Etcho Needs Rescue Now!!

Etcho is a sweet-faced boy that recently got dumped at the shelter by his family. Below is the evaluation and volunteer notes on this boy - he sounds like a wonderful dog!!

ETCHO – A887927 – 9 month old male pittie mix – 65lbs


*** His video!!! ***
http://animoto.com/play/eD8ThtLcLoMqfagkjlJ3ow

DSC_0213.JPG DSC_0215.JPG
A volunteer writes: I love big dogs. Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing a big dog curled up, head down and clearly in distress. Etcho was that dog yesterday. He is so terrified in the shelter, and so distraught that every inch of him reflects his fear. Etcho is a beautiful 9 month old, 65 pound boy whose owner states that he never socialized him. He does say aboout Etcho that he loves men, women and children, but has not been around other animals or allot of people other than his family. He also states that he is only partially housebroken, although every time I took him out yesterday he relieved himself outside and his cage was completely clean. Etcho was so affectionate and happy to have some attention. He immediately attached himself to my side, and as we walked down the street (he is great on the leash), if any noise startled him he immediately nestled into me for security. Every time I reached out my hand to pet Etcho he cringed a bit, so one wonders if his former experience was not all it should have been. I love this dog, he is gentle and calm and so desparately in need of someone to love him as he should be loved. I sat down on the bench to take some notes and he jumped up next to me and after a while nestled himself close to me. Etcho is beautiful on the outside, gorgeous face, well kept coat, and the perfect weight for his size. He needs someone to help him blossom from the inside, someone to love him, make him feel secure and show him the world as it is meant to be for him. This is a special boy.

Additional volunteer info: I have been spending time with Etcho who is becoming a bit more relaxed in the shelter environment. He is trusting a bit more, and not quite so reluctant to be with strangers. He may have been hit in his previous life, as he still does cringe when he sees a hand unexpectedly. I think Etcho will do best with an experienced owner in a home without young children. He needs time to build his confidence and to trust and feel secure. He gave kisses yesterday indicating that he is learning to trust me and feel comfortable with me. I was so honored by his trust!!


Scan negative

Look 2 :Dogs eyes are averted with close dmouth ,tucked tail and ears back ,allows head to be held loosely in the assessors cupped hands
Sensitivity 2 :Dog stands still,accepts touch while tense in body with tucked tail and closed mouth
Tag 2 :Dog is fearful and unresponsive to the assessor ,approaches the assessor with head low and tucked tail after play
Squeeze 1 :Gently pulls paw away
Squeeze 2 1 :Gently pulls paw away
Food 1 :No interest
Toy 1 :No interest
Rawhide 1 :No interest
Dog to dog 2 :Does not approach the helper dog ,turns to side in relation to the other dog
Helper 8877953

Barh
Has a cut nex to left eye,healed
Demeanor is extremely fearful and tense
Male intact
Nosf

Manhattan - 212-722-4939 (hit 0 for operator, do not leave a message. May need to hit 0 a few times

Prada -Pitbull/Bunny Rabbit Mix

Prada can be found in the Manhattan Center.Her Animal ID # is A888437. She is a female black and white pit bull mix. The shelter thinks she is about 1 year old. She was found abandoned.

Here is her story:

I came in the shelter as a STRAY on 02/08/2011 from NY 11234, owner surrender reason stated was ABANDON.
Reason for New Hope: TEMPER.

EUTH MEMO No Euth Memo
MOST RECENT MEDICAL RATING, BEHAVIOR RATING & MEDICAL ENTRY

A volunteer wrote: Prada is a big, gorgeous black pittie with ears that look like airplane wings, a tiny white patch above her nose, and a little trail of white under her chin and down her belly. This 1 year-old puppy is extremely affectionate to all she meets, and I found this out very early when I met the cops that found her. They were gushing about how much they adored Prada, and had lots of questions about how quickly she would be able to find a home. They described the abandoned apartment that Prada was found in as being "straight out of Silence of the Lambs", and that the police had received 5 separate calls about her, because people in the neighborhood loved her and were worried about her being abandoned. Sure enough, as soon as I bent down to pet her, she started wiggling her whole body, wagging her tail, and ended up collapsing right there for belly rubs. It looks like she might have been used for breeding at one time, although she does appear to be well fed, weighing in at 60lbs. Most of the time I've spent with her has consisted of laughing at her hopelessly affectionate appearance -- she pants with her tongue hanging out of the side of her mouth, with her ears reaching for the sky. She walked fairly well on the leash, pulling a bit but extremely eager to please. By the time our walk was over, she had a spiders-web of slobber wrapped around her black-as-night snout, causing passersby to giggle as well. Everyone I've spoken to -- from the police to other volunteers -- who have spent time with Prada are in love, and so a forever home is exactly what this adorable puppy deserves.

