June 30, 2006

4th of July fireworks and your dogs..

Before the big booms this July 4th, remember to take care of your dog! A reader emailed me to remind me that Fido hates fireworks. The Humane Society of the U-S says shelters across the country often get an influx of "fireworks dogs," and if you're not careful, one of those lost dogs could be YOURS. Make preparations now to prevent heartache later:

--Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.

--Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

--Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

--If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

--Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

--Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Read more here on the HSUS website.

June 30, 2006

Rescued Rottie (cruelty case) needs a foster

Oh, this is such a sad story about this poor dog. She's a rescue from an animal cruelty case: just bones and skin. She was picked up in Wood County - up by Dallas. Here's the background in a forwarded email that originated from Amy Seaborn. She says she works with Wood County authorities and is with a group called "Wood County C.R.A.C. Down "Citizens Reporting Animal Cruelty":

We work with the Wood County Police Department. We had a call today that a Rottweiler was being seized in an animal cruelty case. The owners are being arrested/charged, etc. The county will not help with any medical bills/rehabilitation issues concerning this or any other animal. The county has no facilities for this whatsoever. Since the dog looks to be a specific breed, I decided to look up a rescue group in my area.

I've attached a picture of the female dog. She's about 2 to 3 years old. Liver count is down because she of course was starving. She is under vet supervision now for a few days being fed little bits every 2 hours or so. She has hook worms/heart worms. She needs to be a lot healthier until she is treated for heart worms. She will be released to us to rehabilitate further until heart worm treatment time.

Very friendly/well-mannered. Apparently very well socialized. The owner had her tied up. They did not live at the residence but would supposed come back every several days. Most of the time she was without food or water. Having the medical issues that she does... she had no appetite anyway.

Any help or connections would be appreciated...she is so well mannered/friendly.

Please contact Jeff Shaver (JShaver@whiteshaverlaw.com) or Lew Olson (lewolson@earthlink.net)
with Rottweiler Rescue if you can help!

June 29, 2006

Looking for kennels taking hurricane reservations

Does anyone know of any kennels that are taking "hurricane reservations" for pets? We have a reader who left a comment wondering if any were. She and her husband will most likely have to work through any hurricane, with little notice to get her pets to safety.

Sooooo.. if YOU have a kennel.. or you know of a kennel that will take pets during hurricane evacuations, please leave it in the comments section.

June 29, 2006

Hogs, dogs, and Huffy bikes..

The Animal Alliance of Galveston County needs YOU! And, no, it's not to pick up any animal poop. You'll be picking up bicycles... among other things.. Here's the email from Denise Warren:

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

Animal Alliance of Galveston County, Inc.
Bike Ride - September 10
Motorcycle Rally - October 14

Volunteers are needed to assist at both events. We guarantee three things: you'll work hard, you'll have fun, and you'll help a good cause. All proceeds will benefit Animal Alliance Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic.

What can you do?

At the bike ride on September 10, we need people with trucks or vans to drive the route and pick up cyclists (and their bicycles) with problems like flat tires and take them back to the starting point.

At the motorcycle rally on October 14, we need people to
-serve on the Planning Committee
-to collect entry fees & issue wrist bands at the entry gate
-to man beer, soft drink, food, and raffle booths
-to help with set up and clean up

Help Animal Alliance of Galveston County, Inc., help animals get spayed or neutered and have fun while you're doing it. You don't have to live in Galveston County to use the clinic, and you don't have to live in Galveston County to volunteer.

CONTACT DENISE WARREN, 409-370-0455 OR DENISE.B.WARREN.H4NE@STATEFARM.COM

June 29, 2006

Grapes are NOT good for your dog!

Maybe you've received an email warning about the dangers of raisins and grapes for your dog. Normally, when I get a "warning" email like that, I'll Google it to see if it's some sort of hoax or chain letter (see the Urban Legends Reference, one of my favorites). But reader Sheila in Galveston already did her homework, and wanted to warn me this grape warning is true! For more information on the dangers of grapes and raisins for your dog head here... and here.

June 29, 2006

Drive for BARC supplies

Are big changes ahead for Houston's city pound? A lot of local animal welfare workers sure hope so. They're banking on incoming director Kent Robertson to make a positive impact to improve conditions for both animals and employees at the shelter.

