khou.com | News for Houston, Texas

October 31, 2006

Anyone missing a cat in Cinco Ranch?

UPDATED 11/8:
The cat is named Louie and his mom just left!!!! She said she had no ideal how he got out and has been crying for days. It was a picture I posted at Petsmart that the lady saw,she called me, described the collar and brought pictures. BTY - The driver was her next door neighbor and told her after he saw some pictures posted.

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This cat, wearing a black collar with flames, was rescued from under the hood of a car at the Home Depot on Fry Road and Hwy 99 in Katy on October 23rd. The woman who is caring for him says "the gentleman driving the car worked there and was on lunch when he heard a loud screech from under his hood. He lives in the Cinco Ranch area and the cat must have jumped into his engine the night before and rode to work with him....He knows a crate, seems well cared for and lost." This is a neutered black and white male with front paws declawed and back nails recently trimmed. If you recognize this cat, contact
Jana Heaton at Jheaton1@houston.rr.com.

October 31, 2006

Have you seen Ziggy the missing maltese?

Ziggy was lost 10/20 @ 5-ish from the 9900 Memorial Apartment Complex b/t Chimney Rock and Silber. She has a scar on her belly from a previous C-section and weighs under 10lbs. She will answer to her name and is very friendly. If you know or think you might know any thing about her location or status, please call 713 254 1596 or email amac29@gmail.com. The owners are desperate to find her. She is on weekly meds.

October 31, 2006

Don't forget this Saturday's Meet and Greet in the Heights..

The monthly Meet and Greet Pet Event in the Heights will be held Saturday, November 4th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is hosted by Cooper Animal Clinic at 1136 Heights Blvd (map here). This event will feature homeless dogs and cats from local rescue groups and shelters. Other booths will include photos with Santa, Christmas gifts for pets, low cost microchipping, an animal communicator, a professional dog trainer and great raffle baskets (including a Texas Rose Bowl Football) . Proceeds are to benefit the animals at the city shelter through the non-profit organization - the Friends of BARC. Bring your family and join the fun - this is a worthwhile cause to help Houston become an animal friendly community. Learn how you can help these animals looking for a second chance in life. For more information visit www.friendsofbarc.org or call 713 861- 1155 .

October 27, 2006

Seminar on the link between animal and human abuse

The Houston SPCA is hosting a seminar next month called "Think About the Link," exploring the connection between people who abuse animals going on to later abuse humans. From the SPCA's website:

Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Albert "The Boston Strangler" DeSalvo, David "Son of Sam" Berkowitz and Dennis "BTK Killer" Rader all abused animals. Columbine killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold tortured animals before they gunned down classmates. Too often, animal abuse indicates family violence. Perpetrators threaten, harm or kill pets to gain compliance, silence or control.

ASPCA Senior VP Randall Lockwood, a nationally recognized expert on "The Link," will speak. It's scheduled Friday, November 10th from 9-5, with registration beginning at 8AM. It wil be at the United Way building on 50 Waugh Drive (map here).

Who's invited? Animal welfare, child advocates, child-adult protective services, law enforcement, legal professionals, teachers, therapists, social workers, senior citizens, veterinarians, pediatricians, clergy, parents, media, and other concerned citizens.

October 27, 2006

Arrests Made in Horse Slaying

I'm not going to even comment on this because, really, there are no words to describe the pit in my stomach about this, or to rehash my complete confusion for some peoples' utter disrespect for a living beings. From KTBX.com up in Bryan-College Station, an update on a truly brutal fatal horse beating, killed by someone using a polo mallet and a golf club:

The rest of KTBX's entry is here. The Bryan-College Station Eagle newspaper has photos of the suspects and more of the story here. The paper quotes the horse's owner as saying, "I found her with her neck open... She was left there to die, and she had struggled for her life. There was blood everywhere."

October 27, 2006

Missing Belgian Malinois west of Beaumont

This is Josie and she's missing from Sour Lake (map here) west of Beaumont. Josie is a Belgian Malinois. She looks like a German Shepard mix, brown body, black face with a little gray. She has one large scar on her hind leg about 4 inches round. She is wearing a collar which is multi-colored and has a slight limp. She's always smiling! If found please call 409-550-0226 .

