WV Man Guilty of Dragging Dog to Death

After deliberating approximately 15 minutes, a Mercer County (WV) jury found a local man guilty of felony animal cruelty in the dragging death of his dog.

Daniel W. Dobos, 49, was arrested at his Camp Creek (WV) home in late Feb. 2008 after county animal control officers and the Mercer County Sheriff's Department received a call about a possible case of animal cruelty. Animal Control Officer S.E. Shampo, who testified Tuesday, said the dog was found in a field near Dobos' trailer.

Dr. Michelle Postle, a veterinarian with Green Valley Animal Hospital, testified that she examined the body of the dog — a mixed breed canine weighing about 35 pounds — on Feb. 26, 2008. She said the dog had extensive injuries ranging from multiple leg fractures, a crushed chest, broken teeth and toe pads ripped from its feet. Fur had been rubbed from the dog's body, and it also showed signs of being dehydrated and malnourished. The dog also had injuries indicating strangulation, she said.

When asked how the dog was killed, Dobos said he ran over it by accident with his pick-up truck. He denied ever tying the dog to the truck bumper with a chain and dragging it. A neighbor said in his testimony that he saw Dobos drag the dog during one other occasion, though he did not see the incident in which the dog died.

After jury rendered its verdict, Judge William Sadler remanded Dobos to the Southern Regional Jail near Beckley. A felony charge of animal cruelty in West Virginia carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Credit: Bluefield (WV) Daily Telegraph, pet-abuse.com

Fire Set at Puppy Mill Injures Dogs

The owner of the River Valley Kennel in Ozark County (Missouri) is alleged to have set fire to the facility after officials contacted him about not having a breeder's license. After the fire, the Missouri Department of Agriculture seized over 200 dogs from the unlicensed breeder in southwest Missouri on February 25, 2009.

Most of the dogs were English Springer Spaniels and German Shorthair Pointers.The fire injured several dogs. The most critically injured were transported to the Central Missouri Humane Society. 75 remaining GSPs were transported to Midwest PAWS where there is a desperate need for help. All of the dogs require basic veterinary care and some need special care for burns. If you wish to make a monetary donation, please click below to donate through Pay Pal on the rescue's website: http://www.midwestpaws.com.

All of the funds received through this link will be dedicated to the GSPs in need.

Credit: KWMU, Missy Neal

Pet Reward Rip-Offs

Unfortunately, there are always people looking to capitalize on someone else’s heartache. Thankfully, these instances are the exception and not the rule.

If you are offering a reward, or are asked to send money, be sure to meet the person who claims to have your pet at a public place – a local pet supply store or shelter, for example. Be sure to verify that they have your pet before money trades hands. 99.9% of people will gladly hand your pet over to you and never ask for money. Do not give anyone money until you have your pet – even to cover vet bills or other expenses.

Take a minute to review the notification you are receiving. Does it sound far-fetched? Then if probably is. Is the person being rude or persistent? These are signs that this person probably is trying to scam you for money. Most people who find your pet are very happy to return it to you and won’t harrass you for money. In addition, taking a pet out of the country is very tedious and quarantine laws apply. Someone who has just found your pet is not going to take it overseas then contact you to pay for shipping it back to you.

If you feel someone has stolen your pet, or if you suspect that you are being scammed, contact your local animal care and control and/or police. If you are receiving suspect scam email, report it as follows: Yahoo! -- http://info.yahoo. com; Federal Trade Department -- email to spam@uce.gov

Credit: pets911.com

Woman Enjoys Only Miniature Versions of Things

MANHATTAN, KS —Though she has been known to tolerate full-sized items on occasion, local woman Barbara Elsinger, 41, can only derive pleasure from, take an interest in, and exhibit affection toward miniaturized versions of things, sources reported Tuesday.

A veterinary assistant who specializes in the care of toy poodles, miniature schnauzers, and dwarf hamsters, Elsinger—or Barb, as she prefers to be called—is reportedly unable to resist the charm of any object, animal, or food item rendered at a reduced scale. "I have literally seen her squeal with joy at the sight of a cocktail weenie," said husband Bernard Elsinger, who met his wife seven years ago at his nephew's peewee-league baseball game. "I don't know what it is about smaller-than-normal stuff that she is so drawn to, but nothing makes my wife happier than experiencing something at one-quarter its usual size."

Elsinger's fascination with tiny things began when she received her first dollhouse at the age of 5. Before long she was learning the piccolo, competing in ping-pong tournaments, and asking Santa's elves for a Shetland pony each Christmas. By age 18, she was attending a small liberal arts college, where her love for M&M Easter candies and pocket packs of facial tissue continued to grow. After graduation, she worked for a short time as a contributing editor at Reader's Digest, but soon realized her career path lay elsewhere. She started working part time at the animal hospital in 1991. "Oh, look at his tiny little ears!" Elsinger was overheard to exclaim when a four-week-old kitten was brought to her clinic earlier this week. "Aww, and his little coat and boots! Isn't that adorable? Hold on, I need to get a picture of this."

