Video: What is Kennel Cough?
Any dog can contract Kennel Cough and this video explains exactly what it is, what it sounds like and how to help your dog.
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Any dog can contract Kennel Cough and this video explains exactly what it is, what it sounds like and how to help your dog.
If you like this post then please consider subscribing to our RSS feed.
How To Keep Your Pet Safe On Halloween
Ah the fall season is upon us once more. The chill in the air, the leaves turning orange and brown, the gardens bounty has been harvested, the goblins are knocking at the door… Wait a minute…GOBLINS? Oh that's right, it's Halloween again!Being that it is Halloween, you will probably want to show your cat or dog off to the world so that they too can see how much of a little devil or angel they can really be. However you need to keep in mind that your pet may not be as receptive to the idea. The ASPCA makes the following recommendations when choosing a costume for your pet:
* Make sure you go slow and reward your pet so that they are comfortable with the idea of wearing something.
* Examine the costume and remove anything that could be chewed off or be a choking hazard.
* Check the fit of the costume so that there are no restrictions to movement, sight or hearing.
* A loose costume may get them caught on something causing them injury.
* If for any reason your animal companion is not comfortable with the idea, consider a festive bandanna or collar.
* Masks are nice for people, but a dog may have issues with them blocking peripheral vision. Enlarge eye holes if possible for added security, as sometimes even a secure dog may get snippy when frightened.
* No matter how your pet's collar looks with their costume keep it on them and make sure your pet's info is up to date.
Other Things To Consider
Is your pet scared of big hats or masks on you or other people? Our beloved canine family members see us all the time and associate what we look like on a regular basis as the 'norm'. So here we have a holiday where we dress up in bizarre clothing, big hairdos, masks, fake weapons, and strange hats and masks, and our pets may become frightened or aggressive towards these objects thinking that they are harming us. Introduce these objects slowly, lay them out, let them sniff them, see you hold them and remember to offer reassurance that the objects are ok and not going to harm you or them.
If you are having an indoor party for Halloween, make sure you take extra precautions for your pet's safety. Keep all people treats out of reach of drooling mouths, and remind house guests that feeding them is not allowed. Keep in mind that your pets may have problems with the noise of the party, strange costumes on your guests and the constant knocking on the door from the neighborhood goblins. You may consider showing off your dressed pets for a little while before settling them down for the night in a separate room with food, treats, water and other entertainment until the night's festivities are over. If you decide to keep them out, make sure all decorative candles and Jack-O-Lanterns are out of reach from inquisitive cat noses and wagging dog tails. Another thing to keep an eye on is escaping pets when the door opens, they may just want to go trick or treating on their own.
Outdoors on Halloween is truly a frightful time for your pets. Strangely dressed people walking around and intruding on the property to trick or treat are a minor concern compared to the untold thousands of pets injured by maliciously intent youths and other human predators. Across the U.S. there has been many horrific tales of peoples' pets being harassed, injured, stolen, tortured and even murdered on Halloween. Even pet shops and rescue shelters are aware of the brutality of some people and refuse to sell or adopt out black cats around Halloween. This is due to several so called sacrifices or rituals and other brutal things done to them in the name of 'wannabe' Satanists and Witches. There are even stories of youth who are on a sugar buzz going around setting dogs ablaze in their owner's backyards just for 'fun'.
And of course there is the candy. While yes we humans love the foil wrapped chocolaty treats on this eerie holiday they are fatal to our lovable pets. No matter how much they whine, beg or do playful tricks, never give a dog chocolate. Chocolate contains Theobromine and as little as 50 grams of chocolate can poison a dog; and remember that an once of bakers chocolate contains 450mg of Theobromine! The wrappers are another safety concern as well, as they may eat them causing a blockage and require expensive medical procedures to remove. There are several homemade treats available that you can either buy or make yourself for your favorite animal this spooky holiday Halloween.
Photo Credit: Beau B
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National Cat Day
Thursday, 29 October, 2009, is National Cat Day.
It is a national holiday designed to celebrate cats for all of their unconditional love and loyalty that they give to us. It is also a day to accept new cats and kittens into our lives through fostering and adoption.
Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige, founded National Cat Day in an effort to help educate the public on the vast numbers of cats sitting in animal shelters across the US waiting for a forever home.
Ms. Paige also hoped to encourage owners of cats to celebrate the cat or cats in their life for the companionship that they provide.
The Animal Miracle Network
The objective of the National Cat Day is to assist in at least 10,000 adoptions of shelter cats throughout the USA on 29 October. National Cat Day is one of the multiple national holiday events dedicated to dogs, cats, horses and other animals and pets, which have been established by The Animal Miracle Network.
The Animal Miracle Network is a network that aims to connect animal rescue organizations, animal shelters, and animal related businesses with like minded animal lovers who care deeply about helping homeless animals to find new, forever homes through their direct involvement in national holiday events.
These national holiday events allow animal lovers the opportunity to honor their dearly loved pets with a special holiday dedicated solely to them and to the unconditional way in which they bestow their love upon their human caretakers.
These national animal holidays also allow animal shelters and rescue organizations with an opportunity to raise awareness of the many cats and kittens currently residing in the shelters and in foster care arrangements.
The Animal Miracle Network's main ambition is to assist in finding homes for all of America's homeless animals. They also approve of the disabling of puppy mills and are against Breed Specific Legislation. Pet shops that sell animals and other businesses that deal in animal fur products are not allowed to vend at any of the national events that are sponsored by The Animal Miracle Network. They are also big advocates for spaying and neutering of cats and dogs.
This year's National Cat Day will be the first year that The Animal Miracle Network will endeavor to track the total number of cats adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations throughout the USA. Whilst this is a first for the cats, the National Dog Day event in previous years has surpassed their yearly goals for dogs that are adopted by more than 12,000 dogs.
The founder of the National Cat Day, Colleen Paige, explains, "We put a lot of manpower into communicating with our affiliate event promoters and shelters around the country that signed up to participate. We'll only take credit for the numbers we directly receive from our adoption sources."
National Statistics
The Animal Miracle Network has estimated that there are about 4 million cats that arrive at various animal shelters and rescue organizations in the US each year. The majority of these cats are taken in because they lack the proper identification to locate their missing owners. The rest are handed over by their owners because they are not as appreciated as dogs are.
Sadly, approximately 1 to 2 million of these cats are euthanized each year before they have the opportunity of finding forever homes.
What Can You Do To Help?
Most probably you are already the caretaker to one or more lovable cats. If so you can take full advantage of this national holiday to totally spoil your kitty! Buy your cat a few new toys or some yummy treats.
"In this difficult economy, if all you can afford is time, spend some of it with your furry feline," says Paige. "That's more important to them then all the catnip in the world."
If you are able to adopt a cat, please visit your nearest animal shelter or contact your local cat rescue organization. Providing a forever home for homeless cat and giving it the love and attention it so deserves is one of the most selfless acts you can do.
If adopting or fostering a cat or kitten is not an option for you, you can still show your support for National Cat Day by volunteering to help out at your local animal shelter. You could volunteer to clean the cats' cages, or just simply play with them for a while.
Another great idea is to host your own event in honor of National Cat Day, such as a cat party or bake sale. You could donate any proceeds to your local animal shelter or cat rescue organization.
No matter what you do on 29 October just make sure that you celebrate all that cats have to offer.
Photo Credit: Mendocino Animal Care
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The Halloween Cat
Every American kid can pick out a Halloween cat: it's the black cat pictured with its back arched and fur all standing on end. The claws on each paw are extended, ready to pounce whilst seemingly hissing at the same time. The black cat has become a well known symbol of Halloween for many children.
But have you ever stopped to wonder how that came to be?
Demonic Black Cats
During the Middle Ages, the black cat was believed to be a companion to the devil, and along with her owner (who was usually deemed a Witch) were usually boiled in oil or burned at the stake. These cats were often blamed for everything that went wrong during the Middle Ages.
Another reason why people avoided black cats was because of the way in which they walked. Cats naturally walk quietly using the pads on their feet to step in and out of the dark shadows at night. This gave the cat the appearance of moving in and out of the darkness at will, making people believe that the black cat was part of the darkness. The fierce cry of black cat at night didn't help her reputation either!
The Witch's Familiar
Most women who were accused of being Witches during the Salem Witch trials were, in fact, single women who most probably had a cat for pure companionship. However, the rest of the villagers began to gossip, which eventually lead to the belief that the lonely women were Witches and their cats were their familiars.
The villagers soon believed that not only were the women Witches, but that they also morphed into cats to do the work of the devil.
In one of the trials, the 7 year old daughter of alleged Witch Martha Carrier, testified in court that "a cat, identifying herself as Martha Carrier, had carried her along to afflict people while her mother was in prison." Sadly, Martha Carrier was convicted and eventually hanged along with four other women on 19 August, 1692.
During a Witch trial in Scotland, one woman, obviously under the impression that if she confessed she would be spared her life, gave details of how her entire coven was transformed into cats by the devil. Apparently the devil would appear amongst the women whenever they gathered to do their spell work and shake his hands above their heads to turn them into cats.
Black cats were also said to help sorcerers and midwives with their herbal potions.
During the early settling of the American colonies, people believed that they could cure their tuberculosis by drinking a broth that was made from boiled black cat. However, very few people were willing to actually kill a black cat as they were afraid of the bad luck that would plague them for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, such cures were few and far between.
Sailors and Cats
No matter the country, Sailors the world over have forever held a fascination with cats. Sailors even believed that cats could forecast the weather and predict the outcome of any upcoming voyages. If a cat was meowing loudly, the Sailors believed that it foretold of a dangerous trip; whilst a cat playing happily would mean easy sailing. If a cat groomed herself against the grain of her fur, it meant that hailstorms were on their way; however, if a cat sneezed, it signified rain instead.
Sailors also believed that magic was stored at the end of a cat's tail. If a cat ran in front of a sailor it meant good luck, but if a cat crossed the path of a sailor it meant bad luck.
Cats were so revered by Sailors that they thought that if a cat was drowned, then they would surely follow suit. If a cat was tossed overboard, the Sailors believed terrible storms would eventually sink the ship.
Luck
Even if no ill-fated event happened to someone who witnessed a black cat crossing their path, it was said that it was still proof that the cat was involved with the devil.
Even though there are many negative superstitions surrounding black cats, there are just as many positive ones too. A sty could be healed by rubbing it with a black cat's tail. People in France believed that black cats could find hidden treasure: A black cat should be set loose at an intersection where 5 roads met; from there her fine nose would be able to sniff out a fortune for the person following her.
Because of all the superstitions and stories involving black cats, they have quickly become equated as a symbol of Halloween, along with Witches in pointy hats riding broomsticks, ghosts, goblins, ghouls, spiders and carved pumpkin Jack-O-Lanterns.
Photo Credit: Dawn
But have you ever stopped to wonder how that came to be?
Demonic Black Cats
During the Middle Ages, the black cat was believed to be a companion to the devil, and along with her owner (who was usually deemed a Witch) were usually boiled in oil or burned at the stake. These cats were often blamed for everything that went wrong during the Middle Ages.
Another reason why people avoided black cats was because of the way in which they walked. Cats naturally walk quietly using the pads on their feet to step in and out of the dark shadows at night. This gave the cat the appearance of moving in and out of the darkness at will, making people believe that the black cat was part of the darkness. The fierce cry of black cat at night didn't help her reputation either!
The Witch's Familiar
Most women who were accused of being Witches during the Salem Witch trials were, in fact, single women who most probably had a cat for pure companionship. However, the rest of the villagers began to gossip, which eventually lead to the belief that the lonely women were Witches and their cats were their familiars.
The villagers soon believed that not only were the women Witches, but that they also morphed into cats to do the work of the devil.
In one of the trials, the 7 year old daughter of alleged Witch Martha Carrier, testified in court that "a cat, identifying herself as Martha Carrier, had carried her along to afflict people while her mother was in prison." Sadly, Martha Carrier was convicted and eventually hanged along with four other women on 19 August, 1692.
During a Witch trial in Scotland, one woman, obviously under the impression that if she confessed she would be spared her life, gave details of how her entire coven was transformed into cats by the devil. Apparently the devil would appear amongst the women whenever they gathered to do their spell work and shake his hands above their heads to turn them into cats.
Black cats were also said to help sorcerers and midwives with their herbal potions.
During the early settling of the American colonies, people believed that they could cure their tuberculosis by drinking a broth that was made from boiled black cat. However, very few people were willing to actually kill a black cat as they were afraid of the bad luck that would plague them for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, such cures were few and far between.
Sailors and Cats
No matter the country, Sailors the world over have forever held a fascination with cats. Sailors even believed that cats could forecast the weather and predict the outcome of any upcoming voyages. If a cat was meowing loudly, the Sailors believed that it foretold of a dangerous trip; whilst a cat playing happily would mean easy sailing. If a cat groomed herself against the grain of her fur, it meant that hailstorms were on their way; however, if a cat sneezed, it signified rain instead.
Sailors also believed that magic was stored at the end of a cat's tail. If a cat ran in front of a sailor it meant good luck, but if a cat crossed the path of a sailor it meant bad luck.
Cats were so revered by Sailors that they thought that if a cat was drowned, then they would surely follow suit. If a cat was tossed overboard, the Sailors believed terrible storms would eventually sink the ship.
Luck
Even if no ill-fated event happened to someone who witnessed a black cat crossing their path, it was said that it was still proof that the cat was involved with the devil.
Even though there are many negative superstitions surrounding black cats, there are just as many positive ones too. A sty could be healed by rubbing it with a black cat's tail. People in France believed that black cats could find hidden treasure: A black cat should be set loose at an intersection where 5 roads met; from there her fine nose would be able to sniff out a fortune for the person following her.
Because of all the superstitions and stories involving black cats, they have quickly become equated as a symbol of Halloween, along with Witches in pointy hats riding broomsticks, ghosts, goblins, ghouls, spiders and carved pumpkin Jack-O-Lanterns.
Photo Credit: Dawn
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Do Pit Bulls Really Need To Be Banned?
In almost every large city in the USA today, there is talk of a ban against the Pit Bull.
The Ban
Miami, Cincinnati and Denver are three of the largest metropolitan areas in the USA that have city-wide bans on pit bulls.
The term pit bull is actually used to describe three different types of dogs: The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
By the way, the pit bull ban in Denver applies to any dog that merely looks like a pit bull, regardless of their behaviorism.
