"We have had two confirmed cases of psittacosis at PetSmart stores in Hiram and Woodstock. There have also been confirmed cases at the dealer, Preferred Birds of Milton, Florida, that supplied birds to all the stores we are quarantining," said Commissioner Irvin.

"PetSmart had already begun a quarantine, but the quarantine did not meet all state requirements. We are requiring PetSmart and Superpetz to move the birds away from the public and to begin using medicated feed to treat the birds. The quarantine will last 45 days or until released by our State Veterinarian," said Commissioner Irvin.

The quarantine applies only to birds sold at the stores, not to other animals.

Source: Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Source: Washington State Department of Health

Click here for more information on more information avian chlamydiosis and psittacosis. Additional information is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As 2007 draws to a close, we have a lot to feel good about in the world of animal protection. The Humane Society of the United States scored some major, headline-grabbing victories for animal protection that helped countless animals and gave strength to our cause.

There were also a number of lower-profile stories that touched our hearts -- citizens who chose to go above and beyond the call of duty and became heroes to animals in need. Heroism works the other way, too: a couple of non-humans on the list helped to save people.

Please read about the top five HSUS heroes of 2007, and then vote for your favorite below. Voting closes at midnight EST on Tuesday, January 15, 2008.

(1) Marius Mironescu, a Coney Island lifeguard who rescued a baby sand shark from a mob of about a hundred beachgoers in September. The shark had unwittingly swum into a crowd of bathers, who began tormenting him relentlessly. Scooping up the battered shark, he swam the baby fish back out to sea and safety. Said Mironescu, "They were holding on to it and some people were actually hitting him, smacking his face. Well, I wasn't going to let them hurt the poor thing."

(2) Suzie the life-saving dog, who brought a rope and blankets to a trapped man in freezing temperatures to save him from hypothermia in February. When Suzie's caretaker, Newark Volunteer Fire Department officer Chris Cromer, gave Suzie a mound of blankets and the rope and asked her to run with them to a hapless adventurer stuck in frozen mud, Suzie didn't hesitate. "Suzie did a wonderful thing that day, keeping the rescuers out of harm of the freezing mud, but it was just fun for her," said Cromer.

(3) U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Brown, who found two puppies on the streets of Saudi Arabia in May. In the midst of the chaos of war, Matthew Brown scooped up the pups and brought them to safety. When he was scheduled to return to the U.S., he couldn't bear to leave them behind. He contacted the Potter Animal Rescue League, who helped bring Thelma and Louise to permanent, loving homes in the U.S.

(4) Mo, the former feral cat, who alerted his caretaker to a house fire in November. When artist Sandy Spreitz took the scrawny orange tabby off the streets, he had no idea that the cat he saved would end up saving him. When Mo began caterwauling one night, Spreitz let her outside. But Mo's insistent howling from outside the cottage door shook Spreitz out of his sleepy state and alerted him to the fire that eventually destroyed his house, but not his life. "Yeah, I love my Mo - and I'm still very glad she saved my life," said Spreitz.

(5) A group of California commuters who saved a black bear from falling to his death from the edge of a bridge in September. The bear was crossing a bridge one morning and was startled by oncoming traffic and leapt over the side of the bridge, where he balanced precariously on the edge of a thin ledge, seventy feet above jagged rocks. Passersby alerted animal control and rescuers, and with some netting and a tranquilizer dart, the wayward bear was rescued and safely released.

Click here to vote for your favorite Humane Hero of 2007.

Click here to read more!

Entries will be invited from both shelters and the public (who can nominate the shelters they adopted from), and will focus on adoptions of American Pit Bull Terriers and dogs that appear to be predominantly of that type, that have taken place through shelters using the ASPCA's Meet Your Match program.

The ASPCA's Meet Your Match program is a scientific, research-based adoption tool aimed at creating better matches between prospective pet parents and animals based on accurate behavior assessments for the animals and understanding an individual adopter's lifestyle and expectations. Meet Your Match is proven to be extremely successful in increasing adoptions and reducing returns at shelters.

"The ASPCA's Adopt-a-Bull Contest is a great opportunity not just to highlight the positive attributes and merits of the American Pit Bull Terrier, but the importance of making good, long-lasting matches between pets and people," said ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres. "Every animal has the potential to thrive in the right home and the ASPCA's Meet Your Match program continuously fosters the kind of successful matches beneficial to every party involved: the adopter, the animal and the shelter."