Reached for comment, Elsinger's mother, Danielle Millari, confirmed her daughter's passion for all things diminutive. "As a girl, she used to wake up every morning and beg us to make her a short stack of silver-dollar pancakes," Millari said. "And I still remember the time I had to pull her, kicking and screaming, off the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney. When we got home, she spent hours crying in her tree house until we lured her down with fun-sized candy bars."

According to sources close to Elsinger, some of her other favorite things include dioramas, petits fours, charm bracelets, those tiny soaps people leave out when they have guests, the iPod Nano, clutch purses, button noses, and individual serving-sized packets of anything.

Credit: theonion.com

K-9 Search Teams Find Your Lost Pet

Dogs Finding Dogs is a group of Canine Search teams with years of experience in multi-surface tracking of people and animals. They will conduct searches for a variety of lost animals -- including both dogs and cats. All of their search teams train several times a week to keep the search dogs at their peak abilities. Available search areas include Maryland, District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Southern Pennsylvania. When you call Dogs Finding Dogs you will answer a series of questions to determine the best method for a successful search of your lost pet, such as: How long has your pet been missing? What was the last sighting of your pet? Do you have a article of your pets with only its scent on it? What location are you in? and more... They will then quickly dispatch a canine search team to meet up with you and perform the search. The sooner you call, the better the chance of recovering your dog. Dogs Finding Dogs donates 10% of all fees to various local rescues and shelters. Contact them via the web at www.dogsfindingdogs.com, by email at dogsfindingdogs@gmail.com or by telephone 410-908-6374.

Credit: dogsfindingdogs.com

Find Emergency Pet Assistance Fast!

Find an emergency vet anytime using an internet connection or smartphone with the locator feature at

http://www.vetlocator.com/hotline.php

The list of vets is not comprehensive, but if you need to find medical help fast -- for example, if you are traveling in an unfamiliar area -- this locator is a great help!

Below are additional Emergency Hotline Numbers. Keep these numbers handy -- You can: (1) bookmark this blog entry to your laptop or mobile phone for quick reference; or (2) use the green "ShareThis" button below this entry to send the entire entry via email or Instant Message or post to a social network.

• National hotline for reporting lost pets - 1 800 Humane-1 (486-2631).
  Please note that these operators are not on-site at the shelters but will be taking reports.
  
  
• ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center - 1-888-426-4435
  (A consultation fee may be charged).
  
  
• 1-888-4ANI-HELP or 1-888-426-4435 ($50.00 per case).
  The charge is billed to caller's credit card only. Follow-up calls can be made for no additional charge by dialing 1-888-299-2973. There is no charge when the call involves a product covered by the Animal Product Safety Service.
  
  
• Animal Poison Hotline - a joint service provided by North Shore Animal League America (NSAL) and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center (IAPC).
  1-888-232-8870 ($35.00 per incident). The charge is billed to caller's credit card only. Staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Credit: vetlocator.com

Happy Spay Day 2009!

Four million cats and dogs, about one every eight seconds, are put down U.S. shelters each year.

An annual program, Spay Day USA is February 24th, but events will continue in this area for several weeks to come. The Humane Society of Washington County is teaming up with three local veterinary hospitals to spay stray and feral cats in the area. For a $20 donation, you can sponsor a cat to get spayed, and vaccinated.

Just getting one feral cat spayed can make a huge difference. One cat could have about 12 kittens in one year, and if she and her offspring continue to reproduce, after nine years, there would be 11-million cats without a home.

Even though the operation is considered major surgery, the recovery time is quick. For more information on Spay Day USA, click here.

Credit: your4state.com

Those lucky birds....

A bus driver on his route sees a van from the zoo stranded on the side of the road. The zoo worker offers the bus driver $100 to help him deliver two dozen penguins. The bus driver agrees and loads the penguins on the bus.

An hour later, the zoo worker gets his van fixed and heads to the zoo. On the road, he sees the bus driver and the penguins driving in the opposite direction. He catches up to the bus and pulls them over.

The zoo worker yells, "I gave you a $100 to take the penguins to the zoo for me. Why are you still driving them around?"

"Calm down," the bus driver says, "I took the penguins to the zoo. We had change left over, so now I'm taking them to the movies."

Credit: jokes.com

The "TogetherTag"

Dogster and Catster, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, have launched a new pet ID tag system which they recommend to supplement microchipping of your pet. The tag details and enrollment are available at http://www.togethertag.com

Easy Online Enrollment - A one-time fee of $24.95 covers your cat or dog for life. Simply add profile information to activate your account. Special discount for families with 3 or more pets. Your profile information can be updated online as often as needed.

