BAYOU RESCUE

North Carolina Week for the Animals Coming Soon

Raleigh – Animal World USA announces that the 2nd Annual North Carolina Week for the Animals will kick off Saturday, May 2, and run through May 10. The special week will highlight the importance that animals play in our lives and bring communities together on behalf of the animals throughout the great state of North Carolina.

This statewide event is designed to celebrate and build awareness on behalf of all animals, as well as, recognize the organizations and citizens who support them.  To learn more about this wonderful celebration, read the full article in Asheville's Citizen-Times.com.  The N.C. Week for the Animals is bringing together educators, animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, businesses, students, musicians, artists, community leaders, and caring citizens in an exciting week of community-building activities.

NC State Vet School Led Way for County Animal Response Teams

I lived through the devastating floods that struck Eastern North Carolina when Hurricane Floyd came to visit in May of 1999.  I remember the pictures of the stranded pigs on top of a barn roof surrounded by acres of flood waters.  What I didn't know was that this natural disaster inspired the formation of the State Animal Response Team (SART).  And, North Carolina was the only state to have a CART (County Animal Response Team).  By November of 1999, NC State Vet School had enrolled 72 students in a class about emergency response.

Then came Hurricane Katrina and we began to understand that pet lovers will always think about their pets and many will not abandon them even in the face of great  disasters.  Our own Bayou Rescue formed in response to this horrific event.  (I wasn't with Bayou Rescue when it first began, so I feel justified in stating how amazing these people are and how much help they provide.)  You may know that their work is not confined to national disasters.  They work locally to support animals and their people whenever they are needed in our county/community.

In the article in NJ.com "County response teams care about animals" veterinarian Marjorie O'Neill, Middlesex County veterinary coordinator with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and veterinarian of record for County Animal Response Team (CART) tells more about how these teams have evolved and how one can become involved in helping whether you live in North Carolina or elsewhere. Check the article out and if you live locally, think about volunteering with Bayou Rescue or another animal response organization!

Myrtle Beach Fire: Pet owners seek missing animals, retrieve pets from shelters

Many Horry County residents reported pets missing or sought refuge for their animals since the blaze began Wednesday afternoon.  St. Frances Animal Hospital Practice Manager Bill Foley said the Georgetown site temporarily took in nine pets, including cats and dogs, Thursday.  "The last two [pets] left Saturday morning,'' he said. "All the owners got to return to their homes.''

Along with providing shelter for animals, the animal hospital also received an overwhelming amount of response from the community."We had lots of calls from Good Samaritans who offered their homes for pets to be housed while their owners were evacuating,'' said Foley, adding the site's gratitude to those folks. Be sure to read the whole article at the SunNews.com.

Alley Cat Allies president Becky Robinson has been in touch with South Carolina-based Sav-R-Cats and is pleased to report that the cats and people of Myrtle Beach and surrounding vicinity are safely evacuated from affected areas.Wildfires of uncertain origin have been sweeping the area since last week.

Known feral cat colonies in the area are safe and under the watchful eye of the nonprofit’s volunteers. Additionally, local reports confirm that the people of the area who had to evacuate have been offered safe haven—along with their pets—by local businesses, hotels, and even bars.

Reuinting With Your Loved Pet

Puppy Lost in North Myrtle Beach Fire -- It was a heartbreaking image: A small, black puppy stood lost among the charred rubble near his home Thursday.

Two days later, 10-month-old Onyx was reunited with his owner, Donna Finley, one of the people he helped save as a wildfire spread through the Barefoot Resort community early Thursday morning. The wildfire would go on to destroy more than 70 homes and 20,000 acres in North Myrtle Beach and Horry County, while continuing to burn late Saturday.

"He's my hero," Finley said Saturday. "I don't know if we would have made it out of there without him. He was the one who woke us up. We barely got out of there in time."

Those first words send chills up my spine whenever I see them.  Imagining that somehow my pups get lost or I am separated from then without being able to find them is one of my worst nightmares.  I have tried to cover all contingencies, but sometimes you just have to do everything that you can think of and then move forward.  I realize that not every story has a happy ending like this one, so here are some things that I have done that help slant the odds in my favor. 

Always have tags on your pet's collar.  I even have tags on my dogs' Gentle Leaders as well as their regular collars.

Microchip your pet.  If a collar is lost, that means there is no tag for identification.  If your pet is found and she has a microchip, your information will be read from it and you can be contacted.  The micro-chipping organization will also help by notifying other pet owners in your area so that they can assist in the search.  

