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Something to Bark About | Healthy Pet Foods | Traveling with Your Pet
A Happy Healthy Best Friend | Tall Tales

Something To Bark About

With Your Help, Paws for Pets is Protecting Pets in More Ways Than Ever Before

What began as a fundraising response to a devastating series of natural disasters has grown into a valuable ongoing program. Paws to Save Pets™ educates and trains pet caregivers, both in animal shelters and veterinary offices, about emergency response. And equally as important, they learn about preparation and prevention - so that together, we can keep all our pets happy and safe. Their Story...

Video created by Merial outlining their program to assist victims of Katrina and their pets. View here on… YouTube.

"A life saved by offering a paw"

Dogs in the News The unidentified Labrador mutt (later named "Lucky") was scheduled to be euthanized at the Kansas City, MO Animal Shelter. But at the moment she faced her executioner, Lucky did a very unusual thing, says canine caretaker Andrea Galeski. "She shook the guy's hand as he was going to put her to sleep.” Kansas City Animal Control euthanizes an average of 19 dogs per day1, and Lucky was about to be just another statistic, but the dog's pitiable gesture of goodwill was all it took to get a reprieve from the man with the needle. "He put her back in the cage," says Ms. Galeski. Read on...
 

"Triumph's Incredible Journey"

Triumph's story began in Turkey where she was found beside the road bleeding--her rear legs had been cut off! She was taken to a shelter where the first of many miracles began.... they treated her wounds and kept her alive instead of euthanizing her as many would have. Her story was put in the paper there and for the next two months they tried to find her a forever home. The Story…

Triumph's mom Moe says, "It has been a journey of almost 4 years to the day since she arrived from Turkey with the bones still sticking out from both her rear legs... and....who would have known the effect this dog would have on mankind and because of her, the contribution to amputees that is in the very near future. Spirit has certainly guided her on her mission...so...hope you can watch...." More of Triumph’s Story...

Another news story from Kathy Walsh and the folks at CBS4 in Denver: Triumph the Dog Finally Ready To Run. In the video, you can see a quick clip of her doing just that, and it's a beautiful thing to behold. Her Triumph!

Triumph, who has spent time as a patient herself, has visited Children's Hospital about once a month for the past two years. She comes to help bring joy to others using her soft fur, toothy grin and pink, lopping tongue. "She's a smile-bringer," Moe says. "She goes and does about anything you ask of her."

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some
have entertained Angels Unawares." Hebrews 13:12

"Hero, the dog from Iraq, joins his new family"

Army Spec Justin Rollins found a litter of puppies while patrolling near an Iraqi police station. He adopted one of the puppies and sent a picture of him holding the pup to his family in New Hampshire.

The next day Rollins was one of six soldiers killed by a roadside bomb. "It was the last bit of happiness that we know Justin had," his girlfriend Brittany Murray said. With the death of Rollins, the puppy took on special meaning for her and Rollins’ family. With the help of a congressman, a shipping company and the military, the puppy, appropriately named “Hero,” made the trip from Iraq to his new family in New Hampshire. The story...

"Runaway German shepherd may find a new career as a rescue dog"

This is an amazing story about a dog that seems to be carving out his own destiny. After her car tumbled down an embankment on a remote road, a Georgia woman, Shannon Lorio, was thrown backward so that her upper body was on the trunk with her feet over the rear seat. Remembering the incident she said, "I was bleeding from my face and my nose. All of a sudden, I felt a presence—a really huge presence. He was straddling me. I have watched too many horror movies about werewolves and vampires. I thought he was going to eat me."

