May 31, 2006

Red the wheelchair dog finds a Florida home

Maybe you remember this guy... Red, a paralyzed pit bull written up on the Best Friends website. He was paralyzed, and could have ended up a sad statistic of Hurricane Katrina, but he didn't.. 11 News reporter Brad Woodard's had the story today at five (watch the story here -- (editorial comment: I have NOTHING to do with the advertisement that comes up before the story), and the raw video here)

-----------------------

This is a story of absence. And abundance.

"Where's your treat? Get it. Get it. Good boy."

The abundance of unconditional love.

"Come on, Red. Let's go outside."

And the absence of self-pity.

The complete absence.

Diane McDermott has traveled all the way from Florida to meet and adopt a pit bull named Red.

"I've waited forever to know you," she told the dog.

"I felt so bad. Everything he'd been through. I can give him a home," McDermott said.

Red was among the thousands of companion animals left companionless in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"Red basically was being fed by a nice man who wasn't his owner and during the hurricane drug himself back to this man's home after he'd been hit by a car," said Dr. Lucy Gillespie.

Completely paralyzed from the waist down, Red has been recovering at the Longwood Animal Hospital and pet resort in Cypress.

And he doesn't seem to waste much time feeling sorry for himself. The racing decals on his wheelchair are there for a reason.

Ask anyone who's met Red and they'll tell you there is a lesson to be learned in his resilience. A lesson which transcends species.

"I think so. He just keeps on trucking like you see," said Gillespie. "Every dog deserves a chance."

May 31, 2006

Update on the Central Texas Dachshund rescue

From All Texas Dachshund Rescue

You can see updated photos of the Dashunds here being boarded at Austin's Tanglewood Animal Hospital on the ATDR website, as well as a chronology of what has happened.

May 31, 2006

Found: Golden Retriever mix at 249 & Cypresswood

If you know this dog's owner, please contact Dana at Dana.Dicker@compufundmortgage.com or call 713-679-8853.

May 31, 2006

Firefighters saves cat on rooftop during fire

Once Rhode Island firefighters made sure all of the humans had escaped safely from a burning home in Providence, they turned their attention to the last survivor, perched helplessly on the home's smoldering roof. It was a calico cat, trapped with nowhere to go, until one firefighter climbed on to the roof to try to catch him. The cat was too afraid understand he was being rescued and scurried away. The firefighter persisted, using a ladder to encourage the cat to come his way. Once the animal tried to run past, the quick handed firefighter grabbed him by his scruff and brought him down to safety. You can watch the video here.

May 30, 2006

Barbaro improves; jockey visits

The last time jockey Eric Prado saw Barbaro, the racehorse, it was through tears and a thick wall of emotion, fearing the precious thoroughbred was mortally injured. Today, though, he was all smiles with a big kiss for his big partner, visiting Barbaro for the first time since the colt broke his leg. Prado stopped by the horse's stall for a 10 minute visit. He's been credited with saving the colt's life by pulling him up quickly to avoid further injury.

"I definitely feel a lot better," said a smiling Prado. "I'm feeling heartbroken, but I'm feeling better. His progress is helping a lot, but he isn't out of the woods yet. We're just happy that he continues to do good."

Ten days after his awful breakdown in the Preakness, Barbaro is progressing so well even his surgeon is impressed, though he conceded the colt will have a "hitch in his
giddyup."

After initially saying the Kentucky Derby winner's chance for survival was a "coin-toss" -- 50-50 -- Dr. Dean Richardson was happy to amend it.

"I was going to call a news conference to say it's officially 51 percent," the surgeon said, smiling. "Seriously, every day that goes by is a big day."

Though upbeat, Richardson was quick to temper his enthusiasm, adding that there's still a long way to go before Barbaro can be discharged. And even with a full recovery, still many months away, the horse will be limited in what he can do.
"He won't be able to gallop, he won't be able to jump. He will have, at the very best, a hitch in his giddyup," Richardson said. "He will not be quite right, but there's lots and lots of horses that can walk, trot, canter, gallop, spin around and somewhat importantly, mount a mare ... all those things that you use your hind legs for," he added. "That's their hope, that he can do all those things. We are way, way away from that."

You can see photos of a special shoe custom made for Barbaro to try to prevent laminitis, an often fatal foot disease.

Keep up to date on Barbaro's progress here.

May 29, 2006

Hello, deer!

A Pennsylvania family says this baby deer just wandered into their house over the weekend. The animal apparently got in through an open door and was found making itself comfortable on a rug in the living room.
Wildlife officials were called in... and the fawn was eventually put back into the wild. You can check out the video here.

May 29, 2006

Alien Ducks?

OK. What do you think this picture is? You can check out the video to get a better look.. but some people think this is a picture of an alien.. inside a duck's stomach. Veterinarians at a bird rescue center in California say x-rays taken of one mallard show what looks like the head of an alien. Whatever it is - funky contrast in the x-ray or alien man - the unusual x-ray pictures have now been put up for bid on E-bay to help raise money for the center.

May 26, 2006

Hello, Special Pals?

I'm trying to get in touch with Yvonne David of Special Pals. I've only been able to get a recorded message. I ran into Yvonne at a BARC event, and we talked a bit. I've been hesitant about Special Pals because of its clouded history, but Yvonne says, under "new management," things are better. I offered her an opportunity to post something to the blog, but I can't track her down. So.... Yvonne, if you're reading.. or a friend is reading.... email me at lforonda@khou.com

May 26, 2006

Update on Barbaro's condition

from the University of Pennsylvania

KENNETT SQUARE, PA – As of 11:00 a.m. EST, Barbaro's condition is excellent. "He looks good, everything is fine and his appetite is particularly good," according to Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. This report will be updated as Barbaro’s condition warrants. He remains in intensive care at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center.

You can check out a transcript of a May 23rd interview with Barbaro's surgeon here.

A fund was established in honor of Barbaro. Donations will go directly to a fund for the Widener Hospital and not specifically for Barbaro’s care. For more information on the fund, click here.

You can also send an email to Barbaro on a form at this page.

For pictures and updates on Barbaro’s condition, click here.

May 24, 2006

Pete the Lab puppy

Here is Pete, a lab pup that was rescued from the LaPorte Shelter. Have you seen a little face so adorable?? Pete is now a little over 14 weeks old, has had his first round of shots (including rabies), is neutered and weighs a little over 15 lbs. Pete has spent the last month with me, my two dogs and cats. The puppy in him still makes him bark at the cats, but just because he wants to play. He just loves to play with my other 2 dogs and would do wonderful in a home where he had another pal to play with. Pete has spent time with my 2-1/2 year old grand daughter and he did well with her.....I know a family with kids would just make Pete's day! Pete is still shy when he first meets someone, but only until he gets to know you and then he is all over you! After all, he had spent more time with other animals than people in the beginning. He is a very sweet little guy who loves snuggling. He is still learning about paper training and telling you he needs to go outside...but he is doing very good so far. :) He is a smart little fella looking for a great home of his own.

Please contact Barbara Louis at BLouis@cjmlaw.com or, 713-303-2358.

May 24, 2006

Copper

This is Copper! He was rescued from Laporte about a month ago. You all might remember him- he was an OTI with his Rhodesian Ridgeback sister. Both of them were successfully rescued thanks to some great fosters.

Now Copper is ready to find his new home! Copper is neutered and up to date on shots. Come meet this big love bug right away!!

If you can't view the pictures, please visit us on Petfinder at http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/TX946.html

CONTACT: Coleman Tucker at coleman.tucker@aiminvestments.com or Heather
Tucker at heather.r.tucker@exxonmobil.com

May 24, 2006

Boo Boo the Chicken Dies

Sad news about a chicken that was revived by mouth-to-beak rescusitation: Boo Boo died. I blogged about Boo Boo back in February. Here's the update:

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (AP) -- The exotic chicken that was saved from drowning by mouth-to-beak resuscitation more than three months ago has died, her owner said.

Boo Boo, the chicken who was revived after she was found floating face down in the family pond in February, died recently, said owner Jackie Calhoun. The fowl's story was featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the Animal Planet network.

"She had seizures," Calhoun said. "I've come to the conclusion that's what put her in the pond in the first place."

In February, Calhoun said he removed the chicken from the water and his sister Marian Morris blew into its beak, causing its eyes to pop open. Morris, a retired nurse, said she hadn't used cardiopulmonary resuscitation in years. She said she was glad that the chicken she saved was exotic and not just an ordinary chicken.

The chicken, who was named Boo Boo because she was easily frightened, lived to lay three eggs before dying, Calhoun said. Until then, Calhoun said he didn't know if the bird was male or female.

"We incubated one of her eggs, and it hatched," Calhoun said. "The chick has black and white markings like Boo Boo's."

May 23, 2006

Terrier Mixes lose their "Mama" to a nursing home

So, Blondie and Bridget need a new home .. together.. since they've been together all of their lives. This was forwarded to me from the Humane Society in Beaumont.

I am writing in hopes of finding some help for 2 senior dogs I was made aware of last month. A friend gave my phone number to a man whose mother was put into a nursing home a few months ago, and left behind a few cats and her beloved dogs. I volunteer for the Humane Society here, and he was hoping I could find them a home. He has been going over to the house daily to feed them (they have a doggie door), but they are not doing well. They miss their 'mother' terribly and he told me that theypace around the house looking for her. They still sleep in her bed even though she is not there. They were in horrible condition, and I bathed them, clipped them, and treated them for fleas.

I then took their picture and posted them on our website, but nobody has shown any interest. I was told that our shelter here would not take them because of their age. I recently learned that the house has been sold, so it has become a desperate situation. Blondie is quite old and has cataracts and a growth on her back...Bridget does not seem quite as old and is in good health other than being overweight. They are both very sweet. To make it even more difficult, this man, John, says that they are very bonded, and cling to each other even more since his mom is gone. So, it would be best to place them together. I know this is a long shot, but if there is any way you can help, or offer advice, I would be so very grateful. My phone numbers are 409-554-4298 (home) and 409-351-5753 (cell). The dogs are here in Beaumont, but I would be happy to transport. You can view Blondie and Bridget at http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=6098578.
Thank you,
Amy

May 23, 2006

HSPCA euthanizes its Katrina mascot - UPDATED

UPDATED: 5/22 at 5:40

I received this email today from Alice Sarmiento of the Houston SPCA:

I just read your updated posting and did want to clarify a few points.

Harley was rescued from the Beaumont area and was from Hurricane Rita, not Katrina.

Harley was not used as a mascot in any way. I'm honestly not sure where that came from. Please understand that he was up for adoption, did appear, like many other animals on a Pet of the Week segment and at our Mutt Strut with many other adoptable dogs.

We are frustrated by the fact that this sad story and huge mistake ever happened. We are also frustrated by the fact that a former disgruntled employee felt it necessary to contact media to tell this story. It hurts no one personally here, but does in the end hurt the animals at the Houston SPCA. Presenting us in such a negative way only keeps people from remembering the good we do on a daily basis and the tens of thousands of animals we save each year. It keeps people from coming to us and helping us
save them.

Alice Sarmiento
Vice President of Development and Community Outreach / Houston SPCA

Houston's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took him in and sent him to a medical facility for his injuries. He returned to the shelter, where he became a symbol of the agency's efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Harley made a splash at such events as the annual Mutt Strut, where the HSPCA puts its best foot forward. He was ready to be adopted.

How's Harley doing now? He's...ummmm...dead. And not from the back burns, or post-hurricane traumatic stress. The HSPCA euthanized him -- by mistake.

I called the PR director over at the HSPCA just to confirm, which she did:

"We're not denying it; it's true. It literally was a huge mistake. (Harley was) up for adoption for some time and got pulled for kennel cough."

She added that normally, dogs with kennel cough have to go to a foster home or they're euthanized. The mistake was, according to her, was that the effort was never made to find Harley a foster home..

"The person who made the mistake is no longer with the organization and we're making sure that things like this don't happen again."

May 23, 2006

Pet Patrol helps pets belonging to the elderly and indigent

We love our pets, but longtime owners know they can be expensive. Food, grooming, vet bills and other incidentals can add up, and for people on limited budgets, finding room for pet care is often difficult.

That's where Houston's Pet Patrol steps in (it's similar to PAWS Houston). It's a non profit groups that helps the terminally ill, elderly shut-ins and qualifying low income pet owners provide proper care for their pets. Volunteers help with vet visits and grooming, as well as food and pet education. Here are some "kudos" emailed to me:

As everyone knows by now, I have several very serious and severe medical conditions (two brain tumors are the most recent health issue) and I do not know what I would do without my cats. There is nothing more noble and valiant and compassionate than volunteers helping older, sickly, indigent people keep their pets. The emotional and physical effects of having an animal in one's home is well-documented yet UNDERestimated and UNDERvalued!

