July 31, 2006
Beautiful pictures of a dragonfly
Sure, I love animals. But, BUGS? I admit roaches make me want to scream. However I can't paint the entire insect world with such a broad prejudicial brush - especially when I see pictures as lovely as these. Ted Brunt down in Texas City took them; he says red dragonflies visit his back yard every year... Be sure to click on each picture for a larger version..
July 31, 2006
Houston Cat Hospital volunteer blogs about the kitties...
Yup, he's cute.. and of course, he's adoptable. He has a few friends, too. Check out Debra's new blogsite, Seven Lonely Kittens.. here.
July 31, 2006
Free rabies vaccines! Cheap spaying and neutering!
If you're in Galveston County or the surrounding area, this could be for you! The Animal Alliance Spay & Neuter Clinic (in La Marque) is offering free rabies vaccinations
with sterilizations done at the clinic during August 2006. To schedule a spay or
neuter, call the clinic at (409) 933-1600.
Spay & Neuter Fees
Male Cats - $25
Female Cats - $40
Male/Female Dogs under 40 Pounds - $40
Male/Female Dogs over 40 pounds - $60
Animal Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by tax
deductible contributions. To make a donation, make your check payable to Animal
Alliance and mail it to P.O. 0128, Texas City, Texas 77592-0128. If you prefer
to use PayPal, visit our website http://www.animalalliancetx.org.
July 27, 2006
two labs - package deal!
Do any of you know of anyone that would be interested in these two beautiful labs? They are brother and sister, 2 years of age, up to date on their shots both have been spayed and neutered. Lady that owns the dogs would like them to stay together if at all possible, she lost her job and her house and has children and is moving into an apartment and can't keep the dogs. They are house broken, have their own kennels that will be going with them, they are house dogs and also outside dogs.
Pass this on if you know anyone who may be interested - PLEASE! If so they can contact Tammy at tammyjo10862@aol.com
July 26, 2006
Dog dies after being groomed at PETCO
A Grand Prairie couple said they are still in shock after their 2-year-old Shi Tzu dog ended up dead after taking him to a PETCO store for grooming.
Matthew and Christine Bean have a picture of Scotch displayed with his collar and ashes.
In June, Matthew and Christine Bean dropped off their dog Scotch at a Cedar Hill PETCO store for a routine grooming.
A few hours later the dog was dead.
A PETCO groomer found Scotch near death after he was drying from a cleaning. The dog was taken to the veterinarian but died of heart failure.
Read more about the story here, as well as watch the video.
July 26, 2006
Cats rescued from burning apartment
Two cats were rescued from a burning apartment early Wednesday morning.
Around 4:15 a.m., a two-story apartment on Forum Park Drive caught fire.
The fire started around a downstairs closet on the patio and spread upward, reaching the attic before firefighters cut it off.
You can read more about the story on KHOU.com's website here, as well as check out video and a slideshow.
July 25, 2006
Adventures in Birds store fighting the city hall
From our reporter Jeff McShan:
You can't fight city hall, but one small business is trying.
The owner tells 11-news reporter Jeff Mschan that construction cost them money.
Now business owner wants the city to pay.
In this relatively quiet westside neighborhood, there's one business - that behind the front doors - is anything but.
(birds chirp)
It's called Adventures in Birds and was opened 26 years ago by Jean Jordan. Jordan appears to know everything about birds. It is her life.. her passions.. a passion that was almost ruined, she says, because of this: construction.
Jordan says, "It was a 180-thousand dollars that we lost, that we proved that we lost. We hired lawyers, cpas and stuff to prove it.
For eight months, the city tore up Westfiew, putting in a new water main. Store manager Gary Foster says the crews blocked all access. He says, "You can get their on foot.. you can't drive to it.
It's fixed now, but the business, they say suffered.. not just because of the lack of customers, but also their birds weren't able to nest their eggs. They say because crews worked around the clock, many eggs cracked. New birds never came into this world. .. expensive, rare birds. The bread and butter of her business.
Jordan sued the city for more than a million dollars. She says, "Their job took away my job. It's a real bad situation all the way around.
Both sides agreed to have the case worked out by an arbitrator, and in fact the city and Jordan agreed to a 65-thousand dollar settlement.
It still must be approved by City Council, and that may not happen because Council member Toni Lawrence is opposed.
We've been told she believes this will open the up the city to to thousands of lawsuits i the future, lawsuits involving construction.
Jordan says, "She really needs to think about that because all of my taxes are paid.., all my things are done. I have done everything the city has asked me to do and all i ask is for the city to pay me back for my losses."
July 25, 2006
Jockey apologizes for head butting horse
Here's an update on the horse racing jockey who decided to go all tough guy on his horse. He's now apologizing for head-butting the animal. Read more on KHOU.com's website here, and watch the video here.
July 25, 2006
Missing Mila - husky-type mix - near University of Houston
When I was at BARC last week, a young woman came in with a flyer, looking for her missing dog. Mila, her husky mix, wasn't there, and I was touched by how worried she was. I told her to email me Mila's pictures and some background info. Maybe you could help them have a happy reunion!
"(She was) last seen chillin' in my front yard (last week July 17-21) in the 1400 block of Godwin. I know someone has her. ..she always comes home, even when she gets out and stays out all day, she's home for dinner and to sleep in my room.
