Lost'N Founders members are trained as MAR (Missing Animal Response) Technicians by Kat Albrecht from Pet Hunters International. Their services include:

(1) Helping you create a search plan
(2) Evaluating and defining the areas of greatest likelihood of your lost pet
(3) Advice on creating and placing highly visible lost pet posters

In addition they may be able to provide:

(1) Physical searches of high probability areas for your lost pet by trained and certified MAR (Missing Animal Response) Technicians
(2) Physical searches for missing cats by our MAR certified Cat Detection Search Dog

Lost'N Founders is currently only able to provide physical searches and search dog services in the Friendswood, Clearlake, Webster, Pearland and nearby areas in Texas. Their services are free to the public.

For more information on Lost'N Founders click here lostnfounders.org.

Meet the dogs

If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs, visit BARC at 3200 Carr Street or call (713) 229-7300.

Houston Astros Dave Borkowski, Chad Qualls, and Chris Sampson will be signing calendars on September 29, 2007 from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon CDT at the Saving Animals Pet Adoption Center at Northwest Mall, 9800 Hempstead Hwy. at Loop 610, Entrance D, Houston, Texas.

The 14-month calendars are only $15.00 (plus shipping and handling if ordered on-line) and are available at most Texas Petco stores. Calendars are also available at The Shed souvenir store in Minute Maid Park, in the ballpark souvenir stores in Round Rock and Corpus Christi and online at Astros Pet Calendar (requires free mlb registration) and savinganimals.org.

Dogs (on a leash or in a carrier, please) attending with their human will receive a free resQ pet identification microchip that will be implanted by Saving Animals' veterinarians. Plus, every 2008 Astros Player and Pet Calendar includes a coupon for a free Advantage topical flea control.

Bayer Animal Health generously sponsored the production of the 2008 Astros Player & Pet Calendar. Educational messages in the calendar promote animal health and the importance of permanent identification for dogs and cats.

And, special thanks to Evin Thayer for generously donating his time to photograph the players and pets for the calendar!

WHEN: Sunday, September 30, 2007

TIME: 4:00 - 6:00 pm

WHERE: Pup Scouts USA Training Center, 1551 Campbell Road, Houston, Texas 77055

COST: $20.00 Cash at the Door

Topics include:

Dangerous Dog Laws: How to Become a Felon Via Your Dog!

Cruelty: Do the new laws even apply to cows?

Dog Fighting: Is this law really a new felony?

Restraint of Dogs: Does this law outlaw chaining?

Roadside Sale of Dogs: Does this mean no dogs can be sold along the road?

BYOC...Bring your own chair, please!

Presented by Zandra Anderson, Texas Dog Lawyer.

For more information on Pup Scouts USA Training Center, click here Pup Scouts.

The ban goes into effect Oct. 1, and officers will try to get the word out during that first weekend of the month. Those selling animals on the side of the road will only be issued a warning.

Click here for more on this story khou.com.

Vick, who already pleaded guilty in federal court to a dogfighting conspiracy charge and is awaiting sentencing on Dec. 10, was indicted for beating or killing or causing dogs to fight other dogs and engaging in or promoting dogfighting.

The grand jury passed on indicting the Atlanta Falcons quarterback and two co-defendants on eight counts of animal cruelty, which would have exposed them to as many as 40 years in prison if convicted.

To read more, click here khou.com/sports.

Six Macaroni penguins from Biodome de Montreal have arrived at the Galveston facility along with five Gentoo and four Rock Hopper penguins. After a month in quarantine, the penguins from Canada will join the Gentoo, Rock Hopper and King penguins already on exhibit.

"Adding these penguins will make for a more diverse collection, and will bring the total number of birds to 90," said Diane Olsen, assistant curator at Moody Gardens. "Our exhibit will also more closely mimic nature in the sub Antarctic." Macaroni penguins live among Gentoo, Rock Hopper and King penguins in that region.

Named for the conspicuous yellow and black feathers in their "caps" as in the song Yankee Doodle, Macaroni penguins resemble Rock Hopper penguins that share the trait. Their average weight is about 11 pounds and they can grow 20 to 28 inches tall.

For more information about the Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens, visit moodygardens.com or call (800) 582-4673.

Illinois is home to the last remaining horse slaughter plant in the country, and the ruling effectively ends all slaughter of horses for food in the United States.

