Peanut Detecting Dogs

There are close to 1.8 million people living in America today that are allergic to peanuts, with 400,00 of being school children, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Sadly, only 20% of those children actually outgrow their peanut allergy. Nearly 150 adults and children die each year due to peanut allergies.

Ironically, it is the most common food allergy in America, but also the most commonly used food item as well. Of all the different types of food allergies, peanuts and tree nuts are most likely to cause severe allergic reactions, such as hives, stomach cramps, vomiting and shortness of breath, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Treatment for peanut allergies includes antihistamines and epinephrine injections to help prevent anaphylactic shock. Most adults spend their lives trying to avoid any type of nut, but children, on the other hand, have a harder time at distinguishing was food contains traces of peanuts and which is safe to eat.

For most of their children's lives, worried parents have worked hard to keep trace amounts of peanuts away from their allergic children, such as planning peanut-free parties at home, avoiding social gatherings, reading product labels, and changing family's lifestyle so that peanuts can be avoided at all cost.

However, things are starting to look up for children who are allergic to peanuts: Peanut Detecting Dogs.

These dogs have become valuable assets for children who are allergic to peanuts. Reason being is that a dog's sense of smell is far greater than that of human beings and so they are able to sniff out peanut products and residue that humans would not be able to smell at all. In fact, dogs actually have 45 times the number of olfactory receptors that humans have, which permits them to be able to smell one thousand times better than a human.

Most breeds of dogs, including mixed breeds, can be used as peanut detectors, although the most commonly used breeds are German Shepherds, Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. Poodles are preferred by people and children who are also highly allergic to pet dander as they do not shed and are comparatively dander free.

Dogs that are trained as Peanut Detectors usually go through extensive training. The end result, however, is that these are dogs can easily detect minuscule amounts of peanuts of any type or form, such as raw peanuts, cooked peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, and dust residue from peanuts. They can even tell the difference between a McDonald's chicken nugget and a Chick-Fil-A chicken nugget that was cooked in peanut oil!

Dogs are carefully selected, and then tested and screened for temperament and characteristics that would help them to be both a working dog and a family companion.

Such dogs have already proved their worth over and over again with their diligent devotion to preventing their owner's contact with peanut residue and thereby, a severe allergic reaction.

Director of Training and the owner of Southern Star Ranch Boarding Kennel in Florence, Texas, Sharon Perry, has already trained quite a few dogs to sniff out peanuts and peanut residue.

Perry searches all of the animal shelters in the Dallas, Texas, area to find what she deems to be the perfect prodigy pup. More specifically, Perry is looking for dogs that are "wild, crazy and want to play ball 'til hell freezes over, maybe a little longer," she says.

Once found, Perry takes them back to her kennel for six months of intense training. Perry's peanut dogs are also trained to be very gentle, loving, and trustworthy who will be a devoted companion to their new families.

The dogs are trained to discreetly scan guests who come to your home for any residual peanut odor, as well as sniffing library books, groceries and any other object or product that is being brought into your home for peanuts, peanut residue or peanut odor in order to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction. Since these dogs are also deemed as Medical Companion Dogs, they are allowed to accompany the children in public places where they will sniff out the environment, food and even friends to determine if the area is peanut free.

The total cost of finding, caring for, and training a dog to detect peanuts is $9,995, plus the traveling expenses of the prospective family to do additional training for two weeks.

Karen Gensel, brought Remy, one of Perry's trained dog's, home for her son, Billy. Remy has proved his worth for Billy, with Gensel saying:

"... to know there is an added level of security, a layer of protection that I could provide in no other way, has endowed a confidence in both my son and myself that I never knew we could experience."

Photo Credit: EuroMagic

Dogs That Eat Grass

Every dog owner knows that dogs are not fussy eaters at all! Dogs will eat just about anything that you offer them, and some things that you don't, with grass being one of them!

Even though dogs live off of a mostly carnivorous diet, they can also survive on a vegetarian diet that is well balanced. Dogs require a combination of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water that together should provide enough calories to meet their daily needs.

Dogs are descended from wild canids, such as the wolf, and have survived over the years by being scavengers. When eating a kill, they would first go for the stomach and intestines of their prey. Since most of their prey were herbivores, they would also eat lots of plants and berries that were found in their stomach.

Most veterinarians are in disagreement as to why dogs like to eat grass. One theory is that because they were once scavengers that ate the plant filled stomachs of their prey, that they are more predisposed to wanting to eat grass.

Veterinarians have not quite decided whether dogs eat grass to vomit or they vomit because they eat grass. Although the majority of vets actually feel that there is something present in the grass itself that stimulates the dog's urge to vomit.

A dog's stomach contains neuro-receptors actually respond to whatever it is that a dog has eaten, such as, acidity, texture and the chemical content.

Research has indicated that the texture of the ingested grass irritates a dog's stomach which may induce vomiting. This may explain why a presumably healthy dog is able to eat without being ill. Sick dogs will chew the grass faster than a healthy dog will. This causes all the prickly blades of grass to pass through to the stomach without being properly chewed up. This irritation plus whatever was upsetting their stomachs in the first place, causes the dog to throw up, thereby ridding themselves of the irritating substance.

A build up of bile in their stomachs, is another reason why dogs eat grass and then vomit. Their gallbladder produces the bile which is then excreted into their stomachs to help digest fats. If a dog's stomach is empty, the bile can make the dogs feel ill which then forces the dog to eat grass so that they can regurgitate whatever it is that is making them feel ill. Although this is considered normal dog behavior, it is recommended that dogs be fed smaller meals more frequently or to give them a cookie or two before their bedtime so that their stomachs have something to digest overnight.

Since dogs have been eating and regurgitating grass for centuries without any negative side effects, most veterinarians today are not concerned about this phenomenon.

The problem, however, occurs when a dog eats grass that has been treated with an insecticide, herbicide, fertilizer or other harmful chemicals. When walking your dog outside of his home environment, it is best to keep a watchful eye on your dog to make sure that he does not stop to eat the grass instead of the roses.

At home, however, you are better able to control your dog's grass eating addiction. Before applying any type of chemical to your lawn, read the packaging label very carefully. These days most of the insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers that are on the market today, state whether or not they are dangerous for pets. Regardless of whether or not the chemical product you choose to use on your lawn is safe for pets, you should prevent your dog from walking, sitting, playing or eating grass right after you have applied such chemicals. Even though most of these chemical products break down quite quickly, they can still pose a threat to the health of your dog if he or she ingests them along with the grass right after they have been applied.

A final veterinarian theory as to why dogs eat grass is because they are lacking adequate fiber in their diets. To see if this theory proves true for your dog, you are encouraged to buy dog food that claims to be high in fiber, such as found in senior dog kibble. But since these types of high end commercial dog foods can be expensive, there are other options to increase your dog's fiber intake and supplement their diet.

A few suggestions include adding diced raw vegetables to your dog's kibble, or adding green beans or broccoli to broth and pouring it over your dog's dry food. Sprinkling bran to your dog's food can also do the trick.

Another natural approach to improving your dog's diet is to add supplements, such as Nu-Pets Granular Greens, which contains Wheat Grass, Barley and Alfalfa.

Photo Credit: 2neus

How To Massage Your Dog

Animal Massage Therapy helps to increase an animal's circulation, boosts their immune system and increase mobility. Therefore, it is extremely helpful for dogs who have arthritis. This video explains the basics of animal massage therapy for a dog who is both suffering from arthritis and cancer.

Kitten Classes

When you think of pet training, you instantly think about your dog attending obedience school. But what about your cat?

Kersti Seksel, a veterinary behaviorist from Australia, opened her first "Kitty Kindy" nearly a decade ago to accommodate kittens aged between 7 and 14 weeks. Since then, such kitten classes have slowly spread across the USA. Such classes give kittens the opportunity to interact with their owners, other people and other cats, in a playful way and also help to stop any unwanted behavior issues from forming.

