khou.com | News for Houston, Texas

April 28, 2006

Peddling puppies across the border can breed heartache

San Diego Humane Society
These puppies were
crammed into a carrier

Smugglers on the border have found big profits in little puppies that they sneak into the U.S. and sell. But what appears to be a bargain winds up breeding heartache for many buyers. The cute, cuddly puppies would have horror stories if they could talk.

"We're finding them stuffed into speaker boxes, taped underneath the seats, hidden away in duffle bags and shoved underneath other belongings," said Daniel DeSousa with the San Diego Animal Services Department.

Twenty-eight puppies were recently discovered in a vehicle stopped at a border crossing near San Diego. The border is the only thing standing between puppy peddlers and big profits. Each dog they can smuggle across from Mexico in a car or truck is worth hundreds more on the U.S. side.

Puppies that may sell for $50 in Mexico can bring hundreds of dollars in the U.S. But often there's a hidden cost for unsuspecting families who buy the dogs.

Jim Gagne and his wife bought a maltese puppy advertised in the newspaper. "We'd been going through some difficult times, health problems, myself and my wife," said Gagne. "We thought having another dog would bring us some joy." They paid $450 for the puppy. "We had the puppy at home a day," said Gagne. They rushed the sick puppy to the vet but it was dead two days later. Gagne said they spent nearly $2,000 dollars trying to save her.

But the smuggled puppies often have diseases. Many don't survive because they're too young to be taken from their mothers.

When one owner tried to contact the man who sold him a sick puppy, he said, "We found out his cell phone was a disposable cell phone."

"It's heartwrenching," said DeSousa. The San Diego Department of Animal Services sees it all the time. "We're lucky if we see 50 percent survive and that's with intensive vet care," said DeSousa. His agency is part of the border puppy task force created in California to cope with the growing problem. "If you haven't seen it in other places, it's probably going on -- you just haven't detected it yet," he said.

We found puppies for sale in a Mexican border town near San Diego. The same thing happens on street corners, swap meets and store parking on the U.S. side.

The boys expected to sell all the puppies to Americans who smuggle the dogs across. "Yeah it's a good business," said one seller who was asking $360 per dog.

"Puppy peddling is better than selling drugs. The consequences are far less," said Simran Zilaro with the San Diego Humane Society. Puppies there were rescued at the border and are now two months old. "For them to make it this far is really very miraculous," Zilaro said. Once they were nursed back to health the dogs were quickly adopted.

Investigators say the problem extends well beyond the border. Some of the puppies are being sold online and shipped to cities across the country.

For more information, head ot the San Diego Humane Society's border puppy website here.

April 28, 2006

Cat on the Loose at Andrews Air Force Base

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AP) -- Authorities were scouring a military base outside Washington, D.C., on Thursday, following reports that a wildcat was on the loose.

Two residents on the base reported seeing the animal in the morning, said Capt. Herb McConnell, a spokesman for Andrews Air Force Base.

One resident described seeing a brown, spotted animal while another person said the cat was black, McConnell said. It was not clear if they saw the same animal.

The wildcat was seen roaming around a commissary and housing area on the base, officials said. Local police and animal control officers were assisting in the search.

"We're looking for tracks, we're looking from the air," said Donna Wilson, with the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources.

Wilson said authorities had not seen any sign of the animal, but were taking precautions.

Parents at three schools in the area were asked to pick up students who normally walk home, Wilson said. Those who travel by bus were dismissed early.

If the animal was found, Wilson said, it likely would be shot with a tranquilizer.

April 28, 2006

Dog Blamed for Starting N.H. House Fire

Editor's note: This concerns me, since my brand new Golden is a stealthy counter (surfer...)

WOLFEBORO, N.H. (AP) -- A fire that damaged a house this week is being blamed on the family dog. Investigators determined that the fire started in the kitchen near the stove.

The dog "appears to have jumped up on or against the stove, where there were remnants of a lunch the family had made and did what dogs do," Deputy Chief Tom Zottie said.

The stove was somehow turned on, Zottie said. It was an older model gas stove, so the knob would only have to be turned to ignite.

No one was home when flames broke out at house on Monday afternoon. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control within two hours and the dog escaped.

Information from: WMUR-TV

April 28, 2006

Goose Befriends Elderly Man With Cancer

FERNAN LAKE, Idaho (AP) -- A northern Idaho man diagnosed with terminal cancer says a usually cantankerous goose that befriended him on his walks has helped him live past doctors' predictions.

"I'm 73", Bill Lytle, a two-time state legislator, told the Coeur d'Alene Press. "And I'm not ready to die."

After retiring as project manager for the Bunker Hill Mining company, Lytle and his wife of 52 years, Myrna, moved to Coeur d'Alene, where Bill became one of the founding members of a walking club called the Lake City Striders.

Then last fall his skin turned yellow overnight, and doctors diagnosed pancreatic cancer, giving Lytle only months to live. But Lytle continued his walks, having to cut them down to two miles at a nearby lake, where he met the goose who has inspired him to keep going even when he wasn't feeling well.

"I have to keep walking or I won't make my next December," Lytle said.

The goose, called Mr. Waddles, is a feral domestic goose, a biologist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game said, offering no explanation for the relationship that has developed between the goose and Lytle. Myrna has thought about that as well."I wonder, why would that one goose attach himself to Bill?" she said. "I think he knows he's sick. I think animals can sense that."

The goose, about 30 pounds with a red beak and red feet, approaches Lytle when he calls and rubs its head against his arms. But it snaps at anyone else who gets too close, including Myrna, their daughter, and Bill's hospice aide.

"Sometimes he walks around me, sometimes he walks beside me," Lytle said of the near-daily meetings the two have. "I rub his neck, and the top of his head and down to his back. Every time I came down, he just kept coming out. I think it's pretty nice, that he'd always come to me."

Information from: Coeur d'Alene Press,

April 28, 2006

Crocodile Attacks Chainsaw in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- A 14 1/2-foot crocodile mauled a chainsaw a worker was using Friday to clear up debris left by a tropical storm that lashed northern Australia. While the croc and worker were both uninjured, the saw's woodcutting days are over.

Freddy Buckland was cutting up a tree that fell against a crocodile enclosure at the Corroboree Park Tavern, 50 miles east of the northern port city of Darwin when the crocodile, called Brutus, apparently took exception to the chainsaw's noise and attacked.

"As he was trimming up the tree on the outside the croc jumped out of the water and sped along the tree about 18, 20 feet and actually grabbed the chainsaw out of his hands," said Peter Shappert, the tavern's owner.

"It must have been the noise ... I don't think he was actually trying to grab Freddy, but I'm not sure. He had a fair go at him ... I think he just grabbed the first thing he could and it happened to be the chainsaw," Shappert added.

Neither Buckland nor Brutus were injured.

The saltwater crocodile, which Shappert said he now is considering renaming Two-stroke in honor of the saw's fuel, appeared to like the snack.

"He chewed on the chainsaw for about an hour-and-a-half, then we finally got it out," Shappert said, adding that the saw was destroyed when it finally was retrieved from Brutus' giant jaws.

Saltwater crocodiles have been known to attack small power boats, apparently because they do not like the noise of outboard motors.

April 28, 2006

The Mercy Petition

From Janice Blue with In Solidarity with Animals:

Please sign the Mercy petition here. Over 1350 names were on the petition by noon today. I was signature #1275:
I called the Dallas jail and learned that this accused killer posted a $2500 bond and was released @ 5:05pm yesterday, April 27, which means he only had to raise $250 to be back on the streets. Yes, Texas needs a strong animal cruelty law in the 21st century but as long as this bill is assigned to the agriculture committee, it will never get out of committee as long as Rep. Rick Hardcastle, chairs it. Last session, the Texas Humane Legislative Network brought their mascot, a little dog whose eyes had been gouged out and her lids were stitched tight and even the sight of this blind dog and her guardian's moving testimony, did not help get this bill to the floor of
the Texas House and Senate. Yes, please work with THLN to help
prosecuters convict animal abusers. Their hands are tied without a strong
animal cruelty law on the books.

April 28, 2006

Australia Penguins Set Free

Four penguins rescued after being attacked by a dog, and rehabilitated in a Sydney zoo, were released back into the ocean on Friday.

The Fairy penguins - the smallest of the penguin family, and only found in the Southern hemisphere - suffered a variety of injuries, from broken feathers to cuts and puncture wounds.

