People who run New Zealand's SPCA have a unique way to attract attention to dogs who need homes and families, they've taught the dogs to drive a Mini Cooper!
In this video you can see the dog "Porter" is driving the car but in reality is obeying the commands he's receiving from his trainer on how to move the wheel right or left. It's not like they suddenly hopped in the car to visit their local pet shop for treats. She's teaching them to push the controls and the bright canines respond well to her prompts. Fun to see the dog turning the steering wheel right to make the turn on the track.
These stray dogs are quick to respond to her training and are showing how bright they are. Hopefully locals will get over to their facility and adopt all these fun intelligent dogs and give then good homes.
More at Digital Trends.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Dognapping Up Almost 70%
American Kennel Club has released information regarding dogs being stolen from their owners. Dognapping as they call it, is up almost 70% from last year. They're being taken from their owner's vehicles, waiting areas in public and at home as well as theft from shelters.
The AKC recommends owners get their dogs microchipped. This is a controversial subject as their are cons and pros regarding chipping your pets. One of the most important concerns is that the chip releases radiation into the dogs system which may lead to Cancer or other diseases. Another problem is getting dogs from breeders or other vendors who have already chipped the dog with their name and address. If you lose track of the vendor and you lose your dog the chip will carry return info for the lost vendor and not you-messy messy situation.
The positive side of chipping is that if someone finds your dog and returns it to a shelter or vet, your return info will be on it and chances are good you'll get your dog back.
We all take our dogs in our vehicles for companionship and so the dog can get out and see new places, people, other dogs and get exercise. Apparently, just a quick run into the store can put your dog at risk nowadays.
Solutions include a harness that lets owners carry their dog, preferably small dog, in front and secure. Asking store owners if you can carry or bring your dog inside the store, pet stores and garden nurseries are usually dog-friendly. Putting up a car-sunshade to hide your pet's location in the car might be a good way to protect your pet also. You might want to consider a small motion sensing alarm for your car or even on the pet's harness.
No reason is being offered for the increase in pet thefts which makes the situation even creepier as all kinds of dark scenarios come to mind. Are the dogs being used for some kind of medical or scientific experimentation or being deported and sold in neighboring countries or are people so cash-poor now that if they want a dog the only way they can get one is to steal it?
Whatever the reason, be extra careful when you take your dog outside your home and certainly leash it in city areas. Don't leave the dog waiting on it's leash in front of a store or even your urban home. Try to hide your dog from view if you have to leave the vehicle or sadly, consider not taking your dog out in your vehicle as much. Think about risk versus reward.
More details at CBS New York.
Here's a video of an actual Dognapping:
The AKC recommends owners get their dogs microchipped. This is a controversial subject as their are cons and pros regarding chipping your pets. One of the most important concerns is that the chip releases radiation into the dogs system which may lead to Cancer or other diseases. Another problem is getting dogs from breeders or other vendors who have already chipped the dog with their name and address. If you lose track of the vendor and you lose your dog the chip will carry return info for the lost vendor and not you-messy messy situation.
The positive side of chipping is that if someone finds your dog and returns it to a shelter or vet, your return info will be on it and chances are good you'll get your dog back.
We all take our dogs in our vehicles for companionship and so the dog can get out and see new places, people, other dogs and get exercise. Apparently, just a quick run into the store can put your dog at risk nowadays.
Solutions include a harness that lets owners carry their dog, preferably small dog, in front and secure. Asking store owners if you can carry or bring your dog inside the store, pet stores and garden nurseries are usually dog-friendly. Putting up a car-sunshade to hide your pet's location in the car might be a good way to protect your pet also. You might want to consider a small motion sensing alarm for your car or even on the pet's harness.
No reason is being offered for the increase in pet thefts which makes the situation even creepier as all kinds of dark scenarios come to mind. Are the dogs being used for some kind of medical or scientific experimentation or being deported and sold in neighboring countries or are people so cash-poor now that if they want a dog the only way they can get one is to steal it?