The contest will run four times through the year, with one winner announced for each quarter. Each winner will automatically be entered into a contest for the grand prize. The grand prize winner will then be selected in 2009 via an online public vote. The prize package for quarterly winners includes a $4000 grant for the shelter, and an ASPCA Collection gift package for the winning pit bull-adopter match. The grand prize shelter winner will receive an all expense paid trip to New York City in April 2009 to participate in the ASPCA's third annual ASPCA Day celebration and a $5000 grant for their shelter. The grand prize pit bull and adopter winner will receive a photoshoot with a professional photographer and a bronze of their pet."

"Animal Farm Foundation is pleased to sponsor the Adopt-a-Bull contest because the ASPCA's Meet Your Match program promotes matches based on individual personality, instead of color and breed," said Animal Farm Foundation President, Jane Berkey. "We are confident that the contest will promote great family matches for dogs that appear to be predominantly American Pit Bull Terriers."

In recent years, pit bulls have been in the spotlight because they have been exploited by dog fighters and individuals bent on abusing the breed, and are often at the center of controversial breed-specific legislation. Despite this fact, pit bulls are known to remain loving and loyal to their human counterparts-sometimes to their own detriment-and can make excellent pets. Several well-known figures have owned pit bulls during their lifetime, including Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt and the "Our Gang" Little Rascals. An illustration of an American Pit Bull Terrier served as a symbol of the American spirit during the First World War. Today, pit bulls are the cherished pet for millions of Americans, including Rachael Ray, Rosie Perez, and Jon Stewart.

Click here for more information on the ASPCA or the Meet Your Match program.

The family had made their home near a popular bike path and had chewed nine cottonwood trees down to stumps near the park. State wildlife officials from the Department of Fish and Game had been issued a permit to kill the beavers for destroying the $500 trees.

Bill Cooper, co-founder of the Kern River Parkway Foundation said, "Wildlife officials view them as a pest and I don't know for sure if they're a native animal along the river."

After the news of the beavers' impending death broke, many people sent letters asking to save the beavers. One wrote, "I saw an article...about a beaver that has been sentenced to death by wildlife officials for gnawing on trees in a local park. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Why has this creature been sentenced to death for doing the only thing that it knows how to do?"

Click here to read more of this story, News for cats and dogs - Beaver Family Saved From Death Sentence

More importantly, those doors and heavy steel cages are there to keep the tigers from getting to you.

Houston Zoo curator Hollie Colahan said the Houston Zoo's Lexan barriers, sheer unclimbable rock walls and a secondary electrical system are installed to keep Houston Zoo visitors safe.

Click here to read and watch this story!

For the latest updates from California, click here.

Authorities do not believe more people were attacked, but they want to inspect the area in the daylight. Zoo officials are still uncertain how long the tiger, which last year badly mauled a zookeeper, was loose before being shot dead.

The three men who were attacked Tuesday while visiting the zoo were in their 20s, police spokesman Steve Mannina said. The attack occurred just after the 5 p.m. closing time, on the east end of the 125-acre grounds.

To read the complete story, click here

About two years ago, a feral cat had a litter of kittens under Brenda Lee's island house. Lee waited for the kittens to mature and took them and their mother to the animal shelter, she said.

"About a week later, I saw the mother back again," Lee said.

Lee, who had heard stories about cats that walked thousands of miles to return home, thought the feline had escaped and instinctively returned to its territory.

She captured the cat again and returned it to the Galveston Island Humane Society. That's when shelter staff informed her that the cat likely would return.

The cat, which Lee has since named "Frightful," is one of thousands that have been sterilized, earmarked and returned to colonies on the island through a controversial and little-known trap-neuter-release program going by the name of St. Francis Gulf Coast Feline Rescue.

To read more of this story, click here.

In a brand-new public service announcement (PSA) created by the ASPCA in partnership with the National Football League, Taylor introduces us to his good buddy of 11 years, Bear the Akita. "Nothing compares to the love and loyalty of a pet," says the defensive end. "This little guy's a big part of my team...And today, we need you to get in this game."

Click here to view the video

In June 2007, the ASPCA and the league announced a collaboration on the development of educational materials to enhance awareness on the proper treatment of animals among players and employees. In addition to educating its players and teams on the importance of caring properly for animals, the league has extended its efforts in this area by partnering with the ASPCA to help raise awareness of animal cruelty across the nation.

Kittens #1 and #2, are named Chimi and Changa. Chimi is a three-month old, neutered male, black Domestic Shorthair. His Animal ID# is A238140. Changa is a three-month old, spayed female, brown tabby Domestic Shorthair. Her Animal ID# is A238456. This dynamic duo wants to be adopted together!

Jingle is a three month old, neutered male Dalmatian. His Animal ID# is A242472.