October 27, 2006

The Growling Bunny

Sounds like the name of a weird bar, huh? It's true, though: bunnies actually can growl. That would scare me: shades of the "ferocious rabbit" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

However, the bunnies we know and love are usually ridiculously cute, as evidenced by these little critters:

October 26, 2006

Mom says dog dragging was an accident

Yup. She says it right here. She's referring to Nelly, the dog dragged in Mineola. Previous blog posts here and here.

October 25, 2006

BARC's pet of the week is in the Halloween spirit!

October 25, 2006

"Noah's Ark" of animals surrendered to HSPCA

More than 180 animals are looking for a new home. A truck load of animals -- filled with dogs, horses, goats, turkeys and even peacocks pulled up to the Houston SPCA tonight.
The animals came from a shelter in san antonio that is now only focusing on caring for primates.
The HSPCA says it will evaluate the animals for adoption. I'll post the video as soon as it's encoded for the web.

October 25, 2006

Celebrate National Shelter Appreciation Week at BARC

BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) is celebrating National Shelter Appreciation Week. There will be an open house on Sunday, November 5 from 1-7pm. They will have hot dogs, balloons, badges for the kids making them ACO (animal control officers) for the day, tours, and adoptions. There are MANY wonderful dogs and cats, puppies and kittens ready for adoption. The adoption fee is $55 which includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, and rabies. Cats have been tested for FIV/FELV and dogs are HW tested. Please forward this to everyone you know so we can put BARC on the map and make the general public aware that BARC is the Houston City Pound. BARC is located at 2700 Evella St. (map here). Number 713-238-9600. The animals thank you!!

October 25, 2006

Volunteer Opportunities for Harris County's Animal Shelter

Harris County needs some assistance with volunteer efforts. You can check out theirwebsite at http://countypets.com for additional information. Harris County needs volunteers at the 249/1960 mobile adoption on Saturdays. Please try to go by and check out the great work they are doing for animals in need. Spread the word!

Upcoming is an open house December 7th where you can meet the staff.....mark your calendars now!

Come help our Countypets by volunteering at the annual Santa Photo Event - taking pet photos with Santa Claws. Volunteers are needed to be Santa, Santa's Helper, a photographer (Polaroid photos) and the photographer's helper. Dates are Saturday and Sunday, December 2&3, 9&10, 16&17 from 10:30 - 4:30 at PETsMART Willowbrook (Highway 249 & FM 1960 - map here).

Sign up for one day or every day. Call Colleen Hodges at 281-999-8531 or email chodges@harriscountyhealth.com for an application.

October 25, 2006

Holiday photos for a good cause

This year Ladd Photography has chosen Scout's Honor Rescue for their fundraiser. We could not be happier! Please find the attached flyer for all the details!

During the month of November, the sitting fee is reduced to $49 from $150 and all the sitting fees go directly to Scout's Honor Rescue to help us save many more babies in need! Your donation is tax deductible and it's a great way to give to the cause and get have a sitting with fabulous photographers. Of course, you are welcome to bring your
4- legged friends- they are more than experienced in photographing them too and would love to get the entire family in.

To ensure timely delivery, you must be photographed by Nov 30th. No worries, they are even doing Sunday appts, there is time for everyone!

October 25, 2006

Howl-o-Wine in Santa Fe

I want to invite all of you to join me for some great food, excellent wine and lots of fun with our pooches.

The Animal Coalition of Texas has organized Howl-O-Wine at the Haak Winery in Santa Fe, TX (map here) on Sunday October 29th from 1 pm till 6 pm. We will have wine tasting, great food and lots of fun and games for the kids (human or four-legged). All this will benefit the local spay and neuter clinic as well as local rescue organizations.

Spread the word to all your dog loving friends.

October 24, 2006

Name that elephant

The Houston Zoo is having a naming contest for its newest elephant calf. The choices are

Colossus, just because he's big.
Guinness, the record breaker...
Sundar, which means attractive...
Janu, Hindu or Indian Hindi (thank you for the correction Vinitha!), for soul/life force, or a term of endearment like "Hon."
and Mac, as in the big truck.

If you leave a comment here on your choice, it won't count! You'll have to go to THIS WEBSITE to vote. Also - Video of the elephant calf, information on where to vote..and more.. is here on KHOU.com's website.

October 24, 2006

Save lives.. with a little help from your dog

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is hosting its first ever "Come, Sit, Commit!" blood drive. Pet owners can donate blood, then enjoy some pet activities and browse pet supply vendors' booths. You'll also get information on blood donation needs for dogs. They'll have crates for your dogs while you'll donate... and donors will receive a Commit for Life dog collar or leash!