02/10/2011 BEHAVIOR EVALUATION - QUESTION
Exam Type BEHAVIOR Look 1 :Eyes averted with soft body ,low tail wagging ,long lip and ears back ,allows head to be held loosely in the assessors cupped hands Sensitivity 2 :Dog stands still,accepts touch while tense in body with low tail ,long lip and ears back Tag 1 :Dog follows at the end of the leash ,body is loose with open mouth,wagging tail and ears back Squeeze 1 :Dog gently pulls back her paw Squeeze 2 1 :Dog gently pulls back her paw Food 1 :Lifts head and ceases eating Toy 1 :No interest Rawhide 1 :No interest Dog to dog 4 :Dog rrushes the helper dog while attempting to bite 887347

02/09/2011 INITIAL PHYSICAL EXAMMedical rating was 2 NC - MINOR CONDITIONS NOT CONTAGIOUS, behavior rating was QUESTION
SCAN NEGATIVE BRIGHT, ALERT, RESPONSIVE, HYDRATED PHYSICAL EXAM mod tartar slight dirty coat unpredictable NOSF

Manhattan - 212-722-4939 (hit 0 for operator, do not leave a message. May need to hit 0 a few times)

She doesn't have much time.

Help Daden - New York City

02/13/11 -- UPDATE:

URGENT--DADEN NEEDS A FEMALE FOSTER HOME IMMEDIATELY~~ Daden, recovering from surgery on his leg, which was broken by a human. Daden isn't yet ready to trust a guy, but is comfortable with women. If you can help, please call 917 689 8414. THANKS~!!!

Please help Daden, the sweet injured pittie boy from NY ACC.

Daden had been pulled and is safe!

Daden's leg is broken in 2 places and the rescue group that will be taking him will need funds for his vet care. He is going to Somers Animal Hospital on 2/3/11. He is currently sedated and resting until then.

The vet has estimated his care to be between $2000 - $3000. If you prefer to make donations directly, here is the info:

checks can be mailed to:
Somers Animal Hospital
352 Rt 202
Somers, NY 10589
914-277-3686

Chip in link:

http://laurenschipinwidget.chipin.com/save-injured-daden-from-ny-acc

Roxy Needs a Real Home....

Roxy was adopted several years ago at ACC by the daughter of the woman who called the Pets for Life program to pick up the dog. The daughter and her mother have kept the dog confined for one year in a crate.
Pets for Life repeatedly asked the woman if the dog honestly never left the crate, or went on any walks, and the woman confirmed that the dog has not left the crate in one year.

Roxy A808862 – 2 yr. spayed Staffie. OS, no time. 35 pounds

A VOLUNTEER WROTE: As you can see from this picture, Roxy is an excellent fetcher and retriever. Roxy lives to chase balls and quickly retrieve them for you. Of course, she doesn't drop them right away, but if you tell her, she will release it and happily wait for you to throw it again and again. Rated "no concern" by the vets - she's very sociable and loves to be pet. She comes when called and has a very gentle disposition. Roxy has a lovely grey-blue color to her coat, but it looks like she could take a long bath and do with some fattening up. Great, great pup.

Brooklyn Shelter NY 718 649 9070

Shai, the "Actor Handsome" Boy

Shai is a gorgeous golden colored 8-10 month old boy with winning looks and a sunny personality. On top of all that he has the most breathtaking amber/hazel eyes, coupled with a soft, plush coat to add to his movie star good looks. He was languishing in a local animal control for a few months when we found him. He was passed over by a local rescue because he was very timid and was easily flooded by too much attention by too many people all at one time. He growled and looked away... They were all afraid of him, but truth be told, he was more scared of them.

We are not completely sure as to what breeds he represents but our best guess is that there may be Sharpei, retriever, Belgian Malinois, and ?? (not sure what else!).