"Today's court decision marks the end of the line for the foreign-owned horse slaughter industry in the United States," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Now it's up to Congress to finish the job and protect American horses from being exported to foreign abattoirs in Canada and Mexico for human consumption overseas."

In a unanimous ruling, the Court rejected each and every one of Cavel's legal claims and reiterated that "States have a legitimate interest in prolonging the lives of animals" and promoting the "humane treatment of our fellow animals."

Earlier this year, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a similar effort by the horse slaughter industry to overturn Texas' law banning the possession of horse meat for human consumption. In July, the federal district court in Rockford, Illinois upheld the Illinois state law, for substantially the same reasons provided by the Fifth Circuit in the Texas case, and Cavel appealed that decision to the Seventh Circuit.

To read more, click here hsus.org.

To take action and ask Congress to keep American horses safe from being slaughtered in Mexico or Canada with a permanent federal ban, click here hsus.org.

He's fuzzy and cute, in a prickly sort of way. As many Houstonians were watching the Gulf and tracking the progress of what was to become Hurricane Humberto, keepers in the Children's Zoo were keeping their eyes on the newest arrival - a baby North American porcupine.

The as-yet unnamed baby was born at approximately 5:30 a.m. on September 13 and weighed 649 grams or about 1 pound 7 ounces. He's doing fine and gaining weight and keepers will vote on a name for the little guy soon. For now, he's living in the Forest area of the McGovern Children's Zoo with his mother Cody and his father Kendal and his sister Spike.

Find out more about the baby and see his pictures when you visit the Animals News page of the Houston Zoo's Web site at houstonzoo.org.

Porcupine Facts:

North American porcupines are the second largest of all rodents. Adults can weigh from 10 to 40 pounds.

Porcupines are born with very soft quills that harden within a couple of hours after birth. The infants will nurse for 4 to 5 months but will begin eating solid food after two weeks.

Porcupines are strict vegetarians. Their diet consists of leaves, twigs, and green plants but they also chew through the outer bark of trees to eat the tender layer of wood below.

Masters of defense, adult porcupines protect themselves with 30,000 quills among the dark, coarse guard hairs on their back and tail. If attacked, contrary to popular belief, the porcupine does not throw its quills; instead, it drives its tail against the assailant and dozens of quills detach easily from the skin to remain embedded in the attacker.

Every year WR&E, a 501(c)(3), cares for over 7000 wild animals; educates over 10,000 children and adults; accepts all native wild animals that need care; responds to oiled wildlife along the Gulf Coast; and answer thousands of phone calls from the general public.

The new facility, co-located at the Houston SPCA, allows WR&E to expand and enhance programs by:

(1) Meshing wildlife rehabilitation knowledge with veterinary medical knowledge;
(2) Providing a central facility for concerned citizens to deliver injured or orphaned native wildlife;
(3) Providing a central facility for presenting environmental education programs for adults and children with an emphasis on respect for wildlife, the environment and for each other;
(4) Facilitating a training location with materials and supplies for new volunteers and wildlife rehabilitators;
(5) Improving the ability to respond to oiled wildlife with additional trained personnel and a facility to house oiled wildlife during the rehabilitation process.

If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal, it is best to speak with someone from Wildlife Rehab & Education at (713) 861-WILD before intervention since they can often provide solutions that don't require separating babies and their mother or trapping. Once it is determined that the wildlife requires assistance, native injured or orphaned wildlife can be brought to WR&E, 7007 Katy Road in Houston, TX 77024, Monday through Friday between Noon and 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm. When the Wildlife Center is closed, please call 713-643-WILD for a list of WR&E Wildlife Rehabilitators and their phone numbers in Houston and surrounding counties who can help.

If you're interested in volunteering at the Wildlife Center, please contact Sheryl Rogers, Volunteer Coordinator at 979-345-2513 or 713-254-5724 or by email at flemrogers@embarqmail.com.

For more information on Wildlife Rehab & Education, call (713) 861-WILD or click here wrande.org.

Once again, in support of the community, BlueSpeed, plays Blanco's with special musical guests bluespeedband.com on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at Blanco's Bar & Grill, 3406 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77027. Doors open at 7:30 pm.

All Proceeds Benefit the SPAY-NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, INC.

For more information on SNAP, click here snapus.org.

Both Salmonella and Listeria are organisms that can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and if there is cross contamination, in people, especially small children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with any of the three products.