Instead she had been found by a two year old runaway German shepherd. He licked her face, pulled her off the trunk by her collar and dragged her about 50 yards through briars to the edge of a highway. Leaning against him she was able to stand up and flag a passing motorist. The dog was taken to the Humane Society where the previous owner signed off on him because he was always running away. Lorio can’t adopt the dog that she calls Hero because she has six dogs, two adopted children, and three children of her own, but because of the publicity, over 50 people have offered to take him. However, Hero seems to be destined for a higher purpose in life than just to be somebody’s pet. Been there, done that, ran away. Enter Heidy Drawdy, a veteran dog trainer. She thinks that Hero may have the qualities to become a search and rescue dog. Hero will move in with Drawdy, her husband and their two search dogs where he will be given obedience training and learn to socialize with other dogs, children and senior citizens. He will be exposed to the noise and excitement of emergency vehicles to see if he qualifies for advanced training. "Right off the bat, he showed signs of having natural talent," said Drawdy. "We'd like to see if we could give him a job because obviously he's meant for something special."

It was March when Midge joined the office of Ohio Geauga County Sheriff, Dan McClelland, as an aspiring drug sniffing dog. At the time she was three months old and weighed two pounds. She was just a rookie, but she had big dreams. In August she began training to be a state certified drug-sniffing dog.

Now all grown up at eight pounds, Midge has received certification as a full-fledged K-9 drug detector in the state of Ohio. Midge scored 100% on her test. Sheriff McClelland, her boss and trainer, is ready to take her anyplace with him for full duties as a narc dog. Not only that, but she has also made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the tiniest drug sniffing dog on the planet. Stories about Midge have appeared in the press all over the world.

If there were a Nobel Prize for good public relations in law enforcement, Sheriff McClelland & Midge would win.
 

"Guinness has spoken, it's official!"

Weighing 1.4 pounds and standing 4.9 inches tall, three-year-old Ducky, a Chihuahua from Charlton, Massachusetts, is the world’s smallest living dog by height.

His owner, Linda Messier, who owns eight other Chihuahuas, bought Ducky for $5000 when he was thirteen months old. She spent $600 for a fast track review by Guinness World Records.

In the challenge for the big time, Ducky beat out Dancer, a longhaired Chihuahua contender from Florida, by a whisker. (Sorry). Danka Kordak, a Chihuahua from Slovaki who was 5.4 inches tall, held the previous record for world’s smallest dog. The smallest dog ever was a Yorkshire terrier who stood 2.8 inches tall. Read more...
 

Copper has stolen Trent's heart!

The pitter patter of four little feet arrived at the home of Trenton B. January 30, 2008. After what seemed like years of longing for his very own puppy, 6-year-old Trenton brought home his very own miniature Beagle.

Born mid December at the home of his breeder, a baby boy Beagle longed for a boy of his own for what seemed like such a very long time. Miles away, Trenton had a longing in his heart for a puppy of his very own.

One snowy day, Trenton's Mother took him for a drive for what was to be the most wonderful surprise for a Beagle puppy and a little boy.

"Copper" was placed in Trenton's arms, where he will stay and they will be best friends forever.
 

Dogphoria - My Space for Dogs, only 10x cuter!

Dogphoria is your very own canvas to customize your pup's unique webpage. Meet like-minded members with great pooches. Be a fab photo-sharing community and give a whole lot back in the process. That's why 10% of Pro membership fees are donated to animal shelters.

Humane Society of Missouri - Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has found homes for animals who need people. We invite you to become part of that tradition. We are dedicated to matching homeless, adoptable animals with loving, caring families, like yours.
 

Healthy Pet Foods

Many veterinarians wisely advise against using generic foods because their protein might be of inferior quality. Some extremely health-conscious owners shy away from semi moist foods, which may contain dyes and chemicals to keep them soft and fresh, as well as foods containing animal by-products. In light of recent food recalls many owners now make their own pet food. If that's the path you choose, consult one of the many publications with helpful information on dog nutrition, such as "The Whole Dog Journal".

What you can do:

• Read the ingredients; look for dog foods containing whole meats, vegetables and grains. High quality meat proteins are important. Avoid meat by-products.

• Remember that the more ingredients a food contains (with the exception of added vitamins and minerals) the less of each ingredient the food contains.

• Expect to pay for quality, but realize it is worth it for a healthy dog!

• Stop feeding any food if your dog exhibits signs of illness. Get him to a vet, and contact the manufacturer with the date-code from the bag.