My dog Sable had a microchip plus had her number tattooed on her stomach.  I don't think people do that much anymore.  Still, you never know. 

Have your vet check the "read" on the microchip once in a while.  I know it is unusual, but Sable's chip migrated down her shoulder once and needed to be redone.  If she had become lost, it might not have been read.

Take pictures of your dog.  Not just face on, but cover all sides including her belly and feet.  Do this especially if there is any color difference on the pads of the feet or freckles on the tummy. 

Keep several copies of the pictures and store one set with a friend.  Keep one set in your car.  Send the pictures to a friend (via email) who lives in another area of the country in case there is a natural disaster in your area and your things are lost during it.

Here is an article that has many more great ideas on what to do if a pet is lost and how to prevent a pet from being lost.  I hope you never need to face this situation!

Pet-Only Airlines

What next?  And, what a great idea, I think!  It doesn't seem to be a joke about an airline that will fly your pet to and from certain destinations while they are constantly attended to and treated as first-class passengers.

Maybe you think I have lost my mind, but I hate to travel without my fur kids.  When I do go away without them, I have someone come into my home and I call that person every couple of days.  I, also, get email updates every other day.

Recently, I have been "working on" a trip to Europe.  I don't want to go for just a couple of weeks - no...I want to go over for a couple of months and get a camper to see the continent.  I could never go without my beloveds for that amount of time.  I used to live there many years ago, and when we would come home for the summers, we'd put our wonderful little Fluffy in the hands of strangers who would put her in the cargo hold coming and going.  She survived, but I usually had a nervous breakdown by the time we returned to Germany at the end of the summer.  Believe me when I say I'm a thousand times worse nowadays.

So, if I could send the "girls" on a great plane ride and not worry about what the cargo hold was like, I'd do it in a heartbeat.  If you are interested in the whole article, here is the link:  Pet Airways Launches First Pet-only Airline.

A Coward's Update!

It happened again, today, when I went to my favorite coffee shop.  Another poor dog had been confined in a van with the windows only cracked a tiny bit.  The sun was moving onto the car and it would heat up quickly.

This time I did the right thing!  I went to one of the workers who is a "stand-up" guy and told him.  He immediately went to see for himself and then politely went to the patrons in the cafe to determine to whom the van belonged.  Upon finding the couple, he stated that the van was heating up and offered to get water for the dog (puppy really).  The owner had no choice but to gracefully go with him, check out the dog, roll the windows down more, and give water to the pup.  He didn't stay around too long after that.

I am pleased that my intervention seemed to work out well for the dog and all concerned.  I hope the owner will think twice before doing this again, but at least I had a plan and knew what steps I would take if the situation could not be resolved right away.  I had my phone in hand and was minutes away from calling 911.  Sometimes difficult situations happen for a reason and make us stronger or more prepared to meet the next situation forearmed!

So, signing off for now and a coward no longer!

Perception May Be Everything - When It Comes To Black Dogs, Anyway!

I've mentioned before that I receive a newsletter from Dr. Jon of PetPlace.com.  Today, I read the letter that led me to believe that when it comes to adopting dogs, black dogs get the short end of the stick.  It appears that if you have two similar dogs - size, temperament, and manners the light colored dog will be adopted before the black dog.  This really made me sad thinking that wonderful companions may be less likely to find forever homes because they have the misfortune to be born a brunette. 

Link here to the complete article.  And, please mention to your friends, who may be looking for a new friend, not to discount the beautiful black dog who wants to find a family to love just like all the rest of the dogs. 

Help Protect North Carolina’s Pets From Abuse

Each year throughout North Carolina, countless victims of domestic violence risk their lives to protect their defenseless animals from harm. In a nationwide study, more than 71 percent of battered women reported that their abusers harmed, killed or threatened their pets, and more than 75 percent of those incidents occurred in the presence of the women or their children.

Children who grow up in an environment of animal abuse live in constant fear that a beloved family member will be harmed. Children often intervene to protect their mothers and pets from being battered, and some may even allow themselves to be victimized to save their pets from being harmed or killed.

In an effort to stop abusers from harming or threatening to injure pets, Sen. Julia Boseman has introduced Senate Bill 1062. Spearheaded by the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the bill would allow judges to include at-risk animals in domestic-violence protective orders.

A protective order is a legal order issued by a court that requires one person to stop harming, stay away from and/or cease contact with another person or, in the case of SB 1062 bill, that person's pets as well.