Breed Specific Legislation
The basic definition of breed specific legislation (BSL) is that it bans or restricts certain types of dog breeds based solely on their appearance and being perceived as a 'dangerous' breed or type of dog.
A BSL breed ban normally insists that all dogs of a certain appearance be removed from the area in which the ban was initiated.
Keep in mind that breed specific legislation only applies to dogs of a certain appearance that have been targeted by the ban. It does not, however, take in consideration how the dog was bred, raised, and trained by its owner. This legislation also does not take into account the actual individual behavioral characteristics of the dog.
The Stigma
The media has done part of its job in that it has caused a sensation concerning pit bulls and has suggested to the public that they are the meanest, toughest dogs out there. News headlines are revolved around dog bites, where the dog was named a pit bull even though it was actually unidentified. It appears that
whenever a dog makes news and no-one can immediately identify it, it is labeled as a pit bull.
However, the majority of the media is not doing its job by not writing stories as unbiased as possible. They have instilled fear into people with their words regarding pit bulls.
The truth is that the stigma associated with the pit bull sprung from careless dog owners who failed to socialize and properly train their dogs. There are some dog owners who willingly leave their dog outside tied to a pole with no interaction whatsoever with its human family. And then these same owners wonder why their dog bit them?
Pit bulls have been used in dog fighting rings for many years and a spinoff of this has been their growing popularity amongst young people and gang members who wish to have a pit bull simply because of its tough looking exterior.
Ownership
Contrary to popular belief, pit bulls were once considered to be "America's Nanny Dog"! This title stems from many people considering the pit bull has a reliable and loving member of the family during the first half of this century.
During World War I, pit bulls were a symbol of American courage and were even featured in a series of patriotic wartime posters. Even before then, from 1890 to 1948, pit bulls were the most popular choice because they were considered as a good natured watchdog and family pet.
Television shows such as "The Little Rascals" during the 1930s, had an American Pit Bull Terrier named Petey as part of the cast. Another television show called "Our Gang" also featured a pit bull. The television show "Little House on the Prairie" had a pit bull named "Jack the Brindle dog" as the family's pet dog.
Even Helen Keller owned a faithful and loving pit bull.
Many pit bulls are owned, or have been owned, by a variety of celebrities including:
President Roosevelt, President Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, Humphrey Bogart, Fred Astaire, Mary Tyler Moore, John Stewart, Ann Bancroft, and Brad Pitt.
As with any dog, a pit bull's behavior is a direct reflection of the care, training and love (or lack thereof) that their owners have instilled upon them.
Testing
A temperament test conducted by The National Canine Temperament Testing Association, found that the poodle, golden retriever, Border collie, English setter, German pointer, as well as numerous other breeds were considered likely to become more aggressive than pit bulls.
In fact, of the 122 breeds that were tested, the average score was only 77%; whilst pit bulls scored 95.2%.
The overall temperament of pit bulls is so great that the breed has been used as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and service dogs.
Pit bulls are easily trained and actually do make wonderful household pets, but because of this, pit bulls have also been trained to be fighting dogs. This is the part that is exploited by newspaper hype.
For every negative news story concerning a pit bull, you will find at least three or four positive news stories as well. You just have to dig a little bit deeper.
Photo Credit: Lexus2D
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Jennifer Aniston's Sick Dog
One of Hollywood's most well-known and loved actresses, Jennifer Aniston, is facing something that every dog owner faces at some point in time: the untimely illness and possible demise of her beloved dog, Norman.
Friends
Jennifer Aniston adopted Norman from the animal trainers who worked with her on the hit TV series 'Friends' during the mid 90s.
Now it appears that after recently discovering that Norman has severe health problems, Jennifer is beside her with worry that her only source of "unconditional love" will soon be gone.
Norman, is a 14 year old Corgi-Terrier Mix, and is suffering from arthritis and digestive problems, which has caused Jennifer to be concerned that his life is at serious risk.
A friend of Jennifer's was reported to have explained that:
"Norman has been Jennifer's constant companion during all her emotional upheavals."
Treatments
Like most dog owners, Jennifer is trying to do everything in her power to help Norman feel better and live longer, even if it means bringing tears to her own eyes.
Jennifer loves Norman so much that she apparently "breaks down" whenever he has to be given an injection.
Whenever Norman's personal veterinary technician arrives at Jennifer's house to administer an injection, Jennifer cries and has to leave the room. She immediately returns to comfort Norman as soon as the injection has been given.
It is rumored that Jennifer currently spends at least $250 per week on alternative treatments for Norman. This includes multiple Reiki sessions, canine massage sessions and doggie acupuncture each week. All of these therapies are designed to help with pain management in dogs, as well as to balance the pooch's Chakras to make him feel more comfortable and at ease.
One of Jennifer's spokespeople once told the press:
"Norman has been Jennifer's constant companion during all her emotional upheavals, but he suffers from aching joints and stiffness. Jennifer doesn't want to put him on medication just yet, so she has opted for doggy spa treatments from a licensed vet technician."
Whilst there are some dog owners who disagree with Jennifer's current treatment plan, saying that it is all a bit excessive etc, it does seem to all be working for Norman.
"Norman has more spring in his step these days," said a close friend.
Jennifer is certainly not shy about shelling out her hard-earned money to spare Norman's life and help him feel more happy and comfortable.
"When Norman started having joint stiffness and had a hard time getting up and walking, Jen hired a personal masseuse for him," said Jennifer's friend. "He's doing a lot better, but Jen is extremely paranoid about something else going wrong. Losing Norman would be a big blow."
Saying Goodbye
Jennifer is an avid dog lover and also owns a 3 year old white German Shepherd named Dolly. However, Norman has been a steady and reliable companion to Jennifer since he was adopted. Coming to terms with Norman's ill health is taking its toll on Jennifer.
A friend has commented: "Norman is old and hasn't been doing well. She's terrified her best friend could soon be gone."
However, Jennifer herself has been reported as saying:
"You have to say goodbye way too soon. It's just so sad. It makes me so sad. But their love is unconditional and I love that."
Defying Death
Norman has already defied death once before!
One weekend in January this year, he escaped from Jennifer's Malibu, California, beach home. He was spotted by a paparazzo, running rather dangerously close to the busy road right outside Jennifer's home.
The photographer managed to scoop up Norman after he narrowly escaped being hit by a car.
Oddly enough, another photographer snapped a video of the paparazzo hero returning Norman back to Jennifer's home.
Norman was reportedly unharmed in the incident.
On The Set
Jennifer is so fond of Norman that she takes him on set with her whenever she can whilst filming. Whilst this might allow Jennifer to spend more time with
Norman, it apparently is a cause of concern for a few of the film crew members.
One such crew member explained the problem with Norman being on set:
"Norman is important in Jen's life. But the crew is fed up with having to dote on him. Norman is a nuisance on set. Jen needs him around all the time but she won't stand for him being chained up. So the dog has his own chair near the director, and Jennifer also has a doggy masseuse tend to Norman every day."
"She even insists that Norman eat with the crew, and that he's fed organic, human-grade food. So Jen's assistant has special plates made up by the caterer with free-range white meat chicken and organic rice."
Photo Credit: manwithface
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Cat Stuck In Freezer
A New Zealand cat has seemingly done the impossible and astounded animal experts by having survived nearly 19 hours inside its owners' freezer.
Freezer Cat
In Te Kuiti, New Zealand, 27 year old, mother of two, Sarah Crombie, found her family's cat lying rigid and semi-conscious on top of a dog food bag in her freezer.
Upon opening the freezer to get out a loaf of bread, Sarah said that she heard a strange noise.
"I was looking in there and I heard this funny noise. It was sort of a 'meow' but he was so half-frozen he couldn't get the noise out properly, poor thing. So I look down and I see this grey fluffy thing sitting on top of the bag of dog food under a rack."
The previous night, Sarah's partner, 28 year old Sid Sisson, had closed the top-loading freezer's lid without knowing that their cat, Krillen, was inside.
Because Sarah and Sid keep their freezer at the coldest setting, roughly 18C or 64F, Sarah was afraid that Krillen wouldn't survive.
"I raced inside to get Sid and as I came out, Krillen rolled off the bag in an attempt to get out, but he was that frozen he just rolled to the bottom of the freezer on his back," she said.
"At first we thought his eyeballs were frozen. I've never seen a cat with such big eyes."
Luckily for Krillen, Sid understood how vitally important it was that the body temperatures of hypothermia patients be raised slowly.
So Sid picked up 1 year old Krillen and placed him under his shirt. Next he climbed into bed with Krillen in an attempt to keep him warm.
Sid, who is a dairy farmer, spent the next three hours with the half-frozen cat on his bare chest under the bed's blankets, until Krillen had thawed out.
"I was sitting on the other side of the bed and the whole bed was vibrating from this cat shaking," said Sarah.
Miraculously, Krillen survived his 19 hour, frozen ordeal unscathed.
"But I tell you, he doesn't go near the freezer anymore," said Sarah.
Research
One of the senior lecturers at Massey University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dr. Nick Cave, stated that whilst Krillen's survival was remarkable, it was probably due to Sid being able to slowly warm Krillen up.
Dr. Cave recalled another inquisitive cat who had survived being locked in a freezer for over 24 hours, but who then developed frostbite on its toes and ears a few days later. This cat also developed signs of kidney damage as well.
Dr. Cave recommended that Sarah and Sid take Krillen to their local veterinarian to check for any internal damage, even though Krillen did not have any signs of frostbite a week after the ordeal.
In a study conducted in 1952, it was found that at -5C or 23F, a cat's metabolic rate rose by almost a third.
"So putting a cat in the freezer means it would presumably have to use up an enormous amount of energy to maintain its body temperature," said Cave.
Other than that study, there has been very little research conducted on a cat's ability to survive extreme cold temperatures. However, studies have been conducted on dogs.
Many years ago, scientists placed Huskies inside freezers in an attempt to study how the Huskies would cope with the severe cold. This was, of course, a long time before there were animal rights activists!
From a study conducted in 1959, 6 out of 7 dogs were able to maintain their body temperature for up to 27 hours at -50C, and then for another five hours at -79C.
Fridge Cat
Earlier this year in July, an Australian cat called Maisy, survived 10 hours inside a fridge.
The cat's owner, Bill Nelson of Warrnambool, Australia, accidentally locked the family's cat inside his beer fridge late on a Saturday night.
"I had the whole family over and went out to the shed to get a few beers from the fridge," Bill told the local Standard Newspaper. "I didn't think that much of it until the next morning when we couldn't find the cat."
Bill's daughter, 13 year old Melanie, was apparently beside herself with worry. The whole Nelson family conducted an extensive search for Maisy on Sunday morning, even looking inside the shed, but they still could not find Maisy.
It finally dawned on Bill to open his beer fridge to check to see if Maisy was there.
And indeed she was! Maisy was calmly sitting inside Bill's beer fridge on the bottom shelf, apparently not impressed with being locked in the beer fridge for
so long. However, Maisy is a lucky cat:
"It might have been a week before I opened the fridge again," said Bill.
Photo Credit: ftzdomino
Freezer Cat
In Te Kuiti, New Zealand, 27 year old, mother of two, Sarah Crombie, found her family's cat lying rigid and semi-conscious on top of a dog food bag in her freezer.
Upon opening the freezer to get out a loaf of bread, Sarah said that she heard a strange noise.
"I was looking in there and I heard this funny noise. It was sort of a 'meow' but he was so half-frozen he couldn't get the noise out properly, poor thing. So I look down and I see this grey fluffy thing sitting on top of the bag of dog food under a rack."
The previous night, Sarah's partner, 28 year old Sid Sisson, had closed the top-loading freezer's lid without knowing that their cat, Krillen, was inside.
Because Sarah and Sid keep their freezer at the coldest setting, roughly 18C or 64F, Sarah was afraid that Krillen wouldn't survive.
"I raced inside to get Sid and as I came out, Krillen rolled off the bag in an attempt to get out, but he was that frozen he just rolled to the bottom of the freezer on his back," she said.
"At first we thought his eyeballs were frozen. I've never seen a cat with such big eyes."
Luckily for Krillen, Sid understood how vitally important it was that the body temperatures of hypothermia patients be raised slowly.
So Sid picked up 1 year old Krillen and placed him under his shirt. Next he climbed into bed with Krillen in an attempt to keep him warm.
Sid, who is a dairy farmer, spent the next three hours with the half-frozen cat on his bare chest under the bed's blankets, until Krillen had thawed out.
"I was sitting on the other side of the bed and the whole bed was vibrating from this cat shaking," said Sarah.
Miraculously, Krillen survived his 19 hour, frozen ordeal unscathed.
"But I tell you, he doesn't go near the freezer anymore," said Sarah.
Research
One of the senior lecturers at Massey University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Dr. Nick Cave, stated that whilst Krillen's survival was remarkable, it was probably due to Sid being able to slowly warm Krillen up.
Dr. Cave recalled another inquisitive cat who had survived being locked in a freezer for over 24 hours, but who then developed frostbite on its toes and ears a few days later. This cat also developed signs of kidney damage as well.
Dr. Cave recommended that Sarah and Sid take Krillen to their local veterinarian to check for any internal damage, even though Krillen did not have any signs of frostbite a week after the ordeal.
In a study conducted in 1952, it was found that at -5C or 23F, a cat's metabolic rate rose by almost a third.
"So putting a cat in the freezer means it would presumably have to use up an enormous amount of energy to maintain its body temperature," said Cave.
Other than that study, there has been very little research conducted on a cat's ability to survive extreme cold temperatures. However, studies have been conducted on dogs.
Many years ago, scientists placed Huskies inside freezers in an attempt to study how the Huskies would cope with the severe cold. This was, of course, a long time before there were animal rights activists!
From a study conducted in 1959, 6 out of 7 dogs were able to maintain their body temperature for up to 27 hours at -50C, and then for another five hours at -79C.
Fridge Cat
Earlier this year in July, an Australian cat called Maisy, survived 10 hours inside a fridge.
The cat's owner, Bill Nelson of Warrnambool, Australia, accidentally locked the family's cat inside his beer fridge late on a Saturday night.
"I had the whole family over and went out to the shed to get a few beers from the fridge," Bill told the local Standard Newspaper. "I didn't think that much of it until the next morning when we couldn't find the cat."
Bill's daughter, 13 year old Melanie, was apparently beside herself with worry. The whole Nelson family conducted an extensive search for Maisy on Sunday morning, even looking inside the shed, but they still could not find Maisy.
