Guilty Dog is Guilty

Here's a really cute video... –Kim

Who Made this Mess?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSygG2FnuRc

Florida Animal Rescue Act

This makes sense for every state and every nation! –KimFlorida Survey Shows Animals Needlessly Killed

ATTENTION All Florida Residents: Rescue Access Law Introduced!

"Florida Animal Rescue Act, SB 818/HB 597, would make it illegal for a shelter to kill an animal when a qualified non-profit rescue organization is willing to save that animal."

A statewide survey of rescue groups across Florida State found that 63% of non-profit animal rescue groups have had at least one Florida state shelter refuse to work collaboratively with them and then turn around and kill the very animals they were willing to save. The most common reason given was shelters either having a policy of not working with rescue groups or being openly hostile to doing so.

It makes no sense to kill animals in the face of cost-effective alternatives, nor does it make sense that taxpayers are spending money to kill animals when non-profit organizations are willing and able to save them at private expense. California's "rescue access" law saves tens of thousands of animals every year at no cost to the public.

The same survey also found that 45% of respondents are afraid to complain about inhumane conditions or practices at Florida shelters, because if they did complain, they would not be allowed to rescue animals, thus allowing those inhumane conditions to continue.

In addition, 81% of rescue groups that have tried to work with more than one shelter said that different shelters have different rescue access policies, with more than half of those respondents saying that criteria for saving animals changes depending on what staff is on duty or whether staff changes. This creates inefficiency and limits the number of animals who can and should be saved.

The Florida Animal Rescue Act (FARA) would set statewide standards for rescue group access and make it illegal for a shelter to kill an animal when a qualified non-profit rescue organization is willing to save that animal. Not only will it save lives, save taxpayer money and mandate public-private partnerships, the FARA is consistent with public health and safety, and improves the public satisfaction with the job government is doing.

For more information, visit www.floridarescueact.com.

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Also, see:

• Read the Bill
• Debunking the Opposition
• Contact Your Legislators
• Vote for the Dogs - Florida Racetrack Abuse

Food Aggression

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope it helps! –Kim

Managing Food Aggression

Dogs have four basic needs: food, safety, shelter and entertainment. Of these, food plays the most vital role in ensuring a dog's survival.

Understanding this helps us understand why there are so many reasons a dog may be food aggressive. Our understanding also helps us know what steps to take to manage that behavior.

Reasons for Food Aggression

Food aggression behaviors may have begun in puppyhood. If the dog is from a large litter, he may have had to "fight" with his littermates for a place to nurse. Likewise, breeders who feed their weaned puppies from one bowl can create or intensify the need for the pups to "fight" for food.

Strays or poorly kept dogs that end up in shelters or rescues may have experienced a period of living with limited food resources. Wandering on the streets for a long time, dogs often learn to scavenge for food and perhaps fight with other strays for a meal. He may see others in the pack – including humans – as competition for food, so he learns to guard the food available. While we humans know we will not take the dog's food, a hungry dog nonetheless may perceive your presence as a threat and act aggressively with regard to food.

Another reason for food aggression may be that the dog was once starved either intentionally or through neglect. In addition, a dog fed a poor diet will likely lack the necessary nutrients he needs and may become food aggressive. His malnourished body sends signals to his brain that he is not getting suitable nutrition, and thus, he becomes overly concerned with food. There are big differences in the nutritional content supplied by various canine foods, and not every diet satisfies every dog.

Managing Food Aggressive Behavior

Before you can resolve your dog's food aggression, you must understand why your dog feels the need to act aggressively to protect his food supply. Then you can put together a plan to teach him that his food supply is not in jeopardy and that there is plenty of nutritionally satisfying food to go around. Your plans for reeducation will only work, however, once you have established your dog's respect and trust and he sees you as the authority figure within the household.

• Educate yourself about dog food and change your dog's diet, if necessary. Speak to your vet about the best nutrition for your dog.
  
• Make mealtime as relaxed as possible. Do not interfere with your dog while he's eating, and do not try to take food or other items away from him.
  
• As the household leader, you should be the one to set the schedule and location of your dog's meals. Ignore your dog if he starts "asking" for his supper.
• Don't feed your dog at the end of a dead-end room or in a corner. Make sure he is fed in an area that is open enough to prevent him from feeling threatened or trapped.
• Consider scatter-feeding for your dog. Scattered food appeals to a dog's natural instinct to forage. Dogs enjoy looking for food on the ground and can literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods – bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that won't attract wasps – around the yard. Try hiding a few treats, so your dog spends extra time looking for them.
• Teaching your dog basic obedience skills is a great way to gain control of your dog's food aggression. Use simple commands such as "leave it," starting with items that he may like but doesn't consider that important, and gain better control of him around food by teaching him to "sit" and "wait" for a treat or his supper. Basic educational skills will also enhance your relationship with your dog, as it will further establish you as the household leader and help you earn your dog's respect.
• If you need your dog to move away from food or another item, call him away from the item rather than approaching him, especially if he looks like he is guarding the food or item.
• If you have more than one dog and they are fighting over food, the best solution is to feed them separately until both dogs have been re-trained.