I believe that it takes another sickly or elderly person to truly know the beauty of a beloved furry companion staying in the loving home with his/her favorite human and I am so fortunate to know that beauty first-hand. :)

Susan Regts / Cat Haven, Inc.

and...

Friends For Life just took in a dog per request from Pet Patrol's Jennifer Garcia that could no longer stay in her original home. We are happy to help when we can. They do a very good thing in the world. BTW, (the dog) is a beautiful, housebroken, 30 lb spaniel mix who gets along with everyone. She could be yours!

We support their mission and think that the companionship animals provide is priceless.

Salise Shuttlesworth / Friends For Life

May 23, 2006

Missing white German Shepherd

My precious dog Georgia broke free from her collar on Friday, 5/19 at 7:30 AM on Gray Street at Baldwin (the CoCo Coffee Shop). She was struck by a car, and then just disappeared. We have been searching and searching for her for 2 days now, and it is just breaking my heart. We have put up 300 flyers, newspaper ad, online ads, vets, shelters, everything. Someone thinks they may have seen her near the 2222 Smith Lofts Sunday evening. She is not wearing any identification - no collar. Hopefully SOMEONE will see her. She means everything to me and is lost and scared and hurt .

Georgia is a 4 year old White German Shepherd. She is about 85lbs and is all white/off-white with medium length hair. She has brown eyes and big white pointy ears. She also has a black spot on her tongue.

She may have been spotted Tuesday morning at I-10 and Height Boulevard.

Contact Kristyn at krpotter@cisco.com or 281.658.5851

May 23, 2006

Snoring dogs...

I didn't think other dogs had this problem: sawing logs while they're snoozing. My girl Bailey, who's nine years old, starting snoring when she started getting on in years. I think it's hysterical that she honks away while she's in dreamland. Fortunately, it's not loud enough to make me crazy, but if you have more than one dog who's keeping you up at night.. here's a suggestion I was forwarded by Cocker Kids..

I don't know how many of you have this problem, but we have three real honkers in our herd, and I've found that using a humidifier really cuts down on the snoring. Don't ask me why, but I am grateful that it works! Target has cute ones shaped like a frog, elephant, even a dog-shaped one (I have the penguin) -they're about $30 and worth it, LOL, if you've got a snorer, you'll agree!blockquote>

May 22, 2006

Stolen lab mix pup out of Santa Fe

May 22, 2006

Update on Sierra, the rescued Husky....

By popular demand, I have update pictures of Sierra, the Husky saved by the Good Samaritan. You can click on each thumbnail for a bigger picture. The young man with this lucky dog is Carlos, who saved her. Our update is courtesy of Salise Shuttlesworth from Friends for Life:

"These are pictures taken of Sierra post surgery on our visit to see her Sunday. She is doing remarkably well ! She is already able to stand for a limited amount of time and has continued to blossom into a playful and joyful dog. She is still very thin but on a weight gain diet and does definitely enjoy her food !

Her long line of sutures make her look a little 'Frankendog' right now, but her surgeon expects a full recovery and a great quality of life. Her suture removal/recheck is in 2 weeks. In the mean time, she has moved from Carlos' room to her crate in the family room at the heart of the house. Caring for this dog has truly become a family affair!"

May 22, 2006

Local dog daycare prepares for hurricane season

This display at Urban Tails shows
specialized products, such as
collapsible water bowls and a plan
of action.

Watch our channel 11 report here

Nature pays no attention to the calendar, but there are just 10 days to go until the traditional big storm watch starts all over again.

On the heels of last year's record 28 named storms, we're being told to look out for another wild summer. It is expected to include fewer named storms with a total of 16.

Ten of the storms are hurricanes, six of which are predicted to be major.

Signs of lessons learned from last year.

Urban Tails, a local dog daycare, may seem a strange place to talk about hurricanes and preparedness. But when Rita blew into town a year ago they weren't ready.

"Quite honestly, I didn't have an official plan," said Susan Briggs, Urban Tails.

And all she could think about then was Tropical Storm Allison, when they were forced to put the dogs in the cat house then sit and watch the water rise.

So now, they have a display in the middle of their waiting room with specialized products, such as collapsible water bowls and what Briggs calls their plan of action.

"We're going to decide to close three days before expected landfall," she said.

"If you’re going to evacuate, you’re going to have to evacuate the pets, too," said Corina Love, Houston Office of Emergency Management.

She would like to see every business have a plan, even for doggie daycares.

"So trying to develop a plan to deal with animals and disasters is very important," Love said.

So it's good to know that next time, they won’t be putting the dogs up in the cat house. They have their luxury suites with room to pace, fret and watch TV.

"Because it's more like home," Briggs explained. "Have the TV on, background noise reduces stress."

Or she might read to them. Maybe from the book What Do Dogs Dream?

Excerpt from the book: "Nobody came home for like 10 days. I woke up crying. Teddy."

A dog’s day isn’t always pretty.

In Washington, the House is expected to vote on a bill that would require state and local preparedness officials to include pets in future emergency planning. (The bill was approved.)

Houston officials saw last summer that many people will not leave without their pets. So they had better include them in the plans.

May 22, 2006

House voting on pet evacuation bill - UPDATED

UPDATED -- 7:51PM 5/22

CAPITOL HILL (AP) -- The House has passed legislation that requires pets to be considered in future emergency preparedness plans.

The measure mandates state and local preparedness offices to take into account pet owners, household pets and service animals when drawing up evacuation plans. Offices that fail to do so would not qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The sponsor of the bill is California Democrat Tom Lantos, who was moved by T-V footage of a little boy losing his dog during Hurricane Katrina rescue operations.

The bill was passed 349 to 24.

Similar legislation has also been introduced in the Senate.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A television shot of a little boy losing his dog during Katrina rescue operations was the catalyst for a House vote Monday on legislation requiring pets to be considered in future emergency preparedness plans.

"The dog was taken away from this little boy, and to watch his face was a singularly revealing and tragic experience," said Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., sponsor of the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. "This legislation was born at that
moment." (It's H.R. 3858, and you can search for it on the Library of Congress's website here).

The House was to vote late Monday on the bill, which requires that state and local preparedness offices take into account pet owners, household pets and service animals when drawing up evacuation plans. Offices that fail to do so would not qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., with Lantos a co-chair of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, said estimates are that some 600,000 animals either died or were left without shelter as a result of Hurricane Katrina. He added that the lack of pet rescue plans also put many pet owners in danger.

"When asked to choose between abandoning their pets or their personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives," he said.

The Humane Society of the United States cited a recent Zogby International poll that found that 49 percent of adults say they would refuse to evacuate if they couldn't take their pets with them. Passage of the bill, said Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle, would ensure "that Americans will never again be forced to leave their best friends behind to face imminent danger."

In the Senate, Sens. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, and Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., have introduced similar legislation (S. 2458) that also would give the FEMA director authority to grant funds to state and local agencies for animal preparedness projects, including thebuilding of emergency shelters.

Louisiana's Legislature is considering a separate measure requiring that the state come up with plans to transport and house pets in an evacuation. The sponsor, Sen. Heulette "Clo" Fontenot, said the bill was written on the assumption the state would need 10,000 cages for the animals.

May 22, 2006

Racehorse Barbaro recovering from surgery

Barbaro post surgery

Watch the video here

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) -- Barbaro was on his feet Monday in his 12-by-12 stall, and that's where he'll be for the next few days, the next few weeks and probably the next few months.

With a fiberglass cast on his right hind leg and a staff of veterinarians keeping a 24-hour watch, standing around is the best thing -- the only thing -- the stricken Kentucky Derby winner can do.

A day after surgeons spent more than five hours pinning together the leg bones he shattered in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, the 3-year-old was adjusting to his new life as a rehab patient.

"He got through the night very well, day one and into day two is going as well as expected," said Dr. Corinne Sweeney, executive hospital director at the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "He is standing on the leg, and with the appropriate amount of weight
on it."

Despite the good initial reports, doctors have guardedly given Barbaro a 50-50 chance for survival.

"He's doing all the things a horse should do, including eating and nickering at the mares near him," Dr. Dean Richardson, who performed the five-plus hour surgery with a team of assistants, said on the hospital's Web site. "While we are optimistic, we
remain cautious about his prognosis and are watching for signs of infection at the surgical site, laminitis and other possible aftereffects of the surgery."

Laminitis is an often-fatal disease sometimes brought on by uneven weight balance.
The colt, accustomed to strong early morning gallops at the Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, Md., is far, far removed from that routine. His daily regiment now consists of trying to stand comfortably and keeping his weight evenly distributed.

Barbaro will spend his long recovery in the intensive care unit of this 650-acre center in the heart of Pennsylvania horse country.

So far, his appetite has been fine and his vital signs are good, Sweeney said.

But in Barbaro's case, well-to-do owners Gretchen and Roy Jackson are hoping for a full recovery.

"They are optimistic that if this is a successful healing he will be a successful stallion," Sweeney said.

Barbaro's sire, Dynaformer, commands a $100,000 stud fee.
Barbaro was the odds-on favorite to win the Preakness and set up a Triple Crown try in the Belmont Stakes. But a few hundred yards out of the starting gate, he took a bad step, his leg flared out grotesquely and he veered sideways before jockey Edgar Prado pulled the powerful colt to a halt.

Later that night he was vanned to New Bolton and surgery lasted most of the afternoon on Sunday.

"He looked pretty bright, I guess you can't ask for anything more," said trainer Michael Matz, who guided Barbaro to an undefeated record before the Preakness.

"I'm hoping for the best, I'm very optimistic. It's going to be a long time and we just have to take it day by day and keep our fingers crossed."

Barbaro has been receiving antibiotics and pain medication, and is able to move around -- or even lay down -- in his stall if he chooses.

"For this to be successful, the horse has to be able to stand during the healing stage," Sweeney said. "Lying down also would be advantageous to healing."

Barbaro sustained a broken cannon bone above the ankle, a broken sesamoid bone behind the ankle and a broken long pastern bone below the ankle. The fetlock joint -- the ankle -- was dislocated.

Richardson said the pastern bone was shattered in "20-plus pieces."

The bones were put in place to fuse the joint by inserting a plate and 23 screws to repair damage so severe that most horses wouldn't have survived it.

Horses are often euthanized after serious leg injuries because circulation problems and deadly diseases can arise if they are unable to distribute weight on all fours. Also, money is a factor.

For extensive surgery and recovery, it could cost "tens of thousands of dollars," Richardson said. Many owners choose against trying to save a horse with a serious injury.

Matz was encouraged after his visit, but was left wondering what might have been had his horse won the Preakness.

"It would have been great if he could have won the Triple Crown," Matz said. "He tried. He won the Derby, he got hurt.

"We've had horses that broke down before. It's something that happens. Sometimes you can't save them and sometimes you can.

Hopefully, this will be one of the times we can save him," Matz said.

Inside the center, apples, carrots, peppermints and flowers continued arriving for Barbaro. On a white sheet of paper next two dozen roses was a note: "Thank you for doing all you can to save Barbaro. America is so thankful." It was signed, Silvia, Miami F.

May 22, 2006

Trying to catch up

Hi all - I'm swamped with my other job right now, so animal posts today might be slow in coming: I am waiting to update the Daschund puppy situation in Central Texas; a hearing was held this morning in Comanche County to determine whether the original owner could have them back. I've received several comments on the entries, including two from one of the Comanche County investigators.

I'm also going to post a link to the Houston Press story about the HSPCA euthanizing its Katrina mascot, Harley....

snoring dogs....

and the Pet Patrol website....

Anything else? Send it over to lforonda@khou.com...

May 22, 2006

Anyone have advice for this dog owner fighting with his apartment complex?

I saw this in the comments section and feared it would get lost in the shuffle. Does anyone have advice for this petowner, Steven Duane Selmore? If so, please email him directly at Orion1984@gmail.com:

Hello, my name is Steven. I'm from New Orleans, LA, and evacuated to Irving, TX in early September. I Bought "Mercy" in mid September upon movin in Presidio Park(North Texas). She was born early July 05. Jazzy was a Crenshaw red nose pitbull, peanut butter coat, hazel eyes, two back paws were white, tail nor ears were not clipped. I still have a few pics of her when she was 4-6 months. After Presidio Park went back on they're Katrina Victim pet deposit waiver, they gave me 24 hrs to get rid of my pup or pay 300$ immediately. Me being in the financial situation I was in, I sold her to a what looked to be a 'happy home' type of family that also was from New Orleans. I can't press charges w/o paper work on her, because I baught her from an add in Dallas Morning News for a cheap price because of the papers not being available. If you have any advice, please e-mail me so I can give you my number. I still have the contact information for 'Jazzy' formerly known as 'Mercy's Parents. I raised that dog since she was 11-12 weeks of age. I miss her, and I wish I never would have let her go. She never bothered anyone and always was willing to play.. She only barked if you left her site.