In the meantime, former BARC employee Michelle Haberland is starting a supply drive for BARC. Here's what she writes:

I am heading up a big drive for the Shelter, we need to collect sheets, towels, blankets, dog/cat food and treat, dog/cat toys, grooming products, cash, etc. I will be happy to go to homes or offices to pick stuff up...let me know if there is anyway you guys can help.

I'm not sure if you are aware of the conditions at the City Shelter but they suck, I worked there a year before I couldn't take it anymore. I have been fighting with the City ever since...the City just hired a new Director and I am hoping and praying he will be able to turn that mess around. My drive for supplies runs until the end of July....let me know what I can do, if anything....thanks for any help you may be able to give me...

Contact Michelle A. Haberland at michelle.haberland@wilsonelser.com or 713-353-2035.

Donations are also being accepted at the Cooper Animal Clinic at 1136 Heights Blvd.
For anyone who wants to donate money, checks can be made out to Friends of BARC who also purchase badly needed medicines and medical supplies. If enough is donated it might be possible to even get a desperately needed  x-ray machine for animals who are brought in badly injured. 

June 29, 2006

Looking for a missing Boxer near Memorial Park

Here's a picture of Hound Root. He's a Boxer puppy, probably about 6 months old. He weighs a little over 30 pounds. His owner, Todd, found him 2 1/2 months ago and tried to find his parents without success.

Hound apparently got out through a back gate from his home near Memorial Drive and Asbury. If anyone finds Hound, they can contact Don at Happy Tails Dog Spa at 713-522-8144 or they can call Todd at 713-598-5324.

June 28, 2006

World's Ugliest Dog 2006 - another Chinese Crested!

Archie and his owner
Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma

The trend continues for the "World's Ugliest Dog." For the second year in a row, the title goes to a Chinese Crested purebred named Archie. He looks remarkably similar (hairless, a few moles, lolling tongue) to last year's late winner, Sam - who was, in my humble opinion, pretty ugly.

Archie was "crowned" at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California last Friday. 18 dogs vied for the title, coming from all parts of the country, including Washington, DC, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. But it was Archie - from Arizona - who took home two trophies and $1,000 in prize money. Owner Heather Peoples helped Archie put his best face forward by carrying him on his back where everyone could view his hideous underbelly.

You can check out the video here from our CBS affiliate in San Francisco. It was among more than 30 different media outlets at the fair, with reporters coming from as far away as Germany and Japan. Animal Planet shot the entire contest for a show to be released next fall.

The official Ugly Dog website is here, and you can check out the rest of the contestants here.

In the meantime, I have to wonder if these scary boys are giving Chinese Crested dogs a bad name! CCs actually come in two varieties, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. Hairless CCs are quite funny looking, and the floppy hair on their heads falling over their eyes often gives their faces a "come hither vixen" look.. well, at least I think so!

Here's Crest-Care, a CC rescue site. In the meantime, if you have pictures of your Chinese Crested that you'd like to share (and show off!), send them my way to lforonda@khou.com

June 28, 2006

Waugh Bridge Bats viewing platform

Courtesy TX Master Naturalists

If you've not yet seen the phenomenon that is the Waugh Street bats flying out at dusk near downtown Houston to go on their nightly hunt, now's a great time to do it. Houston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Lyondell Chemical Company have erected a "bat observation deck" at the corner of Waugh Drive and Allen Parkway.

There's more information on the Mexican Freetail bats and the deck on the City of Houston's "Bat Page". I also found this page from the Texas Master Naturalists/Waugh Bat Monitor.

June 27, 2006

Kicking a canine heart back into shape

Pacemakers for people have been around for years. The devices send electric zaps to the heart to keep it beating regularly. The first human pacemaker was implanted back in 1960. I had no idea, however, that pacemakers are available for dogs.

Here's a great story about an Arizona Yorkie who has a new lease on life after having a silver dollar size pacemaker put into his body: watch the video here.

Dik with his handler
Courtesy SCO Eugene Moriarty

While I was surfing for more information about canine pacemakers, I found another story about a drug enforcement dog on the US Customs webpage.

Dik, a Belgian Malinois, had a pacemaker implanted in spring 2002 at the Texas A & M Veterinary School. Here's some information from that Customs website:

"Between 10 and 20 dogs are diagnosed with heart conditions every day in the United States and Canada. "Between 100 and 200 pacemakers are implanted into animals-mostly dogs but some cats and horses-in the United States each year," notes Dr. David Sisson, a veterinary cardiologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana.