We owe it to the countless domestic violence survivors throughout North Carolina to get SB 1062 -- a groundbreaking initiative for the state that is long overdue -- passed.

This action alert is for residents of North Carolina.  Link to the article for the opportunity to send NC representatives your message.  There are other opportunities for people (not just North Carolina residents, too) to make their opinions known on other issues on the American Humane Association website.  Go and see!

Animal Groups Summit to Improve Treatment of Dogs Seized in Dog Fighting Raids

Have you ever read the terrible things about dog fighting rings and then thought to your self that when a ring is taken down, the victims are the ones who really get punished?  I have and it makes me so sad!

Today I ran across an on-line article that gives me some hope that perhaps help is coming to these victims.  The following is written by Zsanine Alexander, an LA Animal Advocate and she writes the following:  "Several animal welfare groups, including Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of the United States, met in Las Vegas on April 8th to address the need for humane ways to deal with dogs confiscated from dog fighting operations. The summit convened in response to cruelty investigations associated with expanded HSUS led crackdowns on dog fighting rings. Following the Wilkes County, North Carolina bust last December, 127 dogs, including nursing puppies, were declared a public threat in court by the HSUS according to Nathan J. Winograd, national director of the No Kill Advocacy Center. Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the HSUS, admitted they were summarily killed without given a chance for evaluation to see if they could be rehabilitated reports Winograd, author of Redemption, acclaimed book on animal shelters and the “No Kill” movement. The dogs have been doubly victimized by being subject to violent living conditions of the dog fighting industry and killed by virtue of being confiscated from these rackets.Several animal welfare groups, including Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of the United States, met in Las Vegas on April 8th to address the need for humane ways to deal with dogs confiscated from dog fighting operations. The summit convened in response to cruelty investigations associated with expanded HSUS led crackdowns on dog fighting rings. Following the Wilkes County, North Carolina bust last December, 127 dogs, including nursing puppies, were declared a public threat in court by the HSUS according to Nathan J. Winograd, national director of the No Kill Advocacy Center. Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the HSUS, admitted they were summarily killed without given a chance for evaluation to see if they could be rehabilitated reports Winograd, author of Redemption, acclaimed book on animal shelters and the “No Kill” movement. The dogs have been doubly victimized by being subject to violent living conditions of the dog fighting industry and killed by virtue of being confiscated from these rackets."  For more of her article go to "Animal groups summit to improve treatment of dogs seized in dog fighting raids."

 

I Am A Coward!

It's true!  Even though it is difficult to admit it, I am a shy person and sometimes a coward.  Here's what happened...

On Saturday, I went to my favorite coffee shop and noticed that a car had 2 dogs in it.  It wasn't really warm yet, and the windows were down about 3 inches each.  The car was in the shade, too.  I figured that by the time I left (about 45 minutes later) surely it would be gone.  As I was driving out onto the street, I saw the SUV in my rear window and got to thinking that it had warmed up some.  About 15 minutes later, I decided to drive by again to see if the car was still there and if so, I decided to alert the police about the situation.  It would now be in the sun and cars can heat up very quickly.  Fortunately, the car was no longer there.

Why didn't I just go into the shop and make an announcement that whoever owned the car needed to leave?  I guess it was just being a coward.  That is what I should have done.  Or, I should have called 911 and told them about the situation when I first saw it.  I didn't and have had time to think about what I would do if I encounter a situation in the future. (If the heat had been higher, I wouldn't have hesitated, but this was not the situation.  Or maybe this is my own rationalizaton!)

Anyway, in the future, I won't ignore a situation.  I will put a note on the car at the very least telling the person that pets can die quickly in certain circumstances and make them aware of better options.

Here is a blog article that deals with this question, specifically.  Hopefully, it will help  you make a plan, too.  Read, What to Do If You See a Dog in a Hot Car, to learn more.

Five Actions You Can Take For A More Humane Comunity

Perhaps you have noticed that you can buy jackets and vests with "faux fur" collars.  I used to think that it is a good option to have if you just "have" to look like you are wearing someone on your collar.  At least it isn't real.  BOY, was I wrong!  It turns out that this fake fur may really be cat and dog fur. 