And, last but certainly not least, is Angus! He is a one-year old, neutered male, Manchester Terrier mix. His Animal ID# is A236688.

The adoption fees are $80 for dogs and $70 cats. They are all spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, dogs are tested for canine heartworm disease and cats are tested for feline leukemia. All are reviewed by a vet.

This weekends Friday's Friends came from Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services and are just a few of the animals up for adoption this weekend at the Saving Animals Across Borders Houston Northwest Mall Pet Adoption Center at Northwest Mall, Northwest Freeway (Hwy 290) at 18th Street (Please Use Entrance D). The Pet Adoption Center is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM. Call (713) 680-0282 or click here for more information Saving Animals Across Borders.

For more information on Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, click here countypets.com.

The amendments would stop the import of puppies for commercial sale from foreign puppy mills, strengthen the federal law against dogfighting, phase out the use in research of random source dogs and cats obtained through Class B dealers, and delay approval of food products from cloned animals.

The HSUS expressed its appreciation to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) for supporting these provisions. And the group expressed additional appreciation to the Senators who ably advocated for these provisions -- Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) on Class B dealers, Richard Durbin (D-IL) on puppy mill imports, John Kerry (D-Mass.) on dogfighting, and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) on animal cloning.

Puppy Imports - The Senate accepted a provision to stem the import of puppies for commercial sale from foreign puppy mills. A growing number of breeders in China, former Soviet bloc countries, Mexico and other foreign countries see the U.S. as a potential market, even though there is a strong domestic dog and cat breeding industry here and there are millions of pets available from U.S. breeders and animal shelters. This amendment will require that any dog imported into the U.S. for commercial sale be at least 6 months old, to ensure that young, unweaned puppies are not forced to suffer from harsh, long-distance transport.

Dogfighting - This provision will strengthen federal law by allowing prosecution of dogfighting cases without requiring proof of interstate or foreign movement of the particular dogs in each case, enhancing the penalty for dogfighting offenses from a potential three-year prison sentence to a maximum five-year prison sentenc, and making it a crime to knowingly possess, breed, or train dogs for fighting.

Class B Dealers - This provision will prevent stolen pets and other fraudulently acquired dogs and cats from being kept in horrible conditions and then sold for laboratory experiments by Class B dealers. These dealers - and the "bunchers" who round up animals for them - have a long history of trafficking in stolen pets, misrepresenting themselves in responding to "free to good home ads," and violating basic Animal Welfare Act requirements for food, water, shelter, and veterinary care while they hold animals before selling them for experiments. The amendment will phase out the practice within five years. Parallel language championed by Rep. Michael Doyle (D-PA) and Steve Israel (D-NY) has already been unanimously approved by the House as part of its Farm Bill, but with a shorter 90-day effective date.

Food Products from Cloned Animals - This provision requires that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wait to issue its final risk assessment on food products from cloned animals until further studies by the National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture can be completed. The FDA had indicated intentions to wrap up its risk assessment by the end of this year and give the green light to use of food from cloned animals, despite serious gaps in the agency's analysis and the fact that more than 150,000 public comments were received by FDA overwhelmingly opposing the approval of such food, out of concern for human health, animal welfare and economic impacts.

The 2007 Farm Bill will now proceed to a conference committee in January. Because the House version of the bill did not include any of the above amendments, they will all be re-examined by the conferees.

Sources: Humane Society of the United States and the American Kennel Club

Here are just a few of the extraordinary achievements the HSUS listed in an email release:

(1) The last two states -- New Mexico and Louisiana -- outlawed cockfighting, and Congress passed a seminal law strengthening penalties for animal fighting.

(2) HSUS supporters pressured Nike to drop a multi-million-dollar endorsement deal with disgraced NFL star Michael Vick after his role in illegal dogfighting was uncovered.

(3) Horse slaughter was finally eliminated on U.S. soil when Texas and Illinois shut down the last remaining slaughterhouses in the nation.

(4) The HSUS rescued animals from natural disasters, providing care for hundreds of pets and farm animals threatened by California's recent wildfires.

(5) Some of the worst cruelties of factory farming were stopped when the largest veal and pig producers committed to abandon the use of tiny crates and cages; more companies and consumers switched to cage-free eggs, and Oregon's legislature made history by passing legislation outlawing the use of gestation crates to confine breeding pigs.

To celebrate these changes -- watch a video of the biggest HSUS victories for animals in 2007!

First, consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some ill or physically impaired dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian.

If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. Bring along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable with your pet loose when no one is home. And, have plenty of plastic bags to pick up pet waste!