May 22, 2006

Dead gator found in Lewisville Lake

Watch the video here

A dead alligator has been found floating in Lewisville Lake near Little Elm in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, tied to a tree stump.

The gator, estimated to be longer than 11 feet, was floating belly up in the water. A WFAA-TV viewer who said he discovered the carcass on Sunday said the smell was overpowering.

He said it appeared that the alligator had been dead for several days.

The viewer said he had contacted wildlife management officials, who indicated that this would be investigated as a poaching incident.

Last week, WFAA reported that a Little Elm family was keeping their young daughter away from the water after they spotted an alligator swimming near the shore.

Parks and wildlife officials have issued a warning about the dangers posed by alligators, citing rapid growth into previously rural areas in Texas, among other reasons.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Monique Slaughter said alligators are most visible during their mating season of April through July.

She said alligators roam in 120 of Texas' 254 counties. Hunting statistics for the past 15 years show the average adult Texas gator is 7 feet long and weighs 60 pounds.

May 19, 2006

Need help with Katrina dogs...

If anyone has got a few hours to help with a situation requiring transport or care for a group of Katrina dogs, call Leah Purcell at 713-614-2410. Also, if you have any contacts that might have air conditioned warehouse space available to donate or rent please let her know. This a joint venture with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah..435-644-2001. They will be covering all costs.

May 19, 2006

Active older Weimeraner needs new home

Stone is an eight year old Weimeranaer. I ended up with this sweet guy when family members moved. I need to find him a home. Stone lives in SW Houston and I am willing to donate 100 lbs. of dog food to his new person.Contact jbui@opper-gambrell.com

May 19, 2006

Beagle/Cocker Spaniel needs a new home

I have a personal plea to place a spayed, well cared for Beagle/Spaniel mix. She is a wonderful dog for adults but is not good with children. All her shots are current, she is completely house trained, very pretty and a terrific watch dog . She has been raised with a Pug so she is comfortable with other animals. More than anything they want to find this sweet girl a home where she can be loved and happy. Contact Teri Bruno at bjones767@sbcglobal.net

May 19, 2006

Puppy mill Daschunds in Houston.. an update:

This is from the founder of All Texas Daschund Rescue, Barbara Lewis:

First off, I would like thank each and everyone of you for helping make the seizure of these dogs possible. Each one of you played a huge role in this. Had it not been for the collective efforts of everyone making phone calls, sending emails and faxes, this would not have been possible. But with your help WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!
Gosh, where do I begin. I will try to make this brief. We got the call yesterday that the warrant had been issued and would be served at 11 O'clock this morning. Linda and I met the girls from the Humane Society again this morning. Humane Society rented a huge cargo van and the took their other SPCA van. We of course took my Wiener Mobile. We arrived in Brownwood and then headed for the Sheriff's office in Comanche. We of course had Q&A and s short briefing, as to exactly how it was gonna go down. We then left there and headed for the Twilla's house. We had heard rumors that she had moved some of the dogs. You can imagine how thrilled we were to arrive on her property to the sound of lots of dogs barking. The deputy served the warrant and motioned to us to come on the property and start gathering to dogs. We had to pull one dog at a time, give it a number, write a description, breed, sex then take a picture and load it into a crate. Needless to say, this took quite a while. The dogs were petrified. Linda and I were running around chasing dogs left and right. I told the girls I felt like I was back on the farm chasing chickens. After we collected all the dogs outside, it was time to collect the dogs in the house. Twilla would not allow any of the rescuers to go in the house. She told the deputy that she would bring the dogs out, which she did. Pregnant females, puppies, more pregnant females and more puppies. Some of the puppies have their eyes open, some do not. When she finally said that was all, the two deputies went into her house to check to make sure that was all. When they both came out, each was holding a tiny puppy and both had on surgical masks, but were gagging and puking. I told the deputy that I didn't believe that was all of the puppies and asked them to go back in one more time. This time they came back out and had one puppy. And they were both gagging and heaving once again The last puppy that they brought out, was a tiny little boy that is approx 1 to 2 years old and weigh 3 pounds. He appeared to have some type of neurological problem going on. I put him in the crate with two other small puppies that were emaciated and dehydrated. I then asked Twilla about the momma that had to have the C-section. She told me that she didn't make it. I asked her where the dog was, and she screamed at me, "she died" I asked where is her body and she said I buried her. I plan to ask the Judge on Monday if he will order her to produce the name of the vet that did the C-section and if she cannot, then I want him to order her to show where the puppy is buried and I want the poor baby dug up and a necropsy performed to see if it was a home c-section or not. We got the dogs back to the Brown County Humane Society and Cheryl said she had adoption applications for two male Dachshunds. So we left two males there. We arrived in Austin about 6 and had to transfer Dachshunds from the SPCA vans to my van. I had to leave 8 to 10, possibly 12 Dachshunds at the SPCA because I had no more room. I have 38 Dachshunds in my van. There was no more vacancy's :-) I will go back and collect these dogs after Monday. So all in all we ended up with right at 50 Dachshunds.

Tammy Philips met me and led me to the Tanglewood Animal Hospital. The
director of the hospital and the vet techs waiting for us, and began to rally
around and helped us unload all the dogs. They got them food and water, and soft
blankets. It was probably the first time in their lives that they were in
clean runs. The momma's and the babies are all in the big vet cages. They all
looked quite comfortable and eating their dinner by the time Tammy and I left.
Tammy and I then took 6 to the Emergency Clinic. Two puppies, about 6 weeks
old. Emaciated, dehydrated and they both tested positive for coccidia and hook
worms. One downed double dapple female. I can't even begin to tell you how
bad she looked. The pictures will tell the tale. Two VERY pregnant females,
both dehydrated and then the little 3 pound boy that Tammy named Peanut. The
vet called me on the way home to tell me that the downed female was dehydrated,
and had a horrible bladder infection. He did a blood panel on little Peanut
and everything is pointing to a shunted liver.
They are all in good hands tonight and I will be seeing them in the
morning. I will update yall on how they are all doing tomorrow. Right now, I am
going to catch a couple of hours sleep. I am exhausted and I have to be at the
Emergency Clinic between 6 and 6:30 in the morning..Here are a few pics that I
took at Tanglewood Animal Hospital...I was too tired to take any more. I will
go back tomorrow and get lots...:-) Talk to ya soon...Barbara

First off, I would like thank each and everyone of you for helping make
the seizure of these dogs possible. Each one of you played a huge role in this.
Had it not been for the collective efforts of everyone making phone call,
sending emails and faxes, this would not have been possible. But with you help
WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!
Gosh, where do I begin. I will try to make this brief. We got the call
yesterday that the warrant had been issued and would be served at 11 Oclock
this morning. Linda and I met the girls from the Humane Society again this
morning. Humane Society rented a huge cargo van and the took their other SPCA van.
We of course took my Wiener Mobile. We arrived in Brownwood and then headed
for the Sheriff's office in Comanche. We of course had Q&A and s short
briefing, as to exactly how it was gonna go down. We then left there and headed for
the Twilla's house. We had heard rumors that she had moved some of the dogs.
You can imagine how thrilled we were to arrive on her property to the sound
of lots of dogs barking. The deputy served the warrant and motioned to us to
come on the property and start gathering to dogs. We had to pull one dog at a
time, give it a number, write a description, breed, sex then take a picture
and load it into a crate. Needless to say, this took quite a while. The dogs
were petrified. Linda and I were running around chasing dogs left and right. I
told the girls I felt like I was back on the farm chasing chickens. After we
collected all the dogs outside, it was time to collect the dogs in the
house. Twilla would not allow any of the rescuers to go in the house. She told the
deputy that she would bring the dogs out, which she did. Pregnant females,
puppies, more pregnant females and more puppies. Some of the puppies have
their eyes open, some do not. When she finally said that was all, the two
deputies went into her house to check to make sure that was all. When they both came
out, each was holding a tiny puppy and both had on surgical masks, but were
gagging and puking. I told the deputy that I didn't believe
that was all of the puppies and asked them to go back in one more time. This
time they came back out and had one puppy. And they were both gagging and
heaving once again The last puppy that they brought
out, was a tiny little boy that is approx 1 to 2 years old and weigh 3
pounds. He appeared to have some type of neurological problem going on. I put him
in the crate with two other small puppies that were emaciated and dehydrated.
I then asked Twilla about the momma that had to have the C-section. She told
me that she didn't make it. I asked her where the dog was, and she screamed
at me, "she died" I asked where is her body and she said I buried her. I plan
to ask the Judge on Monday if he will order her to produce the name of the
vet that did the C-section and if she cannot, then I want him to order her to
show where the puppy is buried and I want the poor baby dug up and a necropsy
performed to see if it was a home c-section or not.
We got the dogs back to the Brown County Humane Society and Cheryl said
she had adoption applications for two male Dachshunds. So we left two males
there. We arrived in Austin about 6 and had to transfer Dachshunds from the SPCA
vans to my van. I had to leave 8 to 10, possibly 12 Dachshunds at the SPCA
because I had no more room. I have 38 Dachshunds in my van. There was no more
vacancy's :-) I will go back and collect these dogs after Monday. So all in
all we ended up with right at 50 Dachshunds.
Tammy Philips met me and led me to the Tanglewood Animal Hospital. The
director of the hospital and the vet techs waiting for us, and began to rally
around and helped us unload all the dogs. They got them food and water, and soft
blankets. It was probably the first time in their lives that they were in
clean runs. The momma's and the babies are all in the big vet cages. They all
looked quite comfortable and eating their dinner by the time Tammy and I left.
Tammy and I then took 6 to the Emergency Clinic. Two puppies, about 6 weeks
old. Emaciated, dehydrated and they both tested positive for coccidia and hook
worms. One downed double dapple female. I can't even begin to tell you how
bad she looked. The pictures will tell the tale. Two VERY pregnant females,
both dehydrated and then the little 3 pound boy that Tammy named Peanut. The
vet called me on the way home to tell me that the downed female was dehydrated,
and had a horrible bladder infection. He did a blood panel on little Peanut
and everything is pointing to a shunted liver.
They are all in good hands tonight and I will be seeing them in the
morning. I will update yall on how they are all doing tomorrow. Right now, I am
going to catch a couple of hours sleep. I am exhausted and I have to be at the
Emergency Clinic between 6 and 6:30 in the morning..Here are a few pics that I
took at Tanglewood Animal Hospital...I was too tired to take any more. I will
go back tomorrow and get lots...:-) Talk to ya soon...Barbara

May 19, 2006

George and Baby Girl

We were adopted in November, but our family couldn’t keep us anymore so now we need a home again. We aren’t this small anymore, but we are still very cute and only 8 months old. My name is George and I purr non-stop and love to cuddle and play. As you can see, I am all black and I am a beautiful cat now with a shiny coat. My sister is named Baby Girl and she likes to curl around your head and hug you. She is a beautiful silver tabby with cute leopard spots on her belly. Our foster Mom raised from the time we were 4 weeks old and adopted us out when we were 12 weeks old. We really did like having a home of our own. Even though we love our foster mom, she has other foster kitties and fur babies of her own to take care of so we don’t get a lot of attention now and we are lonely and scared. Won’t you please call our foster Meowmy and give us a furever home. Please call Edna Taylor at (713) 547-2050 or email her at edna.taylor@haynesboone.com to adopt us.

May 19, 2006

Dog Survives Fall Off Cliff; Owner Rescued

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A dog survived a plunge from an oceanside cliff and his owner had to be rescued when he got stuck searching for the animal. Pepe, a Jack Russell terrier, darted over the cliff's edge in the upscale Pacific Palisades area while chasing a squirrel on Tuesday.

He landed next to Pacific Coast Highway, where he narrowly avoided being struck by a big rig.

Motorist Jenny-Lyn Marais stopped and coaxed the dog into her Range Rover.

"I leaned across and opened the door and whistled for him to come," said Marais, who works in a Santa Monica dental lab. "He was so gentle and so grateful. He jumped right over on my lap and started licking me."

Meanwhile, Pepe's owner Brandon McMillan drove down to the base of the cliff and began climbing back up in search of his pet, but got stuck about 15 feet from the top when the ground began to give way.

Firefighters rescued McMillan, and a man who had been on the beach below told him that someone had stopped to pick up a dog.

Marais had dropped Pepe off at veterinary hospital. By chance, a friend of McMillan's who is an animal rescue volunteer stopped at the hospital to distribute a flyer about Pepe.

