Struttin' His Stuff In Style!

Chhouk, a 3 year old Asian elephant, was discovered alone in the forests in the Sprepok Wilderness area of Cambodia after his front left foot was caught in a trap.

The foot had become infected. Chhouk was severely malnourished and barely able to stand. His heartbroken rescuers feared he would never walk again.

But now, Chhouk is putting his best foot forward thanks to surgical treatment and his new pachyderm-sized foot prosthetic.

The Cambodian Wildlife Alliance and the WWF quickly arranged for Chhouk to be sent on an 26-hour journey to a rescue centre in Phnom Tamao, Cambodia, for treatment. A surgical team cut off 12cm of infected tissue, cleaned Chhouk's wounds and slowly nursed the poor elephant back to health.

Chhouk was off balance due to his missing foot, making it almost impossible for him to walk. Due to the enormous strain being put of one side of his body, Chhouk would have developed bone deformities, particularly to his spine, so a false foot was crucial. The Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics were contacted to make Chhouk the false foot that would help him walk freely.

Chhouk needed no anaesthetic or painkillers when the prosthetic limb – which will need changing as he grows – was attached. A few turnips and bananas to keep him busy did the trick.

Now, the plucky jumbo has a new lease of life and has even been adopted by a 10-year-old female elephant named Lucky. The two elephants now spend all their time together and enjoy splashing in the water pool in their enclosure. Chhouk is now looking healthy, is full of energy and has quickly adjusted to walking with his new foot.

Chhouk is one of fewer than 300 Asian elephants remaining in Cambodia.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

One Smooth Operator!

A Beluga whale "kisses" his trainer in Japan.

Source: afp

Keepin' Up a Fine Feline Tradition Worldwide....

This kitten in Germany soaks up some summer warmth from cobblestone pavers during his afternoon catnap.

Source: ap

Is It Time to Say Goodbye?

The reality is that your dog will probably not outlive you. Even more sobering, you may end up facing a difficult decision about when to end the life of this precious friend and family member.

Some dogs do pass peacefully on their own, but in many cases, the will to survive keeps a dog going long past the point of experiencing good quality of life. While recent advances in veterinary medicine are nothing short of amazing, remember that just because you can prolong his life doesn't mean it's in your dog's best interest to do so.

Most of the factors around aging and death are beyond our control, but the one thing you are able to do for your dog is alleviate undue pain and suffering. Arguably, no other decision you make about your dog will be as difficult as the one to euthanize, but in so many cases, it is the most humane option.

How to know it's time

If there's ever a time to put your dog's welfare ahead of your own needs, this is it. While the idea of living without your beloved pet can be devastating, the thought of him suffering should feel even worse. So in considering what to do, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does your dog have a terminal illness? Ask your veterinarian what to expect at the next stage and then ask whether you're prepared to go there.
• Is your dog in the kind of pain that cannot be significantly alleviated by medication?
• Will more treatment improve his quality of life, or simply maintain a poor quality of life?
• Can you afford treatment? End-of-life care can run into thousands of dollars, and people can end up prolonging their grieving while paying off credit cards.
• Is your dog so old he has lost most bodily functions? If he can no longer stand up, get down stairs, defecate, and urinate on his own, the quality of his life is pretty poor.
• Does he still want to eat? Once a dog loses his appetite he's signaling he's close to the end.
• Are his gums pink? When gums aren't a normal pink, your dog isn't getting enough oxygen.
• Is it in his best interest to extend his life, or are you extending his life for yourself? This last point is the most difficult one for most of us to sort out, but it may well be the most relevant. If your dog is suffering, he has lost all joy in being a dog.

Bottom line: The emotions surrounding this decision are mixed and complicated. To do what's best for our dogs, we need to realistically assess the criteria without allowing emotion to overwhelm the decision-making process.

Credit: dogtime.com

Awww...Aliens Are So Cute!!

Meatball lets out a big yawn while awaiting the start of the 2009 UFO Festival Alien Pet Costume Contest on July 3, 2009 in Roswell, New Mexico. Meatball won 2nd place!

Source: ap

Adios Gidget!

She charmed millions without ever saying a word, and managed to make fast food tacos adorable. "Gidget", the Chihuahua best known for her Taco Bell ad campaign, died from a stroke on July 21, 2009 at age 15.

"She made so many people happy," says Gidget's trainer, Sue Chipperton.

The mostly retired actor lived out her days lying in the sun. "I like to joke that it's like looking after a plant," says Chipperton "Gidget," says Chipperton, "always knew where the camera was."