Whatever the reason, be extra careful when you take your dog outside your home and certainly leash it in city areas. Don't leave the dog waiting on it's leash in front of a store or even your urban home. Try to hide your dog from view if you have to leave the vehicle or sadly, consider not taking your dog out in your vehicle as much. Think about risk versus reward.
More details at CBS New York.
Here's a video of an actual Dognapping:
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Nose Cells Help Dogs Walk Again
Researchers at Cambridge University in England have made a discovery that allows previously paralyzed dogs to walk again.
They took 34 dogs with paralyzed hind legs and injected cells into their spines. The cells were from the dog's nose! The findings so far reveal that the injection of nose cells improves the dog's ability to walk again. The cells don't improve communication between the brain and legs but those particular cells regenerate more than any other cells in a dog's nervous systems.
The dogs don't walk as if they weren't injured but the cell therapy does improve walking ability and coordination.
Very interesting study.
More details at ABC News.
They took 34 dogs with paralyzed hind legs and injected cells into their spines. The cells were from the dog's nose! The findings so far reveal that the injection of nose cells improves the dog's ability to walk again. The cells don't improve communication between the brain and legs but those particular cells regenerate more than any other cells in a dog's nervous systems.
The dogs don't walk as if they weren't injured but the cell therapy does improve walking ability and coordination.
Very interesting study.
More details at ABC News.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Hurricane Sandy Pets Ready for Adoption!
Unfortunately, one of the effects of Hurricane Sandy was to force pet owners to give up their beloved pets. People lost homes and most shelters will not allow pets. Most will face euthanization if an adoption doesn't happen soon.
San Diego's premier shelter for homeless pets located in Rancho Santa Fe, The Helen Woodward Animal Center, received 60 of the homeless New York and New Jersey pets on Friday November 17th.
Spokeswoman Jessica Gercke said the pets will be checked out and vaccinated before allowing them to be adopted. Many of the pets, mostly dogs, are small in stature and should be adoptable.
A Southwest Airlines pilot and crew devoted their time to transport the pets.
Interested in adopting one of these pets?
Check out the Helen Woodward Animal Center online. The front page features a cute dog that was flown in to be adopted.
Visit: Helen Woodward Animal Center.
San Diego's premier shelter for homeless pets located in Rancho Santa Fe, The Helen Woodward Animal Center, received 60 of the homeless New York and New Jersey pets on Friday November 17th.
Spokeswoman Jessica Gercke said the pets will be checked out and vaccinated before allowing them to be adopted. Many of the pets, mostly dogs, are small in stature and should be adoptable.
A Southwest Airlines pilot and crew devoted their time to transport the pets.
Interested in adopting one of these pets?
Check out the Helen Woodward Animal Center online. The front page features a cute dog that was flown in to be adopted.
Visit: Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Brooklyn Man Who Stayed with His Dog Found Dead
Brooklyn resident "Ritchie Krins" went to seek shelter from hurricane Sandy but was turned away because his dog wouldn't stop barking. The 67 year old baker lived alone with his dog and went back home with the dog when they couldn't find a place for shelter.
A neighbor banged on Krin's door a few hours before the storm hit and told him to leave but he answered he was alright. Krins was a bachelor and the dog was his only companion so he didn't want to abandon his dog.
Unfortunately, they found Krin's body laying face down in six feet of filthy water in his home that has been smashed and demolished by the storm. The dog was still alive and barking at rescuers. They theorized that the dog was able to swim to safety.
This was another example of just how strong the connection is between owners and their pets. This man would probably still be alive if he had left his dog to fend for itself at his home or even gotten out of the area with his dog when the storm had been announced days before.
More details at New York Daily News.
A neighbor banged on Krin's door a few hours before the storm hit and told him to leave but he answered he was alright. Krins was a bachelor and the dog was his only companion so he didn't want to abandon his dog.