Be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag and a microchip. In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address and phone number), your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having your pet's favorite food, toys, bottled water and dishes available will make him/her more comfortable. Have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate, if necessary, and make sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date.

Bring two leashes. That way you'll have a spare when you misplace one. Your dog MUST be on a leash whenever you are in unfamiliar surroundings. All it takes is a split second for a disaster to start a tragic chain of events.

When traveling by car, pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an antidiarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, and the phone numbers of your veterinarian, a national poison control hotline, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

Perform a daily "health check" on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet's appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, unusual lumps, limping, loss of appetite, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.

The AVMA has more tips on traveling with your pet.

DogFriendly.com publishes U.S. and Canadian pet travel guides for dogs of ALL sizes and breeds.

If you can't bring your pet with you, the Humane Society of the United States has online tips for choosing a boarding kennel or choosing a pet sitter.

The shots captured here are one in a billion bacause they do just that.
Lucky nature shots

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.
They'll come to adopt us and give us the call,
"Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!
But now we sit here and think of the days...
we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways.
Once we were little, then we grew and we grew
now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.
So out the back door we were thrown like the trash,
they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash?
We "jump on the children", "don't come when they call",
we "bark when they leave us", climb over the wall.
We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.
If only they'd trained us, if only we knew...
we'd have done what they asked us and worshiped them. too.
We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam-
now we're tired and lonely and out of a home.
They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye...
"Maybe someone else will give you a try."
So now here we are, all confused and alone...
in a shelter with others who long for a home.
The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can't stay to chat,
They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...
we know that they wonder how long we'll be here.
We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads...
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.
Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears -
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.
If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn -
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?
We count on your kindness each day of the year -
can you give more than hope to everyone here?
Please make a donation to pay for the heat...
and help get us something special to eat.
The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

-- Author Unknown

Thank you, Melody, for emailing me this poem!

The kennel is open to the public 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Meet these needy dogs!

BARC special needs dogs

Rigby is the three-month-old, male Australian Shepherd puppy featured on Friday's Animal Attraction. He found his forever home this weekend! His new family named him "Dakota" and sent me pictures of this precious puppy with his new best friend!

Dakota was adopted from Saving Animals Across Borders, Houston Northwest Mall Pet Adoption Center and came from Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services.

Unfortunately there are more litters of puppies and kittens born every day than there are homes that are able to provide for them. Sadly, they end up suffering or dying on the street or in a shelter. The answer to animal overpopulation is spay and neuter. YOU can make a difference by helping SNAP provide FREE surgeries in the Houston area.

A donation to SNAP is the perfect present for friends and family members (including the four-footed ones) because it will help create a perfect future for cats and dogs in the Houston area! Just check the box to make your donation an honorary or memorial gift. You will then be given the opportunity to enter a holiday message to the recipient that will be posted on the SNAP website. (They will also be notified of your gift via a traditional letter.)

Don't forget that the end-of-year tax deadline is coming up soon too. SNAP is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization, so your donation may entitle you to a tax deduction. That means a gift to SNAP can even be a gift to yourself! Be sure to consult the IRS or a qualified tax accountant regarding your specific tax situation.

Every animal SNAP sterilizes means fewer homeless animals roaming the streets or sitting in shelters. Please donate today. It's the perfect present for those you love and for those who lack the financial resources to have their cats and dogs spayed and neutered.

Click here to donate.

Housing. It is important to provide your pet with proper shelter. If your dog or cat lives in the house, place his bed or crate in a warm, safe place, away from drafts. For outdoor pets, make sure they have a well-insulated house that is both water and windproof. The house should be elevated off the ground so moisture can't seep inside. Install a door flap to protect against blustery drafts and gusts of wind. Extra blankets and even straw will increase your pet's comfort and warmth. Even better, consider bringing pets inside!

Antifreeze. A tiny lick of antifreeze off a driveway or gutter can kill your dog or cat. Antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, attracts pets with its sweet smell and taste. Check to make sure your car is not leaking antifreeze. Clean up any spills immediately and keep containers tightly closed and stored in a safe place. Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

Food. Because cold weather depletes an animal's energy, outdoor pets may need to consume more calories than usual. Talk to your veterinarian about what's right for your pet.

Water. Although the weather may be wet and cold, your pet still needs fresh, clean water available at all times.

Outdoor Cats. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

Phoebe, Obie and Roscoe may have to spend their first Christmas in a boarding kennel because their original foster parents can no longer care for them! The Homeless Pet Placement League is asking for help to find them a new foster home, a permanent placement or even a boarding sponsor ($100 per week).