After recovering at Sydney's Taronga Zoo, they were brought to Curl Curl Beach, north of the city, and released by zoo staff.

After some initial confusion on the sand, the four dived into the crashing surf and swam out to sea.

April 27, 2006

Please help us rescue another kitten in a tree!

A viewer emailed KHOU with this plea:

I am writing because I have exhausted all other possible means. My situation is that I have a kitten in a tree that has been there for 7 days without food or water.
I have tried various sources to obtain any kind of help but have met with complete disinterest and/or an 'I don't want to be bothered attitude.'

I have called the local fire department, Houston SPCA, Conroe Animal Shelter, advertised to pay, and even called several 'tree' removal companies, one said
they would be glad to do a 'community service' if I paid them $250.00. (I offered $100.00.) Every day I go out to feed my animals, she cries and cries for me to rescue her, but I have given up as to what to do and it is breaking my heart not to be able to get her down. I don't think she can go much longer without food or water. I would so appreciate any help you might be able to offer.

If you have suggestions on how to help, PLEASE email Susan here: Jodeblonde@aol.com

April 27, 2006

Can ya help an 'ol Bayou Girl?

Check out "Flash" before (on the left) and "Flash" after (on the right).

She has quite a story: rescued a dog along a Houston bayou two nights before Hurricane Rita. She faced many months of physical and mental rehabilitation and is now ready to join her new family. Flash is definitely a people person and hopes to find a family where she can become an integral part of their daily lives. She is an extremely loyal dog and she wants to be your best friend, so if you're looking for a loyal companion, Flash is your girl! As a health-conscious dog, regular exercise is also very important to her and she currently gets a daily morning bike ride with her foster mom, as well as weekly trips to the dog park to play. It brings out the best in her. If you are interested in a new addition to your life, please call Julie at 281-482-8420.

In the meantime, her rescuer had concerns about exactly HOW to get Flash's information out. She emailed me and I'm hoping to help her in this special situation. This is part of her email: "...we have to rely on e-mails and the Internet. Since I don't belong to any specific organization, I don't have a rescue website to "advertise" her and even when I tried to put her on Petfinder they would only accept a "classifed ad" from individuals and no pictures. Only registered rescue groups could do that.... I am trying to find all possible places where she can be posted, in order to get more exposure, but aren't having too much luck....Do you have any ideas for me as to
how else I can get her "advertised"?"

Any suggestions from our many animal rescuers out there?

April 27, 2006

One puppy's already died... is this one the next?

This was left in the comments section of the blog post of the man arrested for torturing a puppy up in North Texas... I wanted to bring it to the forefront to see if anyone can help..

Right now, I am concerned with an abandoned pit bull puppy. Residents from Louisiana moved in next door about a month ago.They left out of town about two weeks ago leaving the puupy outside without food and water. We have been providing some water and puppy food, filed a complaint with SPCA on Monday, still no response. Puppy is very thin. Please bring light to this matter. Address of abandoned dog is 1506 W. 43rd Street. Owner has been contacted, but still no action.

April 27, 2006

Man nabbed for puppy's torture death

Watch the video here

A man was arrested early Thursday in connection with the torture of a puppy who was found severely burned on Good Friday.

The dog, named Mercy by the vets and caregivers who tried to save her, later died.

Dallas police arrested Deshawn Brown, 21, at his mother's home Thursday in the Denton County community of Corinth shortly before 1 a.m. He faces several charges, including cruelty to an animal.

"All the personnel involved with this are quite relieved to have this gentleman in custody, based on the extreme cruelty of this crime" said Dallas police spokesman Sgt. Robert Patterson.

Brown was being held at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas.

Mercy, a 10-month-old pit bull mix, had been doused with gasoline and set on fire. She was rescued on Good Friday, but she was unable to survive the extensive stab wounds and burns that covered 60 percent of her body.

Mercy died over the weekend. A memorial service was scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Operation Kindness shelter, 3201 Earhart Drive in Carrollton.

April 27, 2006

Cats and dogs.. living together...

Our webmistress sent me this video: it's a funny clip from Animal Planet in which a cat does its darndest to adopt a couple of dogs...

April 27, 2006

Police: Shetland pony killed by pit bulls

Watch the raw video of the scene here

Houston Police say a Shetland Pony attacked by two pit bulls had to be put down today.

Animal control officers took custody of the two pit bulls. Police said the dogs had escaped from a neighbor's yard and went straight for the pony's throat.

Houston police were called to the 9000 block of Leycrest for a disturbance, then made the disturbing discovery. The pony was still standing when officers first arrived, but later collapsed. A vet wasn't able to save it.

Animal control officers took custody of the two pit bulls. The dogs' owner was cited for six violations.

April 27, 2006

HFD getting more pet oxygen masks

The Houston Fire Department has plenty of oxygen masks for people.. but what about the pets that are saved from fires?

Best Friends Pet Care is donating specialized pet oxygen masks for the HFD Thursday. HFD will get about 25 sets to go on fire apparatus, but eventually all Houston fire stations will have them. If you would like to donate and help get more masks, call (713) 664-6111 or go to their "Cause for Paws" website. You can also check out some KHOU video here.

April 27, 2006

Animal rescuers shying away from shelters

By Leslie Contreras - Galveston County Daily News

For 22 years, Wydell Dixon has been rescuing animals that would otherwise end up in shelters.

She began taking in stray cats while working at Amoco, at one point housing up to 50 cats in an outside enclosure at her home.

"They had everything they could possibly need," Dixon said.

She said the city appreciated what she did. City officials rezoned her property.

Dixon is one of many people in the county who have taken on saving animals as a private mission, and who seek alternatives for unwanted or stray animals from the crowded shelters.

In 2000, Dixon formally organized her rescue program in Texas City. With retirement funds, she created Whiskerville, dubbed the only no-kill animal shelter in the county. Last year, the facility euthanized six animals because of extreme illness, she said.

"My dream home is sitting on Sixth Street," Dixon said, describing the facility at 1112 Sixth St. North, which houses up to 150 cats.

Her organization also runs a dog-fostering program, though she hopes to buy nearby property and open a kennel.

"Our pound is a kill facility," she said, referring to the county’s shelter. "They almost have to. It’s very, very sad."

Sabrina Fesler, a Santa Fe woman who was recently cited for running a backyard dog rescue program without proper documentation, shares Dixon’s belief there should be alternatives for unwanted animals.

For Fesler, the incentive to begin her own informal rescue program began around November when she spent time at the county shelter after hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

"I do believe I take better care of these animals than they do," Fesler said. "I keep them until I know they are healthy, physically and mentally, until they are ready to go to a new home."

Fesler claims that there are more than a 100 people like her in the county running informal rescue programs, mainly because of some people’s unease with the state of local shelters.

She said she met most of these people on the Internet, where animal rescuers meet to trade information on animals and find new homes for them.

Fesler plans to get a $60 kennel license to house 11 to 25 dogs in her backyard. She said that she does not plan to spay or neuter the animals, something that most shelter officials encourage. But she said she will vaccinate and de-worm the animals with her own funds and will inspect potential adopters’ homes.

The county works with about 10 rescue groups on a regular basis to find homes for pets at the shelter, said Kurt Koopmann, spokesman for the county health district.

However, it is unlikely that the county can move to a no-kill shelter anytime soon, said Ron Schultz, director of environmental health programs.

"What we stress is responsible pet ownership," Koopmann said, noting that spaying and neutering is an important way to address the problem.

The county is looking into starting a program to spay and neuter all animals in the shelter. The League City Animal Shelter neuters or spays all animals it takes in.

This story is available through KHOU, Ch. 11's partnership with The Galveston County Daily News.

April 26, 2006

Chicago bans foie gras

CHICAGO (AP) -- The goose liver delicacy foie gras was banned from restaurants Wednesday in a measure approved by the Chicago City Council after members decided it was inhumane to force-feed the birds.

"Our city is better for taking a stance against the cruelty of foie gras," said Alderman Joe Moore, who sponsored the ordinance.

Mayor Richard Daley opposed the measure.

"We have children getting killed by gang leaders and dope dealers. We have real issues here in this city," said Daley, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on its Web site. "Let's get some priorities."

Rich and buttery, foie gras, pronounced fwah-GRAH and French for "fat liver," often is served sliced and pan-seared, frequently with fruit or atop greens or a cut of steak or veal.