Donating blood is incredibly important. It can be scary - I've been nervous when I've donated - but just as pets can help lower blood pressure, I'm sure having my dog nearby would make the whole process a lot easier!

Come, Sit, Commit will be Saturday, November 4th from 10AM to 2:30PM at Oyster Creek Park (map here) at 4033 Highway 6 in Sugar Land. Call 1-888-482-5663 or visit http://www.giveblood.org to schedule your donation

October 24, 2006

Update on the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

You all know the House passed the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (previous post here), but it is NOT a law unless the Senate approves it and the President signs it. The US Humane Society is rallying support to contact the Senate ASAP. Here's an excerpt from its website, requesting people contact their senators:

Last year, nearly 100,000 American horses were either killed at one of three US slaughterhouses for export or shipped to Canada or Mexico for slaughter. Congress approved an amendment to stop horse slaughter during 2006. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving forward with a plan that ignores this Congressional mandate. This surprise move underscores the need for the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, S. 1915 and H.R. 503, which will permanently prohibit the transport, possession, purchase, or sale of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. H.R. 503 recently passed the House by a 263-146 margin and now it's time for the Senate to act. Two bills, S. 576 and H.R. 297, will reinstate protection from slaughter for wild horses which was stripped at the end of 2004.

October 23, 2006

Friends of BARC need your suggestions!

Got this from the folks at Friends of BARC (which, by the way, is having another monthly "Meet and Greet" in the Heights. More info here
They're looking for some help with their mobile adoptions...

We need your help trying to figure out how to get more recruits. We need volunteers to staff Petsmarts for adoptions on the weekends. We pick up the new petsmart on Westheimer and Dunvale on October 28. This will be our SIXTH store!! Yea!! This is the best way for BARC to adopt out given the current housing facility. We are going to blast this on erescue as well as craiglist, the Houston Chronicle, and local supermarkets and neighborhood mailings. Do you have any other suggestions?

October 23, 2006

Update on the dog dragged in Mineola Texas

I have located the name of the vet treating Nelly, the Lab dragged in Mineola (original post here). According to the Handipets Haven forum it is:

You can read the rest of the forum's post here.. but BE AWARE.. GRAPHIC PICTURES of Nelly's injuries! I have also seen on this website that the Van Zandt County
Sheriff's Office is questioning two suspects.. One has allegedly admitted involvement but says it was an accident.

October 19, 2006

Anyone hear of a man shooting a dog in Friendswood?

For what it's worth, here is a story I heard from a friend of mine this morning that drives a school bus for CCISD. My friend said he heard it on the school bus radio. I haven't seen anything on the news or papers about it.

Apparently this happened yesterday (Wed) in Friendswood. A man shot and killed a dog in front of a bus load of kids waiting to get off the bus. The man, in civilian clothes, supposedly flashed a some kind of badge at the bus driver and then proceeded to walk up to a dog that was running around loose, pulled a gun out and shot it in the head.

The driver was shocked and called into dispatch asking what to do and was told to get out of there. The driver moved out of the area and dropped the kids off somewhere else. I think it may have been in the Wedgewood or Forest Bend subdivision.

October 19, 2006

Stolen Black Lab

My name is Rocky and I have been missing since October 11th at around 8pm in Houston, TX - Southwest/Alief area. I was stolen right from my front yard as my daddy went to put up the groceries from the car to the house. He was only gone for less than a minute. I was outside taking care of my business. And as soon as daddy came outside this car sped off (looked like a dark color older model Cougar) and I was at that same moment missing. I am a good boy and would never leave my parents' side. I am now around 95 lbs. I have mild skin allergies and also have a faded birthmark on my belly. Please help find me.

Rocky's Dogster page is here. If you have any information call his owner Anh at
832.495.1273.

October 19, 2006

Animals looking to stay dry

Humans weren't the only things trying to find higher, drier ground after all of the rain we got over the past few days.. So were some local farm animals.. Click here to watch some cows wading through water southwest of Alvin. The animals made it to a home in the Oakbend Estates next to Chocolate Bayou and County Rd. 172.

October 18, 2006

Halloween at the Houston Zoo

Some of the animals at the Houston Zoon got a real treat today. Every year, keepers give their four legged friends pumpkins as part of the zoo's environmental enrichment program. You can watch the video here.