Unfortunately, they found Krin's body laying face down in six feet of filthy water in his home that has been smashed and demolished by the storm. The dog was still alive and barking at rescuers. They theorized that the dog was able to swim to safety.
This was another example of just how strong the connection is between owners and their pets. This man would probably still be alive if he had left his dog to fend for itself at his home or even gotten out of the area with his dog when the storm had been announced days before.
More details at New York Daily News.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
World's Tallest Dog Named Zeus
A Great Dane called "Zeus" is the largest dog in the world insists the Guinness Book of Records. The 3 yr. old is 44 inches tall but when he stands on his back legs he is 7 ft. 4 inches tall and weighs 155 pounds.
The owner who lives in Michigan said the only downside to owning this dog is the higher costs for everything, food, transporting him, medicines, etc.
Here's the link and photo of world's tallest dog Zeus
The owner who lives in Michigan said the only downside to owning this dog is the higher costs for everything, food, transporting him, medicines, etc.
Here's the link and photo of world's tallest dog Zeus
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Dog Returns Home After 500 Mile Trip
Three year old Labrador Retriever "Buck" found his way back home after a 500 mile trip. The man who found the dog decided to keep him and brought him to the vet for shots. The vet discovered Buck's microchip and contacted Buck's father Mark Wessells.
Long lost dog and owner reunited after 500 miles. Nobody knows how Buck found his way back but guessing he used his strong sense of smell.
More details at People-Pets.
Long lost dog and owner reunited after 500 miles. Nobody knows how Buck found his way back but guessing he used his strong sense of smell.
More details at People-Pets.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Letterman's Late Show Top Ten Dog TV Shows
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Programs On Dog TV
10
Neuter, She Wrote
9
Doogie Schnauzer, M.D.
8
America's Got Heartworm
7
How I Met Your Breeder
6
Bones
5
The King Charles Spaniel of Queens
4
Keeping Up With the Pomeranians
3
Who's a Good Boy? Starring Nathan Lane
2
Two Broke Bitches
1
Shih Tzu My Dad Says
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Dave Barry's Dog Knows What They're Doing!
Dog people get this Dave Barry quote:
" The garbage men are doing something very, very evil, and only my dog knows what it is. "
" The garbage men are doing something very, very evil, and only my dog knows what it is. "
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Dogs are Carnivores Argument
The Doctor reminds dog owners that a dog's teeth are built for meat eating, they don't have the digestive enzymes in their saliva for processing carbs and starches and their digestive system is designed to hold and break down meat-based proteins.
Read more interesting facts at Mercola.com.
Friday, January 27, 2012
5 Things Hiding in Your Purse That Could Poison Your Pets
This article is a very important read for any pet owner. These common items a lot of women carry in their purses can be deadly if pets consume them. Many pets will eat virtually anything in front of them so it's important to make sure all potentially poisonous products are not available for your pets.
Check out 5 Pet Poisons Hiding in Your Purse, Backpack or Workbag.
Check out 5 Pet Poisons Hiding in Your Purse, Backpack or Workbag.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dogs Welcoming Home Their Owners from Deployment
If you're a fan of dogs - you'll have a tear in your eye by the end of this video!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Dressing Up Dogs.......
Here's a cute video called "Why Dogs Bite." It's a collection of poor doggies dressed up by their owners. Notice the expression on each dog's face-very cute:
Friday, December 23, 2011
How to Treat an Ear Infection in Dogs
A couple of common symptoms of ear infection is your dog shaking their head. If they keep shaking their head, check out the ear. Sometimes an infected ear will have a bad oder emitting from it and the inside of the ear may look very red as compared to the other ear that has no problem.
Here's general advice on how to treat an ear infection:
Here's general advice on how to treat an ear infection:
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Hunter Shot by His Dog
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Yellow Dog Who Won't Leave His Fallen Master's Side
Story of a "Yellow Dog" who lives in a small village in china who refuses to leave the graveside of his owner. The 68 year old owner passed away earlier this month and the villagers have tried to lure the dog back to the village but he always returns to the graveside.