In the USA such classes are offered to kittens aged between 8 and 15 weeks by animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and animal shelters. Before attending, the kittens need to be current on their vaccinations and receive the approval of their veterinarian. They also need to have tested negative for both feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

Most classes are modeled after Dr. Seksel's teachings as well as from the American Association of Feline Practitioners feline behavior guidelines. The purpose of these classes is to help a kitten become accustomed to other pets and people, as well as a carrier. It also teaches the kitten's owners how to properly care, feed, handle and play with their kittens. Other subjects that are discussed is diet and grooming, litter box training and scratching on furniture.

Just like most other pets, kittens go through an early development stage, between 8 and 15 weeks, in which they trust everything and everyone in their environment. This is the perfect time to help your kitten bond with members of your family and to learn his or her boundaries.

Arden Moore, the editor of Catnip Magazine from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, says:

"None of us want to find our cat ducked under the bed when we have to take her to the clinic. With something like kitty kindergarten, you're starting off on the right paw, if you will. You're showing your cat that the carrier is a safe, welcoming place. The car is no big deal. And the veterinarian's office is no big deal. You're getting them used to being handled by different people and safely introduced to new environments."

By helping providing your kitten with proper socialization to new experiences, people, pets and situations, you are essentially guaranteeing that your kitten will grow up to be a very confident, social cat that is not afraid of being picked and handled, or of trips in their carrier. They will also be more patient and calms during veterinary or grooming visits as well. Cats who have attended kitten classes when they were young are less skittish or nervous around strange people and pets, including dogs.

Whether you are new cat owner or an experienced one, kitten classes will be beneficial to both you and your kitten on a variety of levels. First time kitten owners will be able to learn proper feeding, litter box cleaning, and playing tactics. Those cat owners, who are more experienced, will be able to brush up on their knowledge of kitten and cat behavior in order to continue socializing their kitten properly.

If you are interested in enrolling your kitten into a kitten class, your first step should be your veterinarian's office. Most classes are run by veterinarians or their staff members. Moore says, "It's a great way to put a cat in a fun environment when they visit the vet, not just for the dreaded vaccinations."

If your veterinarian does not run any classes, your next step would be to contact your local animal shelter, humane society or cat rescue. Most of these types of associations approve of kitten classes because they encourage the proper and healthier interaction between cat owners and kittens, thereby reducing the amount of kittens that are abandoned or relinquished back to the shelters. "Shelters really love it," Moore says. "It's helping kittens get socialized and adopted."

Other resources include online websites that have been created by leading cat behaviorists. These websites usually have a lot of valuable information listed on them to be able to either search for your kitten class or to have one requested by a professional in your area.

The American Association for Feline Practitioners have a website called CatVets, where they maintain feline behavior guidelines that can help you in choosing the perfect class for you and your kitten.

By taking the time now to enroll you kitten into a kitten class, you will be providing your kitten with a great start in life. Such classes are able to teach owners how to mentally and physically stimulate their kittens so that they can become healthy and confident cats.

These classes are proof of our understanding of the wants and needs of kittens and help create the perfect relationship with our cats.

Photo Credit: Hitchster

Cloning a Dog Hero

A dog that was dubbed a hero during the aftermath of 9-11 has been successfully cloned - five times!

Retired Police Officer James Symington, won a competition that was being run by BioArts International, a Northern California biotech company. The prize? Five cloned versions of his late search and rescue dog, Trakr.

The contest sponsored by BioArts International in 2008, was entitled the "Golden Clone Giveaway". Symington won after writing to BioArts and explaining why he believed that his late dog, Trakr, would be the perfect candidate to be cloned. Since Symington won the competition, he will receive his cloned puppies for free, whilst other BioArts clients usually pay roughly $144,000 to clone their canine pets.

The company currently holds the sole, worldwide license for cloning cats, dogs, and endangered animals. BioArts has also become a partner with Sooam Biotech Research Foundation of South Korea, which is the world's leading expert in cloning dogs. Dr Hwang Woo-Suk at Sooam was in charge of the cloning of Trakr. Dr Hwang was also the mastermind behind the world's first canine clone in 2005.

CEO of BioArts International, Lou Hawthorne, says "We received many very touching submissions to our contest, describing some truly amazing dogs. But Trakr's story blew us away. His many remarkable capabilities were proven beyond all doubt in our nation's darkest hour - and we're proud to have cloned him successfully."

During his long career as a search and rescue dog, Trakr was recognized for helping in hundreds of arrests and in recovering more than $1 million in stolen goods. Just after the horrific September 11 attacks, Symington and Trakr travelled together as a team to Ground Zero. They were one of the first K9 search and rescue teams to arrive on the scene. Under such gruesome circumstances, Trakr was credited with locating the last human survivor to be found amongst all the rubble.

Of this event, Symington wrote in his winning letter: "Once in a lifetime, a dog comes along that not only captures the hearts of all he touches but also plays a private role in history."

Trakr was awarded by Dr. Jane Goodall, the United Nations "Messenger of Peace," with the Extraordinary Service To Humanity Award. He was also featured in magazine articles and books that were dedicated to the 9-11 heroes, including Dog World Magazine and In the Line of Duty.

On Sunday, June 14th, Symington met the cloned pups for the very first time. It was emotional to say the least. Symington explained, "They're identical - down to the smallest detail. Few dogs are born with exceptional abilities - Trakr was one of those dogs. And if these puppies have the same attributes as Trakr, I plan on putting them in to search and rescue so they can help people the way Trakr did."

Dr. Hwang and his associates replaced the genes in eggs from unrelated dogs with Trakr's genes in order to clone him. This motivated the ensuing "couplets" to progress into embryos, which were then transferred to the dogs that were going to serve as surrogate mothers.

The surrogate mothers had normal pregnancies which eventually lead to the birth of pups that were genetic replica of Trakr. The oldest pup was born on the 8th of December 2008 and the youngest was born on the 4th of April 2009, in Seoul, South Korea. Their names are: Trust, Solace, Valor, Prodigy and Deja Vu.

In an email, Dr. Hwang wrote: "9-11 was a terrible shock for Korean people as well as Americans. These five clones of Trakr, who saved a human life at Ground Zero, are a gift not just to Mr. Symington, but to America and the world."

Like most other 9-11 rescuers, Rick Cushman of Saugus, Massachusetts, was delighted to hear the news of Trakr's cloning. Cushman was a volunteer with the Massachusetts Emergency Measures Agency and drove all the way to New York City shortly after the initial 9-11 attack in order to help with the rescue efforts. He recalls the morning of September 12, when he, Symington and Trakr were searching an area when Trakr caught the scent of a live person amidst all of the rubble.

Cushman later said, "That hit led us to Genelle Guzman, the fifth and final survivor. I am proud to have been involved in this rescue and proud to have worked alongside James and Trakr. If Trakr hadn't picked up her scent, we might not have known she was there. They helped save her life."

According to BioArts International's website, the company is considered a biotech startup in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their main scientific labs are in Beijing, they have custom micro-engineering operations in London, as well as scientific alliances in Seoul, South Korea.

Photo Credit: Howard N2GOT

Is Your Dog a Blood Donor?

Every year there are numerous dogs that are rushed into the nearest animal emergency hospital because of an accident or injury. In order to survive, most of these dogs require a blood transfusion.

Animal blood banks have increased in the USA, mostly due to the advances in the veterinary field. Developed initially for human medicine, pets are now able to benefit from advanced tests and procedures, with blood transfusions being no exception. Also, today's pet owner treats their pet as a real part of their family and are therefore willing to spend more money on their pet's health care, including emergency care and surgeries.

In order to donate blood, a dog must first meet certain criteria; such as being a certain age and within a certain weight limit and also pass a physical examination. Other requirements include:

* Being healthy and good tempered as this will help in a quick and easy blood draw.

* Being is current on all vaccinations.

* Being free from heartworm or any blood or tick-borne diseases. Most blood banks will test a dog first before allowing him to be a blood donor.

* Not currently being on any medication as some medicines can be transfused in the blood.

* Never receiving a blood transfusion before.

Once these criteria have been met, the dog's blood is then typed and screened for pathogens, like Lyme disease. Just like humans, dogs also have different blood types. A complete blood count and chemistry screen is conducted to check the red and white cells, platelets, electrolyte levels and organ function of the dog.