October 18, 2006

Dog nearly dragged to death in

A chocolate lab is fighting for its life after it was dragged behind a pickup truck in Mineola, Texas. Editorial note: AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! The story is here... but there are some disturbing pictures. Be warned.

October 17, 2006

Update on Dustin the Weimy

Another Dustin update: This boy was rescued in August looked horrible. Look at him now! His foster mama writes:

Dustin is doing well. He was to lose his jingle bells today, but he must have heard me making the appointment. I think he did a rain dance because Houston ended up with massive amounts of rain yesterday and flooding was horrible. Even this morning, Eric could not get from here to the vet, so we had to cancel his appointment. Don't tell him (we don’t need any more rain!), but it is rescheduled for Thursday.

I am working on a web update, but wanted you all to see this little cutie. He has really grown into a handsome boy. He is sweet, loving and very calm for a 9 or 10 month old Weim.

October 17, 2006

Pet of the Week is back!

October 16, 2006

Cat starts house fire, dog saves owner

From Rhine, Wisconsin: After a disabled woman's cat started a house fire, her specially trained dog rescued her by bringing a phone to call for help. Jamie Hanson, 49, received third-degree burns on her arm in the fire that killed both of her pets, Sheboygan County Sheriff's officials said Monday.

The fire started Sunday night when Hanson's cat knocked a candle onto a chair. Hanson's dog then brought her a phone, allowing her to call for help.

October 16, 2006

Police dog falls 2 stories, but gets his man

A Gilford, New Hampshire police dog fell from a second-story window while searching for a robbery suspect during the weekend, but still got its man.

Police were looking for a man who reportedly robbed a car driver at knifepoint Saturday night. Police the man pulled a knife on the driver of a car in which he was a passenger, forced her off the road and stole her purse.

They say Agbar fell from a second-story window while on the hunt, but was not hurt, and led officers to the suspect, who was arrested outside his apartment.

October 16, 2006

Horse rescue during today's rain

These are just incredible. These pictures are among several sent to us by Kenny Johnson. He took them at the Cypress Trails Equestrian Center in Spring around 2 this afternoon. Kenny emailed me to say he talked with the woman in the top left photo:

Evacuating 50 horses ... Owner of business is Darolyn Butler, International Endurance Champion. She was out of town at the time of photos.

There were approximately 10 people with 4-5 trailers rescuing the horses. The evacuation process began around 1:30 and was finished by 4:00. I wasn't able to confirm who the people were, and can only guess they were employees of the ranch and horse owners/friends.

This same ranch flooded during Hurricane Tropical Storm Allison and was about 15 feet under water.

Evacuations during that flood did not begin until the water was much deeper than it was today. Some horses managed to climb on to the house's 2nd level deck and other structures, while others swam into the surrounding forest, where they found higher ground or were rescued. Only one horse, that I know of, drowned.

Since then, evacuations have occurred much more pro-actively and more often.

Seconds after she gave me this information, the horse she was leading suddenly ran. Fearing the horse would run into the street, she grabbed his tail and tried to hold him back. He broke loose and immediately ran up to join a group of horses who were being led further ahead.

I returned to the this location at about 5 pm to find that every animal had been removed.

October 16, 2006

Kobe the terrier back home in Bellflower after 1,400-mile trek

The small white pooch vanished from his Bellflower (in California - here's a map) home last month and was found by a stranger in Denton, Texas (here up north of Dallas).

AVID, the company that produced the chip, flew Kobe from Texas to California and on Thursday he was reunited with his owners, the Ontiveros family, at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.

October 11, 2006

Lost dogs in Waller County

This is from a woman in Waller County whose two dogs escaped from her fenced yard on Monday, October 9th:

From: "Susan Warren" <wassy_1@charter.net>
To: lforonda@khou.com
Date: 10/10/06 8:51PM
Subject: lost dogs

Dear Lisa,
I live in Clear Creek subdivision, off of Nichols Sawmill road. I am Waller county, but I live on the line of Montgomery county. We have checked the web site for Montgomery County Animal Shelter, for Waller county does not have one. We have posted to Lostpaws & Petfinder &Craigslist. We have talked to our groomer and she is putting out e-mails. We have signs out, talk to everyone we know, and a lot think that we aren't looking for our loved pets.

One is a Shepherd, large male, four years old, black and tan; one ear doesn't always stand up for they are very large. His name is Wassy. He also has two scars on his front paw from a snake bite.

