For the full story go to khou.com

WHO/WHAT: Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston will be on hand to talk "Goldens" and introduce everyone to a group of wonderful rescue Golden Retrievers looking for forever homes!

WHERE: The Orvis Company Store, 9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 610, The Woodlands, TX 77380; Phone: 281-203-6150.

WHEN: Saturday, August 4, 2007 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

For more information, please visit grrh.org

Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston would like to thank all the wonderful folks at Orvis for allowing them to meet the public and spread the word about rescue on the first Saturday of every month!

A small study by Spanish scientists indicated that putting cat dander extract in your mouth helps build resistance.
It may sound strange, but this apparently teaches your immune system to tolerate the allergen.
But the study only involved 30 people, and the immunotherapy worked 62 percent of the time.

In another dose of bad news for the indicted quarterback, a top trading card company announced it was pulling Vick's likeness from any new packs. Donruss, one of four major trading card companies, has decided to pull Vick's card from any future 2007 releases, according to Beckett Media, which covers the collectibles industry.

For the full story click here 11NewsSports

Join the Houston Humane Society on Saturday, July 28 for Mobile Adoptions at the PetSmart, 5740 Hwy 6, in Missouri City between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Bonny and Mocha are just a few of the adorable adoptables who will be there waiting for loving new homes! For more information on the Houston Humane Society go to houstonhumane.org

I received this information today from the Houston SPCA...

"On Wednesday, the Houston SPCA brought in 55 rough and smooth coated collies from an owner in Tomball who voluntarily signed them over to the shelter in hopes of finding good homes. The collies are currently being medically and behaviorally evaluated and many of them will be ready for adoption by this weekend."

"On Thursday, responding to a call from Brazoria County law enforcement officials, the Houston SPCA brought in 27 dogs, four horses and two goats from a property in Alvin. Local authorities had been working with the owner of these animals in order to improve their condition but she was unable to fully comply. Many of the dogs have hair loss and skin problems and are under weight. Then, 20 ducks, geese and chickens were seized from a second property in Manvel. These animals were abandoned by their owner. All of the animals from Thursday's seizures will be in the temporary custody of the Houston SPCA until a court hearing on Monday. If a judge awards custody of these animals to the Houston SPCA, many of them will be available for placement in foster homes or up for adoption."

"With so many animals coming into the doors of the Houston SPCA, the need for Houstonians to open their hearts and homes for foster care has never been greater. You can make a difference by giving deserving animals the extra time they need in order to be ready for adoption. A week or two in your home will allow these animals to gain weight, heal, socialize and discover that this world is full of humans who will love and take great care of them. As a part of the foster program, you can help the Houston SPCA save more lives than ever before! To find out more about the Houston SPCA's foster care program, attend a brief foster volunteer orientation scheduled for Thursday, August 9th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm or Saturday, August 11th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information on the Houston SPCA's foster care program, please contact Judy at 713.869.7722 x188 or Ana at 713.869.7722 x121 or go to houstonspca.org

Lone Star Boxer Rescue (LSBR) is hosting its first annual "Bet on a Boxer" Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament on Friday, September 28, 2007. The tournament, which starts at 7 p.m., will be held at the SPJST Hall Lodge #88, 1435 Beall Street, near the Heights in Houston, and all funds will support LSBR's rescue efforts.

A $60 buy-in will include 2,000 chips and a free meal from Escalante's, and if you register before August 31st, you will receive 500 additional chips. Corporate sponsorships are available from as little as $250 up to $5,000.

Raffle items will be presented throughout the evening and there will also be a silent auction. Lone Star Boxer Rescue is accepting donations for both raffle and silent auction items. All donors will be recognized.

For more information on the tournament, registration forms and descriptions of sponsorship opportunities, please visit betonaboxer.com

Lone Star Boxer Rescue is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization whose sole mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the boxer breed. To find out more about LSBR activities and to meet their wonderful rescued boxers, please visit, lonestarboxerrescue.com

Prosecutors did not seek bond for any of the four men during the court proceeding in Richmond federal court.