If all tests come back clear, the dog is then allowed to be a donor. Most blood banks allow a dog to donate every seven to twelve weeks, with dogs that weigh between 35 and 50 pounds donating a half a pint of blood, and dogs that weigh over 50pounds, donating one pint. Theoretically, one unit of blood is able to treat three to four dogs depending on the recipient's, weight, age and reason for needing the blood transfusion.

In the USA, the only state where commercial veterinary blood banks are required to be licensed and inspected yearly by the Department of Food and Agriculture is California. Because of this, California blood banks have to have donor dogs living on site.

Such as Hemopet in Garden Grove, a nonprofit facility that ships blood products nationwide and to Canada and Hong Kong, which keeps retired and rescued racing greyhounds. According to Founder and President W. Jean Dodds, DVM, these greyhounds receive around the clock veterinary care and maintenance and stay with the program for 12 to 18 months before being adopted out.

"These dogs have given blood to save the lives of other animals," she said. "They have a special need to be adopted, and we have an ethical obligation to see that they are well cared for."

Not every country in the world has a pet blood bank. Japan is currently calling on all dog owners to help in donating blood to save the life of another dog.

More than 6 million people own dogs in Japan and they all expect their dogs to live as long as they do. This means that there is an increase in blood transfusions as a result of surgeries that often accompany old age.

The Executive Director of the Japan Animal Referral Medical Center in Kawasaki, Hiroyuki Ogawa, explained: "Due to both the increase in number and elderly population of animals, there has been an increase in medical complications. The most common use of transfusions is for blood loss, but the amount we use for cancer treatments has also increased."

Since there is no animal blood bank in Japan, private veterinarian hospitals have to obtain and type blood that is needed for surgery beforehand on their own and since the blood can only be stored for 30 days, with each dog being allowed to donate twice per year, blood for dog's has become rare.

"There's no recognized blood bank, and as such, we can't stockpile blood. It is allowed for individual hospitals to conduct their own donation drives. But they cannot re-sell or redistribute that blood," Ogawa said.

Before this can change, dog owners will need to be educated on the need and process of the donation.

Yuka Torihama, who lives in Tokyo and spends roughly $1,500 per year on healthcare for her two dogs, said:

"I'm willing to donate my dog's blood as long as the donation system is safe. It's just that a lot of pet owners still don't know about the system and therefore, are skeptical about it. Though I think it's extremely important, you never know when your dog might be in need of blood."

Photo Credit: Plutor

Take Your Dog To Work Day - 26 June 2009

This Friday will mark the 10th Anniversary of Take Your Dog To Work Day.

This internationally celebrated event was first sponsored in 1999 by Pet Sitters International. A mere 300 businesses participated in that event by encouraging the adoption of dogs from local animal shelters.

Take Your Dog To Work Day was initially designed to honor dogs and the great companionship roles that they play in people's lives. It was also created to help encourage more people to adopt dogs from their local humane societies, animal rescues, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs.

This annual event has the added benefit of allowing employees to take their dogs to work with them for one day, and, in so doing, demonstrates to their employers how valuable pets can be in the workplace.

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association conducted a survey that showed nearly one in five companies in the United States actually allow pets in their workplace. Most of these companies allow their employees to bring their pet into work every day, whilst a few companies allow pets once per week.

There are many benefits to both employers and employees to allowing pets in the work place. Among such benefits include employees being more productive and creative, and more inclined to work longer hours with a decrease in the absenteeism rate, and improving the relationships with their co-workers and managers.

This year the theme for Take Your Dog To Work Day is "Secondhand Dogs" Offer First Rate Love and is being presented by BringPetsHome.org, a charity that is committed to pet care for animals in need, as well as FetchDog, an online dog supply store.

Claire Fisher, Head of Marketing for BringPetsHome.org was quoted as saying: "BringPetsHome.org is pleased to co-partner with FetchDog for Take Your Dog To Work Day by promoting dog-friendly work environments and helping shelters care for homeless pets by leveraging every day purchases at pet lovers' favorite retail stores.'

Other sponsors of 2009's Take Your Dog To Work Day are Dog Fancy Magazine, PetFinder.com, and Esser Vineyards, a family owned and operated Californian winery.

Manfred Esser, the proprietor of Esser Vineyards, has created a nationwide list of restaurants that are dog-friendly that will hold Esser Wine Dinners for restaurant diners and their dogs. A portion of each of the dinners will be donated to local animal shelters and animal rescue organizations. The wines will also be donated by Esser Vineyards, made by renowned winemaker Paul Moser, whilst their dogs will dine on food that is donated by Weruva Pet Foods.

There are many ways of becoming involved with this year's Take Your Dog To Work Day.Organize your own event by talking to your employer or human resources personnel and asking them to host a Take Your Dog To Work Day event on Friday, 26 June 2009.

When planning such an event, you should take into consideration other co-workers and find out if anyone has any objection to dogs in the workplace. Some people may have severe allergies or are afraid of dogs that would make bringing dogs to work unacceptable. In this situation, employees can bring photos of their dog's to work instead.

Another great way to get involved is to partner with your local animal shelter or rescue organization and have them bring in adoptable pets during your company's lunch hour. Hold a fundraising in honor of such an organization, such as a hot dog lunch.

If the company that you work for is participating in Take Your Dog To Work Day, there are a few things that you should do before bringing your dog to work with you:

* Be sure to puppy-proof your work area and hide electrical cords, wires and other toxic substances. Anything that could be potentially harmful to your dog should be placed out of your dog's reach.

* Check that your dog has had all of his vaccinations and be sure to give him a bath before taking him to work with you.

* Always consider your dog's personality. If your dog is shy or aggressive, neither of you will be comfortable with your dog accompanying you to work.

* Pack a doggie bag that includes your dog's food and water dish, food, treats, favorite toys, baggies and a pet-safe disinfectant. If you know that you will be frequently stepping out of your cubicle or office during the day, perhaps bring a crate for your dog to stay in whilst you are out of sight. Keep your dog on a feeding and relieving schedule so that you can still get your work done.

* Be prepared to either leave work early or have someone come and pick up your dog if he is being unruly or withdrawn.


Photo Credit: Wyscan

China's First Animal Rights Law

Chinese officials are currently in the final stages of drafting the country's first animal rights law. Once completed, the proposed law will be submitted to the Chinese government and congress authorities.

In December 2008, China's first Animal Protection Law Research Center was created at the Northwest University of Politics and Law. Since then, law professors at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences have been discussing the different aspects of this law proposal with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Britain's RSPCA. The majority of the proposal has been modeled after the RSPCA's animal sterilization programs and micro chip implants. However, the main focus of this law will be on preventing animal abuse and neglect.

The only animal law currently in existence in China today is a law protecting only endangered species, The Law on Protection of Wild Animals. However, this law only prohibits the trafficking and abuse of wildlife species in China.

Therefore, in China there is no penalty for abusing or killing other types of animals that are sold for food or as pets.

The new law would encourage pet owners to register and vaccinate their dogs. If anyone is found guilty of animal abuse, they will either be warned, fined or sentenced to prison.

Because of the increasing public and governmental support for animal rights, such a law is both needed and welcomed, explained Chang Jiwen, the head of the drafting team of law professors at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"China has begun to be aware of the importance of animal welfare because it touches on the economy, trade, religion, and ethics," he said when asked about the prospects of the proposal becoming law. "The future is bright, but the path ahead will be tortuous."

Even the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hong Kong has approved the drafting of such a law.

"We have yet to see the details, but any animal welfare law would be welcome," said the deputy director of the RSPCA's China Outreach program, Twiggy Cheung, "On the mainland, you see a lot of animal abuse and torture. We feel sorry for animals and also for the people, because there is no guideline for what is right and wrong. That is why a new law is needed."

Mz Cheung also agreed that the spread of rabies could be prevented by legal regulations requiring dogs to be vaccinated against rabies.

"The law ought to cover animal population control and responsible pet ownership, which means people should vaccinate their animals from rabies and other contagious disease."

Local governments in China have authorized mass killings, including burying dogs alive and clubbing them to death, to stop rabies from spreading. Rabies is one of the major causes of death in China amongst people.

The new animal rights law will stop this practice and make it illegal for anyone to participate in such horrific events.