The other one is a Rotty female, black and red, 7 years old going on 8. She is a little over weight. They both are very sweet but I know that they are scared for they have never slept outside. They stay in lot with us. They are house dogs. But I know the size of them may scare people. They are big.

Please help us to bring them home I miss them so much. Both Wassy and Nikite love to sleep with the big dog pillows.

Thank-you for your time and thank-you for what every you can do.

Missing my Babies,
Susan
936-372-3972 home
866-553-8450 toll free
e-mail wassy_1@charter.net

October 10, 2006

Cool costumes for Halloween

Oh, yeah! Darth Vader has NOTHING on this dog! You won't believe some of out Halloween outfits people have for their pets. There's an entire set of pictures here.

October 10, 2006

Has anyone recently adopted a Shi Tzu? He may belong to someone else!

Just got this from Tammy McDowell (281.259.2003) or tammy@tricountyk9.com.. She's looking for a missing Shi Tzu that was mistakenly adopted out:

Last week during one of the storms in the NW Houston area a family that lives near my sister lost their dog. The dog was picked up by someone who actually posted to the neighborhood that they had found the dog. The owners called the phone numbers given on the Found listing but were never able to leave a message and or speak to anyone. They tried calling for 3 days in a row before finally reaching an answering machine with which they left a message on. The people that found the dog supposedly took him to the SPCA so off the family went to retrieve their dog only to find out there was no record of him. As it turns out after speaking again to the people that found the dog, when he was taken up to the SPCA a single mom w/ a 7 year old child were walking into the SPCA to adopt...the dog was given to them outside of the SPCA.

If you know of ANYONE that has recently acquired a neutered 4 year old male
Shi Tzu, PLEASE let me know ASAP and PLEASE let them know that the family is
DESPERATE to get their dog back.

October 9, 2006

Pounding of the Paws

Safari Animal Care Centers are hosting the first ever "Pounding of the Paws" Fun Run and Fall Festival later this month to raise money for the League City Animal Shelter. It's October 28th at the Safari Care Center on East Main In League City (map here), and will include a fun run, costume contest, and dog wash. Click the picture on the left, or call 281-332-2385 more information.

October 9, 2006

Canine Massage Therapy

Ever had a massage? Yes? All together now... "Ahhhhhhh!" At the very least, a good massage can ease stress. Many people believe in other health benefits from massage therapy, and if it can work for people, why not animals?

Tracey Ranauro, a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Canine Massage Provider is offering free clinics monthly for owners and their dogs. She says, "Whether it's a making a terminally ill or senior pet feel better or easing pain from injury or surgery, my goal is to help owners help their pets heal." Classes are the first Saturday of every month, weather permitting, at Oyster Creek Park from 9:30-10:30. Pre-registration required - it's $20 - but participants get handouts and a bag of homemade treats. Call Tracey at Pawsitive Intent Canine Massage at 713 825-7014.

October 6, 2006

Going off topic to remember a fellow runner and smart young man..

I often find solace in my dogs to escape the sad news of the day. Being exposed to the abnormalities in life - which is what often makes up the content of television news - wears me down. There are usually no answers to the crazy things the people do, or the tragic things that happen to those who least expect it.

That happened this morning. 16 year old Jonathan Bruda, died after collapsing on the track at Taylor High School. He was a member of the cross country team. He was also the latest in a string of student athletes who've suddenly died. One had an enlarged heart. Investigations are under way into the deaths of others. We may eventually understand the physiological reasons WHY they died. We may never understand WHY they had to.

But, Jonathan did something very important before he died, and that's why I say he was a smart young man: he talked with his family before he died about his desire to be an organ donor. A family friend told us today the family had discussed Jonathan's wishes with an organ donation organization (watch the story here) and "his wishes were accomplished today."

My father was a surgeon. My mother was a nurse. I know about the desperate need for organ donations in this country. According to LifeGift, a nonprofit organ donation group that serves our area, more than 82,000 men, women and children in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. There are more than 5,000 people waiting in Texas.

Jonathan now lives on through other people who are benefitting from his.. and his family's.... incredible generosity. So many lives are saved or bettered through the donations of the heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver and intestines; tissues that can be donated include the eyes, skin, bone, heart valves and tendons. Read more about organ donation at LifeGift's site here. If you make the decision to be a donor, it is crucial that you discuss this choice with your next of kin. Merely having it listed on your driver's license or in your will is not enough. Permission of your family is always required before organ donation.