Shai... is making wonderful progress in his foster home and is happy and becoming more confident. He adores his foster brother, Billy, and has a blast playing rough and tumble with him out in the back yard.

He is neutered and up to date on his shots. He is about 55 lbs. and is fully grown. He is a wonderful and affectionate boy! Ready for his forever home!!!

If you are interested in meeting Billy,please contact Joann @ kaatzndogz@aol.com or go to this link:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15863501

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Billy the Kid

Billy then (bottom) and Billy now (top).

Billy’s owners were forced to give him up when the City recently imposed strict weight limits in NYC public housing, leaving hundreds of beloved pets at city shelters to die. He is a handsome Staffie/Mastiff/Weimaraner mix “teenager” (11-12 mo.old) who is very mild-tempered, sensitive and sweet with his people. He is a beautiful blue brindle with the most gorgeous hazel/amber eyes. He has an endearing way of leaving the tip of his tongue hanging out of his mouth at times, which gives him a comical look and makes everyone laugh. Billy loves to sprint around the yard in his foster home and enjoys interacting with humans while playing. He enjoys balls and squeaky toys and will romp and play with them out in the yard, tossing them as he runs.

Billy is fine with other good tempered dogs but can get a little rough as he gets into the moment. He especially loves romping with his foster brother, Shai. He is too focused on cats, however, so a “no cat home” is for him. Billy would be fine with kids, however, keep in mind that he is young, and while he is mostly laid back, he can get quite carried away with his play when stimulated – as most young dogs can. The good news is that, even when he gets stimulated, it is easy to get him refocused again. He gets a little nervous riding in the car, but settles after a while.

Billy is completely housebroken. He is UTD on his shots and is HW negative. He is neutered and ready for his for ever home. We think Billy would be a great addition to a family that wants a loving, affectionate boy who will appreciate a good life within a loving household. He knows how to relax and just enjoy the moment with his people….an all around great little guy! Won’t you consider giving Billy the home he really deserves?

If you are interested in meeting Billy,please contact Joann @ kaatzndogz@aol.com or Ilse Singer @ ilse_ny@yahoo.com

Here is the fabulous evaluation Billy got while in Brooklyn’s Animal Care Center:

Notes: MILD
Stare:1-holds gaze with soft eyes licks handlers face
Sensitivity:1-leans in soft body ears back mouth closed
Tag:1-engages in play approaches when game ends
Pinch I:1-gently pulls away
Pinch II:1-^
Food aggression:1Allows head to be pushed away
Toy Aggression:1-no interest
Rawhide Aggression:1-^
Dog to Dog:2-Rushes in tail wagging becomes pushy wants to play

His former owners also tell us that he loves all people and kids too, and is housebroken, likes other dogs (doesn’t like cats).

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Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie as I type

Well, it's quite a rainy and cold day today and as I sit here and type, my pack is asleep and snoring away like they have just worked a double shift. (More like they just made ME work a double shift, actually!). This morning two of my permanent canine residents went to the vet for their annual check up and to get their shots updated. Two of the most rambunctious members, I might add.

Doug (left picture) and Gertie (in her babuska on the right).

Gertie was friendly with the vet techs and the vet (she's always friendly with new people and animals); but Doug -- not so much. A little disappointing since he is a sensitive and gentle soul and I really wanted him to feel happy and safe visiting the vet this time, but his reaction was not altogether surprising. When he's fearful, he tends to act out a bit, getting barky and snarly. (Part of the reason why he became a foster failure and my 4th permanent dog). So we had to put a muzzle on him, to be on the safe side. He has never been muzzled before so he was pretty upset with me for doing it.

Once Doc was done examining him, giving him his updated distemper shot and taking blood for his annual heartworm test, we took the muzzle off. When Doc gave him a dog cookie, greed overtook fear and he took it and hungrily ate it, in spite of the fact that he as still eyeing doc with that "I'm-not-so-happy-with-you" look and the slightly chattery teeth. As we got ready to leave and I was paying the bill, however, he was back to his "happy as a clam" self and ready to join Gertie in dragging me through the parking lot to the car like a couple of championship mushers headed for the finish line.