Last month government officials in Heihe, in the Heilongjiang province, ordered a cull of every dog found in the town after a rabies outbreak.

Earlier this month, 37,000 dogs were clubbed to death to curb the spread of Rabies after 13 people died after being bitten by rabid dogs in the northern Chinese city of Hanzhong.

Xing Tianhu, the deputy mayor of Hanzhong, was quoted as saying: "The monitoring data showed that the danger caused by the dogs which carried rabies virus has increased and epidemic prevention and control is urgent."

The irony was that over 240,000 dogs were vaccinated against rabies in Hanzhong during the previous few weeks. Nevertheless, city officials apparently ventured out in to the city and clubbed to death any unattended dogs that they found to be in the streets.

"Telling people that unattended dogs will be killed is an effective way to contain the epidemic because it encourages dog owners to keep their pets at home," explained one city official.

However, in the district of Yangxian, every single dog living there was clubbed to death. Not surprisingly, animal rights advocates have stated that the majority of the culled dogs had been licensed, vaccinated and even leashed!

It seems that the culling may have been futile, as Peter Williams, the China director for the World Society for Protection of Animals, explains: "The mass removal of dogs can result in the increased movement of dogs of unknown disease status from surrounding areas, thereby actually facilitating disease transmission and increasing the threat to human and animal health."

There have been other reports by animal abuse by many international animal rights groups, mostly concerning the fact that millions of animals that are bred merely for their pelts, which include dogs and cats, are mistreated and inhumanely killed.

The new animal rights law will prevent such culling from every happening again.

Photo Credit: Ben Burkland/Carolyn Cook

Is Your Computer's Keyboard Cat-Proof?

If you have a home computer or home office and you own a cat or two, chances are that at some point, your cat has walked over your computer's keyboard.

A new computer software has been developed that will help ease your cat walking troubles: PawSense!

PawSense is a novel computer software program that has been specifically designed for cat (and dog) owners who use a computer at home. The idea behind this software is to protect your work from being deleted, or re-written by your cat's little paws.

It seems that all cats are literary critics and will pounce on your computer whenever they feel the urge to either delete or edit whatever it is that you are working on, regardless of whether you are sitting at your computer or have walked away for a minute.

When a cat walks across the keyboard, they can inadvertently (or intentionally, as the case may be) enter random commands and data, thereby damaging your files and causing your computer to crash.

In case you are wondering how your cute little kitty can do so much damage, it's simple really: their little paws on pressing down on the keyboard shortcuts that are already configured on your keyboard!

Most fast typists use the keyboard shortcuts to enter menu commands instead of using their mouse. This is fairly easy as most of today's popular software have keyboard shortcuts that have been built into the keyboard for almost every command imaginable.

Such keys include the ALT key, the CTRL key, and the function keys F1 - F12. One major shortcut that is used by almost every computer owner is the ALT key. By pressing the ALT key you can then press almost any other key on the keyboard to trigger a command from the program's main menu. In fact, any random key sequence can launch a variety of commands in different software programs. Microsoft Word, for example has over 200 different types of keyboard shortcuts!

By simply walking across your keyboard and stepping on these shortcut keys, your cat will have the ability to delete the files you have been working so hard on, change the data that you have just entered, and even be able to reconfigure your entire computer.

So how does PawSense help prevent this all from happening? PawSense is a software utility that is able to sense the difference between your articulate typing skills and your cat's critiquing attempts. As soon as the program senses that your cat is walking over the keyboard, it will immediately pounce into action and stop any cat typing from ruining your document.

Whenever you start your computer, PawSense will automatically begin in the background and will keep a watchful eye over the 'goings on' of your computer, even if you are using other software programs. PawSense has the ability to analyze keypress timings and combinations to help distinguish between your typing and your cat's typing. Most times the program is able to sense a keyboard walking cat within one or two paw steps.

Another great aspect of this utility is that is also sounds an alarm that is designed to annoy cats and scare them off of your keyboard. This has the added benefit of teaching your cat not to jump up on the computer whenever you are not around. You'll have the ability to choose what sounds you want your cat to hear or even record your own voice if you'd like.

As soon as paw steps of a cat have been identified, PawSense will quickly block any input from the cat's keyboard antics. This saves your data from being damaged or deleted.

PawSense can be purchased online at their website for $19.95.

If downloading and installing software on your computer makes you nervous, you can try out the Kitty Keyboard Kover. It is a simple design incorporating clear acrylic that is placed just above your computer's keyboard. It is strong enough to withhold a 16lb cat and will, thus, allow your cat to be right in front of you as you attempt to type away at your computer, without actually getting in your way!

Photo Credit: le

Does your pet need vaccinations every year?

Even though the importance of vaccinations has been stressed to pet owners, it may not be necessary to vaccinate your pet every year.

The vaccinations stimulate the pet's immune system and are done to protect the pet against a specific type of infectious disease, depending on the vaccine being administered.

However, it is not as simple as that, as there are other risks involved as well. When a vaccine is administered to a pet, it spurs the pet's immune system to produce 'Humoral Immunity'. This is simply a form of disease protection that is then mediated or controlled by antibodies.

If an animal has encountered a pathogen, their bodies produce antibodies that circulate in the body's fluids. These are molecules that attach themselves to the pathogens and stop them from wreaking havoc.

In order to keep these antibodies working, annual booster shots are usually recommended to pet owners. This is because it is thought that the vaccines themselves only provide immunity for about a year and so vaccinated a pet again each year would help maintain the pet's immunity system.

This protocol has been advised by most major veterinary associations for many years.

However, evidence is coming to light that proves that annual boost shots are not necessary. In fact, there is now proof that many of today's advancements in the vaccines have caused them to last much longer, almost for the entire life of the pet. Therefore, annual vaccinations are not necessary.

There are veterinarians who insist on annual booster shots because they do not feel confident enough in the medical evidence and that the benefits of these vaccines far outweigh the risks. Sadly, most of these veterinarians do not want to lose any potential income from the pet owners who bring their pets in every year to receive these annual boosters.

It is good to know that most of the recommendations for annual boosters for a vaccine actually come directly from the manufacturer of that vaccine, and not from any major veterinary association (although a re-vaccination recommendation must first be approved by such association).

The American Veterinary Medical Association has even started to change their tune: "While there is evidence that some vaccines provide immunity beyond one year, revaccination of patients with sufficient immunity does not necessarily add to their disease protection and may increase the potential risk of post-vaccination adverse events."

Because of this statement, most veterinary schools in the USA have started changing, or already have changed, their stance on teaching students that annual boosters are vital to the health of a pet.

There are side effects of vaccines that pet owners should be made aware of, most of which are immune related diseases, such as immune mediated hemolytic anemia, immune mediated skin disease, vaccine induced skin cancer, skin allergies, arthritis, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease and neurological conditions. These days, cats and dogs under the age of 5 that have some type of cancer, have become more and more prevalent in today's society. Besides the cancer, autoimmune disease cases are increasing amongst pets as well.

There are many links between these medical conditions and over-vaccination. It is believed that this is due to the immune system being over worked when a vaccine is given to a pet and will, therefore, respond poorly to the vaccine itself. In some situations, the outcome is an autoimmune disease or an infection or swelling and pain at the site of the injection. Most common are cats that have injection site sarcomas and dogs whose allergies are worsened after a vaccine is given.

All this being said, by using conventional vaccinations to increase a pet's immune system, they are actually causing them to become weaker. Most sick pets today are ill due to over-vaccinations, poor nutrition, bad breeding practices and no enough supplementation in their diet.

Although vaccines are used to prevent illnesses, they should always be used with extreme caution. Pet owners should always do their research on the vaccine and the disease to decide for themselves if the risks outweigh the potential benefit of the vaccine. The decision to vaccinate your pet is yours alone, not your vets. If you have an indoor cat, it may not be necessary to vaccinate her yearly as the chance of her coming into contact with a disease is very slim.

If you do decide to vaccinate your pet, you should realize that not all vaccines will actually work in preventing a specific disease. There is still a chance that your pet may become ill with the disease that the vaccine is supposed to prevent.

