Just another reason our pets are special!

Here's a heartwarming pet story just in time for Christmas.  Thanks to this wonderful and alert dog, this family will still be able to enjoy this holiday season.  I hope they get him a wonderful Christmas meal and a huge present! 

I found this on Life with Dogs and there is a video on that site that discusses this story in more detail.


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Boxer Puppy Saves Family

December 2, 2011Posted by ADMIN in Dog News
A six month old Boxer puppy from Georgia is being hailed as a hero for evacuating his family from their home after detecting a gas leak.
“He knew something we didn’t know. He sensed something wasn’t right,” said Jason Hyde.
Hyde and his family say they owe their lives to their faithful companion. They were gathered in their living room and decorating in preparation for the Christmas holiday when their dog Ollie became visibly agitated and started acting out to get their attention. At first they just thought he wanted to go out.
“Just started nudging and rubbing our legs like he wanted to go back outside,” said Sheree Hyde. But once in the yard, Ollie stood his ground and refused to come back inside. “He had his head up and his back was arched and he was unwilling to come back inside,” said Jason.
Ollie’s obvious stress prompted his family to follow him outside and join him in their yard. Once the entire family was evacuated, Ollie relaxed. That’s when it occurred to Jason Hyde that the gas fireplace had been left on.
He went back inside and realized that the flame was not lit. Ollie had smelled the gas pouring from the unlit fireplace and spreading throughout the home – and knew something was wrong. And when his family joined him in the yard to ascertain the source of his distress, they may very well have dodged a disaster: “We don’t know how long the gas would have poured out, and we do light candles,” said Sheree.
The Hydes are understandably grateful, and say they are blessed to have found Ollie. “I just think that it’s cool that God has made a creature, made a dog, as smart as this dog is and I am glad to have him,” said Jason.
“We are very thankful for him,” added Sheree.

Michael Vick's meanest dog doing great in Kanab

Here's another follow up of the Vick dogs and their remarkable recovery after receiving so much neglect and abuse at the hands of this football icon and role model for our children.

These dogs are themselves remarkable in that they continue to trust humans despite the abuse.  I love reading about their recovery, it gives me hope for this world gone mad we live in.

Please read this entire article and leave them a comment about how wonderful the work they are doing is.

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KANAB — He came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary four years ago under court order and with a reputation as one mean hombre.

Of all the pit bulls in Michael Vick's Bad Newz Kennels, Lucas was the baddest of them all — Mike Tyson, Hulk Hogan and a little Ray Lewis rolled into one, the grand champion, the most vicious of the vicious Vick dogs.

When his dog-fighting operation was busted, Vick was sent to prison and so, in a sense, was Lucas. The court shipped him and 21 of his fighting mates from Virginia to this sprawling, 3,800-acre animal sanctuary outside Kanab, with the stipulation that Lucas spend the rest of his days here. It was your basic life sentence.
That was in January 2008.

Nearly four years later, or 28 by his reckoning, Lucas is running the place.

Open the door to the executive offices, and there he is, a smile on his face, a lick on his lips, and eager anticipation of either a pet or a treat written all over his eyes.

See all 6 photos | Click to enlarge

Lee Benson, Deseret News

In the administration offices at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Judah Battista enjoys a respite with Lucas, formerly a "vicious Vick dog."

From the archive

• Animal group buys former Vick dogfighting compound – May 27, 2011
• Vick pit bulls on the slow road to recovery – Jan. 30, 2011
• Kanab organization that cared for Vick dogs wants call from Obama – Dec. 30, 2010

Only the fading scars on his neck and face suggest that he was once the toughest, scariest and most-abused dog in Virginia.

On the day I made Lucas's acquaintance, Judah Battista, the director of animal care at Best Friends, dropped by to talk about how life has gone for Lucas and the rest of the Vick dogs who were relocated to Utah.

While their rate of rehabilitation has varied, he reports that, to a dog, their progress has been consistent and resoundingly successful.

Six of the 21 fighters — Oliver, Mel, Cherry, Halle, Shadow and Handsome Dan — have been adopted and left Best Friends entirely. A seventh, Little Red, is in a foster home about to be adopted.
The rest are alive, well and thriving in Dogtown Heights, the Best Friends suburb that is home to about 400 dogs. (In all, some 1,700 animals, ranging from house cats to horses, are housed in the entire Best Friends Sanctuary at any given time).

That includes Lucas, who has become such a hit they bring him to the administration offices at least two days a week to keep the humans company.

To Judah, Lucas is Exhibit A in the argument that all dogs are good dogs if they're treated well.
He grimaces when he thinks about what could have happened to Lucas and the rest of Vick's pit bulls purely due to reputation.

Many people in authority wanted to euthanize all 49 dogs that were found in various states of neglect and abuse in the Bad Newz Kennels when it was first discovered that in addition to being a star quarterback in the National Football League, Michael Vick was also an illegal-dog-fighting promoter.