According to reports from the Atlanta Journal Constitution and inRich.com, Judge Dennis W. Dohnal, presiding over the hearing, determined that Vick was not a flight risk or a threat to safety of the community and ordered his release with some restrictions. All of the defendants had the "common restrictions of being placed under the supervision of the pre-trial services, no violations of any state or federal laws including traffic violations, he must reside at his primary residence, surrender all travel documents, can't travel outside of his federal district, no contact with anyone that may have been involved in the case, no contact with any defendant or being involved in the sale or purchase of any dog, no possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon and no excessive abuse of alcohol. Vick was required to surrender any animal breeding or kennel licenses."

The jury trial is scheduled to begin November 26. If convicted on the interstate-commerce portion of the charge, each defendant faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted on the dogfighting portion, each faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

For the latest information on the Vick case go to khou.com or inrich.com or ajc.com

This email, from Deborah H., came from my friends at the Homeless Pet Placement League.

"This is not a plea for help or a plea for anything...just sharing a story from my day today...

The fact that I rescued a 4-week-old kitten today is not that big a deal or an unusual occurrence in our business. But how, when and where it happened might just bring a smile to your face and make your day.

I was on my way to work and spotted the tiny thing in the middle of Westheimer in front of the Galleria where I work...just feet from the light at McCue, frozen in place, but then it bolted and crossed to the other side. The next light, at Post Oak, had just turned green and the rush-hour traffic was heading straight towards the little one. I immediately made an illegal u-turn, and didn't exactly turn my vehicle sideways but did manage to stop 2 of the 4 lanes of traffic. Then I jumped out and stopped the rest of the oncoming cars, all the while folks cursing and honking. The kitten disappeared and a lady squeezed past my truck, stopped and shouted from her window "she's under your truck at the back tire!" I saw the tiny kitten hugging my inside rear tire and dove under and grabbed her. Luckily I had a pair of capris on (new of course!), and was not wearing pantyhose and a skirt - that would not have been a pretty sight! The kitten went limp in my hand and was to safety inside my truck...with folks still honking and irritated. But one man drove by in his Lexus and business suit and shouted "Thank you, thank you!" and off we all drove into the sunrise. McCue is sleeping sound and snuggly in a crate in my bedroom."

Deborah says McCue is not yet old enough for adoption and will be living in her home temporarily. She also said she will place McCue for adoption through PAWS Animal Rescue, Inc. of Alvin so she will have room "to help the next one in need!" The PAWS website is pawsrescue.org and when McCue is ready for a forever home there will be a picture and bio!

Deborah, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Rescuing a kitten from rush-hour traffic IS a big deal and you are a true hometown hero and lifesaver. Thank you!

"Prior to this, we were pursuing the maximum discipline, which is a four-game suspension," Blank said. "We had gone so far as to draft the letter. But the commissioner asked us not to take action until they completed their review."

"This sort of behavior is really horrific," Blank said. "But these are charges. We have to let the legal process play out."

The Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper has a complete collection of stories, including video of PETA protests at Falcons headquarters and photos, at
ajc.com Please be advised that you might need to "register" for free.

To read quotes selected by the Atlanta Falcons from the news conference (participants included Falcons owner and CEO Arthur Blank, GM Rich McKay, and Head Coach Bobby Petrino) go to atlantafalcons.com

From NFL.com wire reports...

Goodell said in a letter to Vick, "While it is for the criminal justice system to determine your guilt or innocence, it is my responsibility as commissioner of the National Football League to determine whether your conduct, even if not criminal, nonetheless violated league policies, including the Personal Conduct Policy."

The NFL said Vick would still get his preseason pay and Goodell told the Falcons to withhold any disciplinary action of their own until the league's review was completed.

The Falcons will open camp July 26, the same day Vick is scheduled to be arraigned in Virginia on charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation.

Team officials declined comment other than to say a news conference was scheduled for 3 pm CT today at owner Arthur Blank's office in Atlanta.

To read the full story go to nfl.com

Campers, age 7 - 13, will have a chance to learn about animal safety, obedience training, and explore various animal-related careers. Featured speakers include zookeepers, veterinarians, animal cruelty investigators, bloodhound rescue teams, and dog trainers. Campers will get to meet all the critters housed at the HHS, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, goats and sheep. They'll even get the chance to practice their obedience training skills with some adoptable pets. Camp costs are $50 per day or $200 for a full week session.