So, thankfully, he was not permanently scarred by his traumatic visit to the vet, and he got a clean bill of health (although he has gotten rather fat, and will need to go on a bit of a diet to regain his boyish figure!). And I now know I will have to work a little more with him in the socialization department so that by next year he will be happy to go see the vet....or at least not so fearful.

A really good site for people who have fearful or shy dogs is (appropriately named) "Fearful Dogs" at www.fearfuldogs.com

Check it out. There is a lot of helpful and interesting information that will help you to understand your pup and its foibles.

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Our Chance at Rescue

We have made some significant changes over the past few months. We are no longer affiliated with any one rescue, but, instead, are broadening our vision to include any legitimate rescue effort where we can.

We are hoping to be up and running as soon as possible, so feel free to stop by from time to time.

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Hello!

Well, it's been quite some time since we have had the opportunity to blog and here we are now about to enter the Autumn of 2009!

The summer was a little slow with intakes and adoptions but long on work to get done. If not caring for our current fosters, it was attending rescue functions like L'oreal's "Your Dog is Worth it, Too", day. It was hot as blazes that day, but we met many nice people and had an opportunity to show some of our All Star Pets to people looking to adopt their furever friend. (In the photo above is our Little Man Jake who was enjoying a swim in one of the many pools provided for the pooches on "Your Dog is Worth it Too" day! He absolutely took to the water like a little fish!)

We had a couple of fundraisers at local Restaurants and were able to raise a nice little bit of cash to defray some of our vet and food expenses. We are now looking forward to a few more fundraisers - one at Wendy's of Linden at 709 S Wood Avenue (right off Rt. 1 & 9), on Sept. 24th between 5pm - 8pm. We will get 20% of the proceeds.

Also, we will be doing a fundraiser with Macy's for a 20% off coupon on Oct. 17th. The coupons cost $5 each and you can use them for your shopping that day.

For information on the Wendy's Fund Raiser or the Macy Fund raiser and/or on obtaining tickets, please contact Val at "vegan_girly@yahoo.com".

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Because Your Dog is Worth it, Too!

We are reprinting an older post to remind everyone that L'Oreal's 6th annual "Because Your Dog is Worth it, Too" Day is fast approaching on Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will be located on the grounds of their facility in Cranbury, NJ.

There will be many activities to enjoy with your pooches, many great rescue groups to visit with, and many vendors to visit while supporting Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure of Central and South Jersey. To date, this event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help fight breast cancer. For 2009, they are preparing to organize new events, refine well-loved features, register guests and welcome supporters.

Please note that our friends from Companion Critters will be holding a microchip clinic as well. Here is the link to their website for more information:

>http://www.critters.petfinder.org/

And the link to L'Oreal's "Because Your Dog is Worth it, Too" website for information about the day as well as directions:

>http://www.yourdogisworthittoo.com/

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Operation Pittie Removal Has Been Accomplished!!

I am happy to report that all 10 of the Toms River Pit Bulls have been safely removed from the horrendous situation they were in! On May 31, 2009, All rescue volunteers and the SPCA officers in charge of the Court Ordered removal arrived at the home and systematically removed the 10 dogs and brought them to a local groomer to be bathed, micro-chipped and given their first distemper shot prior to going into rescue.

The rescuers and crew from Kat and K9 Design were amazingly accommodating of the chaos involving 10 unsocialized, stinky and frightened pit bulls and we thank her for her support. She helped make this day run so much more smoothly!

http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Kat.And.K.9.Design.732-292-1001

All ten of the dogs went into various rescues that had been previously screened.

Four of these dogs are now in a local rescue's care and will need adoptive homes. We can report that even though these dogs spent most of their time living in little plastic boxes (vari-kennels, mainly used for transport purposes because there is little air circulation in these hard plastic carriers) where they were forced to lay in their own excrement, these dogs are beginning to learn proper bathroom etiquette. They are also learning the joys of blankets to lay on, toys to play with, and endless grass under their feet to romp in. If you'd like to read more about the efforts that went into helping them, you can link to the NJ SPCA website and read about the plea that went out, then read the story in the Examiner about the actual rescue as it happened.

http://www.njspca.org/

www.examiner.com/x-1513-Philadelphia-Dog-Advocate-Examiner~y2009m6d1-Follow-up--10-pit-bulls-in-Toms-River-NJ-are-saved"

HELP THE PITTIES!!

"HELP!