I don't like her to get out. I have 3 roommates who forget to be careful and she slips by them at the front door. Also the fence in our backyard needs to be repaired, which is why I have been keeping her inside for the past several months. I always run with her when I get home though and she seems to really like it inside.
She has bad knees that go out sometimes and I'm the only one who can fix them. She'll just keep hobling along, running with her knee all gimped until I stop her and fix it. It's because she grew up on a chain in my neighbors front yard. I got her after her first litter (at 6 months) and she was very sick and almost died from Mastitis. She lost two teats from it so she has scars on her belly, but they healed really well so, you might not even notice...but they're definitely there. She was also recently spayed.
She has haunting blue eyes and children usually run inside when they see her and cry "Mommy, Mommy, WOLF!" But she really is the sweetest to all people. I just miss her really bad. I've known her for her entire life...which is about one year. She's not super fluffy and hardly sheds at all when she's healthy. Coarse hair...not fine.
Call Kathryn at 713-926-3991. Mila went missing near Lawndale @ Telephone in southeast Houston, close to the University of Houston.
July 24, 2006
Crushed elephant handler's death ruled accidental
From The Elephant SanctuaryHOHENWALD, Tenn. (AP) -- Authorities say an elephant that knocked down and crushed its handler didn't do it on purpose, so its life will be spared.
36 year old old Joanna Burke was killed Friday at Tennessee's The Elephant Sanctuary.
State wildlife officials and the sheriff's office say the nonprofit sanctuary didn't violate any regulations and Burke's death was an accident.
A sanctuary executive says Burke was hosing down the elephant when she tried to check on a swollen eyelid. The executive says the elephant wheeled around, the handler fell backward and the animal stepped on Burke, killing her instantly.
The Sanctuary will have a memorial service on Wednesday. It also has a comprehensive web page about Joanna and the accident.
July 24, 2006
Jockey in trouble for head butting his horse
From the Associated Press in London:
Jockey Paul O'Neill will be investigated by the sport's governing body after television replays showed him head-butting his horse, City Affair.
The Horseracing Regulatory Authority (in Britain) made the decision Monday to hold an inquiry after reviewing TV footage from the incident at the Stratford races on Sunday.
"We haven't got a date set, but we are going to go for some time next week -- our inquiry day is usually on the Thursday," HRA spokesman Owen Byrne said.
City Affair was being unruly in the parade ring, ultimately throwing O'Neill.
The jockey got to his feet and grabbed the reins, pulling the horse to him, before lowering the butt of his helmet into it.
"Angry jockey does a 'Zidane' to his horse," read the headline of London's Evening Standard, referring to French soccer star Zinedine Zidane's infamous head-butt in the World Cup final.
City Affair went on to finish fourth in the two-mile event.
July 21, 2006
Special needs dog needs a loving owner ASAP
From Cocker Kids:
Connell is a delightful and vivacious 4-6 year old male with a twinkle in his eye and has an abundance of love to give. Unfortunately, he has been diagnosed with spondylosis of numerous vertebrae which caused a nerve deficit in the vertebrae. Though any pain that he has is controlled with anti-inflammatory medication, his back legs don't function properly and he isn't able play and do the things that he likes to do. There are many wheelchair products on the market for handicapped animals which allow them the quality of life that they deserve and we are hoping and praying for a home that will give him this opportunity. Please help us give Connell the life that he deserves."
I am posting Connell specifically because he is a special needs dog. Is there someone out there who can give him the attention and love he needs?
July 21, 2006
Please help this chained dog!
I'm sorry about the small size of these pictures, and I've asked for larger ones, but if you look hard enough you can see the sad condition this poor dog is living in. He has a padlocked chain around his neck, and he's living in the back yard. Here's the information I received:
"The...dog is an intact male who has lived on a chain with a padlock for the past two years (since he was a puppy). The owners are willing to release him if Jane, the good Samaritan, can find him a home. According to Jane, he is very sweet. He seldom has enough water but there is an elderly neighbor that brings him water. Jane does not have a securely fenced yard and is unable to take him and would like for someone in rescue to help this guy. She is willing to donate $150 to any group that will take them into their program. Please contact Jane at 817-923-2193 or e-mail to marylynnr@sbcglobal.net."
Editorial note: why would anyone get a puppy just to chain it up in their back yard? ARGH!
July 21, 2006
Small blessings after apartment fire
Pictures like this always tug at my heart: a human being, having just survived a terrible tragedy, finds comfort and solace in his or her pet. This is Aaron Gastard, a Katrina survivor who lost his home in an overnight apartment fire. He and his family were worried sick when they couldn't find their two dogs. Hours later, their dogs turned up.
You can read the rest of this story and see the video here. (Sorry about the content of the ad before the actual video. That one's up to our ad muckety-mucks.
July 20, 2006
Pesticide investigated in deaths of 27 horses
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -- A veterinarian says toxic feed may have killed 27 horses that died at a Brazos County stable earlier this week.
H- Richard Adams says autopsies show that three of the horses had phosphine gas in their stomachs. That's a product of a pesticide designed to kill weevils in horse feed.