To fatten the liver of waterfowl, a tube is often inserted into their throats twice a day and partially cooked corn is pumped down the esophagus.

Several Chicago restaurateurs opposed the ban, saying they did not want politicians meddling with a product steeped in tradition.

But others had stopped serving it before the ban was approved.

California is the only state to ban the force-feeding of birds to produce the gourmet liver product, having passed a measure that would end the practice by 2012.

More than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, have banned production of the delicacy on the grounds of cruelty. But in France, foie gras has been declared "part of the cultural and gastronomic patrimony, protected in France."

April 26, 2006

My Daddy died in the aftermath of Rita.. now I need a new home!

I don't know what it is, but I'm getting a lot of dogs needing new homes right now. At least the mother of this big boy, Beau, is trying to do the right thing by trying to find him a good home, rather than turning him over to a shelter. Here is Beau's story:

Meet Beau. He is owned by Judy whose husband died while walking Beau at a motel they were staying at when they fled Rita. If that isn't bad enough, Judy walks with two canes so is having a very hard time with Beau. She would like to find him a good home. If you or anyone you know is interested, see below.

Wanted: One Good Home!My name is Beaumont, though I live in Houston. I am a loveable dog who needs space to play. I am 80 lbs. and two feet tall. My mix is lab and pit bull, but don't hold that against me. I love bones and tennis balls but mostly bones. Though I am loved much, I need a home with a younger owner. Please contact 713-202-1882 for further information and ask for Judy.
P. S. Free shipping and handling

April 26, 2006

Have you seen Shady the Pitt Bull - somewhere in Alvin?

With the bad rap that Pitt Bulls get, it's no wonder Shady's family is worried that she is missing. Shady is a brindle, spayed Pitt, who escaped from her family's yard in the area of FM 1462 and Johnson in Alvin on Sunday. Becky was "pet sitting" for her father, and both are worried sick about Shady. Becky says Shady would lick someone to death before she would bite them. The only way someone would know it were her is if they went to pet her and she rolled on her back. She loves to have her belly scratched.

You can contact Becky at 281-756-8277 or by email at singing_heart@msn.com

April 26, 2006

Crazed chimpanzees attack Texan, 3 others

Watch the video here

Police in Sierra Leone are searching for 20 chimpanzees that attacked several people, including a Texan.

It's not clear what prompted the chimps to attack.

It happened during a visit to the Tacungama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the West African rain forest Sunday.

Officials say Gary Brown, taxi driver Melvin Mama and two other Americans were touring the place when the chimps charged their station wagon and attacked the group.

"This thing was on a rampage and it acted as if it wanted to kill everyone of us. It had hatred in its eyes," said Brown.

Brown says one of the primates cornered his group and began swinging at Mama.

"It must have bitten his hand because he was sitting with his hand dangling," said Brown.

Brown said he hit the chimp with a stick and startled the animal long enough to free Mama and himself.

The Texan then recruited help from nearby soldiers to go back for his friends.

"The other guys thought I was dead, and I thought they were," said Brown.

Brown's actions may have saved his friends' lives, but he's still grieving Mama who died later at a hospital.

"It was a nightmare. It's something I will never forget for the rest of my life," said Brown.

Brown, a Pflugerville native, is nursing his wounds and says he won't be going back to Sierra Leone to finish work on the embassy.

April 26, 2006

I am a sucker for a pretty face...

And yes, she is one of many, but this beautiful red heeler mix really, really needs a home. I'm such a softie. Maybe one of you can help her. Here's the story from e-Rescue

Please help us find a home for Miranda, Red Heeler Mix, abandoned in a church and looking for her angel! Poor Miranda was dumped on the streets with her four little babies when she sought refuge in a church -- her guardian angel was definitely looking out for this little family that cold winter day. She made it safely into the church where a kind lady found her and brought her to us. Even while living on the mean streets of Houston, Miranda took great care of all of her babies and made sure they all made it. All of her babies have been adopted, but poor Miranda is still waiting in a kennel for her angel to come in a give her the home she has always dreamed about!!

Miranda is a red heeler mix. She is medium sized and is great with people and kids. She is spayed and up to date on all of her shots. She is very smart and has quickly learned how to sit and I can only imagine what tricks you can teach her if you spent some time with her. She is also kennel trained which is a good indicator that she is housetrained. Heelers make great pets and are very loyal dogs.

If you would like to meet Miranda, please visit Noah's Ark Grooming and Pets, 13155 Westheimer Rd. # 141, Houston, TX, phone is 281-556-0226 or you can see her this Saturday April 29th at Petco at Westheimer and Wilcrest.

April 26, 2006

Dallas cat trapped in wall of new home

Check out the video here

DALLAS -- "Miss Kitty" is free at last after spending who-knows-how-long trapped inside the wall of a new house.

Mike Brown's family had lost track of their beloved ten-year-old, longhaired cat. They say more than two weeks passed with no sightings of the one-time stray.

Fliers were posted around the Browns' Dallas neighborhood, appealing for information on their missing cat. But there were no leads.

But they were walking around a house under construction nearby when they heard a faint "meow."

They contacted the builder, who broke through the wall -- and there she was, seven pounds lighter, but alive.

Brown says the builder said the wall had been dry-walled about eight days before.

Brown says Miss Kitty probably used up five of her nine lives that time. "She's got about four of them left."

April 25, 2006

Hannah Named "Most Beautiful Bulldog"

Courtesy AP

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- To those who know her best, Hannah is the ultimate girly girl. She enjoys socializing in the neighborhood, wearing fancy outfits and pursuing a shoe fetish that would rival any Hollywood starlet.

But Hannah doesn't wear shoes - she eats them. Still, that didn't stop this 2-year old English bulldog from beating out 49 others to claim top prize in the 27th annual "Beautiful Bulldog" contest Monday.

The contest marks the beginning of the Drake Relays, one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious track and field meets.

Hannah, who is white with patches of brown scattered across her squat figure, took the stage wearing a Drake cheerleaders' outfit and shocked the crowd by taking "top dog" honors over Porterhouse, a brown male from St. Paul, Minn., who dressed like a construction worker - complete with tool belt and hard hat.

As the winner, Hannah will serve a yearlong term as the official mascot of both the Relays and Drake University.

"She's a pretty outgoing dog," said Curtis Jackson, Hannah's co-owner. "We're stunned ... I'm dumbfounded."

The panel of judges pored over a random assortment of drooling, grunting canines with a much different purpose than their Westminster Kennel Club counterparts. Bowed legs, deep wrinkles, bloodshot eyes, protruding teeth and clever costumes were considered strong attributes.

Proud ancestry and impeccable breeding are not. When it comes to picking Drake's next mascot, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

"We're looking for the ugliest bulldog you can get your hands on," said Dolph Pulliam, the executive director of the Beautiful Bulldog contest. "We're the looking for the bulldog that has that face, that drool, that personality that can charm you."

Hannah's reign got off to a rocky start. The winner's crown couldn't find a home within the ridges atop her wrinkled head, and Jackson had to pick her up and force her to sit on the throne.

But Amanda Millard, her co-owner, promised that Hannah will take time out from her favorite activities - digging in the mud and dining on foot wear - and honor the office of Beautiful Bulldog with style.

April 24, 2006

No Kill Solutions advocate coming to town

Nathan Winograd, the president of the No Kill Advocacy Center, is coming to town this summer for a weekend seminar to share insights on turning the Houston area into a "No Kill" Humane Animal area. From his group's website:

At the No Kill Advocacy Center, we believe that--as a movement--it is up to us to put aside the fatalistic attitudes that change is impossible; that the best we can offer homeless animals is a "humane" death; that a No Kill Nation is unattainable.

The Woodlands Dog Park Club will be hosting this event with Montgomery County Animal Shelter/Control on July 15 &16. They are co-sponsoring with a private individual , Mr. Bruce Dailey of Conroe.

Laura McConnell with the WDPC says, "Friends for Life has is helping with some of Mr. Winograd's travel expenses. Many people are coming together for the purpose of improving the lives of animals in Montgomery and Harris Counties. It is a wonderful thing. Joining together in a common purpose will get results and hopefully save many lives."

The WDPC will soon have more information about the weekend seminar posted on its website. In the meantime, Sherry Nassar, who's worked to improve conditions at BARC, says will be meeting next month with Houston's director of the Department of Health and Human Services, Stephen Williams, in hopes that he will attend.