For more information please contact the Houston Humane Society by phone at 713.341.3309 or by email at volunteers@houstonhumane.org. A registration form is also available online at houstonhumane.org

Michael Vick is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on July 26. Keep the pressure on the NFL and Vick's corporate sponsors with a simple click of your mouse!

Click on this link to e-mail the NFL hsus.org

You can also call the NFL's public relations department at 212-450-2000 to voice your opinion.

And, Nike stopped plans to roll out a new line of Vick shoes but they continue selling other Vick shoes. You can call Nike Consumer Services at 1-800-344-6453, go to nike.com or go through the HSUS website to send an email directly to Nike at hsus.org

The decisions in question were overseen by former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Julie MacDonald, who resigned May 1, 2007. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett asked Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall to review decisions overseen by MacDonald to determine if any of the decisions require revision based on her involvement.

The following decisions will be reviewed. The original date of publication is also included:

White-tailed prairie dog, 90-day petition finding (November 9, 2004)
Preble's meadow jumping mouse, 12 month petition finding/proposed delisting (January 28, 2005)
12 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies, proposed critical habitat (August 15, 2006)
Preble's meadow jumping mouse, final critical habitat (June 23, 2003)
Arroyo toad, final critical habitat (April 13, 2005)
Southwestern willow flycatcher, final critical habitat (October 19, 2005)
California red-legged frog, final critical habitat (April 13, 2006)
Canada lynx, final critical habitat (November 9, 2006)

Although MacDonald worked on other Endangered Species Act decisions, the initial review determined that her involvement in the outcome of those decisions did not affect the species' status.

For more information on the decisions and species to be reviewed, to to fws.gov

From large to small, young to old, long hair to short hair, the Houston SPCA has the perfect cat or kitten for your family! In fact, they may just have the perfect pair!

June was officially Adopt a Shelter Cat Month and the Houston SPCA placed more than 500 cats and kittens into loving new homes. So far in July, more than 236 fabulous felines have been adopted. The Houston SPCA is committed to giving homeless animals the second chance they deserve and reminds everyone that the adoption fee for cats and kittens for the rest of this month is half off the normal fee. They will also honor 2 for 1 on all cat and kitten adoptions.

For more information please call 713.869.7722 or go to houstonspca.org

This voluntary recall is from one reported case of botulism in Castleberry's human edible Hot Dog Chili Sauce. Botulism is generally due to an improperly sealed can or a can that has become damaged, thus letting air inside.

According to their website, "Natural Balance checks all of its cans for any kind of leakage, puffiness or damage before they are shipped, and we have found none." To comply with their manufacturer, Natural Balance is asking that you discontinue use and return Eatables for Dogs to your store for a full refund.

For more information go to naturalbalance.com or to fda.gov

Seventy-five horses were removed from the property of a Cash, TX horse breeder on June 26, 2007. The horses were extremely malnourished and in need of medical care.

The owner and one accessory were charged with five counts of animal cruelty and arrested. They were released on bond and a court hearing was scheduled to determine the custody of the equines. After further documentation and assessment of the condition of the horses, five more counts of animal cruelty were charged and the defendants opted for a plea bargain consisting of an agreement to surrender all of the horses to Habitat for Horses, jail time, probation including a restriction to owning or caring for any equines, and restitution for care of the herd, as well as provisions to insure the health and well being of the couples non-equine animals.

Habitat for Horses is seeking foster homes and loving permanent responsible homes for all the horses. Donations of hay and quality feed are also being accepted. For more information go to habitatforhorses.org

If you do allow your dog to share your bed, the AKC recommends a few safety tips to ensure a good night's sleep for you and your pooch. Go to akc.org to find out more.

And, speaking of sleep, do you have a cute and cuddly, or "howlingly" funny picture of your cat or dog dozing off? You can enter your photo online in the National Sleep Foundation's "My Pet Loves Sleep Contest" at sleepfoundation.org The contest runs through September and a new winner is chosen each week.