It finally dawned on Bill to open his beer fridge to check to see if Maisy was there.
And indeed she was! Maisy was calmly sitting inside Bill's beer fridge on the bottom shelf, apparently not impressed with being locked in the beer fridge for
so long. However, Maisy is a lucky cat:
"It might have been a week before I opened the fridge again," said Bill.
Photo Credit: ftzdomino
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Diamond Pet Foods Recalls Cat Food
Premium Edge Cat Food, a subsidiary of Diamond Pet Foods, issued a voluntary recall on its cat food in the Eastern United States of America earlier this month.
The Products
Only two of the cat food products, that were manufactured and distributed by Diamond Pet Foods on May 28, 2009, have been affected by the voluntary recall:
Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat
Premium Edge Hairball for Cats
The Product Codes
The voluntary recalls of these two flavors contain the following product codes:
RAF0501A22X 18lb
RAF0501A2X 6 lb
RAH0501A22X 18 lb
RAH0501A2X 6lb
The Recall Reason
According to an announcement made by Diamond Pet Foods, whilst the recalled cat food had been tested, no known contaminants were discovered in the cat food. However, these same foods were found to be deficient in a vital vitamin called Thiamine.
A statement from Diamond Pet Foods reads:
"Diamond tracked the vitamin premix lot number that was utilized in these particular cat foods and have performed testing on another lot of Premium Edge cat food that used the same vitamin premix, and it was not deficient in thiamine."
Unbelievably, Diamond Pet Foods have not yet been able to determine why the thiamine was lacking from these two cat food products in the first place. To date a full investigation is still underway by Diamond Pet Foods.
However, a spokesperson from Diamond Pet Foods has provided the following theory: The company time stamps each product with the time and date that it is manufactured. Those time stamps of the affected cat foods were manufactured and stamped within a 12 minute window. A manufacturing error during this time frame may have resulted in the thiamine deficiency in the cat foods.
Cats and Thiamine
Thiamine, also referred to as Vitamin B1, is am essential vitamin. The bodies of all dogs and cats are not able to create this vitamin by themselves, and so therefore need supplementation. Therefore, thiamine has become a fundamental component of every cat's diet. Such thiamine supplementation usually comes from eating dry cat food.
Thiamine works by first being absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and then being metabolized in the cat's liver. Thiamine is necessary for the proper conversion of dietary carbohydrates to energy.
A cat's central nervous system relies exclusively on carbohydrates for energy and because of this a lack of thiamine in a cat's diet can have adverse affects on a cat's central nervous system.
Symptoms
Cats whose diets contain little or no thiamine will often display signs such as loss of appetite and lethargy. However, a cat who has a thiamine deficiency can have gastrointestinal, cardiac and/or neuromuscular issues that present themselves quite suddenly, such balance issues and life-threatening seizures.
Therefore, the symptoms that are exhibited by cats who have eaten any of Diamond Pet Foods Premium Edge Cat Food are mostly neurological in nature, such as:
A decrease in appetite
Vomiting
An increase in the cat's respiratory rate
Low body temperature
No coordination or mild balance loss
Muscle weakness
Paralysis of the hind limbs
Seizures
Ventral flexion (bending towards the floor) of the cat's neck
Keeping a very rigid posture
Rapid or abnormal eye movements called Nystagmus
Pupils that are dilated
Blindness
Diamond Pet Foods are asking that any cat displaying any of these symptoms that have eaten the cat food that is being recalled should be taken immediately to a veterinary hospital.
Pet Retail Stores
All pet retail stores that were shipped the above mentioned cat food products have been notified by Diamond Pet Foods, and have been asked to pull the cat food bags from their store shelves. Additionally, the retail stores were also asked to contact their customers either telephonically or by email and to request them to check the date code on their bags of cat food to see if they have purchased any of the recalled products.
However, it does appear that most cats who have taken ill after eating the recalled cat food have been in and around Rochester, New York. Nonetheless if you are feeding your cat either of these products, you are urged to check the product date codes listed on the labels. If you do have such a recalled bag, return it to the store immediately.
Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond Pet Foods has admitted that there have been no other neurological symptoms reported to them for any other pet food product that they manufacture and distribute.
Should have questions you can contact Premium Edge Pet Foods at 800-977-8797.
Unfortunately, Diamond Pet Foods has recalled their pet food products before. Namely, in 2007 as part of the huge pet food recall that involved many other pet food companies, and prior to that in 2005, when they recalled pet foods due aflatoxin toxicity.
Photo Credit: Q4RadioGuy
The Products
Only two of the cat food products, that were manufactured and distributed by Diamond Pet Foods on May 28, 2009, have been affected by the voluntary recall:
Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat
Premium Edge Hairball for Cats
The Product Codes
The voluntary recalls of these two flavors contain the following product codes:
RAF0501A22X 18lb
RAF0501A2X 6 lb
RAH0501A22X 18 lb
RAH0501A2X 6lb
The Recall Reason
According to an announcement made by Diamond Pet Foods, whilst the recalled cat food had been tested, no known contaminants were discovered in the cat food. However, these same foods were found to be deficient in a vital vitamin called Thiamine.
A statement from Diamond Pet Foods reads:
"Diamond tracked the vitamin premix lot number that was utilized in these particular cat foods and have performed testing on another lot of Premium Edge cat food that used the same vitamin premix, and it was not deficient in thiamine."
Unbelievably, Diamond Pet Foods have not yet been able to determine why the thiamine was lacking from these two cat food products in the first place. To date a full investigation is still underway by Diamond Pet Foods.
However, a spokesperson from Diamond Pet Foods has provided the following theory: The company time stamps each product with the time and date that it is manufactured. Those time stamps of the affected cat foods were manufactured and stamped within a 12 minute window. A manufacturing error during this time frame may have resulted in the thiamine deficiency in the cat foods.
Cats and Thiamine
Thiamine, also referred to as Vitamin B1, is am essential vitamin. The bodies of all dogs and cats are not able to create this vitamin by themselves, and so therefore need supplementation. Therefore, thiamine has become a fundamental component of every cat's diet. Such thiamine supplementation usually comes from eating dry cat food.
Thiamine works by first being absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and then being metabolized in the cat's liver. Thiamine is necessary for the proper conversion of dietary carbohydrates to energy.
A cat's central nervous system relies exclusively on carbohydrates for energy and because of this a lack of thiamine in a cat's diet can have adverse affects on a cat's central nervous system.
Symptoms
Cats whose diets contain little or no thiamine will often display signs such as loss of appetite and lethargy. However, a cat who has a thiamine deficiency can have gastrointestinal, cardiac and/or neuromuscular issues that present themselves quite suddenly, such balance issues and life-threatening seizures.
Therefore, the symptoms that are exhibited by cats who have eaten any of Diamond Pet Foods Premium Edge Cat Food are mostly neurological in nature, such as:
A decrease in appetite
Vomiting
An increase in the cat's respiratory rate
Low body temperature
No coordination or mild balance loss
Muscle weakness
Paralysis of the hind limbs
Seizures
Ventral flexion (bending towards the floor) of the cat's neck
Keeping a very rigid posture
Rapid or abnormal eye movements called Nystagmus
Pupils that are dilated
Blindness
Diamond Pet Foods are asking that any cat displaying any of these symptoms that have eaten the cat food that is being recalled should be taken immediately to a veterinary hospital.
Pet Retail Stores
All pet retail stores that were shipped the above mentioned cat food products have been notified by Diamond Pet Foods, and have been asked to pull the cat food bags from their store shelves. Additionally, the retail stores were also asked to contact their customers either telephonically or by email and to request them to check the date code on their bags of cat food to see if they have purchased any of the recalled products.
However, it does appear that most cats who have taken ill after eating the recalled cat food have been in and around Rochester, New York. Nonetheless if you are feeding your cat either of these products, you are urged to check the product date codes listed on the labels. If you do have such a recalled bag, return it to the store immediately.
Diamond Pet Foods
Diamond Pet Foods has admitted that there have been no other neurological symptoms reported to them for any other pet food product that they manufacture and distribute.
Should have questions you can contact Premium Edge Pet Foods at 800-977-8797.
Unfortunately, Diamond Pet Foods has recalled their pet food products before. Namely, in 2007 as part of the huge pet food recall that involved many other pet food companies, and prior to that in 2005, when they recalled pet foods due aflatoxin toxicity.
Photo Credit: Q4RadioGuy
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Taipei To Improve Pet Laws
Household Pets
The United Daily News reported that the Taipei City government is working on passing a law to protect household pets within Taipei.
According to the newspaper, the new law, drafted by the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health, would immediately become effective if it is passed by the Taipei City Council.
Based on a similar bill currently in effect in Japan, Taipei's new pet law would require ample living space and proper food and drink for all household pets. The bill would establish certain pet-friendly requirements for raising household pets; as well as to convey details regarding penalty violations.
The Director of the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health, Yen Yi-Feng, was quoted in the newspaper as saying:
'The regulations will start with rules on raising dogs and cats, and later be expanded to other pets. We will invite conservation experts, veterinarians and scholars to design rules like how much time a dog owner should spend walking the dog, and what is the proper food and drink for the pet.'
Yen Yi-Feng also stated that the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health will also be creating and distributing pet care guides for pet owners in Taipei, in effort to help them become better educated pet owners.
There are currently 130,000 dogs and cats that have been registered at the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health. This amounts to 82% of the overall number of dogs and cats living in Taipei City.
Whilst this new law might seem like a good idea, local Taipei residents do not think so. Most of them are afraid that the restrictions imposed by the law are far too strict and will lead to pet owners abandoning their pets.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals has declared Taipei to be the worst city in the world for stray animals. Every year tens of thousands of dogs and cats are dumped on Taipei's streets, and since there are no humane societies or animal shelters to take these strays in, the number of strays increases each year. Most of these now stray dogs and cats started out their lives as beloved and pampered pets that were then dumped on a street corner when they became too old or else become ill.
Liability Insurance for Dogs
In an another attempt at regulating dog and cat ownership, Taipei City's government is also drafting a proposal to require dog owners to purchase liability insurance against any possible third party damage caused by their dog. The proposed bill that would come into law in March 2010, if approved, would establish mandatory dog insurance against injuries to third party persons, animals and properties by the dogs that are registered to Taipei City residents.
Taipei City's government wants to have the insured amount to be approximately NT$1.5 million per dog, roughly $45,000. Officials are hoping that, if all of the 130,000 dogs in the city's registry acquire the mandatory insurance, that the annual premium should then be about NT$100-200, or somewhere in the range of $3 - $6 dollars per year.
However, the new bill also carries with it a hefty penalty if the insurance is not purchased on a registered dog within Taipei City limits. The fine will be between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000, which is approximately $62 - $310.
Yan Yi-Feng has stated that, at this time, it is unclear whether the new bill will incorporate every breed of dog registered in Taipei or if it will only focus on certain breeds of dogs.
Yan, who believes that such legislation will be a success, hopes that other municipalities in Taiwan will adopt the mandatory dog insurance guidelines. In this way, it will be impossible for Taipei City residents to register their dogs in other cities or counties in an attempt to avoid having to purchase the liability insurance on their dogs.
The legislation is necessary, Yan explains, because dogs that are being kept as pets are far more territorial than wild dogs and may therefore attack if they feel threatened, whereas wild dogs are usually fearfully of humans and will only attack if provoked.
Many dog owners in Taipei City feel that this legislation will cause more harm in the long run, with more dogs being abandoned as dog owners cannot afford the high insurance premiums. Most educated dog owners also believe that dogs are peaceful animals and therefore liability insurance is unnecessary.
The proposed law is based on similar legislation in Singapore that insists dog owners insure their dogs for S$100,000 or NT$2.32 million, or $72,000.
According to this Singaporean law, dog owners also have to place a deposit of S$5,000 ($3,500), to cover the costs of their dog running away or being fined for walking without a muzzle or leash.
Photo Credit: tab2_dawa
The United Daily News reported that the Taipei City government is working on passing a law to protect household pets within Taipei.
According to the newspaper, the new law, drafted by the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health, would immediately become effective if it is passed by the Taipei City Council.
Based on a similar bill currently in effect in Japan, Taipei's new pet law would require ample living space and proper food and drink for all household pets. The bill would establish certain pet-friendly requirements for raising household pets; as well as to convey details regarding penalty violations.
The Director of the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health, Yen Yi-Feng, was quoted in the newspaper as saying:
'The regulations will start with rules on raising dogs and cats, and later be expanded to other pets. We will invite conservation experts, veterinarians and scholars to design rules like how much time a dog owner should spend walking the dog, and what is the proper food and drink for the pet.'
Yen Yi-Feng also stated that the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health will also be creating and distributing pet care guides for pet owners in Taipei, in effort to help them become better educated pet owners.
There are currently 130,000 dogs and cats that have been registered at the Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health. This amounts to 82% of the overall number of dogs and cats living in Taipei City.
Whilst this new law might seem like a good idea, local Taipei residents do not think so. Most of them are afraid that the restrictions imposed by the law are far too strict and will lead to pet owners abandoning their pets.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals has declared Taipei to be the worst city in the world for stray animals. Every year tens of thousands of dogs and cats are dumped on Taipei's streets, and since there are no humane societies or animal shelters to take these strays in, the number of strays increases each year. Most of these now stray dogs and cats started out their lives as beloved and pampered pets that were then dumped on a street corner when they became too old or else become ill.
Liability Insurance for Dogs
In an another attempt at regulating dog and cat ownership, Taipei City's government is also drafting a proposal to require dog owners to purchase liability insurance against any possible third party damage caused by their dog. The proposed bill that would come into law in March 2010, if approved, would establish mandatory dog insurance against injuries to third party persons, animals and properties by the dogs that are registered to Taipei City residents.
Taipei City's government wants to have the insured amount to be approximately NT$1.5 million per dog, roughly $45,000. Officials are hoping that, if all of the 130,000 dogs in the city's registry acquire the mandatory insurance, that the annual premium should then be about NT$100-200, or somewhere in the range of $3 - $6 dollars per year.
However, the new bill also carries with it a hefty penalty if the insurance is not purchased on a registered dog within Taipei City limits. The fine will be between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000, which is approximately $62 - $310.
Yan Yi-Feng has stated that, at this time, it is unclear whether the new bill will incorporate every breed of dog registered in Taipei or if it will only focus on certain breeds of dogs.