Source: people.com; Photo: tailsticks.com

Let My Piggy Go!

Afghanistan's only known pig, "Khanzir" -- Pashto for "pig", gained independence (of sorts) on America's Independence Day, July 4, when he trotted out of quarantine, two months after he was locked away because of swine flu fears, to bask again in the mud at the Kabul Zoo.

The pig, a curiosity in Muslim Afghanistan where pork and pig products are illegal because they are considered irreligious, was quarantined because visitors to the zoo were worried it could spread the new H1N1 flu strain, commonly known as swine flu.

"Our people did not understand that the disease only passes from person to person and felt that the swine influenza might even be spread from the zoo because we have a pig here," zoo manager Aziz Gul Saqib told Reuters.

"Khanzir" appeared unperturbed as a team of zoo workers used sticks to gently prod him out of his temporary concrete home into his usual enclosure of lush green shrubs and a mud puddle. Two goats grazed quietly as their portly, pink porcine pal enthusiastically rubbed his snout in a small pool of mud. Khanzir, who is about eight or nine years old according to Saqib, was one of a pair given to the zoo by China in 2002. His partner died about two years ago.

Afghanistan has reported no cases of the H1N1 flu virus.

Source: reuters

You Can Come Catch Me!!

A newborn black panther cub practices stalking wild prey at a zoo in Germany.

Source: ap

More Dog Haiku

I sound the alarm!
Paperboy - come to kill us all -
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Mailman Fiend - come to kill us all -
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Meter reader - come to kill all -
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Garbage man - come to kill all -
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!
Neighbor's cat - come to kill all!
Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

Credit: travelingdogs.com

Hang Twenty!

Kia, a Russell Terrier, rides a wave during the Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition held in Imperial Beach, California on June 20, 2009. More than 50 dogs and owners took part in the annual dog surfing competition. Dogs are judged on confidence level, length of ride and overall ability.

Source: ap

After the Raids ... Finding the Victims A Home

The United States is cracking down on dogfighting, as shown by the sweeping raids on July 8, 2009 which yielded 26 arrests across seven states and the seizure of 450 pit bulls bred to fight. This is the biggest dogfighting raid in US history according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

But as raids on dogfighting rings step up, the HSUS and animal adoption groups face a dilemma: Can they find homes for all the rescued dogs?

Dogfighting raids have increased since the 2007 arrest and conviction of former Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick in Virginia for breeding fighting dogs and engaging in dog fights became a rallying point for animal rights activists.

The successful adoption of Mr. Vick's dogs showed that even dogs bred to fight can find good homes. Media publicity and work by shelter organizations means all the rescued dogs from the July 8 raids are likely to find a home. The Humane Society of Missouri has taken more than 300 dogs from the raids, and the dogs will be evaluated by behavioral experts to see if they can be rehabilitated.

But in general, pit bull adoption agencies are overwhelmed. Thousands of pit bulls are euthanized each day in the United States, experts say. The breeding and handling of pit bulls plays a huge role in their temperament, which can run the gamut from gentle to overtly aggressive, even deadly. There are a number of temperament tests on the market, but none can fully guarantee future behavior, making pit bulls a special case in the dog adoption world.

Source: yahoo; Photo: ap

Kitty Killer Gets 1 Year Behind Bars

A heartless kitty killer hissed angrily at animal rights activists on July 15, 2009, grinning widely as she took credit for stuffing the helpless pet into a 500-degree oven.

"It's dead, bitch!" snapped an unrepentant Cheyenne Cherry, sticking her tongue out after a plea bargain that will put her behind bars for a year in the May 6 killing of tiny Tiger Lily. Cherry, 17, was confronted after her guilty plea in Bronx (New York State) Supreme Court to charges of animal cruelty and attempted burglary in the May 6 killing at her former roommate's apartment.

Tiger Lily was left to die inside the blistering oven after Cherry and a 14-year-old friend trashed the apartment of Valerie Hernandez, destroying furniture before stealing DVDs and food.

After her arrest, Cherry told police the cat killing was "just a joke." In court Cherry admitted that the younger girl put the cat in the oven - and "I didn't let the cat out." The pair fled the apartment because they didn't want to hear the dying cat's cries or desperate scratching at the oven door, authorities said.

The second girl is facing trial in Family Court because of her age. The state's prosecutor said Cherry was granted a plea deal because her cohort was "more culpable" for the crimes.