Roscoe, wearing the bandana in the photo, has really great house manners. He can "sit and stay" and is quiet in the house. He is playful and really enjoys the company of other dogs.

Phoebe is very smart, playful and energetic. If you have time for an outgoing, friendly, rowdy girl who is ready to learn how to be a canine good citizen, she's the youngster for you!

Obie is an affectionate, low-key and friendly German Shepherd. He does like some other dogs but not cats. He really is a "people dog" and is perfectly happy with no other four-legged playmates. He walks well on a leash and is crate trained. Obie was originally found wandering in a field, hungry and injured. He had been attacked by other dogs and had lacerations on both ears. He also had heartworms, mange, abscesses on both elbows and one toe. He is fully recovered and needs a friend for life!

If you can help in any way, call Jeannice at 713-862-7387 or email her at hppl@hppl.org.

Rita is a three-month-old, spayed female, black Domestic Shorthair kitten. Her Animal ID# is A237684.

Chance is an eight-month-old, neutered male, Orange Tabby Domestic Shorthair kitten. His Animal ID# is A241023.

Rigby is a three-month-old, neutered male, Australian Shepherd. His Animal ID# is A242070.

And, last but certainly not least, is Reba! She is a one-year-old, spayed female Chow Chow. Her Animal ID# is A236887.

The adoption fees are $80 for dogs and $70 cats. They are all spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, de-wormed, dogs are tested for canine heartworm disease and cats are tested for feline leukemia. All are reviewed by a vet.

This weekends Friday's Friends came from Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services and are just a few of the animals up for adoption this weekend at the Saving Animals Across Borders Houston Northwest Mall Pet Adoption Center at Northwest Mall, Northwest Freeway (Hwy 290) at 18th Street (Please Use Entrance D). The Pet Adoption Center is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from Noon to 6:00 PM. Call (713) 680-0282 or click here for more information Saving Animals Across Borders.

For more information on Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services, click here countypets.com.

It happened during a wildlife management class in which students were encouraged to harvest and prep wildlife to be cooked out back and consumed.

"From what I understand, they bring the animals in dead. But these two didn't. They brought it in alive," Jackson said.

"They started stepping and stomping on it, joking they're tenderizing the animal," said Police Chief Danny Jackson. "They skinned that raccoon, cooked it and ate it."

For the complete store and to take part in the KHOU.com poll, "Was Killing the Raccoon Animal Cruelty?", click here KHOU.com Top Stories.

Little did she know that her winning submission would also become a television commercial airing in her hometown of Chicago. Based on the acclaim given to Deir's video (titled "Ms. Paisley Sky" in honor of the dog featured in the video), The HSUS wanted to introduce Ms. Paisley Sky to television viewers in the Windy City. The commercial will also air more than 15 times on Animal Planet, MSNBC, HLN and MTV2 from December 10 - 15, between the hours of 4 pm and midnight.

To watch the winning video, click here Please Don't Ask Me To Fight Today.

To read the complete interview with Ms. Deir, click here HSUS.

Independent tests by Trace Laboratories, Inc. in Illinois and ExperTox Analytical Laboratories in Texas have both found the presence of lead and other toxic chemicals on randomly selected toys purchased in American stores. The highest level of lead found was 30,000 parts per million (ppm) in the paint on a pet toy. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces a federal standard for lead in paint intended for children's products, which is 600 ppm, according to CPSC spokesperson Ed Kang, but there is no federal standard for lead in pet toys.

Dr. Frederick Oehme, professor of toxicology and diagnostic medicine at Kansas State University, said symptoms of lead poisoning are vague in pets but can include a slightly anorexic appearance and a slight loss of appetite, slight behavior changes that include twitching, and whining while sleeping. In more advanced cases of lead poisoning, there are neurological symptoms that include mild to severe seizures. Dr. Oehme said if symptoms are present in your pet, consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis.

To read more, click here News for cats and dogs - AVMA Releases Statement In Regards To Lead In Pet Toys or here AVMA.

It's that time of year once again when our thoughts turn to gift giving. No doubt family tops your gift giving thoughts. But at the Houston Zoo it's that furry, feathery, slithery time of year when our gift giving thoughts turn to our Zoo family.

Everybody enjoys a surprise gift now and then, and Houston Zoo animals are no different. From December 12 to December 24, give an enrichment gift to your favorite Houston Zoo resident or bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the Salvation Army and get a coupon good for one free child's Zoo admission ticket when you purchase an adult ticket at the regular price.

"Enrichment is an important part of animal life at the Houston Zoo, so we're always accumulating as many enrichment items as we can buy or that the public is generous enough to donate," says Hollie Colahan, the Curator of Primates and Carnivores and the Zoo's Enrichment Coordinator. "At the Zoo we use enrichment to encourage natural, species-appropriate behaviors,"says Colahan.