April 24, 2006

Cat adopts dog

From the Daily Courier

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- A pug puppy rejected by his mother has found a new, more welcoming family: a cat and her three kittens.

Kelly Kent, of Connellsville, said her 2 year old cat, Zoey, has been nursing a black pug puppy since he was rejected by his mother in late March. Zoey doesn't usually like dogs but seems to have made an exception, Kent said.

The puppy, who belongs to Kent's neighbor, is about the same size as Zoey's kittens and regularly lines up for milk with his adopted feline siblings.

It is not unusual for mothers to adopt in nature, even if the baby is of another species, said William Shepherd, a Uniontown veterinarian. Shepherd said a puppy can drink a cat's milk, but warned that Zoey might not be able to produce enough as the young pug gets older and bigger.

The pug puppy, the runt of his litter, doesn't yet have a name.

April 24, 2006

Tortured dog in North Texas dies of injuries

Watch the video here

A puppy who was doused with gasoline, set on fire and left to die on Good Friday has succumbed to her injuries.

Two men found "Mercy" 10 days ago in a wooded area behind the Rock Creek Apartments in Far North Dallas. While the 10-month-old pit bull mix received expert care at the Operation Kindness shelter, veterinarians said her injuries were too severe to survive.

Mercy was burned over 60 percent of her body. Her ears had to be amputated.

There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for torturing and ultimately killing Mercy.

You'll find more pictures and information on a memorial service for Mercy on Operation Kindness' website here.

April 21, 2006

Woman's Mass Bird Feedings Spark Protests

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Hollywood officials say they want to stop a mysterious bird lady who hauls 25-pound sacks of feed and draws flocks of messy pigeons whose droppings have fouled cars, sidewalks and buildings.

Authorities say they've asked the woman to stop feeding the birds but they can't order her to quit. City law only bans pigeon feeding in a section of downtown.

Local residents aren't happy.

"I've collected birdseed bags she's discarded," said Laura Dodson, president of the Argyle Civic Association. "We calculate she spreads 112 tons a year above Sunset Boulevard, centering on Vine Street. We've spotted 29 spots she puts down food."

Dodson said the woman puts down 150 pounds of bird seed a day at a triangular traffic island the community wants to beautify with palm trees.

The feedings have interfered with an $80,000 landscaping project, officials said.

Some local leaders worry that the pigeons could spread avian flu but "wild pigeons don't seem to be a major source," Karen Ehnert, senior veterinarian for the Los Angeles County health department.

The pigeon poop also covers bridges and signs on the nearby Hollywood Freeway.

Buy AP Photo Reprints

That's a headache, said Dave White, a spokesman for the California Department of Transportation.

"You can't paint over it. You can't wash it out with a hose because it turns into a muddy slurry that you can't send down the flood drain," White said. "So you shovel it out into bags or knock it to the ground and clean it up as fast as you can."

Aides to City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who represents part of Hollywood, told the Los Angeles Times that the woman has refused to stop feeding the pigeons.

"I spoke to her. She told me she was afraid the birds would die if she wasn't there," said a staff member who declined to be identified.

Erik Sanjurjo, a LaBonge deputy, said the next step could be amending city law to ban pigeon feeding in sections of Hollywood or throughout Los Angeles.

Pigeon feeding is banned in some areas of other California cities, including San Francisco, Sausalito, Seal Beach and Pasadena. Scofflaw pigeon lovers can be fined hundreds of dollars - and that's not chicken feed.

April 20, 2006

At odds over dog that attacked 8-year-old

Watch the video here

A dog attack in Missouri City has put two families at odds.

The family of a young dog attack victim is trying to figure out how to pay for the mounting doctors bills.

Sierra Forward is surrounded by letters from friends with wishes for a speedy recovery.

It can be a bit difficult to understand what the 8-year-old is saying. That's because her mouth is still swollen after a dog attack.

The attack happened on Good Friday in the back yard of the Missouri City home belonging to Sierra's godparents.

Off camera Sierra's godmother said Sierra didn't listen and went outside to play with their 6-year-old Rottweiler.

The result was almost 50 stitches around her eye, cheek and mouth.

"I am told this is not the first incident," said aunt Toni Rhodes. "It happened at another home they owned with another little girl in the neighborhood."

The owners of the dog said that time it was just a scratch.

"At what point in time are we going to say enough is enough," said Rhodes. "The next time it could possibly kill a child."

The one thing both families can agree on is that this attack was devastating.

Sierra's family is already having a tough time with the medical bills and knows there will be more due to plastic surgery.

The godparents say their insurance won't pay.

"They don't have medical insurance," said Rhodes. "No one can afford it so what do we do for Sierra."

There is concern too about things surgery can not fix like mental scars.

The victim's family has hired an attorney. The dog is still in custody at Missouri City Animal Control, which will hold it in quarantine for 10 days.

If the owners want it back, animal control states it will file charges to declare it a dangerous dog and impose strict rules on the family if it is returned.

April 20, 2006

HOUSTON SPCA REMOVES 16 ANIMALS, INCLUDING BEARS AND TIGERS, FROM GONZALES

7:46PM Update:
Watch the uncut video here
Watch Brad Woodard's 6PM report here

3:20PM Update:We now have pictures.. and are being told the animals will arrive at four. We will have a full update on 11 news at 10..

3:00PM Update: We are working on this story for our afternoon newscasts and I'll post later.. Reporter Brad Woodard is waiting for the animals to be brought to the Houston SPCA

Houston (April 20, 2006) - Responding to a call from Gonzales County officials, the Houston SPCA Cruelty Investigators and the Houston Zoo rescued 16 animals on Thursday, April 20, 2006. Among the animals were 11 bears, 2 tigers, 2 wild hogs and one Macaw.

These animals were seized by Gonzales County under the Texas Dangerous Wild Animal law. This law regulates the keeping of dangerous wild animals and provides minimum standards that a person must maintain for these animals. The bears and tigers were taken from the private residence for failure to meet these standards. It is believed that Gonzales County is the first County in the State of Texas to seize wild animals under this law. The animals have been owned since the early 80's and used in exhibits and in performances. They have been living in transport cages in a poultry barn for more than nine years. The two hogs and macaw were seized under a warrant for animal cruelty. Gonzales County has given the Houston SPCA custody of these animals in order to find appropriate permanent placements for them.

Agencies from across the state offered resources to rescue these animals. The Houston Zoo provided veterinary and other staff to help ensure the safe transport of the animals. The Humane Society of North Texas agreed to house two of the black bears until permanent placement could be made. The International Exotic Feline Sanctuary has given a home to one of the tigers at their facility in Boyd, Texas. The two bears and one tiger will be transported to these locations by the SPCA of Texas. One of the bears has found a permanent home at the Wildlife Reserve and Rehabilitation in Kendalia, Texas.

The breakdown of animals coming to the shelter is as follows: * 2 Grizzly Bears, 25 years- both male
* 1 Kodiak Bear, 22 years- female
* 4 Black Bears,11 years, male, 11 years, female, 14 years male, 18 years female
* 2 Cinnamon Bears, 12 years female, 14 years male
* 2 Asiatic Bears, 30 years male, 15 years male
* 2 Tigers, 12 years male, 8 years male
* 2 wild hogs
* 1 gold and blue Macaw
* several dogs and cats

The second tiger will be temporarily housed at the Houston Zoo until placement.

Other agencies that assisted in this rescues were Gonzales County Officials, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the SPCA of Texas, the San Antonio Zoo, Wild Animal Orphanage, the Brownsville Zoo and the Fort Worth Zoo.

April 20, 2006

Hearbreaking movie of what happens to most homeless animals

We can talk about animal rescue and welfare until we're blue in the face; no words, however, have the impact of actually seeing what happens to animals in shelters: the majority of whom are euthanized. The first time I walked into the euthanization room at Houston's BARC and saw the garbage bags full of animals I felt sick to the pit of my stomach. Honestly, I don't think I could handle being a witness to the daily routine of animals being put down. I cried like a baby when my two cats were euthanized (years apart) as I held them in my arms after long extended illnesses - watching their eyes, and seeing the life go out of them and their bodies - all in seconds - was just too much.

In any case, others are stronger than me, and someone has put together a gut-wrenching flash movie on the internet that shows what is going on behind closed shelter doors. Here it is.. be warned.. it's tough to watch.