The recalled products are distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet sales and directly to consumers, and they can be identified by the batch ID code located on the hang tag attached to the bottom of the plastic film tubes. The recalled products should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners should return unopened frozen tubes of food to the store where purchased for a full refund. Pet owners should dispose of opened tubes of product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle) and return the washed plastic batch ID tag to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Recalled Pet Food:

Product: Bravo Original Formula Chicken Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 21-102, 21-105, 21-110
Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Reason for Recall: Salmonella, Listeria

Product: Bravo Original Formula Turkey Blend frozen raw food
Product Numbers: 31-102, 31-105, 31-110
Sizes: 2 pound, 5 pound and 10 pound tubes
Batch ID code (on hang tag): 236
Reason for Recall: Listeria

Product: Bravo Basic Formula Finely Ground Chicken frozen raw food
Product Number: 21-212
Size: 2 pound tube
Batch ID Code (on hang tag): 226
Reason for Recall: Salmonella: Listeria

For more information, click here bravorawdiet.com.

For every $50 you spend at Randall's through September 30th, you will receive one (1) Community Buck. Collect as many as you can and get them to CAP, 11925 Katy Freeway in Houston, NO later than October 8th. The shelter will receive $1 for every Community Buck!

Also, you can use your Remarkable Card and ask that it be linked to Citizens for Animal Protection with CAP code # 758.

For more information, click here cap4pets.org.

Participants, other than Pup Scouts, include the Cooper Animal Clinic, Auburn Kennel and Scouts Honor Rescue. Here is the schedule of activities:

10 am - Loose Leash Walking Class - Bring your dog for this seminar on loose leash walking. Yes, one class can make a difference! Reservations are required to participate but not to observe. Previous training not required. FREE.

11:30 am - No Jump Class - These simple techniques will positively teach your dog to keep all four feet on the floor. Previous training not required. FREE.

12:30 pm - Responsible Dog Seminar - Responsible dog ownership from a legal standpoint by Houston's own Dog Lawyer, Zandra Anderson. Emphasis will be on the new laws pertaining to dogs that have recently taken effect. FREE.

2:00 pm - 10 Myths of Canine Nutrition - Dr. Cooper, a Heights area vet, will give a powerful seminar on canine nutrition. Not to be missed if you want the healthiest puppy you can have! FREE.

2:30 pm - Puppy Class - Off leash playtime; manners practice and obedience games for puppies 10-20 weeks. Reservations required. FREE.

10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Microchipping. If your dog gets lost; a microchip is his ticket home. $25 including registration.

5:00 pm - Rally-O Demonstration. Watch a demonstration of this fun obedience game that any dog can enjoy. FREE.

10:00 am - 7:00 pm - Dogs for adoption, handouts on housebreaking, crate training, loose leash walking, nutrition, premium food samples and other give-aways!

All dogs must have a valid rabies tag to participate.

For more information call Pup Scouts USA at (713) 468-7877 or click here pup-scouts.com.

She loves water, toys and other dogs. Bailey will sit and shake for a goodie!

Meet Bailey!

She's been at BARC since July 8, and she needs a home! You can visit her at 3200 Carr St. Call (713) 229-7300 for more information.

The Houston SPCA received over 1,100 farm animals last year including horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and various fowl. The majority of these animals were rescued by the Cruelty Investigations Team. Most of these animals require a tremendous amount of medical and nutritional care before being adopted. The average horse spends 73 days at the Houston SPCA for rehabilitation prior to placement.

If you are interested in adopting or meeting some of their adoptable farm animals, please attend the Houston SPCA barn open house on Saturday, September 22, 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

For more information, click here houstonspca.org, or contact Farm Animal Adoptions by phone at 713.869.7722 x188 or by email at fosters@hspca.org.

We need people to come and adopt, or foster, these dogs!

Meet the boys

BARC is located at 3200 Carr.

ConsumerAffairs.com hired ExperTox Analytical Laboratory in Texas to test four imported toys for pets -- two for dogs and two for cats -- for heavy metals and other toxins. Forensic toxicologist Dr. Ernest Lykissa, Ph.D., director of ExperTox's lab, described the levels of heavy metals in the green monster and catnip toys as potentially toxic and said Wal-Mart should pull the products off the market.

Two veterinarians, however, said the levels of toxic metals found in the toys do not pose a health risk to dogs or cats. Whether the toys are a hazard to children and adults who handle them isn't clear.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission -- which says it needs more money to protect consumers -- did not respond to inquiries and the FDA claims no jurisdiction according to the ConsumerAffairs.com report.