Here's what they are saying and doing:

American Humane Association. From their website, "The American Humane Association, the only national organization working to protect children and animals, is asking the National Football League to take a firm stance and make a strong statement against animal fighting in the wake of the indictment of Atlanta Falcons player Michael Vick." "The NFL is in the position to help its players and staff recognize the severity of this blood sport and send a message to its players and fans that such participation, in any form, will not be accepted or endorsed," American Humane President and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley said. "Those in the position of a role model, such as NFL players, benefit from public support and have a responsibility to set a good example for adults and children alike." Go to americanhumane.org to read their entire statement.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Said President & CEO Ed Sayres, "It is gratifying to see federal authorities taking an active role in investigating dog fighting, which is a felony offense in 48 states, and something that we in the animal welfare world take extremely seriously indeed." To read their press release go to aspca.org

Best Friends Society. Has their online petition at bestfriends.org

Humane Society of the United States. From their website, "...Three months ago, suspicions of dogfighting on Vick's property in Virginia came to light along with chilling descriptions of the fighters hanging, electrocuting, shooting and slamming to death dogs who didn't "perform" as desired." They are encouraging people to "ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Michael Vick from the NFL immediately." They have an online letter that you can send at hsus.org

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA sent a letter to all of Vick's corporate sponsors, Falcons CEO Arthur Blank, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell from hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, civil rights leader The Rev. Al Sharpton, and PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk roundly condemning dogfighting and other forms of violence. They also have an online letter that you can sign at peta.org

To read the indictment in its entirety go to vickindictment.pdf

Going to the local duck pond with a bag of stale bread and feeding the ducks is a childhood memory for many of us. Ducks are cute. Ducks are fun. And feeding them results in lots of quacking and flapping. But, feeding them isn't good for their health.
Feeding the ducks can be fatal.

I received some great information yesterday from someone at liveducks.com. Their website has lots of wonderful information about duck care and a cool "duck cam."

Here's what they have to say about feeding ducks:

1. Feeding ducks attracts rats, pests and predators that kill ducks and endanger humans.

2. Rotting food pollutes the water and breeds deadly diseases and parasites. A single outbreak of Duck Virus Enteritis (caused by artificial feeding) kills all of the ducks. Uneaten food quickly forms a deadly mold called Aspergillus that is fatal to ducks without early diagnosis and expensive treatment. Avian Botulism (caused by artificial feeding) kills entire waterfowl populations and hospitalizes people.

3. Ducks defecate at the site of scattered food or bread and bacteria in their feces creates much higher risks for illness or disease.

4. Most waterfowl die-offs in the past 10 years have been attributed to artificial feeding.

5. Ducks that are overfed create dangerous amounts of waste that harm fish and upset the ecosystem.

Visit one of the finest and largest indoor dog shows in America held in Houston's Reliant Center.

There is breed judging (conformation) and obedience. Watch agility dogs racing over obstacle courses, flyball teams hurdling to beat the clock, and four-footed athletes catching Frisbees and dancing to music (Canine Freestyle). There are practical clinics on dog health, grooming and training or attend a "Meet the Breed" seminar that introduces potential dog owners to the pleasures and pitfalls of owning particular breeds.

Visit your favorite Breed Rescue Club, Rescue Organization or shelter booth and shop at hundreds of vendor booths.

And, last but certainly not least, check out the Third Annual Designer Doghouse Competition and Showcase benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP).

For more information and a complete schedule of events go to reliantdogshows.com

If you would like to foster, please contact: Linda Eggert at Linda.Eggert@c-a-m.com or
Nela Brown at ntbrown@houston.rr.com.

WHEN: Sunday, August 12

WHERE: Copperfield Bowl, 15615 Glen Chase Drive, Houston, TX 77095

TIME: 12 noon to 6 p.m.

MORE IMPORTANT FACTS:

Registration for adults is $10. Registration for kids under 12 is $5. Your registration fee includes shoe rental. Bowlers choose a time slot: 12-2 pm, 2-4 pm, or 4-6 pm. Prizes for most donations/pledges per time slot and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize for highest score per time slot.

The Homeless Pet Placement League (HPPL) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that provides for the rehabilitation and adoption of stray and abandoned dogs and cats. For more information on the Homeless Pet Placement League or the upcoming Bowling Benefit, go to hppl.org or call (713) 862-7387.

Vick and three others were charged with violating federal laws against competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines. To read the complete story, go to khou.com

Please sign the Best Friends Society petition calling for professional sports leagues to adopt strong official policies against dog fighting at
bestfriends.org

And, for an exclusive report by Brad Woodard on the local epidemic of street-level dogfighting go to khou.com

She loves to play and will chase almost anything.