Cool, Disaster-Proof Tags - The service features stylish, reflective tags, which are lab-tested under extreme conditions.

Shelter & Community Alerts - Targeted alerts to over 5,000 shelters and 1 million pet lovers are dispatched as soon as you report your pet as missing.

Credit: www.togethertag.com

Man, just don't hit a bump......

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Dogs can continue to cruise unrestrained down Maryland highways, as a result of a bill passed Tuesday (2/17/2009) in the state senate. Maryland senators voted 30-17 against a bill that would have required owners to harness or cage their pets when transporting them in the back of open trucks.

"If this bill passes, Rover won't go for a ride," (Sen. Lowell) Stoltzfus said. "You're going to have a lot of unhappy dogs." Yet a minority of other senators argued against that notion, saying that a dead or injured dog wouldn't be a happy camper, either.

Proponents of the bill cited a Humane Society of the United States report that shows 100,000 dogs are killed each year after jumping out of, or being thrown from, the backs of open vehicles.

Maryland is one of 25 states that do not have any provisions regulating animals traveling in cars or trucks. No state, though, requires pets to be constrained in a harness or any other apparatus while riding in a vehicle.

Credit: zootoo.com

Kickin' Butts for Fido!

People unwilling to quit smoking to improve their own health may consider giving up cigarettes to spare their pets the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, U.S. researchers have reported in the journal "Tobacco Control".

Twenty-eight percent of pet owners who smoke said they would try to quit based on knowledge that secondhand smoke could harm their dogs, cats and other pets. Another 11 percent said they would think about quitting.

Just as secondhand smoke can harm people, studies indicate it can raise a pet's risk of lung cancer and other forms of cancer, allergies, eye and skin diseases and respiratory problems, the researchers said.

Credit: Reuters

Goodbye, Socks!

Former First Cat Socks, one of the world’s most famous felines, died Friday at the age of 20 after battling throat cancer since November (2008). A stray cat rescued by the Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, Socks lived in the governor’s mansion in Arkansas and later moved with the family to the White House.

"Socks brought much happiness to Chelsea and us over the years, and enjoyment to kids and cat lovers everywhere," the Clintons said in a statement, released first to PEOPLE.COM. "We're grateful for those memories, and we especially want to thank our good friend, Betty Currie, for taking such loving care of Socks for so many years."

Currie, the president's personal secretary, and her husband, Bob, took over care of Socks after the Clintons left the White House. It was near their home in (Hollywood) Maryland that Socks was put to sleep Friday morning. "He could no longer stand and wasn’t eating," according to family friend and presidential historian Barry Landau.

His pal Buddy the Lab

Though much was made of the fact that Buddy, the family’s beloved brown Labrador retriever – who died [Note: outside the Clinton's home in Chappaqua, NY on 1/3/2002 while chasing a car -- Yorkielover] after being hit by a car in 2002 – remained with the Clintons while Socks did not, Landau says, "The truth be known, Betty asked if Socks could come live with her. The Clintons didn’t abandon Socks. They were totally conflicted. It broke their hearts, but they knew it would be the right thing for Socks’ welfare.”

"Betty had lost a close family member and a dog and they wanted to do something nice for her," continues Landau, noting that Hillary Clinton had just been elected to the U.S. Senate.

During the family's days in the White House, Socks had become attached to Betty, with whom he spent many hours every day. "Socks was always curled up on a blue striped silk chair, next to Betty," in her office outside the Oval Office, Landau says. "Socks didn’t act like a cat. Socks was very dog-like, and Buddy and Socks got along well.” Landau adds that even visiting heads of state asked to have pictures taken with the cat.

A taste for chicken

In the years since he left the White House, Landau says, "Socks had an incredible life. Betty cooked for Socks," he said, noting the cat loved chicken. He was also the subject (along with the family dog) of a book by Hillary Clinton titled Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets.

On Thursday, Currie took Socks for one last walk; she plans to have the cat cremated.

Credit: msnbc.msn.com Photo: Barbara Kinney/The White House

Save Foreclosure Pets

In the current wave of foreclosures a new phrase has entered the lexicon -- foreclosure pets. Foreclosure pets are pets that have been left behind by the homeowners when a home is foreclosed.

In some cases it is clear that foreclosure was only one of a number of serious problems, like the case in Ohio where 50 cats were found in a house after a foreclosure. In other cases, it may be a single pet, left behind perhaps because a family’s new rental unit doesn’t allow pets. Another explanation is that it's all about survival. For thousands of people struggling to find money for food and shelter, pet care is often the last thing they think about. They spiral down financially, and in their personal life, and everything just falls apart for them. They feel like they have nowhere to turn, so they just close the door - leaving their pets - and walk away.