Under the plea agreement, Cherry pleaded guilty to two charges in a six-count indictment. She waived her right to appeal and agreed not to keep a pet for the next three years. Cherry, jailed on a probation violation, faces formal sentencing July 31.

As she exited the courtroom, Cherry passed a row of animal rights activists outraged by her crime. "Justice for Tiger Lily," read one sign held by the demonstrators. One of the activists extended both her middle fingers and kissed them. Cherry grinned widely, stuck out her tongue and responded with her profane retort. The dozen animal lovers who attended the hearing said they represented more than 20,000 people who signed an online petition supporting harsh punishment for Cherry.

Source: nydailynews

Mom's Work Is Never Done....

A very newborn Siberian tiger cub calls out to his very tired-looking Mom at a zoo in China. Mom gave birth to a total of six babies earlier that morning.

Source: reuters

Shanghai's 1st Animal Shelter Has Growing Pains

Jane Su never thought she would be in such a dilemma. The Singaporean businesswoman who manages the Shanghai's first animal shelter for cats and dogs said the shelter in Baoshan District has seen a rise in the number of incoming strays, but not enough people have adopted the pets since the shelter's opening in May 2009. Shanghai is estimated to have more than 100,000 stray cats and dogs. Many were once pets, but were abandoned by their owners.

Though animal lovers welcomed the shelter and keep bringing in more lost or abandoned pets, only five dogs have been adopted in the past three months, Su said. Shelter staff said most people probably don't know it exists, but at the same time, they worry that media exposure might trigger more people to leave their pets, exceeding their capacity to care for the animals. "I'm always struggling with the question of whether I should promote our shelter these days," Su says.

As a member of the non-profit Shanghai Small Animal Protection Association, Su devoted all her weekends in the past year to setting up the shelter, which can accommodate up to 40 animals at a time. It now has more than 20 dogs waiting to be adopted. Su said a different mindset between Chinese and foreigners may also be part of the reason few pets have been adopted. She said pet adoption is more accepted among foreigners. "We hope that more Chinese people will join us."

Source: english.eastday.com

And Today's Catch Is....

Odin, a white Bengal tiger, dives for a piece of meat at the opening of the new Odin's Temple of the Tiger exhibit at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California.

Source: ap

England Counts Their Swans....

Quiet please -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth is preparing to have her swans counted.

Buckingham Palace has announced that the annual "Swan Upping", a tradition dating back to the 12th century which involves a census of the swan population on the River Thames, will be conducted by the queen's official Swan Marker from July 20-24, 2009.

"With the assistance of the Queen's Swan Warden, Professor Christopher Perrins of the University of Oxford, the swans and young cygnets are also assessed for any signs of injury or disease," Buckingham Palace said in announcing the count.

The process involves the Swan Marker, David Barber, rowing up the Thames for five days with the Swan Warden in traditional skiffs while wearing special scarlet uniforms and counting, weighing and measuring swans and cygnets.

It may seem eccentric, but it is very important to the queen. According to custom, Britain's sovereign owns all unmarked, mute swans in open water, but the queen now exercises the right only on stretches of the Thames and its nearby tributaries.

This year, the Swan Marker and the Swan Warden are particularly keen to discover how much damage is being caused to swans and cygnets by attacks from dogs and from discarded fishing tackle. It is also an important year because Queen Elizabeth has decided to join her team of Swan Uppers for part of the census. She will follow them up the river and visit a local school project on the whole subject of swans, cygnets and the Thames.

"Education and conservation are essential to the role of Swan Upping and the involvement of school children is always a rewarding experience," Buckingham Palace said.

Source: reuters

Wind Farm Feared to Wack Bats in WV

Environmental and animal rights groups want to stop further construction on a Greenbrier County, West Virginia wind farm until a judge can determine whether the project is harmful to the endangered Indiana bat.

The Animal Welfare Institute and Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy filed a motion for a preliminary injunction on July 10, 2009 in the U.S. District Court in Maryland against developer Beech Ridge Energy LLC of Rockville, Maryland. No hearing date was immediately set.

The groups filed a lawsuit last month seeking to force Beech Ridge Energy to obtain a required federal permit before it continued working on the project. Shortly thereafter, Beech Ridge Energy stated it would begin placing wind turbines starting in August with 67 turbines operating by the end of 2009. The company's statement forced the plaintiffs to move forward with the motion for a preliminary injunction before additional construction took place.