So, what kind of enrichment gifts can you give your favorite zoo animal this year? We're glad you asked! For the 12 Days of Holiday Giving our keepers came up with 12 great enrichment gift ideas.

1. Parrot toys for parrots and macaws. Found at your local pet store.
2. Non-toxic water-based paints and canvas for our resident animal artists including orangutans, elephants, and raccoons. Found at art supply stores.
3. Spices and extracts (salt-free) that provide scent enrichment for all animals.
4. Shower CD players and nature sounds CDs for animal audio enrichment and to mask other noises.
5. Boomer Balls for virtually all our mammals - primates, hoofed stock, elephants, cats, otters and others. These amazing balls may be found at Boomerball.com.
6. Rodent exercise wheels for tenrecs (a family of mammals found on Madagascar) and possums. Found at your local pet store.
7. Kong toys in all shapes and sizes for smaller mammals like coati, primates and small cats. Found at your local pet store.
8. Horse toys (Jolly Balls, Amazing Graze) for all hoofed stock including goats, llamas, zebras, bongo, warthogs, etc. Found at pet and feed stores.
9. Ferret hammocks for ferrets, binturong (Asian bearcat), tamandua (arboreal ant eater), and small primates. Found at pet stores.
10. Rope (sizes 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch sisal or nylon, minimum 25 feet in length) for birds, primates and small mammals for perching and climbing. Found at home improvement stores.
11. Sheets, towels, and pillows (no feather pillows please) for use as bedding for our primates and small mammals.
12. Gift cards! Their favorites are from home improvement or pet stores.

All our 12 Days of Holiday Giving suggestions come with a few safety precautions. Please, all gifts must be new and in their original wrapping; paints must be water-based and non-toxic; no feather pillows. For complete gift safety details and more great gift-giving details visit the Houston Zoo.

They found out Wednesday at the Houston zoo, when zookeepers tugged back and forth with African lions and did a little painting with the elephants.
It was all a part of the 12 days of holiday giving at the zoo

Hosted by The Defenestration Unit and Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company this happy hour reception includes appetizers from Prego, The Chocolate Bar and Whole Foods!

WHO/WHAT: Homeless Pet Placement League Benefit
WHERE: Avant Garden, 411 Westheimer at Taft
WHEN: December 13th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm

Music by The Defenestration Unit.

The $10 per person cover will go to The Homeless Pet Placement League!

The holidays are here, and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would like to remind pet lovers how to make wise choices when considering adding a furry family member to their household.

"Pets can be our most loyal companions, providing us with unconditional love," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. If you would like to give the gift of a pet, please consider this option. Create a gift certificate stating that you will cover the cost of a future adoption. Or wrap needed supplies like books, videos, crates, leashes, collars, litter pans, etc. and let the recipient put together the pieces of the puzzle. A pet with a good introduction to his/her adoptive family and a solid foundation is much more likely to become a life-long companion rather than just another tragic statistic.

I received this poem from one of the regular contributors to this blog. Thank you Melody for sharing it with us!

-- Forgotten Dog's Christmas --

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief', and I in my cap
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash-
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow.
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears!

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year.
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.
The gift of a dog is not just for the season.
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family and cared for the same.
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,

"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

Author Unknown

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson could have sentenced the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback up to five years. Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."

For the full story and to take part in a KHOU.com poll, click here KHOU.com.

Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Rebecca J. Huss, in a Summary Report to the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, recommended that 47 dogs (one has been euthanized for medical reasons) be placed with eight organizations, with Best Friends receiving the most dogs (22). The next largest group would be placed with Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls (BAD RAP) of Oakland, Calif. (10). Other organizations that would receive dogs are Richmond Animal League of Richmond, Va. (4); Georgia SPCA of Suwanee, Ga. (3); SPCA of Monterey County, Calif. (3); Recycled Love Inc. of Baltimore, Md. (3); Animal Rescue of Tidewater, Chesapeake, Va. (1); and PACK (Pit Bull Advocates for Compassion and Kindness), San Francisco, CA (1).

Judge Henry Hudson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has approved the recommendation.

"The court has granted Best Friends the opportunity to do what it does best - provide a caring, rehabilitative home for these abused, homeless animals," said Paul Berry, chief executive officer of Best Friends. "They deserve the very best that we can give them, and we are prepared to provide a safe place for them to stay for the rest of their lives."