To read the complete story by Lisa Wade McCormick at ConsumerAffairs.Com, click here consumeraffairs.com.

The Alley Cat Allies survey yielded responses from a nationally representative sample of 1,205 adults. Among the questions asked were two that explored the general public's views on which would be more humane: leaving a stray cat to live outside or having the stray cat caught and put down. The first question asked was: "If you saw a stray cat in your community and could only choose between two courses of action --leaving the cat where it is outside or having the cat caught and then put down -- which would you consider to be the more humane option for the cat? The responses reveal that an overwhelming majority of Americans - 81% - believes that leaving a stray cat outside to live out his life is more humane than having the cat caught and killed.

According to Alley Cat Allies, these results reveal a significant disparity between the public's humane ethic and the operating policy of most U.S. animal pounds and shelters.

To read the entire survey and results, click here alleycat.org.

In case you were worried about your "favorite" dog (we all have them) from the original BARC 12...

ADOPTED dogs: Sergio, Jasmine, Poteet, Sasha, Freckles, Gong-Li, Jack, Ray and Lovie.

RESCUED DOGS: The kind folks of the National Portugese Water Dog rescue group came to get Baxter and he is in foster care now. Lucky dogs Fatima, Fancy and Buddy are in the care of Scouts Honor Rescue. Thank you Scouts Honor once again!!!

IN FOSTER CARE and still available for adoption: Charleston, Sammy and Reisling.

Still at BARC and have until the end of the month: Trevor, Lester, & Levi.. Their pictures are posted here!

If you've been thinking about getting a dog or wanting to help save lives by becoming a foster parent, we hope you'll come out to BARC and continue to spread the word about these dogs. BARC has great cats available for adoption too!

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, October 20th at 10am. BARC is having a NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION SESSION. This is a great chance for you to come out and see the shelter and find out how to get involved. BARC needs help at the shelter, at offsite adoption centers, and behind the scenes. At 11am, all current volunteers are invited to join in for an official BARC Update from BARC Director Kent Robertson and head veterinarian Dr. Ohashiegbula-Iwunze (famously known as Dr. O).

Afterwards, all are invited to stay and help with the Wags to Whiskers event...a special time for all the volunteers to gather and make sure each of the animals receives a little extra TLC.

BARC is located at 3200 Carr St, Houston TX 77026 and is open Mon-Fri 11:30 am -5:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from Noon - 4 pm.

For more information on BARC, click here friendsofbarc.org.

Presenting Precious!

Call or visit BARC today, and save an animal! (713) 229-7300

POW Update: Last week's Fancy Pants was rescued by Scouts Honor.

Rover Oaks Houston has been busy training Marcus and Jake, two adoptables from the Houston Humane Society, to help them find new homes. These fabulous pooches will make great family members since they have already started learning their basic obedience commands. As a special incentive, Rover Oaks will donate a free weekend of boarding and a free grooming appointment for any pet that is adopted!

Plus, on the same day, Rover Oaks and HHS are inviting all pet lovers to bring their furry companions to Rover Oaks Houston to learn how to let your pet live life to the fullest, healthiest, and (in some cases) most glamorous. "Primp your Pet" with tips from trainers, groomers, pet food vendors, and other pet care professionals.

And finally, don't miss this opportunity to win some fabulous door prizes including a weekend of free boarding at Rover Oaks and a grooming appointment with Judi Cantu-Thacker, our world-class groomer.

For more information click here roveroaks.com or go to houstonhumane.org.

This quiz, courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States tests your level of preparedness.

Can you gather all your pets and put them into pet carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all your pets?

Are all your pets wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number outside the area? Are they microchipped?

If your cat or dog escapes the cat carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a recent photograph?

Do you know where you can go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know of any nearby animal-friendly motels and hotels, boarding kennels and vet offices?

Do you have your veterinarian's telephone number handy in case your dog or cat becomes ill?

Do you have a contingency plan to evacuate your pets if something happens when you are at work?

Where is your pet's disaster evacuation emergency "go kit"?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, now is the time to begin disaster preparations before it's too late.

Our local shelters are also busy urging pet owners to prepare for disaster. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Houston Humane Society and Citizens for Animal Protection all have great information up on their websites about disaster preparation.

Here are the basics:

Photograph each pet and store these pictures with other important documents, such as vaccination history and emergency contact information, in sealed/waterproof plastic bags.