Yan, who believes that such legislation will be a success, hopes that other municipalities in Taiwan will adopt the mandatory dog insurance guidelines. In this way, it will be impossible for Taipei City residents to register their dogs in other cities or counties in an attempt to avoid having to purchase the liability insurance on their dogs.
The legislation is necessary, Yan explains, because dogs that are being kept as pets are far more territorial than wild dogs and may therefore attack if they feel threatened, whereas wild dogs are usually fearfully of humans and will only attack if provoked.
Many dog owners in Taipei City feel that this legislation will cause more harm in the long run, with more dogs being abandoned as dog owners cannot afford the high insurance premiums. Most educated dog owners also believe that dogs are peaceful animals and therefore liability insurance is unnecessary.
The proposed law is based on similar legislation in Singapore that insists dog owners insure their dogs for S$100,000 or NT$2.32 million, or $72,000.
According to this Singaporean law, dog owners also have to place a deposit of S$5,000 ($3,500), to cover the costs of their dog running away or being fined for walking without a muzzle or leash.
Photo Credit: tab2_dawa
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Video: Which Cat Breed Is Right for You?
When buying a purebred cat, make sure that the owner is raising them in a social environment. Discover which cat breed is right for you with tips from a cat behaviorist in this free video on pets and cat care.
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Dogs Reduce Asthma In Kids
If you have been cautiously afraid of getting a dog for fear of your children developing asthma, you can now rest easy!
A preliminary study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona's College of Pharmacy, has indicated that having a dog in the house could actually reduce any chances of children developing asthma later in their lives.
The Grant
The National Institutes of Health greatly approved of the study and awarded the research team a two year Challenge Grant in the amount of $937,302. The Challenge Grant is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which was signed into law in February 2009 by President Obama.
The funds will be used by Professor Serrine Lau, head of the College of Pharmacy, to study this hypothesis over the course of the next two years.
More specifically, the grant money will be used by the researchers to study how dogs that are present in the home around the time of a baby's birth might actually decrease his or her chance of developing asthma later in childhood.
Professor Lau has explained that so far, the National Institutes of Health has received more than 20,000 grant proposals.
The Arizona Initiative for the Biology of Complex Diseases, which is directed by Dr. Vercelli, one of the co-researchers, helped fund Professor Lau's project initially.
The Researchers
Professor Lau, who is also the director of the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center and a member of the BIO5 Institute, explains the research findings as such:
"Several longitudinal studies have shown that exposure to certain domestic animals, for example, indoor dogs, during a person's early life (even possibly before he or she is born) is associated with strong protection against asthma and asthma-related conditions later in life. The purpose of our research is to learn more about the biological mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of dog exposure. Conceivably, this could be a step toward someday leveraging these mechanisms for treatment or even preventive purposes."
Other University of Arizona faculty members, Marilyn Halonen, and Dr. Donata Vercelli, both experts in allergy biology and immunology, and Dean Billheimer, a biostatistician, will team up with Professor Lau, an expert in proteomics. It is predicted that together, their combined expertise will be used to study a unique set of samples and data from the Infant Immune Study.
The Infant Immune Study
Eight years ago a longitudinal study of asthma and allergy, was conducted at the UA's Arizona Respiratory Center and involved the enrollment at birth of a large unselected population of children. Throughout the years information on these children has been gathered detailing immunological parameters, allergies and lung function.
The Hypothesis
Professor Lau's research team hypothesizes that exposure to dogs at a very early age, just after birth, for example, creates a "signature" (either the presence or the modification of a protein) in a baby's blood.
The research team hopes to reveal how babies and young children exposed to dogs early in their lives are protected from having asthma later on in their lives, by comparing the signatures of children who were exposed to dogs with the signatures of children who were not exposed to dogs, as well as by noting whether or not asthma is present or absent in the children.
Samples that have been taken from the Infant Immune Study will be examined by Professor Lau's research team using a unique method involving mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Furthermore, mass spectrometry will be utilized by the researchers in an attempt to both identify and characterize the signatures contained inside the blood of the children.
To date, this particular technology has not been, and is not being, used by any other researcher for this particular purpose.
Children and Dogs
People, both dog-lovers/owners and non-dog lovers/owners have agreed that having a dog, or in any other type of pet for that matter, in the house can create
many benefits for children.
Pets are able to teach children how to share, such as in the case of the family dog wanting to sleep on and share the bed with the child.
Being responsible is another aspect to owning a dog or cat. Children learn how to properly take care of their dog or cat by learning how and when to feed them, walk them and, clean up after them too.
Another aptitude that children acquire through pet ownership is how to be gentle. Rough-housing will most often result in the children or the pet being hurt otherwise.
Learning to listen, especially to any loud growls or hisses from dogs and cats. These sounds will quickly teach a child to be nice and not pull the cat's tail or hit the dog.
Finally, a pet teaches a dog how to love and be loved.
Photo Credit: Jacobim Mugatu
A preliminary study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona's College of Pharmacy, has indicated that having a dog in the house could actually reduce any chances of children developing asthma later in their lives.
The Grant
The National Institutes of Health greatly approved of the study and awarded the research team a two year Challenge Grant in the amount of $937,302. The Challenge Grant is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which was signed into law in February 2009 by President Obama.
The funds will be used by Professor Serrine Lau, head of the College of Pharmacy, to study this hypothesis over the course of the next two years.
More specifically, the grant money will be used by the researchers to study how dogs that are present in the home around the time of a baby's birth might actually decrease his or her chance of developing asthma later in childhood.
Professor Lau has explained that so far, the National Institutes of Health has received more than 20,000 grant proposals.
The Arizona Initiative for the Biology of Complex Diseases, which is directed by Dr. Vercelli, one of the co-researchers, helped fund Professor Lau's project initially.
The Researchers
Professor Lau, who is also the director of the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center and a member of the BIO5 Institute, explains the research findings as such:
"Several longitudinal studies have shown that exposure to certain domestic animals, for example, indoor dogs, during a person's early life (even possibly before he or she is born) is associated with strong protection against asthma and asthma-related conditions later in life. The purpose of our research is to learn more about the biological mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of dog exposure. Conceivably, this could be a step toward someday leveraging these mechanisms for treatment or even preventive purposes."
Other University of Arizona faculty members, Marilyn Halonen, and Dr. Donata Vercelli, both experts in allergy biology and immunology, and Dean Billheimer, a biostatistician, will team up with Professor Lau, an expert in proteomics. It is predicted that together, their combined expertise will be used to study a unique set of samples and data from the Infant Immune Study.
The Infant Immune Study
Eight years ago a longitudinal study of asthma and allergy, was conducted at the UA's Arizona Respiratory Center and involved the enrollment at birth of a large unselected population of children. Throughout the years information on these children has been gathered detailing immunological parameters, allergies and lung function.
The Hypothesis
Professor Lau's research team hypothesizes that exposure to dogs at a very early age, just after birth, for example, creates a "signature" (either the presence or the modification of a protein) in a baby's blood.
The research team hopes to reveal how babies and young children exposed to dogs early in their lives are protected from having asthma later on in their lives, by comparing the signatures of children who were exposed to dogs with the signatures of children who were not exposed to dogs, as well as by noting whether or not asthma is present or absent in the children.
Samples that have been taken from the Infant Immune Study will be examined by Professor Lau's research team using a unique method involving mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Furthermore, mass spectrometry will be utilized by the researchers in an attempt to both identify and characterize the signatures contained inside the blood of the children.
To date, this particular technology has not been, and is not being, used by any other researcher for this particular purpose.
Children and Dogs
People, both dog-lovers/owners and non-dog lovers/owners have agreed that having a dog, or in any other type of pet for that matter, in the house can create
many benefits for children.
Pets are able to teach children how to share, such as in the case of the family dog wanting to sleep on and share the bed with the child.
Being responsible is another aspect to owning a dog or cat. Children learn how to properly take care of their dog or cat by learning how and when to feed them, walk them and, clean up after them too.
Another aptitude that children acquire through pet ownership is how to be gentle. Rough-housing will most often result in the children or the pet being hurt otherwise.
Learning to listen, especially to any loud growls or hisses from dogs and cats. These sounds will quickly teach a child to be nice and not pull the cat's tail or hit the dog.
Finally, a pet teaches a dog how to love and be loved.
Photo Credit: Jacobim Mugatu
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October Is National Pet Wellness Month
This October is National Pet Wellness Month and marks the beginning of new national campaign encouraging pet owners to reconsider the health of their pets.
The Campaign
The national campaign is entitled "A Happy, Healthy Pet Starts With a Plan". Its primary goal is to promote the importance of semi-annual veterinarian visits.
The American Veterinary Medical Association along with Fort Dodge Animal Health of Overland Park, Kansas, launched the National Pet Wellness Month in 2004. VPI Pet Insurance of Brea, California, teamed up with them as a campaign sponsor this year.
The National Pet Wellness campaign is a year-round crusade in which veterinarians all over the USA, work with pet owners to educate them on proper preventative veterinary care for their pets.
Education
The National Pet Wellness campaign is an educational initiative that has been designed to increase awareness in pet owners about the significance of having twice yearly wellness exams conducted on their cats, dogs and other pets.
National Pet Wellness Month this month also attempts to focus on educating pet owners about disease prevention, pet health insurance, as well as proper wellness examinations, all in an endeavor to help pets to live longer, healthier lives.
More or less 15,000 veterinary clinics nationwide have signed up to participate in the National Pet Wellness Month. Together with pet parents, these veterinarians will help create specific wellness programs for their pet clients and their owners.
The Three Step Plan
The National Pet Wellness campaign touts preventative veterinary care in order to prevent diseases and health conditions that could negatively affect the quality of a pet's life in the future. Therefore, a three step plan has been envisioned to include: semi-annual pet wellness exams, disease prevention education and proper pet health insurance.
Recent studies have indicated that owners who have health insurance coverage for their pets, actually schedule more veterinary visits than those pet owners without pet health insurance. Unfortunately, most pet owners do not realize that pet health insurance coverage is available for routine wellness care as well as injuries and illnesses.
Since the campaign launched a few years ago, it has emphasized both semi-annual wellness examinations for pets and disease prevention education.
The "Pet Wellness Starts With a Plan" campaign hopes to alert pet owners to the necessity of the three step plan via educational materials at their local veterinary clinic as well as through a variety of different national public media outlets that are all focused on persuading pet owners to get in contact their local veterinarian.
Twice Yearly Examinations
Taking your pet to the veterinarian for a wellness exam every 6 months is a great preventative against certain diseases and conditions. These exams give your veterinarian a chance to diagnose, prescribe treatment and prevent any health condition that could become serious. These exams all provide an opportunity for pet parents to ask their veterinarian questions about their pet's behavior and nutrition.
Another reason why semi-annual exams are so important is because pets age an average of seven times faster than humans. Therefore, by the time they are 2 years old, most pets are considered middle aged; and most dogs, especially large breed dogs, are thought to be seniors at 7 years of age. Since pets can age so quickly, a multitude of health problems can occur within a six month period, therefore it important that pets have a wellness exam conducted by a veterinarian every six months.
Disease Prevention
Veterinarians are able to use a "Wellness Checklist" to conduct a Risk Assessment of your pet in order to determine their exposure level to various diseases.
Examples of the type of questions that your vet may ask you are:
Do you often travel with your pet?
What other types of pets/animals do you have in your household and under your care?
Do you have any wildlife near your home?
The answers to these questions will help your veterinarian to create a highly individualized wellness and vaccination plan for your pet. This plan will help protect your pet from future diseases such as Rabies and Tick bites.
Pet Health Insurance
In today's economy veterinary costs can prevent pet owners from taking their pets to see their veterinarian for routine wellness exams, or even when their pets are really sick.
However, if a pet is covered under pet health insurance then their owner is more likely to take them in to see the vet whenever they are sick as well as for routine checkups.
Every pet needs to see a veterinarian for both routine and preventative exams and/or surgeries throughout its life. Basic pet health insurance will cover most routine procedures and treatments for pets, such as wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection and flea and tick control.
Photo Credit: doug88888
The Campaign
The national campaign is entitled "A Happy, Healthy Pet Starts With a Plan". Its primary goal is to promote the importance of semi-annual veterinarian visits.
The American Veterinary Medical Association along with Fort Dodge Animal Health of Overland Park, Kansas, launched the National Pet Wellness Month in 2004. VPI Pet Insurance of Brea, California, teamed up with them as a campaign sponsor this year.
The National Pet Wellness campaign is a year-round crusade in which veterinarians all over the USA, work with pet owners to educate them on proper preventative veterinary care for their pets.
Education
The National Pet Wellness campaign is an educational initiative that has been designed to increase awareness in pet owners about the significance of having twice yearly wellness exams conducted on their cats, dogs and other pets.
National Pet Wellness Month this month also attempts to focus on educating pet owners about disease prevention, pet health insurance, as well as proper wellness examinations, all in an endeavor to help pets to live longer, healthier lives.
More or less 15,000 veterinary clinics nationwide have signed up to participate in the National Pet Wellness Month. Together with pet parents, these veterinarians will help create specific wellness programs for their pet clients and their owners.
The Three Step Plan
The National Pet Wellness campaign touts preventative veterinary care in order to prevent diseases and health conditions that could negatively affect the quality of a pet's life in the future. Therefore, a three step plan has been envisioned to include: semi-annual pet wellness exams, disease prevention education and proper pet health insurance.
Recent studies have indicated that owners who have health insurance coverage for their pets, actually schedule more veterinary visits than those pet owners without pet health insurance. Unfortunately, most pet owners do not realize that pet health insurance coverage is available for routine wellness care as well as injuries and illnesses.
Since the campaign launched a few years ago, it has emphasized both semi-annual wellness examinations for pets and disease prevention education.
The "Pet Wellness Starts With a Plan" campaign hopes to alert pet owners to the necessity of the three step plan via educational materials at their local veterinary clinic as well as through a variety of different national public media outlets that are all focused on persuading pet owners to get in contact their local veterinarian.
Twice Yearly Examinations
Taking your pet to the veterinarian for a wellness exam every 6 months is a great preventative against certain diseases and conditions. These exams give your veterinarian a chance to diagnose, prescribe treatment and prevent any health condition that could become serious. These exams all provide an opportunity for pet parents to ask their veterinarian questions about their pet's behavior and nutrition.
Another reason why semi-annual exams are so important is because pets age an average of seven times faster than humans. Therefore, by the time they are 2 years old, most pets are considered middle aged; and most dogs, especially large breed dogs, are thought to be seniors at 7 years of age. Since pets can age so quickly, a multitude of health problems can occur within a six month period, therefore it important that pets have a wellness exam conducted by a veterinarian every six months.