Adams is the dean of the Texas A-and-M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He says vets are waiting for more test results to establish a definitive cause of death, the Bryan-College Station Eagle reports.
Adams says it's likely the horses ate the residue of phosphine gas because it was found in their stomachs, and not in their lungs.
Twenty-four horses died overnight Sunday at the Carousel Acres Equestrian Center and Stable. Another three died after being taken to Texas A-and-M's Large Animal Clinic.
Stable co-owner Bradley Raphel says he followed standard practice last weekend when he treated the silo of horse feed with chemical pesticides.
July 20, 2006
UPDATE on the New Braunfels animal shelter vandalism
Here's an update on the vandalism and animal killing at the New Braunfels Humane Society (original post here):
The shelter reopened Wednesday. I spoke with Billie Zercher, the Assistant Director of the shelter, and told her many of you had been asking for an update in the investigation. Apparently, it's pretty hot right now, because Brittany couldn't tell me ANYTHING. She did say the shelter had received more than enough donations (both in supplies and cash) to cover the damage. She added that any more cash donations coming in NOW would be used to cover the Society's "new building" fund, since they will have to leave their current property in two years.
In addition, the Comal County Crimestoppers is offering its largest ever reward: $5000 for information that helps the suspects.
July 20, 2006
Cheese Whiz at BARC, the Houston Pound
Kent Robertson, the new top dog at BARC, is CHEESY. Really. In fact, he'd probably tell you himself, while he extols the value of a good can of Easy Cheese, also known as Cheeze Whiz. He says it's his secret to bringing the personality out in even the shyest dog.
I visited with Kent Robertson this morning to see he's settling in during his first month on the job. He has the high hopes of the animal community resting on his shoulders to reshape a shelter that's been plagued with problems. From what I've seen, he's ready, and he's already making a difference.
I'm hoping the volunteers who've worked wtih BARC and have been there for this transition will share their comments, too. This is merely my opinion. But, I have seen quite a change at the BARC "blimp." The feeling of gloom I used to get when I walked into the place is gone. It's bright. It's clean. It doesn't even smell as bad as it used to. It looks like a place you'd take your kids to go to adopt a pet. And that.. is the goal. Bringing adopters to BARC to give these animals loving homes. Here are some of the things going on at BARC:
- new cleaning protocols in place: dogs are moved out of their kennels before they are hosed down
- all animals are examined when they come in and treated
- pit bulls, rotties, german shepherds and dobermans are no longer automatically euthanized
- Friends of BARC has contributed $20,000 to create dog runs in the back for exercise and socialization
- There's a great possibility another huge grant will come in from a national pet company that will fund the spaying/neutering of pit bulls
- a new "Kitty Corner" room has been set up with toys for volunteers and potential adopters to come and spend time with the cats outside of their kennels
- Kong chew toys in many of the dog runs, and towels down for the cats in their cages.
- A pet groomer comes in Saturdays to groom and freshen up the dogs who will be taken offsite to adoption days around Houston
- A temperament tester comes in weekly to test the dogs
Robertson says his long term plan is a no kill city of Houston, meaning all healthy adoptable animals, including feral cats, would be adopted out. It's a big order, and it begins inside the shelter itself. Robertson is making it a point to bring the shelter employees - from the animal control officer to the vet techs - in on the decision making process. He wants to instill a pride in their work in a place where everyone is treated with respect and their suggestions are appreciated.
Back to the Easy Cheese. Robertson totes that stuff around and the dogs seem to think it's manna from Heaven. When he walks into the kennel runs, the dogs - smart enough to know he's the CHEESE MAN! - run to the front of the cage for a snack. Robertson hopes this will increase the chances for adoption, bringing normally shy dogs up to greet potential owners.
I had hoped to shoot some video on my home camera, but DARN IT if the battery didn't die. I'll be heading back next week to talk with the Top Dog again and shoot some video to post here. In the meantime, here's a heads up: we're working on a weekly webcast from Robertson highlighting a BARC animal. We'll be setting up a webcam and get that going as soon as possible.
Sorry for the length of this post. I had a lot to squeeze in. BARC has gotten such a bad rap in the nine years I've been here. I have a good gut feeling about what's happening now.
July 20, 2006
Pasadena Animal Shelter needs pet exercise volunteers!
From Sydney Igleheart, City of Pasadena
(713) 475-5536 office, (281) 435-2112 cell
The Pasadena Animal Shelter strives to provide a comfortable home for all sheltered animals. Part of that comfort is allowing exercise time outside, and the Animal Shelter wants volunteers to help them provide that play time.
“Getting the animals outside not only helps stop the spread of disease among our pets, but it’s great for their physical health,” said Jaron LeBlue, Lead Animal Control Officer for the Pasadena Animal Shelter.
The shelter, located at 5150 Burke Road, needs volunteers to exercise dogs between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special accommodations can be made for Saturday walkers if necessary.
“We need a commitment for the hours people can come and the length of time they can stay so we can create a schedule that allows all of the dogs 30 minutes to 1 hour per day out of their pens,” said Karen Hoffman, Chief Animal Control Officer for the Pasadena Animal Shelter.
The exercise time isn’t limited to just walking. According to LeBlue, the shelter has large pens where the volunteers can play fetch and a dog park behind the shelter allows for animals to be taken out to interact.