See why we call her Lovey

You are invited to attend The Fourth Annual National Feral Cat Summit on Saturday, November 10, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Professionals from around the country will share their most effective and progressive techniques in caring for feral cats.

Topics and workshops include:

The Impact of TNR on Local Animal Control Programs: Lessons from Maddie's Outdoor Cat Program

Report on Chemical Sterilization

The Feral Cat Colony Online Database

"Building Working TNR Coalitions"

Disaster Preparation for Feral Cat Programs & Caretakers

Designing an Effective Communitywide TNR Program

Funding for Ferals

Feral Cats & Wildlife: Moving from Confrontation to Collaboration

Organizing & Running a Feral Cat Mass Spay/Neuter Clinic

A special feral cat workshop for veterinarians and vet techs is also being held.

Attendees qualify for a total of 6 Continuing Education Units (6 Hours) for attending Parts I and II or 3 CE Units for attending only Part I or Part II.

Attendees will participate in all phases of a TNR Clinic capable of sterilizing more than 200 cats in a few hours, including admissions, anesthesia, eartipping, surgical preparation, surgery, recovery, record-keeping and discharge.

Presenting Sponsors:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The Humane Society of the United States
Best Friends Animal Society
PETCO Foundation
PETsMART Charities
Petfinder.com

Supporting Sponsors:
University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine
Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACC&D)
Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals
Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT)
CARE Feline Rescue, Orlando, FL
SPAY USA

For more information go to www.neighborhoodcats.org or email feralcatsummit@yahoo.com

Best Friends Animal Society, the country's largest sanctuary for homeless animals, is circulating the petition. It says, "We, the undersigned, urge America's major sports leagues-the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer to take immediate action to help stop participation and support of dog fighting by taking the following actions:

(1) Announce policies condemning dog fighting as a horrifically cruel, illegal activity that will not be tolerated;

(2) Establish stiff penalties, including fines and suspensions, for any high profile athletes or league employee who associates in any way with dog fighting;

(3) Cooperate fully with investigations of athletes alleged to be involved in dog fighting;

(4) Cooperate with Best Friends and other animal welfare groups to promote ways to eradicate dog fighting.

To sign the petition go to:

http://network.bestfriends.org/petitions/detail.aspx?pn=4&g=555ca35ba5274da88bc0d8853336891e

MetaMorhix, a company headquartered in Beltsville, MD is offering the Canine Heritage Breed Test that genetically identifies 38 American Kennel Club recognized breeds. The company says an advanced test due out in September will detect 116 breeds. The Canine Heritage test is easy to administer and requires only a cheek swab sample to be mailed to the company for analysis. Results are returned to owners in 4-6 weeks. Dr. Ed Quattlebaum, Co-Chairman and CEO of MetaMorphix, Inc. believes the test will allow pet owners to better understand their pet's behavior and work more closely with their veterinarian to develop a lifetime health and wellness program.

Mars Veterinary plans to release a competing DNA test, called the Wisdom Panel MX, through veterinarians later this month. The test results present a blueprint for understanding where some of the physical and behavioral traits seen in each unique mixed breed dog may have come from, says Paul Jones, a genetic researcher for Mars Veterinary, in Leicestershire, England. The company's test, which requires a blood sample, identifies 134 AKC-recognized breeds and will cost about $120 to $200. Results will take two to three weeks. A six-page report will include the dog's breed analysis as well as information on the appearance and behavioral characteristics of detected breeds. The company says its results, on average, are 95 percent accurate.

For more information go to:

www.metamorphixinc.com
www.whatsmydog.com

Ever since the kitten was found under the hood of Eunice Collins' running Chevrolet Tahoe a few weeks ago, he's been feeding from the unusually cooperative longhaired dachshund.

Tahoe feeds in the morning, at night and after naps, purring and pawing at the dog's belly.

"That's not going to happen very often," said veterinarian John Beck, who added that the "kitten got lucky, basically" that he found a dog with those maternal instincts.

Collins said she was confused by the sound of a kitten meowing as she drove her Tahoe.

"I thought I was going crazy," Collins said. "I came to a light and heard it again. So I pulled into a gas station."