The plaintiffs say the development will place 390-foot-tall wind turbines within miles of known Indiana bat habitat. A permit is required from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act if an otherwise lawful activity results in the incidental death or harm to an endangered species. The latest motion was accompanied by affidavits from three biologists. Thomas Kunz, a biology professor at Boston University, said Beech Ridge Energy's projection of 6,746 bat deaths annually from the wind project was "likely an underestimate."

The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld the wind farm project last year. Earlier this year, the West Virginia Public Service Commission said it would not reconsider its previous decision to approve the siting and construction.

Source: wvgazette.com; Photo: windeis.anl.gov

Maryland Kills Swans With Bolt-Cutters

NOTE: As if eliminating all swans from the State of Maryland isn't bad enough (See PiddleTails 6/11/09 "Hey Maryland! Killing Swans Does Not Make Me Want...")....now comes word that MD is killing them with bolt cutters!!

------------------------------

Animal rights activists are laying the groundwork to sue Maryland over the manner in which it kills adult mute swans, using a bolt-cutter-like device to snap the birds' necks.

The Humane Society of the United States sent a warning letter to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources last week. And if the DNR doesn't put down the bolt cutters, the group plans to sue, saying the practice violates state animal cruelty laws.

"We've maintained all along that this procedure is just horrifically brutal and cruel. … If it was done in downtown Annapolis, it wouldn't last 10 minutes," said John W. Grandy, a senior vice president of the Humane Society.

Grandy was one of two dissenting voices on a state task force that recommended the state keep killing the invasive mute swans. The population has been culled so far from more than 4,000 birds to about 500.

State wildlife officials maintain that the mute swans are destructive, gobbling up the Chesapeake Bay's underwater grasses and crowding out native birds. Maryland's mute swan population can be traced to a handful of birds that escaped confinement in Talbot County in the 1960s.

Having lost the latest fight over whether the birds should be killed, the Humane Society now is targeting the killing method. The group takes issue with how state workers herd swans, then break their necks with a bolt-cutter-like device. The procedure is called "cervical dislocation."

Jonathan McKnight, the DNR's point person on mute swans, says cervical dislocation is a quick and humane death for the birds. Employees receive special training in the technique.

The Humane Society hired the prestigious Washington, D.C.-based law firm Venable LLP to send a letter to the DNR last week, alleging that the cervical dislocation is not only against veterinary guidelines, but also a violation of Maryland's animal cruelty laws.

"What we're doing sounds very gory, but in fact it's very quick," McKnight said.

Source: hometownannapolis.com

WV Robber Sexually Assaults Dog

Farmington (Marion County), West Virginia police arrested Christopher Bagwell, age 26, who they say broke into a home and sexually abused a dog inside.

Bagwell, a resident of Mannington, West Virginia, is charged with nighttime burglary, a felony and animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.

On July 8, police responded to a residence after being notified that the front door was open while the homeowner was at work. According to the criminal complaint, a bystander looked inside the open door and witnessed Bagwell engaged in sexual intercourse with the homeowner's dog.

Bagwell had already gone through the home and its gun cabinet according to the complaint.

Bagwell was arrested over the weekend and is now free on bond.

Source: pet-abuse.com

Just Say No...

Australian wallabies are eating opium poppies and creating crop circles as they hop around "as high as a kite", according to Lara Giddings, Attorney General for the island state of Tasmania.

Ms. Giddings was reporting to a parliamentary hearing on security for poppy crops and stated that the kangaroo-like marsupials were getting into poppy fields grown for medicine. Australia supplies about 50% of the world's legally-grown opium used to make morphine and other painkillers.

Rick Rockliff, a spokesman for poppy producer Tasmanian Alkaloids, said the wallaby incursions were not very common, but sheep have also been spotted in the poppy fields eating poppies and acting unusually.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk; Photo: ap

Good Dog!

But Can It Run from my Yorkies too...???

The Dream Cat Venus is coming to Japan in July 2009 for $110 U.S. Both touch and sound sensitive, Venus reacts to your petting and talking with a proper amount of nudging and purring. And like the Sony Aibo, Dream Cat Venus can actually "see" through its camera-enabled eyes.

Source: gizmodo.com

Better Safe Than Sorry!

Get window clings and magnets to alert emergency personnel to the presence of your handicapped pet in your home or car at handicappedpets.com

Source: handicappedpets.com

My What Big Eyes You Have....!

"Hasani", a six-month old western lowland gorilla, forages for food at the San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco on June 5, 2009. Hasani, whose name means "Handsome" in Swahili, is the first gorilla born in captivity at the San Francisco Zoo in 11 years.