Disease Prevention
Veterinarians are able to use a "Wellness Checklist" to conduct a Risk Assessment of your pet in order to determine their exposure level to various diseases.
Examples of the type of questions that your vet may ask you are:
Do you often travel with your pet?
What other types of pets/animals do you have in your household and under your care?
Do you have any wildlife near your home?
The answers to these questions will help your veterinarian to create a highly individualized wellness and vaccination plan for your pet. This plan will help protect your pet from future diseases such as Rabies and Tick bites.
Pet Health Insurance
In today's economy veterinary costs can prevent pet owners from taking their pets to see their veterinarian for routine wellness exams, or even when their pets are really sick.
However, if a pet is covered under pet health insurance then their owner is more likely to take them in to see the vet whenever they are sick as well as for routine checkups.
Every pet needs to see a veterinarian for both routine and preventative exams and/or surgeries throughout its life. Basic pet health insurance will cover most routine procedures and treatments for pets, such as wellness exams, vaccinations, heartworm protection and flea and tick control.
Photo Credit: doug88888
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National Feral Cat Day
Friday, 16 October, 2009, will mark the ninth annual National Feral Cat Day. Originally started by Alley Cat Allies in 2001, the hope of National Feral Cat Day is to draw attention to the thousands of feral cats living in America today. Cat lovers, and the general public, are invited to join fundraising events, spay/neuter drives and adoption events in their neighborhood in an effort to bring awareness to the unique needs of stray and feral cats.
Alley Cat Allies
In 1990, two women founded Alley Cat Allies in an attempt to help stray and feral cats who they felt were not being properly helped and cared for by the animal control and shelter system. These women felt that once a person called their local animal control about a feral cat, the cat was then picked up and destroyed by animal control.
Today, Alley Cat Allies is the only advocacy organization in the entire USA that is devoted to the humane treatment of stray and feral cats. Not only has the organization created educational materials on the care and protection of feral cats, they also were the first organization to introduce the Trap, Neuter and Return practice of spaying and neutering feral cat colonies in the USA.
Feral Cats
Even though many homes around the world have housed domestic cats for the past 10,000 years, millions more have lived a feral lifestyle. Today, researchers predict that the number of un-owned cats living in America is approximately 82 million.
In the past there were various methods that were attempted to control the feral cat population. One of them was to poison the feral cats, but, as we all know, cats are extremely smart and avoided eating the poisoned food. Another method was used to cull a cat colony through humanely trapping the cats and then taking them to an animal shelter to either be euthanized or adopted.
The European Method
However, attempting to adopt out a wild feral cat, eventually become too problematic because most of the feral cats would succumb to the extreme stress of being locked inside a cage at a shelter.
"These cats have never been socialized to people, and they're extremely fearful," says Becky Robinson, the president and one of the founders of Alley Cat Allies. Robinson introduced a European method of controlling the feral cat population in Washington, D.C., 20 years ago.
This method was called Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR). Robinson implemented this method by first humanely catching every feral cat in a particular colony and then having them either spayed or neutered as well as being vaccinated against Rabies. The cats were then returned to the alley in which they lived, but not before one of their ears was notched in order to help identify which cats were actually a part of the TNR program.
Volunteer caretakers then helped provide food for the cats and noted any new cats so that they too, could be trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and released again.
"There was a huge need for a humane way to deal with feral cats; as soon as people heard we were using TNR successfully, they called wanting to know more," said Robinson.
Trap, Neuter, Release
Approximately 225 organizations exist in the USA today that are devoted solely to TNR, along with many animal shelters that sponsor TNR programs. Within each of these organizations are thousands of volunteers who help to oversee local cat colonies. One of the ways that they do this is by deeming whether a colony cat is friendly. If it is friendly then it is most likely a lost cat and once caught, will be scanned for a microchip and hopefully returned home. If there is no microchip, all friendly cats and kittens will either be taken to an animal shelter for adoption or will be privately fostered in an attempt to socialize them before placing them for private adoption.
Added Benefits
The TNR program has a few added benefits such as helping other species. It seems most bird lovers are concerned about feral cats catching precious songbirds. However, a decline in the overall feral cat population will also mean a decline in feral cats destroying songbirds.
Another great benefit to lowering the feral cat population through TNR is that there has been a decrease in Rabies cases.
"In this country, rabies is a public health victory because we vaccinate," says Robinson. "Experts agree the more stray cats vaccinated for rabies, the better. Historically (using trap and kill) some cats in a colony would be removed, but their numbers would only increase again, and meanwhile none are vaccinated."
To show your support for feral cats in your hometown celebrate National Feral Cat Day by getting involved with the festivities sponsored by your local animal organization.
Photo Credit: hotash
Alley Cat Allies
In 1990, two women founded Alley Cat Allies in an attempt to help stray and feral cats who they felt were not being properly helped and cared for by the animal control and shelter system. These women felt that once a person called their local animal control about a feral cat, the cat was then picked up and destroyed by animal control.
Today, Alley Cat Allies is the only advocacy organization in the entire USA that is devoted to the humane treatment of stray and feral cats. Not only has the organization created educational materials on the care and protection of feral cats, they also were the first organization to introduce the Trap, Neuter and Return practice of spaying and neutering feral cat colonies in the USA.
Feral Cats
Even though many homes around the world have housed domestic cats for the past 10,000 years, millions more have lived a feral lifestyle. Today, researchers predict that the number of un-owned cats living in America is approximately 82 million.
In the past there were various methods that were attempted to control the feral cat population. One of them was to poison the feral cats, but, as we all know, cats are extremely smart and avoided eating the poisoned food. Another method was used to cull a cat colony through humanely trapping the cats and then taking them to an animal shelter to either be euthanized or adopted.
The European Method
However, attempting to adopt out a wild feral cat, eventually become too problematic because most of the feral cats would succumb to the extreme stress of being locked inside a cage at a shelter.
"These cats have never been socialized to people, and they're extremely fearful," says Becky Robinson, the president and one of the founders of Alley Cat Allies. Robinson introduced a European method of controlling the feral cat population in Washington, D.C., 20 years ago.
This method was called Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR). Robinson implemented this method by first humanely catching every feral cat in a particular colony and then having them either spayed or neutered as well as being vaccinated against Rabies. The cats were then returned to the alley in which they lived, but not before one of their ears was notched in order to help identify which cats were actually a part of the TNR program.
Volunteer caretakers then helped provide food for the cats and noted any new cats so that they too, could be trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated and released again.
"There was a huge need for a humane way to deal with feral cats; as soon as people heard we were using TNR successfully, they called wanting to know more," said Robinson.
Trap, Neuter, Release
Approximately 225 organizations exist in the USA today that are devoted solely to TNR, along with many animal shelters that sponsor TNR programs. Within each of these organizations are thousands of volunteers who help to oversee local cat colonies. One of the ways that they do this is by deeming whether a colony cat is friendly. If it is friendly then it is most likely a lost cat and once caught, will be scanned for a microchip and hopefully returned home. If there is no microchip, all friendly cats and kittens will either be taken to an animal shelter for adoption or will be privately fostered in an attempt to socialize them before placing them for private adoption.
Added Benefits
The TNR program has a few added benefits such as helping other species. It seems most bird lovers are concerned about feral cats catching precious songbirds. However, a decline in the overall feral cat population will also mean a decline in feral cats destroying songbirds.
Another great benefit to lowering the feral cat population through TNR is that there has been a decrease in Rabies cases.
"In this country, rabies is a public health victory because we vaccinate," says Robinson. "Experts agree the more stray cats vaccinated for rabies, the better. Historically (using trap and kill) some cats in a colony would be removed, but their numbers would only increase again, and meanwhile none are vaccinated."
To show your support for feral cats in your hometown celebrate National Feral Cat Day by getting involved with the festivities sponsored by your local animal organization.
Photo Credit: hotash
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National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
This Wednesday, October 14, 2009, will mark the third annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day.
The founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), Dr. Ernie Ward, states that more than half of all pets livening in the USA are overweight.
"Pudgy pooches and fat cats are now the norm. This is the first generation of pets that will not live as long as their parents. Even worse, the majority of today's overweight pets will endure painful and expensive medical conditions, all of which can be avoided."
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention was founded in 2005 by veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, with their mission being to 'develop and promote parallel weight loss programs designed to help pet owners lose weight alongside their pets.'
Even though APOP has promoted campaigns alongside veterinary schools and the veterinary medical community at large, as well as both local and state veterinary organizations and various media outlets, the association is not in any way affiliated with any veterinary business or organization. This neutrality, APOP believes, helps them to make unbiased information available to both veterinarians and the public.
Dr. Ward and APOP hope to raise awareness of the plight of plump pups and chubby kitties through the National Pet Obesity Awareness campaign.
Wednesday Duties
On Wednesday, veterinarians across the nation will collect data regarding the measurements of their animal clients' waist sizes. Pet owners are being urged to do the same by downloading a questionnaire from the association's website and sending it in with information on their pet's weight and overall size.
The goal for the day is to obtain pet obesity data rates in real time. In order to do this pet parents are being asked to record specific information for each of their pets. In an attempt to discover a more exact and up-to-date obesity rate figure, pet parents are asked to download a record online in which they can then enter their pets' measurements and weights.
Student American Veterinary Medical Association
However, even though APOP is not associated with any veterinary organization or business, they have elected to partner with the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA):
"This year APOP has partnered with the Student American Veterinary Medical Association to heighten the discussion of pet obesity at the nation's veterinary medical schools. Too often veterinarians aren't taught how to prevent obesity, only to treat the consequences," noted Dr. Ward.
"We're excited to be working with APOP on this year's Student AVMA's One Health Challenge theme of Obesity Awareness, both for pets and people. This is a serious issue and veterinary and human medical school students need, and want, to know more than just 'go on a diet'," explains Ryan Colburn, the Student AVMA Global and Public Health Officer, ad hoc, of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Statistics
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that nearly 50%, or 84 million, of all dogs and cats in the USA are either overweight or are obese. From this number dogs who are overweight or obese account for 44%, or 33 million, whilst overweight or obese cats account for nearly 57%, or 51 million.
In regards to these astonishing figures, Dr. Ward has stated:
"This epidemic is needlessly costing pet owners tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary medical bills, not to mention the crippling arthritis, challenges of diabetes, and increased risk of cancer these pets endure. We are loving our pets to an early, and painful, death."
Dr. Ward believes that one of the main reasons why cats and dogs in the USA are so overweight is due to:
"Carbs. Today's pets consume high carbohydrate and sugar treats and foods that create changes in their brain chemistry, causing them to crave these foods even more. I call it 'kibble crack' because we are literally creating an addiction to these high-calorie carbohydrate foods," says Ward.
As with humans, the best way for pets to lose the extra pounds is by eating healthier and exercising more.
"Everyone wants a magic pill for losing weight when the safest, cheapest and easiest cure already exists: eat less, eat healthier and exercise. Put down the biscuit and pick up a carrot; instead of feeding your cat a carbohydrate-based diet, look for a high-protein alternative. Take your dog for a walk each day. Small steps go a long way toward big weight losses."
Health Risks associated with Obesity in Pets
1. Osteoarthritis
2. High blood pressure
3. Type 2 diabetes (cats)
4. Insulin resistance (dogs)
5. Kidney disease
6. Cancer
7. High cholesterol
8. Respiratory disease
9. Skin disease
10. Increased surgical complications
Photo Credit: sundaykofax
The founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), Dr. Ernie Ward, states that more than half of all pets livening in the USA are overweight.
"Pudgy pooches and fat cats are now the norm. This is the first generation of pets that will not live as long as their parents. Even worse, the majority of today's overweight pets will endure painful and expensive medical conditions, all of which can be avoided."
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention was founded in 2005 by veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, with their mission being to 'develop and promote parallel weight loss programs designed to help pet owners lose weight alongside their pets.'
Even though APOP has promoted campaigns alongside veterinary schools and the veterinary medical community at large, as well as both local and state veterinary organizations and various media outlets, the association is not in any way affiliated with any veterinary business or organization. This neutrality, APOP believes, helps them to make unbiased information available to both veterinarians and the public.
Dr. Ward and APOP hope to raise awareness of the plight of plump pups and chubby kitties through the National Pet Obesity Awareness campaign.
Wednesday Duties
On Wednesday, veterinarians across the nation will collect data regarding the measurements of their animal clients' waist sizes. Pet owners are being urged to do the same by downloading a questionnaire from the association's website and sending it in with information on their pet's weight and overall size.
The goal for the day is to obtain pet obesity data rates in real time. In order to do this pet parents are being asked to record specific information for each of their pets. In an attempt to discover a more exact and up-to-date obesity rate figure, pet parents are asked to download a record online in which they can then enter their pets' measurements and weights.
Student American Veterinary Medical Association
However, even though APOP is not associated with any veterinary organization or business, they have elected to partner with the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA):
"This year APOP has partnered with the Student American Veterinary Medical Association to heighten the discussion of pet obesity at the nation's veterinary medical schools. Too often veterinarians aren't taught how to prevent obesity, only to treat the consequences," noted Dr. Ward.
"We're excited to be working with APOP on this year's Student AVMA's One Health Challenge theme of Obesity Awareness, both for pets and people. This is a serious issue and veterinary and human medical school students need, and want, to know more than just 'go on a diet'," explains Ryan Colburn, the Student AVMA Global and Public Health Officer, ad hoc, of Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Statistics
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that nearly 50%, or 84 million, of all dogs and cats in the USA are either overweight or are obese. From this number dogs who are overweight or obese account for 44%, or 33 million, whilst overweight or obese cats account for nearly 57%, or 51 million.
In regards to these astonishing figures, Dr. Ward has stated:
"This epidemic is needlessly costing pet owners tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary medical bills, not to mention the crippling arthritis, challenges of diabetes, and increased risk of cancer these pets endure. We are loving our pets to an early, and painful, death."
Dr. Ward believes that one of the main reasons why cats and dogs in the USA are so overweight is due to:
"Carbs. Today's pets consume high carbohydrate and sugar treats and foods that create changes in their brain chemistry, causing them to crave these foods even more. I call it 'kibble crack' because we are literally creating an addiction to these high-calorie carbohydrate foods," says Ward.
As with humans, the best way for pets to lose the extra pounds is by eating healthier and exercising more.