Collins took the kitten in and kept him in a bedroom. Four days later, she saw Lillie feeding him.

"I couldn't believe it," she said. "She has just taken Tahoe on as her baby and has been nurturing and taking care of him. They're just very close."

Beck said having Tahoe in the house "induced a false pregnancy, a nursing response."

"It made the hormones needed to produce milk," Beck said. "Now, I'm sure the cat obviously had it in mind the dog was (his) mother."

(AP)

The League City Animal Shelter has many adorable adoptables waiting for you this weekend!

They are located at 821 North Kansas Street, League City, TX. The shelter is open Tuesday -Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. The shelter phone number is (281) 554-1377.

Check out all the animals available for adoption at the League City Animal Shelter at www.petfinder.com.

PS: Thanks Monica for emailing me these pictures!!

This unscientific, simplified experiment consisted of putting an electronic thermometer inside a closed automobile and one outside of the vehicle to measure ambient temperature in the shade.

It was a sunny day. The automobile was parked with the sun to the rear. It was a dark blue, so it probably absorbed heat quicker and more efficiently than a light colored vehicle.

The interior and exterior readings were compared at timed increments.

The interior of the car was cooled to 83 degrees by the vehicle air conditioner, the engine was turned off and the monitoring was started. After only fifteen minutes the automobile interior heated to a deadly 120 degrees.

Here are the results:

Time Interior temperature Outside temperature
CDT degrees F degrees F

1245 pm 83 92
100 pm 120 93
115 pm 123 94
130 pm 125 93
145 pm 127 94
200 pm 129 94
215 pm 130 95
230 pm 131 95
245 pm 132 95
300 pm 133 95
315 pm 134 95
330 pm 134 95

When it's hot outside, do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even for short periods of time, under any circumstances!

For more information about heat health and awareness, please visit:

www.crh.noaa.gov/mkx/?n=summer_page

The bill's author Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys (Los Angeles County)decided not to bring the bill to a vote when he realized he didn't have enough votes to pass the controversial measure.

Testimony and debate on the bill before the Senate Local Government Committee lasted nearly 90 minutes. The bill generated nearly 20,000 letters from breeders, pet owners and animal activists.

Supporters said the state spends about $300 million each year putting hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs to death, while opponents countered that the measure would eliminate hobby pet breeders, sterilizes "working" dogs too soon and mean the extinction of exotic or rare breeds of dogs or cats.

The bill, AB 1634, would have prohibited anyone from owning a dog or cat more than six months old that wasn't spayed or neutered unless they have an "intact permit."

Supporters of the bill included longtime TV game-show host and animal-rights activist Bob Barker, the State Humane Association of CA, HSUS, American Humane, and scores of local animal organizations. Opponents included the American Kennel Club, Assistance Dogs International, National Animal Interest Alliance, the Cat Fancier's Association and others.

For more information in support of AB 1634 go to www.cahealthypets.com.

For more information in opposition of the bill go to www.ab1634.com

A volunteer from the League City Animal Shelter sent me pictures of the many absolutely adorable adoptable felines at their shelter. If you're ready to open your heart and home to one of these "purrfect" pets, head on down to the League City Animal Shelter, 821 North Kansas Street, League City, TX.

The shelter is open Tuesday -Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. The shelter phone number is (281) 554-1377.

You can check out all the animals for adoption at the League City Animal Shelter at www.petfinder.com.

This summer is one of the worst Lone Star Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso Rescue has seen in the past eight years. With more than 80 dogs in their already overloaded foster homes, there is no place to put the dogs that will be turned into area shelters in the upcoming weeks.

Our dogs need people to love them and care for them while they are waiting for their forever homes! All that is needed to save a little lap dog's life is a place to stay for sometimes as little as a month or as long as six months, if they are recovering from abuse or neglect. It's true, you will fall in love with these little fluffs and sometimes it's very hard to let them go. But, the reward comes in knowing that you have saved a little dog from almost certain death, placed him or her in a wonderful new forever home, and now have room to save another desperate little dog! Worried about the cost of veterinary care? Don't be! Our rescue pays all vet bills!!

If you can open your home and heart to an orphaned Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, please contact FOSTER@shihtzu-rescue.com or call 281-754-4851.