I NEED SOMEBODY,

HELP!

NOT JUST ANYBODY,

HELP!

YOU KNOW I NEED SOMEONE,

HELP.....!" - Lennon/McCartney

This is how our Eeyore (shown here in a "before" picture) must have felt before he rescued out of the squalid conditions he existed in with 9 siblings. He was taken to Red Bank vet last night to treat his injured eye and the wounds all over his body from neglect. He is on antibiotics to help clear up his skin issues, eye salve for this scratched cornea AND had a much-needed bath. He now looks so much better and must feel so much better now - especially being out of his vari-kennel "prison" and in a safe foster home to begin his journey to healing.

Eeyore has a wonderful temperament and will be a great companion for some lucky human(s). He weighs 90 lbs, but needs to put on about 10 more to fill out his frame properly. While Eeyore's story is starting to turn into a "happily ever after", we are frankly worried about his 9 siblings still living in awful conditions and needing to be removed ASAP.

Their "home" is an un air-conditioned garage in plastic vari-kennels with absolutely no air circulation. The stench is nauseating and the dogs are getting next to no socialization. They are timid but we saw no aggression - they just need to be shown how to be a dog. They live in their plastic kennels all day and night and that is all they know right now. Most of them have sores on their legs and lower bodies from sitting and laying in their own urine since they never get out of their kennels. No one is spayed or neutered - the owner had some grandiose plans of "showing" these dogs to make them 'champions'!

These 9 pups need a new place desperately - even a temporary foster home would be welcome at this point. The town ACO asked us to help because if he seizes the dogs, they would be destroyed. And that would be a shame because they do have nice temperaments - they are just horribly neglected and not shown any love or affection.

These babies will be 3 years old in September and it is time to get them released to be able to play outside in a yard where they will have the chance to experience life on the 'outside' and inside a home to be part of a loving family. They are absolutely filthy and the first thing they need is a good bath.

To read more about these sweet pitties and to see how you can help, click on the link below and scroll down to the last 9 dogs on our site marked "Urgent" after their names.

http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?shelterid=NJ451&preview=1

Help us change their song into a more hopeful one; "I get By With a Little Help from My friends":

"Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get high with a little help from my friends,
Oh I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends...!"

Pit Bull-palooza - June 7, 2009!!

Hear yee, hear yee!

All pit bull moms/dads and/or lovers of pit bulls!!!

Come join us for a fun time at the Pit Bull-palooza!

When: Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Time: from 11am - 3pm

Where: Nomahegan Park, Springfield Avenue, Cranford NJ

Features:

*Vendors (rescue, educational, dog-related items)
CGC testing
"Ask the Trainer"
Mini-Lecture & Q andA period on the breed
DJ playing a modern array of tunes
Plenty of informative material on Pit Bulls
Raffle
Weight pull demo

The Pit Bull Hoax

The Pit Bull Hoax is an educational DVD. Its intended purpose is to remove existing Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) from the law books and prevent any cities, counties and states from enacting BSL.

As of 2009, 41 states have BSL or are considering it in its legislature. Additionally, various insurance companies, housing authorities and other groups have a list of "dangerous dogs" that totals 75 breeds.

Featuring interviews with: Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Jean Donaldson, Dr Ian Dunbar, Diane Jessup and Jane Berkey.

Copies of The Pit Bull Hoax DVD are offered free of charge to legislators, media and anyone who is attempting to educate people as to why BSL is not effective in reducing dog bites or human fatalities related to dog bites.

To order your copy, please click on this link. You will be directed to the website of Pit Bull Guru and will be able to place your order:

http://www.pitbullguru.com/hoax.html

This is a wonderful testament to the fine character of a much maligned breed. Get your copy of this DVD and watch it and pass it along to help educate others. Please help us to help them.

Trailside Pet Fair - May 3, 2009

Please come join several rescues at the 30th Annual Pet Fair which will be held at Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside on Sunday, May 3rd from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. (This is a "rain or shine" event)

Many organizations dedicated to educating the public about pets and pet products will be on hand. You may purchase various pet products from vendors while enjoying the festivities. (see below) Have fun listening to a folk singer and seeing all the beautiful pets at the 30th annual Pet Fair.