Although Dik's pacemaker was a new one, an increasing number of people are donating their pacemakers along with their organs after death. Federal regulations prevent pacemakers from being passed from person to person for use, but the implantation of these "second-hand pacemakers" in animals whose cardiovascular arrangement is similar to the human system can keep the animals alive for years.

People who choose to be cremated must (by law) have their pacemakers removed first. Anyone in need of a pacemaker for a dog can contact the local funeral home, their veterinarian, or the American College of Veterinary Medicine in Lakewood, Colorado. at 1-800-245-9081."

June 27, 2006

AGH! I deleted some comments!

Drat! I was deleting a bunch of spam comments (I can't get away from that stuff, whether it's email or the blog) and I unintentionally tossed out some of your comments. I am very sorry; I enjoy the feedback. If you posted something and you notice it's gone to internet limbo, please feel free to repost.

June 26, 2006

Looking for a good mobile groomer

Anyone know of a GOOD mobile groomer who will go outside the Beltway?

June 26, 2006

AMERICAN HORSE SLAUGHER PREVENTION ACT (H.R. 503)

This was forwarded to me by Kappy Muenzer from Citizens for Animal Protection...It's an Action Alert from the Texas Humane Legislation Network:

We have just learned the House of Representatives Leadership has assured the sponsors of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503) that a vote on the measure will take place on the House floor before June 30.

Sponsored in the House by Congressional Horse Caucus Co-chair John Sweeney (R-NY), Representative John Spratt, Jr. (D-SC) and Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY), the Act will end the slaughter of horses for human consumption and the domestic and international transport of live horses or horseflesh for the same purpose. Just last year, over 90,000 horses were slaughtered in the three foreign-owned horse slaughter facilities located in Texas and Illinois.

We have always believed that, if given a fair chance and an open vote, Congress would support this complete ban. Four separate times, it has demonstrated interest in stopping horse slaughter for wild and domestic horses by voting in favor of amendments. The upcoming vote is crucial, and it represents a culmination of five years of hard work by supporters from across the United States. It is vital for everyone you know to call their Representative immediately and urge a "YES" vote for the Act.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please call or fax your FEDERAL Representatives TODAY, asking him or her to vote in favor of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Keep checking your email every day for the latest news, and continue to contact your Representative until the vote has transpired. To locate your Representative's contact information and to learn more about horse slaughter and the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act please visit www.saplonline.org/horses.htm.

FACTS AND FAQ's ABOUT HORSE SLAUGHTER

a.. Last year three foreign-owned slaughter plants cruelly slaughtered more than 90,000 horses for human consumption in Europe and Asia. Tens of thousands more of America's horses were exported from the U.S. and slaughtered in other countries.

b.. Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia. Horses suffer horribly on the way to and during slaughter.

c.. Passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA) will reduce animal suffering * hence its wide support throughout the equestrian and veterinary world, as well as the humane community.

d.. Americans overwhelmingly support an end to horse slaughter for human consumption (polls from Kentucky, Virginia, Texas and Utah respectively show that 82, 74, 72 and 69 percent of those questioned oppose the practice). In California, a 1998 ballot initiative (Prop. 6) banning horse slaughter for human consumption passed with 60 percent of the vote.

Question: Is it true that slaughter is only a last resort for infirm, dangerous or no longer serviceable horses?

Answer: 92.3 percent of horses arriving at slaughter plants in this country are in "good" condition, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Guidelines for Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter.

Question: Will horse abuse and neglect cases rise significantly following a ban on slaughter?

Answer: There has been no documented rise in abuse and neglect cases in California since the state banned horse slaughter for human consumption in 1998. There was no documented rise in Illinois following closure of the state's only horse slaughter plant in 2002 and its reopening in 2004.

Question: If there is a ban on horse slaughter, will horse rescue and retirement groups have the resources to take care of unwanted horses? Should the government have to pay for the care of horses voluntarily given up by their owners?