Source: ap

76 Small Dogs Seized from Behind Mobile Home

76 dogs -- including about 60 adult Pekingese, Yorkies, Pomeranians, long-haired dachshunds, Chihuahuas and terriers -- were seized last week from cages behind a Holister, Florida mobile home and from inside nearby shed. Several of the dogs are pregnant. About 60 tropical birds were also found but were not removed.

The dogs were in fair condition but some had apparent eye infections that will need treatment. The dogs did not have sufficient food, water or room to exercise. The birds were adequately cared for.

The Sheriff's Department will work with the owner of the property to return the dogs if the property owner complies with regulations. The property was not zoned for a kennel, did not have proper facilities for waste disposal and did not have a special permit to keep birds.

The dogs will stay in foster care until any legal action is finished.

Source: pet-abuse.com

Farewell ShamWoof!!

Hi! It's Gabby for "ShamWoof!" You'll be saying “Woof!” everytime!

It's more fun than a squeeky, it's softer than a kong.
I can drag it
Through the house
Out the door
And bury it in the yard.

Why does Mommie want to work so hard? If I hide her ShamWoof!, it doesn't drip, doesn't make a mess, and she doesn’t have to rinse it out.

I can rip Mommie’s ShamWoof in half and give one to my Friend to use as a peepad. Put it on the puddle...right there, you following me camera guy? This is gonna smell!
I can use the other half to dry Mommie’s tears of joy.

I can't live without it, I just love it!
Oh my gosh, I don't even shred paper towels anymore.
If you're gonna have a prayer of keepin’ ME amused, you'll be out of your mind not to own one of these.

If you call within the next 20 minutes – cause with my mini attention span I can't do this all day – I’ll give you a second set absolutely free.

All I can say is SHAMWOOF! It comes with a ten year warranty – if I don’t get hold of it first. Call Now! Here's how to order....

Cat Saved After 8 Days in Tree

A cat in Hagerstown, Maryland used one of it's nine lives when it was rescued after 8 days from its perch 75 to 80 feet up a tree.

The kitty cried for days until a good Samaritan, Garrett Tharp, owner of "Doctor Tree", a tree trimming service, went up into the tree and rescued it. Earlier attempts to reach the cat, including efforts by a local fire department and the humane society, had failed. The cat was examined at a local vet and will soon be up for adoption at the Washington County (MD) Humane Society. For more information about this little survivor, contact the Washington County Humane Society at 301-733-2060.

Source: your4state.com, herald-mail.com

Visit Your Dog's Ancestral Home - Shiba Inu

Origin: Japan

Story: A half dozen Japanese dog breeds are believed to have existed around 10,000 B.C., and one of them was the bushy-tailed, compact watchdog Shiba Inu (roughly translated as "brushwood dog"). Shibas didn't snag official recognition until the early 20th century, though, and the bombs and epidemics of World War II all but wiped them out. Luckily, the number of Shibas has since rebounded.

The trip: We can safely assume that Shibas have long been present in Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto. For a casual afternoon, strut your leashed bundle of fur through Kyoto's Maruyama Koen Park, known for its gorgeous, giant cherry trees. It's a short distance from the central train station. From Kyoto, hop on a superexpress train for two hours and 15 minutes to Tokyo, modern Japan's truest dog-meet-dog town. (Note, Japan Railways charges $134 one-way for the trip and about $2.75 to bring a small dog in a carrier.)

As the nation's birth rate has dropped, the love of pets has expanded—a trend that's most visible in the country's largest city. Here you'll find dog gyms, dog boutiques (hawking dog-size perambulators), and dog dancing studios (teaching owners and pets to trot in sync). It's rare, however, for downtown Tokyo hotels to accept dogs. The Hilton Narita at Tokyo's main airport has two rooms for guests traveling with dogs (011-81/476-331-121, hilton.com, $225 plus refundable deposit).

Hot tip: Taking your dog to Japan from the continental U.S. is such a grueling trip that few owners will contemplate it — especially once they factor in the 12-hour quarantine.

Credit: msnbc.com; Photo: creaturecomforters.net

K-9 Bends Steel to Escape Fireworks

"JJ", a drug-sniffing Spokane, Washington police K-9 officer, made a Houdini-like escape from his kennel at the police academy on the night of July 4.

JJ's handler thought JJ would be secure in his kennel which is latched with a u-shaped steel bar and locked and surrounded by chain-link fence.