Admission to the Pet Fair, which includes free face painting and a free petting zoo, is $3 per person, with children six years old and younger admitted free of charge. For an additional fee, children can enjoy pony rides or win prizes by playing games.

Appearances include:

- The New Jersey Rescue and Recovery K9 Unit

- Kathy Murarik of the New Jersey Sled Dog Club

- A flyball demonstration

- The Union County K-9 Division and their handlers

- Canine members of Paw Pals demonstrate “lure coursing” . (your dog can try out for a small fee)

- There will also be the inaugural American Pet Idol Contest will be hosted by The National Foundation for Animal Rescue. If you think your pet has what it takes, then enter him or her in this talent contest. Entries are $1 per category and prizes will be awarded.

Make sure you stop by and say hi! We will be there with a couple of our All Star Pets, ready to greet any and all!

For further information about the Pet Fair at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670

Some Updates on Prior Posts

Just a quick THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our garage sale a success this weekend! The weather was HOT and we were exhausted by Sunday afternoon, but the volunteers came out and the buyers did, too! We were able to raise a nice amount of money for medical expenses on behalf of the All Star Pets in our care. GREAT JOB, everyone!

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In another post we talked about flea preventatives and the fact that not all are safe. Please check out this link regarding a suit which has been filed in the State of California by an environmental group. Please consider this information when making your decision on which products to use on your beloved pet!!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/23/MN63177TIM.DTL

Flea & Tick Season is Coming!

Spring is here (we think it is, anyway..., although with the crazy weather we've been having, you might not think so!). With Spring comes the beautiful buds on the trees, shrubs and plants -- not to mention the spring flowers.

Unfortunately, mosquito, flea and tick season is just around the next corner so it's time to start thinking of protecting our pets. Now is the perfect time to take our pets to the vet for an annual blood test to screen for heart worm and to start them on their preventative heart worm treatment, if you haven't done so already.

At this time we also begin to think about flea and tick preparations to give our dogs. We want to caution you to never use those grocery and pet store flea collars for your pets. We'd also like to remind you that not all of the spot flea preventatives are safe, either. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has noted that on-spot flea and tick medications injured 44,000 pets last year.Their study looked at EPA-registered pet products, commonly found at drug stores or on supermarket shelves, and most of the potential incident reports involved spot-on treatments, like the ones sold in tubes or vials and used on a specific part of your pet's body. Reactions included rashes, seizures, and, in some cases, death.

It is best to use a DOCTOR PRESCRIBED product, preferably, one that you have used safely in the past for your pets. You can also get a prescription from your vet for these products and order on line from Vet-Centric (www.vetcentric.com) or another credible on line vet supply company that offers a cost break for these products. You will want to carefully follow the instructions on the label for application of the product to your pet and be sure to call your vet immediately if you notice any adverse reactions.

Here is a link to the National Pesticide Information Center where you can search for more information on potentially harmful products for your pet:

http://npic.orst.edu/

Here also is a link to the EPA's website information on pet flea and tick preparations:

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/flea-tick-control.html

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/flea-tick.htm

Please note that Hartz products are particularly of concern. So much so that the EPA has insisted that Hartz phase them out. For your pet's health, we suggest you discontinue use of these products now rather than risk your pet's health.

"First Dog" Material...or Not?

The entire country is now immersed in a new presidential puppy. Bo, the quasi-"rescued" pure breed pup who was presented to the First Family recently.

Many are thrilled and now the stock for Portuguese Water Dogs begins its meteoric rise..... On the other hand, many in rescue are disappointed in the fact that a shelter dog was (again) passed over in favor of a bred for profit canine.

What ever side of the issue you find yourself on, here is a news flash: at any given shelter on any given day throughout the United States and beyond, there are literally hundreds (maybe thousands) of dogs that would have been suitable for adoption by a family with health concerns such as the First Family.

That being the case, the fact that they chose to bring a bred for profit pet into their homes is their business - their choice. I don't judge....but I can still feel for all those other dogs in shelters out there who didn't stand a chance when it came down to brass tacks. It's a shame one of them couldn't have benefited from the good will and intentions of an administration setting out to make grand changes all over; because right about now some changes in the public attitude toward shelter pets would be most welcome!

Felicia was one of our rescues, (an 8 year old Portuguese Water Dog mix!), who suddenly found herself quite literally kicked out of the house by the only people she'd ever known in her entire life.