For the rest of the story, click here News for cats and dogs - Some Of Vick's Dogs Going To Best Friends And Other Animal Organizations or here Best Friends.

Vick's sentencing will take place at 10am EST before United States District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick pleaded guilty in August. In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and helping kill six to eight pit bulls that did not perform well. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights.

Please bring "canned" (Gravy Style) Cat, Kitten, Dog and Puppy Food.

Why does CAP need "CANNED" food and not just dry food? The shelter animals often are frightened and depressed and have little appetite. To keep their strength up, they need to eat. The smell and taste of CANNED food is VERY important!

The dogs would also be grateful to receive medium (NOT small) sized rawhide chewsticks to help occupy them during the long hours they spend in their cages awaiting for new, loving homes. Washable (plastic) cat toys are also appreciated.

Financial contributions are always MUCH needed and greatly appreciated too!

WHEN: Saturday, December 15th from 1 PM to 5 PM AND Sunday, December 16th from 1 PM to 5 PM. Refreshments will be served.

For a complete wish list and more information, click here CAP4PETS.

WHEN: Sunday, December 9th from 1:00 - 4:30 pm
WHERE: Bed & Biscuits Pet Spa, 1612 Waugh @ W. Gray, Houston, TX

Visit with some of the artists, vendors and shoppes that support No-Kill Rescue Groups in our area!

For more information, click here Adopt A Pet Houston or here Bed & Biscuits Pet Spa.

A good Samaritan and a kind veterinarian twisted fate toward a better direction for the two doomed balls of feline fluff.

Although now tailless and recovering from a variety of injuries resulting from their ordeal, the kittens -- estimated at between 4 and 5 weeks old -- are now guaranteed favorable futures in loving homes.

To read more, click here Kittens Rescued.

"He definitely doesn't look like he's missed too many meals in there," said Keane Menefee, Fort Worth Animal Shelter. "He's a healthy, beautiful cat."

Somebody loved him.

Somebody "chipped" him.

But imagine their surprise when a scan of the cat's microchip told animal control officers "Hercules" was actually from St. Louis, Missouri.

For the rest of the story, click here St. Louis Cat.

Since 1990, Alley Cat Allies has educated the nation about stray and feral cats and promoted Trap-Neuter-Return, the only humane, effective method to manage their population.

With your help, Alley Cat Allies can reach 50,000 people in 50 days to share this message and build the movement to stop the killing and start humane care of feral cats nationwide.

Click here Save This Cat

Now through December 24th, PETCO customers can help make a difference for hundreds of pets by purchasing card ornaments for a $1, $5, $10 or $20 donation. Customers donating $20 or more will receive a PETCO Foundation ceramic ornament. Last year's fundraiser generated more than $2.7 million.

Money raised locally stays in the community and region. Each PETCO store selects an animal welfare group and then collects donations on that organization's behalf. Customers can also donate online at PETCO. Additionally, PETCO's pet insurance partner, PetCare Pet Insurance Programs - offered and owned by Pethealth Inc., will donate $5 for each PetCare pet insurance policy activated during the fundraiser.

"Millions of homeless pets in our nation's shelters lose their chance to love because they have been given up for one reason or another. Tree of Hope provides much needed funding to local rescue organizations that provide homeless animals with a second chance to live and love," says PETCO Foundation Vice President and Director Paul Jolly.

PETCO encourages customers to consider adoption before the purchase of any companion animal - even if it's one of the birds, reptiles, or small animals currently offered in PETCO stores. PETCO also encourages anyone looking to give a pet as a gift this holiday season to consider a gift card so that the recipient may choose their next companion animal themselves.

He is a big fan of going to the bathroom on the grass and going on walks! He will sit for a treat, but he will also jump up and lick your face.
Check him out at BARC at 3200 Carr Street!
Also, don't forget about the Home for the Holidays adoption event at Highland Village!

Meet Spike!

Lovely lilies are commonly used in holiday floral arrangements, but many varieties - including tiger, Asian, Japanese show, stargazer and the Casablanca - can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.

Holly can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy if eaten by your pet. And should he sample the mistletoe, he could suffer gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. And, stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria - and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should she imbibe.

Secure the tree to a wall or the ceiling with fishing line and a hook to prevent pets from knocking it over.

Both dogs and cats have been known to chew on electrical cords, causing electrocution. Tree lights should not be left on when you're not around, since your pets may tangle themselves in the cords.