I know most of you who are reading this have a great love for animals. I can think of no greater gift to your fellow human beings than agreeing to give another human being a chance at a better life.

October 6, 2006

Dog with broken hip walks himself to ER

The headline says it all. Dog hit by car walks himself to ER. Watch the video here.

October 6, 2006

Don't forget! Best Friends Beirut airlift story TONIGHT!!

The story about the big animal airlift airs tonight on the CBS Evening News.... Some background here and here.

October 6, 2006

Marine pulls out the stops to bring his four legged friend home

This ran on the CBS Evening News last night.. Marine Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman fell in love with this little dog in Iraq.. and went through quite a bit to bring the dog - named lava - back home to the U. S. Check out the rest of the story and video here.

October 6, 2006

$20 bucks for a spay/neuter AND a rabies shot?

You bet! SNAP will provide the service during the "James Bond and Baby Harris Cat Day" on October 17th at its clinic at 1603 Shepherd in Houston (map here). YOU MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT first by calling 713-863-0010 -- (This is the corrected phone number!)

October 5, 2006

Calling all non profits! New business owner wants to make money for YOU

Got this from an animal friend who is trying use her fledgling dog biscuit business to help animal rescue groups:

I'm trying to do something for all of the 501(c)3 groups here in Houston. I have started a new business making all-natural homemade dog treats. I've been trying to contact them all individually to offer a fundraising opportunity. Basically, I'm assigning a rescue code and when people order, they put in the rescue code and I will donate 10% back to the group. My schedule hasn't allowed for me to participate in actual adoption events anymore, but I want to contribute to as many groups as possible. Just trying to get the word out!

October 5, 2006

Old Town Spring is going to the dogs...cats...ferrets...horses...reptiles...birds...

Pet Fest 2006 is a weekend event in Old Town Spring, Texas dedicated to finding homes for the many wonderful animals in shelters and rescue groups across the Houston and surrounding areas. We invite you to grab your furkids and join us for this fun-filled festival of entertainment and education while helping raise money, volunteers and foster homes.

There will be contests, demonstrations, seminars and even a "Yappy Hour" to keep you and your pets entertained. Come see the latest in pet fashions, shop with all the vendors and the pet friendly stores in Old Town Spring, and find out what your pet is thinking with Houston's favorite Pet Psychic, Lisa Greene!

It's October 14th and 15th. Head to the event website here for more information.

October 5, 2006

Help! The dog ate my... key!

Dog owners, stop me if you've heard this before: your dog has had his way with yoru house, eating your shoes, your couch, your drapes, plants... but has he ever eaten your car key?

George, a British dog, DID. He didn't exactly eat the key, but his owners had to come up with a unique way to start their car. Watch the story here.

October 5, 2006

Story in the Chron about breed rescue groups

Yes, yes, I'm a hopeless supporter of breed rescue groups. Here's my sleepy boy, Finlay, taking a mid-morning snooze by the couch. He's a product of Golden Beginnings Rescue here in town (and I must also mention Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston) and he's found his forever home with me.

The Houston Chronicle has a great story about breed rescue groups... You can read it here.

October 4, 2006

Former city vet paid $875,000 in settlement

The Houston City Council approved a big settlement Wednesday for a veterinarian who claimed he was fired for reporting animal abuse at the city pound.

Levingston worked as a vet for the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care six years ago.

In a whistleblower lawsuit, he said he was fired after making those disturbing allegations of abuse.

Kathy Barton, of the City Health Department said Levingston was fired for veterinary malpractice.

October 4, 2006

Puppy stuck in pipe rescued after 15 hours

As rescuers hovered over the pipe, the baby pit bull's cries echoed from out of the tube.

The puppy's owner said he discovered the dog was missing after he checked on his older dog's new litter. Once he noticed one of the puppies was missing, he said he soon heard the dog's cries and tried to dig a hole to get her out.

Check out some video of the rescue here, and you can read the rest of the story on KHOU.com's website here.