In addition to providing physical activity, the shelter is looking for volunteers to foster a dog or cat in their home.
“Our kittens and puppies need a home where they can be a part of a family,” Hoffman said. “This foster family could take in one or more neonatal kittens or puppies, underweight dogs or cats, ‘long-term dogs’ that need a home environment for awhile, overflow puppies or kittens or sometimes even just a dog or cat that captures their hearts.”
All the animals will be vaccinated and wormed and parasite-free. If old enough, they will also be spayed or neutered. The foster parent’s job is to care for the animal, keep the foster pet clean, actively socialize the animal, and participate in the search for good homes to adopt the animal. Adoptions are to be handled by the shelter; anyone interested in adopting a pet may visit the shelter or go online www.petharbor.com.
While the foster families are responsible for providing food for the animal, the shelter will help with special needs such as for puppies and kittens milk.
“We need insight into the personality of the animal so we can help find the right home environment for the adoption,” Hoffman added. “So if a family can tell us personality traits of the animal they’ve been fostering, it really helps find that permanent or forever home for the animal.”
For more information on fostering a pet and/or volunteering to exercise a pet please call the Pasadena Animal Shelter at 281-991-0602.
July 20, 2006
Dogs and more dogs at this weekends dog show!
It's that time of year again! The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows (that is SUCH a mouthful) is this weekend at Reliant Center!
• Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 3 p.m.
• Final Breed Judging begins between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. No admission is charged after 3 p.m.
Check out the entire show guide here
Breed judging schedule and information here
The rest of the event schedules are here
July 19, 2006
Fort Bend County boy mauled by dog
A 4-year-old boy is in serious condition after being mauled by a dog around 3 p.m. Wednesday at a home on Chipping Court in Sugar Land.
Read the rest of the story on KHOU.com's website here.
July 19, 2006
Butchered kitty needs another chance!
The evil in the hearts of some people never ceases to amaze me. Check out the email I received today from a good animal friend, Edna Taylor:
"I have previously sent out a plea for a home for Mr. Floppy Ears, the older orange and white male cat living in my neighborhood; however, now, the plea is more urgent. Last night Frank called me to come outside and he said that Floppy was injured. He said it looks like something tried to get him but just got one of his testicles (it was coming out of the sack). Soooooooooo, I managed to get him into a carrier this morning and to the vet. Dr. Mescler just called me and said that it was not an animal, it was a HUMAN who did that to him. Someone took a very sharp knife and tried to cut his testicles off. I am so upset right now that I just can't think. He needs a home and soon. He has FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and as I am sure you all know, FIV is not a death sentence and is not transmittable through food, water, litter boxes or grooming, only through very severe bite wounds. (Personal note: my sister's cat Frankie - formerly a feral who now is a big softy love bug - is FIV positive). He can even go to a barn or ranch somewhere if someone has the facility for that.
I will have pictures of him later this week. He is recovering at the
vet's office for a couple of days."
Edna's email is Edna.Taylor@haynesboone.com
July 18, 2006
Deputy Constable charged with animal abuse
A precinct 7 deputy constable has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty. Our reporter Amy Tortolani (click here for her news report) worked on this story for months. She says the man's lost his job because of these allegations. His name is Gerald Johnson.
Last April, the Harris County livestock division found Johnson's two horses so thin their bones were sticking out. One horse, doctors told her, was so underfed, she didn't have the energy to lift herself into the trailer..
Harris County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Robert Corzine says both animals are abused and neglected..
Gerald Johnson and his mother both say they took care of the horses, but Johnson voluntarily give up the horses to the Houston SPCA . The Johnsons showed no emotion at the hearing.
Amy says the SPCA was able to adopt out the younger horse, but the older one was put down because she was too sick. She also did some checking and found if someone's convicted of animal cruelty in Texas.. Johnson will not be allowed to work as a law enforcement for at least 10 years.
July 18, 2006
Police looking for New Braunfels animal killers
click here and here for raw video
Police are looking for suspects who broke into the Humane Society of New Braunfels animal shelter near San Antonio. Three animals died, two others were injured, and two are missing.
According to The Herald-Zeitung newspaper, the suspects broke into the facility sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. They tortured the animals, poisoned the food supply, contaminated cat litter and defaced property.
Today volunteers tried to repair the damage and took in donations.
This shelter took in hundreds of cats and dogs after katrina.
Police say the suspects did leave some evidence behind.
If you want to help, the newspaper suggest donations of dog/cat/puppy/kitten food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, volunteers to help clean, and cash. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter at 1920 Kuehler or at the Herald-Zeitung offices at 707 Landa St... both in New Braunfels.
July 17, 2006
Why my dogs are sometimes better than the best medication
I am home from the late news, settled down for the evening, and I'm just GRUMPY. I don't know, had a bad day, with a sort of "Bah Humbug HaRUMPH" feeling about me. I very much want to be alone and don't want to talk with anyone. This is a call for some aspirin for a big headache!
The nightly routine means making sure the dogs are ready for bed. Finlay and Bailey each have to make a potty trip to their favorite patch of green before we lock everything up. Like their marathon-runnin' Mama, they stay pretty well hydrated, so I have to be sure their water bowls are full.