April 20, 2006

Cooper Animal Clinic to host meet and greet in The Heights

The Cooper Animal Clinic in the Heights is hosting its first of what it hopes to be a monthly "Meet and Greet" animal event in the Heights on Saturday, May 6th from 10AM to 2PM.

From an email I received:

This event is a chance for Rescue Groups in the Houston and surrounding areas to showcase the animals who are looking for a home. Help us in the effort to make Houston a ‘No Kill’ community!
There is no entry fee - but reservations are required. Rescue Groups will be allowed to set up booths in the dog and cat friendly setting of the Heights. Limited space will be available indoors for animals such as cats and small dogs. The entire fenced backyard will be devoted to booth space for Rescue Groups. There is shade under the trees or feel free to use any tent or canopy that you might have.

We encourage you to bring some animals or at least a respresentation of the breed. Bring any information on your group. Expose those animals who need foster care or a home. Encourage people to volunteer or donate. Educate them on your breed and on accepting a new pet into a home. It is a time for you to be up close and personal with the public. For those of you not affilaited with a rescue group, please plan to come out and join in the fun too!!!

This is an event that we plan to have on a monthly basis - help us make it happen!!!

Please contact for reservations or questions---

Patricia Cooper
713 861-1155
barkwood@swbell.net

Saturday, May 6th
10 am to 2 pm
Cooper Animal Clinic
1136 Heights Blvd.
Houston, Tx 77008

April 19, 2006

The Show Dog Game

Ever wanted to be a big time show dog owner/breeder/handler? I haven't taken the time to sign up for this, but you can start your own "virtual kennel" at Showdog.com. From the website:

Join hundreds of other kennel owners as you get your own dogs ... ready to compete in the show ring. You choose from 163 different breeds; whether it be Great Dane, Beagle, Whippet, or Poodle, there is a breed for you. See them grow from puppy to Champion!
Choose to enter your dogs in all-breed, specialty shows, or both. Each judge has their own standards and preferences regarding a "true" champion. Do you wish to use a handler to show your dog or handle him or her yourself? It is all up to you! How well your kennel performs is up to you and the decisions you make.

You are the breeder, owner, handler, trainer, and groomer of your show dogs. You get to manage and budget the rations of food your dogs receive, how you breed your dogs, which shows you enter, and much, much more.

April 19, 2006

Any Animal Friendly PILOTS out there?

Your skills are needed for something called "Flying Paws." Check it out: it's an organizatino across the country of volunteer pilots who fly animals in danger of being euthanized to new homes, or animals in crisis to treatment. It's been another route for rescue groups trying to move animals to new homes, but it desperately needs to increase its pilot base. There apparently are no pilots in Houston.

Check out the "Flying Paws" website here. You can also find applications for pilots here.

April 19, 2006

Looking for kids who love their pets!!!!!!

From Courtney over at the Houston Humane Society:

Show How Kindness Counts During "Be Kind To Animals" Week!

Be Kind to Animals Week is May 7th-13th, and Houston area animal shelters are joining together to honor kids who care about the animals. Students in 3rd through 8th grade are asked to nominate a friend in the greater Houston area who is an outstanding example of being kind to animals.

The Houston Humane Society, Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HSPCA), Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), Harris County PHES Rabies/Animal Control and the Bureau of Animal Regulation Control (BARC) will read all submitted stories and choose the winning entry. The winner and the nominating friend will be honored during a press conference on Friday, May 12th.

Nominations should include details about the child's efforts to make a difference in the animal community.

Entries are due by Monday, May 1st, and should be no longer than 200 words. Please email entries to mail@houstonhumane.org.

April 19, 2006

Strange Bedfellows

Watch the video here

When most people hear "Odd Couple," they usually think of mismatched roommates Felix and Oscar.

But The CBS Early Show resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, says animals have their share of unusual pairings as well.

Generally, she observes, birds of a feather flock together in the wild kingdom. But Turner found a few cases of animal odd couples that prove love can indeed be blind.

Such is the case with an ape and cat in Panama City, Fla.

When 45-year-old Tondalayo, a Sumatran orangutan, lost her partner, she was listless and depressed, Turner says. She needed company but, because of her age, introducing another orang was out of the question.

Then zoo worker Stephanie Willard got an idea for the perfect mate for Tonda.

"'TK' came to us and we found out very quickly that his personality was one that was very demanding, very loving, very understanding, and ... he was a big, rag-doll kitty," Willard said of a 1-year-old tabby who turned out to be the cat's meow for Tonda. "He's a very sweet cat. He's absolutely a perfect cat. He doesn't seem to grow out of his kitten stage. He still licks and rubs and purrs and loves all over her. ... I think it made (Tonda) 20 years younger.

"I think it's more of a maternal thing with (Tonda). It's kind of like the most overprotective, overbearing mother there is."

"I'm very proud," says Willard, like a proud parent.

Turner also noticed that visitors to ZooWorld can't take their eyes off the unlikely pair.

"I couldn't understand why the cat was with the orangutan," a laughing woman told Turner.

"I seen a cat and a doggie alone together, and I thought that was real odd," a chuckling boy remarked.

"A monkey and a cat, you know, you just can't picture it!" a girl observed.

And it's not just Tonda and TK, Turner pointed out. In the news recently, there have been photos of animals of different species that have ended up together, such as a hog that bonded with an antelope when his mate died.

Says Wildlife expert Don Moore: "It's very difficult to explain a lot of these."

But Moore say there's a logical explanation for Owen, a baby hippo in Kenya who was separated from his mom after a flood: "It got swept onto shore. It's at a sanctuary. The biggest, gray thing that's moving slowly near it is a tortoise. So it says, 'Tortoise, you're my mommy.'"

Apparently, says Turner, a friendship between a snake and hamster can largely be attributed to the snake not being hungry when the hamster was put in its tank as a snack.

"The hamster is near something that's not eating it," Moore figures. "And it also gets a little bit of protection. That might happen in the wild, too."

While there are probably no cats and orangs hangin' out in the wild, Turner says, it's clear Tonda and TK are wild about each other.

Animal odd couples are rather rare in the wild; they usually occur in captivity, Turner notes, adding, "While they're certainly cute to look at, the couples obviously can't reproduce, so it's a case of finding love in all the wrong places."

April 19, 2006

Mr. K's Adoptathon

Mr. K's no-kill animal shelter will conduct a special adopt-a-thon 11 a.m.
- 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at the shelter, 9203 Jackrabbit Rd. in northwest
Houston.

The non-profit shelter (http://www.mrkspetshelter.org) is moving to a larger, permanent home near College Station. Dogs can be adopted for only $75. For more information, call 832-489-1996 or check the website, complete with photo gallery.

Home to more than 100 dogs, the shelter offers Dalmatian mixes, lab mixes, Australian cattle dog mixes, chow mixes, Shepard mixes and pointer mixes.

April 18, 2006

Confessions of a "new" dog owner

I told you about him a few weeks ago, and now I'm pleased to formally introduce Finlay (AKA Finn) Foronda. He has been living with me for just over two weeks, and while I thought I knew a lot about being the owner of a "new" (or puppy) dog, I now can say I didn't realize how spoiled I had been by previously owning only "pre-trained" dogs.

The dogs I've had before all knew how to go potty outside on a leash. They required a bit of training to sit and stay and curb at the door so they didn't run out. With Finn, I get to start alllll over again. It's just another reminder that pet ownership is not always easy. Dogs/cats/iguanas/whatever can be frustrating, and because they're not human - to a lot of people - they're "disposable" when they're just not "working out."

So please, please. If you are considering pet ownership - think about what your life is prepared for. What time do you have to devote to your pet? Do you have time to train a cute puppy or kitten in how to use the yard or the litterbox for instead of the rest of the house for the bathroom? Remember, you don't speak "animal." Do you have time to devote to personal, quality interaction with your pet? Do you have the right size house/apartment for your chosen pet? There are so many things to consider.

If you are considering adopting from a shelter or breed rescue, ask questions! Do research on the internet: GOOGLE "how to choose a dog" or "how to choose a cat." ake the right choice now and you'll truly have a friend for life.

April 17, 2006

Petharbor.com reunites another happy owner and dogs!

A few weeks ago, I was walking my dog (well, it's before I adopted my new boy Finn) and a man drove up in a white truck, rolled down his window, and asked me if I'd seen some dogs wandering the neighborhood. He showed me a "LOST" poster - that I had already seen around Memorial Park. I told him I hadn't, but if he'd email me some information, I'd try to post it on this blog.