Have a crate or kennel for each four-legged family member. Familiarize your pet with his/her home away from home before disaster strikes.

Make sure that all animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

All dogs and cats should wear collars and identification tags with current information. Dogs should wear nylon or leather collars only and never place tags on training collars or choke chains. Cats should wear a break-a-way/safety collar. You should include the name and phone number of a friend OUTSIDE the greater Houston area in case your phone service is not functioning immediately following a disaster.

Your pet should be microchipped. This permanent form of identification can prove ownership of your pet.

Pack a portable pet disaster kit in a waterproof airtight container and include the following:

Towels or blankets to line the carrier or crate.
Sheets to cover each carrier, if necessary.
Paper Towels.
Food and water, a one to two week supply, for each animal.
Food and water bowls.
Non-electric can opener.
Medications, a one month supply, clearly labeled with instructions. Include flea and heartworm preventative.
Litter, litterboxes and a scoop if you have cats.
A copy of your pet's vaccination records, microchip records, photograph, care instructions and contact information.
A list of pet friendly hotels/motels, boarding kennels, vet offices.
Animal first aid kit.
Extra leashes.
Toys and treats.
Plastic bags for pet waste disposal.
Newspapers.
Disinfectants and other cleaning supplies.
Grooming supplies.

And, finally, if you must evacuate, take your pet with you! If conditions are unsafe for people, they are unsafe for pets.

For the latest weather information click here KHOU.Com Hurricane Central.

For every CAP adoption during this event, the shelter will get $15.00 from Petsmart! ADOPT this weekend from PetSmart...You will not only be saving the life of an animal but you will be helping to raise money for the homeless pets at Citizens for Animal Protection.

The Adopt-a-Thon takes place Friday, September 14th, Saturday, September 15, and Sunday, September 16th at the following PetSmart locations:

PetsMart, l2533 Westheimer at Dairy Ashford.
CAP has pet adoptions during the following hours:
Thrusday & Friday from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Saturday from 11:30 AM to 5 PM
Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM
CLOSED on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Call to verify 'Adoption Center' hours at (281) 496-6990.

PetsMart, Fry Road and I-10 in Katy.
CAP has pet adoptions during the following hours:
Wednesday - Friday from 12:30 PM to 5 PM
Saturday from 11:30 AM to 4 PM
Sunday from 12:30 PM to 4 PM
CLOSED on Monday and Tuesday.
Call to verify 'Adoption Center' hours (281) 599-1125.

PetsMart, 16758 S.W. Freeway - First Colony Mall Area
CAP has pet adoptions during the following hours:
**Monday - Friday from 12:30 PM to 5 PM
Saturday from 11:30 AM to 5 PM
Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM
**May be Closed on some Monday's. Call to verify 'Adoption Center' hours (281) 494-8787

For more information on the Adopt-a-Thon, click here cap4pets.org or here adoptions.petsmart.com.

The job consists of:

- Placing the envelope inside the Newsletter
- Sealing the Newsletter
- Pasting the address label
- Organizing by zip code

If you have any spare time (see schedule below), please help the Homeless Pet Placement League!

When:
Friday, September 14th, 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 15th, 9:00 am - 3:00pm
Sunday, September 16th, 10:00 am - 2:00pm

Where:

SMART Group Houston
952 Echo Lane, Suite 130
Houston, TX 77024-2762

For more information or to RSVP, please call (713) 857-5562 or email Jeannice at jcain@smartgrouphouston.com.

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, click here hppl.org.

For more than ten years, pet owners have been implanting similar devices in their animals to help locate them when they are lost.

The microchips, generally about the size of a grain of rice, are based on "passive RFID technology," and can be detected with a special device. When a pet shows up at an animal shelter, a technician passes a wand over the pet. If a chip is implanted, a code unique to that pet is displayed -- and in most cases, the animal's owner can easily be found.

But a study by the Dow Chemical Company in 1996 found malignant tumors in a small but significant percentage of lab animals, according to the AP. Another study in 2001 by the Bayer Corporation and published in a journal of toxicology found tumors surrounded the microchips in about one percent of lab rats.

For more information on this story, click here khou.com.

The dog is expected to be back on the sidelines at the next Aggie game.
Dean Bresciani, vice president for student affairs, said Sunday that Reveille was quarantined at Texas A&M's veterinary school for a couple of days as part of a standard operating procedure but will be back on the sidelines for the Aggies' game with Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.

