Here are some great tips to better help you and your family pet enjoy the celebration! –Kim
Here's a great article about noise sensitivity, especially thunder & fireworks! –Kim
Summer weather is here and with it will come thunderstorms [and fireworks]. Thunderstorm phobias can send dogs hiding under their beds or cowering and shaking in fear, much to the concern of their owners. Fortunately, there are some holistic approaches that may help to calm your dog during summer storms.
Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...and it makes a good point, too! –Kim
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| Little Lupita |
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| Lupita's Puppies |
Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on... A No Kill nation is within our reach…! –Kim
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| Redemption by Nathan Winograd |
Here's a sweet miraculous story of hope during an Oklahoma tornado... –Kim
Here's a fun article that I thought I would pass on... –Kim
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| "Hero" |
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Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...your dog's safety is paramount! –Kim
Victoria Stilwell is the host of Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog." Her no nonsense, common sense approach to dog training is both practical and effective. It's about educating owners on how to see things from a dog's perspective and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. With a little patience and effort, anyone can live happily with their canine companions. Visit Victoria Stilwell on the Web, get her training tips and watch full episodes of "It's Me or the Dog" by clicking http://animal.discovery.com/tv/its-me-or-dog/index.html or http://www.victoriastilwell.com
Education is the key to understanding! –Kim
National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NPBAD) is a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about pit bulls and their responsible owners. NPBAD was established to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs live, and it is an initiative dedicated to restoring the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Here's a great video that I thought I would pass on...hope you enjoy it! –Kim
Here's a super article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it heroic! –Kim
Dog Who Survived Against All Odds Spends His Life Helping Others
By: Maria Goodavage
January 26, 2012
Now He Could Use a Helping Paw for His Web Video Series
Today Dogster brings you the heartwarming rags-to-riches dog story of Tugg, a Bull Terrier who got off to an incredibly horrendous start in life, was rescued and nurtured and loved back from the brink of death by a very caring couple, and who now spends his life helping others, and doing so with a loving smile. His people call it "wuffing it forward," and they do it in abundance.
Tugg is now hoping to star in his own 15-episode Web series. If it gets funding, he will portray a superhero (well, he is a superhero, really), with Webisodes focusing on important issues like dog rescue, bullying, discrimination, self-esteem, proper pet care, adoption and shelter conditions.
It's a series designed to reach all audiences, from young children, who are most open to these teachable moments, to adults who are looking for something fun and different.
If you like the idea of this, you can actually be a superhero who helps make this happen. Tugg's people work as animal control officers in Fort Worth, Texas. They're not made of money. The series will cost about $8,000 to make. They want to make this so badly, but they can't bear the financial burden.
So they've created a Kickstarter project in hopes of raising the money to support the project. Anyone can donate. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and all of it will go toward the multiple expenses of making a good Web series. (If they don't reach the goal of $8k, the money does not get sent. Let's hope that does not happen!) And there are incentives as well. Check out the Kickstarter page for Tugg's project and sniff around for how you can participate. Right now they're at about $2,700, and they have until Feb. 14 to reach the goal. The clock is ticking.
What follows is a Dogster interview with Blake Ovard, one of Tugg's folks. It runs pretty long for a Web Q&A, because you'll really get to know this dog and his people, and everything they have done and continue to do for so many dogs and people.
Blake: The sun was setting on a typically hot and muggy evening, just a couple of days after July 4, 2010, in Fort Worth, Texas when the call came in to police dispatch – a badly burned puppy was wrapped in a blanket and staked down beside a busy six-lane road. A single word, "dog," was scrawled on a small sign attached to the stake that held the blanket and puppy in place.
The shelter staff put out calls to local rescue groups and tried to make sure the small Bull Terrier had what he needed. Everyone waited, hoping a rescue would come in and treat this puppy who, even though he couldn't see, would inch his way to the front of the cage whenever he heard human voices close by.
Yes, Kim called me crying, and said we can't do that. I agreed. We didn't know how we would pay for the medical expenses, but this puppy deserved a chance.
There were only a dozen or so of our friends following Tugg's progress on his page the first days. His daily pupdates included a little about how he was doing with his treatments and a little about what he had gotten into that day, if anything. Each day was a new day for Tugg, and he saw the world through his newly opened eyes in a way that was full of wonder and amazement.