Make sure to feed your pet a nutritious diet and offer plenty of supplementation as well. Try to avoid toxic allopathic medications and opt instead for more herbal remedies.

Photo Credit: Zaldylmg

How to Choose the Right Toy for Your Dog

Every dog owner knows the value of a good dog toy. But do you know how to choose the right toy for your dog?

Never confuse a dog toy with being a luxury item for your dog. Dog toys are vital to the physical and emotional wellbeing of your dog. Dog toys are able to keep a dog happy, mentally stimulated and also help burn off excess energy.

There are so many toys to choose from in the pet store these days. Some toys are designed for your dog's mental stimulation, whilst other toys are meant for games of fetch and tug of war. With soft, fleece toys your dog has something warm to cuddle up to at night.

However, with all these choices, it is understandable why some dog owners are confused about which toy to buy for their dog.

When choosing a toy the first thing that it should do is to keep your dog's interest. If it doesn't it will just end up as another toy on the floor. The second most important aspect of a good dog toy is its durability factor.

The toy has to be able to withstand your dog's chewing and playing aggressiveness. If the toy you choose has neither of these two factors, then you have surely wasted your money on a toy that your dog will never play with.

However, there are three easy questions you should first ask yourself before purchasing a toy for your dog.

1. Will my dog find this toy entertaining?
2. Will my dog be able to rough-house with this toy?
3. Is this a safe toy for my dog?

You will know that you have the right toy for your dog when you are able to answer 'Yes' to all three of these questions.

However, there are a few other questions that you should also ask yourself before selecting a dog toy:

1. Does your dog like to chew?
2. Does your like to play fetch or tug of war?
3. Does your dog like to snuggle?
4. How does your dog like to play?
5. Is your dog hyperactive or pretty docile?

These questions are designed to help you to better understand how your dog likes to play, and by understanding this you will be able to choose a toy that will best match your dog's personality and play endeavors.

When you have narrowed down your choices, you should then consider how the toy is made. Is it made of hard rubber that can easily be cleaned with a wet cloth, or is it made of soft material that requires the toy to be machine washed in order to get clean?

Judging by the size, shape and materials used, do you think that the toy will last or will your dog destroy it quickly?

Also look at the toy carefully to see if there are any small pieces that can fall off or parts that your dog can easily chew off and swallow. The toy should be designed for the appropriate size of your dog. A dog toy that is too small might cause a large breed dog to swallow it and choke, whereas a toy that is designed for a large breed will be too difficult for a small dog to play with.

Keep in mind that dogs who love to chew should never be given toys to play with that are either made of rope or are stuffed with batting. The reason for this is that loose bits of string, fabric, stuffing and even small parts such as a stuffed animal's plastic eyes, can be very easily ingested if these dog toys are chewed apart. These can cause a dog to choke or cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

Even if the dog toy manufacturer states that their toy is 'indestructible', a dog that has enough determination can and will destroy any toy.

Once you have chosen the right toy for your dog, you should always supervise your dog's playtime with the toy. Periodically check the toy for any substantial wear and tear caused by your dog's playing. It is best to throw a toy away as soon as it starts to fall apart. Keep a few of your dog's most favorite toys stocked away somewhere in your home so that you can quickly give your dog a replacement for the toy that you are throwing out.

Once you have a good selection of dog toys, you can then rotate them on a weekly basis. This will prevent your dog from becoming bored too quickly.

Your dog will also love it if you can play with him and his new toy together, so be sure to choose a toy that you like as well.

Photo Credit: KaCey97007

Is Your Personality Reflected In The Breed Of Your Dog?

It is common knowledge that every dog breed is as different and unique as all the different dog-loving people there are in this world. However, there are a few common personality traits that dog owners share with their dogs, and, if you are considering buying or adopting a dog in the near future, you should seriously consider these traits to make sure that you find the perfect match, or to enhance your current relationship with your dog.

According to the Myers-Briggs assessment, as well as the Keirsey Model, there are four basic temperate types of people:

1. The Idealist

These are the visionaries of the world. If you see yourself as an Idealist, then you are compassionate towards others and are able to speak and write in such a way that it inspires other people. You are also quite imaginative, creative and passionate about everything that you do.

Idealist Careers: Writer, Nurse, Social Worker, Psychologist

Famous Idealists: President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr., Princess Diana

The Idealist Dog Owner

Idealist Dog owners are very loving and care deeply for their dog, but since Idealist are less likely to be harsh disciplinarians, they should shy away from the more stubborn dog breeds. Instead, Idealists would be happier if they had a dog that was carefree and happy to accompany their owner on various errands. Because of their caring nature, Idealists are more likely to adopt a dog from an animal shelter.

Idealist Dog Breeds:

Any dog from an Animal Shelter or Rescue
Golden Retriever
Cocker Spaniel
Pug
Yorkshire Terrier
Bichon Frise
Greyhound
Great Dane


2. The Rational

These people desire mental stimulation and are great problem solvers and love challenges. A born leader, Rationals are also very intellectual, inventive and self-confident. They enjoy solving puzzles, writing, and learning new languages, including effectively communicate with their dog. Before adopting or purchasing any dog, Rational people will do extensive research first before committing to such a lifelong decision.

Rational Careers: Entrepreneur, Lawyer, Doctor, Accountant, Professor, IT Analyst

Famous Rationals: Thomas Edison, Colin Powell, Katie Couric, Al Gore

The Rational Dog Owner

These personality types are able to quickly prove themselves as leaders of the pack and will be more able to control unruly dogs than the other personalities. They will enjoy playing mentally stimulating games with their dog. Rational dog owners will also have to choose between a dog that is listed in the Sporty or Non-Sporty category below. Sporty Rationals enjoy outside activities like running and hiking and would best be accompanied by a high energy dog. Non-Sporty Rationals can be found in the library or local coffee shop and so a dog that has a lower energy level would be perfect.

Sporty Rational Dog Breeds:

German Shepherd
Boxer
Border Collie
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Australian Cattle dogs

Non-Sporty Rational Dog Breeds:

Pug
Bichon Frise
Toy or Miniature Poodle
Shetland Sheepdog


3. The Artisan

Just as the title implies, these are the most artistic people of all the personality traits. As such, they like to be the center of attention and excel in everything they do. Social butterflies, Artisans crave meeting new people and experience new adventures. Artisans are free spirits who are fun-loving and spontaneous who love acting, dancing and sports.

Artisan Careers: Artist, Actor, Entertainer, Athlete, Politician, Salesperson, Construction Worker

Famous Artisans: Former Presidents' Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, Katharine Hepburn, Serena Williams

The Artisan Dog Owner

Artisans would prefer an attention grabbing pooch that is pretty self-sufficient and loves to travel! Artisan dog owners and dog breeds can also be defined into Sporty and Non-Sporty categories. Sporty Artisan Dogs love to spend time with their owners hiking or picnicking with friends. Non-Sporty Artisan dogs love to be spoilt with new clothes and sparkling collars.

Sporty Artisan Dog Breeds:

Jack Russell Terrier
Beagle
German Short-haired Pointer
Australian Cattle Dog
Weimaraner

Non-Sporty Artisan Dog Breeds:

Chihuahua
Pomeranian
Maltese


4. Guardian

People who are Guardians are very loyal and dependable. They are great organizers and never leave a job undone. They are also very caring, patient, responsible and nurturing.

Guardian Careers: Teacher, Policeman, Fireman, Manager, Animal Trainer

Famous Guardians: First Ladys' Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Stewart, Warren Buffet

The Guardian Dog Owner

Since these type of dog owners are very optimistic people, they need to have a dog that enjoys being in the company of other dogs and their owners. Dog's that are traditionally thought of as being easy-going are more likely to be owned by Guardians, although any dog in an animal shelter or rescue can be adopted as Guardian people are unable to resist saving a dog from loneliness or worse.