I'm over here on the couch with my wireless laptop catching up on some emails, and I hear Finlay just SLOP-SCHLOP-SCHLURPING around in his water dish. I've never had a dog get so messy just trying to get a drink of water. Now he's found one of his chew toys: it's a hard plastic bone that survives so much longer than stuffy toys which, predictably and like clockwork, are DE-stuffed in no time.
In the meantime, Bailey my Rottie mix girl has taken her established position by my feet and stretched out. She gives me a few sighs and stretches to let me know she's settled in. She is always the most vocal when I come home, picking up tennis balls and yodeling (for lack of a better term) to let me know how happy she is. Now, however, she knows this is where she is supposed to be. Perhaps it's comfort for her to be near the alpha dog/me. I kind of look at it as that she knows I need some comfort, and that's why she's really here.
Finlay finishes gnawing on the bone and pricks up his ears when he hears his name. He walks over to the couch and lays his nose on it, asking for me to pet his nose. He plays a bit of dodge and weave with his head, making sure I provide scratches equally to all parts. If I don't give him enough attention I get the paw treatment. A bit of ignoring him might send him away to circle the perimeter while planning a return mission for more attention.
He comes back, lays his head on the couch, and burps loudly. Ah, the sign of a happy boy. Finlay doesn't seem to know the big deal, so he circles back around in front of the couch, and with something that sounds like a groan/sigh, he lies down on the hardwood floor rests his beautiful head on his paws. He's still panting a bit, trying to work off any residual excitement.
It is a simple routine that plays out every night, and it is one of the most comforting. No matter how much pain I am in or how horrible the world seems or feels to be, I find solace in two bundles of slobbery fur who just want to spend some time with me. Free therapy (or should I say pet "hair" apy) works every time.
These dogs don't care that I'm on TV. They don't care about how much money I make or don't make or whether I misprounced someone's name or had some hair out of place. They don't care if I'm voting Perry, Grandma, Kinky, or Bell for governor of Texas. To my dogs, I'm no one special. I'm just the lady who feeds them, walks them, and pets them a lot. That's not a tall order, and that's exactly how I like it. I'm the food lady, and that's the most of the preconceived notions you'll get out of a dog. I'm just the ordinary food lady.
July 17, 2006
Feline stowaway goes for quite a ride
This little kitty unknowingly hitched a ride on a truck in Massachussetts, and ended up going on a quite a ride. Watch the video here.
July 17, 2006
Louisiana pet evacuation bill signed by governor
From the website of the Louisiana SPCA:
Governor Kathleen Blanco recently signed Senate Bill 607 ensuring that animal issues receive a prominent place in disaster and emergency planning statewide. Dubbed the "Pet Evacuation Bill,"Senate Bill 607 essentially mandates that local and state governments include companion animal issues in disaster planning and emergency preparedness. Parishes are required to take the lead in developing and executing the plan and the State is mandated to assist and fill-in the gaps.
"We’re thrilled that Governor Blanco signed this bill," said Laura Maloney, Executive Director of the Louisiana SPCA. "The State recognizes that saving animal lives is saving people lives. It’s a win for the State, a win for companion animals and a life-saving measure that saves all lives – humans and pets. Now the real work begins," added Maloney. The LA/SPCA has been meeting with involved agencies and parties such as the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Orleans Parish Homeland Security, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Gulf Coast Recovery Office, and Department of Corrections, even as the bill was working its way through the system to develop plans and specifications to implement the bill’s major provisions.
Even though local and state governments are including animal agencies in their planning, it’s incumbent upon pet owners to develop a personal plan. "The best plan is for those who are able to evacuate with their pets to do so. That is our first and best option," added Maloney.
For much more information about the bill, the Lousiana SPCA has set up this extensive website.
July 17, 2006
More than 200 dogs rescued northwest of Dallas
From our sister station WFAA-TV:More than 200 imperiled dogs are being taken into temporary custody Monday morning near Decatur, the SPCA of Texas (in Dallas) said.
The dogs, mostly Jack Russell terriers and rat terriers, were living in crowded and dirty conditions on a 90-acre property owned by Sherri Berend, an animal control officer for Decatur.
The dogs seemed to be in good health, but some drinking water was covered with algae and living areas weren’t clean, said SPCA spokesperson Maura Davies. At least two dead puppies were found, she said.
You can read the rest of the story and see video of the puppy seizure here.
July 17, 2006
Picasso the lost dog - and a sad tale of scam artists...
Another missing pup - but the owner has a sad, sad story of scam artists trying to take advantage of her..
"Please Help!
We are desperately looking for our Dog; Picasso. He is a black and white hairless Chinese crested. He has 5 children that are missing him very much.... We have posted flyers every where and emailed anyone and everyone we can think of. We have posted ads, checked shelters, driven and walked streets looking for him but haven't gotten anywhere. It is like he has just disappeared.
The only response we have gotten is from people trying to scam us out of money. I have had 2 people contact me saying they have my dog and need me to identify it. After you try to identify the dog they want you to send them $300 to get your dog back because supposedly they have taken the dog to Cameroon, Africa doing missionary work. I asked for pictures or someway for them to prove they have my dog but they won't prove it.... The potential scammers got my email from an ad I posted looking for my dog on Missing in Action. The Guy in Africa has even called me a couple of time though I have never talked with him he just leaves messages on my voice mail. I have emailed with him a lot though just trying to get somewhere in hopes that he was for real. He still has not been able to give me any proof that it is my dog.