"I couldn't believe that a dog was able to pry open the steel clasp that held the gate shut, you know, he was very motivated," JJ's handler said later when he returned to find blood and a deformed latch. Most likely spooked in response to illegal fireworks set off near the police academy, the kennel had been pried open and JJ was no longer around. JJ had used his teeth to bend the steel latch back and push through the cage. To finish his escape, JJ then scaled or jumped over two chain-link fences -- one of which is six feet tall.

An urgent email was sent out by the police department and word of the escape was picked up by local media. Fortunately, JJ's handler found him the next morning running along the street next to the Police Academy.

JJ had no serious injuries from his escape and police are considering additional safety measures for the facility.

Source: kxly.com

Two K-9 Officers Die in Hot Car

Two British police dogs died on June 30, 2009 after being left in a car during a heat wave.

The German shepherds were left in a car in the police headquarters parking lot in Nottingham, England . Temperatures topped 84 degrees. The dogs' handler was on duty and had gone inside the building. Police did not say how long the dogs were left outside in the car.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is investigating the dogs' deaths. The maximum penalty for causing unnecessary distress to an animal is six months' imprisonment or a 20,000 pound ($33,000 U.S.) fine, or both.

Source: pet-abuse.com

Cancer And Your Pet

The leading cause of death in cats and dogs today is cancer, and nearly a quarter of all pets will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Such statistics can be terrifying to pet owners. Many do what they can to prevent cancer, and, if their pet is diagnosed, seek to find ways to improve their beloved pet’s medical care and quality of life.

Borrowing from human cancer patient studies, recent research shows that a healthy lifestyle involving plenty of exercise can greatly improve a cancer patient’s prognosis and overall quality of life. The same is true for our pets.

According to leading veterinary oncologists, preserving a pet’s quality of life is wholly important. Weight management and exercise top the recommendations list. While pet owners should know there is no alternative or natural approach capable of curing cancer by itself, oncologists state that there are benefits to an active and healthy lifestyle combined with the very best conventional medicine has to offer. Also, a healthy lifestyle can be transferred from pet to owner and owner to pet, which can improve everyone’s overall quality of life.

Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Small Animals

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge
6. Offensive odor, often from the mouth
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Source: vetcares, American Veterinary Medical Association

Doggy Fun!

The "Coolbaby" theme park, part of the Chaoyang Park in Beijing, China, is designed especially for dogs. The attraction boasts a doggy playground, swimming pool, obstacle courses - even a restaurant.

Source: telegraph.co.uk, Photo: reuters

Time Served = Death Sentence for 50 Dogs

Navajo County, Arizona animal control officers shot and killed more than 50 dogs owned by a man who was jailed for one month when he couldn't make bail.

The head of the shelter where the county usually takes stray dogs said the shelter could have handled the dogs if someone had called.

Animal control said the dogs were aggressive and would have been difficult to round up or would have died on the trip in vans which aren't air-conditioned. The shelter disagreed and said their agency could have dispatched a euthanasia technician, food, water and kennels to the site. They also said the Humane Society has enough vehicles and volunteers with trucks and trailers to transport large amounts of animals safely.

Instead, the dogs were shot by animal control. The director of the county's health department, which oversees animal control, defended the act saying, "We do feel like the decision made in the field was the right one to prevent suffering for the animals."

The owner of the dogs still can't talk about the dogs' deaths without breaking up. "That's more punishment than I deserve," he said. "No one needs to be treated that way, especially animals."

Source: azcentral.com

Get Some Sand Between Your Paws!

There’s nothing dogs enjoy more than a good day at the beach. Fortunately, there are numerous ocean and lake playgrounds for canine frolicking in pet-friendly cities across America. The best ones, of course, allow dogs to go off-leash, no matter what time of year.

CALIFORNIA (San Diego) -- Dog Beach at Ocean Beach: Dog Beach, situated at the northern end of Ocean Beach, is the original dog beach of California and is popular with both locals and tourists. It offers a wide stretch of sand along the Pacific Coast and is a great place for early morning romps, sunset walks or simply sitting and watching the waves roll in. Parking is plentiful, and this area is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

CALIFORNIA (San Diego) -- Fiesta Island: Most of this large, sandy island in Mission Bay is a leash-free zone. The picturesque area is filled with sand dunes for a romping good time and the waters in the bay are calm — perfect for canine swimming. There’s ample parking and the area closes at 10 p.m. daily.

CALIFORNIA (San Diego) -- Coronado Dog Beach: On Coronado Island, the northern section of the beach closest to the naval station is doggie nirvana. With the backdrop of the famous Hotel Coronado, it’s a great place to picnic and relax. South of the Hotel Del Coronado, you can see the hull of the sunken gambling ship the Monte Carlo, which washed ashore in 1936 and, on a clear day, you can even see Tijuana. While the beach is open 24 hours (street parking only), it can get crowded, so go early.