"Everyone wants a magic pill for losing weight when the safest, cheapest and easiest cure already exists: eat less, eat healthier and exercise. Put down the biscuit and pick up a carrot; instead of feeding your cat a carbohydrate-based diet, look for a high-protein alternative. Take your dog for a walk each day. Small steps go a long way toward big weight losses."
Health Risks associated with Obesity in Pets
1. Osteoarthritis
2. High blood pressure
3. Type 2 diabetes (cats)
4. Insulin resistance (dogs)
5. Kidney disease
6. Cancer
7. High cholesterol
8. Respiratory disease
9. Skin disease
10. Increased surgical complications
Photo Credit: sundaykofax
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Marine Corps Institutes Dog Breed Ban
An order sent down from the top ranks from Marine Corps headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, has the Marine Corps banning pit bulls, Rottweilers and wolf-hybrid breeds and mixes.
The Dog Breed Ban
This order will impact all families and their dogs currently living in on-base Marine Corps housing. Although a few housing compounds will attempt to apply for an exemption from the policy, such as Camp Pendleton, which is the biggest Marine Corps housing in San Diego County.
The order, which was handed down back in August of this year from General James Conway, the Marine commandant, states the reason for the breed ban as such:
"The rise in ownership of large dog breeds with a predisposition toward aggressive or dangerous behavior, coupled with the increased risk of tragic incidents involving these dogs, necessitates a uniform policy."
Dog Attacks On On-Base Marine Corps Housing
Marine officials have stated that the breed ban is being imposed in an attempt to "ensure the continued health and safety" of on-base personnel and their families.
According to Capt. Brian Block, an official spokesperson at the Marine headquarters, before making such a harsh decision, the Marine Corps analyzed national statistics and examined the history of dog attacks on all of its on-base housing.
Three dog bite attacks were reported during June of this year at Camp Pendleton, which houses approximately 1,500 pet dogs. Two of the incidences involved a Jack Russell Terrier and a Labrador who both bit their owners' family members, whilst the third incident concerned a stray Pit Bull that attacked a teenager who had attempted to approach it, stated officials from Camp Pendleton.
Despite these attacks at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps headquarter officials have vehemently denied that the system wide policy change implementing the ban of certain dog breeds, had anything to do with the dog attacks at Camp Pendleton.
The Pit Bull Ban
Sadly, this is yet another blow against Pit Bulls, which are quickly becoming the most common breed to be found at animal shelters throughout the country.
However, a spokesperson for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, explains that any breed of dog has the potential to become aggressive and attack.
"It's dependent on the dog's previous living arrangement and training," she said. "It's not just the breed itself."
Good Canine Evaluation
Those families who are living in on-base Marine Corps housing and already own one of the dog breeds in the ban, can apply to have their dogs exempt from the ban as long as their dogs pass a 'good canine citizen; test that is given by a qualified evaluator. Such an exception would expire in October 2012, which is the date when the Corps expects to stop honoring such waivers.
Almost every dog trainer would agree that it is a good idea for dogs who are living in relatively close quarters with both their families and other people and pets, to obtain a 'good canine citizen' certificate.
To get such a certificate, the dog has to be able to sit and come on command and also allow a friendly stranger to approach it without the dog snarling or running away. There are, of course, other skills that need to be demonstrated before being awarded such a title.
Although the American Kennel Club does award a Canine Good Citizen title, the Marine Corps has chosen to enlist the help of the ASPCA instead, which opposes breed banning.
The ASPCA
A team of animal behavior experts from the ASPCA travelled to Beaufort, South Carolina, to begin behavior assessments of more than 90 dogs that are living in Marine Corps housing units in the South Carolina Tri-Command area.
"Our goal in coming to the Parris Island base is to make sure safe dogs and their families are able to stay together," says Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA Senior Director of Shelter Research & Development, "and so far, the results have been positive."
The ASPCA uses a specially formulated test called the Safety Assessment for Evaluation Rehoming. This is primarily a research-based test that helps the ASPCA's animal behaviorists identify any future possibility of canine aggression.
After assessing 85 dogs so far, only two of them showed a high enough potential towards aggression that they had to be removed.
"Two others showed aggressive tendencies, but one will work with a trainer and another will be neutered," said Dr. Weiss. "The vast majority, however, are well-loved, well-behaved family pets."
"We're very excited about the ASPCA's assessment," says Army Capt. Jenifer Gustafson, the Officer in Charge of the veterinary clinic on Parris Island. "This is a welcome alternative to the unpleasant possibility of pet parents being forced to give up their dogs or leave base housing."
The official mascot for the Marine Corps is the Bulldog!
Photo Credit: bobster855
The Dog Breed Ban
This order will impact all families and their dogs currently living in on-base Marine Corps housing. Although a few housing compounds will attempt to apply for an exemption from the policy, such as Camp Pendleton, which is the biggest Marine Corps housing in San Diego County.
The order, which was handed down back in August of this year from General James Conway, the Marine commandant, states the reason for the breed ban as such:
"The rise in ownership of large dog breeds with a predisposition toward aggressive or dangerous behavior, coupled with the increased risk of tragic incidents involving these dogs, necessitates a uniform policy."
Dog Attacks On On-Base Marine Corps Housing
Marine officials have stated that the breed ban is being imposed in an attempt to "ensure the continued health and safety" of on-base personnel and their families.
According to Capt. Brian Block, an official spokesperson at the Marine headquarters, before making such a harsh decision, the Marine Corps analyzed national statistics and examined the history of dog attacks on all of its on-base housing.
Three dog bite attacks were reported during June of this year at Camp Pendleton, which houses approximately 1,500 pet dogs. Two of the incidences involved a Jack Russell Terrier and a Labrador who both bit their owners' family members, whilst the third incident concerned a stray Pit Bull that attacked a teenager who had attempted to approach it, stated officials from Camp Pendleton.
Despite these attacks at Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps headquarter officials have vehemently denied that the system wide policy change implementing the ban of certain dog breeds, had anything to do with the dog attacks at Camp Pendleton.
The Pit Bull Ban
Sadly, this is yet another blow against Pit Bulls, which are quickly becoming the most common breed to be found at animal shelters throughout the country.
However, a spokesperson for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, explains that any breed of dog has the potential to become aggressive and attack.
"It's dependent on the dog's previous living arrangement and training," she said. "It's not just the breed itself."
Good Canine Evaluation
Those families who are living in on-base Marine Corps housing and already own one of the dog breeds in the ban, can apply to have their dogs exempt from the ban as long as their dogs pass a 'good canine citizen; test that is given by a qualified evaluator. Such an exception would expire in October 2012, which is the date when the Corps expects to stop honoring such waivers.
Almost every dog trainer would agree that it is a good idea for dogs who are living in relatively close quarters with both their families and other people and pets, to obtain a 'good canine citizen' certificate.
To get such a certificate, the dog has to be able to sit and come on command and also allow a friendly stranger to approach it without the dog snarling or running away. There are, of course, other skills that need to be demonstrated before being awarded such a title.
Although the American Kennel Club does award a Canine Good Citizen title, the Marine Corps has chosen to enlist the help of the ASPCA instead, which opposes breed banning.
The ASPCA
A team of animal behavior experts from the ASPCA travelled to Beaufort, South Carolina, to begin behavior assessments of more than 90 dogs that are living in Marine Corps housing units in the South Carolina Tri-Command area.
"Our goal in coming to the Parris Island base is to make sure safe dogs and their families are able to stay together," says Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA Senior Director of Shelter Research & Development, "and so far, the results have been positive."
The ASPCA uses a specially formulated test called the Safety Assessment for Evaluation Rehoming. This is primarily a research-based test that helps the ASPCA's animal behaviorists identify any future possibility of canine aggression.
After assessing 85 dogs so far, only two of them showed a high enough potential towards aggression that they had to be removed.
"Two others showed aggressive tendencies, but one will work with a trainer and another will be neutered," said Dr. Weiss. "The vast majority, however, are well-loved, well-behaved family pets."
"We're very excited about the ASPCA's assessment," says Army Capt. Jenifer Gustafson, the Officer in Charge of the veterinary clinic on Parris Island. "This is a welcome alternative to the unpleasant possibility of pet parents being forced to give up their dogs or leave base housing."
The official mascot for the Marine Corps is the Bulldog!
Photo Credit: bobster855
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October Pet Horoscope
Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
Even though Capricorn pets are usually very responsible, this month they will need to have a job of their own in order to feel like a valued member of the family. Provide one for them by teaching your dog to fetch the newspaper. Although cat's do not generally have 'jobs', you should lavish praise on your kitty whenever you catch her grooming another member of the family.
Halloween Costume: Buddha or Marie Antoinette.
Aquarius (January 21 - February 18)
October welcomes Neptune into your pet's sign, which results in your pet acting a bit spacey this month. Do not worry if your cat starts to dreamily stare at your parrot in its cage or if your dog freaks out about the fake skeletons that you are hanging up around the house in celebration of Halloween, it's just that their natural instincts have deserted them for a while. Keep this in mind and try to avoid any situation in which your pet may face danger.
Halloween Costume: Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
This month it is best to help your Pisces pet stick to a daily regimen. This will help to reduce any stress that they may have due to the Halloween festivities going on both in your house and out on the street.
Halloween Costume: Mermaid or Lobster
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries pets will be the center of attention this month. Let them! Just don't let them take it too far! Allow your pet to show their tricks to your visitors and reward them with treats. However, they will also be extra sensitive this month, so be careful not to overburden your pet with your own worries.
Halloween Costume: Cheerleader or sports star
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
This is relationship month for Taurus pets, so this is a good time to either introduce your pet to a possible mate, or to simply arrange a few play dates with friends. October is also a great month to improve your own relationship with your pet.
Halloween Costume: Queen of Hearts or Cupid
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Always up for anything, the Gemini pet will enjoy donning a Halloween costume and joining the rest of the family to go Trick or Treating this month. However, try not to let your Gemini pet become over-excited! Stress can be an ugly thing!
Halloween Costume: Cowboy/girl
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
October finds many guests popping in and out of your home for quick visits. This is slightly upsetting to your Cancer pet and will force him to put on a tough act. Try to keep your Cancer pet busy whenever guests stop by and remember to reassure your pet that he is well-loved.
Halloween Costume: King or Queen.
Leo (July 23 - August 23)
After being somewhat submissive during the beginning of October, your Leo pet will soon turn back into a roaring lion just in time for Halloween! You will need to keep a watchful eye on your pet to make sure that his submissiveness is not being taken advantage of and to make sure that he doesn't become too aggressive either.
Halloween Costume: Lion or Scarecrow
Virgo (August 24 - September 22)
Normally humble, Virgo pets will expect more from life and from you this month. It is ok to give in to your pet! Providing them with extra treats or one-on-one time is the perfect way to show your Virgo pet just how much you love and appreciate them.
Halloween Costume: Knight in Shining Armor or Lady in Waiting
Libra (September 23 - October 23)
Being their birthday month, it is fitting that Libra pets will have the urge to assert their dominance. However, your Libra pet will need to be gently reminded who the real pack leader is. Go over a few commands to make sure that he hasn't forgotten any. As for your Libra cat, gently remind them that their scratching post is the only place where they are allowed to scratch.
Halloween Costume: Cleopatra or President
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Scorpio pets know that they are the best at everything they do! So this month provide them with a few challenges: Teach new tricks or give them a new puzzle toy to figure out. Keeping your Scorpio pet happy and active will make the Halloween month more enjoyable.
Halloween Costume: Biker or French Maid
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
With a chill starting to set in, Sagittarius pets will start to become agitated. Try to alleviate this by setting aside plenty of playtime for your pet either inside the house or outside during the hottest part of the day.
Halloween Costume: Superman/woman or Clown
Photo Creidt: anomalous4
Even though Capricorn pets are usually very responsible, this month they will need to have a job of their own in order to feel like a valued member of the family. Provide one for them by teaching your dog to fetch the newspaper. Although cat's do not generally have 'jobs', you should lavish praise on your kitty whenever you catch her grooming another member of the family.
Halloween Costume: Buddha or Marie Antoinette.
Aquarius (January 21 - February 18)
October welcomes Neptune into your pet's sign, which results in your pet acting a bit spacey this month. Do not worry if your cat starts to dreamily stare at your parrot in its cage or if your dog freaks out about the fake skeletons that you are hanging up around the house in celebration of Halloween, it's just that their natural instincts have deserted them for a while. Keep this in mind and try to avoid any situation in which your pet may face danger.
Halloween Costume: Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
This month it is best to help your Pisces pet stick to a daily regimen. This will help to reduce any stress that they may have due to the Halloween festivities going on both in your house and out on the street.
Halloween Costume: Mermaid or Lobster
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Aries pets will be the center of attention this month. Let them! Just don't let them take it too far! Allow your pet to show their tricks to your visitors and reward them with treats. However, they will also be extra sensitive this month, so be careful not to overburden your pet with your own worries.
Halloween Costume: Cheerleader or sports star
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
This is relationship month for Taurus pets, so this is a good time to either introduce your pet to a possible mate, or to simply arrange a few play dates with friends. October is also a great month to improve your own relationship with your pet.
Halloween Costume: Queen of Hearts or Cupid
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Always up for anything, the Gemini pet will enjoy donning a Halloween costume and joining the rest of the family to go Trick or Treating this month. However, try not to let your Gemini pet become over-excited! Stress can be an ugly thing!
Halloween Costume: Cowboy/girl
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
October finds many guests popping in and out of your home for quick visits. This is slightly upsetting to your Cancer pet and will force him to put on a tough act. Try to keep your Cancer pet busy whenever guests stop by and remember to reassure your pet that he is well-loved.
Halloween Costume: King or Queen.
Leo (July 23 - August 23)
After being somewhat submissive during the beginning of October, your Leo pet will soon turn back into a roaring lion just in time for Halloween! You will need to keep a watchful eye on your pet to make sure that his submissiveness is not being taken advantage of and to make sure that he doesn't become too aggressive either.
Halloween Costume: Lion or Scarecrow
Virgo (August 24 - September 22)
Normally humble, Virgo pets will expect more from life and from you this month. It is ok to give in to your pet! Providing them with extra treats or one-on-one time is the perfect way to show your Virgo pet just how much you love and appreciate them.
Halloween Costume: Knight in Shining Armor or Lady in Waiting
Libra (September 23 - October 23)
Being their birthday month, it is fitting that Libra pets will have the urge to assert their dominance. However, your Libra pet will need to be gently reminded who the real pack leader is. Go over a few commands to make sure that he hasn't forgotten any. As for your Libra cat, gently remind them that their scratching post is the only place where they are allowed to scratch.