We live at off Carpet Bagger in the Bear Creek Plantation subdivision off of West Little York. He is black and white with hair only on his head feet and tail. He should have a faded blue collar on that has his dog tags with our address and phone number. He went missing on July 2, 2006 from our house."
email Angela at cliff_n_angela@sbcglobal.net or call
713-539-4754 or 281-855-7998 or 832-347-3197
July 14, 2006
Barbaro improving...
Barbaro munching on
carrots
Barbaro resting in his
sling in the ICU
Dr. Richardson walks Barbaro
in the ICU
At 3PM today, vets at the George D. Widener Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania reported Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro remains in stable condition. "His vital signs, including heart rate and pulse, remain good," said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. "We are treating his laminitis aggressively and he continues to respond well and is acceptably comfortable."
Dean Richardson, the chief surgeon who has been treating Barbaro since the colt suffered catastrophic injuries in the Preakness on May 20, said the Derby winner's chances of survival are poor.
"I'd be lying if I said anything other than poor," Richardson said Thursday at a news conference at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "As long as the horse is not suffering, we're going to continue to try" to save him. "If we can keep him comfortable, we think it's worth the effort."
"Pink Princess, a 1-year-old toy poodle, enjoys a walk around Oakland, Calif., with owner Unique Hildreth Tuesday, July, 11, 2006. Hildreth, who says she has worn pink everyday for the past five years, dyes the poodle about once a month to maintain her pinkness. "
Of course, Zeke is always looking for fosters! If you're out Brookshire way in the West Houston area, they would LOVE to hear from you. Email contact@Zeke-Fund-Animal-Rescue.com
Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was facing major problems for the first time since surgery to repair the right hind leg he shattered in the Preakness seven weeks ago, with Dr. Dean Richardson saying "we're in tough times right now."
Barbaro had the cast on the leg replaced for a sixth time Monday - the fourth time in a week. The latest development followed many hours of surgery Saturday night when doctors replaced the metal plate and many screws and also treated an infection.
"I think we're going to have some tough days ahead," Richardson said at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center. "I'm being realistic about it. When a horse has a setback like this, it's a problem."
Richardson, the chief surgeon at the New Bolton Center, looked haggard during the briefing, and said it took more than 15 hours from the start of Saturday's surgery before Barbaro had fully recovered from anesthesia.
He said Barbaro was back in his stall in the intensive care unit, where he's been since the catastrophic injury occurred just a few hundred yards after the start of the Preakness.
"Right now, he's happier," Richardson said. "He's got a normal heart rate, normal temperature, he's eating like crazy. He's very hungry. He's making lots of manure. He looks actually pretty happy today. Now we have to see how he responds to what's going on."
The long cast applied Saturday night was replaced by a shorter cast Monday, and was done with Barbaro in a sling and under mild sedation," Richardson said.
"The long cast was used as extra support during the anesthetic recovery phase," Richardson said. "It is much easier for him to move around his stall and get up and down with a short cast. We also found and treated an abscess in his left hind foot that was bothering him."
Barbaro is receiving pain medication, antibiotics and other supportive care, Richardson added.
Read previous Barbaro blog posts here, here, and here.
July 10, 2006
Tai Shan celebrates his first birthday
He's 56 pounds of big furry, boy! Tai Shan the panda at
The National Zoo in Washington DC celebrated his first birthday with a big fruitsicle birthday bamboo cake, and a plastic swimming pool to play in.
The panda cub has grown quite a bit since he was born in the wee hours of July 9th, 2005 (previous blog posts here, here and here). Back then, he was as big as a stick of butter. Now, he's an active, playful bear cub who chows down on bamboo but still is supplemented with mother's milk. You can head to the Zoo's website for a new slideshow of Tai Shan's first year.
The Washington Post has a full report with pictures and even more video so you can "ooh" and "ahh." I also forgot how much fun it was to watch him play on the Zoo's webcam.. Of course, I don't watch at work :)
July 7, 2006
Chester slings his weight around..
Chester lounging on a scale at The
Connoiseur in Port Aransas
George Gongora/Caller-TimesPORT ARANSAS, Texas -- Yes, the fat cat is here.
Among the beach pictures, jewelry and nautical decor at The Connoisseur, Chester roams --sowly.
The 31-pound orange tabby cat has become something of a tourist draw after he was featured in a May segment of Texas Country Reporter, a television travel show.
"They said they wanted to interview Chester," said owner Cassandra Clark. "I thought that was the funniest thing ever, but they were serious."
But even before that, word was traveling about Chester.
"All day, every day, people want to see the cat," said Rhoda Gleason, a store employee.
She and Heather Conner, another worker, know by heart the list of questions that come when customers first see Chester.
Is it real? (Yes.)
How much does he weigh? (About 30 pounds.)
Can he walk? (Yes.)
What does he eat? (He shares one cup of cat food with another cat each day.)