Foreclosure is an emotional and overwhelming experience, and it is not always easy to find a good home for a pet. Abandoning a trusting pet is a phenomenon also has to do with a common misperception about foreclosure. Many people expect that foreclosure will put them out of their homes immediately, but the removal is never instantaneous. Some people leaving pets behind believe that someone will be coming just behind them to take care of things. They could not be more wrong. It can take months to foreclose; even worse, because of excessive inventory of foreclosed properties, lenders are sometimes deciding not to foreclose, or to postpone foreclosure.

Don’t let the truly innocent suffer needlessly. If you are facing foreclosure and cannot care for your pets, or if you know someone has left a pet behind, call your local animal shelter or humane society. There are also rescue organizations of all sorts, including those focused on virtually any type of purebred dog, cat, or horse. A couple of examples: www.emergencyanimalrescue.org rescues domestic and wild animals in crisis situations, and www.bestfriends.org rescues dogs, cats, birds, horses, and rabbits, to name a few. If you can provide a home for a foreclosure pet, there will be stars in your crown in heaven, and a lot of fun right here in the meantime.

Credit: bankruptcylawnetwork.com

Hagerstown MD Puppy Freezer Charged With Abuse

HAGERSTOWN MD — Animal abuse and neglect charges were filed Wednesday against the owner of a puppy who was found frozen to a tree Jan. 30.

The puppy, named Duncan, lost a large patch of hair when the area residents who found him tied to a tree got him loose, a Humane Society of Washington County spokeswoman has said.

Christopher William Lorshbaugh, 18, faces four misdemeanor charges, including abandoning an animal, depriving an animal of necessary sustenance, inflicting unnecessary pain and suffering on an animal, and unnecessarily failing to provide the animal with necessary veterinary care, proper drink, shelter or protection from the weather.

Duncan, a shepherd mix who now is just over 8 weeks old, is staying at the Humane Society of Washington County for now, spokeswoman Katherine Cooker said.

Lorshbaugh surrendered the puppy, she said.

Duncan is on antibiotics, treatment for sarcoptic mange, a skin condition that is transmittable to other animals and humans, Cooker said. Humane Society officials hope Duncan will be adopted when the skin condition is under control, she said.

“In spite of everything, he’s doing really well,” Cooker said.

Duncan has been playing with his toys and eating all of his food, she said.

Duncan’s case received national attention and a lot of people have expressed interest in adopting him, Cooker said.

Duncan was found alone late on the night of Jan. 30 in a wooded area behind the North Spring Apartments off Haven Road in Hagerstown’s North End. Humane Society officers responded to a call from those who found the puppy and took him in overnight.

The high temperature in Hagerstown Jan. 30 was 36 degrees and the low was 23 degrees, according to www.i4weather.net, a Web site maintained by local weather observer Greg Keefer.

According to court records available online, Lorshbaugh’s address is listed as 1401 Haven Road, #C32.

Conviction on the charges carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both, Cooker said in a press release. Conviction on a charge of abandoning a domestic animal carries a fine not exceeding $100.

“This young puppy could have died from exposure and hypothermia if the good Samaritans who found him hadn’t come along,” Paul Miller, executive director of the Humane Society of Washington County, said in a press release. “Under no circumstances should anyone abandon an animal, especially a young animal like this to the elements.”

Credit: herald-mail.com

"...all you got is your dog...."

Mickey Rourke's beloved Chihuahua has died just days before the actor hopes to crown his own professional resurrection at Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony.

Loki the Chihuahua, 18, who accompanied "The Wrestler" star to the Venice Film Festival in September 2008, died on Monday night, Rourke's representative.

Rourke, 56, famously thanked his dogs -- past and present -- in an emotional speech at the Golden Globes in January when he won the best actor award for his comeback role in "The Wrestler" after years in the acting wilderness.

"Sometimes, when a man is alone, that's all you got is your dog. And they've meant the world to me," he said in his acceptance speech.

Credit: Yahoo!News; Photo: NationalPhotoGroup.com

Pet CPR -- Learn It!

Pet CPR is something that you either know it -- or you don't. Because I care for "end-of-life" seniors, I have had to use Pet CPR and am forever grateful to the American Red Cross for instructing me. Below is a video demonstrating the basics of Pet CPR -- but nothing takes the place sitting in the class, getting down on the floor with the model, and learning how to actually do it. Its so much better to practice proper technique on the model, rather than fumble under pressure when your own pet is lying helpless on the ground. Does this sound harsh? Good! Because you don't always get a second chance and you need to make the most of the first. So contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross and sign up for a class already.....



Credit: Video - Pets America

MicroChips -- The Smartest Money You'll Ever Spend

In March 1995, my new Yorkie puppy, Chancery Collette Byers ("C.C." to her friends) was the second dog in Manhattan to receive the newest fad in pet safety -- a microchip. We had an 8:30AM "well-puppy" vet visit and the microchips had just arrived the night before. The vet explained that the microchip was used in the event a dog was lost with no tags or collar. The chip could be scanned with a portable handheld device (available at most vet offices and shelters) and the pet returned using owner contact information stored on a central database.