More details and poll.

This month, dog owners and dog lovers everywhere will join hundreds of AKC-affiliated dog clubs across the country to celebrate the fifth annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day in their local communities. Over 370 events will be held by local organizations across the country, with the goal of educating and entertaining all current and future dog owners. All AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events are listed on akc.org.

"Each September we shine a spotlight on the commitment it takes to have a canine companion," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "As dogs are increasingly viewed as family members, the need for all dog owners to train their pets to be good citizens and practice responsible dog ownership is more crucial. All dog owners need to be courteous and respectful of others and properly care for their pet so that we can maintain the rights and freedoms that we currently enjoy."

Locally the Responsible Dog Ownership Day will take place on September 15, 2007 from 10 am to 2 pm at Best Friends Pet Care, 26839 Interstate 45 South, Spring, TX 77380. Join Best Friends Pet Care for a FREE Dog Day Festival! There will be doggy games & activities, a K9 fashion show, and a Just-for-Fun dog show with prizes for Most Obedient, Best Frisbee Catcher, Most Talkative and more; plus a special prize for best costume, a Canine Good Citizen Test, low-cost microchipping clinic, an "Ask the Vet" table, dog training and behavior advice, and dog safety activities for kids.

Looking for a best friend? There will be adorable adoptable pets thanks to local rescue organizations.

And, Astros pitcher Dave Borkowski will be making a special appearance encouraging participants to donate to the "pet oxygen masks campaign."

For information or directions, call 281-298-6500 or click here bestfriendspetcare.com.

"The elimination of canine rabies in the United States represents one of the major public health success stories in the last 50 years," said Charles Rupprecht, chief of the CDC Rabies Program.

Dogs may still become infected with rabies from raccoons, skunks, bats or other wildlife, but they will not be infected with canine rabies from another dog. Because of the risk of getting a different rabies virus from other animals, health officials still recommend that pet owners continue to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. "The elimination of dog-to-dog transmission of rabies does not mean that people in the US can stop vaccinating their pets against rabies," warns Rupprecht. "Rabies is ever-present in wildlife and can be transmitted to dogs or other pets. We need to stay vigilant."

Officials said the elimination of the canine rabies virus in the US was achieved through mandatory dog vaccination and licensing, better public health education about rabies, and stray dog control. The strain most specific to dogs has not been seen in the United States since 2004.

Rupprecht added that there is still much work to be done with rabies globally. Rabies kills at least 55,000 humans around the world each year, and the major cause is the canine rabies virus. Canine rabies is still common in many countries, including much of Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, India, China, and the Philippines.

Source: News for cats and dogs - CDC Says US Free Of Canine Rabies

To read the complete CDC news release, click here cdc.gov.

For more information on rabies, click here cdc.gov.

She is athletic and energetic, and she loves to play ball. But she is hard to walk on a leash and needs some training. But can you blame her? She's in a kennel almost all day.

Meet Fancypants!

Fancypants gets along with other dogs as long as they are her size, and she sits for goodies!

If you are interested in Fancypants or any other pet, visit BARC at 3200 Carr Street!

From the CAP website, "...Please drop off a few cans or a case of CANNED food ASAP. People often ask why CAP needs 'CANNED' food and not just dry food. ANSWER: Animals at a shelter often are frightened and depressed and therefore have little appetite. To keep their strength up, they need to eat. The smell and taste of CANNED food is VERY important!" CAP requests that the adult dog canned dog food be the GRAVY type & ground (not chunks), so that it can be more easily mixed with dry food.

Please help CAP today! For more information, hours and directions click here cap4pets.org.

Representative Woolley will be honored at a ceremony this afternoon for her work on behalf of animals, championing significant bills aimed at the protection of Texas animals. Houston Humane Society representatives Sherry Ferguson, Lt. Mark Timmers and Deputy Pat Leone will present at the ceremony.

"The outstanding legislators being honored this year were ahead of the curve in recognizing the growing prevalence of animal abuse in our society -- even before the shocking details of the Michael Vick case were brought to light in the national media," said THLN president Randy Turner.

Senator John Whitmire, D-Houston and State Rep. Aaron Pena, D-Edinburg, are also receiving Humane-itarian awards this year. The three were unanimously selected as honorees for their tireless efforts in the Texas Legislature to pass effective anti-cruelty legislation.

Bills championed by these legislators include:

HB 2328 -- which protects homeless dogs and feral cats from cruelty and farm animals from torture.