Sure enough, Sam Carnes and his niece Molly McGuire, 8, asked nearly every question during a recent visit from Boerne. Molly and her cousin Eric Carnes, also 8, petted and awed over the big cat.
Donna Slagle and her daughter-iin-law, Carmen Slagle, had to come back for a second look.
"I told my husband, ‘You’ve got to see this cat,'" Carmen said.
And her husband, Jeremy Slagle, was impressed.
"I’ve never seen a cat like that," he said. "I didn’t know they got that big."
Chester shares the store with Rat, a calico cat. Clark rescued the two 11 years ago.
They moved to the store about eight years ago when Clark learned her now 9-year-old son was allergic to cats and the three couldn’t inhabit the same space.
It was either move the son to the store or the cats. Clark said Chester's recent publicity has brought more customers in, but many just want to eye the cat. She insists Chester's not a marketing tool.
"The cats are not on display," Clark said. "The cats are not here to generate business. We don’t wake them up just so you can see them. They live here."
Sandi Stout with the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce said she's been directing people to Chester, answering phone calls from people vacationing in the area who are making an extra trip to see the fat cat.
"We have a lot of things that people would find interesting that a lot of other people would go right past and never pay any attention to it," she said.
At the store, the cats make themselves at home. Rat likes to nestle inside the trunk of captain’s hats, and Chester naps atop a digital scale -- it’s not a weight-conscious move, Clark says -- because he just likes the spot. Another favorite is the countertop, which allows visitors a peek at his belly from below as it spreads out atop the glass.
Clark said the cats share one cup of cat food each day, and only Chester has grown into a tourist attraction. Rat weighs in at 12 pounds.
Several cat care Web sites list a cat's ideal weight between 6 and 12 pounds for small and medium breeds and up to 20 pounds for large breeds. Overweight cats may be more prone to diabetes, arthritis and have difficulty grooming.
Clark theorizes Chester’s weight may be related to his neutering at an early age, and a slow metabolism.
Clark said she and her veterinarian aren't overly concerned about Chester's weight but will try to bring it down.
Chester gets two insulin shots a day to help regulate his blood sugar, and Clark plans to put him on a diet of pure protein with chicken and tuna. But she keeps forgetting to bring the food to the store.
Exercise is out of the question.
"How do you get a cat to exercise?" she asked.
July 7, 2006
Dog's instinct helps save family from fire
8 month old Lab mix Shaa
is being trained to help her
hearing-impaired ownerFrom The
Dallas Morning News:
It was early one morning when Shenandoah Silverheels-Zelis woke up to loud barking from his dog, Shaa.
Shenandoah Silverheels-Zelis, with partner Shelley Robbins, was able to warn neighbors of a fire in their townhouse, thanks to 8 month old Shaa's keen senses. When he looked outside, he saw a pillar of smoke rising from a townhouse across the street in his Garland neighborhood and ran to help. As a neighbor tried to douse the flames, Mr. Silverheels-Zelis hustled to alert residents of the danger.
The fire grew so fast that it blew out the window of a 4 year old girl's room. "When I saw the fire hit that window, I knew (that's) where that girl slept. It freaked me out," Mr. Silverheels-Zelis said.
Mr. Silverheels-Zelis, who is partially deaf, frantically knocked on the townhouse's door to wake up residents Deborah Allen and Joe Jones.
"The smoke had us asleep. If it hadn't been for him knocking on our door, we might not have made it out the fire," Ms. Allen said.
A Garland Fire Department incident report says the fire started after a neighbor scooped coals from a charcoal grill into an aluminum container and set it on a wooden deck. The coals ignited the fire, which intensified when a nearby propane tank heated and blew up.
The fire caused significant damage to the home of Ms. Allen and Mr. Jones. "It burned up my dining set that sat behind the table near the window. It smoked and messed up all our beds and clothes," Ms. Allen said.
Shaa, a Labrador-Catahoula mix, is the reason that Mr. Silverheels-Zelis saw the fire. "She's looking out the window, and she's literally trying to go out the window," said Mr. Silverheels-Zelis, a great-great-nephew of Jay Silverheels, who played Tonto on The Lone Ranger TV series.
Shaa is undergoing personal training as an indoor dog for her hearing-impaired owner. The training started after Karen Deeds, regional representative of Paws With a Cause, recommended the book Lend Me an Ear to Shelley Robbins, Mr. Silverheels-Zelis' partner.
"It's a pretty good step-by-step on how to train a dog for hearing response," Mrs. Deeds said. "It is definitely not a substitute for somebody who knows how to train a dog."
Mrs. Deeds praised Shaa's work. "It's wonderful what they're doing with their dog. (They're) on the right track," she said.
Shaa is being taught fire training, and that helped her detect the neighborhood blaze, her owners said. She has learned to crawl in the event of a fire.
"I'm quite sure that since we've been practicing that, it's that instinct that clicked," Ms. Robbins said.
July 6, 2006
Kitten survives woodchipper!
Check out the video here
Curiosity didn't kill a Florida kitten, but a wood chipper almost did.
This 5-week-old kitten survived a trip through a wood chipper. A woman saved the kitty after it went through the machine, then rushed him to an animal hospital.
He fractured his neck, shattered his two front legs and he's gone through three major surgeries.