Tugg's page is a page of hope and wuff – his word for love. People come to get inspired, uplifted, supported, motivated and accepted for who they truly are. It's a page of positive energy, happiness, empowerment, turning negatives into positives, and focusing on the can-dos in life. There is no obstacle Tugg can't overcome, and he always tries to see the good in every situation. Sometimes you'll be moved to tears, others to laughter. Tugg promotes kindness, charity, philanthropy, responsible pet ownership, wuff and social responsibility.
I think we knew right away that Tugg was special. From the time he was in the shelter, he had that special spark. On top of that, we are reminded almost daily what a special dog he is. Because we put Tugg's e-mail address on his Facebook page, we frequently get messages from his friends. Some have become close friends to us as well.
Tugg organized a pet food drive for a local animal shelter and coordinated the effort with the Brotherhood of the Third Wheel, a local motorcycle organization composed of riders who drive trikes, and brought in more than 2,500 pounds of dry pet food.
We were contacted by a couple of producers in Los Angeles who wanted to talk with us about any plans we might have for Tugg. At the time, we didn't have any plans as far as movies or series or anything like that. Over several phone calls, we understood that they weren't asking from a profit standpoint, but were asking because they supported Tugg's message – since they had been following him on Facebook.
The beautiful way that Kickstarter works can also work against some projects. With Kickstarter, it's an all-or-nothing deal. People pledge the amount they will donate if the project makes the goal. For us, the goal is $8,000 – which, like I said, goes for filming and animation. If the goal is made, then the donations go through and the project is funded. All of the money goes through Amazon, so everyone is protected every step of the way. If the goal isn't made, then no money changes hands. It's as simple as that.
Here are some great safety tips that I thought I would pass on... –Kim
Top 10 July 4th Holistic Pet Safety Tips
by Dr. Andrew Jones
July 4, 2011
1. KEEP YOUR PETS AT HOME. It is always safer to leave them at home, in a quiet, closed in familiar place…your house! Our pets have hearing 10 times our own, so any loud noise is ESPECIALLY disturbing to them. I leave my own pets with a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter.
2. THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC. Turn up the tunes to drown out some of the impending loud noises. This will screen out some of the loud sounds, lowering anxiety levels. Music with a slow even beat, such as classical, will work best.
3. FLOWER ESSENCES. Bach Rescue Remedies or other natural calming aids are a very safe alternative medication that may calm your anxious pet. Place 4 drops on your pet’s gums prior to leaving. (Follow the directions on the label.)
4. SOOTHING FINGERS. A type of therapeutic touch, called Tellington Touch has helped many pets with noise anxiety. The most effective area is the ear. Gently hold the ear flap between your thumb and forefinger. Gently stroke from the base of the ear to the ear tip; repeat the motion several times covering different sections of the ear. Use the same fingers to draw tiny circles at the base of the ear. Try both of the techniques on your dog when he is calm. If he reacts well, then try it the next time a storm approaches.
5. PET ID. Every Holiday involving Fireworks causes scared animals who run away and get lost. Ensure your pets have identification at all times. Also, check out medical info tags and GPS tracking devices.
6. KEEP YOUR PETS OUT OF HOT CARS. A puppy just died recently in Vancouver after being left for 3 hours in a parked car, with the sunroof open. The inside of the vehicle was over 100° F. Once again, LEAVE your pets at home.
7. SAFE TOPICALS FOR PETS. Read the labels to make sure the sunscreen or insect repellent can be used on your pet.
8. TOXIC GLOW JEWELRY – AVOID IT. Your pet may look cute glowing in the dark, but the glowing substance is orally and intestinally toxic.
9. FIREWORKS AND PETS ARE A BAD IDEA. The noise is likely to severely frighten your pet. Then there is the risks of severe burns. The fireworks themselves have caustic substances, such as potassium nitrate and arsenic.
10. BE PREPARED. You should have a basic pet First Aid kit, plus know where your closest emergency veterinarian is. You can also make your own First Aid kit.
All in all, use common sense, and keep you and your pet safe.
Best wishes and have a Happy Holiday!