Why? Well, the family got a new baby and Felicia was no longer the center of their universe.

It happens. A lot. So, poor Felicia not only lost her favored position as cherished pet, she was unceremoniously "sent packing" to live in the back yard where she became suddenly, and most unprepared, exposed to all the elements! (Not so happy a life for a pup who is deathly afraid of thunder storms). She was a mess both physically and emotionally when we took her in.

It doesn't have to be this way, however. There is a lot you can do to prepare ahead of time in anticipation of a new baby and the introduction of that baby to an existing pet. In fact, the ASPCA website has some good material on how to successfully introduce an existing pet to a new human baby. First, there is their on-line community where you can connect with and learn from others who have successfully navigated these same waters:

http://aspcacommunity.ning.com/group/dogsville/forum/topics/658300:Topic:757650

Then there is their Virtual Pet Behaviorist to weigh in on the subject of children and pets:

http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/141/Children-and-Pets-Living-Together.aspx

Urbandawgs (http://www.urbandawgs.com/), another favorite site of ours, also has a wonderful little pdf on preparing pets for your impending little bundle of joy:

http://www.urbandawgs.com/articles/diapers_and_dogs.pdf

Happily for Felicia, she found the most wonderful of homes (complete with a loving and devoted human) to live out her life in happiness and without fear. In fact, she is quite the lovely and pampered pooch now, with her very own doggie birthday party invites, etc.!

Felicia, we are so very happy for you and you loving "dad"...may you have many happy years together.

Oh, and as far as "First Dog" material....we think Felicia would have been a FABULOUS First Dog - even though she is not necessarily a pure breed (although we can't say THAT for sure, either! She may well BE a pure bred dog!). Also, she may not be so young anymore, either. The point is, what we're trying to say is this: in any given shelter on any given day through out this vast country are MANY other non-allergenic shelter pups, waiting and hoping for you to see them and say "yes we can!" adopt you.

Don't be seduced into thinking that the only way to guarantee a non-allergenic and pure bred dog is to go to a breeder. And if you do go to the shelter, remember that just because that shelter dog may be a bit over (or under!) weight, or matted and dirty, or older and a little unsure of themselves, don't just pass them up because you don't know their pedigree. Remember that this little "diamond in the rough" dog standing hopefully before you is potentially just the right dog for you and your family. Not only that, but you may very well be their last chance.

We have successfully placed hundreds of shelter and owner surrender dogs with new families and have virtually not had any returned due to exacerbating known allergy issues. It may take a bit of work and a lot of searching, but we know that somewhere in some shelter or neglected, unwanted and tied in some backyard is your very own "First Dog".

Remember how Felicia's dad found his "First Dog"....

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"Oh, She (He) Must Have Been Abused."

We hear that a lot when people see those of our dogs who are somewhat shy or skittish about being touched by strangers. The truth is, those behaviors are not necessarily a good indicator of how an animal was treated prior to coming into our care. Some dogs are shy or fearful of new people simply because they were unsocialized in their prior home and are therefore timid of new experiences outside their own comfort zone.

The ASPCA published a very interesting article about how you can detect animal abuse. Here it is, in part, quoted below with the link to their website for further information about what you can personally do if you see an abuse situation.

"Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused

Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Obvious behaviors such as aggression, timidity and fear don’t always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse....

Check out our list of signs that may alert you an animal needs help:

Physical Signs
Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck

Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated

Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes

Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible

Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites

Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes

Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat

Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally

Heavy discharge from eyes or nose

An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs

Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary

Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter

Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them

Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals..."

The key here is that if you see suspected animal cruelty, you want to alert the proper authorities to ensure that any animals in such a situation can be saved. This can be done by making a complaint to the police or humane society in your area (this can be done anonymously). You will not only save an animal's life, you will be helping to take these perpetrators off the streets and prevent future harm to other animals.

Check out the ASPCA's website for more details on this and other relevant subjects.

http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/how-to-recognize-cruelty.html

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FDA Recall of Peanut Butter Products

The recall of peanut butter products due to salmonella has spilled over into pet products. It is important to educate yourself in an effort to keep your pets safe and happy. Take a moment to look at the FDA site to make sure you do not have any of these products on your pantry shelves. (This also includes wild bird seed/suet that contains contaminated ingredients).

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm


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