A few phone calls later, man and beast were reunited.

"If this dog has nine lives, he used two yesterday," McMillan, an animal trainer, said Wednesday. "One was falling off the cliff and the other was landing on Pacific Coast Highway and living to tell the tale. He did both."

Information from the Los Angeles Times

May 19, 2006

Hershey the chocolate dog

This weekend it was brought to my attention that she has been living on the streets in my neighborhood. She is brown with white markings and seems to be a lab/pit mix approx. 8 months old. She is VERY sweet - constantly wagging her tail and loves to be held and give kisses - especially on the ears. She also seems to be house broken, likes to fetch and gets along really well with other dogs (or at least my labs). Please e-mail me if you or someone you know is interested in providing a loving home for Hershey. Quick - before we get attached!! Thank you, Ame at amecameron@hotmail.com.

May 18, 2006

Baby ducks

Five little ducklings are safe and sound after quite an ordeal near Dallas. The young birds wandered away from their mother... and got "trapped"... in a storm drain. Fortunately for them, a police officer came to their rescue. Animal control then used the baby ducks to lure the mother so they could catch her and move the whole family to a nearby pond where they will hopefully stay out of trouble. You can check out the video here

May 18, 2006

Wild horse slaughter bill passes house

From the Humane Society of the United States:

Once again, your calls and e-mails have won the day in Congress! Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved an amendment -- the Rahall-Whitfield-Sweeney-Spratt amendment -- to stop the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros. You and so many other HSUS supporters got so many calls and e-mails into the offices of your Members of Congress over the last few days that the traditional opponents of the legislation in the House caved in and agreed to support the amendment. Last year, this identical amendment passed by a vote of 249-159, which was a very decisive vote in our favor. But today, that vote was unanimous in support of the horses!

The fight to protect wild horses is a key component of the larger goal of ending all horse slaughter for human consumption. As you know, there are nearly 100,000 horses sent to three foreign-owned slaughterhouses operating in the United States. The horses are shipped in cattle trucks and sent to slaughterhouses, where these majestic animals are dismembered and then exported in order to please the palates of consumers in Belgium, France, and Japan.

While this was a hugely important win today, now we must get the same result in the U.S. Senate. Please contact your two U.S. Senators and urge them to co-sponsor S. 1915, the Ensign-Landrieu bill to stop horse slaughter.

We will provide you with updates as the vote in the Senate approaches, and future votes in the House. But let's not ease up. The horses are counting on our vigilance and our vigor in putting a stop to slaughter. Please share this good news with your friends and family and urge them to take action, too.

Thank you for your support, and congratulations to all.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States

May 18, 2006

Top Tag Pet ID

Now, why didn't I think of this one? Someone has come up with a mini USB flash drive to put on your pet's collar as a computerized ID. Your dog/cat/iguana/horse is lost - someone finds it, plugs it into a computer, and voila! Everything about your pet shows up. You can find more information about this tag at the company's website here.

May 18, 2006

UPDATE on the Central Texas Daschund puppy mill...

KVUE News

I just received an update on the Daschund puppy mill situation in Comanche County in Central Texas from All Texas Dachshund Rescue:

"Subject: Notes from the raid...

I just got a call from Barbara. They are in the middle of doing a raid on the puppy mill in Comanche County. Barbara and Linda left this morning with the Humane Society of Austin to take all of the dogs. They have a total of 10 vehicles and two deputies. There was a fear that Twilla had gotten wind of what was going to happen and moved the dogs, but when they got there all of the dogs were still there and are being seized at this moment.

Some will be going to Houston and some to Austin.

Barbara has 87 dogs!!! At least 30-40 of them are doxies!! The Humane Society is taking all the other dogs. They are all coming back to Austin with Barbara. She has very very pregnant mommas that are ready to deliver NOW! TONS of moms and pups! Another Tiny Tim in the making. There are doubles, pies, reds, and one black and tan.

BARBARA IS ALSO PLEADING FOR FOSTERS FOR THESE GUYS!!! Yes theya re all flea/tick infested and probably have giardia. But we NEED fosters NOW!"

KVUE already has the story on their website. You can read it here. ATDR also has pictures on its website here.

If anyone else is interested in fostering - and they need people with foster experience - as these dogs have never been pets, please fill out the online application for fosters on the website: www.atdr.org or contact Barbara here or Teresa Montgomery at tmontgomery@tricoast.net.

May 17, 2006

Field Spaniel Sophie

Here is Sophie, a Field Spaniel mix who I rescued off the side of the road. She was trying to go across a busy intersection in the Almeda Genoa area and cars were honking at her. I had seen her on previous days walking along the road looking for food. When I first got her she was
undernourished and sad, but sweet and gentle. NOW she's got a beautiful curly glossy coat and is happy and bouncy! She's VERY affectionate--- loves to be by your side---- follows me to the gate. Wonderful companion dog. She gets along with other dogs and also cats. Contact Jeanie Royal at 832-495-1719 or 713-425-2038

May 17, 2006

Golden Retreiver credited with life saving catch

Watch the video here

A family who moved to Colorado to avoid Hurricane Katrina narrowly escaped another tragedy on Sunday with the help of a four-legged hero.

Ryan Rambo, 9, was riding in a two-man kayak down Roaring Fork River on Sunday when it flipped over sending him into the water.

Ryan was wearing a life vest, but he was so cold that he was hardly able to call for help.

Zion, a 2-year-old golden retriever, was in the water playing when Ryan spotted him. The young boy was able to grab Zion's collar and the dog swam to shore.

On Tuesday, Ryan got the chance to meet Zion for the first time since the accident and spoiled him with dog treats.

"He's pretty playful and he's a puppy so it's kind of amazing that he would do something like that, but still I knew that he had it in him," said Chelsea Bennett, the dog's owner.

Rambo gave Bennett flowers out of thanks for having a life-saving dog.

"I told him 'thank you for saving me' and I hope he like his treats," Rambo said.

May 17, 2006

Elephant not interested in using treadmill

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — So far, it's the trainers at the Alaska Zoo who are breaking a sweat trying to coax Maggie the elephant onto the world's first treadmill for a pachyderm.

Despite months of training using treats to entice the elephant to work out, the sometimes cantankerous African elephant is not much interested in using her treadmill to go for a brisk morning walk, or for that matter an afternoon or evening walk.

Maggie, for the most part, is chilling out.

For two months, Maggie's trainers have used her favorite treats - watermelon, apples, carrots, peanuts in the shell, banana slices and sweet potatoes - to entice the 8,000-pound elephant onto her $100,000 custom-made treadmill.

While Maggie's made some progress, she has a long way to go.

"She has two feet on the treadmill and has touched a third one on it," zoo director Pat Lampi said Tuesday. "Every six inches forward is a new goal. There are a lot of steps to go."

Maggie's trainers and zoo staff aren't discouraged.

The Alaska Zoo is letting Maggie call the shots. Trainers can tell just by looking at her that some days she wants to train. Other days not.

The treadmill is part of a $1 million program the zoo launched two years ago to improve Maggie's life after deciding to keep Alaska's only elephant instead of placing her at another facility, perhaps in a warmer climate, with more elephants.

Maggie arrived at the zoo in 1983 as a baby when her herd in Kruger National Park in South Africa was culled. She has been alone since Dec. 14, 1997, when the zoo's other elephant died at age 33 of a foot infection.

The zoo's improvement program for Maggie included doubling the size of the elephant house and installing new heating, light and ventilation systems, including upgraded radiant heat in the concrete floor. Her outdoor paddock was doubled in size.

Feeding stations were placed high so that she now stretches for her food. Treats are hidden around her enclosure to help keep her busy. She's provided birch logs to strip the bark off.

The extra activity and a diet have helped Maggie shed about 1,000 pounds.

May 17, 2006

Woman shoots gator that attacks her dog

BRADENTON, Fla (AP) -- A woman has shot an alligator that came into her home and attacked her dog.

The alligator was only 3 feet long, but Candy Frey wasn't taking any chances. When the reptile came into the lanai of her home east of Bradenton Saturday and attacked her golden retriever, Frey went and got her gun.

After Frey and her daughter managed to push the gator out of the lanai through the dog door, she blasted away at it four times.

"I was running on so much adrenaline," the 48-year-old former U.S. Marine aviation technician told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. "I just freaked out and shot him - boom, boom, boom, boom."

A neighbor called deputies and the state sent a wildlife officer to investigate.

The alligator barely bled from gunshots to the neck and shoulder, Frey said, and wildlife officer put it back in the lake.

The deputy gave Frey a warning citation for hunting without a license.

Alligators have been blamed for three fatal attacks in the span of a week in other parts of Florida.

May 17, 2006

From Southeast Texas Lab Rescue:

On Thursday 5/11 we received an urgent plea for help from an Angleton Animal Control Volunteer. A 10-12 wk old puppy had been brought in with severe injuries from an apparent run-in with a car. As we all know - our local animal control agencies are not equipped to deal with sick or injured animals and the normal course of business is to euthanize these animals. Through the efforts of volunteers we are seeing a shift in thinking and we're being contacted more and more about dogs in need.

His vet bills will come close to $1000. Our normal funding per dog comes directly from our adoption fees ($250.00) and won't come close to covering his expenses but our group will do everything in our power to raise the funds for his treatment. Contact Dina Barron from Southeast Texas Labrador Retriever Rescue at DBarron@br-inc.com

May 17, 2006

"No-kill" or "kill" shelters: one person's opinion

I received this email from an old friend in animal welfare:

I have volunteered (vet teching, fostering, and as an adoption counselor) and worked as a paid employee (public relations, development, grant writer and television production) in the field of animal welfare since 1989 for organizations like the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, the Houston SPCA and the National Council for Pet Population Study and Policy. First, I appreciate that your blog allows for open dialogue and discussion. Honest discussions about the overwhelming issues facing animals and those that care for them in the greater Houston area are wonderful. Unfortunately the terms that are being used to describe local shelters as “kill” or “no-kill” are derogatory, divisive and inflammatory. Name-calling will not help solve the pet overpopulation problem in a diverse population center like Houston/Harris County. Instead it will take a collaborative effort of respect and cooperation. The “no-kill” concept of animal sheltering is certainly desirable, honorable and who can disagree with such a life-affirming notion? In fact, every shelter dreams of that perfect world where every animal who needs a home would have one. That perfect world where there is no abuse, neglect or cruelty. That perfect world where people make lifetime commitments to their animals and not discard them because they bark, chew, dig, shed or simply age. Unfortunately, we’re not living in a perfect world, resources are limited and all shelters must make hard decisions! Some organizations limit their intake. Some only accept healthy adoptable animals. Others take in every animal regardless of health or temperament. Some organizations focus only adoptions. Some organizations dedicate their resources to a specific breed or species of animal. Other organizations don’t do adoptions at all but choose to focus on low cost or free spay/neuter. And yet others offer a wide-variety of programs addressing many different community needs. Every organization has different philosophies and approaches but they are all dedicated to the common goal of saving lives. In 2005, the Houston SPCA received 32,978 animals, a 5% decrease over last year. Of the animals admitted to the Houston SPCA, 15,389 were canines, 14,440 were felines, 1005 were other domestic animals like hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs, 831 were farm animals like horses, cows, goats, and pigs, and 793 were wildlife or exotic animals. Euthanasia decreased by 7% over 2004. Nearly 100% of the healthy behaviorally sound canines and 96% of the healthy behaviorally sound felines were placed into new loving permanent homes! In exact numbers, ONLY 10 dogs and 539 felines were euthanized for cage space. Other reasons for canine and feline euthanasia included aggression, heartworm positive, mange or ringworm and other skin disorders resulting in severe hair loss, untreatable medical conditions like severe traumatic injuries, too young, canine distemper, kennel cough in dogs and upper respiratory infection in cats, parvo, and requested by owner. The Houston SPCA’s programs and services include: adoptions; foster care; lost and found matching; humane education; cruelty investigations; 24-hour injured animal ambulance and rescue service; spay/neuter of all adopted animals prior to placement; free vaccinations and sterilizations for pets of income-qualified families; The PetSafe program which provides free temporary boarding, minor medical care, vaccinations, and sterilization for pets of families fleeing domestic abuse; animal behavior helpline and dog training classes to adopters and the general public; disaster relief services; pet loss support group; and pet facilitated therapy. All of the programs and services of the Houston SPCA, excluding adoptions and dog training classes, are free of charge. Right or wrong, the Houston SPCA has chosen to dedicate their resources to providing a myriad of programs that focus on different components of the local issues facing animals in the community. In 2004, animal welfare leaders from across the country met and established the “Asilomar Accords” which recognize that all stakeholders in the animal welfare community are dedicated to the same goal regardless of differing philosophies and approaches to the issue. The Accords encourages a sense of unity in the field while respecting the differences inherent to various organizations, communities, and geographic regions. Solving the animal crisis in the greater Houston area will take a collaborative, cooperative, mutually supportive approach. Instead of name calling and pitting one organization against another, perhaps it’s time for everyone to work together to develop mutually respectful and cooperative programs to save as many lives as possible. Respectfully submitted, Stacy Fox (ssrfox2003@yahoo.com)

May 16, 2006

Terrier Rescue from BARC

This is Jack. He is one of my personal fosters. He is such a precious little boy. He was rescued from BARC last week right before he was to be put down. He is a full-blooded Jack Russell Terrier and is as sweet as can be. He is between 15-20 pounds with a fairly calm temperament (for JRTs). I've had him neutered, and he has received his shots. He is heartworm negative!!