Your trainer can provide you with specific exercises and instructions for your individual needs based on your dog's behavior and temperament.

Source: Shannon's Pet-Sitting

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Also, see:

• Fearful Dogs
• Dealing with Aggression
• Food Aggression

Dog Food Secrets

Valuable Resource...

Urgent Press Release for Dog Owners

You're about to discover the terrifying-truth about commercial dog food that is linked to the deaths of thousands of dogs across the US every single day.

Many world-famous Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and published Dog Care Experts universally agree. Any dog that eats commercial dog food is at a much higher risk of dying prematurely. And by the time symptoms are noticeable, it's often too late to prevent an agonizing death except by lethal injection.

See their shocking, research-supported claims in this report.

Also in this report, I show you a simple solution proven to increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134% and save you up to $10,000.

To discover these amazing secrets, just continue reading and your reward is a super-healthy, incredibly happy dog that stays by-your-side for up to 8.3 years longer than statistically predicted.

Let's continue with this critical information...

"Commercial Dog Food is Killing Your Dog;
Hear What the Experts Have to Say..."

Continued - Click for more vital information....

Old Pets FORCED to Get Vaccines

Here's a great article that I thought I would pass on...hope you find it informative! –Kim

Old Pets FORCED to Get Vaccines
By Dr. Andrew Jones
November 3, 2010

Some boarding kennels STILL require ALL dogs and cats to be current on EVERY vaccine to be allowed into a the kennel...

...meaning the older, decrepit 14 year old pet with heart disease and failing kidneys can also get blasted with vaccine antigen.

I sure would not advise this to ANY older pet.

The multiple vaccines could make your older pet REALLY ill. Many dogs and cats after vaccines will be lethargic, not eating or drinking for 24-48 hours. IF this were to happen with an older pet with compromised kidneys, it could be the LAST straw and send them into Kidney failure.

My advice...

DON'T do this to your own dog or cat.

The risks of your older pet spreading infectious diseases to other animals is virtually ZERO.

Talk to the Kennel owner about newer vaccine regimens – if they are able to talk to your Veterinarian (assuming they agree with this idea), then likely the kennel will comply.

I am now finding that most of my local kennels are fine with a signed letter stating that these dogs and cats are not at risk for spreading any infectious disease.

The one vaccine we still give to older dogs is Intranasal Bordetella, which fortunately has few side effects.

MORE importantly, the POINT of the vaccines was to PREVENT disease. I suggest that most SENIOR pets would be better off with supplements to boost their immune system, and ultimately PREVENT disease.

What to use?

Essential Fatty Acids.

Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium, MSM.

Immune stimulating components, such as Colostrum and Aloe.

You can get a variety of dog and cat supplements with some of these ingredients. OR you can use my Complete Canine and Feline supplements.

These are the supplements I am feeding to my newly acquired older pets, Gussie and Jessie, who have responded wonderfully to them.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM

Source: http://www.theinternetpetvet.com/old-pets-forced-to-get-vaccines/?af=981818

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Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM has been a practicing Veterinarian for almost 20 years. He is a strong advocate of Natural Pet Health Care, and knows that the most important way to heal our pets and prevent disease is through proper nutrition. He developed Ultimate Canine to give our dogs that extra advantage – something that will provide them with everything they need to develop stronger immune systems to fight disease, heal sore or stiff joints, and help them live longer, happier lives. Dr. Andrew Jones' main focus is on alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets. His interest in alternative pet medicine culminated in the writing of his book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed.

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Also, see:

• Vaccines May Not be Necessary
• DANGERS of Pet Vaccines!
• More on the Pet Vaccination Controversy
• BOOK: Veterinary Secrets Revealed

Blind Dogs Make Great Pets!

I know firsthand that blind dogs make GREAT pets! –Kim

Lily & Maddison

Maddison will lead and Lily will walk nearly touching her so she knows where to go. It's lovely to watch. Maddison is always looking out for her.

By Nadia Gilani
October 22, 2011

When illness forced vets to remove Great Dane Lily's eyes, the prospects of a fulfilling life didn't look good. But then no one had reckoned on her pal, Maddison, stepping in to turn guide dog.

The pair have been inseparable for years but now find themselves looking for a new home, because their owner could no longer cope.
The catch for anyone interested is that the Great Danes come as a package. They have been waiting at the Dogs Trust re-homing centre in Shrewsbury since July.

Manager Louise Campbell said: "Maddison is Lily's guide dog. If they are out and about, for the majority of the time, Maddison will lead and Lily will walk nearly touching her so she knows where to go. It's lovely to watch. Maddison is always looking out for her."

Lily, six, was barely a puppy when she was struck by a condition that caused her eyelashes to grow into her eyeballs, damaging them beyond repair.
It was after this traumatic event that her relationship with seven-year-old Maddison developed as she took her under her wing.
The best buddies lived together until their owners decided they couldn't look after them any more.