He has one more to go, but things are looking up. He's already eating solid foods.
He's been nicknamed 'Chipper' and will be put up for adoption after his last surgery.
July 5, 2006
A very hungry bear!
STATELINE, Nev. - A bear cub drew a crowd of spectators at a Lake Tahoe neighborhood as it munched on barbecue-chicken-and-jalapeno pizza in the back seat of a vintage red Buick convertible.
It also apparently washed it down with a swig of a Jack Daniel's mixer, an Absolut vodka and tonic, and a beer taken from a cooler, the vehicle's owner said.
About 30 people watched the cub lumber around a parking lot in upper Kingbury Grade on Sunday before it homed in on the Buick and the spicy pizza on the floor.
The bruin was unfazed by the car's horn the blew nonstop as the cub pressed the seat into the steering wheel.
"The bear was loping along in the parking lot and then decides to get inside the car," said resident Jerry Patterson.
"People were screaming at him, the horn was going off, but he was completely unaware. He did what he wanted to do and the people didn't matter."
The bear remained inside the 1964 Buick Skylark for about 20 minutes and at times put his paws on the dash as if he were holding on for a ride, Patterson said.
The owner of the car, David Ziello of South Lake Tahoe, said the bruin didn't cause any damage, but slopped cheese and jalapenos on the seats and floor.
Carl Lackey, a biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, said up to two dozen bears live in the Kingsbury region near the south shore of Lake Tahoe.
The residential area sees more of them because the bears have found a primary source from Dumpsters and people who leave their food and trash in the open, said Lackey, who tracks and relocates bears on the Nevada side of the Tahoe basin.
Lackey warned visitors and residents against keeping food inside their vehicles.
"When you are in bear habitat, regardless of the time of year, you cannot leave any kind of food out — whether it's food inside the car, trash inside or outside your car, or pet food," Lackey said.
"Bears will find it and in doing so, it is increasing your chances of serious conflict."
July 5, 2006
Online horse forum for equine fans
This was sent to me by Helene, who's a member of HorsesRing.com:
"My name is Helene Young and I'm from www.HorsesRing.com, the social network for horse-lovers. HorsesRing is an online place where you can connect other horse lovers, share thoughts, pictures and knowledge, as well as support others, celebrating the common joy of horses. I wanted to introduce you to the site, and to ask for any feedback you can provide, as I strive to improve it and make a better place for the horse lovers."
Suggestions? Email Helene at helene@horsesring.com
July 5, 2006
"Survivor" winner charged with shooting a puppy
Brian Hedick, who won "Survivor:Thailand," posted bail after being charged with beating his wife AND cruelty to animals after allegedly shooting a puppy when the pet wandered on to his property in Douglasville, Georgia. Deputies say Hedick's wife saw him shoot the puppy, and that he grabbed her by the face and pushed her down.
You can read more about the story here at the Atlanta-Journal Constition's website.
July 5, 2006
Missing showdog spotted?
Remmber Vivi, the missing showdog (previous blog here), who'd bolted from her crate at the airport, following the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show back in February? Her owners worked with volunteers and even psychics to find her.
Now, there has been a "confirmed sighting" of Vivi in Forest Park, the third largest park in Queens. Volunteers are using motion detectors, set out food and traps - and even put out sand they hope will show paw prints. A search dog has been trained to track Vivi's scent and a hotline has been set up - (877) JFK-VIVI. You can read more about the "Vivi sighting" here on the New York Daily News website.
July 5, 2006
Houston Zoo's bald eagle to celebrate birthday
From the Houston Zoo:
The Houston Zoo’s majestic bald eagle, Liberty, will celebrate her 8th birthday on Saturday, July 8 and the public is invited.
Guests can sign Liberty’s giant birthday card from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and sing "Happy Birthday" to the bird at 1 p.m.
Guests can also learn more about these fascinating birds during Keeper Chats at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Throughout the day, Liberty will enjoy special food treats and enrichment activities and children can enjoy making eagle-related crafts. All activities will take place at the John P. McGovern Children's Zoo.
Liberty arrived at the Houston Zoo in January of 2000 after she was rescued by a Texas Parks and Wildlife officer in Wharton County. Liberty had been shot in her left wing. Unfortunately, Liberty's injuries prevented her return to the wild. Although her left wing is damaged, Liberty can fly and maneuver her way from the ground to her higher perches. Liberty lives at the Zoo under a federal permit in the Forest Ecosystem exhibit at the McGovern Children's Zoo. Silver Eagle Distributors recently funded the renovation of her exhibit.
Found in the Gulf States from Texas and Baja California to South Carolina and Florida, the Southern bald eagle isn't bald at all; it is referred to as bald because of the white feathers on its head and neck.
Bald eagles are monogamous and mate for life. With wing spans of 6 to 8 feet at maturity they can fly 65 miles an hour in level flight and at altitudes of 10,000 feet or more.
The decline of the national symbol helped encourage passage of the Endangered Species Act and a ban on the pesticide DDT in the 1960s. The bird's status was downlisted from endangered to threatened in 1995. Last May the interior department announced plans to remove the bald eagle from the threatened species list this year.
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The racehorse that could.. might not be able to hang on much longer. Here's the latest from the Associated Press..
