Daniel’s story

Posted on February 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Daniel looks like an ordinary beagle.  But he isn’t.  He’s a survivor – quite literally.

In October 2011, Daniel was placed in a gas chamber in Alabama to die with three other unwanted/unclaimed dogs.   The miracle is that Daniel survived the gassing (by carbon monoxide).  The folks at Eleventh Hour Rescue, a rescue organisation that aims to save dogs from high-kill shelters, heard about Daniel and took him to New Jersey to find a forever home.

After fostering, Daniel was re-homed with Joe and Geralynn Dwyer.  Mr Dwyer now is a guest speaker around the country to encourage the banning of gas chambers in the United States and Mr Dwyer is happy to promote Daniel as the face of the anti-gassing law.   The law has been called “Daniel’s Law” in honor of Daniel.    Pennsylvania is the most recent state to enact it.

Only 19 states in the USA have banned the use of gassing as a means of euthanising unwanted dogs and over 4 million animals are euthanised each year in the country.

Here are a couple of video clips of Daniel’s story, starting with his original fostering arrangement:

And on Anderson Cooper:

Leave a comment

Posted in animal welfare, dog adoption

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

A New Dog Sport “Legend” Is Born

Posted on February 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Read this article to learn about all of the winners at this year’s Westminster Dog Show.  Malachy the Pekingese won the coveted Best in Show title.

A New Dog Sport “Legend” Is Born.

Leave a comment

Posted in Dogs

Tagged , ,

Furry friends with benefits

Posted on February 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

Research conducted at Case Western Reserve University has revealed the positive impact that pet ownership has on women who are managing HIV/AIDS.

Dr Allison Webel set out to understand how women manage their HIV/AIDS and stay on track to take their medications, follow doctors’ orders and live healthy lifestyles.  She found that “Pets—primarily dogs—gave these women a sense of support and pleasure.”

The human and animal bond in healing and therapy is being recognized, Webel said, as more animals are visiting nursing homes to connect to people with dementia or hospitals to visit children with long hospital stays.

Dr Webel talks about her research in this YouTube video:

Leave a comment

Posted in research

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Weego promotes rescue dogs (and beer)

Posted on February 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

Another dog-themed commercial at this year’s Super Bowl was for Bud Light beer.  It features a rescue dog named Weego and his training to fetch a Bud Light for whomever says “Here We Go”

It’s cute and yes – it sells beer.   But, please note the encouragement to Help Rescue Dogs at the end of the commercial.

Leave a comment

Posted in dogs in advertising

Tagged , , , , , ,

Dog star of The Artist retires

Posted on February 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Artist has just won big at the BAFTAs which is a good indication that the film may do equally as well at this year’s Oscars.

According to The Telegraph, Uggie the dog star of the film is being retired.

Uggie, a Jack Russell, also starred in Water for Elephants.  He’s 10 years old and his younger brother Dash will be carrying on the acting tradition.

You can catch a bit of Uggie’s work in this trailer for The Artist, courtesy of YouTube:

Leave a comment

Posted in special dogs and awards

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Racing dogs wear leggings to prevent injuries

Posted on February 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

Sled dogs are appearing this season wearing a spandex legging that extends from ankle to shoulder, according to a new article in the Anchorage Daily News.

The leggings protect against “chicken leg” which is a problem when snow builds up on the back of the leg and balls up, eventually pulling the fur out, leaving raw spots that are prone to infection.

Dogs competing in the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race are amongst the first wearing the new invention, which has received praise from the head veterinarian in the competition.

Isn’t it great to see new products coming on the market that help dogs?

Leave a comment

Posted in dog care

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Six new breeds recognised by the AKC

Posted on February 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

Six breeds have been added to the list recognised by the American Kennel Club and are now eligible to compete in conformation shows like next week’s Westminster Kennel Club show.  They are:

The American English Coonhound evolved from Virginia Hounds, themselves descendents  of English Foxhounds.

American English Coonhound

The Cesky Terrier originated in the Czech Republic.  It is well-muscled, short legged terrier developed to be worked in packs.

Cesky Terrier

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a herding dog native to Switzerland.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

The Finnish Lapphund, a reindeer herding breed from Scandinavia.  This breed is thought to have existed for hundreds of years and is known for its strong devotion to family.

Finnish Lapphund

The Norwegian Lundehund is a Spitz-type dog that has at least six toes and was used for hunting puffins (birds) that were a meat and feather crop in Norway (before the birds were protected).

Norwegian Lundehund

The Xoloitzcuintli  (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) but usually abbreviated to the “Show Low,” is an ancient breed from Mexico.   It comes in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard) and two varieties (hairless and coated).  This breed is known for their intelligence.

Xoloitzcuintli

Leave a comment

Posted in dog breeds

Tagged , , , , , , ,

A letter to my dog

Posted on February 10, 2012 | 1 comment

A letter to my dog is the website collecting stories for photographer Robin Layton’s book project.  Dog owners from across the United States are encouraged to write a letter to their dog, include a photo, and upload both to the site.