HB 916 -- which increases the penalties for dog fighting from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony and increases the punishment for attending a dog fighting exhibition from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.

Both bills were signed into law by Governor Rick Perry early this summer and took effect over the past weekend.

For more information on the Houston Humane Society, click here houstonhumane.org or the Texas Humane Legislation Network, click here thln.org.

Government assistance is NOT required and it's first come, first served. Arrive before 7 a.m. Start a list. The SNAP advance team will arrive before 7:30 a.m. Bring your dog on a leash. No food or water for your adult dog after 10 p.m. the night before. Multiple dogs will be accepted only if there are fewer than 30 people in line.

THE FACTS FROM SNAP:

In the last 5 years, the county shelter has seen an increase in intake of pit bull-type dogs of 255 percent.

With about 75 percent of all dog bites involving unneutered males, one of the easiest and most effective ways to help with aggression is to sterilize the dog.

Companion animal sterilization is important for safety and environmental reasons.

Spayed or neutered dogs make better and healthier family companion animals.

SNAP's Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Day is sponsored by Irene C. Evans Charity Trust.

For more information call SNAP at 713.862.3863 or click here snapus.org.

According to a press release, "The dogs have varied medical issues including emaciation, skin lesions/sores, heartworms and other parasites. Each dog will now be evaluated medically and behaviorally to determine if they will be adoptable. The Houston SPCA will also be working with rescue groups. The District Attorney has decided to pursue criminal charges in this case. The owner of Pickets Pride was arrested after the hearing and charged with one count of animal cruelty. The Houston SPCA will provide evidence and testimony for the District Attorney in this case."

For more information, click here 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 pm, 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. 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 click here lonestarboxerrescue.com.

The following is a brief summary of the bills passed in the 2007 Legislative Session as posted on the Texas Humane Legislation Network website.

Animal Cruelty Bill
amends the existing law to significantly strengthen it by closing loopholes that have allowed many crimes against animals to go unpunished. It will lower the mental state for proof of animal cruelty from "intentional or knowingly" to "reckless," which will make proof of animal abuse much easier; specifically protect homeless dogs and feral cats from acts of cruelty; make it a felony to kill, administer poison to, or cause serious bodily injury to an animal without the owner's consent; and add "water" to the list of required care for an animal in a person's custody.

Animal Friendly License Plate Funds
Legislature freed up more than $2 million from the Animal Friendly License Plate Fund in the State budget Bill to help the statewide pet overpopulation crisis. This money will now be available for distribution to low- and no-cost spay/neuter programs throughout Texas.

Dog Fighting Penalty Enhancement Bill
increases the penalty for dog fighting from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony and increases the punishment for attending a dog fighting exhibition from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor.

Dog Anti-tethering Bill
prohibits an owner from tethering a dog outside from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and during extreme weather.

Rabies Certificate Confidentiality Bill
amends current law to allow city and county animal service agencies to release rabies certificate information to third party contractors who are performing animal control or animal registration services for the county or city.

Animal Control Officer Certification Bill
provides for training and certification of animal control officers. This bill also increases the penalty for killing or seriously injuring a police service animal from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony.

Sale of Live Animals Bill
amends current law to authorize the commissioners' court of a county with a population of over 1.3 million people to regulate the sale of animals on a public highway or road, in the right-of-way of a public highway or road or in a parking lot in the unincorporated area of the county. Current law allows this only in a population of 2.2 million or more. The lowering of the population requirement gives Bexar and Tarrant counties the authority to regulate these animals.

Pet Evacuation Bill
requires that companion and service animals be included in evacuation plans in the event of a natural disaster.

The Texas Humane Legislation Network has the full pdf versions of these legislative changes posted on their website. To read more click here thln.org.

To watch the 11News report about Lillian's Law click here khou.com.

It all starts with, "Return of the Rhinos" on Thursday, September 6, 2007 sponsored by the Tapeats Fund and Continental Airlines.

Africa's black rhino is one of the world's largest and most endangered land mammals. A century ago its wild population numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but poaching has reduced it to a tiny fraction of that amount. Grant Woodrow has spent years managing safari camps and photographing wildlife in his native Africa, and he comes to tell us of plans to return 20 black rhinos from Zimbabwe to protected ranges in Botswana.

Lectures are held in the Brown Education Center beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. For more details, a complete list of prices and to buy your tickets, click here houstonzoo.org and click on events.