For more information, go to www.shihtzu-rescue.com. Donations are also needed to underwrite boarding in lieu of foster homes. Donate on the website at www.shihtzu-rescue.com.

Bring six cans or one bag of cat or kitten food and get a male cat neutered for free on Friday, August 10, 2007. Drop-off times are between 7:30 - 8:00 am at The Greater Good, 11915 Katy Freeway. Reservations must be made by calling (281) 497-9055.

(1) Please no walk-ins. Reservations are required.

(2) Male cats only!

(3) All cats must be in plastic carriers with a towel. NO soft-sided carriers, pillow cases, etc. allowed.

(4) Affordable vaccinations may be requested at drop-off. Cash or check only.

(5) A donation of cat or kitten food (six cans or one bag) required for the neuter.

For more information, go to www.cap4pets.org.

Throughout the month of July, any two cats, male or female, will be spayed or neutered for $35 – a real saving considering one female spay surgery can cost as much as $150.

Saving Animals Across Borders partnered with the Animal Alliance of Galveston County to open La Marque's first subsidized high-volume, high-quality dog and cat sterilization clinic.

The Animal Alliance Spay & Neuter Clinic will offer its "Two-fur-One" cat sterilization special throughout July. The clinic is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provides low-cost vaccinations, flea prevention, heartworm testing and prevention, as well as testing for feline Leukemia and feline AIDS. Appointments required.

Animal Alliance Spay & Neuter Clinic
608 Bayou Road
La Marque, Texas 7568
(409) 933-1600

Doggie U was being investigated for animal cruelty.

At least four people say their pets came home from the school with injuries.

One reportedly had a broken leg while some had neck sores.

The school’s owner insists the cases are isolated incidents.

The owner says the pets are not mistreated.

The League City Council will Tuesday vote whether to approve a permit and zoning
changes that would allow the school to stay open.

Spanky is a beagle mix who was picked up as a stray, and he's been at BARC for just over 30 days.

Spanky!

Internet hunting was the creation of Texas entrepreneur John Lockwood. Lockwood's website went online in 2005. The "hunter" picked an animal to kill and charged the "hunt" to a credit card. A small fenced enclosure appeared on the screen. From a camera mounted on a rifle, the user aimed with a mouse and clicked as soon as he sighted on the unsuspecting animal. The mouse click triggered the remote-controlled rifle. The animal victim, with nowhere to hide, had no chance of escaping with his life.

In Internet hunting, hunters and animal advocates found something to agree on. Pro-hunting groups like the National Rifle Association and Safari Club International are against this outrageous cruelty because it doesn't meet any "fair-chase criteria."

Almost as soon as Lockwood's site went online in early 2005, the Texas state legislature outlawed Internet hunting. Since then thirty-three other states have followed suit. The recently introduced federal legislation would prevent the start-up of similar operations across the country, still an option in states that don't outlaw the practice.

To view a map of states that allow or ban Internet hunting or check the current list of co-sponsors in the House to see if your U.S. Representative has signed on to the Computer-Assisted Remote Hunting Act (H.R. 2711) go to:
http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/citizen_lobbyist_center/internet_hunting_state_laws.html.

Yesterday, Michelle posted about another pit bull attack in Montgomery County. This most recent attack will undoubtedly raise voices in support and opposition of breed specific legislation.

Bred for centuries to fight other animals yet extremely loyal to humans, pet pit bulls (and other breeds) are feeling the heat as attempts to pass breed-specific legislation, legislation banning or strictly regulating dogs based solely on breed, gain popularity.

Everyone agrees that pit bulls require responsible, attentive owners. And there's no doubt that dangerous dogs need to be dealt with quickly and effectively. But is banning specific breeds the answer?

To supporters of breed specific legislation, a pit bull ban is a no-nonsense way of eradicating dangerous dogs from a community. But to responsible pit bull owners, a ban is not only canine discrimination, it's ineffective.

"Protecting residents from dangerous dogs is a noble goal and one that communities across the country are wrestling with," says Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for HSUS's Companion Animal Section. "But communities that have banned specific breeds have discovered that it has not been the easy answer they thought it would be. Dangerous dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and breed bans just don't effectively address the issue."

For an updated list of communities that have enacted breed specific legislation go to www.rott-n-chatter.com/rottweilers/laws/breedspecific.html.