Please forward along. If anyone is interested in adopting this baby, I have an application for them to fill out. Contact Laura at lcarlock@gibbs-bruns.com.

May 16, 2006

Construction Site pups need a home

What a story this is: these two pups were dropped off about a year ago at a construction site along the Westpark Toll Road. The men working at the site took the puppies in and did the best they could with them. They fed them and gave them attention, and the dogs lived under the construction trailers. I drive the Westpark 2 to 3 times a day from my home in Grand Lakes and everyday I would look to make sure they were doing ok and I found so much joy in watching them.

But, about a month ago, the site was dismantled, and the puppies were left there, now lying in the middle of a dirt field. One day on my way to work I saw them siitting right on the curb side by side, shoulders almost touching. They were looking for all the men who used to feed them, play with them, and take care of them. However, the men were not coming back totake the two puppies home with them.

I started by coming to the area at 7 AM and feeding them. They were so happy to see me the first time. I decided that maybe, just maybe a loving home could be found for them. I knew I could not do it by myself.

The gold puppy is now Maggie (talkative and outgoing) and the black & gold is Annie (serene and watchful). They are around 40 pounds and about a year old. Maggie and Annie are a little timid but so happy when someone gives them attention. Their tails wag and they look up expectantly when someone enters the room. They are sweet puppies. In just one week's time they have learned how to walk on a leash. Maggie and Annie have never had an accident in their small dog run at the vet office. They have never growled, snapped or barred their teeth at anyone. They are very docile and loving.

Luck and good fortune are on their side. They both tested negative for heartworm and as of May 4 are spayed and up to date on all shots plus micro chipped. They are waiting for someone to find a place in their heart (and home) for them. They are ready to begin another journey in their lives. Contact Jacquelyn Branch at Jacquelyn@Houston.rr.com or call 281-693-2243 or her cell at 661-619-0482.

May 16, 2006

All Texas Daschund Rescue needs help with HUGE dog rescue

I recieved this email from a volunteer who works with Houston's Spay-Neuter Assistance Program and the All Texas Dachshund Rescue. She is trying to get the word out about a rescue coordinated with Austin's SPCA and Austin's Humane Society about a woman they fear is a puppy breeder. ATDR went out to rescue 30 of the puppies last week. You can watch the story from KVUE.com here.

In the meantime, here's part of the email from the local volunteer:

My rescue co-worker in Austin and head of our group - Barbara Lewis said that the conditions there were the worst that she has ever experienced in her rescue career and we must continue to work towards the release of the over - 100 dogs that we left behind in this hell. The woman had close to 150 dogs in complete filth, all with infections and parasites, no shots, no heartworm preventative, basically NO vet care whatsoever. They lived in outside pens, with NO SHADE, no trees, and only a few Tin doghouses for shade - they were like ovens! All of the volunteers were heartbroken when they filled the vans and left. Inside the filthy house, were wall to wall playpens with a new doxis litter in each pen, some so sick that they will never make it..... The Brown County Animal Control officer is so frustrated and her hands are tied as the sherrif in that county refuses to do anything that would "stand in the way of her making a living". The owner of the mill sells puppies everyday in front of the local Donut shop in Brownwood.....

As the situation remains bleak - we are contacting anyone in the animal community that might be able to help get the word out. We were told by the DA in Brown County that we would have to have documentation from the investigator. .... Just got a call back from the Comanche County Sheriff's investigator, Dwayne Fuqua. He says that he has been to the "breeding facility" and found nothing criminal about what he saw. He state to me flatly, that he plans to do nothing about it. Please start your calling to every number that I send out to you, especially Dwayne Fuqua (325) 356-7533......
I asked if he saw the dogs with eye infections and he admitted yes he did notice that some of the pugs had goop in their eyes. But he didn't think they were sick. I said to him "obviously you are NOT a veterinarian and you are in no position to make that determination". I pleaded with him to allow veterianarians to come to the puupymill to examine the dogs and he refused and said that I needed to get in touch with the Brown Co. Humane Society. I reminded him that the Brown Co Humane Society had no jurisdition in Comanche Co. He agreed, but still continued to refuse to help these precious furkids...Please send those numbers out to everyone you can think of and ask that they start calling immediately and continue to call until this is solved...

These are the names of officials in this area:
1. Dwayne Fuqua Comanche Co .Investigator (325) 356-7533
2. Virgil Cowin Chief of Police-Brownwood (325) 646-2525
3. Joe Don Taylor (man running again Chief of Police in Brownwood (325) 646-5331 or 646-5775
4. Jeff Lambert Sheriff of Comanche County (325) 356-7533
5. Brownwood Bulletin News
Email is news@brownwoodbulletin.com (325) 646-2541

May 16, 2006

Dog Radio Thailand

Yes, your dog(s) can be entertained while you're away, 24/7, from an internet radio station halfway around the world. It's Dog Radio Thailand! It's mostly Thai pop music, and I can't read half of what's on the website, but I scrolled down to a button that said "Click Listen Here" and clicked. Still waiting for a connection. Maybe I'm firewalled at work. In any case, you might want to try. Here's what the Associated Press had to report about dogradiothailand.com..

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- A Thai entrepreneur who launched an Internet radio station for dogs this week said he hopes to reach out to the kingdom's pooches and cheer them up.

Anupan Boonchuen, director of a dog grooming school in Bangkok, said he launched Dog Radio Thailand on Wednesday because he noticed that dogs seem happier when he plays music as he grooms them.

"I have close contact with dogs every day. Dogs get in a better mood if they listen to music," Anupan said Thursday.

Often while Anupan's students practice grooming for the first time, they do not know how to handle the dogs. So during class, he said he plays music because it "puts the dogs in a good mood and they're more willing to let the groomers handle them."

The programming on dogradiothailand.com mainly consists of Thai pop music, but Anupan also plans to air programs in which the DJ will "talk to the dogs in Thai" -- to which the canine listener will be encouraged to respond.

"At 9 a.m., we may have a dog greeting show, in which we'll repeat 'sawasdee' ('hello') over and over ... If we say 'sawasdee,' in some houses, the dog may lift both paws in response. In some houses, the dog may lift only one paw. It depends on how the dog was trained," Anupan said.

Anupan said he had long dreamed of starting a radio station for dogs, but it always seemed too expensive. He was able to bring his project to fruition after hearing an international news story about a low-cost Internet radio station for dogs in the United States.

He hopes that the DJ will be able to communicate through the radio and that the dogs will respond.

"If we play a slow song, we may have the DJ howl ... because dogs howl, too, when they hear sad sounds," Anupan said.

May 15, 2006

Boo the Cat

Boo should be in movies or at least calendars! Look at thishandsome boy!! He was rescued from a kill shelter and now needs a home to call his own. Boo is 2 years old and completely vetted He's good with other cats but can be a bit shy around people - if someone is looking for a gushingly lovey cat, he's not it, but he IS sweet. He is endearing in a "Mr. Scrooge" kind of way...he is not a lap kitty but will join you on the sofa to watch TV on occasion, likes to have his lemon-shaped head petted, and LOVES to play with his toys and rubber balls, and uses his litterbox and scratching posts like a champ. He can get overstimulated pretty quickly and tends to bolt away after fairly brief petting; however he is getting sweeter every day as he learns to trust people again. Please contact Edna Taylor if you are interested in adopting Boo. There is an adoption fee and an application to complete for adoption. You can call me at (713) 547-2050 or email at edna.taylor@haynesboone.com

May 15, 2006

Jake and Gidget

Jake and Gidget really need to get out of the pound ASAP. JAKE- he is a cutie tabby & white boy. A real lover of a cat! He was licking his chops from the treats we just gave him. Jake is almost a year old and such a handsome and cuddly little boy. GIDGET- she is an adorable little girl. She is also about 9-10 months old and has the best personality! Very playful, yet still like to love on her humans. She is orange and white and very pretty. If you can help either Jake or Gidget or are interested in adopting one of them, please call Laporte right away at 281-471-3811, ext 739. Or contact Dana at ddicker@houston.rr.com or 713-502-4002."

May 15, 2006

Bonny, Chile and Pepper Cats

Meet Bonny, Chile & Pepper!!: Dana writes: "Bonny is a 3 year old Seal Point Snowshoe Siamese. I like to call her Bonny Blue-Eyes. Her rotten owners moved out of the apartment they lived in and left this sweet baby girl and her 2 brothers behind! Bonny is spayed, up to date on shots and is also declawed (by her prior owners). Bonny is a very loving and schmoozy girl and gets along great with other cats. She is looking for a great new home that will love her forever and provide the much missed "lap" to lay on!! Chili-n-Pepper are Bonny's brothers. They too were left in the apartment they lived in when their owners left them behind and moved out. Chili is the sweet faced tabby and the talker of the two and Pepper is his very best friend in the whole world. Pepper said please look at his pretty white whiskers- don't they make him look so handsome? These boys need to be adopted together since they are very bonded. They are both 2 years old, neutered, up-to-date on shots and both of them are declawed (they must be inside ONLY cats). It you are looking for a perfect pair, you have found it in these darling love-bugs! If you can give Bonny-Blue Eyes or Chili-n-Pepper the home they so deserve, please contact Dana at 713-502-4002.

May 15, 2006

Update on Sierra, the "Good Samaritan" Husky..

It's been a while since I've gotten so much feedback about a post - from as far away as Florida and Mexico City! I blogged last week about Sierra and the Good Samaritan who found her. He's helping heal her with aid from Friends for Life. I received this update from the FFL top dog, Salise Shuttlesworth:

"Sierra is doing well. Her appetite is great and she is enjoying well-deserved pampering. Her external wounds are healing nicely with the attentive care of her foster Dad. She is on good pain control medicine and continues her antibiotics. Through it all she is loving and good-natured. At times, she has pulled herself closer to Carlos and pushed her head under his hand for petting if he gets too far away. While she doesn't get up on her own, Carlos was thrilled to report that yesterday she was starting to play with a toy while lying down that he'd put in front of her! We have a second opinion in on the pelvic injury and there are three breaks in the pelvis that will require surgical repair. She is scheduled tomorrow morning with a veterinary orthopedic surgical specialist for an 11 o'clock appointment. The doctor has indicated that he will likely do the surgery immediately so we will be keeping her npo after midnight tonight so she will be ready.

Thank you to the folks who have written us such gracious things. I'll keep you all updated on this remarkable girl."

May 15, 2006

Found Pit Bull near Ella and 11th Street

Found a black and white pit bull in the ditch near ella and 11th st. 77008 Skin is peeling from feet. Contact L. Prescott at voices@cyberinkdesign.com. You can also find more information here.

May 11, 2006

Collie looking for a home!

Houston Collie Rescue is trying to help this Good Samaritan find a home for this sweet collie girl. Contact info is Carver Matheidas at carverm@batwinghosting.com - who says..

"Took her to the vet today and had a full workup done. Rabies vaccination, heartworm check (came back negative, thank goodness), x-rays, blood work, stool sample, the works. $335 later she has a clean bill of health. Her hips look just fine on the x-ray (yay!). No evidence of broken bones, hip dysplasia etc. The vet believes her gimpy walk may be due to inflamation/overwork and has given me some anti-inflammatory medication for her to see if that corrects the problem. She has also been given a heartworm preventitive for this month, and I have another pill for next month. The vet guessed her age to be around 8 years old. He was very pleased with her blood work and indicated she should continue to regain weight and recover well with regular feeding and TLC. Sooo - as we continue to keep her fed and watered, we're still actively seeking a permament home for her. She's a very, very sweet dog and will make a fantastic companion. Any help finding this sweet girl a good home is appreciated!"

May 11, 2006

Thank goodness for Good Samaritans

UPDATED 5/17 with Husky Haven comments

What a sad sight. But it was one that tore at the heart of a good hearted young man who rescued this dog. She is now being cared for with help from Friends for Life. I certainly hope this story has a happy ending..This email was forwarded to me..

