarked no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT, August 31, 2008. Entries must follow the official contest rules to be considered. To receive a printed copy of the rules, call 800.243.2345.
"Last year's contest was a huge success with more than 1,000 nominations submitted. We are delighted that Hill's Pet Nutrition has joined us this year as the official corporate sponsor," says Patricia N. Olson, DVM, Ph.D., president and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. "We are also very pleased to have the BowTie publications returning as our media sponsors. We received many nominations last year from their readers."
The partnership between MAF and Hill's dates back to the 1940s when Dr. Mark L. Morris Sr. developed a special diet that halted kidney disease in dogs. The diet became so popular that Dr. Morris couldn't meet demand, so he teamed with Burton Hill, owner of the Hill Packing Company, to produce the innovative dog food. This agreement inspired what is today the line of Prescription Diet(R) pet foods, manufactured by Hill's Pet Nutrition and available exclusively through veterinarians. Dr. Morris used the royalties from that agreement to establish Morris Animal Foundation.
"We are very proud to support this initiative that helps us express just how grateful we are to have so many great veterinarians across the country," Janet Donlin, Hill's chief veterinarian, said. "The number of nominations and the stories submitted along with them are extremely moving and remind us, the veterinarians, why we chose this rewarding career in the first place."
One national winner and five regional winners will be selected by a panel of judges. Winners will be contacted by November 1, 2008, and will be honored before their peers at the February 2009 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. Winners will be featured in the March 2009 issues of Veterinary Practice News, DOG FANCY and CAT FANCY magazines. All nominees will receive a nomination certificate.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Some Dogs are Real Heroes—Do you know one??
A dog pulls a struggling man to shore following a violent hurricane and flood. Another helps a disabled woman escape her burning home. It's stories like these that make us truly appreciate the amazing bond we share with our dogs.
Has your dog acted valiantly to help someone in need? Or have you heard/read a story about someone else's dog showing remarkable courage to save a life? If so, we want to hear about it! These dogs are real heroes and The HSUS wants to celebrate them in our first annual Dogs of Valor Awards.
To nominate your dog or someone else's, go to humanesociety.org/dogsofvalor. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 30 at 5pm EST.
Winners will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges including Martina Navratilova, Candy Spelling, and Tamar Geller. For contest rules and information about our cool prizes, visit Dogs of Valor.
Has your dog acted valiantly to help someone in need? Or have you heard/read a story about someone else's dog showing remarkable courage to save a life? If so, we want to hear about it! These dogs are real heroes and The HSUS wants to celebrate them in our first annual Dogs of Valor Awards.
To nominate your dog or someone else's, go to humanesociety.org/dogsofvalor. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 30 at 5pm EST.
Winners will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges including Martina Navratilova, Candy Spelling, and Tamar Geller. For contest rules and information about our cool prizes, visit Dogs of Valor.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Paw Prints Dogs Go Cageless
PAW PRINTS DOGS GO CAGELESS
By Stacy E. Smith
Well, we finally did it. We’ve been telling readers, friends and family members how cool it is and that they should really try it, but we hadn’t tried it ourselves. We finally took our dogs to stay at a cageless doggie daycare/boarding facility while we went out of town. They absolutely loved it!
We have taken a couple of our dogs to cageless daycare on occasion (our daughter actually works at such a place when she’s home from school). We’ve also boarded them at traditional boarding places before and they were happy and healthy when we retrieved them at the end of our trip. Since we started Paw Prints we’ve only been able to get away on rare occasions (having a college age kid at home during the Summer makes for a built in pet sitter) so a couple of our dogs have never slept anywhere but home in their whole lives.
This time we were going away for a long weekend and had no one at home to babysit. Without hesitation we decided to take them somewhere cageless. Our concern we had was not with the facility, but that we had no idea if they’d behave well or whether or not they’d enjoy themselves. As I mentioned earlier, our daughter Courtney works at a doggie daycare when she’s home from college and she had taken a couple of our dogs to work with her – those two played well with others. That gave us an idea of how those two in particular would handle it, but the other two we weren’t as sure about. One is eleven years old and doesn’t play very often although she’s happy to be around other dogs. The other is a Border Collie, a breed well known for appreciating human company much more than that of other dogs. They also aren’t known for being good at sharing their toys (and are secure in the belief that EVERY toy in the world belongs to them).
We loaded them all into the van (which we don’t normally do – usually we only have one or two in a vehicle at time). They were, as expected, wild banshees. That was wasn’t unusual; they’re always amped up when we go somewhere. That’s why we usually don’t take all of them anywhere at the same time.
When we arrived and checked in, each dog received a blue band around his or her neck with the dog’s name written on it. They were escorted to the “big dog room” (big dogs are generally separated from small dogs at cageless facilities although there may be exceptions depending on the dog). We discussed the dogs and were up front about our feeling that one or two of them might not be good at this type of boarding. One thing I know for sure is that cageless boarding and daycare is NOT for every dog and that we needed to be honest with the people we’ve asked to care for them. The staff shouldn’t be blindsided by my dogs’ behavior – it doesn’t make any pet owner look better to leave out important information about your dog’s personality; their behavior issues or quirks (good or bad). We even had a contingency plan since we would be hours away and couldn’t retrieve any of the dogs if there was a problem. I gave my Dad’s number to the girl at the front desk just in case any of the dogs did have a problem as he had agreed to pick up and care for any of them that couldn’t handle it.
Once we arrived at our destination that evening we checked the Internet camera to see what they were up to. They were having fun! The next day I called to check on them. The staff was more than happy to go check on the dogs and report back (they must get those calls all the time). They were still having fun.