Halloween Costume: Cleopatra or President
Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Scorpio pets know that they are the best at everything they do! So this month provide them with a few challenges: Teach new tricks or give them a new puzzle toy to figure out. Keeping your Scorpio pet happy and active will make the Halloween month more enjoyable.
Halloween Costume: Biker or French Maid
Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
With a chill starting to set in, Sagittarius pets will start to become agitated. Try to alleviate this by setting aside plenty of playtime for your pet either inside the house or outside during the hottest part of the day.
Halloween Costume: Superman/woman or Clown
Photo Creidt: anomalous4
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Malicious Viral Rumor Increases Pet Adoptions
A rumor regarding the closure of an animal shelter in 'Montgomery County' has caused pet adoptions to increase nationwide. However, government officials are concerned and have sounded the alarm to alert unsuspecting animal lovers to the fact that the rumor is nothing more than a hoax.
An organically sent email that simply stated: "An animal shelter in New Jersey is closing tomorrow. They currently have 80 dogs and 30 cats. They are adopting animals for free tomorrow between 12 and 4 p.m. All the remaining animals will be euthanized."
The email was signed with a simple frowning emoticon.
Spreading the Word
Shocked and concerned readers of the email spread the word by posting the information on Twitter, Facebook and their personal web pages as well. The rumor spread like wildfire, causing 19 "Montgomery County" shelters across the USA to become inundated with phone calls from concerned citizen regarding the shelters pets, who they believed were going to be euthanized if they were not adopted immediately.
However, embedded inside each email was a link that, once clicked, tried to wreak havoc with the person's personal computer.
It didn't take long for the US government to become involved and on Wednesday, the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) released a warning to the public about these links.
The warning by US-CERT simply stated:
"Users seeking details on rumors about the closure of a 'Montgomery County Animal Shelter' may be led to click on illegitimate search results which attempt to download malicious code. The rumors are being spread via e-mail, forums, and social networking sites, usually taking the form of a plea for readers to contact the shelter and adopt animals prior to the shelter's closing."
A division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT has acknowledged that it is "monitoring the situation."
Montgomery Shelters
The health officer and director of animal control for the Montgomery Township Health Department in Belle Mead, NJ, Stephanie D. Carey, stated that not only can the shelter only hold five dogs and ten cats at a time:
"Ironically, we only had one animal for adoption on site that day."
However, the animal shelter started to receive phone calls from concerned people wanting to adopt a dog or a cat from the animal shelter.
"It exploded overnight, and by 7 a.m. we had 200 calls and another 100 by later that morning," said Carey. By the close on Wednesday, Carey, believes that the shelter had received about 1,000 phone calls.
"There were a few angry people, but an overwhelming majority were concerned and just wanted to help," she said. "About 100 people showed up at our shelter yesterday afternoon. Usually we get three adopters a week."
Carey, and the rest of the staff quickly referred the callers to the Animal Alliance of New Jersey. "The animal alliance got a lot of phone calls, so it turned out to be a good thing."
Anne Trinkle, the executive director and founder of the Animal Alliance of New Jersey, stated that the rescue group had received a 25% increase in the amount of people who wanted to adopt, and had dealt with over 100 calls on that day alone.
"We're thrilled and grateful for whatever motivates people to flock to this agency to adopt," Trinkle said. "There was definitely a silver lining to the misinformation being spread out there."
19 other animal shelters in different Montgomery counties nationwide benefited from the euthanasia email scare.
In Montgomery, Alabama, Scott Missildine, the volunteer coordinator at the Montgomery Humane Society, stated that the shelter had received at least one telephone call every six minutes:
"All day the phones were ringing. People were worried about us closing."
The Rumor
Officials believe that the rumor started when it became public in August that the contract between the town of Conroe and the Montgomery County Humane Society in Texas would come to an end on 21 September. Almost immediately there was a response from animal activists who demanded to know what would happen to the animals at the shelter if they were not adopted out before the end of the contract and falsely believed that the humane society would actually euthanize any animal left un-adopted after the five day holding period by the time the contract ended.
However, even if the animal is still there after the five day holding period, it will either be sent to another adoption agency first before being considered for euthanasia. And even before euthanasia, board members and volunteers would have been allowed to adopt an animal.
So far, the Humane Society for Montgomery County has been able to adopt out several hundred pets. This amount is the highest adoption rate ever for the humane society.
Photo Credit: Dave Parker
An organically sent email that simply stated: "An animal shelter in New Jersey is closing tomorrow. They currently have 80 dogs and 30 cats. They are adopting animals for free tomorrow between 12 and 4 p.m. All the remaining animals will be euthanized."
The email was signed with a simple frowning emoticon.
Spreading the Word
Shocked and concerned readers of the email spread the word by posting the information on Twitter, Facebook and their personal web pages as well. The rumor spread like wildfire, causing 19 "Montgomery County" shelters across the USA to become inundated with phone calls from concerned citizen regarding the shelters pets, who they believed were going to be euthanized if they were not adopted immediately.
However, embedded inside each email was a link that, once clicked, tried to wreak havoc with the person's personal computer.
It didn't take long for the US government to become involved and on Wednesday, the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) released a warning to the public about these links.
The warning by US-CERT simply stated:
"Users seeking details on rumors about the closure of a 'Montgomery County Animal Shelter' may be led to click on illegitimate search results which attempt to download malicious code. The rumors are being spread via e-mail, forums, and social networking sites, usually taking the form of a plea for readers to contact the shelter and adopt animals prior to the shelter's closing."
A division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT has acknowledged that it is "monitoring the situation."
Montgomery Shelters
The health officer and director of animal control for the Montgomery Township Health Department in Belle Mead, NJ, Stephanie D. Carey, stated that not only can the shelter only hold five dogs and ten cats at a time:
"Ironically, we only had one animal for adoption on site that day."
However, the animal shelter started to receive phone calls from concerned people wanting to adopt a dog or a cat from the animal shelter.
"It exploded overnight, and by 7 a.m. we had 200 calls and another 100 by later that morning," said Carey. By the close on Wednesday, Carey, believes that the shelter had received about 1,000 phone calls.
"There were a few angry people, but an overwhelming majority were concerned and just wanted to help," she said. "About 100 people showed up at our shelter yesterday afternoon. Usually we get three adopters a week."
Carey, and the rest of the staff quickly referred the callers to the Animal Alliance of New Jersey. "The animal alliance got a lot of phone calls, so it turned out to be a good thing."
Anne Trinkle, the executive director and founder of the Animal Alliance of New Jersey, stated that the rescue group had received a 25% increase in the amount of people who wanted to adopt, and had dealt with over 100 calls on that day alone.
"We're thrilled and grateful for whatever motivates people to flock to this agency to adopt," Trinkle said. "There was definitely a silver lining to the misinformation being spread out there."
19 other animal shelters in different Montgomery counties nationwide benefited from the euthanasia email scare.
In Montgomery, Alabama, Scott Missildine, the volunteer coordinator at the Montgomery Humane Society, stated that the shelter had received at least one telephone call every six minutes:
"All day the phones were ringing. People were worried about us closing."
The Rumor
Officials believe that the rumor started when it became public in August that the contract between the town of Conroe and the Montgomery County Humane Society in Texas would come to an end on 21 September. Almost immediately there was a response from animal activists who demanded to know what would happen to the animals at the shelter if they were not adopted out before the end of the contract and falsely believed that the humane society would actually euthanize any animal left un-adopted after the five day holding period by the time the contract ended.
However, even if the animal is still there after the five day holding period, it will either be sent to another adoption agency first before being considered for euthanasia. And even before euthanasia, board members and volunteers would have been allowed to adopt an animal.
So far, the Humane Society for Montgomery County has been able to adopt out several hundred pets. This amount is the highest adoption rate ever for the humane society.
Photo Credit: Dave Parker
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Public Schools Being Sued For Refusing To Allow Service Dogs
These days, service dogs are being used to help autistic children live happy and safe lives. Service dogs are usually welcome inside any establishment in the USA. However, there are a few public schools that now say that they do not want any dog on the premises, service dog or not!
The issue raised by these public schools is whether or not the dogs are actually working as "service dogs" for the autistic children, meaning that the dogs are quite essential to the daily management of the child's autism, or whether the dogs are merely there for emotional support.
Service Dogs
Although school districts across America are vehemently stating that they are not discriminating against autistic children, they are stating that they are attempting to protect the other non-autistic children who attend their schools. School officials believe that bringing a service dog onto school property, and into a classroom, will not only disrupt the lessons but may also upset the health and safety of students who might be afraid of dogs or even allergic to them.
However, a spokesman for the Department of Justice, Alejandro Miyar, explained that under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, "a person with autism would be considered a person with a disability in nearly all cases, and a service animal is any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to someone with a disability."
Dogs have been trained as service dogs to help those people and children who are blind, deaf, epileptic, and diabetic for many years. However, two relatively new forms of training have emerged over recent years: helping adult and children who have peanut allergies and those who are autistic.
Because this type of training is still fairly new, hardly any research has been conducted to prove the affects that these service dogs have on autistic children and their families. But just ask any parent whose child suffers from autism, and they will tell you that having a service dog by their child's side at all times is the best thing for their child! Even the website for the autism support group called Autism Speaks has a list of dog trainers who specialize in training service dogs to work with autistic children.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects many American children. These children usually have trouble communicating effectively, and are prone to emotional outbursts. They are not able to handle changes in the environment.
Dogs that will hopefully spend the rest of their life side-by-side with an autistic child, are usually trained from the start to act as a very calming influence on the child. These autism service dogs create a stable link between the child's home, school and other places that are new to the child. Most of the time the service dogs are even tethered to the children that they care for, in an attempt to prevent them from running into danger.
The School Districts
So far, two elementary school students who are autistic have won their case in court in Illinois that allows them to bring their dogs with them school each day. Both California and Pennsylvania have also had their fair share of such court cases brought on by the parents of autistic schoolchildren against their respective school districts.
The parents are saying that the service dogs allow their young children to enjoy life like any child but that the dogs are there to provide a sense of calm and safety to their autistic children. The service dogs help the children deal with changes when transitioning from one activity to another, all the while being tethered to each other so that the service dog can prevent the child from running into traffic, especially during pick up time at school in the afternoons.
The state attorney general's office in Illinois recently asked to intervene in a lawsuit on behalf of the Kalbfleisch family who is suing their 5 year old son's school district in an effort to allow him to bring his service dog into his classroom.
In August, a judge in Illinois's Monroe County entered a preliminary injunction that allowed Carter's service to dog to accompany him to his pre-kindergarten class.
However, Attorney General Madigan is adamant that the appeal's outcome "has the potential to set precedent that will impact other Illinois students with disabilities who use service animals."
The school district is arguing that by allowing Carter's dog into the classroom, it would be endangering another child who is severely allergic to animal fur and that "the dog served no necessary educational purpose".
The Kalbfleisch's are arguing that Carter's development has benefited greatly since his service dog entered his life and the two boys have become inseparable.
Photo Credit: merfam
The issue raised by these public schools is whether or not the dogs are actually working as "service dogs" for the autistic children, meaning that the dogs are quite essential to the daily management of the child's autism, or whether the dogs are merely there for emotional support.
Service Dogs
Although school districts across America are vehemently stating that they are not discriminating against autistic children, they are stating that they are attempting to protect the other non-autistic children who attend their schools. School officials believe that bringing a service dog onto school property, and into a classroom, will not only disrupt the lessons but may also upset the health and safety of students who might be afraid of dogs or even allergic to them.
However, a spokesman for the Department of Justice, Alejandro Miyar, explained that under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, "a person with autism would be considered a person with a disability in nearly all cases, and a service animal is any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to someone with a disability."
Dogs have been trained as service dogs to help those people and children who are blind, deaf, epileptic, and diabetic for many years. However, two relatively new forms of training have emerged over recent years: helping adult and children who have peanut allergies and those who are autistic.
Because this type of training is still fairly new, hardly any research has been conducted to prove the affects that these service dogs have on autistic children and their families. But just ask any parent whose child suffers from autism, and they will tell you that having a service dog by their child's side at all times is the best thing for their child! Even the website for the autism support group called Autism Speaks has a list of dog trainers who specialize in training service dogs to work with autistic children.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects many American children. These children usually have trouble communicating effectively, and are prone to emotional outbursts. They are not able to handle changes in the environment.
Dogs that will hopefully spend the rest of their life side-by-side with an autistic child, are usually trained from the start to act as a very calming influence on the child. These autism service dogs create a stable link between the child's home, school and other places that are new to the child. Most of the time the service dogs are even tethered to the children that they care for, in an attempt to prevent them from running into danger.
The School Districts
So far, two elementary school students who are autistic have won their case in court in Illinois that allows them to bring their dogs with them school each day. Both California and Pennsylvania have also had their fair share of such court cases brought on by the parents of autistic schoolchildren against their respective school districts.
The parents are saying that the service dogs allow their young children to enjoy life like any child but that the dogs are there to provide a sense of calm and safety to their autistic children. The service dogs help the children deal with changes when transitioning from one activity to another, all the while being tethered to each other so that the service dog can prevent the child from running into traffic, especially during pick up time at school in the afternoons.
The state attorney general's office in Illinois recently asked to intervene in a lawsuit on behalf of the Kalbfleisch family who is suing their 5 year old son's school district in an effort to allow him to bring his service dog into his classroom.
In August, a judge in Illinois's Monroe County entered a preliminary injunction that allowed Carter's service to dog to accompany him to his pre-kindergarten class.
However, Attorney General Madigan is adamant that the appeal's outcome "has the potential to set precedent that will impact other Illinois students with disabilities who use service animals."
The school district is arguing that by allowing Carter's dog into the classroom, it would be endangering another child who is severely allergic to animal fur and that "the dog served no necessary educational purpose".
The Kalbfleisch's are arguing that Carter's development has benefited greatly since his service dog entered his life and the two boys have become inseparable.
Photo Credit: merfam
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Readers Digest Pet Hero's of 2009
In August this year, Readers Digest listed 5 pets that had performed heroic acts and asked the public to pick a winner. The winner was 13lb Chi Chi, a Chihuahua, for saving the lives of two women. Four other heroic pets were also contenders for the title, including a cat, a parrot, a horse and a terrier-poodle.