Guardian Dog Breeds:

Any Animal Shelter Dog
Labrador Retriever
Australian Shepherd
Dalmatian
Bulldog
Dachshund

Photo Credit: Zevotron

The Best Pet Friendly Airlines

Quite recently Petfinder.com did a survey on the best pet friendly airlines in the USA for 2009. Here are their results:

1. Continental - Safety First

The best rated airline was Continental for its PetSafe program. This program has a 24hour Live Animal Desk (1-800-575-3335) that will track your pet from its departing city to its arrival city. Although Continental's pet program does cost a bit more than other airlines, it is climate controlled and has extra room for carriers as well as designated cargo staff. Pet owners who have their pets travel via the PetSafe program are eligible to earn flight miles. Small cats, dogs, pet rabbits and household birds and parrots are also allowed to fly in the cabin for most domestic flights for approximately $125 each way.

Pets allowed in cabin: Small dogs, cats, rabbits and birds
Pets allowed as checked baggage: No
Pets allowed in cargo: Yes, all pets that are checked travel in climate controlled cargo, not as checked baggage.

2. JetBlue Airways - Full-Service Pet Love

Last year JetBlue launched its new pet service called JetPaws, and it has been a hit ever since. JetBlue will provide your pet with his or her own carrier bag tag, two TrueBlue points for each leg of the flight, a welcome e-mail and a free pet travel guide - all for no extra cost! The only down side is that, just like other airlines, JetBlue increased their in-cabin pet charge to cost approximately $75 - $100 each way.

Pets allowed in cabin: Small cats and dogs
Pets allowed as checked baggage: No
Pets allowed in cargo: No

3. AirTran - Budget Friendly

If you have a small pet, then flying them in the cabin with you under the seat is your best option. Pet's who fly in airline approved carriers that fit under the seat will cost just $69 each way.

Pets allowed in cabin: Small dogs, cats and birds
Pets allowed as checked baggage: No
Pets allowed in cargo: No

4. American Airlines - Zoo-Trusted

The staff at American Airlines who deal with animals and pets in flight are all animal-trained. They have assisted in transporting animals from some of the country's most popular zoos in the cargo hold of some of their planes. American Airlines only allows a limited number of pets to fly in the cabin and reservations are made on a first come first served basis.

Pets allowed in cabin: Small dogs and cats
Pets allowed as checked baggage: Yes, large dogs and cats
Pets allowed in cargo: Yes

5. United Airlines - Non-Discriminating

If you have a small, unusual pet that you wish to fly with, then United Airlines will be your best bet as they do not discriminate against small pets. In fact, United Airlines will generally accept small cats, dogs and birds in the cabin, and rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as checked baggage. Other pets and animals such as birds, parrots, and ferrets are allowed to fly in United Cargo.

Pets allowed in cabin: Small cats, dogs and birds
Pets allowed as checked baggage: Depends on the aircraft
Pets allowed in cargo: Yes; however, the type of animal allowed depends on destination and arrival locations

Another airline that is not on the above list is Southwest Airlines. From 17 June 2009, Southwest will be launching a new pet program called P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Welcome on Southwest).

Each flight will allow 5 pets to fly in the cabin with their owners for a fee of $75 each way. There are a few restrictions though! There will be a limit of one pet carrier per person and the carrier will actually count towards a carry-on bag or other carry-on personal item. The carrier will also need to fit under the seat in front of you. Each carrier can contain a maximum of two cats or two dogs but not one of each.

Health certificates and other travel documents are not required for most of pets flying with their owners.

Your pet's carrier can either be soft sided or hard sided, just as long as it is well ventilated and leak proof. Your pet will also need to be able to stand up and turn around easily inside the carrier.

Remember that each airline will have different restrictions that you will need to abide too prior to your pet flying. When reserving your seat, it is best to reserve a middle seat as they usually have more space underneath them, so your pet's carrier will have more room as well.

Almost all airlines will have weather and temperature restrictions as well; meaning that they will not allow your pet to fly if the weather is too hot or too cold.

Photo Credit: alexbrn

June is National Pet Micro Chipping Month

The UK's Kennel Club is celebrating National Micro Chipping Month this June and is making it out to be a campaign that both encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership through micro chipping pets.

The USA should follow their UK counterparts and also acknowledge June as National Pet Micro Chipping Month.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility that equals a commitment to your pet for this rest of his or her life. Part of that responsibility is to make sure that your pet has proper, and up to date, identification at all times. And since collars and tags can fall off, micro chipping is the best solution.

Secretary of the UK Kennel Club, Caroline Kisko says "So many people are still unaware of how simple, effective and necessary it is to microchip their pet. It's not until their pet goes missing that they really become aware of the value of the service."

Unlike collars and tags, micro chipping is a permanent form of identification for your pet. The micro chip contains an identification code that is unique to your pet.

This technology as a way to identify a pet has been around since the 1980's. It is similar in size to a large grain of rice and the implantation procedure is very quick, easy and virtually painless for your pet.

Pets can be micro chipped at veterinarian offices or animal shelters throughout the USA. Before beginning the procedure, the pet is first scanned with a special scanner to see whether there is an existing micro chip. The micro chip is then implanted via a single-use syringe just under the pet's skin, usually on the back of their neck between the shoulder blades.

The cost is relatively cheap and can usually be done during the same time that your pet is going in to have his or her regular vaccination, or to be spayed or neutered. A micro chip has no known adverse effects on a pet's physical or emotional health.

Once micro chipped, the pet's owner has to fill out a simple form containing all the pet's and the owner's information. This form can either be mailed in or filled out online with a registry. There are quite a few registries throughout the world. Some will only register a pet's micro chip if it has been sold through their company, whilst other registries will register any type of micro chip.

Most of these registries are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So once a pet is found they can be quickly reunited with their owners. If your cat or dog runs away, is stolen or gets lost and is picked up and taken to either a Vet's office or to an animal shelter, he or she will be immediately scanned to see if they have a micro chip implanted. Once detected, the registry is then contacted to confirm the owner's information and the owner's are then notified.


One such lucky cat is Henry, who was reunited with his owner after a 7 months and 150miles!

Henry's owner, Bridget Wells, said that her 14 year old cat went missing from his home in Swansea, Wales, last September and was found nearly 150 miles away in the town of Coventry.

Since Henry didn't have a collar on, he was thought to be a stray cat and was being fed for a few months by a woman living in Coventry. Once she was able to gain Henry's trust, she brought him into an animal clinic where he was scanned for a micro chip. Well's was then contacted and she drove immediately to Coventry to fetch Henry.

Although his wonderful, white, fur was now matted and dirty, Henry seemed nonetheless concerned over his traveling ordeal.

Well's said, "He had a scar on his cheek and was very dazed."

Henry has since returned to his grumpy old self and his fur has its lovely white luster back.

Well's said that she had done everything that she could think of to find Henry:
"I came to the conclusion that he must have been catnapped. He's had collars but he gets rid of them very quickly. Maybe someone thought he was stray."

Well's believes that having Henry micro chipped really saved his life: "Thank goodness he was chipped and they could reunite him with me and not have to make a decision about whether to re-home him, given the condition he was in and his age."

A spokeswoman for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) a non-profit animal charity in the UK said, "This case highlights the importance of micro chipping your pet as many pets go missing every year and sadly some are never found."

Photo Credit: zimpenfish

Tarra the Elephant and Bella the Dog: Best Friends Forever!

Everyone knows that true friendship knows no boundaries. The same holds true for best friends Tarra and Bella. However, what is unique about their friendship is that Tarra is an 8,700 pound Asian elephant and Bella is a mixed breed dog!

Both animals live at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, where every elephant roams around in two's; usually with another elephant at their side. But not Tarra! Her best friend is a dog.

Co-Founder of the Elephant Sanctuary, Carol Buckley, explains: "Every elephant that comes here searches out someone that she then spends most all of her time with."

Almost like having a best girlfriend, Buckley says: "Somebody they can relate to, they have something in common with."

The only thing that Tarra and Bella have in common though is the fact that they both have four legs, a tail, and that they live at the Elephant Sanctuary. Apparently size doesn't matter to these two friends. The trust between the two is so great that Bella even allows Tarra to pet her little, furry tummy with her big, enormous foot!

Buckley explains the unique friendship by simply stating that Bella is Tarra's friend.

"Her friend just happens to be a dog and not an elephant. Bella knows she's not an elephant. Tarra knows she's not a dog. But that's not a problem for them."