Right now, legislators are considering a bill that will close loopholes in the fur labeling law and help prevent dog and cat fur from slipping into our country.  You can help in pushing this idea to legislators and let your voice be counted in the fight for humane treatment of animals.  Here's how:

1.  Call your U.S. Senators at 202-224-3121 and ask them to support the Truth in Fur Labeling Act.
2.  Call your U.S. Representatives and ask him or her to support the Truth in Fur Labeling Act.
3.  If you see animal cruelty in your community, report it to your local police department or humane society.
4.  Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper urging readers to support animal protection legislation.
5.  Find out how your legislator voted on animal protection issues.  Get a copy of the Humane Scorecard by calling the Humane Society Legislative Fund at 202-676-2314 or going to www.hslf.org.

Any action you take will help.  It will take time, but we can make a difference!

What's Happening in the Pet World?

I am always looking for ways to become involved with other people who love animals like I do.  In fact, I have discovered over the years that I tend to form friendships with people who enjoy animals and all the mess that comes with them.  It seems to me that people who can't sense the wonder of animals is missing out on one of this life's best gifts!  So, I thought I might look for a few events taking place in the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area involving animals.

 Saturday, April 18:  K9-3K Dog Walk.  Join the Dog Walk and help raise money for homeless pets.  Celebrate your love of animals while helping homeless pets get a second chance at life.  Visit the SPCA of Wake County to learn more about the event and how to get involved!  Hope it won't rain that day!

April 25:  The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine is holding a seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, for owners of cats and dogs who are interested in the latest in pet nutrition.  The seminar will be conducted by specialist Dr. Korinn Saker, nutrition research scientist and director of the Nutrition Service within the CVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Topics and question and answer sessions will include obesity in dogs and cats, home prepared diets, selecting commercial pet food, proper nutrition for puppies and kittens, appropriate food for senior pets, and nutrition for animals with diagnosed illnesses.  To read more about it go to the article here:  News and Events at NCSU CVM

April 25:  The Tails at Twilight Gala "Durham's Well Groomed Event" and silent auction takes place at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club from 6:00 pm until  10:30 pm Tickets are $85 per person

This year the Durham County Animal Shelter has had its budget cut dramatically due to the recession. The APS of Durham is holding a Gala with a silent auction to help raise much needed funds for the shelter and all the animals that they care for.

"Join us for an elegant evening featuring a three-course meal, as well as silent and live auctions. Proceeds go to the Animal Protection Society of Durham, helping us provide care and forever homes to animals in need."

Last year over 7,000 animals were brought to the shelter in Durham.

Right Now! 

     -Great and adoptable pets are available at local animal shelters.

     -Take your dog for a walk.  It is estimated that 48% of all pets in the US are       overweight.  This helps a pet's human out, too!  Want to know an ideal weight for the Top 10 AKC Breeds?  Go to this article on Pet Obesity.  

     -Tell your pet you love her and see what she has to say!

   -Write to your legislators about animal issues that you support.

Exercise and Your "Buddy"

It is difficult to be unaware that over two-thirds of the people in the United States are considered to be overweight!  Knowing is one thing, but doing something about it is another.  I have always heard that dog walking is a great way to help yourself while at the same time helping your dog, too. 

Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine is working on a pilot study to determine if dogs positively influence their owners' lifestyle in terms of physical activity.  Read the article and, hopefully, you will become inspired.  I still need a lot of work in that area!!!  

Pet First-Aid

You never know when some innocent action might endanger your pet.  Silly things happen like cutting the quick on your dog's nail and not knowing how to stem the bleeding or being away on a vacation with your pet and she becomes ill - what vets are in the area and how do you find one.  All of us who have pets think about these things sometimes, but not all of us do something about it. 

My niece and her husband moved to California a year ago.  They have 2 dogs and take wonderful care of them.  I was talking with her on the phone a week ago and asked her if she had stocked a "disaster kit" for the humans and the dogs in the family.  She gave a nervous laugh and said, "No, not yet.  I know I should do it, but what are the chances of anything really happening?"  To this, I say, "How difficult is it to put together a couple of backpacks with enough supplies for all 4 of them and put them in a closet near the door? 

Lots of things can require us to be prepared such as severe weather, an accident, a house fire, or tons of things I haven't even thought about yet.  The great thing about having a "disaster kit" is that you don't need to know what is going to happen.  You already have things on hand, if you stock up ahead of time, and will be more prepared when it does happen!