CALIFORNIA (Huntington Beach) -- The West Coast’s original Surf City has maintained its casual beach flavor and dogs are welcome along a stretch of sand along the famous Pacific Coast Highway between 21st Street and Seapoint Street — about three-quarters of a mile long. Huntington Dog Beach is open between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. The main restaurant area off the main beach has plenty of outdoor seating areas where you can relax and keep your pooch close by.

CALIFORNIA (Long Beach) -- Dog Beach Zone is definitely a hangout for celebrity dogs and their owners as it’s the only off-leash dog beach in all of Los Angeles County. This three-acre area between Argonne and Roycroft Avenues is in the heart of very pet-friendly Belmont Shore. Dogs are welcome at many of the outdoor areas of restaurants, as well as in some stores on trendy Second Street. This is a popular place for beach events and activities. To keep track, visit hautedogs.org.

Despite the fact that numerous Web sites and blogs claim there is a plethora of off-leash beaches in the northern California, none of these areas are official off-leash areas.

“Most of the beaches are part of state or federal parks and dog’s aren’t allowed or have to be leashed,” explains Chris Powel of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area.

ILLINOIS (Chicago) -- Dogs in Chicago gravitate to the Susan Kimmelman Off-Leash Dog Beach located at the northwest corner of Montrose Beach (the point closest to the city). Canine beach-goers need a special $5 DFA (Dog Friendly Area) tag confirming that they are vaccinated and in good health. The tags are sold at many veterinarian offices and also directly from the Chicago Park District. The only requirement imposed by the city is that dogs have to be leashed coming and going to the designated area.

Dogs need a beach pass to frolic at the Evanston Dog Beach in northern Illinois, too. The off-leash area is open May 1 through October 31, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The beach pass costs $50 for residents and $100 for visitors, to be worn by dog owners.

MARYLAND (Annapolis) -- Quiet Waters Dog Beach on the banks of the South River in Annapolis, Maryland, is a popular hangout for dogs and is adjacent to a nearby fenced dog park. There are two play areas: One designated for larger dogs, the other for small or elderly animals. Owners are allowed to bring two dogs each, and there’s a shower to rinse off after a day of fun in the sun.

MICHIGAN (Muskegon) -- The Norman F. Kruse Park in Muskegon, Mich., on the banks of Lake Michigan, offers a beautiful stretch of white sand, capped with sand dunes for canine fun and games. It’s a popular location for a family beach picnics as parking is accessible and there are restroom facilities.

NORTH CAROLINA (Duck) -- In the town of Duck, dogs and their owners have the whole year to enjoy the vast stretches of beach that trace the coastline beyond a 10-mile radius of city limits.

WASHINGTON (Whidbey Island) -- It’s a ferry trip to visit South Whidbey State Park on Whidbey Island — and a popular outing for both mainlanders and tourists. This picturesque setting offers dogs a wonderful stretch of sandy beach and ocean to enjoy. It’s a great place for people to relax and unwind too. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Rainer and the Seattle skyline.

FLORIDA (St. Petersburg) -- North Beach at Fort De Soto features a stretch of white sand and has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in America. It’s easy to find a secluded spot on this stretch of ocean paradise. Further, the Pinellas Country Parks and Recreation Department has opened a Paw Playground adjacent to the beach area where dogs can socialize and enjoy some serious doggy play.

FLORIDA (Key Biscayne) -- Trendy South Florida caters to pooches at Dog Beach in Key Biscayne, Miami. The area is on the corner of Waddell and Vernon Avenue, just south of South Street. Don’t be surprised if you see dogs sporting the latest bikinis, board shorts and shades to match their owners. No matter where you’re heading for a day of fun in the sun with your dog this summer, don’t forget to pack Frisbees, balls and toys that float for some doggone good fun. Take plenty of drinking water and sunscreen too.

Credit: msnbc.msn.com

The World's Ugliest Dog

or so they say...

"Pabst", a 4 year old Boxer mix, won The 21st Annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair on June 26, 2009 in Petaluma, California.

Source: ap

Do They Have to Rename It Now??

Alaska's Rat Island is finally rat-free, 229 years after a Japanese shipwreck spilled rampaging rodents onto the remote Aleutian island, decimating the local bird population.