Miss Campbell said: "With her lack of sight, Lily's other senses have heightened so although we don't split them up often she can tell if Maddison is nearby. They curl up together to go to sleep and they are very vocal with each other. We haven't analysed their different barks but if Lily wants to go forward and Maddison is in her way, the bark will have a different pitch. They are very close to one another and enjoy each other's company."

Miss Campbell said that Lily does all the things normal dogs do and if you saw her from a distance you wouldn't realise she had anything wrong with her eyes.
She added: "They are really happy with life, the glass is always half full with these two. They have been with us for a considerable amount of time but they are quite happy and go about their daily routine – they are very affectionate."
She believes the dogs' size and advancing years, as well as the fact they have to come in a pair, may have put off potential owners, and she warned that anyone contemplating taking the dogs in should look at their lifestyle and think of the responsibility involved.
"They are not gigantic when you see them outside. These are two lovely big girls who deserve to live out the rest of their lives together in comfort," she said.
Dogs Trust cares for around 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year through a network of 17 re-homing centres.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2051780/Blind-Great-Dane-Lily-needs-home-space-HER-guide-dog-Maddison.html
© Associated Newspapers Ltd

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Also see (videos):

• Lily y Maddison, una historia de amor (en español)
• Blind Kellar Plays Fetch
• Blind Dog Aided by Seeing Dog
• Dog Training: How to Train a Blind Dog
• How To Care For Your Newly Blind Dog
• Blind Dog Cure
• Dissolve Cataracts with Can-C Drops!

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Pet Owners

Here's a great New Year's article that I thought I would pass on... Happy New Year! –Kim

Top Ten Resolutions for Your Pet

Get organized. Check. Get a better job. Check. Lose weight. Check that one twice. This New Year isn't unlike any other – you've probably made resolutions that you'll struggle to keep after the first week. petMD.com suggests making a real difference in 2012 by forging a pact with your pet. These resolutions will help keep your pet happy, healthy and safe throughout the year. And well, what's more important than that?

1. Pet-proof your home – As you may already know, pets get into anything and everything! Keep poisons and other dangerous items in secure places, preferably in a locked cabinet or in a room that is out of the animal's reach.
2. Get your pet ID'd – Whether it is an ID tag or a microchip or GPS tracking device, identifying your pet and your contact information will help your chances of having your pet returned should it become lost – especially in the case of lost dogs and cats. Just remember to keep the contact information current!
3. Socialize your pet – Don't worry; you don't have to create a Facebook profile for them. But like children, your pet can become destructive and unmanageable when she is not given enough attention or is not allowed to socialize with other animals of her kind. Obedience training is just what your pet needs to learn some manners. And remember, it's never too late to train an animal.
4. Groom your pet – There is nothing worse than a stinky pet. Stay on top of her grooming routine – bathe her, brush her coat, and clip her nails. All these things will make her the envy of your block. And if you haven't noticed yet, your pet is usually happier when she is clean and pretty.
5. Have your pet spayed or neutered – Of course we all know spaying (and neutering) helps decrease the population of strays, but did you know many veterinarians believe it can benefit the animal's health too? Among the health benefits: a decrease in testicular cancer, prostate problems, urine marking and inter-dog (or inter-cat) aggression for males, and a decrease in mammary cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer for females.
6. Use preventives – Why worry about heartworms, fleas and other pesky parasites? Preventives are your pet's best line of defense against parasites and the deadly dog diseases and cat diseases they cause. Also, consult your veterinarian. Year-round use may be needed in warmer regions.
7. Create a maintenance checklist – Maintenance is perhaps the most dreaded of all pet resolutions. Perhaps it's the awful smells or all the cleaning involved. Whatever the reason, developing proper maintenance habits (e.g., emptying the litter box, cleaning the cage, changing the newspaper clippings) will create a clean and pleasant environment for your pet. Also, poor sanitation can lead to behavior and health issues.
8. Customize your pet's diet – Diets should be suited to the animal's age and size. When kept at her ideal body weight, your pet can live a longer, healthier life. She is also at a lower risk of heart disease, joint problems, and various other conditions associated with poor health.
9. Exercise with your pet more – Need an exercise partner? Look no further. Some dogs are satisfied with a walk around the neighborhood once a day, while others require additional exercise time. Take her to a park, to the beach or to your backyard, just make sure you have fun, too! Oh, and don't forget about your other pet(s). Just because she isn't a dog, doesn't mean she doesn't need exercise. (We're looking at you, Kitty!)
10. Don't postpone the annual checkup – Not only will waiting until your pet is ill lead to unnecessary suffering, complications may arise and this will make the animal's course of treatment more expensive. Keep your vet bills in check and visit the white-coated professional regularly.

View slideshow: "Top 10 New Year's Resolutions"

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About petMD: petMD.com is a leading online resource focused solely on the health and well-being of pets. The site maintains the world's largest pet health library, written and approved by a network of trusted veterinarians.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petmd-suggests-top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-pet-owners-136374503.html