The vet was eager to work with this new technology and encouraged me to get a chip for C.C. I was hesitant because the technology and the insertion procedure was new. However, the vet assured me that he had practiced insertion of the chip that morning on the (poor and unsuspecting) clinic cat ... and he looked none the worse for wear. So I authorized C.C. to be the second pet in Manhattan to have the Very Best. Thank goodness the vet was a quick study, because C.C.'s procedure went perfectly. C.C. kept that microchip for the remainder of her life with no problems whatsoever.

********

How Does A Microchip Work?

A veterinarian injects a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice (12mm) beneath the surface of your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. The process is similar to a routine shot, takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. No anesthetic is required.

The microchip itself has no internal energy source, so it will last the life of your pet. It is read by passing a microchip scanner over the pet’s shoulder blades. The scanner emits a low radio frequency that provides the power necessary to transmit the microchip’s unique code and positively identify the pet. If your pet gets lost and is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan the microchip to read its unique code. This is the number used by the chip provider to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used to contact you and reunite you with your pet.

Credit: homeagain.com

93 Neglected Yorkies Seized from Missouri Puppy Mill

Greene County (MO) investigators and the Humane Society of Missouri say they've busted a large puppy mill in Pleasant Hope. Greene County Sheriff’s detectives say a tip helped them shut down the facility just in time. Investigators say someone called them to east Farm Road 26 to check on dozens of dogs inside an unlicensed kennel.

"The odor in the building was so terrible that you can hardly breathe.” Humane Society of Missouri Director of Animal Cruelty Task Force Tim Rickey says," They didn't have food or clean water."

Investigators seized 93 Yorkshire Terriers, 2 birds and 8 Cockatiel eggs. “The dogs have severe matting that shows years of abuse.” Rickey says, “Some dogs' legs are matted to their bodies.” The Humane Society and Greene County detectives say when they seized the dogs it may have been the first time they were ever taken out of their two by two foot cages. Rickey says several dogs have three to four inches of matted feces hanging off their bodies. Humane Society veterinarians will also test the dogs for any genetic problems and malnutrition.

Detectives say each dog is evidence against the couple in their 50’s who own the animals. "Our mission is to make sure the people responsible pay," Rickey says. Rickey says he'd like prosecutors to file one count of animal abuse for each dog. "For somebody to profit without providing care is completely unacceptable," Rickey says. KSPR stopped by hours after the search warrant to ask the owners about the dogs living conditions but they still weren't home. "It’s just disturbing to see people not take care of the animals that they at some point loved and thought they could handle," Greene County Sergeant Ron Killingsworth says."It's our goal to see everyone adopted but we know that may not be possible," Rickey says. A hearing next week may determine the animals' fate. The Humane Society says it will adopt out as many animals as it can if it wins custody. Anyone can call the Humane Society about donating or adopting at (314) 647-4400. The Greene County prosecutor will decide if charges will be filed.

Credit: KSPR.com

Sometimes Mommie has to Bring Home the Bacon...

Congratulations. You've chosen to add a needy, vulnerable, opposable thumb-less member to your family. Of course, you intend to give her the best life possible, and this means plenty of mental and physical exercise as well as lots of opportunities to play, sniff, and explore.

After all, dogs are sentient, thinking beings--pack animals who don't do well left alone all day. But the fact is, your own life doesn't stop when Buffy arrives; you've still got to go to work and bring home the bacon (or at least the bacon flavored treats).

Fortunately, there are some very practical solutions for keeping your dog stimulated (as opposed to chewing, digging, and barking) when you're not home.

Day Care

While its mere existence may seem like an extravagance (or a marketing scheme aimed at people with way too much disposable income), doggie day care is actually a legitimate service. In some cases, it's an absolute necessity, alleviating boredom and offering essential human and canine interaction for dogs who would otherwise spend long days alone. While not a substitute for the quality time your dog needs with you, day care goes a long way toward keeping your dog happy and out of trouble.

Walkers and sitters

Those who roll their eyes about your decision to put your dog in day care may be a little more understanding when you tell them you're hiring a dog walker. No one can argue with the fact that dogs need exercise or--even more indisputable--that they need to pee. And a good walker offers more than just a walk and a bathroom break: She provides companionship, positive reinforcement, and a safe and rigorous workout. For a puppy or older dog, hiring someone to simply come over and pet, talk to, and see that your dog gets an outdoor break is well worth the investment.

Credit: dogtime.com

What Do I Do? -- Choking

Choking is caused by a foreign object being lodged in the pet's airway and adding pressure to the trachea or windpipe. To avoid a choking incident, always provide your pet with toys that are the appropriate size. Toys that are too small (relative to your pet's size) can be easily swallowed and become wedged in your pet's airway.