After dropping poison onto the island from helicopter-hoisted buckets for a week and a half last autumn, there are no signs of living rats and some birds have returned, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rats have ruled the island since 1780, when they jumped off a sinking Japanese ship and terrorized all but the largest birds on the island. The incident introduced the non-native Norway rat -- also known as the brown rat -- to Alaska.

The $2.5 million Rat Island eradication project, a joint effort between the U.S. federal government, the Nature Conservancy and Island Conservation, is one of the world's most ambitious attempts to remove destructive alien species from an island. Now there are signs that several species of birds, including Aleutian cackling geese, ptarmigan, peregrine falcons and black oystercatchers, are starting to nest again on the 10-square-mile (26-sq-km) island.

Source: reuters

Pet Python Strangles Florida Toddler

A 2 year old Oxford, Florida girl was strangled on July 1, 2009 by a pet 12-foot albino Burmese python that escaped from a holding tank in the child's home.

The snake's owner, a boyfriend of the child's mother, found the python on top of the girl. The owner stabbed the snake, but the child was already dead when emergency crews arrived. The owner could face child endangerment charges.

"This is very rare," a representative of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission told reporters. State officials say there may be as many as 150,000 Burmese pythons living in the wild in the Everglades, where they have no natural predator. Wildlife experts say the population grew from snakes dumped in the fragile wetlands by pet owners who no longer wanted them and pose a significant threat to native species. The pythons can grow to more than 16 feet, live for 30 years and eat wading birds and small animals.

Source: reuters, Photo: ap

Fireman Kills Dogs & "Flips Off" Reporters

A Columbus (Ohio) firefighter, David P. Santuomo, 43, pled guilty to two counts of animal cruelty and one count of possession of a criminal tool for taking his two dogs to his basement, laying down a plastic sheet, tying the dogs up and partially suspending them from a pipe and killing them with a rifle and makeshift silencer so he and a girlfriend could vacation without paying to board the animals. The dogs were shot at least 11 times, with one of the dogs shot six times in the head.

Santuomo adopted the two mixed-breed dogs, named "Sloopy" and "Skeeter", from the local humane society in January 2007.

"[Santuomo] said chunks of concrete were flying everywhere," Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Heather Robinson said. "I think it was the thrill of the kill for him. He has shown no remorse for this." The humane society would have taken the animals if Santuomo had asked, and two neighbors had offered to watch the dogs in his absence, Robinson said.

After the killing, Santuomo bragged about it to his fellow firefighters and dumped the animals' bodies in a dumpster behind the fire station.

Santuomo was sentenced to 90 days in jail, $4,500 costs, $150 fines, 5 years probation, 200 hours community service, to not possess animals for five years and to undergo random home inspections during probation. The court will allow Santuomo to serve his 90 days of jailtime in 10 day stints over the next two years. In addition, Santuomo has to file a formal apology with a national firefighters magazine and write a letter to his local newspaper.

Santuomo remains on active duty as a firefighter while awaiting a disciplinary hearing.

Despite his defense attorney's claim after sentencing that Santuomo is "extremely remorseful", in the courtroom Santuomo raised a middle finger to the reporters assembled to cover his case.

Source: dispatch.com, pet-abuse.com

Hop on Over to My Pad!

Visit the Waxy Monkey Frog plus 199 more froggy pals at a live frog exhibit at The American Museum of Natural History in NYC through January 3, 2010.

Source: reuters

Foxy Momma Feeds Forest Footwear Fetish

A mother fox in the German town of Foehren has been unmasked as the mystery thief of more than 100 shoes.

A forest worker stumbled upon shoes strewn near the fox's den and found a trove of footwear down the hole which had recently been stolen during the night from outside local residents' front doors. "There was everything from ladies' shoes to trainers," said local police. "We've found between 110 and 120 so far. It seems a vixen stole them for her cubs to play with."

Although many were missing laces, the shoes were in good condition and owners were delighted to reclaim them. Police add that no reprisals are planned against the culprit.

Source: reuters

"Good Karma" Happenin' in Baltimore!

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Karma Dogs is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that seeks to improve the lives of others through relationships with therapy dogs. Their primary functions include improving literacy skills among elementary school students and working with children and adults with developmental disabilities to improve communication and socialization skills.

Karma Dogs is not a rescue, but it promotes the adoption of rescue dogs. Karma Dogs also has programs tailored to grades K-6 to help children be safe and responsible around dogs. If you would like Karma Dogs to bring a program to your school or camp, e-mail goodkarma@karmadogs.org for more information.

Source: karmadogs.org