Dr. Andrew Jones
Source: http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/top-10-july-4th-holistic-pet-safety-tips/
Copyright © Four Paws Online Ltd. 2011
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for almost 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
Here's a great holiday article that I thought I would pass on...hope it helps! –Kim
Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dog Owners
Our dogs enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities as much as we do, with bits of this and that falling to the floor and delectable smells floating through the house. But turkey day mustn't be a free-for-all for our furry friends. Just because we try to pack away all we can doesn't mean our dogs should do the same. And there are certain items our pets really need to avoid.
There's enough for people to worry about at Thanksgiving. "Oh no, not Aunt Edna's greasy gravy." "My brother's bragging is going to drive me to drink." "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." But we can't just think of ourselves over this food-focused holiday: We have to look after our best friends, too.
Dogs enjoy the revelry at least as much as humans, with bits of this and that dropping on the floor, and delectable smells wafting around the house. But Thanksgiving mustn't be a free-for-all. Just because we try to pack away all we can doesn't mean our dogs should. And there are certain items your dog really needs to avoid.
"Veterinarians experience an increased number of office calls due to digestive problems after the holidays because humans invite their animals to celebrate with high fat meals (ham, gravy, turkey skin), chocolates, bones, etc.," warns Casandria Smith, L.A. Animal Services Chief Veterinarian, in a PetFinder article.
Here are some tips that will help your dog get through Thanksgiving safely and with a smile on her snout.
Stuff Your Turkey, Not Your Dog
It's easy to want to give your dog a big fat bowl of turkey, mashed potatoes and whatever else you think she might enjoy. But that's a bad idea. Overindulging in fatty foods can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis. A few strips of turkey on a dog's normal food is fine, but don't overdo it, no matter how she may plead with her "I'm STARVING" eyes. Keep in mind that turkey skin can wreak havoc with a dog's digestive system, so make sure she gets skinless, boneless turkey.
Stuff Your Dog's Kong, Not Your Dog
Here's a great way to keep your dog busy and happy during your meal. Put a bit of your dog's regular food in a Kong, and then stuff a little boneless turkey, sweet potatoes, gravy – just a tad, mind you – in the Kong. It's not much food, but it will keep him occupied for a long time.
Get Her Pooped
A dog who has been on a big walk or fetched the ball a zillion times will be much more likely to run out of energy during the feast than a dog who's been inside all day. A tired dog is a good dog on Thanksgiving. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise before the festivities begin.
Make No Bones About It
Cooked turkey bones can be a danger to your dog. They're sharp, and potentially very dangerous. You may not know a dog has a turkey bone lodged in your dog's digestive system for days. Don't leave plates with bones lying around. Ditto for the turkey carcass. Hungry dogs have been known to run off with the remains of a carved turkey. It can happen in the blink of an eye. You notice the turkey is gone. You notice the dog is gone. With luck, you find their hiding place before anything happens. Put plates in an unreachable area if you can't dispose of everything properly right away.
Know this Sage Wisdom
Sage and some other herbs have essential oils that can cause tummy upset and central nervous system depression if a dog eats them in large quantities. Most dogs aren't going to nosh on a fistful of sage, but keep herbs out of reach just in case.
Don't Cry Over Onions
Onions are toxic to dogs. They can lead to a dangerous form of anemia that may not be detected for days. Make sure your dog stays away from the pearly whites, and yellows, and reds.
Don't Give Her the Raw Deal
Unless your dog is already on a raw diet, we wouldn't recommend plopping a piece of raw turkey in her bowl (the change from her regular food might cause an upset stomach). But more importantly, keep your pup away from the uncooked dough for bread or rolls. What helps make dough rise? Heat. If a dog eats raw dough, what's it like for the dough in the dog's stomach? Warm. The dough rises in the dog's stomach, and if the dog has eaten enough, the swollen dough can cause pain, vomiting, and bloating – conditions that can send you to the doggy ER on Thanksgiving.
Avoid Yappy Hour
Some dogs seem to enjoy alcoholic drinks. Walk away from your drink that's set on the coffee table, and Lulu may get lit. Dogs and booze are a bad mix. Your dog may not do anything embarrassing she'll regret in the morning, but she could become disoriented and quite ill. Too much alcohol can even lead to a coma, and death. Watch where you – and others – put their drinks, especially if you have a curious pup.
By following a few basic tips, your dog will enjoy a fun, safe Thanksgiving. Now if only you could avoid Aunt Edna's gravy...
Source: http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/thanksgiving-safety-tips-for-dog-owners
Copyright 2003-2010 Dogster, Inc.
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