It's important to provide supervision when an edible treat is being chewed. Some treats that dogs enjoy, such as rawhide, cow hooves, and pig ears, can break off in pieces and may not be small enough for your pet to swallow completely.

Always remove strings, foil, and feathers from cat toys -- these items can be enjoyable to your cat but may potentially become caught in its throat or intestinal tract.

Indications of choking:

1. Noisy and labored breathing sounds – your pet will have difficulty inhaling
2. Pawing at the nose and mouth
3. Gums may be white or blue
4. Excessive drooling
5. Unconsciousness

Determine if your pet's airway is able to be cleared by performing a finger swipe of the mouth -- this is accomplished by placing your finger on the side of the pet's mouth and sliding it down and toward the center of the throat. If no foreign object or substance is removed and your pet is still having breathing difficulties, contact your veterinarian for immediate instructions and care. Do not try and perform CPR or the Heimlich method unless instructed by your veterinarian.

Credit: akcpethealthcare.com

I'm Just A Romantic....

Three mice sit in a bar. The first one brags, "I am one bad ass mouse! In my hood, we have huge mousetraps. I take the damn cheese out of all of them."

The second one brags, "Well, I'm a bad ass mouse too. In my hood, I mix rat poison with my milk and chug it down every night before I go to bed."

The third gets up and starts to leave. The other two mice both yell, "Hey chicken, where do you think you're going?"

The third one replies, "Going home to f**k the cat."

Credit: jokes.com

Remember This??

Here's a chestnut for the Young (at Heart!) :) P.S.: I remember this the FIRST time around!

Video Recaps Full Episodes Webisodes

Don't Believe A Quack

Your cat’s been diagnosed with diabetes...or your dog with Addison’s disease. As much as your veterinarian explains the situation, issues handouts and takes your wigged out phone calls, there’s only so much you can glean from any one mind. You need more.
That’s when you take to the surf, cavorting about the waves of websites chock full of information. But how do you know the information you’ve just splashed headlong into is the kind you should consider authoritative and responsible?

In the best of cases, you’ve happened across incredibly useful and complete information that provides a sound and well-reasoned platform from which to ask your vet more questions and help your pet live more comfortably. In the worst, you’ve just entered a maze of circular logic that dishes salacious details and erroneous advice that only serves to question your veterinarian’s sanity and helps your pet not at all.

Both extremes exist. After all, the Web does not discriminate between good and bad. It’s the ultimate democracy, one where human fallibility is showcased daily in websites that expound on the glories of homemade shock collars and the newest veterinary snake oil concoction.

From most veterinarians’ point of view, even the best information is suspect once you’ve download it from the Web. They’re likely to question Dr. Google even more than they would Dr. Breeder or Dr. Mother-in-Law. We’ve seen it all. And most of it is not to our liking.

But the reality is that there’s a lot of great info out there. You just need to know where to find it. And whether it’s truly the right stuff once you do. To that end, here’s my list of Web do’s and don’ts:

DO...ask your veterinarian to recommend some websites. We’ll know at least a handful of responsible places to research any given disease.

DON'T...assume that a website written by a veterinarian is perfectly authoritative.

DO...look for websites sponsored by veterinary colleges, specialty boards, major veterinary organizations. They may not be exciting but they won’t steer you wrong. Research their links, too. They’re almost always ratified by the sponsor, too.

DON'T...take everything you read as gospel. If you’re interested in something you’ve read, research it some more. If you can’t find anything else about it except on some random message boards, consider it highly suspect.

DO...look for sites whose information is encyclopedic on a large variety of veterinary issues. These sites usually have a reputation to protect and tend to have multiple veterinary editors. Sure, even Wikipedia gets it all wrong sometimes, but it’s often a great starting point and may provide interesting links.

DON'T...fall prey to sites that sell unregulated products. Much of the information contained in many of these sites is heavily biased against the veterinary establishment and is often erroneous and irresponsible. Google the product or company for a more complete representation of what they’re offering.

DO...look up smaller websites on a service like Technorati’s. The “authority level” lets you know whether these sites have been in operation for a long time (a good sign) and clues you in to how many other sites find their information reliable enough to link to.

DON'T...get stuck in small sites where the individual(s) writing the material are not easily identifiable. If the “About Us” section doesn’t exist, you might not want to stick around. After all, accountability and authority is crucial to any responsible brick-and-mortar enterprise. Why not for websites?

Credit: dolittler.com

Real Heroes

My heart goes out to those affected by the Australia wildfires. Thank you to the Rescue workers who protect all life great and small.

Mature, Experienced....and Ready to Go!

There are Good Reasons to get an older dog and then there are Great Reasons. First, let's look at the good ones.

May already be housetrained. Even if they aren't, the housetraining process for an adult dog takes less time than for a puppy. This means fewer puddles on the kitchen floor, fewer groggy midnight trips to the backyard because Coco can't yet be trusted to hold it. A housetrained dog is a glorious thing.