Pet Food Direct – PetFoodDirect.com specializes in meeting your needs as a pet owner. We carry over 11,000 products for dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, small animals and fish all delivered to your door! With over 400 brands to choose from, you’re sure to find the dog food, cat food, or other pet supplies you're looking for!

dog.com – It has been said that what goes into your dog is what makes your dog. Feed your canine companion to the best of your ability with one of our premium dog diets. With puppy, adult, senior and breed-specific formulas, in a wide variety of forms, such as kibble, canned and freeze dried; all our dog foods will help your dog live up to his potential! Plus, you can enjoy the convenience of shopping from home, which makes you doubly smart!

Halo, Purely For Pets! – Halo’s Spot’s Stew® for Dogs and Cats is all-natural, holistic food that has been served by discerning pet parents for over 20 years. Developed by a pet lover to nurse her pet back to health, Halo’s Spot’s Stew for Dogs and Cats is made with the highest-quality USDA-approved ingredients in a USDA-certified facility.
 

The Honest Kitchen – Our healthy, dehydrated raw pet foods offer a way to create fresh, natural meals for your pet in the comfort of your home. No cooking and no freezers required!
 

Keeping your Best Friend Happy & Healthy!

Grooming is an important part of your dog's health, with regular brushing and combing helping to remove dead hair and dirt and prevent matting. Dogs who are regularly groomed tend to have a healthier and shinier coat because it stimulates the blood supply to the skin.

Grooming your dog can also be a good way to bond with your dog, and it's important to get him used to it from an early age. Many dogs learn to see their routine brushing as an alternate petting, another source of affection and attention. A good quality brush and comb will help you with your dog's coat, but also remember that your dog's eyes, ears, and nails require attention as well. Best Friends Pet Care also has Breed Specific Tips to help you with your breed of dog.

Regular grooming keeps your dog clean, healthy and manageable, as well as preventing yeast infections caused by matted hair, periodontal disease caused by uncared for teeth, ear infections from excessive buildup of wax, dirt and bacteria, etc. This article covers basic at-home grooming and ways to make the process more pleasant for everyone involved.

You will find helpful tips to Bathe and Groom your dog at How to Groom Your Dog.
 

Wikipedia.org

The Whole Dog Journal – We highly recommend The Whole Dog Journal for up to date information of Dog Food quality be it canned, dry or home cooked. There are so many pet foods on the market today; The Whole Dog Journal is a helpful resource in determining what and how to feed your best friend.

Dr. Marty.com

Dr. Marty Goldstein is recognized by his peers as one of the profession’s foremost practitioners of integrative medicine. He started his career as a highly trained conventional veterinarian, but he has spent his life understanding how to “integrate” alternative therapies to preserve good health and return sick animals to a natural state of good health. His knowledge, experience and the results he has achieved have placed him at the top of this "new school" of integrative veterinary care.

Dr. Shawn Messonnier

Shawn Messonier seeks to help you take a natural approach to your pet's health. He is a veterinarian who has done prominent work as a holistic pet-care specialist. He wrote the award winning "The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats," has a weekly newspaper column called "The Holistic Pet," and contributes to Body+Soul magazine. If you can't make it to Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Texas (which Shawn owns), you can ask him your pet questions every Tuesday night during the award-winning "Dr. Shawn, the Natural Vet" on Martha Stewart Living Radio.

We all want to keep our furbabies safe and healthy. Dogster Kristy Sweetland, furmom to Seva and Finlay, will be providing weekly tips and warnings from the Pet Poison HELPLINE™ to make that job easier. As a veterinary technician with the Pet Poison HELPLINE™ she’s going to help us all stay more on top of what’s dangerous for our furry family members.
http://dogblog.dogster.com/2007/06/20/tips-from-the-pet-poison-helpline-grapes-and-raisins/

A Dogs Life

Where Nancy Freedman-Smith, dog trainer and owner of Gooddogz Training, provides a place for dog owners to find positive training tips, canine-activities and places to visit along with the latest information on keeping your dog healthy and active.
 