Answer: Not every horse currently going to slaughter will need to be absorbed into the rescue community - many will be sold to a new owner, others will be kept longer and a licensed veterinarian will humanely euthanize some. Opponents of this legislation admit passage of the bill will not necessarily lead to an increase in the number of horses sent to rescue facilities, precisely because humane euthanasia is so widely used. It is not the government's responsibility to provide for the care of horses voluntarily given up by their owners, as these animals are private property. Hundreds of horse rescue organizations operate around the country, and additional facilities are being established (a list is available).

Question: If slaughter is not an option, what will we do with sick, old and unwanted horses?

Answer: Approximately 900,000 horses die annually in this country (10 percent of an estimated population of 9 million) and the vast majority are not slaughtered, but euthanized and rendered or buried without any negative environmental impact instead. Humane euthanasia and carcass disposal is highly affordable and widely available. The average cost of having a horse humanely euthanized and safely disposing of the animal's carcass is approximately $225, while the average monthly cost of keeping a horse is approximately $200.

Question: If there is a ban on horse slaughter in the United States, will there be an increase in the export of horses for foreign slaughter? Will horses suffer from longer transport for slaughter in countries where there may be weaker welfare laws?

Answer: Horse slaughter has declined dramatically in the United States over the past decade, but there has been no correlating increase in the number of American horses exported for slaughter abroad. Further, the AHSPA prohibits the export of horses for slaughter abroad, and contains clear enforcement and penalty provisions to prevent this from happening. Risk of federal prosecution and the high costs associated with illegally transporting horses long distances for slaughter abroad are strong deterrents.

Question: Is it true no standards exist for horse rescue facilities that take unwanted horses?

Answer: The Doris Day Animal League and the Animal Welfare Institute published "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility" in 2004. Additionally, the Association of Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuaries Association provide accreditation programs, a code of ethics and guidelines for the operation of sanctuaries and rescue organizations. Horse rescue groups must also provide for the welfare of horses in their custody in compliance with state and local animal welfare laws.

Question: If there is a ban on horse slaughter, will horsemeat no longer be available for pet food?

Answer: There is no horsemeat in pet food. This practice stopped decades ago and has some connection to the enactment of protections for America's wild horses in 1971. The US public and Congress were outraged to learn federal agencies were rounding up and allowing the exploitation and slaughter of these national treasures for items such as pet food. Some by-products of the horse slaughter industry are used in various consumer items, but they are derived from the rendering (a different process than slaughter and not affected by the AHSPA) of dead horses and other animals.

June 23, 2006

Cocoa Mulch **IS** dangerous to dogs!

Have you seen the email warning that the cocoa mulch you might be using to landscape your yard is toxic to dogs? I've received so many I'm surprised I never posted this. And, as much as I hate spam, chain mail, and internet urban legends, this cocoa mulch thing is the real deal. The mulch contains caffeine and theobromine - two substances that are both toxic to dogs. Read more at Consumer Reports' website here.

June 22, 2006

Please, please don't run with your dogs in this heat!

I thought I was just about going to DIE after this morning's run. I got out the door by 7:15 to run, but after only 15 minutes I knew this was going to be a tough one. By the time I got home after another hour, I was soaking wet, tired, and dehydrated.

I'm used to running in heat, and I'm not furry like my dogs, so I can only imagine how they would feel if I dragged them out the door to run with me: MISERABLE. In fact, I'd wager my older girl, Bailey, would probably get heat stroke (you can see a list of the symptoms of doggie heat stroke http://www.cap4pets.org/HeatStroke.html">here).

Your dog does need exercise, but in my humble opinion, running is not the thing for Fido right now. Take him for a walk! You can get a personal "petcast" from The Weather Channel at this website - which, by the way, said the best time to take my Golden out today would have been between 6 and 10 this morning.

In the meantime, read over the following checklist of hot weather tips for your pets from Dr. John August, a professor in Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences:

June 21, 2006

Houston Active Dogs Group

Someone was nice enough to email and tell me about The Houston Active Dogs Group. It's an internet-based group of dog owners who live in the Houston area and get together at city dog parks to socialize and let their dogs play. This nice email-er didn't leave her name, but she has a black lab named Charlie, and she's thinking of joining.....

In any case, the group's next "meetup" is this Sunday .. Head to the website for information and to sign up.

June 20, 2006

Props for Houston's volunteer wildlife rescuers

Here's a great story out of today's Houston Chronicle, highlighting one of the lesser know animal rescue groups in town: Wildlife Rehab and Education in Houston. While rescue crews were busy with humans who were trying to escape this week's flooding, Rehab volunteers took in animals that were displaced by the water. You can read the full Chronicle story here.