"When it's time to eat they both eat together. They drink together. They sleep together. They play together," Buckley says.

Although Tarra and Bella had been close friends for quite a few years, no one at the Elephant Sanctuary really knew how close the two were until Bella became ill.

Whilst out chasing wildlife on the Sanctuary grounds, Bella suffered a spinal injury and subsequently spent a few weeks laying immobile in the barn office. Bella wasn't able to move her legs or even wag her tail. Instead, she just lay motionless up in the sanctuary office.

During the second week of Bella's recovery, Tarra came back to the barn and remained standing quietly under the office's balcony window.

Buckley said that, "She just stood outside the balcony - just stood there and waited. She was concerned about her friend."

Then the Sanctuary's other co-founder, Scott Blais, gently picked Bella up and carried her onto the office's balcony so that the two friends could see each other. Almost immediately, Bella had a positive reaction!

Blais explained that: "Bella's tail started wagging. And we had no choice but to bring Bella down to see Tarra."

He took her down to where Tarra was patiently standing vigil and continued to do so every day until Bella was able to walk on her own again and return to the Sanctuary grounds to walk alongside Tarra.


The Elephant Sanctuary is home to about 17 female, Asian and African Elephants that are now retired from a life of entertainment, circus shows, zoo's and other forms of life in captivity. The Sanctuary sits on 2,700 acres in Hohenwald, Tennessee, with the Asian habitat being 2200 acres, the African habitat being 300 acres, and the Quarantine facility being 200 acres.

The Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that is accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries and is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It is also the nation's largest natural habitat refuge that was specifically designed to care for endangered African and Asian elephants.

Founded in 1995 after retiring her elephant, Tarra, from the entertainment world, Carol Buckley and Scott Blais opened The Elephant Sanctuary to initially care for sick, old and needy Asian Elephants. They have since extended their care to include African Elephants as well.

According to The Elephant Sanctuary website:

The Elephant Sanctuary exists for two reasons:
*To provide a haven for old, sick or needy elephants in a setting of green pastures, dense forests, spring-fed ponds and heated barns for cold winter nights.

*To provide education about the crisis facing these social, sensitive, passionately intense, playful, complex, exceedingly intelligent and endangered creatures.

As a non-profit, The Elephant Sanctuary looks to volunteers and supporters to help keep the Sanctuary going. It currently costs $125,000 to keep the Sanctuary going annually.

You can help out by pledging to feed Lottie, Minnie, Ronnie, Debbie, Frieda, Liz, Billie, Tarra, Shirley, Bunny, Sissy, Winkie, Dulary, Misty, Tange or Flora, "In Barbara's, Lota's, Tina's, Jenny's, Queenie's, Zula's or Delhi's Memory." for one day for $30.

Or you can feed two elephants for one day for $60 or all 17 elephants for one day for a mere $540.

Other ways to help is to become a yearly member of The Elephant Sanctuary, send donations of gift items that the Sanctuary needs and has listed on their Gift List, or shop their Gift Shop online.


Photo Credit: Elephants.com

Doggie Rentals

Did you know that there are more than 44 million dog owners living in the USA? Did you also know that there are millions upon millions of dogs that are currently living out their lives in animal shelters across the US? There is also an equal number of dog-loving people living in the USA who do not own a dog simply because they don't have the time to walk, groom or clean up after a dog on a 24 hour 7 days a week basis.

For these poor dog-loving souls they can now rent a dog for the day, for the afternoon or even for a whole weekend, from dog rental companies that are springing up across the USA.

One such company is FlexPetz, run by Marlena Cervantes.

Cervantes is not only a dog owner but she is also a former behavioral therapist that understands firsthand how healing a visit with a dog can be for a sick patient, especially children.

However, most of the patient's families cannot take on the added responsibility that owning a dog comes with. Renting a very well behaved dog to these families was the perfect way that Cervantes could make people happy, and so Cervantes launched her dog renting company, FlexPetz, in both San Diego and Los Angeles. Branches have since opened in New York, San Francisco and in London, UK.

Some of FlexPetz clients include businessmen who travel out of town every few days, or college students who aren't allowed to keep pets in their dorm room. These dog lovers can now book time with a dog online or by phone. But first they must pay a monthly membership fee to FlexPetz of $99.95 which goes to providing full care for all the dogs at every FlexPetz location.

Prior to being approved to rent a dog, potential dog renters have to attend a mandatory in-home training and introduction session with a FlexPetz trainer. Topics covered in this session are an introduction to the dogs, dog handling and training. The cost of this session is about $150 and having completed it successfully, dog renters will then be able to rent their first dog either online or by telephone.

The membership also includes a free Convenience Package which includes a dog bed, food and water bowls, dog waste bags, chew toys as well as a custom leash. Each dog is also sent to their temporary home with their own food that is pre-packed for each night of their stay. Every FlexPetz pooch also has an embedded chip with GPS and temperature sensors which enable Flexpetz to find the dog if it runs away and can make sure that the dog does not get too hot or too cold.

In order to provide continuity in the FlexPetz dog, each member is required to rent the same dog at least twice a month.

The dogs are rescues that are taken in from a variety of different animal shelters and are pre-screened to make sure that they do not have any emotional hang ups such as food or people aggression. When the dogs are not out with the renters, they all spend their free time in cage free doggie day care centers.

Most dogs that are available to rent are also available for adoption as well. Consider it a rent to own for the dogs!


Before you rush off to rent a dog, there are a few things that you should consider first.

Keep in mind that renting a dog is a pretty controversial subject for some people, dog owners and non-dog owners alike. Be prepared to answer any questions that are thrown at you by people who disapprove of dog renting.

Make sure you know what kind type of dog you want to rent. Also be sure that the size of the dog is suitable for your living arrangements. You do not want a Mastiff if you live in a studio apartment.

Always make your home dog proof before bring your new furry friend home. Put any chemical or electrical cords out of the way of the dog's teeth.

Even though your dog will most probably come with a chew toy, it is a great idea to have a few dog toys of your own at home that you can share with you rented dog.

If there are no dog rental businesses in your town, you can always contact your local animal shelter or rescue program and ask if they are willing to allow people to take their dogs out for a walk. Some shelters will even allow you to loan out a dog for a few days.

Photo Credit: gesika22

The Color of a Cat Can Determine Their Personality

Cat Fanciers, Veterinarians, Animal Behaviorists and Cat Owners can all attest to the fact that after a careful examination of feline genetics, a very strong connection between the color of a cat's fur and her personality.

Gray Tabby Cats

Today's domesticated cats descended from one, small group of African wildcats, who domesticated themselves roughly 10,000 years ago. These cats were all gray tabby cats that resemble the African wildcats of found in the wild today. Feral cats that are found in rural areas across the USA and Europe usually have this same fur pattern.

These cats are usually quite solitary and have a tendency to play aggressively. They enjoy hunting their prey outside and because of this it may be quite difficult to keep a Gray Cat indoors.

Black/White Cats or Gray/White Cats

While gray cats are found in rural areas, cats that are either black and white or gray and white are found in feral areas of cities. These cats can be quite resourceful and clever. They are very active and are great mousers. However they are usually display less affectionate than other colored cats. Black and White Cats and Gray and White Cats make lots of friends with humans and other cats, although these friendships are usually short lived.

White Cats
Most purely white cats are at a very high risk for congenital deafness and the majority of blue eyed white cats are sometimes born deaf. They usually also have poor vision and skin disorders. Because of this, white cats are usually quite timid and will follow their owner around the house.

Not all white cats are deaf though!

Chocolate Brown Cats

This color is somewhat rare due to the fact that the gene that is associated with the chocolate colored coats is usually only seen in a very small and select gene pool. However, chocolate colored cats are intelligent, playful and very friendly. These cats use their voice a lot and will playful swat their paws at their owner to get their attention.

Blue, Cream, Gray, Lilac and Cats

Cats that have lighter coats all usually carry the same gene, called the dilution gene. Orange or Red cats that carry this dilution gene appear cream in color, whilst black cats with this dilution gene have a blue or gray hue to their coats, and chocolate cats with this dilution will always appear as if they are actually lilac in color. Besides having the personality traits that are associated with orange, black, or chocolate colors, diluted cats also have their own set of unique personality traits.