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine has a great article on being prepared in an emergency.  The article also gives information about issues such as controlling bleeding, breathing difficulties, and seizures in the article.  Below is a list of items to have in a first-aid kit:

Pet first-aid kit contents

• Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) - to induce vomiting, administer only under direction of veterinarian (stay away from syrup of ipecac unless your veterinarian recommends it).
• Styptic powder or sticks - for toenails that you have over-clipped. It is especially important for minimizing blood loss in birds because even small amounts of blood loss in birds can be fatal.
• Clean towels or bandages - for a temporary fix to stop blood and keep area clean. Dr. Schoeffler, Chief of Emergency and Critical Care at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, cautions against using stretchy material such as ace bandages, which can cut off circulation if wrapped too tightly.
• Neosporin ointment - for scrapes, to be used under the direction of a vet.
• Backboard, wood, door, blanket - to act as a temporary stretcher to transport your pet to a car.
• Scissors - for cutting bandages to size.
• Tweezers - to remove a tick.
• Eyewash (like contact wearers use) - if something gets into your pet's eye, this can be used to flush it out.
• Thermometer - you should have a dedicated thermometer for your pets and either KY jelly or plain petroleum to ease taking a rectal temperature.
• Plain diphenhydramine tablets (Benadryl) - can be used in dogs that have an allergic reaction, but should only be used as directed by your veterinarian.
• Muzzle - to minimize the risk of being bitten while trying to help an animal that's in pain.
• Pet carrier - to make sure your pet is safely restrained for transport to the vet.

I hope you never need to use a kit, but the old adage, "Forewarned is forearmed," seems to fit well.

Potential Easter Hazards For Your Pet

It is so much fun to celebrate holidays with the accompanying decorations and festive foods.  I don't usually think about what may present a danger to my wonderful pups unless I am reminded about the hazards occasionally. That happened today in an email from "Dr. Jon" at PetPlace.com.  So, here's hoping that you remember better than I do, but if you don't, I thought I'd put out a few ideas for you to think about during this time.

Did you know that there is a traditional Easter decoration that can be very dangerous to both dogs and cats?

Well there is. The biggest Easter danger to dogs is toxicity from Easter Lily ingestion. Eating Easter Lilies can cause kidney failure and be fatal (it is more dangerous to cats but can also affect dogs).  So keep your dogs (and especially your cats) away from Easter Lilies. (You might not think that plants present any interest to cats or dogs, but I have a friend who used to clean her 
There are a couple of other Easter dangers that you should be aware of:  chocolate and the plastic grass in the Easter basket.

1. Chocolate can be toxic in large amounts - especially the baking chocolate. Even small amounts can cause nausea and vomiting in some dogs.

2. Another dangerous item in the Easter basket is the plastic grass. The grass is not digestible and can cause a gastrointestinal "obstruction" that can be life-threatening.

My year-old pup seems to love to put anything and everything in her mouth.  She has recently found that peeling tennis balls is a wonderful stress reliever so I can only imagine how much she would love that plastic grass!  Or the basket!  Or the table it is sitting on!  Or...well, you can see what I am up against right now!  Best of luck to you in puppy and kitten proofing your household!

Signs of Aging in Your Dog

I receive a daily newsletter from Dr. Jon at PetPlace.com.   Perhaps you've seen it from time to time.  Anyway, he sent this to me and since I have a 6 year old pup now I found many of these ideas helpful and thought I'd pass it on to you.

"You aren't getting older, you're getting better - at least, that's what a lot of people tell themselves. The same goes for our dogs, but we can't ignore some of the changes that occur as the years advance. Every dog ages differently but there are some common changes that occur, as the body gets older. Here is a list of some of the most common things that develop in elderly pets.

1. Loss of hearing. As dogs age, the nerve cells and hearing apparatus degenerates, resulting in a slow loss of hearing.

2. Loss of vision. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy with age. Natural changes result in lenticular sclerosis, which typically does not cause significant vision loss. However, cataracts may develop, which do interfere with vision.

3. Decreased activity. As dogs age, their metabolic rate slows. This results in a decreased activity level.

4. Weight gain. Elderly dogs require 30 to 40 percent fewer calories. By eating a normal maintenance diet, obesity often develops.

5. Infections. As the body ages, the immune system weakens, making it harder for the dog to ward off infections."

Always talk to your own vet if you see any of these signs or anything unusual with your furry friend.

Who Me? I Didn't Do It!

After "puppy proofing" my house a year ago, you'd think that I wouldn't have anything to worry about, wouldn't you?  Not so.  I guess the migration began during her compliant days.  Now, at a year old, she is the "Holy Terror" once again.  Whatever migration of "things" that took place, she knows where everything is that might cause her harm.  I came back the other day (after only an hour) to find one of the doggie beds had been "unzipped" (aka - ripped open) and green stuff was all over the bedroom.  I cleaned it up and discovered that the zipper had been disassembled and small wires were lying around.  My first thought was did she swallow something that would make her ill.  Fortunately, all is well, but now I have something else to worry about - what else is around?