June 19, 2006

High water animal rescues

Did you get soaked today? Some of our readers and channel 11 viewers had flooded homes... stranded, along with their pets. But a little rain won't spoil the good hearts of animal friends. We have two bits of video of animal rescues: this one from 11 news reporter Janice Williamson, who helped one woman with her dog and cats, and this one of rescue crews picking up this black and tan dog.

Click here for more water rescues..

June 19, 2006

Whole Foods dog wash for SNAP

Is it time to do something about that dirty, dirty dog? The SNAP Doggy Spa Day, sponsored by Whole Foods Market, is just the event for you! For just $10 large dogs $5 small dogs $5 get your doggies nails painted, all natural shampoo products graciously provided by Whole Foods Market, and volunteers from SNAP and Whole Foods will do the washing for you. While your dog is getting clean, you can pick up some free samples of pet food provided by Pet Promise, tour the SNAP Mobile Clinic, and pick up additional information on SNAP Home Again Microchip Program. The event will take place at Whole Foods Market at 4004 Bellaire Blvd in West University Place (map here) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2006. All proceeds will benefit SNAP. For more information, email Windy Schulze at wschulze@snapus.org.

June 19, 2006

Reception to welcome new BARC director

I've blogged (here and here) about BARC's incoming director, Kent Robertson, who's been roundly welcomed by many of Houston ardent animal welfare activists who hope he'll bring about some positive change at Houston's city pound. You'll have the opportunity to meet him in person at a reception this coming Sunday in the Heights. The Cooper Animal Clinic at 1136 Heights Boulevard (here's a map) is inviting people to come by June 25th between noon and 3 PM to meet Robertson. You can reach the clinic at 713-861-1155.

June 19, 2006

Pygmy Loris born at Moody Gardens

Watch the video here
With huge round eyes, tiny hands and feet, and a body covered with matted fur, a pygmy loris came in to the world on March 24th at Moody Gardens. Weighing less than an ounce at birth, this pygmy loris is one of only 186 such mammals in captivity worldwide.

Thanks to a breeding loan agreement between the San Diego Zoo and Utah's Hogle Zoo, a male and a female pygmy loris have been under the care of Moody Gardens staff since October 2004. They are on display adjacent to the Backyard Habitat outside of the Visitors’ Center.

June 16, 2006

Breed-specific rescues need YOU!

Mayyybeeee I'm beating this into the ground, but what with the comments on the Chihuahua backyard breeder dog, let me please remind all of you about BREED RESCUES! Local area breed rescues are always looking for qualified foster homes. Here's a note I just received from the Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue group:

Well, the summer is upon us here in Texas and along with that is the large influx of Great Pyrenees needing rescue. As summer starts, we historically have more dogs needing rescue, but this summer seems especially busy for us. Hopefully, since it has started with such a "bang", things will settle down a little for the rest of the summer.

"Waco" is up for adoption!

Every possible foster spot is filled at the moment, we have 5 dogs in boarding kennels and there are more dogs needing to be pulled from shelters. The hardest thing for any of us in rescue to do is to say no to a dog in a kill shelter, but unfortunately, we are in that point right now. Most of our foster homes have more foster Pyrs than they had planned on and are feeling the pressure of fostering multiple dogs. We have a critical need for foster homes right now. We need to find 10 families that will foster one Pyr each. We don't need a life time commitment or a promise to be a permanent foster home (though we won't turn it down,either!) - just families willing to help save 1 Great Pyrenees this summer.

Fostering isn't hard, just open your home and heart to one of our gentle giants. We will reimburse for all medical expenses and Heartworm preventative, all you need to provide is love, food and water. In return for that small investment, you will be able to see a dog without a home, in jeopardy of being "put to sleep" turn into someone's beloved companion. Those of us that foster know that we will probably shed a
tear or two when our foster dog gets adopted, but those tears are offset 10 fold by the tears of joy we shed when that e-mail comes in thanking us for helping the adopter find "the best dog in the world" for them.

The feeling you get when you receive a picture of your former foster living the good life with his new family is indescribable.

If it sounds like I am begging, it is because I am. Please consider fostering a Pyr for the summer, ask your friends and family, help save a Pyr's life this summer."