"We got the dog to a vet yesterday. She is severely malnourished, was dehydrated and her xrays show a non-displaced fracture in the midline of her pelvis. She is friendly, eating well and young. She appears to have been used for breeding. She is neither chipped nor spayed. She had some minor wounds on her feet and bruising on her chest consistent with a hit by car injury. We have not run a heartworm test yet as our priority is to evaluate the injury and then if she is positive, we'll need her to gain some strength to withstand treatment. She has been vaccinated.

We met the young man who rescued her and he drives a tiny, older but immaculate truck. He tells the following story : After to going to several vet clinics and asking for help and offering to trade some kind of work for vet help or to arrange a payment system, he was turned down. He doesn't have any money but then drove to HSPCA and begged for help where he was told flat out they would kill her. He then drove to CAP where he was told that if she had broken bones, they'd wait 5 days and then if no one claimed/adopted her, she'd be put down. He tried husky rescue per my suggestion but did not own, nor could he afford to buy a digital camera to get them a picture so they could see if she was purebred enough to be admitted. (See Husky Haven's response here.) I'm not a husky expert so I don't know if she is purebred or even a husky at all, but it didn't matter to us and certainly didn't to her.

She is now hydrated, on antibiotics, pain meds and flea control. He has scrub and ointment for her wounds and has been taught how to care for them. She is on a special diet to get weight back on her at a safe rate. We will get an ortho specialist consult in a few days but the general practitioner vet said it may be a possibility with the right kind of attentive rehab that it would not be the best thing to surgically go in
and repair. There is no perforation or any displacement indicating one likely. The ortho specialist Im sure, will give us more detailed information. We'll follow this where it leads for her best interest.

This is not a dog found by a rich Houstonian. He has no connections. There is just a muddy dog in pain and a young man who hurts for her and spent three days in the 4th largest city in America begging for someone to help him help her. Mind you, he didn't even want to dump her--he has made a space in his room, his parents have agreed to take the dog into their family and he will walk her with the towel under her as long as it takes. He called me to tell me she really likes ice in her water and he sleeps on the floor next to her. He asked if after he got her through rehab he might be considered for permanent adoption because he loves her. But then he quickly said, "If I have to sign her over to you all to get you all to help her, I will do it right now. I'll reapply to see if I can adopter her later but help her now."

When is the last time you heard that kind of grace ?

We'll update any of you would like to know about the dog. Friends For Life will guarantee that she receives all treatment she needs.

From Pat Snyder, of Huskyhaven.org.:

I usually do not get involved in discussions like this but since our organization has been mentioned I think the facts should be known.

I did not know about this dog till Wed. Carlos left a message on my recorder and I called him when I got home from work. He had found a dog he thought to be a husky on Sat. He said he had taken the dog to the Vet and found it had a fractured pelvis. I asked him where the dog was located. He said in his yard. I asked him where that was and he said in front of his house. I told him I needed to know where he was and he said at home. I asked him if that was in Houston and he said yes. Again I asked him where and he said SW. I gave up on that and went to the condition of the dog. He said she was not eating good and I asked if she was on pain meds and he said no. He said she liked ice water. I told him she needed to be in the AC and he said he could not take her into the house.I told him I would try to make somse arrangements for the dog in the morning since everything was closed for tonight and he said fine.

The next morning I made arrangements for someone to pick up the dog and take it to our Vet. Also for someone to foster the dog while it was recovering. I called to tell him and he was not there. The person that I talked to did not speak English. I left my number and told her to have him call me in my "best" Spanish.

He called me later that morning and I told him of my arrangemtnts. He still would not tell me where the dog was so I asked him to bring her to me and he said he would after I got off work. He was going to go by the Vets office where he had taken the X-rays to pick them up and bring the dog and the X-rays to me so I could have my volunteer take them to our Vet. I asked him if he could send me a picture of the dog and he said that would be no problem. I did not tell him I would not take it if it was not a purebred.

I then went back to work. Later I waited for the dog and no one came so I called him and he said he had found someone else to take the dog.

He had asked me several times if he would be able to have the dog after we had it taken care of. I told him that we needed to get her taken care of before discussing where she would go later. I also told him he would have to sign her over to us if we were going to be responsible for her care. I got the impression he did not want us to take the dog unless we would promise to give her back after she was well.

There have been many things said about our organization and what we will and will not do. Nobody has talkled to me about that so I do not know where they were getting their information. If you want to know what a group does it is best to talk to someone in the group. We are a small group of volunteers that try to help as many Siberians as we can. We do have limited space and funds. But the people that I have working with me are very dedicated and do as much as they can. We are a no-kill organization. That means when we are full we do not have any more space and can not take any more dogs. There is not always "room for one more". That is the difference in Rescue and Collectors. We know our limits.

As for the donations--- we get very few. When we do get them it is usually designated for a specific dog. Nobody in our organization gets paid. All the monies go to the dogs vet bills. All of our volunteers have reached deep in their pockets and used their own money to help. We work on a cash basis and do not run any bills. We pay as we go so as not to get into debt. With all that said we have always managed to help those "emergencies" we hear about. All our dogs are spay/neutered, wormed, UTD on their shots, Heartworm neg. (treated when needed) and microchipped before leaving.

About the picture that everyone is talking about--I did ask him for a picture but it was only for ID. I did not tell him it depended on if I would take the dog. One only needs to go to our website to see we do have some mixed breeds AND occasionally one that isn't even remotely connected to a Siberian. So that statement about the picture is just not true.

I can not or would not speak for another group. I do not know the pocicies of the ASPCA (which is not in Houston) Houston SPCA or CAP. We work closely with those organizations and do take Siberian that need special care from them into our program. Again you can see them on our website.

I am very proud of our small organization and the people who volunteer with me. My fosters, helper, transportation people and those that help in the booths and events we have. They are all dedicated to the Siberian Husky Breed and love all dogs. I will not allow others to speak ill of them. Especially when they do not know any of us or what we do.

If the future if you want to know what we do or what we have done ask us before making statements on the internet that are untrue or misunderstood.
And always remember.

Rescue organizations are not dumping off places for people that want to get rid of their dogs.

Rescue organizations have limited space.

Rescue organizations ALWAYS need more fosters

Rescue organizations can never keep up with all that need them. There are just too many!!!!

IF THERE WERE RESPONSIBLE OWNERS THERE WOULD BE NO NEED FOR RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS!!!

I could go on and on but I have to go to tend to the many Siberians I have here before I go back to my day job.

May 10, 2006

Sweet Taffy

SWEET "Taffy" at Arlington Animal Services. Look at those eyes! Quote from the email: " I went by Arlington Animal Services today and saw that little Taffy you talked about. She is so cute. I tried to take a picture of her and it is attached. I don't know why she's there, but she's been available almost a month now so they told me her time is definitely about up. I talked them into holding her till Friday in hopes of buying her time. She is so sweet, pretty, and affectionate. I can't believe she's there. They also have a full Min-Pin now that I saw as well as a darling little Pomeranian. They are both going to be available I believe in a couple of days." Contact worldnet.attleanne.b.hayden@lmco.com or leanne.b.hayden@lmco.com

May 10, 2006

Nestle

This handsome boy needs a new home. The person writes "I need to help my brother find a good home for his dog, Nestle. She is a 6-year-old chocolate lab. She has lived with my mom her whole life, but she sold her home and can't keep her. Unfortunately, my brother is also unable to keep her and is very sad that he must part with her so that is why we need a good home. She is an inside dog. She obviously loves the outdoors, but has lived her whole life indoors. If you or anyone you know is interested in her please contact Jason on his cell at 832-250-3321 or reply to this email. The soon the better."

May 10, 2006

Baloo

Sweet Chocolate Lab Mix Needs Home or Rescue ASAP. Christine describes Baloo: Baloo is a lab about 45lbs, approx 2 years old. She has a little patch of white on her chest but is mostly chocolate brown. She growls, makes a fuss and shows her teeth around other dogs. Although she has shown aggression towards another dog (actually took a nip!), proper training should remedy that. She shows no aggression to cats, is quiet all night and all day no matterwhere I put her. She appears to be housebroken. Baloo, knows how to sit, has a tendency to get excited and jumps up but stops when you tell her no. If you can help this girl, please contact Christine at CHRIS2566@aol.com or Elizabeth at at EBRUMBAUGH@austin.rr.com.

May 10, 2006

Precious Dobies

Three precious dobie mixes! These babies are too cute! The only information I have is the following. Lisa writes: I have three dobie mix puppies (tails cropped). They are all vaccinated and wormed. They require neuter/spay and follow up care for demodex. Please contact Lisa at hbcw@ev1.net.

May 10, 2006

Two Heelers in URGENT need

Two Heelers in "URGENT" Need. These dogs have not been placed and the situation has now become URGENT. Ann's vet's technician contacted Ann to ask for help in finding a foster or home for these dogs. An extended family member of her husband owns the puppies. The family is planning to turn them into a shelter ASAP if no one expresses an interest in adopting the dogs. They were found in a box in a Walmart parking lot. The puppies are Heelers and are now about 9 months old. Both are female and have not been spayed. Please call Ann Callan at (713) 569-7678 cell. You may also contact Jillian Broussard at cajuninhouston@yahoo.com or at her work at Steeplechase Animal Hospital 281-890-7257. Her home number is (337)280-0310.

May 10, 2006

Stray pups need a home

These two babies were found as stray pups. The gold puppy is Maggie (talkative and outgoing) and the black & gold is Annie (serene and watchful). They are around 40 pounds and about a year old. Maggie and Annie are a little timid but so happy when someone gives them attention. Their tails wag and they look up expectantly when someone enters the room. They are sweet puppies. They are learning that a leash is not a bad thing and will not harm them. They both walk quite well after just a few days of practice. Their potty training has already begun. They both tested negative for heartworm and as of May 4 are spayed and up to date on all shots. They are waiting for someone to find a place in their heart (and home) for them. Jacquelyn hopes that someone will a place in his or her heart (and home) to take in one or both of the puppies. They are being boarded at Pet Medical if you would like to stop by to see them. Contact Jacquelyn Branch at jacquelyn@houston.rr.com or 281 693 2243 or Pet Medical at 281 392 7544.

May 10, 2006

"Dwarf" German Shepherd

This is a gorgeous "dwarf" German Shepherd. She was pulled from a high-kill shelter in Austin in her last moments on Friday. Ginger is about 1 yr old, spayed up on shots (may need HW test), and is very good with kids of all ages and other dogs. At this time, she is not very good with cats, and big dogs do frighten her a bit. Even though Ginger only weighs about 20-25 pounds she is very sweet, affectionate and extremely playful!! We are looking for a forever home or rescue for Ginger at this time. She is currently in a very temporary foster home and will probably go to boarding because this family is moving. Please contact Christina at Chris2566@aol.com if you can help.

May 10, 2006

Dog found in intersection

This is a precious black dog found in the middle of an intersection by a wonderful lady . Very sweet temperament. Amy, his rescuer, says he has treatable "red mange" and must be isolated. Amy is willing to pay for his treatment, vetting, boarding, etc but needs a place that can do that or a foster that is willing to keep him for a couple of months through his treatment. The dog is between 8 months and 1 year old. Contact Amy Jones at amykjones92@yahoo.com or Work -713.866.6996; Home - 713.812.955; or Cell - 713.705.2171 or 214.649.7840.

May 10, 2006

Plea for help for found feral cats

we have a plea from Jan who needs feral cat rescue help. And needs advice if anyone could provide a suitable location/barn situation/feral foster etc. to help her out with two cats that have been trapped, neutered, and given shots. If you have any advice or can help, please contact Janis Laughlin at jtlaughlin@sbcglobal.net or (713) 320-7507.

May 10, 2006

Chili and Pepper

This is Chili-n-Pepper. (They are Bonny's brothers). They too were left in the apartment they lived in when their owners left them behind and moved out. Chili is the sweet faced tabby and the talker of the two and Pepper is his very best friend in the whole world. Pepper said please look at his pretty white whiskers- don't they make him look so handsome? These boys need to be adopted together since they are very
bonded. They are both 2 years old, neutered, up-to-date on shots and both of them are declawed (they must be inside ONLY cats). It you are looking for a perfect pair, you have found it in these darling love-bugs! If you can give Chili-n-Pepper the fabulous home they deserve, please contact Dana at 713-502-4002 or
dana.dicker@compufundmortgage.com.