Chi Chi
In October 2008, Chi Chi, along with his owners Mary and Rick Lane, was visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. All three of the Lanes were relaxing in their own beach chairs, with Chi Chi restrained to his chair due to a fascination of other beachgoers.
When Chi Chi suddenly did a very strange thing:
"He leapt out of his beach chair, still attached, dragging the beach chair, and he started sending out an alarm," Mary said. "He was making a sound we never heard before. Rick said, 'Hey, what's the matter with the dog?' "
Although nothing was wrong with Chi Chi, something was wrong with two elderly ladies who were in the ocean.
"There was a storm surge, and there were two elderly ladies, one had fallen on her back headfirst into the surf," she said. "The other lady, a little bitty lady about 90 pounds, was trying to hold her head up, and she was in danger of being washed out."
Both Mary and Rick sprung into action and together were able to pull the ladies out of the dangers of the riptide. Thankfully, both ladies were just fine and the Lanes returned to their spot on the beach to find Chi Chi fast asleep on his chair!
Sunny Boy
Chloe-Jean and Kristen Wendell were riding the horses in a local festival in Vivian, Louisiana, when an uncontrolled dog ran out of the crowd straight towards them. The sudden appearance of the dog spooked Kristen's horse, Angel, and Kristen made the decision to quickly dismount for fear of being thrown. Chloe-Jean then also dismounted her quarter horse, Sunny Boy, to help her sister. However, Sunny Boy had the situation well under control! As the 75lb dog lunged at the two sisters, Sunny Boy jumped between them and kicked the dog in the face.
Sadly, the dog was eventually captured and euthanized. Their father, Mark Wendell, is still astonished by Sunny Boy's action: "I've been around horses all my life and have not seen one take on another animal like that."
Willie
In Denver, Colorado, lives Willie the Quaker Parrot. Very talkative, Willie calls his owner, Megan Howard, "Mama". Although learning new words usually takes some time, Willie learnt and perfectly pronounced a new word that helped him become a hero.
Whilst babysitting her friend's 2 year old daughter, Hannah, Megan left the room for a few minutes to run to the bathroom. However, just seconds later she heard Willie screaming "Mama, baby! Mama, baby!"
Running back into the room, Megan found Hannah choking on a Pop-Tart and immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver.
When thinking back on Willie's actions, Megan says: "He was clearly trying to get my attention. He's loud and talkative, but what really amazes me is that he added the word 'baby' on his own."
Oscar
Ron Gillette from Waukesha in Wisconsin is a diabetic who fell in his bathroom after getting up from bed in the middle of the night due to sinking blood sugar levels.
His terrier-poodle mix, Oscar, started yelping loudly and was able to awaken Ron's wife, Ann. After finding her husband on the bathroom floor, Ann quickly called for an ambulance and Ron was taken to a nearby hospital, where he made a full recovery.
In retrospect, the Gillette's have decided to rename Oscar and call him Eduardo instead for his saving Ron's life.
Winnie
Proving that cats can also be heroes is Winnie from New Castle, Indiana. After having a flood in their basement, Winnie's owners, the Kessling family, were using a pump to suction out the leftover water. However, the pump was actually leaking dangerous carbon dioxide. As soon as the central heating system began working one cold night, the carbon dioxide was quickly scattered throughout the entire house.
With the family sound asleep, Winnie did what any respectable cat would do to raise her family: she jumped on them!
"Winnie jumped from her window perch right onto me, meowing like crazy and scratching at my hair and face," said Cathy Kessling.
Cathy immediately woke up her husband and as she went to call 911, found her son lying face down on the floor. Although the family was hospitalized overnight, they were all fine and are grateful for the heroic action of their cat.
"One of the rescuers said that we could've been dead in five more minutes," Cathy said.
Photo Credit: Loup-Vert
Chi Chi
In October 2008, Chi Chi, along with his owners Mary and Rick Lane, was visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. All three of the Lanes were relaxing in their own beach chairs, with Chi Chi restrained to his chair due to a fascination of other beachgoers.
When Chi Chi suddenly did a very strange thing:
"He leapt out of his beach chair, still attached, dragging the beach chair, and he started sending out an alarm," Mary said. "He was making a sound we never heard before. Rick said, 'Hey, what's the matter with the dog?' "
Although nothing was wrong with Chi Chi, something was wrong with two elderly ladies who were in the ocean.
"There was a storm surge, and there were two elderly ladies, one had fallen on her back headfirst into the surf," she said. "The other lady, a little bitty lady about 90 pounds, was trying to hold her head up, and she was in danger of being washed out."
Both Mary and Rick sprung into action and together were able to pull the ladies out of the dangers of the riptide. Thankfully, both ladies were just fine and the Lanes returned to their spot on the beach to find Chi Chi fast asleep on his chair!
Sunny Boy
Chloe-Jean and Kristen Wendell were riding the horses in a local festival in Vivian, Louisiana, when an uncontrolled dog ran out of the crowd straight towards them. The sudden appearance of the dog spooked Kristen's horse, Angel, and Kristen made the decision to quickly dismount for fear of being thrown. Chloe-Jean then also dismounted her quarter horse, Sunny Boy, to help her sister. However, Sunny Boy had the situation well under control! As the 75lb dog lunged at the two sisters, Sunny Boy jumped between them and kicked the dog in the face.
Sadly, the dog was eventually captured and euthanized. Their father, Mark Wendell, is still astonished by Sunny Boy's action: "I've been around horses all my life and have not seen one take on another animal like that."
Willie
In Denver, Colorado, lives Willie the Quaker Parrot. Very talkative, Willie calls his owner, Megan Howard, "Mama". Although learning new words usually takes some time, Willie learnt and perfectly pronounced a new word that helped him become a hero.
Whilst babysitting her friend's 2 year old daughter, Hannah, Megan left the room for a few minutes to run to the bathroom. However, just seconds later she heard Willie screaming "Mama, baby! Mama, baby!"
Running back into the room, Megan found Hannah choking on a Pop-Tart and immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver.
When thinking back on Willie's actions, Megan says: "He was clearly trying to get my attention. He's loud and talkative, but what really amazes me is that he added the word 'baby' on his own."
Oscar
Ron Gillette from Waukesha in Wisconsin is a diabetic who fell in his bathroom after getting up from bed in the middle of the night due to sinking blood sugar levels.
His terrier-poodle mix, Oscar, started yelping loudly and was able to awaken Ron's wife, Ann. After finding her husband on the bathroom floor, Ann quickly called for an ambulance and Ron was taken to a nearby hospital, where he made a full recovery.
In retrospect, the Gillette's have decided to rename Oscar and call him Eduardo instead for his saving Ron's life.
Winnie
Proving that cats can also be heroes is Winnie from New Castle, Indiana. After having a flood in their basement, Winnie's owners, the Kessling family, were using a pump to suction out the leftover water. However, the pump was actually leaking dangerous carbon dioxide. As soon as the central heating system began working one cold night, the carbon dioxide was quickly scattered throughout the entire house.
With the family sound asleep, Winnie did what any respectable cat would do to raise her family: she jumped on them!
"Winnie jumped from her window perch right onto me, meowing like crazy and scratching at my hair and face," said Cathy Kessling.
Cathy immediately woke up her husband and as she went to call 911, found her son lying face down on the floor. Although the family was hospitalized overnight, they were all fine and are grateful for the heroic action of their cat.
"One of the rescuers said that we could've been dead in five more minutes," Cathy said.
Photo Credit: Loup-Vert
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Can You Get Sick From Your Pet?
Even though the odds are against it, it is entirely possible for you to contract an illness from your pet. Called Zoonotic diseases, these are illnesses, infections and diseases that can be transmitted from an animal to a human being, such as Rabies for example.
Most people do not realize that even though there are thousands of different types of Zoonotic diseases, transmission from animal to human is actually quite rare. A Zoonotic disease can be transmitted in one of two distinct ways: Either from direct contact with the contaminated animal; or through contact with the animal's feces.
However becoming informed about the most common Zoonotic diseases and how to prevent them will help you in reducing the possibility that you will get sick from your beloved pet.
Rabies
Rabies is one the most commonly known Zoonotic disease, and for good reason! It is a fatal virus that attacks the central nervous system of its victims - dog, cat, raccoon, or human. Not every Rabid animal that you see will be foaming at the mouth, therefore the CDC recommends that not only should you always keep your own pets up to date on the Rabies vaccine but you should also avoid contact with any wild animal as well.
Rabies is spread through an animal bite, usually from a wild or sick animal as opposed to a household dog or cat. Always supervise your own pets to make sure that they do not interact with any wild animal lest they get bitten by Rabies-infected animal.
If you think you may have been bitten by a Rabid animal, immediately proceed to the ER. Symptoms of Rabies include: Headaches, fever, confusion, drowsiness and even slight hostility.
Cat Scratch Disease
Otherwise known as Bartonellosis, this disease is a type of bacteria that is carried by fleas that infest cats and kittens. The infested cat can then pass on the disease to a human through a bite or even a simple scratch.
Whether or not you know have been scratched by an infest cat, it is always a good idea to immediately wash the skin surrounding the scratch. Keep your cats nails trimmed down at all times. Kittens scratch more than adult cats do and this is a major cause of concern since they also carry this type of bacteria more frequently than adult cats. Eliminate and prevent any fleas on your cat and in your home immediately.
Symptoms of cat scratch disease are swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever and fatigue. People whose immune systems are in any way suppressed, such as chemotherapy patients, should be extra careful.
Toxoplasmosis
Another Zoonotic disease passed from household cats is Toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite in the cat called Toxoplasma. It is passed via contact with the cat feces. For this very reason, pregnant women or women who are planning on becoming pregnant should avoid cleaning their cat's litter box as Toxoplasma can affect the fetus. Avoiding handling and eating raw or undercooked meat is another way for everyone to prevent contracting Toxoplasmosis.
Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis are very similar to flu-like symptoms.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin. It is more commonly contracted from cats than dogs, as cats carry the ringworm on their fur more often than dogs do. Whilst cats will hardly ever show any signs of infection, dog will usually have raised, circular lesions and hair loss around the infected area.
In humans, Ringworm creates red, itchy circular type lesions on the skin. Infection is caused by direct contact with an infected cat or dog, usually a puppy or kitten.
Whilst Ringworm is not considered to be dangerous, it cannot be entirely prevented either. Using an antifungal cream usually helps relieve the lesions in a few weeks. Keeping up with good hygiene is the best thing to prevent Ringworm.
Larval Migrans
Another Zoonotic disease that is passed through contact with the feces of a cat or dog is intestinal worms. Besides actually touching the feces, simply coming into contact with the soil in which the feces was on, can cause contamination and skin infection will eventually result. If you do not wash your hands, after touching the feces or the ground, before eating, you may unintentionally ingest the worm eggs. Once hatched these worms can then wreak havoc upon your body by being able to travel all around your insides, causing the most damage to your brain, lungs, and eyes.
Prevention is pretty simple: regularly de-worm your cat or dog! And always remember to wash your hands before eating. Keeping your yard free of feces is another great preventative measure.
Photo Credit: wolfsavard
Most people do not realize that even though there are thousands of different types of Zoonotic diseases, transmission from animal to human is actually quite rare. A Zoonotic disease can be transmitted in one of two distinct ways: Either from direct contact with the contaminated animal; or through contact with the animal's feces.
However becoming informed about the most common Zoonotic diseases and how to prevent them will help you in reducing the possibility that you will get sick from your beloved pet.
Rabies
Rabies is one the most commonly known Zoonotic disease, and for good reason! It is a fatal virus that attacks the central nervous system of its victims - dog, cat, raccoon, or human. Not every Rabid animal that you see will be foaming at the mouth, therefore the CDC recommends that not only should you always keep your own pets up to date on the Rabies vaccine but you should also avoid contact with any wild animal as well.
Rabies is spread through an animal bite, usually from a wild or sick animal as opposed to a household dog or cat. Always supervise your own pets to make sure that they do not interact with any wild animal lest they get bitten by Rabies-infected animal.
If you think you may have been bitten by a Rabid animal, immediately proceed to the ER. Symptoms of Rabies include: Headaches, fever, confusion, drowsiness and even slight hostility.
Cat Scratch Disease
Otherwise known as Bartonellosis, this disease is a type of bacteria that is carried by fleas that infest cats and kittens. The infested cat can then pass on the disease to a human through a bite or even a simple scratch.
Whether or not you know have been scratched by an infest cat, it is always a good idea to immediately wash the skin surrounding the scratch. Keep your cats nails trimmed down at all times. Kittens scratch more than adult cats do and this is a major cause of concern since they also carry this type of bacteria more frequently than adult cats. Eliminate and prevent any fleas on your cat and in your home immediately.
Symptoms of cat scratch disease are swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever and fatigue. People whose immune systems are in any way suppressed, such as chemotherapy patients, should be extra careful.
Toxoplasmosis
Another Zoonotic disease passed from household cats is Toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite in the cat called Toxoplasma. It is passed via contact with the cat feces. For this very reason, pregnant women or women who are planning on becoming pregnant should avoid cleaning their cat's litter box as Toxoplasma can affect the fetus. Avoiding handling and eating raw or undercooked meat is another way for everyone to prevent contracting Toxoplasmosis.
Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis are very similar to flu-like symptoms.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin. It is more commonly contracted from cats than dogs, as cats carry the ringworm on their fur more often than dogs do. Whilst cats will hardly ever show any signs of infection, dog will usually have raised, circular lesions and hair loss around the infected area.
In humans, Ringworm creates red, itchy circular type lesions on the skin. Infection is caused by direct contact with an infected cat or dog, usually a puppy or kitten.
Whilst Ringworm is not considered to be dangerous, it cannot be entirely prevented either. Using an antifungal cream usually helps relieve the lesions in a few weeks. Keeping up with good hygiene is the best thing to prevent Ringworm.
Larval Migrans
Another Zoonotic disease that is passed through contact with the feces of a cat or dog is intestinal worms. Besides actually touching the feces, simply coming into contact with the soil in which the feces was on, can cause contamination and skin infection will eventually result. If you do not wash your hands, after touching the feces or the ground, before eating, you may unintentionally ingest the worm eggs. Once hatched these worms can then wreak havoc upon your body by being able to travel all around your insides, causing the most damage to your brain, lungs, and eyes.
Prevention is pretty simple: regularly de-worm your cat or dog! And always remember to wash your hands before eating. Keeping your yard free of feces is another great preventative measure.
Photo Credit: wolfsavard
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