This is from Peter Pronk the president of (and a foster parent for) TGPR. You can get all the information you need at their website here.

If not TGPR, then perhaps another breed (or non-specific breed) would love to be a temporary part of your home. Do you have expertise with particular breeds? Perhaps you're a "one-dog" (or cat!) home and you'd love a little company for your pup or cat. Here's a list of local breed and non-specific breed rescue groups. Folks, I'm telling you, my rescue Finlay's foster mama Midge is an angel and she gets a kick out of watching her "babies" go into the world with their new families!

June 16, 2006

Do you have a building to lend to some bunnies?

This is from Kathy at Bunny Buddies: the fluffy ones need to "borrow" a business for their 10th anniversary party. Can you help?

I'm President of Bunny Buddies, a rabbit rescue and foster network. Twice a year we host Bunny's Day Out- an adoption/social event and fundraiser. Our April event was held at the SPCA and we succesfully adopted out 9 of their bunnies. They were very impressed. We held it in the Education Rm but we really need a larger space and the SPCA doesn't allow fundraising for other groups on it's premises. I'm hoping that you or someone else who see this will contact us if they have a business that's closed on the weekends (preferably w/o carpet) where we can hold our event. We're celebrating BB's 10th anniversary.

Contact Kathy at http://www.bunnybuddies.org or events@bunnybuddies.org

June 16, 2006

Back in the saddle, again...

My two dogs stayed at home while I was gone. I have a wonderful petsitter who looks in on them.

However, I noticed my Golden rescue Finlay had been losing a bit of his hair, as well as some of its luster. I thought it may be stress - related because I'd been gone a while and he's still relatively new to the house. My suspicions were confirmed when he started diddling on the floor... again! Bless his heart! I think might have been a hurricane dog. He was picked up from a shelter in Sulphur, Lousiana; I wonder if he was abandoned and that's why he's a bit stressed. In any case, he and Bailey are getting lots of love, daily brushing, and treats!

June 16, 2006

UPDATE on Georgia the missing dog

In case you haven't seen this, Georgia, a white German Shepherd who'd been missing three weeks has been found.

GREAT NEWS!!! GEORGIA is HOME!!! 22 1/2 days later!!! On June 9, my daughter, Kristyn, received a phone call from a maintenance worker near Louisana St., only a couple of blocks away from Midtown, where Georgia broke free from her collar, was hit by a car, and ran off.

Georgia had lost approximately 12 pounds, had a head wound, fever, sore paws, stiff back legs, and extremely low energy. After a visit to the vet, a long grooming, and LOTS of LOVE, each hour, Georgia is gaining strength, a stronger sparkle in her eyes, and a bounce in her movements!

Our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to ALL who make compassionate efforts in assisting Kristyn to bring Georgia home...Janice Blue with FM 90.1 inviting us to the station to speak of Georgia and the incredible frustrations in responsibly locating a lost loved pet, Lisa Foronda with KHOU Channel 11 for posting a blog on Animal Attractions describing Georgia, friends of Kristyn assisting in posting flyers all over the place, businessess in the area allowing us to post flyers, Midtown police, concerned pet owners in the Midtown area, and to everyone else who called to inform us of possible sightings. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

June 16, 2006

Bear Steals 50 Lbs. of Dog Food From Home

CHUCKEY, Tenn. (AP) -- For all the frightening bear news in Tennessee in recent months, Rela Foshie didn't know what to do when a black bear she said had recently visited her back porch decided to let himself in on Thursday.

"It came in the back door," she said. "I don't know how it got the door opened, but it did. He was in the hallway where the dog food was."

Foshie ran to the bedroom of her home about 10 miles northeast of Greeneville, locked the door and grabbed her husband's rifle.

June 14, 2006

Happy ending for Galveston man, dog

UPDATE: A Boston terrier that went missing from his owner’s van at the Kemah Boardwalk last week is home.

June 14, 2006

Man's faithful dog goes missing from van

When most people saw Kevin Herrington and his dog, Lucas, they couldn't help but smile.

June 12, 2006

Claws could come out on cat reality show

The fur really could fly on TV's latest reality entry: It stars cats.

June 12, 2006

Acupuncture now helping our four-legged friends

Despite critics, many people swear by the benefits of acupuncture. Now it's also being used to help sick pets.