May 10, 2006

Bonnie the Cat

Meet Beautiful Bonny!! Bonny is a 3 year old Seal Point Snowshoe Siamese. I like to call her Bonny Blue-Eyes. Her rotten owners moved out of the apartment they lived in and left this sweet baby girl and her 2 brothers behind! Bonny is spayed, up to date on shots and is also declawed (by her prior owners). Bonny is a very loving and schmoozy girl and gets along great with other cats. She is looking for a great new home that will love her forever and provide the much missed "lap" to lay on!! If you can give Bonny Blue-Eyes the great home she deserves, please call Dana at 713-502-4002 or email me at dana.dicker@compufundmortgage.com.

May 10, 2006

Humble student infected with rabies

We're doing a story on this today at five. I'll post the video as soon as we run it. Please, please! Make sure your pets are VACCINATED against rabies! In the meantime, here's some background information:

Listen to an Audio Report: Rabies symptoms and dangers , and read the letter to Humble High School parents here

The Harris County Health Department has confirmed the first human case of rabies in the area since 1997.

Officials did not release any information about the patient.

Humble ISD officials said the Harris County Health Department told them the male football player contracted rabies after non-bite contact with a bat in his Walden-area home.

County health workers are looking into whether anyone else was exposed, including classmates and members of the football team.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.

Animals that are infected with rabies can spread the disease through their saliva or brain matter.

In rare cases, a person can get rabies without being bitten by a rabid animal. There have been cases of people getting rabies simply by handling a rabid animal or by inhaling airborne virus in places where it exists in high quantities, such as caves filled with bats.

In Texas, the five high risk wild animals for rabies are bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes.

Symptoms in animals

--An animal that exhibits any of the following signs may have rabies:

--No fear of humans shown by a wild animal

--Shyness in a usually friendly pet

--Restlessness, excitability, aggression, or sudden mood changes

--Excessive drooling

--An animal that is normally active at night (such as bats, raccoons, and skunks) being active during the day

--Eating substances not normally eaten

--Paralysis, which is sometimes the only sign

Symptoms in humans

The typical for rabies in humans is 4 to 6 weeks. During the incubation period, there are usually no symptoms of rabies. Early symptoms include pain and numbness at the site of the bite followed by vague symptoms that are often confused with those of other conditions. These include:

--Fever

--Cough or sore throat

--Pain, burning, itching, tingling, or numbness at the site of the bite or original exposure

--Abdominal pain

--Anxiety or restlessness that gradually worsens and may develop into extreme agitation

Later symptoms are more distinctive and may include:

--Periods of normal behavior that alternate with bizarre or unusual behavior, such as: anxiety or feeling agitated.

--Hallucinations.

--Delirium.

--Fear of water (hydrophobia) or fear of air (aerophobia).

--Muscle spasms in the face, neck, and/or seizures

--Paralysis, which is often the only symptom of the less common paralytic form of rabies frequently associated with rabies from vampire bats.

--Wide fluctuations in temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.

--Coma; heart and respiratory failure.

Safety tips

To avoid rabies, you are strongly encouraged to:

--Avoid direct contact with wild animals.

--Teach children that they should never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic.

--Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

--Be a responsible pet owner by vaccinating your pets routinely.

May 9, 2006

Iowa City Fines People Who Feed Stray Cats

CLERMONT, Iowa (AP) -- The city isn't going to pussyfoot around when it comes to stray cats. The City Council has decided that anyone who feeds the cuddly creatures are aiding a nuisance.

Mayor Rodney Wagner says police could photograph people who feed stray cats and violators could be sent letters warning them of the consequences and be fined.

Police Chief Arthur Sullivan said people don't understand the problem.

"People find those cats sweet, cuddly and lovable," he said. "It's one of those situations that you're not going to win no matter what you do."

Nonetheless, Sullivan said something needs to be done. The trick will be finding a solution.

"We have people who feed the wild cats and the cats leave something behind," he said. "One guy won't be able to use his hot tub."

Information from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

May 9, 2006

Florida kitten found in car engine

Watch the video here

They say the engine of their car was really purring Monday but not the way you normally would think.

A little kitten had a hair-raising experience as it went for a ride under a car traveling more than sixty miles-per-hour in rush hour traffic.

The stunned family says that they only found out that the kitten was under their car, when a passing motorist started honking at them.

The hidden horsepower was lodged so well it to rescuers several minutes to rescue the kitten that is reportedly doing just fine-or rather PURR-fectly.

May 8, 2006

One on One with BARC's incoming director

I was at BARC this morning to judge some posters submitted by K-5 students from Ed White Elementary School. The theme was "Be Kind to Animals Week." The kids had read articles from Kind News, an educational newspaper that teaches them about humane animal treatment.

Mayor Bill White was also there to accept a $20,000 check from Friends of BARC for the city pound - which surely needs it.

Kent Robertson
courtesy City of Dallas

This was also the first time the incoming director of BARC, Kent Robertson from Dallas, was introduced to the staff and public. He has had rave reviews about his work in Dallas and I found him to be very charismatic and very passionate about turning things around in this city. I had a quickie interview with him this morning, and you can watch it here. Now, I want all of you to know I had NOTHING to do with the ad that will pop up before the actual interview. Watch it and you'll see what I mean. I told him in the past, the media had a contentious relationship wtih BARC at times. He assured me working with the media was part of his team building plan (which includes staff, the community, and the city) and looked forward to working with us in the future.

I gave him my card and asked him to drop me an email. I told him I wanted a more intense Q & A via email which I plan to post here later. His starting date is June 19th. I have high hopes this is a great turning point for the city's shelter..

May 5, 2006

Update on Mercy the pit bull killed in Dallas

You all know the story of the dog stabbed, burned, and left to die in Dallas. Her rescuers named her Mercy, and her accused killer is already out on bond. Previous stories are here, here, and here.

You can see pictures and video from the memorial service here.

May 5, 2006

Duck Makes Nest at Pa. Construction Site

EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- A mallard picked just about the worst possible place to lay her eggs: a construction site. The duck made a nest of leaves and debris alongside a former department store near Wilkes-Barre that crews are tearing down to make room for a new Lowe's home improvement center.

Christine Ellis, a hair stylist who works next door, called the state Game Commission after her daughter noticed the eggs two weeks ago. Then she told the demolition crew to leave the duck and her eggs alone.

"They're like, 'Whaddaya mean?'" Ellis said. "They weren't happy with me. I don't care. I'm an animal lover."

The nest is protected under federal and state law and cannot be moved until the eggs hatch. Since the incubation period is about 28 days, the ducklings should arrive sometime within the next two weeks.

No one knows why the duck chose that particular spot for her nest, although there is a creek running behind the property.

"It is a little strange," said Tim Conway, a Game Commission spokesman. "I don't know what goes through their minds."

Construction crews were not yet ready to tear down that section of the building, so the odd duck has not posed much of a problem. Once the eggs hatch, the hen will abandon the nest and lead her offspring to water. Until then, Conway said, gawkers should refrain from approaching the duck.

"All that activity may disrupt and disturb her to the point where she'll abandoned the nest," he said. "If people mind their own business, she'll be fine."

May 5, 2006

Norwegian Town Plans Curfew for Dogs

OSLO, Norway (AP) -- A small Norwegian town has grown so tired of its barking dogs that it plans to pass a curfew forbidding noisy animals from leaving their homes late at night, an official said Friday.

Erik Schult, the head of forestry for the municipality of Fjell in western Norway, has proposed a new regulation stating that "barking dogs have to be indoors 10 p.m. at the latest every weekday."

Schult said the curfew is aimed to prevent noisy dogs from keeping neighbors awake by barking all night, although it will not make it illegal to take quiet dogs on a late-night walk.

"It is the notorious yelping dogs that we are aiming at," Schult said. "Those that stay out and bark through the night."

Dog owners who violate the curfew will face a fine, he said.

Schult said the city council will vote on the curfew next week and "surely approve it, even if at first they thought it was an April Fools' joke."

An informal opinion poll undertaken by a local newspaper showed that 55 percent of the locals supported the initiative.

May 5, 2006

New 'safe' gorilla exhibit opens at Dallas Zoo

DALLAS -- Two years after a 340-pound gorilla leaped out of his enclosure and attacked three people before being shot dead, the Dallas Zoo is reopening part of the exhibit with new safeguards, including higher walls topped with electrified wire.

A western lowland gorilla named Jabari jumped over 12-foot walls in a 2004 escape that resulted in a nationwide rethinking of gorilla exhibits. During about 40 minutes on the loose, the 13-year-old animal bit a toddler and two others before police killed the animal.

"The whole industry was taken aback, and everyone re-evaluated what they had," said zoo director Rick Buickerood. "You don't ever get past anything like that -- it's such a vivid memory -- but we have certainly used it as a springboard to make a lot of changes."

A cooperative that manages gorilla populations at more than 200 U.S. zoos rewrote gorilla care and housing guidelines. They are still under discussion and due out later this year, said the plan's secretary and treasurer Kimberly Davidson.

The Dallas exhibit closed briefly and the zoo spent $2.2 million to renovate its exhibit, half of which opens Saturday. The full exhibit opens in June.

Workers have raised the enclosure's walls to 15 feet, Buickerood said. Boulders and shrubs serve as speed bumps to prevent gorillas from executing a running jump. Electrified wire, disguised as foliage, lines the tops of the walls as an added deterrent.

After Jabari's escape, zoo officials conducted a three-month investigation and found that Jabari got a running start and sailed over a 12-foot-wide trench, clearing the wall and an electrical wire atop it that is supposed to give a mild shock.

Some experts speculate Jabari may have been doing a display run, a showy charge that younger males perform for females or other audiences. Others say he could have been motivated by fear, anger or desire to breed.

Dallas Zoo officials could not find evidence of human error, such as open doors, or any objects that could have aided his escape.

Davidson, also assistant director of the Utah Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, said the Dallas Zoo's walls are now taller than any other open-air gorilla exhibit in the country.

The renovation also added higher vantage points and glassed-in viewing areas where visitors can interact with the zoo's four remaining gorillas. Zoo workers believe more contact between humans and gorillas will help people to understand that they are actually gentle creatures.

During the renovation, the other gorillas have lived indoors for nearly a year.

Jenny, Hercules, Timbo and Patrick spent Thursday meandering around their quarters.

Jenny, the oldest at age 52, rolled on her back and picked her nose. Gorillas do that when they are relaxed, said senior keeper Keith Zdrojewski. Timbo threw hay through the fence, Patrick puffed up and slammed the bars, and Hercules just stared.

The gorillas should enjoy the new viewing areas because they entertain themselves by people-watching, caretakers said.

Zdrojewski, who trained Jabari for four years, said the fallen gorilla's legacy is the new facility, which he hopes fosters a better understanding of the animals' behavior. Zoo officials will plant a tree in the exhibit this weekend to commemorate Jabari.

Jabari probably wanted to see the outside world but panicked after his escape, Zdrojewski said. Jabari could have easily killed onlookers, but instead bit and snatched at them to assert his dominance, typical behavior for a gorilla.

Even with all the improvements, Davidson and Buickerood say they cannot promise a gorilla will not escape again.

"We all think it was a fluke thing, but in this business, you expect the unexpected," Buickerood said. " You never get complacent."

Last year three families sued the city of Dallas, saying Jabari's escape has cost them tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills and caused long-lasting emotional trauma.

The lawsuits say the city was negligent because it did not have a tranquilizer gun ready and did not try to recapture or sedate the gorilla quickly. The lawsuits also claim the city created an unreasonable risk of escape by providing an inadequate enclosure.

In addition, 18 people have filed liability claims against the city.

The city, which has denied the suits' allegations, paid a $10,000 fine to the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a penalty for the escape.

May 5, 2006

Background on Louisiana's animal evacuation plans..

They've ticked off a LOT of people. I've been forwarded an article off the Best Friends website. According to the Louisiana
Veterinary Medical Association's State Animal Response Team, no out of state veterinarians will be allowed in to help injured animals. Neither will animal rescuers who have not been certified (taken ICS 100 and 200 courses, as well as NIMS 700 and 800 courses ). Read the rest of the article here.

May 5, 2006

Would you PLEASE scoop your poop?

when it comes to cleaning up after dogs, a new survery shows pet owners in houston are the worst. Our Jeremy Desel has the story about it:

Everybody's got to go sometime-
Right?

For these anybodys the place can be anywhere-
That's why Ellie is prepared-

When I'm walking in this neighborhood especially I am considerate of the people that live here. Who have nice lawns."

The problem is not everyone here it appears is so psyched to clean up-

Here is the scoop-
When it comes to courtsey a new national survey ranks Houston WORST in the nation-

The best cites when it comes to pet potty precautions are San Fransisco and Los Angeles-
The bottom three are Dallas, Atlanta and Houston in the dog house.

A surprise to Ellie-
Elllie, a dog walker says, "I'm astounded."