It turns out, we’re happy to report, they all handled it very well. They played and played and played and played. The Border Collie did need a couple of time-outs when he became over-stimulated, but other than that they were great. It was as if they were at camp. We even received report cards when we picked them up describing which dog was their best friend, their favorite activity, favorite toy and what they did on any given day.
We picked them up on our way home a few days later and once loaded back into the van each one of them sat quietly in their own spot – quite a departure from their behavior on the ride there a few days earlier. Well you know the saying (and if you don’t, you should), “A tired dog is a happy dog!” They were tired – happy as canine clams – tired in a good way. They were like little kids when you pick them up after an overnight or a birthday party. You can just tell they had a great time and will take a nice, long nap as soon as you get home. All of our dogs slept for just about 24 hours straight; only waking to go outside once I think. I’m not even sure whether or not they even bothered to eat, but did accept a treat offered to them if it was placed directly in front of their noses. It was evidently too much trouble to get up and come get it.
There are several doggie daycare/boarding facilities in town and each can be very different from one another – it is not necessarily “one daycare or boarding facility fits all.” Our best advice is, of course, for you to check out the ads in Paw Prints as well as our Yellow Lab Pages directory in the magazine to find a few to check out. Make sure and call each of them and ask questions, go visit the place and be honest about your dog. You might even try a day (or even a half day if it’s available) at several facilities. Doing your homework and being honest with yourself and the staff is how you’ll be able to make sure the facility is a good fit for you and your pet.
By Stacy E. Smith
Well, we finally did it. We’ve been telling readers, friends and family members how cool it is and that they should really try it, but we hadn’t tried it ourselves. We finally took our dogs to stay at a cageless doggie daycare/boarding facility while we went out of town. They absolutely loved it!
We have taken a couple of our dogs to cageless daycare on occasion (our daughter actually works at such a place when she’s home from school). We’ve also boarded them at traditional boarding places before and they were happy and healthy when we retrieved them at the end of our trip. Since we started Paw Prints we’ve only been able to get away on rare occasions (having a college age kid at home during the Summer makes for a built in pet sitter) so a couple of our dogs have never slept anywhere but home in their whole lives.
This time we were going away for a long weekend and had no one at home to babysit. Without hesitation we decided to take them somewhere cageless. Our concern we had was not with the facility, but that we had no idea if they’d behave well or whether or not they’d enjoy themselves. As I mentioned earlier, our daughter Courtney works at a doggie daycare when she’s home from college and she had taken a couple of our dogs to work with her – those two played well with others. That gave us an idea of how those two in particular would handle it, but the other two we weren’t as sure about. One is eleven years old and doesn’t play very often although she’s happy to be around other dogs. The other is a Border Collie, a breed well known for appreciating human company much more than that of other dogs. They also aren’t known for being good at sharing their toys (and are secure in the belief that EVERY toy in the world belongs to them).
We loaded them all into the van (which we don’t normally do – usually we only have one or two in a vehicle at time). They were, as expected, wild banshees. That was wasn’t unusual; they’re always amped up when we go somewhere. That’s why we usually don’t take all of them anywhere at the same time.
When we arrived and checked in, each dog received a blue band around his or her neck with the dog’s name written on it. They were escorted to the “big dog room” (big dogs are generally separated from small dogs at cageless facilities although there may be exceptions depending on the dog). We discussed the dogs and were up front about our feeling that one or two of them might not be good at this type of boarding. One thing I know for sure is that cageless boarding and daycare is NOT for every dog and that we needed to be honest with the people we’ve asked to care for them. The staff shouldn’t be blindsided by my dogs’ behavior – it doesn’t make any pet owner look better to leave out important information about your dog’s personality; their behavior issues or quirks (good or bad). We even had a contingency plan since we would be hours away and couldn’t retrieve any of the dogs if there was a problem. I gave my Dad’s number to the girl at the front desk just in case any of the dogs did have a problem as he had agreed to pick up and care for any of them that couldn’t handle it.
Once we arrived at our destination that evening we checked the Internet camera to see what they were up to. They were having fun! The next day I called to check on them. The staff was more than happy to go check on the dogs and report back (they must get those calls all the time). They were still having fun.
It turns out, we’re happy to report, they all handled it very well. They played and played and played and played. The Border Collie did need a couple of time-outs when he became over-stimulated, but other than that they were great. It was as if they were at camp. We even received report cards when we picked them up describing which dog was their best friend, their favorite activity, favorite toy and what they did on any given day.
We picked them up on our way home a few days later and once loaded back into the van each one of them sat quietly in their own spot – quite a departure from their behavior on the ride there a few days earlier. Well you know the saying (and if you don’t, you should), “A tired dog is a happy dog!” They were tired – happy as canine clams – tired in a good way. They were like little kids when you pick them up after an overnight or a birthday party. You can just tell they had a great time and will take a nice, long nap as soon as you get home. All of our dogs slept for just about 24 hours straight; only waking to go outside once I think. I’m not even sure whether or not they even bothered to eat, but did accept a treat offered to them if it was placed directly in front of their noses. It was evidently too much trouble to get up and come get it.
There are several doggie daycare/boarding facilities in town and each can be very different from one another – it is not necessarily “one daycare or boarding facility fits all.” Our best advice is, of course, for you to check out the ads in Paw Prints as well as our Yellow Lab Pages directory in the magazine to find a few to check out. Make sure and call each of them and ask questions, go visit the place and be honest about your dog. You might even try a day (or even a half day if it’s available) at several facilities. Doing your homework and being honest with yourself and the staff is how you’ll be able to make sure the facility is a good fit for you and your pet.
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