This year, Layton will select some of the submissions and visit the dogs and their owners for professional photographs – and the letters and photos will go into his book.    A contribution from the proceeds of the book will be donated to the Humane Society of the United States.

What I like about the site is that people can include the breed of their dog as part of their submission (and there’s a category for mixed breeds, too!).  If you’re partial to the Dalmatian, for example, you can click on the Dalmatian link and read all the stories submitted by Dalmatian owners.

What I really like about the site is that it is a great pick-me-up after a long day.   It’s  dedicated to the bond between dog and owner and gives owners a chance to express their great love for their dog.  Excellent reading!

Some excerpts:

Full of jokes and hugs, you always know how to make me laugh, even in my darkest depression.

The way you look at me, it makes me feel as if I am every thing good in the world, because that is what you see in me.

I am so happy to have you and I hope you live a lot more years.

How could we have known when we walked into the animal control (the pound) the special connection and impact you would have on our lives.

I adopted you 9 years ago, and I still have vivid memories of that day when I came to pick you up.

This might seem a little odd because you can’t read, so I’ll explain it to you over a beer and a few treats very soon.

You instantly won my heart and even managed to win over my mom.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

1 Comment

Posted in dog books, dog ownership

Tagged , , , ,

Dog breath is no laughing matter

Posted on February 8, 2012 | 2 comments

We’ve all heard the jokes and comments about dog breath.  Things like “I owned a dog named Halle, he had such bad breath we called him Halle tosis”

However, dog breath is no laughing matter.  Bad breath is one of the common symptoms of gingivits and periodontal disease.  February is National Pet Dental Health Month in the USA.  Take this time to learn a bit more about your dog’s dental health.

Plaque consists of saliva, bacteria, and food particles.  Dental experts say that plaque is 80% bacteria and when it isn’t removed, it will harden into dental calculus – commonly known as tartar.  Tartar is clearly recognizable as a brown hard coating on your dog’s teeth.

The earliest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis.   A reddening or swelling along the gum line in your dog is a sign of gingivitis.  The gums may also bleed when touched.  Gingivitis is reversible if you clean your dog’s teeth.

If gingivitis gets into the cavity around a tooth, the problem literally deepens.  Gums may recede and expose the bone which can also become infected.  This is full-blown periodontal disease and it can be stopped with a proper dental cleaning but in many cases there is still lasting damage.

As periodontal disease progresses, your dog is at risk of systemic infections where bacteria and associated toxins spread throughout the bloodstream.  Researchers believe there is a connection between dental disease and liver, kidney, lungs and heart problems.

Signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease may include:

  • Bad Breath
  • Regular drooling
  • Difficulty with chewing or eating
  • Vomiting
  • Red or swollen gums which may bleed
  • Tartar on the teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or missing teeth

Many dog owners swear by the ‘bone a day’ rule – that chewing something hard will clean their dog’s teeth.  However, more veterinarians recommend teeth brushing now than ever before and they will check your dog’s teeth at their annual check-up.

Dog toothpastes are available in flavours like chicken, beef, malt and vanilla and most dogs will rapidly get accustomed to having their teeth brushed.  It can be a game and the toothpaste is the reward.

2 Comments

Posted in dog care

Tagged , , , , , ,

Battersea puts out urgent call for help

Posted on February 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in the UK has issued an urgent appeal for bedding and jumpers to keep its residents warm this winter.

One puppy grateful for her new jumper is Cilla, the three month old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was found abandoned in a box in a park . Photo courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

The dogs are also being wrapped up in hand knitted sweaters (jumpers) crafted by supporters.

Claire Porteous, Operations Manager at Battersea explains  “Here at Battersea our staff and volunteers are doing everything we can to keep our dogs and cats warm as the temperatures drop. We’ll be using thick bedding, knitted blankets and coats to keep the dogs and cats snug, but we are always incredibly grateful for donations of bedding and dog coats at this time of year.”

The Home would be grateful for dog or fleece blankets, warm bedding or fleece dog coats.

Anyone wishing to donate can bring their items to one of Battersea’s three sites in London, Old Windsor or Brands Hatch, or post them to:

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Road
London
SW8 4AA

Want to knit for the dogs but don’t know where to start?  Try the Big List of Free Dog Knitting Patterns.

  • The Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 and aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of its help.
  • Since it was founded, Battersea has rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs and cats.
  • In 2010 the Home cared for almost 7,000 dogs and 3,000 cats.
  • It costs over £14 million to run Battersea Dogs & Cats Home each year.
  • Battersea Dogs & Cats Home receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity and support of the public.
  • Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rehomes dogs and cats all over the UK.
  • Visit www.battersea.org.uk for more about the Home and its services.

 

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Leave a comment

Posted in animal welfare, dog adoption

Tagged , , , , , ,