Has grown into her personality. Unlike a puppy, you'll have a sense of who your adult dog already is--aloof, friendly, barky, high-energy, or shy--and how well she'll fit into your household.

Less destructive. An adult is mellower than a five-month-old puppy--especially if that adult is five years or older. They have also, mercifully, passed beyond that annoying (read: destructive) chewing phase.

Less demanding. A grown-up dog, particularly one with a few years on her, is glad to go for a walk, but she's equally happy to curl up at your feet while you watch tv or read a book. She still needs plenty of attention, of course, but she won't be quite as demanding it as a puppy can be. For this reason, an easygoing, older dog can also be a better fit for a family busy with small children

And now for the Great Reasons. Ok, there's really only one, but it's a biggie:

She needs you. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs in shelters--most of them adults. Some are strays who were found on the streets, some have been abandoned. Many are surrendered for various reasons that have nothing to do with the dog's behavior. So if you're looking for a dog, consider adopting her from a shelter or rescue group.

Credit: dogtime.com

Beware of Pet Theft

It’s happening all over the U.S. And stolen pets may be used in horrible, unimaginable ways. It’s even a "business!" You can protect your pets from theft by following a few simple rules:

• NEVER leave your pet tied outside a store, even if you think you have your eye on then pet. It takes about ten seconds to grab a pet whose leash is tied to a pole or fence. (It’s also illegal to tie a pet on the public way.)

• DO NOT leave your pet alone in your car, even if it is locked. Pets have disappeared from cars and never been seen again. (Air circulation and temperature are factors, too.)

• DO NOT leave your pet alone in an unlocked back yard. Even if you have locks on your gate, it is still possible for someone to steal your pet – and it’s been done.

• NEVER allow your pets (dogs or cats) to roam streets and alleys unattended. ALWAYS keep your pet on a leash in your hand in a public area – it’s the law. It’s too easy for someone to jump out of a car, grab your off-leash pet and drive off. Leashing your dog protects your dog, other people and dogs and lessens your liability in case of problems.

• ALWAYS make sure that you leave your pet in the care of someone who is as careful about your pet’s welfare as you would be. Insist they abide by the above rules.

Always file a police report or call 911 if the theft is in progress.

Credit: lostandpound.com, D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group)

Puppy Showers?? Count Me In!! :)

A puppy shower is a party planned in honor of a new puppy or rescue dog. They can take place either before or aftere the arrival of the new pooch, and the presence of puppy and pals is optional as well.

A puppy shower, like a baby shower, is a celebration among friends and family to help prepare for the arrival of a furry new family member, which as we all know, can be a very costly endeavor.In addition, puppy showers are just a darn good excuse to get people together, and friends and family can help gather all the supplies necessary for a new dog.

If you choose to have the puppy shower prior to the new dog or puppies arrival, this can be a very simple event, that does not even include a canine guest list. That is, unless, you'd like to break in your puppy's new yard, with a test-romp by future friends. Alternatively, if you hold the puppy shower after the new arrival, this will give puppy a chance to actually make the aquaintance with new dog pals, and begin the socialization process. However, it's important that the new pup or dog not be exposed to other dogs until your new pup has had all of the required vaccinations.

Invitations can be emailed or snail mail. Preprinted invitations are also available from online suppliers.

Credit: wikifido.com

Gee...No Shooting the Dog In the Yard, bummer dude.....

ANNAPOLIS, MD - A new bill inspired by a local case would make it illegal to shoot your neighbor's dog if it runs into your yard while chasing a deer.

The bill comes after a Williamsport man was sentenced to jail time in November for shooting two of his neighbor's dogs.

Jeffery Hurd's defense was that he shot the dogs after they ran into his yard chasing wild animals.

The law is already in effect in seven other Maryland counties.

"There are not too many dogs that I know about in Hagerstown or Washington County that might be able to catch a deer, so they might be chasing them off, but I don't think they're going to harm the deer. I don't think there's a need to kill the dogs," said Delegate LeRoy Myers (R - District 1C).

The Washington County delegation voted to send the bill forward and will now go to committee for consideration.

Credit: your4state.com (WHAG-TV 25)

Small Dogs Loose & Freezing in Frederick, MD

FREDERICK COUNTY, MD - More dogs have been found wandering the streets in Frederick County.

On Thursday, 23 small breed dogs were rescued from the bitter cold temperatures along Sundays Lane and up through Walkersville.

Animal Control says they have found five more dogs, bringing the total of rescued pups to 28.

Only one has been killed; it was hit by a car.

The shelter has to hold the dogs for a few days while they try to find someone who owns them. After that, they'll likely be put up for adoption.