Traveling with your Pet

A car trip or vacation with your pet will go much more smoothly if you have plenty of supplies on hand to keep it happy and occupied. Consider basic needs, such as food, water, and portable dishes for eating and drinking, and also fun items, such as treats and toys. First-aid items such as gauze, iodine, antibiotic ointment, and insect-sting swabs can be invaluable, as can a motion-sickness treatment such as the homeopathic formula Rescue Remedy. Other items you should include are a portable pet bed, leashes, disposable pooper-scoopers, grooming tools such as brushes and combs, and a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated especially for your pet.

Martha's Advise on Traveling with your Pet - "It's a Good Thing"

Martha Stewart is well know for pampering her own pets and offering excellent advise from the experts on everything from pet health, training and lifestyles with pets. So of course we would go to her for tips on traveling with our beloved fur babies!

Dog Friendly.com

Recognizing that dogs aren't meant to be left in hotel rooms! DogFriendly.com™ publishes U.S. and Canadian pet travel guides for dogs of ALL sizes & breeds. You and your dog are in for an adventure!

Better Homes & Gardens – With these travel tips, you and your dog will enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Dog Travel & Adventure Company – The World’s First Travel & Adventure Company Catering to Dogs and Their Human Companions.

We found great tips at The Pet Travel Center. You never know when an emergency will arise and you should always be prepared while on the road with your pet. Before heading out into the wild blue yonder visit www.pettravelcenter.com and real their emergency travel tips, print them out and take them with you in your pet’s travel bag. The peace of mind of knowing you have helpful information should you need it is worth its weight in gold! Now you & Fido can take off and enjoy your trip!

Travel Tips... Pet Emergency Tips

Good to Know…

Top Ten Tips For Safe Air Travel with Your Pet

Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the four-legged members of your family. But with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

The ASPCA urges pet owners to think twice about flying their pets on commercial airlines, especially if they plan on checking them in as cargo. The Air Transport Association has reported that in the past, approximately 5,000 pets—or 1 percent of the companion animals are flown on commercial planes—have been injured, lost or killed during transport.

"Unless your animal is small enough to fit under your seat and you can bring him or her in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners to not fly their animal," says Lisa Weisberg, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy. If pet owners have already committed to transporting their pets on commercial airlines, the ASPCA is offering the following top ten tips for safe air travel with your pet:

1. Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a check-up, and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure.

2. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and an identification tag. Breakaway collars are best for cats. The collar should also include destination information in case your pet escapes.

3. Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will decrease the chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel.

4. Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. Shipping crates can be purchased from many pet supply stores and airlines.

5. Write the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and at least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you will be accompanying him or if someone else is picking him up. Make sure that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels— to absorb accidents.

6. Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the carrier, this could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.

7. The night before you leave, make sure you’ve frozen a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can’t spill during loading, and will melt by the time he’s thirsty. Tape a small pouch, preferably cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.

8. Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended, as it could hamper his breathing. Check with your veterinarian first.

9. Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo hold. This way, they’ll be ready if any additional considerations or attention is needed.

10. If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the animal whenever feasible. In certain situations, removing the animal from the cargo hold and deplaning may be warranted.

Top Ten Tips for Safe Car Travel with your Pet

For some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There is a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.

2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.

3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.

4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

5. What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

6. Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

7. Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and flying objects could injure him.

8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.

9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.
 

Tall Tales
 

We love a laugh; we love to share it with you!

This interesting photo has been making its way across the Internet, possibly to your
Email inbox. What do you think? Could this be a real photo? We honestly don't know!
If you have information regarding this super-sized dog, might you let us in on it?

Top 10 reasons to get a puppy

1. Thought the house was too orderly.
2. Never did like having a full night’s sleep.
3. Enjoy stepping in chocolate pudding.
4. Thought the furniture and carpet looked too new.
5. Love the sounds of barking and whining in the morning, noon, afternoon, evening, midnight, predawn, etc.
6. Garden and backyard needed renovations and didn't want to pay a gardener.
7. Neighbors didn't complain enough.
8. Tired of all your shoes.
9. Wanted my Vet to get a new BMW.
10. Wanted to see if spouse really meant those vows.
 

"You Want Me to WHAT?"

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