Animals have emotions similar to ours. They might not be exactly like our emotions but they have feelings and in some cases very strong deep feelings.
The villagers have started feeding and watering the dog and have planned to build a kennel for the Yellow Dog.
Animals have emotions similar to ours. They might not be exactly like our emotions but they have feelings and in some cases very strong deep feelings.
The villagers have started feeding and watering the dog and have planned to build a kennel for the Yellow Dog.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Daniel the Miracle Dog
Eighteen dogs were euthanized in a Florence Alabama animal shelter on October 3rd 2011. The animal control officer opened up the door to the gas chamber and found a Beagle wagging his tail and waiting for attention. For some reason the Beagle was able to escape the effects of the deadly gas while the other 17 dogs had not.
Word of the "miracle dog" got around quickly and now the dog who refused to die is a celebrity of sorts. He was immediately fostered temporarily by Karen Rudolph of West Tennessee who runs a Schnauzer rescue with her husband Michael.
Rudolph has nicknamed the wonder-dog "Daniel" from the Daniel in the Bible who walked out of the lion's den. She had him checked by a vet and he's not sick so the theory is he didn't breathe in the gas as the other dogs did. His immune system is a little bit compromised but otherwise the 20 pounder has been given a clean bill of health.
Another rescue group from Rockaway New Jersey named "Eleventh Hour Rescue" flew Daniel up to Rockaway and foster parent Jill Pavlik and her husband are taking good care of him until a good home can be found. Daniel fits right in with their other dogs and has a sweet fun-loving personality.
She says in the video below she's going to be very careful who she lets adopt him. Over two hundred people have sent emails wanting to adopt Daniel.
Here's a glimpse of Daniel the Miracle Beagle:
More details about Daniel at ABC News.
Word of the "miracle dog" got around quickly and now the dog who refused to die is a celebrity of sorts. He was immediately fostered temporarily by Karen Rudolph of West Tennessee who runs a Schnauzer rescue with her husband Michael.
Rudolph has nicknamed the wonder-dog "Daniel" from the Daniel in the Bible who walked out of the lion's den. She had him checked by a vet and he's not sick so the theory is he didn't breathe in the gas as the other dogs did. His immune system is a little bit compromised but otherwise the 20 pounder has been given a clean bill of health.
Another rescue group from Rockaway New Jersey named "Eleventh Hour Rescue" flew Daniel up to Rockaway and foster parent Jill Pavlik and her husband are taking good care of him until a good home can be found. Daniel fits right in with their other dogs and has a sweet fun-loving personality.
She says in the video below she's going to be very careful who she lets adopt him. Over two hundred people have sent emails wanting to adopt Daniel.
Here's a glimpse of Daniel the Miracle Beagle:
More details about Daniel at ABC News.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Always Include Your Pets in Any Evacuation Plan
Include your pets in your evacuation and disaster planning
(ARA Content) - All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take.
"Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don't accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets."
With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.
Fireman's Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:
1. Have a disaster plan
Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.
Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.
Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.
2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets
Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:
* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.
3. If you must evacuate, take your pets
Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.
Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
4. After the disaster
Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.
Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.
"Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster," says Munson. "Safety should be your primary consideration."
(ARA Content) - All too often when a disaster strikes, our four-legged friends are left to fend for themselves and sometimes end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought-out disaster plan that includes Fido, so you know where to go and what to take."Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don't accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals," says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. "It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets."
With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.
Fireman's Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:
1. Have a disaster plan
Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.
Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.
Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.
2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets
Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:
* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.
3. If you must evacuate, take your pets
Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.
Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.
4. After the disaster
Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.
Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.
"Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster," says Munson. "Safety should be your primary consideration."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
DIY: How to Trim Your Dog's Nails
This will be an ongoing DIY series of videos showing owners how to various tasks that every owner needs to do to maintain your dog's appearance and health.
How to Trim Your Dog's Nails
How to Trim Your Dog's Nails
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