You'd think it's just a simple matter of courtesy-
Not to David Adams-

David Adams says: "It is so easy in our mind to think...it is harmless. but it is not harmless."

The makers of Heartguard commissioned the survey-
In addition to the rankings it found.....
80 percent of Dog Owners don't know that dog waste poses a potential health threat to people-
83 percent are unaware that parasites in the waste can make people sick-

David Adams knows all too well-
He wife had a parasite-

David Adams says: "It is very hard to diagnose. You end up with these strange symptoms. Ah there are so many parasites."

But that's not the only reason to scoop-
"Because it is a city ordinance for one.

It's also just plain polite-
Ervin Erdelt says:"It's just common courtesy to the people around me. That I'm associated with and where I'm going I want people to treat me the same way."

No one wants a poop problem-
to turn in to a people problem-
Near Memorial Park, Jeremy Desel 11 News.

May 5, 2006

Lost pets/found pets page in progress

Hey all - I'll be working on this over the weekend: special pages with Lost Pets and Found Pets/Pets needing homes. That way we'll have special sections for you to page through and see what's out there. I'll have instructions on how to get the information to me and I'll let you know when the pages are "live." In the meantime, I'll try to get the rest of the day's animal news posted later tonight. It's busy at work today!

May 4, 2006

Know any good dog groomers in Houston's Museum District?

One of employees has a Border Collie/Cocker Spaniel mix. She's a great little girl but she really could use a summer shave. Daddy Jim lives in the Museum District of Houston. Can anyone suggest a qualified groomer who won't take Jim to the cleaners? Thanks!

May 4, 2006

Golf, anyone?

I know there are zillions of golf tournaments to raise money for animal welfare groups, but I figured I needed to post this one for Saving Animals Across Borders. Right now the group is very involved with getting spaying/neutering moving at BARC - which is quite timely since I may get to meet the incoming BARC director, Kent Robertson, this coming Monday. You can read more about him here. Besides, the golf tournament is put on by KHOU's own Matt Musil, one of my favorite all-around good guys on this planet.

Anyway, Saving Animals' golf tourmanent is coming up on May 22nd up at Raveneaux. They're looking for teams of five who'll be paired up wtih a sports celebrity - usually a Texan, Rocket, or Astros player. You can download the registration form here.

May 4, 2006

Mr. K's moving NOW and needs help PRONTO

From Laura Carlock and Yvonne Stickler:

Mr. K's Pet Shelter has to get off their property THIS WEEKEND. Please
see Yvonne's email below. If you can help or donate money or food, please do so. Please email Yvonne at ystickler@deltacard.com if you can help or if you have any questions...... Many of you will remember that Mr. K's has taken in dogs that no one else would take. Those dogs need you now. Also, Mr. K's has never hesitated to use its name to help those in need receive discounted vet services. Please think of that as you are deciding whether you can help these babies.

We started to move to the new property on Sunday. We made a small dent, but there is so much more to do. BUT WE STILL NEED MORE HELP. We need people to help load the stuff and people to help transport dogs. If any of you can bring kennels to put the dogs in that will help so much! We have some how ended up with a lot of kennels with no doors. We probably used them to fix other kennels. If you cannot come out to help will you please consider giving a donation to help with the moving costs (GAS IS EXPENSIVE) or bring by some food? If you never help Mr. K's again please help now. I hear that rain is predicted for this weekend. WE MUST MOVE RAIN OR SHINE! The dog's lives are depending on you!

Yvonne Stickler
281-583-4463
ystickler@deltacard.com

May 4, 2006

He ain't nothin' but a hound dog.. lookin' for a home!

This is Junior. He's currently making his home at the Greenway Animal Clinic. Junior survived Hurricane Katrina, and the clinic took him from the SPCA when they needed somewhere to house him, and the clinic couldn't bear to send him back. He is about 3 years old, and has been neutered and treated for heartworms. He is very kind and loving, and is a big goofball. The vet technician has taught him how to walk nicely on a leash, as well as how to sit, shake hands, lie down, etc. He is very sweet with people and seems to ignore the clinic cats. However, he has shown some signs of aggression with other male dogs. He was only neutered last fall, so that interdog aggression may abate with time, but the clinic recommends being cautious about placing him in a home with large male dogs. Thanks in advance for your help!

This came from Joanne. You can contact her at JoanneS@fisherboyd.com or the clinic at (713) 807-1234

May 4, 2006

Galveston County low-cost spay and neuter clinic update

After a two month delay, the La Marque spay/neuter clinic will finally open to the public next Wednesday. Construction contract disputes held it up. The Galveston Daily News has the full story here.

May 3, 2006

An update on the Louisiana Pet Evacuation Bill

The Pet Evacuation Bill (SB 607) put forth by Louisiana Senator Clo Fontenot made it out of a House Committee and has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee. For updates on the status and requests for help lobbying the Senate, head to the Louisiana SPCA's site here and Best Friend's Animal Coalition website here.

May 3, 2006

The story of a four-legged hitchhiker

UPDATE - MAY 4: Amanda emailed me to let me know she has found Hitch a wonderful home with a great family. Thank you for all of your concern!

-----------------------------------------------------

On the morning of Thursday 4/27/06, while commuting to work on the Gulf Freeway HOV lane, I noticed a black object pressed closely against the guard rail. As my vehicle approached the object I noticed movement; to my surprise it was a dog. I was dismayed and though I did not want to I continued driving; my thought was that the dog was seriously injured and unable to move. Being uncertain if notifying authorities of his presence would be enough, my mother and I decided to exit the HOV and then preceded south bound on 45 in order to get back on the HOV and rescue the dog. I was not surprised to find him in the same spot; however when I pulled my vehicle off to the side of the HOV and carefully opened my door the dog jumped up and ran to my car! He had been completely paralyzed by fear and seemed to be in perfect condition. I was so overwhelmed with emotion I could not help but tear up. The dog seemed slightly uncertain whether he wanted to accept a ride with me, so I picked him up and put him in the back of my SUV and after giving him my lunch he began settling in. From here forward the dog will be referred to as Hitch, short for hitch-hiker :-)

Given the fact that Hitch survived morning traffic it did not make sense to me to take him to a shelter where in time if not adopted he would be put to sleep. He was understandably shaken so I opted to take him to my pets' vet; a wonderful clinic on the Southeast side by the name of Brookdale Animal Hospital. They agreed to check him over for injuries and parasites while I was at work since I planned to take him home until I could find his owner or a new home. According to the clinic, Hitch appears to be 2-3 years of age, weighs 52lbs, has clean teeth, more than likely has been neutered and does not have any parasites.

Hitch is very gentle and obedient, statements that can be confirmed by the clinic, which leads me to believe he ended up on the HOV by jumping out of his owner's vehicle. With your assistance, though chances are slim, my goal is to assist Hitch find his owner/s and if not help find him a loving home.

In the midst of all the reports on our cities crime and violence, perhaps a story like this one would remind residents that there are good people in this city that will go out of their way to assist another living being and maybe it would even help re-unite that being with his family.

You can contact Amanda at her email at amfoiles@hotmail.com

May 3, 2006

New Houston-area lost dog website

I still need to add this to the links page of animal rescue contacts, but my assignments desk just told me about this site: Lostadog.com for Houston. Check it out.

May 3, 2006

Genesis Animal Awards airing May 6th

If you've never heard fo the "Genesis Awards," you'll have the chance to watch them May 6th, Saturday, on Animal Planet. The awards honor media and the entertainment industry for their coverage of animal welfare issues. You can see some of the behind the scenes scoop on the Humane Society website here. The two hour special airs at 4PM Houston time. Among the presenters is Jorja Fox from my favorite show, CSI:Crime Scene Investigation...
What's even cooler is that one of our newest KHOU reporters, Brad Woodard, is a three time Genesis winner and was recognized again this year...as a "Hero of Katrina"!

May 3, 2006

Golden Beginnings gets national rescue award

I can't repeat it enough - if you're considering a purebred dog, check with your local rescue group first! You all know I got my big boy Finlay (Finn) from Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue (don't forget, Houston also has Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston), so GBGRR has a special place in my heart. It's also been recognized on a national level with a Starfish Award from National Rescue Committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America... I got this from a board member with GBGRR:

This year, the National Rescue Committee has established a new award recognizing the collaborative efforts of several Rescue groups in the face of a national disaster. The new Starfish Team award goes to the dedicated volunteers of those Rescue organizations who were primarily responsible for saving Golden victims of the 2005 hurricane season. Those "first responders" were:

J & L Golden Retriever Rescue, Point Clear, AL
Gulf South Golden Retriever Rescue, Bourg, LA
Golden Beginnings of Texas, Houston, TX
Dallas/Ft. Worth Metro Golden Retriever Rescue Dallas, TX

May 2, 2006

A little bit about BARC's new director..

Just got this confirmed by the Houston Mayor's Office...Kent Robertson, the manager of Dallas Animal Services, is coming to head BARC, the city's pound. The following is an excerpt from an email that has been sent from animal supporters who worked with him in Dallas:

Late last week we learned that Kent Robertson, manager of Dallas Animal Services, has accepted a position with Houston Animal Control effective June 1. From all I hear, the situation in Houston is in dire need of serious change, and I am delighted for the animals there, who will have a true advocate in Kent. That is at least some onsolation for us. We need him here still, but many of us knew we might lose him to another city at some point. He is an excellent manager, and it had to happen one day. We just hoped it wouldn't be so soon.

He has made investigating animal cruelty a priority, improved conditions at both shelters dramatically, and put together a staff far superior than the previous administration. He's worked to build a community outreach program and promoted shelter adoption and off-site adoption programs. And made cooperation with other rescue groups and shelters a priority.

I wanted you all to know so you can extend your thanks and congratulations to him. We are losing a true partner in our fight to improve the quality of life for animals in our city, but he has made us all stronger through his service and friendship.We must help the city of Dallas to continue his legacy.

Elaine Munch, President
Metroplex Animal Coalition

May 2, 2006

Elvis, the world's smartest steer

I talk about dogs and cats all the time on this blog.. but you can't forget about the bigger animals. This story about Elvis the Brown Swiss steer on Slate.com put a big smile on my face.

May 2, 2006

Your dog can take part in a study of canine epilepsy

Dr. Yuri F. Melekhovets, Laboratory Director of HealthGene Corp., Toronto, Canada, has announced that his group has located the gene responsible for producing inherited epilepsy in canines. HealthGene Corporation is the largest private veterinary DNA diagnostic and research laboratory in Canada. DNA-based testing for animal
infectious and genetic diseases.

HealthGene now is studying the various mutations that produce different forms of epilepsy in different breeds. Dr. Melekhovets requests that owners of dogs with epilepsy submit blood samples to further that research.

Samples should come from dogs which have been medically diagnosed with epilepsy or have had symptoms of epilepsy for at least two years. Two vials of blood samples per dog should be sent in lavender topped tubes, together with a pedigree and brief health history (whether it has seizures, when they started, whether they are mild or
severe, and what type of diagnostics have been performed).

Send the samples by FedEx, using HealthGene's account number (#238368138), using FedEx's International Air Waybill with the following information for "Shipment Information":
a) Commodity description: "Canine Blood Samples for DNA Testing";
b) Total Declared Value for Customs is $1.00;
c) international first; and
d) 3 copies commercial invoice.

Send the vials to this address:
HealthGene Laboratory
2175 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario M6M 3Z4 Canada
Dr. Melekhovets may be contacted at:
416-658-2040; fax: 416-658-2042.

May 1, 2006

"Casting Call" for Canines!

Jeff Moore, who takes some pretty darn good pictures of dogs (you can check out his dog portfolio on his website) is coming to Houston to "scout" new talent for his upcoming book Excuse Me, May I Shoot Your Dog? He is coming to The Dog Bowl in the Village on June 3rd to take photos of Houston area dogs. The incredibly photogenic ones may have a chance to be in his book! The sitting fee is $75, with $10 of that going to the Houston Humane Society. You need to call the Dog Bowl at 713-529-0334 to set up an appointment time. In the meantime, you can check out more information about Jeff's tour at www.mayIshootyourdog.com

May 1, 2006

**IMPORTANT** Must find dog lost around Chimney Rock/Richmond

This is Isabella, and she looks pretty bad, doesn't she. She as a pretty bad case of Demodex mange - which is not contagious, but the concern is if animal control picks her up, they'll just go ahead and put her down.

Isabella is a Zeke Fund rescue, and was being treated for her skin problems. She escaped her new foster by climbing over an eight foot fence located at Richmond and Chimney Rock. She is a red heeler mix around 45 pounds or so. If you see Isabella, call Stephanie at 832-725-2741. You can also contact Rhonda Blodgett at rblodgett@mcbrideelectric.com.