June 9, 2006

Woman beats dog breeder with dead Chihuahua

A woman angry that her new puppy had died pushed her way into a dog breeder's home and repeatedly hit her on the head with the dead Chihuahua, authorities said.

June 7, 2006

Fowl ball: Seagull hit by pitch

Seagulls shouldn't fly between Bisons and Bulls. One of the birds found that out during last Sunday's Triple-A minor league game between the Buffalo Bisons and the Durham Bulls.

June 5, 2006

Mystery of the missing goose

A popular White Rock Lake goose is on the loose. Or he may have gotten the noose.

June 4, 2006

Time to make your PET EVACUATION plans!

Yes, it's hurricane time again. If you've already made plans for an evacuation, good for you. But, have you made plans for a pet evacuation? Katrina/Rita evacuees who were petowners know the difficulties and heartache that can come without a plan in place. So, as you are gathering your "Get Out Of Town" kit, assemble your pets', as well:

• The Houston Humane Society has a checklist here
.
• Citizens for Animal Protection's list is here.
• The ASPCA has a nice pamphlet here.
• The Humane Society has a link to several brochures here.
It also has an excellent "Disaster Preparedness Quiz" (ie, 'Do you know where you can go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation?') here.
• Information from the Red Cross about animals and Red Cross shelters here.
• A very comprehensive disaster preparedness page from the American Veterinary Medical Association is here.

Donna Linsley with Flying Free Equintherapy also wants to remind horse owners they need to be prepared to move their precious cargo, as well. She writes:

"I know it took two trailers two days to get all the Flying Free horses out before Rita. If we hadn't planned ahead we would have really had a major problem. If owners can't get the horses out of town, at least look for a high secure pasture, free of debris, where they can be turned loose. They will likely fare better left free in a safe pasture than locked in a barn that could flood or be destroyed by high wind. Shots should be up to date and a contact name and number can be painted on their rumps with greasepaint. Also be aware that some areas will prohibit horse trailers on the road after a mandatory evacuation has been called, so if you can move them, do it early."

More horse evacuation info at the United Animal Nations website here, and even though this site is from Florida, its tips would seem to apply to Texas, as well!

June 3, 2006

Update on Georgia the missing White German Shepherd

From the "grandmother" of Georgia, the missing White German Shepherd:

June 2, 2006

Out of the office - no blogging til June 15

FYI - I am going to be on hiatus for a couple of days.... You may see some posts from Michelle Homer, our web goddess at KHOU.com.... Just wanted to let you all know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... just taking a temporary leave!

June 1, 2006

Trying to track Pit Bull pups exposed to rabies

The Texas Health Department is searching for two Pit Bull puppies sold out of the back of a pickup truck in wise county, northwest of dallas-fort wroth.
The puppies are part of a litter that was exposed to rabies.
They were sold in mid- march and health officials are asking anyone who knows who bought them to contact the Wise County Sheriff's Department at 1-866-888-WISE.

June 1, 2006

Prison dog volunteer pleads guilty to aiding escape

Last February I had this blog post about a prison volunteer who worked with Safe Harbor Prison dogs, an organization that has inmates training shelter dogs. It was initially thought Toby Young had been kidnapped by an inmate who'd escaped. But it soon came to light she was part of the plan. Today, she pleaded guilty in court. From the Associated Press:

As part of the deal, Toby Young will be sentenced to 21 months, said Leavenworth County prosecutor Frank Kohl. Had the case gone to trial, Young could have faced a sentence ranging from probation to 32 months.

"It was an appropriate disposition," Kohl said. It addresses what she did."

Young, 48, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting aggravated escape and introducing contraband - a cell phone - into the prison.

The married mother of two admitted she drove John Manard, who was placed in a dog crate, from the Lansing Correctional Facility on Feb. 12 in her van. Manard, 27, was serving a life term for murder.

After a highly publicized search, the two were arrested Feb. 24 near Chattanooga, Tenn., where they had rented a secluded cabin.

June 1, 2006

Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

Not that any month in particular is best for adopting a cat; any day of the year is, in my opinion, always a great day to add to your family! However, the ASPCA is promoting June as Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat month. Here is a special page devoted to the occasion, where you can find out about everything cat - from suggestions for teachers about Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat month to advice for keeping a health, happy cat.