October 4, 2006

Update on Sugar Ray the former street dog

Well, it's been two weeks since my last update on Sugar Ray and I wanted to let you know how he's doing. I went to visit him on Sunday and almost let out a gasp when I saw him. He has put on so much weight that I was stunned by his appearance. And extremely pleased! He looks like a real dog -- a big, ol' dog! And he's got a spring in his step when he trots around the yard. He is still needing to be kept pretty quiet, but he appears to be feeling much better. His hair has also improved dramatically and is getting soft and thick. Gail started him on a supplement that was recommended for skin and hair, among other things, called The Missing Link, so we will see how this might affect his health and appearance. The doctor has not decided yet what route to take with his heartworm treatment since that last catastrophe, so some decisions will still need to be made there. According to Gail, he still eats like a horse and has learned to get her attention with a single, loud bark when he either needs to go out, wants to eat or would just like a little attention, so we know he is definitely feeling better. What a handsome guy! Just look at the improvement in 6 short weeks!

October 3, 2006

Be a part of the "pack" by volunteering at BARC

I often have people asking or emailing, wondering how they can volunteer to help animals. What could be easier than taking a few minutes out of your day to walk and play with some dogs? I've blogged about Pasadena's shelter needing animal exercise volunteers (check out that post here).. now BARC is looking for volunteers for its "BARC pack." Volunteers are needed seven days a week to walk the doggies between noon and six pm. What could be easier?

1. Go to BARC (map here)
2. Go to kennels and get dog.
3. Attach leash to dog and take outside
4. Walk, romp and play!
5. Rotate dogs as needed.
6. Leave covered with fur and dog drool, but lots of love.

Oh - as commenter Edna reminded me - the cats need love, too! BARC has a great "Kitty Korner" place for you to play with the kitties!

October 2, 2006

Company promises hypoallergenic cats -- for a hefty price

From the Allerca Web site: The Allerca kittens will be delivered to customers via their local veterinarian and will become generally available in the first quarter of 2007. The Allerca kittens come with premium pet insurance provided by Pets Best, are micro-chipped, and are spayed or neutered. Along with a care pack provided to help a family raise their new kitten, each Allerca kitten comes with a unique Certificate of Authenticity that shows an actual image of its divergent gene sequence. Each Allerca cat is priced at $3,950 and a waiting list already exists.

"It's not about the money for people who always wanted a cat but couldn't because they or someone they knew was allergic -- it's about an investment in a family companionship that can live up to 12 years on average. It's hard to put a price tag on that," says Dr. Cruz.

October 2, 2006

Houston Zoo's new elephant

After 22 months of tender loving care, Shanti, the Houston Zoo's 15 year old Asian elephant, delivered a male calf of record breaking proportions this morning. The as yet unnamed calf tips the scales at 384 pounds. "He’s a real 4 by 4. He measures 40 inches from his head to his rump and he stands 40 inches tall," said Zoo Director Rick Barongi. Hes a big strong boy and the largest elephant calf ever delivered in a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)," added Barongi.

Check out some video of the new calf here, and you can read the rest of the story on the KHOU.com website here. You can also check out the Houston Zoo's blog page here.

October 2, 2006

Beirut Animal Lift on CBS news

Every Friday, the CBS Evening News has a segment with reporter Mark Hartman, called "Assignment America." The cool thing about it, is that it is a "viewer's choice" report. Each Friday, Steve offers up three story ideas. The idea that received the most internet votes is the one that he does the story on. This Friday, he will be profiling Best Friends and the animal evacuation from Lebanon (previous blog post here.) Sooo... mark your calendar to watch the CBS Evening News Friday evening at 5:30..

October 2, 2006

California's governor signs new laws protecting animals

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger might be known as an alien killing machine in his "Terminator" movies, but in the past couple of weeks he's signed into law several pieces of state legislation protecting animals. Among them:

- Making it a crime to carelessly leave animals unattended in vehicles during dangerous conditions, such as hot weather - or without adequate food, ventilation, or water

- Stronger penalties for those engaged in illegal animal fights like cockfighting.

Governor Ahh-nold has two close animal friends, a yellow Lab named Spunky and a white Cockatoo named Sarge. Check out an extended version of the story here. There's also video of the bill signing from the California Governor's website, which includes a very handsome Golden Retriever who was there to watch the whole thing.

October 2, 2006

China's Animal Olympics

A kangaroo boxing a human, getting a punch right to the face. A bear, trying to hold itself upright while hanging on to two metal hoops. These are a few of the events in the biannual "Animal Olympics" at the Shanghai Wildlife Park. It has attracted thousands of visitors, including rapturous school children, but has provoked outrage and serious concerns among animal rights groups the world over.

Read the rest of the story here. There is additional information here, and more pictures here.