Happily, a few days later, I recieved this email:

Wanted to let you know that I found my two knuckleheads... They were at BARC. I checked there twice and so did my brother, but they were telling us to look in the wrong area or they had them in the wrong area, one of the two. I actually found them on the web at Petharbor.com. A random lady/saint read my lost and found article in the paper, called me, and told me about the site - I found them in 5 minutes (much easier than driving the
streets day and night). Take care.

...The most important thing I learned about shelters is that they are not good at identifying breeds, so I recommend searching every animal photo the shelter offers. My dogs are Lab/St. Bernard mix and Blue Heeler. The animal shelter had them listed as English Sheep Dog mix and German Shepard mix - way off. This is a much easier process than going to each individual shelter and driving the streets, which is what I did for four days.

Good advice. For more suggestions on what to do if your pet is missing, head to this website from CAP.

April 17, 2006

Continental's new on-site pet kennel

Got this heads up from Continental Airlines:

Continental Airlines will unveil the nation's first on-site pet kennel designed for air travelers on April 19. The 1100-foot facility is equipped to provide the ultimate in care for animals traveling on Continental. Services include separate caging areas for all types of animals, separate ventilation systems, exercise runs and grooming facilities. Located inside Continental's Houston cargo facility (at 3230 Pallett Road), the kennel provides care 24-hours a day, seven days a week for animals that have stopovers or overnights in Houston.

Continental's PetSafe desk number is 1-800-575-3335. Its PetSafe website is here. There is no official annoucement on the site about the new IAH kennel.. though I'm sure it will be there soon.

April 14, 2006

No posts this weekend

Sorry, folks.. no posts during this holiday weekend. Have a happy Easter!!!

April 13, 2006

Houston Humane Society reminds us it's not affliated with HSUS

I posted recently that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is being investigated by the Louisiana Attorney General's office. You can read that post here.

The folks over at the Houston Humane Society (HHS) emailed me to remind me that HHS is NOT affliated with the HSUS. Their email reads:

"I read the info on your blog this week about the HSUS investigations, and I just wanted to make sure you (and, if any questions arose, your readers) knew that the Houston Humane Society isn't affiliated with HSUS. In fact, we didn't receive any funding from them following the hurricanes, and none of the money mentioned in your entry came to the Houston Humane Society. I wanted to mention this only because a Chronicle article late last year cited the multiple thousands of dollars received by "the Humane Society," which people thought was us but was really the HSUS. If anyone is interested, we also still have a few dogs from Louisiana still looking for good homes. These animals were living in shelters when the storms hit, and picked up by Sgt. Timmers and our rescue team to be transferred here to find new homes. Most have found their forever families, but we're still looking for a few more!!!"

April 13, 2006

Cubby the Sea Lion Dives Into A New Home

From Chicago to St. Louis to Santa Barbara and, now, to Galveston, Cubby the sea lion has a lot of miles under his blubber. The 19-year-old has become a part of the North Pacific exhibit at Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid/ He joins five sea lions, Katrina evacuees from New Orleans, and three seals.

Cubby is a California sea lion and weighs nearly 400 pounds. A former show animal, he was a companion to another sea lion in Santa Barbara. When that animal died, the facility there searched for a long-term home for Cubby.

"Having served as foster parents for the New Orleans sea lions, we were interested in acquiring our own exhibit animals here," said Greg Whittaker, animal husbandry manager at Moody Garden. "It seemed like a good fit."

Moody Gardens is home to several non-releasable and rehabilitated animals including a Kemps-Ridley sea turtle, a harbor seal and some pelicans.

Cubby was born in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in 1986. He spent two years there before being transferred to the St. Louis Zoo in 1988. He spent 14 years in St. Louis and then was transferred to Santa Barbara where he spent four years.

As is customary, Cubby spent some time in quarantine after arriving at Moody Gardens. He is now part of the exhibit, eating well and making himself comfortable with the staff and other animals.

April 13, 2006

Pets for elderly people

Scientific studies have shown that pets can help their owners live longer. And they certainly can provide companionship and affection to those who are lonely. Matching pets that need a home with people who need a friend has become a mission for one veterinarian in Foley, Alabama. Here's the video of her story.

April 12, 2006

More Country Paws Comments - a very long post but please read through

This disclaimer: we had sent a reporter out to Country Paws to take a look at the situation there. We saw many, many dogs in a large, open area without any type of segregation. Our reporter showed the video to Sean Hawkins of Saving Animals Across Borders, who has had experience wtih large shelters that have had problems. He expressed concerns about whether the animals - and there were hundreds - were receiving adequate veterinary care. He wondered if they had all been spayed or neutered.

We have had many postive comments about Country Paws on this particular blog post. If you scroll down you can read many of them.

I have also received pleas from Al Jones, whose wife Lisa helps him with the shelter. He has given me permission to re-post his email:

>>> Alan jones 04/11/06 08:04AM >>>
Good morning Lisa,---I am trying to find out what is happening with the story on our request for help at our shelter.I thank you and khou for sending Amy out to our shelter to cover the story,however I am beginning to feel like khou doesnt feel it news worthy.That boggles my mind.Someone from khou sent the S.P.C.A.out to our facility to check us out which they have done every year for the last 6 years and everthing was fine,as usual.So my question is where is our help? We had a little help from the blog posting you did which i thank you for but it did not reach the public like a story on channel 11 would reach. Lisa i dont know what to do to express to the people of Houston and the surrounding counties the need for their help.I am pleading with you and KHOU to help us. My wife, Lisa and myself have always done whatever it takes to support our shelter but with the additional animals we have taken in from the hurricanes its getting to be more than we can fund.I read the news
about the attorney general and the meeting they are having today in Baton Rouge about about misplaced funds from the hurricane donations and I know for a fact that there is a lot of money there that was donated and ear marked for animal care. I personally dont care where the help comes from as long as we get it.I know that between Spindletop and our facility there is a large number of animals that Leah brought over here that without help soon i will load them in stock trailers and take them to downtown New Orleans and open the gates.I know its not the pet owners fault and Leah and Lisa are working very hard to find the owners and reunite them but its a slow process and the exspence just keeps on going.------LISA WE NEED HELP AND WITH YOUR CONNECTIONS AND LOVE FOR THE ANIMALS YOUR OUR BEST HOPE. -----PLEASE , PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU AND KHOU CAN DO TO HELP US. THANKYOU FOR CAREING . (MY CONTACT NUMBER IS:-----281-808-6151--E-MAIL----BIGDADDY0302@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Ironically, around the same time, I received two other emails of people who had great concerns about what they'd seen at Country Paws. I have also been given permission to excerpt them here:

I .... drove out there recently with a SUV of dog and cat food. I also brought Capstar and KilTix to help with the flea and tick problem that I KNEW had to exist. I'm now writing to tell you that what I saw was NOT anything approaching acceptable. What I saw out there broke my heart!
I saw animals with open wounds, fly-bitten ears (and that's only starting up), limping, and terrible skin conditions (Most likely mange, but perhaps allergies). There is a pond at the front of the property that has been dyed a green color, and there's no doubt in my mind as to why. The animals were all dirty and I could literally see the fleas moving on some of them.

There were several fracases that were addressed quickly enough to keep there from being a mass dog fight, but each one sent Lisa and a young man running for all their might to get to the place, yelling and waving poles at the offending dogs. This happened numerous time while we were there. It is an enormous Pack! I asked her directly how many dogs she had there, and she said, "oh, about 300." I couldn't really tell, but I would say she was being conservative.

There were Pit Bulls stuffed into vari-kennels (the solid plastic kind) and lined up in a row between the back of the trailer and the dumpster. I only PRAY those animals aren't being forced to stay in there all day! Even to have them in there for a few minutes seemed cruel. They had NO room to even turn around. All of them were panting heavily.

Lisa refused the carton of Kiltix because "it don't work out here." So, I brought it back to give to someone else who would use it. She did keep the Capstar and the food. There was a pallet of Eukanuba food sitting near the road outside of the gate. That is where they had us unload ours, too. I inquired why all this good food was sitting out in the weather and readily accessible to anyone who wished to steal it. She pointed to a tractor there at the gate that had a flat tire and said that's why.

I don't know if or WHAT we can do about the situation. If we raise too much
fuss, HSPCA will confiscate and euthanize these animals.

