Miami Herald: Owner saves dog from shark's jaws, 2008-Sep-30, by Cammy Clark: Greg LeNoir watched in horror as the shark's mouth opened wide, chomping a large set of teeth on his beloved 14-pound dog, Jake. ''Noooooo,'' LeNoir shrieked, fearing the worst. But the case of the rat terrier vs. the shark has a happy ending. ''Jake's doing great,'' LeNoir's brother, Phillip, said Monday. "And I still can't believe my brother jumped in the water and punched a shark.''
A Higher Level of Care
A Memorial for Mindy
Bangor Daily News: Calais dog run a tribute to woman’s beloved pet, 2008-Aug-4, by Diana Graettinger:Three years ago, Heeja O'Leary was devastated when her Maltese dog died.But rather than focus on the sadness of the loss, O'Leary decided to start a memorial in honor of Mindy. Her plan was to build a dog run at PAWS Humane Center on South Street. That was nearly two years ago. O’Leary raised more than $5,000, and construction began last summer.On Friday, O’Leary toured the facility that her husband, Greg, built.
How Does the Shelter in your Area Handle Seniors?
Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County Senior to Senior Program: Mature pets are especially suited for senior citizens because they are generally calmer, more even-tempered, require less vigorous exercise, and often already have been trained in important issues like housebreaking and litter box use. Both the human and the pet need someone in their lives, and often the best decision is to put these two seniors together.
Taking your Dog to Work
June 20, 2008 is Take your Dog to Work Day, and the ASCPA sent out a news alert to remind people about unexpected problems which can crop up.
ASPCA: News Alert: June 13, 2008: Most dogs can’t resist the delectable smell of that wilting sandwich lingering in your coworker’s trash can. Aside from making a mess and spoiling his appetite, your dog’s naughty behavior could lead to a more serious problem if he eats something potentially toxic. According to the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, your neighbor’s trash could be the site of harmful foods, or it could harbor bacteria that result in painful bloating, vomiting and diarrhea. Distract your roaming Rover from others’ garbage, and keep your own trash can clean for a healthy day.
Don't Get into a Fight
Here's helpful advice from an animal control officers who was recently caught off-guard and found himself in a fight. Macon.tv: How to Avoid Dog Attacks, 2008-May-16, by Claire Simms: Animal Control Officer Van VanDeWalker says there are ways you can avoid being bitten. "The number one rule is, don't scream and run because the dog's natural instinct is just going to kick in to chase you and overtake you. "Number two, don't look the dog in the eyes. To them, that's a sign you're ready for a fight." Experts advise you walk away slowly and deliberately and try to get something to shield yourself.
He Knows How to Pick 'Em
Christian Science Monitor: 'Fairy dogmother' to a pit bull, 2008-May-1, by C.L. Votaw: The moment stretched out, and I started talking to him softly, but firmly: "What are you doing here all by yourself, huh? Where's your person?" He cocked his head and listened. "Hey, you're all covered with water and dirt. Are you the dog who's been racing around? What's going to happen to you?" The familiar chill of responsibility crept over me. Uh-oh! I didn't really want to get involved. So I turned on my heel and walked up the staircase to the parking lot, leaving the dog behind. About halfway up, I felt a furry breeze against my legs. The dog was now ahead of me, waiting at the top of the staircase. Learn the surprising happy ending.
Melodies for Happier Dogs
Psychology Today Blogs: Songs to Soothe the Panicked Pooch, 2008-Mar-31, by Cathy Malchiodi: Much of the current knowledge about music's effects on dogs comes from the work of Belfast-based psychologist and animal behaviorist Deborah Wells. Wells exposed numerous breeds of dogs to everything from Metallica to the classical music of Beethoven, Bach, and Vivaldi. Wells found thatdog and headphones dogs in shelters exposed to classical music spent more time in a resting state, barking a lot less than other dogs. In contrast, heavy metal music agitated the dogs ... And pop music had no effect at all, possibly because dogs, like humans, are used to hearing it regularly. ...Dogs are known also to take comfort in music with slower rhythms, fewer instruments, and simpler melodies. Because dogs hear at much higher frequencies than people do, music to calm the particularly panicked pooch should be played a low volume.
Every Dog Could Use a Little Sign Language
Recently a older, deaf dog avoided being hit by a car because of a hand signal from his owner. If your dog is already a good learner, a few hand signals may be both fun and valuable to learn. DDEAF Training Hand Signs: Some people use ASL (American Sign Language, just as they would for a deaf person. This can be an advantage because anyone who knows ASL will be able to talk to your dog. Some people use modified ASL, so that they can hold a leash in one hand and talk to the dog with the other. Some people make up all their signs (you will probably still want an ASL dictionary, as it can be a challenge to invent signs with nothing to go on). Most people end up using a combination (i.e. obedience signs, and then one handed ASL). Anything you choose is "right" for you and your dog.
Watch the Dog with a Bone
In Melbourne, Australia, a happy owner is sharing the experience of an active dog named Penny. This owner found some excellent advice from Dr. Pitcairn on protecting your dog's teeth, and my own research indicates there is only one thing every expert agrees about--don't let your dog chew bones unattended. Even the most carefully chosen bone can break teeth, choke your dog or block its intestines.
My Dog: Should dogs eat frozen bones?, 2007-Aug-31: Earlier this year Penny had a major tooth removed because it was broken....We think it might have happened when she was eating a bone, because she cried out and stopped eating, but at the time we didn't realise what the problem was. ...
Dr. Richard Pitcairn says:
- Feed bones that are too large to be swallowed.
- Give only raw bones as cooked bones will splinter and can cause stomach or intestinal damage when swallowed.
- Do not give frozen bones as the can be too hard and cause the teeth to break.
- Start animals young with this practice and they will adapt to this with intelligence. The older animals, first introduced to this practice can try to swallow pieces too large.
Getting the Dog into the Game
Now you don't have to leave out the dog when playing games with families and friends. This company has a couple of different solutions: Darf Dog Games. DO YOU MIND is the new card/dice game people and dogs play. Friends and family compete to get their dogs to dance, pose, sing, play footsie among 60 fun activities. People and dogs have fun together while the dog learns, plays and becomes more socialized. This is a great game for parties!