Once you've decorated your tree, pick up all tinsel, ribbon and ornament hooks off the floor. These glittery items may be attractive playthings to your pets, but they can get sick if they ingest them. Cats are notorious for consuming tinsel and ribbon. Dr. Kent Davis, a veterinarian formerly associated with the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, warns, "Objects such as string or ribbon can cause the intestine to bunch up like an accordion. If this occurs, friction can cause the string to cut into the intestine like a saw, making many small perforations that must be repaired by a surgeon." If your pets express interest in playing with the decorations on the tree, decorate the bottom third of the tree with wood or plastic ornaments that won't break.

Keep all gifts that contain human food off the floor so that pets are not tempted by the smells. Human treats can be dangerous for pets - especially food containing chocolate, alcohol, raisins and onions. Chocolate is toxic to almost all animals. A lethal dose for a 20-pound dog is only about six squares of baking chocolate or eight or nine times that amount of milk chocolate. Onions and garlic contain sulfides, which can cause the destruction of red blood cells, and are toxic to animals. Even foods spiced with garlic or onion salts should not be given to pets.

Burning candles can also be a concern around this time of year. Put burning candles in places that are inaccessible to your pets and don't let candles burn unattended. Your cat can easily light herself on fire by brushing up against a burning candle or start a fire by tipping the candle over.

Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Cats are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of cats to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten a potentially toxic substance or dangerous object, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's emergency hotline at (888) 426-4435 for round-the-clock telephone assistance. A fee may apply.

Over the holidays, make sure everyone has a good time by preventing harmful situations for your pets. If you have questions related to holiday hazards, please consult your local veterinarian. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sources:

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Best Friends Animal Society
College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois
The Cat Fanciers' Association

Westin was lost Dec. 1 between Stafford and the 8880 block of Bellaire Boulevard in Houston.
He is a 3-year-old Lhasa Apso and weighs about 8 pounds.
If you have any information about him, please call (713) 245-9927.
The reward is $2,500, and no questions will be asked.

Cuddly canines and frolicking felines will delight the entire family as they play in their specially-decorated windows on the first floor of Neiman Marcus, Galleria. Juicy Couture will highlight their new Juicy Crittoure line by providing the decorations in the windows. Houston SPCA staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist potential adopters. The adoption fee for dogs and cats ranges from $65 to $95 and includes: Your new companion; Spay/neuter surgery; Initial set of shots; Rabies vaccination (three months of age or older), Deworming, Feline Leukemia testing for cats; Heartworm testing for dogs (six months of age and older), and I.D. tag and lifetime membership in the Houston SPCA Lost Pet Identification Program.

WHERE: Neiman Marcus, Galleria, First Floor, 2600 Post Oak, Blvd., Houston, TX 77056

WHEN: Through Sunday, December 23, 2007. Holiday adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday's from noon to 5 pm.

Dr. Ronald Schultz, a leading authority on veterinary vaccines and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has begun concurrent 5 and 7-year challenge studies to determine the long-term duration of immunity of the canine rabies vaccine, with the goal of extending the state-mandated interval for boosters. These will be the first long-term challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine to be published in the United States.

Dr. Schultz comments that, "We are all very excited to start this study that will hopefully demonstrate that rabies vaccines can provide a minimum of 7 years of immunity."

This research is being financed by The Rabies Challenge Fund, a charitable trust founded by pet vaccine disclosure advocate Kris L. Christine of Maine, who serves as Co-Trustee with world-renowned veterinary research scientist and practicing clinician, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet in California. The Rabies Challenge Fund recently met its goal of $177,000 to fund the studies' first year budget with contributions from dog owners, canine groups, trainers, veterinarians, and small businesses. Annual budget goals of $150,000 for the studies must be met in the future.

Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM states, "This is the first time in my 43 years of involvement in veterinary issues that what started as a grass-roots effort to change an outmoded regulation affecting animals will be addressed scientifically by an acknowledged expert to benefit all canines in the future."

Scientific data published in 1992 by Michel Aubert and his research team demonstrated that dogs were immune to a rabies challenge 5 years after vaccination, while Dr. Schultz's serological studies documented antibody titer counts at levels known to confer immunity to rabies 7 years postvaccination. This data strongly suggests that state laws requiring annual or triennial rabies boosters for dogs are redundant. Because the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions, it should not be given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions such autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations.

For more information, click here Rabies Challenge Fund.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Arrive before 7 am. Start a list. The SNAP advance team will arrive before 7:30 am. Bring your cat in a pillowcase or carrier. No food or water for your adult cat after 10 pm the night before. Multiple cats will be accepted only if there are fewer than 50 people in line. Government assistance is not required.

This life-saving event is generously funded by The Elroy and Terry Krumholz Foundation.

For more information call SNAP at 713-862-3863 or click here SNAP Calendar.