And this one:

I took the advice from some of the supporters of Country Paws Rescue and drove out there to see the place for myself and I must say that my initial opinion has not changed one bit.
What I saw with my own eyes did not even come close to the Utopia that some of the others tried to make us believe. Yes, some of the dogs seemed to have a good time, but the majority did live in deplorable conditions. I saw too many skinny dogs and too many dogs needing medical attention to sanction this operation and I had the feeling that they made sure we didn't see all the dogs, only the ones they wanted us to see or didn't have the space and time to hide.

--I saw a three legged white dog with hardly any hair, the skin was just raw from scratching and he or she was covered in sores. As soon as I laid eyes on it, one of the employees took it away and I never saw it again. I have to ask myself just how many dogs like that did they put up inside that mobile home or hide in the kennel runs in the back of the property.

--The only source of water for the animals running free was the pond and some kiddy pools. There were no water dishes and definitely no fresh water anywhere in sight. I observed several dogs peeing in the pond and also one pooping at the edge of the pond which would be washed into the water with the next rain. On top of that you have literally 100s of dirty and flea infested dogs going in that pond to cool off, so how sanitary can that be if they also have to drink out of it.

--The dogs were terribly flea infested. People make light of this issue, but dogs can actually die from anemia due to severe flea infestation.

--The majority of dogs had severely fly-bitten ears which can lead to skin infections, etc.

--I saw that many of the dogs had diarrhea which could be anything from bacterial infections, coccidia, whipworms to giardia which are all very common in a dog population this large.

--I saw an Australian shepherd with a huge open abscess on his or her hip.

--I saw several dogs with mammary tumors.

--I saw a little black & white dog and a medium sized black & tan dog, both with bad limps.

--I saw one puppy with his eye swollen shut and stuff oozing out of it.

--I saw many dogs scratching their ears which I can only assume is due to ear mites. Somebody pointed out on the blog that “so what if they have a few ear mites” – Ear mites are a serious problem that can lead to severe ear infections (and if you ever had one you would know how painful that is) and even deafness.

--I saw several dog fights break out which is just natural in a pack that size. They were broken up quickly, but what happens when no humans are around to take control.

--I saw pit bulls stuffed into PetPorters that were too small for them so they couldn’t even turn around and there is no way that there were water dishes in with these animals. Lisa told us these were the dogs that wouldn’t get along with the pack so they had to be separated, so this is the life these dogs get to look forward to.

--I saw a tiny beagle on a tie-out, who was EXTREMELY skinny and had a bleeding paw.

--Many of the dogs seemed well fed, actually overfed, but there were also MANY very skinny dogs. I was told they were just very active and it was hard putting weight on them. This all goes back to the practice of free-freeding. I saw several bowls with food or dry food just thrown on the dirt. I saw one small dog eating very nervously until a larger dog scared him away from the food bowl. I also saw some of the bigger dogs just lying in front of the food, guarding them against the other dogs. She tried to tell me that all dogs get fed in their crates at night, which is not possible looking at the sheer number of dogs and the very small kennels that barely fit the dog much less a food bowl. Lisa seriously tries to make us believe that they put 500 animals into crates and kennels every night. I have a hard enough time putting my three guys up for the evening.

--It is highly probable that many of the skinny dogs need to be wormed, and obviously if you can't afford food or flea protection, you also can't afford flagyl or panacur. This too is a potentiallylife-threatening situation. Heartworm preventatives are also a must in Houston.

--The “sleeping quarters”, an old metal shed, which has to be getting unbelievably hot in the summer, stank really bad and had lots of flies hovering around so I did not even attempt to have a look inside.

--There are several purebreds on the property that would be gladly taken in by the local purebred groups, but these animals are not listed anywhere for adoption and to my knowledge she has never made an attempt to get in touch with any rescue groups to release these dogs into appropriate foster homes.

I am realistic enough to know that not all of these animals will find a good home, but she is not even trying to get them adopted. Somebody claimed that these were all dogs that were not adoptable and they had not place else to go. That is just not true. There were many dogs that were well adjusted and really beautiful dogs. All it takes is some effort to get at least some of the dogs adopted.

You may have also noticed that in the appeals to the public they always ask for food and supplies, but never asks anybody to take some of their animals. She has 99 animals listed on Petfinder, but openly admitted that they have around 500. Why are they not listed for the public to see, especially the purebreds who should be easy to adopt out? I know people are going to say that it is all time consuming to do all that, but that is just part of doing rescue. If you can’t do it properly than don’t do it at all, because the bottom line is that I rather see an animal humanely euthanized than live out its life in these conditions.

Another unbelievable fact is that some well-known rescuer brought Katrina dogs into this situation. Country Paws Rescue is already overrun by animals and admitted that they don’t even have the funds to feed them all, why would they take in more???????

I think everybody should go visit Country Paws Rescue, form their own opinion and see what can be done. I am sure that they would be glad to give you a tour. The main thing that needs to happen is that the number of animals needs to be reduced. I have talked to several other rescuers and we are prepared to take some of the dogs. I also think that some rescue groups that have recently brought dogs to this place need to step up and take them back. It is not fair to be adding to an already existing problem. I don’t think throwing money or even dog food at this problem will do any good, because a couple of weeks later they will be in the exact same situation again.

Do I have a solution to the problems at Country Paws Rescue? No. But it is also not my responsibility. I ensure that every rescue dog that I personally take in receives proper care and ends up in a good home, but I also know my limits. I have picked up many animals of the streets and if I don’t have room at my house, I will bring them to the Humane Society or SPCA knowing that they might face euthanasia, but that is better than living on the street and dying from heartworms. These people have taking the animals in and therefore have a responsibility to properly provide for them. If they can’t do it, than they need to work with the local authorities and other rescues to resolve this. Begging for money and food isn’t going to help. If they don’t start to cooperate with other rescues and shelters, the result will be a seizure of ALL animals by the local authorities which would most likely result in the death of most of the animals.

I do not know what can be done in the Country Paws case.. Short of you, yourself, going out to visit, this is the only way I have been able to make sense of this situation from both sides.

April 12, 2006

Friends of BARC website

Tim Kinsella who works with Friends of Barc wanted to let me know about the group's new website.. These faithful volunteers work very hard to help the animals in a dreadfully underfunded city shelter. They're doing their best to get these animals adopted out, as well as letting the public know BARC is an option when it comes to trying to find a dog to adopt.

Be Kind to Animals Week is coming up May 7th through the 13th. BARC will have a poster contest - I'll be judging with Houston Mayor Bill White - as well as a microchipping day. Head to FOB's website for info!

April 12, 2006

High-tech tools could help find lost pets

Officer Brian Goza
enters information about
every stray or lost pet
he picks up.

Harris County’s Animal Control is taking a more modern approach to the way it patrols the streets. Their high-tech tools can help locate lost pets before it’s too late.

Officer Brian Goza enters information about every stray or lost pet he picks up.
Officer Brian Goza now has a new partner, of sorts, in the form of a laptop.

He uses it for updates to and from dispatch.

“Once I pick up an animal, I can immediately enter it into the computer so that if someone is missing their animal before I get in at the end of the day to put in the information, the office can actually see it -- what animals are on my truck,” he said.

Harris County has been issuing officers computers for the past few years.

“There’s one for each field officer,” Goza said. “I think that’s going to be about 14.”

The high-tech devices allow each officer to get and update information from the scene faster.

“Before we would come in at the end of the day and update our information and the Web site would update it at 7 o’clock,” he said. “But now it’s instant.”

For some animals, it could make the difference between life and death. And for citizens reporting strays, it allows inspectors to get out to the scene sooner.

The computers will also be used during emergencies.

“During Hurricane Rita we went to Port Arthur and Hardin County, and we used the laptops to enter all the information into the system for those other control agencies,” Goza said.

Harris County’s Animal Control used general funds to pay for the laptops -- a purchase totaling about $46,000

April 11, 2006

Full body massage by a redhead

OK, ok. The title sounds a lot racier than this video really is. If anyone knows where it came from, let me know. This brought a smile to my face..

April 11, 2006

Watch "Earthlings" FOR FREE on Google Video

Here is the link : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3251419433163515470

Here's part of the write up from the director's page at http://www.isawearthlings.com/

EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.

With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting. EARTHLINGS cries to be seen

Be aware. This is disturbing stuff.