Credit: www.your4state.com (WHAG TV25)

The Family Dog

The family's dog was bought to guard,
Chained to a post in a chilly backyard,
House in a shed that was airless and dark,
And every few weeks had a run in the park.
When boredom set in with no fun and no work,
One day it broke loose and went quietly berserk,
Pa couldn't fathom just why it went wild,
As it flattened his wife and then bit his child.
The police were called in to sort out the mess,
And the whole sorry tale was revealed in the press,
The Rescue Society was really annoyed,
So the dog was re-homed, and the owners destroyed.

~Author unknown~

Widdle Wabbits

A little girl walks into a pet shop and asks in the sweetest little lisp: "Excuthe me, mithter, do you keep wittle wabbits?"

And the shopkeeper gets down on his knees, so that he's on her level, and asks: "Do you want a wittle white wabby or a soft and fuwwy bwack wabby or maybe one like that cute wittle bwown wabby over there?"

The little girl puts her hands on her knees, leans forward and says in a quiet voice: "I don't fink my pyfon really giveths a thit."

Crethit: comedy-zone.neth

Update on the "Duct Tape Dog" Case - Martinsburg WV

Pet-Abuse.com provides the following update in the Martinsburg WV "Duct-Tape Dog" case:

If you wish to contact the prosecutor in this case to urge for vigorous prosecution, contact:

Pamela Jean Games-Neely, Prosecuting Attorney for Berkeley County
380 West South Street, Suite 1100
Martinsburg, WV 25401
ph: 304-264-1971; fax: 304-263-6092

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This is the original newstory from www.your4state.com (WHAG-TV 25):

BERKELEY COUNTY, WV - November 14, 2008

Animal control officers are calling it one of the worst cases of animal abuse they've seen.

A pit bull was found in an attic with evidence that its mouth had been duct-taped shut and chained.

The three-year-old dog was emaciated, neglected and abused, with open wounds on its face that are too graphic to show.

Witnesses say the abuse had gone on for weeks.

Berkeley County Animal Control and city police found the dog Wednesday.

On Thursday police arrested Randall Siford, Jr. and Breshannon Devereux.

Angela Brown moved into the neighborhood recently and has two pit bulls of her own. She says she never knew the two had a dog because she never saw them with one before.

Statements given to police say the dog named Ice was beaten repeatedly.

“That saddens me because pit bulls already have a bad name, and it's because of stuff like that I think that's why half of them are viscous,” Brown said.

Ice is now getting a warmer reception in the hands of Berkeley County Animal Control until the case goes to court.

Riford and Devereaux are charged with felony animal cruelty. If they're not convicted, Ice will be turned back over to them.

Felony animal cruelty carries a maximum five-year sentence in West Virginia.

Crime Doesn't Pay

A burglar broke into a home and was looking around. He heard a soft voice say, "Jesus is watching you". Thinking it was just his imagination, he continued his search.

Again the voice said "Jesus is watching you". He turned his flashlight around and saw a parrot in a cage.

He asked the parrot if he was the one talking and the parrot said, "yes."

He asked the parrot what his name was and the parrot said, "Moses."

The burglar asked, "what kind of people would name a parrot Moses?"

The parrot said, "the same kind of people who would name their pit bull Jesus".

Credit: comedy-zone.net

What Is Animal Cruelty?

Animal cruelty covers a wide range of actions (or lack of action), so one blanket answer simply isn't possible. Each type of abuse has displayed certain patterns of behavior that we can use to help understand more about why people commit the crimes we encounter today.

Animal cruelty is often broken down into two main categories: active and passive, also referred to as comission and omission, respectively.

Passive Cruelty (Acts of Omission)

Passive cruelty is typified by cases of neglect, where the crime is a lack of action rather than the action itself - however do not let the terminology fool you. Severe animal neglect can cause incredible pain and suffering to an animal.

Examples of neglect are starvation, dehydration, parasite infestations, allowing a collar to grow into an animal's skin, inadequate shelter in extreme weather conditions, and failure to seek veterinary care when an animal needs medical attention.

In many cases of neglect where an investigator feels that the cruelty occurred as a result of ignorance, they may attempt to educate the pet owner and then revisit the situation to check for improvements. In more severe cases however, exigent circumstances may require that the animal is removed from the site immediately and taken in for urgent medical care.

Active Cruelty (Acts of Comission)

Active cruelty implies malicious intent, where a person has deliberately and intentionally caused harm to an animal, and is sometimes referred to as NAI (Non-Accidental Injury). Acts of intentional cruelty are often some of the most disturbing and should be considered signs of serious psychological problems. This type of behavior is often associated with sociopathic behavior and should be taken very seriously.

Animal abuse in violent homes can take many forms and can occur for many reasons. Many times a parent or domestic partner who is abusive may kill, or threaten to kill, the household pets to intimidate family members into sexual abuse, to remain silent about previous or current abuse, or simply to psychologically torture the the victims, flexing their "power".

Credit: pet-abuse.com