These cats are playfully mischievous and due to their curious nature they can often annoy their owners and other household pets by their frantic running from one side of the house to another, as if they are chasing some invisible object.

Color Point and Seal Point Cats

These colorful cats can be quite vocal and assertive. They can also be affectionate, often choosing one member of the family of the other members. Owners of these cats often describe them as being quite 'dog like' with these cats even enjoying walking on a leash outdoors.

Tortoiseshell and Calico Cats

Calico or Tortoiseshell Cats are usually female and so their personality traits are reflective of their gender and will be somewhat more docile than their male counterparts. Although male calicos are considered to be quite rare, they do exist. They have quite an unusual personality and will show traits associated with both male and female cats.

Ginger, Orange or Red Cats

Orange cats are usually male with females existing at a ratio of 1 out of every 5 orange cats. Male Orange, Ginger or Red Cats are quite assertive and aggressive and can be vocal at times. Female Orange, Ginger or Red Cats are much calmer and quieter than the males.

Black Cats

Solid Black Cats have genetic traits that are similar to black and grey cats; therefore their personality traits are similar as well. Of all the different cat colors, the black cat is more closely related to their wild ancestors and it is believed that black cats were first seen in the wild before they became domesticated cats. Hence, these cats carry a reputation for having a wild and unpredictable side. They can be both stubborn and friendly at the same time, and although they are quite independent creatures, they also thrive on the companionship of people and other cats and household pets. Be warned though, Black Cats have a tendency to roam around and can cover many miles in a short period of time. Therefore, if you are going to allow your Black Cat to be an outside cat, you should make sure that he carries proper identification.

Photo Credit: Alikai

Losing a Beloved Pet

It is the moment that every pet owner dreads: when their beloved, lifelong pet companion dies. This is never an easy process and pet owners will go through the same stages of grief for the pet as they would for a human loved one.

Five Stage of Grief

1. Shock and Denial

The pet's owner has not yet accepted their pet's death and feels as if everything is moving in a surreal state of being.

2. Anger

Bereaved pet owners will often become angry at themselves, their family members and friends, and sometimes even their Veterinarian.

3. Bargaining

Pet owners often find themselves trying to make a bargain with God or their Veterinarian just to have their pet come back to them.

4. Depression

Bereaving pet owners will become depressed, lonely and feel helpless over their pet's death. They feel as if there is nothing that they can do to change things and that it is their fault that their pet died.

5. Acceptance

The final stage of the grieving process is when the pet owner finally acknowledges and accepts the loss of their pet.

Many factors affect the grieving process such as the person's age, their relationship to the pet and how the pet died. Surprisingly, children usually recover quickly after losing a family pet than an older grandparent would.

Other pets in the household can also grieve the loss of their animal friend. Animals that live in multiple pet households will form very tight bonds with each other and so will mourn the death of one of them just as their human counterparts would. Even if your pets do not seem to ever get along, they may become stressed out, restless, and depressed. Grieving pets will also develop different sleep and eating patterns than what they had before the loss. In some situations, grieving pets will even try to search for the dead companion and will demand more attention from their human owners.

Try to help your surviving pet deal with the loss by keeping their routines as normal as possible. If your pet becomes a finicky eater, do not try to change their food around too much. As all this will do is to encourage your pet to continue being finicky. Be sure to give your pet extra TLC but just don't overdo it as it could lead to separation anxiety later.

If you have more than one surviving pet, expect to see the occasional fight break out amongst them whilst they try to determine the new pecking order.

When deciding what to do with your beloved pet's body is something that you should seek help with. You should always include children and other family members in all such decisions.

You could choose to have your pet's body cremated and placed in an attractive urn for you. Most of these organizations will pick up your pet directly from your Veterinarian's office or your home so that you do not have to worry about that aspect. They will also cremate your pet's body individually and return their ashes to you. Cremation charges vary from $125 for a 15 pound pet to $275 for a 150 pound pet.

There are a wide variety of urns that you can choose from and it is best to try to choose one that best suits your pet's personality. Remember that you will need one cubic inch of urn space per pound of your pet. There are urns that are replicas of various breeds of dogs, cats, birds and even horses. You can purchase an urn of your choice online and bring it with you to your pet's cremation service.

Some pet owners will prefer to have their pet buried. There are many pet cemeteries in most major cities these days. Burying your pet in your own backyard should not be done without careful planning first, as this can pose a health hazard, especially if a wild animal or other family pet should dig up your pet's decomposing body. Other reasons not to bury your pet in your back yard are that some city ordinances prohibit backyard burials and there is also the possibility that you might one day have to move away.

You could also choose to have a memorial service for your pet. Most religious leaders will perform a service specifically tailored to your pet.

Another alternative is aerial ash scattering, such as done by Angel's Wing Funeral Flights, run by Jackie Tatelbaum.

Tatelbaum will gently release your pet's ashes over the location of your choice, such as a favorite place where the both of you spent a lot time. Tatelbaum will also arrange a limousine, flowers, and catering. A certificate is presented with the date, time, latitude and longitude of where the ashes were scattered.

Photo Credit: loufi

Your Pet's Horoscope for June 2009

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20)

During the month of June, Capricorn pet owners should pay very close attention to their pets. You will need to be quite attuned to the needs of your pets so that you can make the best decisions for them. Try not to worry about the issues that are behind your pet's behavior , whether it is physical, emotional or a health concern, try instead to focus on how best to make your pet feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)

June will most probably be the best time to start a fitness regime for your plump pet. Just make sure that you talk with your pet's veterinarian first before starting something too strenuous. Also, try to avoid outside activities when the sun is highest in the sky as the high temperature can lead to heatstroke and dehydration.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Pisces pets will become little social butterflies this month and will have a chance encounter with a friendly, neighborhood pet. This encounter may lead to a lifelong friendship for your pet. Be sure to always encourage this type of extroverted behavior as it help's your pet lead a more happy and productive life with you.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Usually introverted and somewhat of a home body, Aries pets in June will want to tag along with you whilst you run errands outside of the house. However, they may shock you by displaying an assertive stance towards other people and pets. Do not confuse this with thinking that your pet is protecting you; he is actually showing how nervous he really is about being outside his comfort zone of his home. This would be a great time to enroll him into a pet socialization class.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)

June is brings a great time to change your pets routine, thereby allowing them to experience new surroundings and activities. On or near the 28th of June, you will be welcoming a few guests into your home. This may be a slightly stressful time for your pet so be sure to give them extra love. A few treats wouldn't hurt either!

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21)

An increased amount of activity at home will cause Gemini pets to want to nap just a little bit longer in their favorite sunny spot. Don't be too concerned as by the end of the month they will be back to their normal, inquisitive selves.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23)

This month, your relationship with your Cancer pet will reach new heights! In fact, your pet will even be putting her best foot forward. Utilize this by teaching your pet a new trick or by giving her a new toy to play around the house with.

LEO (July 24 - August 23)

Try not to alter your Leo pets routine this month, at least not until the 11th or the 20th of June. However, you should encourage your pet to get out and about towards the end of the month. He will enjoy a trip to a new dog park and will love all the attention lavished on him by other park goers.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23)

This is the perfect month for your Virgo pet to make a few new friends. Set up a few play dates with your friends or neighbor's dog. You may be quite pleased with the friendships that your pet will make. If this is not possible, then at least allow your pet to enjoy an adrenaline rushed moment around your house. Even Virgo's enjoy a little bit of excitement from time to time.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Libra pets will be complete charmers this month! Watch out as they will be able to get almost anything they want from you, from an extra treat or two, to extra hugs. This is perfectly acceptable so lavish them with all that they want.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 2)

Ultra sensitive this month, Scorpio pets will mimic your emotions and follow you around the house until they feel secure enough that everything is all right with you and with their home. Help them through this tough emotional time by giving them a lot of individual attention and care.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21)

Boredom will quickly set in for the Sagittarius pet this month. Be sure to alleviate it by giving your pet plenty of playtime and exercise. This has the added benefit of bonding with your pet and getting some exercise in yourself as well.


Photo Credit: dagmar61