April 11, 2006

Dove lays eggs in door wreath

A Greensboro, North Carolina family won't be using their front door for awhile.

That's because a bird built a nest and laid its eggs in an Easter wreath hanging on the door.

You can see video here.

The Johnson family says they made the discovery when they got too close and the mourning dove swooped after them.

The Johnsons recently moved to the area from Buffalo, New York and say this is a great spring surprise.

Until the eggs hatch, the Johnsons will use their back door to get in and out of the house.

April 7, 2006

Louisiana Attorney General investigating the HSUS

The office of Lousiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., has opened an inquiry into allegations involving funds raised for pet /owner reunions by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The Attorney General’s Office is asking the HSUS for an accounting of all funds HSUS raised for the purpose of pet rescue and reunion with pet owners in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Attorney General’s office has received numerous complaints from pet owners about problems many are having finding their pets following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Through its association with other animal welfare organizations nationwide, HSUS has documented and placed animals in shelters around the country, often resulting in the displaced pets’ adoption. In some cases, pet owners claim that those who are currently caring for the displaced pets are refusing to reunite the pet with the proper owners.

"Once again we will be on the lookout to make sure that those who seek to raise money for Hurricane victims in our state, do exactly what they claim to do when soliciting funds,” stated General Foti. "While I commend the work of the many wonderful charitable organizations that have come forward to help us in our time of need, I also want people to know that they cannot take advantage of our situation in any way."

The Attorney General is asking anyone with information about questionable fundraising activities by animal groups or any other groups to please contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-351-4889 or visit our website at www.ag.state.la.us.

April 7, 2006

Bald Eagle Tends to Nest As Single Dad

Within earshot of traffic roaring along the Capital Beltway, a suddenly single dad is waging a quiet struggle to save his offspring — a nest of bald eagle eggs on the verge of hatching.

The eagle, nicknamed George by workers building a new Beltway bridge, lost his mate, Martha, when she was attacked by another female eagle Wednesday. The aggressor may have been trying to take over George and Martha's nest in suburban Maryland, which is valuable real estate for the area's booming bald eagle population.

For the rest of the Yahoo News article, click here.

April 4, 2006

New Maine law protects animals in domestic violence cases

In what's believed to the be the first of its kind in the nation, a new law in Maine will protect animals in domestic violence cases, by allowing them to be included in protective orders in abuse cases. I've personally heard stories from abuse victims who have said they are too scared to leave their abusers because of threats to their pets - even one heartbreaking tale of a woman whose puppies were killed by her abuser. The Houston SPCA also offers shelter to pets of women (or men) who have gone into "people" shelters to escape abuse; the SPCA is not allowed to reveal the pets are there.. if the abuser comes looking for them.

The entire story about Maine's new law is on the New York Times website, and you can read it here.

By the way, if you're reading this, and you or someone you know needs advice on getting out of an abusive relationship, head to the website of the Houston Area Women's Shelter or call 713-528-6798.

April 4, 2006

Katrina pet owner evacuees: Louisiana needs your support

Louisiana state Representative Clo Fontenot is still pushing through with his Pet Evacuation Bill, and the Louisiana SPCA is calling for pet owners affected by the hurricane to testify before the legislature (directions here) in Baton Rouge. The committee hearing for SB 607 (read about it here) is scheduled for April 18th, roughly around nine in the morning. If you are interested in attending or testifying, or merely making your opinion available to legislators, head to the LASPCA's page here. It includes addresses of legislators and pertinent information about the hearing.

April 4, 2006

Have you received one of these SPAM-type puppy emails?

The following email arrived in my mailbox this morning. I've never seen anything like it. I would certainly hope this person is not seriously selling puppies BY MAIL. Have any of you received something similar? I have not responded to this person, fearing I'll get MORE spam!

Hello sir/ma,
my name is jason schneiderman from new york.We have been raising puppies for 10 years. Our puppies all come pre-spoiled and socialized. They are AKC reg. The puppies are current on all of their puppy shots and preventive worming. Are all given a thorough health check by a licensed vet. Puppies come with a 1 year health guarantee, certified health certificate, current health record and a pamphlet on the care and training of your puppy.We are a family Breeder , Our dogs are all loving family members living in the home.We believe in breeding healthy happy and breed typical puppies and any one who is interested in puppy.let me know about it and i have
picture for them available and i can ship them any where in the world.the payment for the puppy will only be western union and if you are interested email back looking for to hear from you again.

regard
j.schneiderman
N.B:these are the name of puppy that are available and i can get you anyone
that you want: shih_Tzu,golden Terrier,Cardigan Welsh Corgi,english bull dog
and etc

April 4, 2006

Rescue documentary airing April 8th

One volunteer takes a look at what motivates her and others to rescue abandoned pets while examining the causes of pet overpopulation and abandonment. Her research includes interviews with animal welfare professionals and fellow rescuers, including author-songwriter-politician, Kinky Friedman. Finally, she questions whether the 50 dogs she has fostered in her home over 18 months is really helping the problem at all.

Sponsored by SWAMP
Saturday, April 8th
3 p.m.
$5 at the door (All proceeds benefit SNAP)
Rice Cinema, corner of University Blvd. and Stockton Street (this is a new location, as of April 7th)

You can find more information, as well as the director's statement, here.

April 3, 2006

Cloned horses

A Texas company believes it is on the "cutting" edge of technology after
successfully cloning a couple of specialty horses.

ViaGen Incorporated, located in Austin, Texas, says cloned offspring
have been produced from two top-earning cutting horses.

Company officials say a mare at a ranch near Purcell, Oklahoma has
delivered a clone of Royal Blue Boon, a leading international producer
of cutting horses and another mare delivered a clone of Tap O Lena,
another top-earner.

Elaine Hall of Weatherford, Texas, who owns Royal Blue Boon, says the
foal is the image of its mother.

Want to judge for yourself? Check out the video here

April 3, 2006

One furry brown reason why sago palms are deadly for dogs

This dog here - Chip was his name - is the reason I posted recently about the dangers of sago palms. Chip's owner sent me this story:

"Sunday afternoon we were working in the garden and our three year old miniature poodle was playing in the yard. Looking for something to fetch, he brought me the bulb (pup/nut) from a Sago Palm that we were pruning. I took it away from him as soon as I noticed and he returned with a ball. Within two hours he was throwing up and getting weaker. We called the vet who immediately asked if he had been near a Sago palm. (we didn't know at the time, but Sago palms are in the top five of the most toxic plants to dogs). The vet did everthing she could, but our little guy died yesterday evening. His liver and nervous system were being destroyed by a highly deadly toxin that recirculates in the system. Immediate and aggressive treatment is the only chance a dog has against this toxin, and even then the prognosis is very guarded. This is a very common plant in the Houston area. Please warn other dog lovers and perhaps prevent another tragic death."

This has been a rough time for this family, but they wanted to make sure no one else has to suffer this heartache! Thank you to Donna Lindsley and her family. Links with info about toxic plants: here, here, and here.

April 3, 2006

Gooooooooo GATORS!!!

It's GREAT..
TO BE..
a FLORIDA GATOR!!!!!

My Alma Mater, the University of Florida, wins its first NCAA Basketball National Championship! Well.. they ARE the Gators... this is ..sort of.. an animal related post....

April 3, 2006

Good Samaritan would rather let dog fend for itself than go to a "kill" shelter

This Good Samaritan, who saved a very old dog, sounds desperate to find help... so much so that she says if someone doesn't help her, she won't take the dog to a shelter.. she'd rather set him free to fend for himself. Her post on houston.backpage.com includes:

"I found a Schnauzer???? or terrier mix of some kind (although he looks to have been shaved) on our country road, very sweet boy however I cannot keep him. I have no place to hold him either. He is full of fleas, he has tape worm, he has rotted teeth, and giant holes in his gums...which I have never seen in my life and is totally freaking me out, he is an older dog since his face has a lot of grey hairs..."

She adds..

"This dog deserves someone to care and love him. He is sitting at my feet so happy right now and content to be in a house. I have kids, dogs, cats and a husband who will not tolerate another animal in the house.....I do not want him to go to a shelter and be put down. I dont care what anyone says about the SPCA, Caps, and BARC and so on......I will not do this to this dog. I would much rather set him free...and then pray someone else picks him up who will give him what he deserves...but I am scared he will get in the wrong hands."

You can get more information by reading the rest of the entry on houston.backpage.com here, as well as check out the pictures of this dog.