So, let's everyone weigh on this one! Are dangerous dog problems really just problems with owner responsibility? Should communities simply enforce or strengthen general dangerous dog legislation or ban specific breeds? What do you think?

What happened in Thelma Simon's backyard almost defies description. Her husband Floyd, a triple amputee, had let their 10-year-old Boston terrier outside to relieve herself.

Floyd: "I looked out this glass door and I seen two pit bulls had my little dog."

Thelma: "He crawled out of the house on his knees and down the steps and raced over here."

Floyd: "They got her head sucked through that gate and literally tore her head off."

Thelma: "He tried hard to save her."

But it was too late for the little dog.

Read the rest of the story and share your comments

While gestation crates have been banned by voter initiative in Arizona and Florida, Oregon's law is the first gestation crate ban enacted by a state legislature. The landmark measure, SB 694, prohibits the confinement of breeding pigs in metal gestation crates so small the animals can't turn around for months on end. The legislation has a six-year phase-out. There are approximately 4,000 breeding sows in Oregon.

"Gestation crates are truly cruel and inhumane, and this measure simply provides these highly intelligent and social creatures the ability to turn around and stretch their limbs," said state Sen. Ginny Burdick (D-Portland), who introduced the measure on Feb. 28. "I am pleased that my colleagues saw fit to offer a standard of care for these animals because they, too, deserve humane treatment."

Oregon's bill gained support in both the House and Senate. The House approved it in a 32-25 vote and the Senate approved it with an overwhelming vote of 20-9.

In 2007, Smithfield Foods and Maple Leaf Foods-the United States' and Canada's largest pig producers respectively-announced that they are phasing out the use of gestation crates.

U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) have introduced H.R. 1726, the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act, which would require animal producers supplying federal programs with meat, dairy and eggs to comply with a moderate set of animal welfare standards.

Burger King and Wolfgang Puck also this year announced that they are moving away from the use of pork from producers that use gestation crates.

For more information and a mid-year look at "wins" for animals, go to hsus.org.

First, search your property thoroughly. Cats and small dogs can get into some very tight and strange places. Investigate every nook and cranny inside and outside your home.

Knock on doors and talk to people in your neighborhood. Be safe and don't travel alone. Call your pet's name. If your pet has a favorite "squeaky toy" bring it along and use it to help you make familiar noises. Carry a box of your pet's favorite biscuits or treats and rattle it loudly while calling your pet's name. Every so often, stop and listen for your pet to make a noise in reply. He/she might be trapped in a neighbor's garage.

Hand out fliers with your pet's picture on them and your phone number. Include the date and place your pet was lost, breed of dog or cat, sex, age, weight, color and your telephone number. Don't put your name or address on the flyer. Offer a reward. It is very important to withhold several identifying marks and characteristics of your lost pet. You may need to use these later to verify that a person has actually found your pet and is not trying to scam you. Distribute the flyer to area kids, dog walkers, local businesses like gas stations, fast food restaurants, grocery stores, churches, veterinarians, groomers, trainers and pet supply shops, etc.

Visit all area local shelters and the government agencies charged with picking up stray and lost animals at least every other day. Bring copies of your flyer.

Put an ad in all local papers.

Contact local rescue organizations and give them copies of your flier.

Place strong-scented articles, like sweaty gym socks or sweat suits, outside your home to attract your pet by scent. Place a cat's litterbox, bedding and favorite toys outside. Place your dog's bedding and favorite toys outside.

Find out if your pet has been killed on the road by checking "DOA" or "dead on arrival" lists at local shelters and road/highway departments.

Post your lost pet information at www.pets911.com.

Don't ever give up! Pets have been known to find their way back home after being lost for several months.

We enjoy the sights and sounds of this festive holiday. But the Fourth of July can be dangerous to our pets and the day after the holiday no picnic for area animal shelter workers as lost and frightened animals arrive seeking refuge.

Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe this Fourth of July!

Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent products to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets reach. And, keep your pet away from the grill.

Keep your pets on their normal diet. That means no table scraps! Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. And, keep in mind that foods like onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can be potentially toxic to companion animals.

Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets either. Keep them safe indoors in a quiet, sheltered, escape-proof area or room of your house.

Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar with ID tags (with current information).

For more information go to aspca.org.