Household items are always going to be around and potentials for mischief.  Here are some that might also be a source of difficulty:

Aspirin/anti-inflamatory medications     Acetaminophen    Antidepressants   Bleach
Cold and flu medicines       Vitamins      Home Insect products              Moth balls     
Diet pills          Fabric softener     Solvents       Oven cleaner sprays      Detergents
Liquid potpourri       Lime/scale remover       Tobacco products              Lighter fluids    
Fake grass (used in baskets around Easter time)    Small toys and plastic Easter eggs

How do any of our pets survive to advanced age?  A little bit of luck and lots of love and care, I guess!

Spring and Safety for Pets Out-of-Doors

Springtime is here!  So, lots of us spend time out-of-doors with our pets.  If you happen to be lucky enough to have a fenced in yard, maybe your pets like to spend time out there without you.  My dogs love lying in the warm sun and on the cool garden soil.  I guess they even love lying in the mud, too.  Just being outside after a cold winter makes them more energetic.  They, also, "get into trouble" more often.  So, I have to do regular patrols to pick up potential hazards every couple of days.

Here is a list of dangers that might be hiding in your backyard:

Antifreeze/Coolant - Some types of antifreeze and coolant contain ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
Algae -  Found in ponds or other sources of water, certain forms can be toxic.
Fire pit/Grill - Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
Fences or gates - If there are openings in a damaged fence or gate, your pets can run loose.  They also run the risk of becoming caught, hurt, or worse.
Deck lattice - Pets may get stuck in the openings under your deck and suffer injury or even become strangled.
De-icing salts - Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to pets if ingested in large amounts.  There are "pet-friendly" products out there.
Compost - Dogs eat anything.  The more disgusting the better, is my dogs' motto!  If compost becomes moldy, it may present a problem to your pet.
Swimming pools and hot tubs - One time while visiting our relatives, I happened to look out into the back yard and saw my 95 pound German Shepherd bouncing across the swimming pool cover toward the deep end.  You can imagine my panic!  What was this crazy dog doing NOW?  Since that was Michigan in March, the pool was half full, cold, and scuzzy.  But, a clean, uncovered pool is just as dangerous if your pet falls in and can't get out - even if they can swim!
Gasoline, oil, pesticides, cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer - All contain chemicals that may cause serious illness depending on the circumstances of exposure.

I'm sure your fenced yard is a GREAT place for your pet.  Just do a quick inspection to see if anything is lurking.

April is "Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" Month

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month.  This is a passion that all of us share, I am sure.  Preventing animal cruelty and suffering is a goal for all of us.  Do you know how to spot an abused animal?  The ASPCA has some good information that will help recognize different situations in the linked article.

I called animal control once because my neighbors had a wonderful dog whom they loved dearly, but they kept her chained up outside all the time on a short chain.  I couldn't stand it anymore.  Animal control visited the family and worked with them to rig up a line with a pulley on it so that she could run around in a safe area.  They also helped with a dog house and counseling.  The solution wasn't perfect because dogs love to be with their pack - not alone during the day - but she wasn't confined to a very small area anymore.  The decision to call was difficult, but I am SO happy that I did it.  I won't ever hesitate to make the call again if I see anything like abuse.

Hot Weather and Pets

I put a note on someone's car window today.  I know that the person loves his dog, but I worried that he wasn't really aware of the potential harm that comes from leaving an animal inside a car without proper ventilation. 

I noticed the dog on my way into the store. Two windows were rolled down about 2 and a half inches (both of them were on the same side, though), and it wasn't above 65* outside.  Nevertheless, when I returned to my car and opened it up, it was very warm inside my car.  The sweet dog was still in the car across the way.  I hadn't been there too long and the dog seemed to be fine, but I was worried.  So, I dashed off a friendly comment and inserted it under his windshield washer.  As it happened, he returned right away and everything was fine for the dog.  But, what if it had been hotter or what if....

I believe that dogs love to ride with us, but if the sun is out and we don't provide a good means of ventilation, they are better off at home.  Take them for a walk or throw a ball for them.  Don't take a chance!

Here is an article produced by the ASPCA which gives hot weather tips. It has great ideas.  Maybe you can pass it on to all of your friends and get the word out.