The conventional wisdom was that the dogs would never be able to recover. Putting them down was the most compassionate thing to do....(read more)

Related articles

• Michael Vick, Never Say Never (prweb.com)
• Michael Vick's Former Property to Become Dog Sanctuary (newsfeed.time.com)
• Our Pack to Transform Missouri Fight Bust Victim into Therapy Dog (prweb.com)
• So who's up for saving some pit bulls? (apitome.wordpress.com)

Dog Heroes in Need of Homes By Deborah Kandoll

Image via Wikipedia

 

Here's an article I found interesting and worthy of reposting here.  I feel that we owe these dogs just as much respect as we owe our troops who give so much to protect our freedoms.

If you can adopt one of these wonderful animals, please contact the source and let them know.

I found this article at ExceptionalCanine.com and I recommend you visit them for more stories just like this one.

Work & Sport

Military working dogs (MWDs) are the unsung four-legged heroes of our armed services. Every day, these amazing dog heroes put their lives on the line, on patrol and on specialized drug and explosive detection missions around the world. Wherever there are American security forces, MWDs are there serving right beside them.

When these dogs grow too old or cannot physically continue on with the rigorous standards required of military working dogs, they can be retired from the military and offered for adoption to qualified civilians and law-enforcement handlers.

Finding a Dog Hero

Because there is a long waiting list, it can take a year to 18 months to adopt from the 341st MWD Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base (LAFB) in San Antonio. LAFB also adopts out dogs that “wash out” of the training program. Although they might not have been suited for military life, they’re still wonderful dogs.
Many military working dog facilities exist throughout the country. To shorten the lengthy waiting time for your companion, you can also actively call any of these groups to inquire if veteran dogs will be retired soon. My website offers more information at MilitaryWorkingDogAdoptions.com.

These Dogs Are Indeed Special

I established my group’s website in 2008 as a result of my own personal MWD adoption experience. I made 50 calls before I discovered my first MWD, Benny B163, a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd. I thought I knew all about the breed after owning seven German Shepherds. But my Benny made me see what military dog handlers speak of in reverent terms. The relationship they have with their working dogs is unique from any other. The depth of its closeness, loyalty and trust cannot be quantified in words. My special 12-year-old Benny passed away from a heart attack on January 3, 2010.

My husband and I are now overjoyed to have 12-year-old Bino C152 (USA, Ret.) and 9- year-old Alex H116 (USAF, Ret.) as our new and much-beloved family members. Bino C152, a narcotics detection/patrol dog, had paws on the ground in Iraq for 14 months. Alex H116 served two six-month stints in Iraq as a patrol dog. Their time to enjoy a well-earned rest at “Ft. Couch” has come!

How You Can Learn More

I founded Military Working Dog Adoptions to help make sure that all of these dog heroes find happy homes. MWD Adoptions accepts donations, which it uses to transport adopted MWDs in need of a ride to their new homes. We also help out with military working dogs’ medical costs from time to time. Our paperwork as a nonprofit is pending. However, every dime we receive goes directly to help these veteran canines and the families who adopt them.

Visit our website for more information on how to adopt or otherwise help one of these amazing creatures.
Photo: @iStockphoto.com/egeeksen

Related articles

• Working dogs are man's best friend in Afghanistan (ukforcesafghanistan.wordpress.com)
• Military Working Dog Adoptions (ourpeaceablekingdom.wordpress.com)
• Saying good-bye to a military dog hero (examiner.com)
• Shhh--The Military's Secret Weapon--Dogs (examiner.com)
• War Hero Inducted Into Hall of Fame (fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com)
• PHOTOS: 'Dogs Of War' (huffingtonpost.com)
• Rocky-Retired military working dog saved from death this morning (examiner.com)

Two interesting and/or entertaining videos about our dogs

Dogs Decoded (1/3) by xSilverPhinx

Here's a video that is well worth watching!

 People are not the only ones who can be thankful and grateful.  Watch the behavior of these dogs and tell me if they don't show thankfulness and gratefulness for the return of their "person".

Dr. Mahaney's Thanksgiving safety tips for your pets

Here's an article I found on DogTimes Weekly that I felt was appropriate to repost here.  We all will be celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas is almost upon us.  We need to take a moment to think about the health and safety of our loyal pets during this holiday season.  There are more dangers to them at this time than we think about.  Please heed the warnings in this article so both you and your loving pets have a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

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This article courtesy of Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA

 

Starting with Halloween, the fall-winter holiday season yields innumerable hazards to our pets (see Top 5 Halloween Pet Safety Tips). The potential danger continues into Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwaanza, New Year's Eve, or other holiday of your choice. Pet hazards lurk in festive foods, decorations, and schedule and environment changes. Take the following precautions, as you will suffer emotional and financial stress caused by a pet's holiday health crisis.

Holiday Foods

Even though they may love the taste, avoid feeding your pet any of chocolate, candy, fats, proteins, bones, and dried fruits.

Chocolate and Candy- Chocolate contains chemical compounds called methylzanthines, including caffeine and theobromine, which have many toxic effects in dogs (see Pet Care 101- Why is chocolate unhealthy for my dog?). Additionally, the fat and sugar in chocolate and candy can cause serious gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

Fats and Proteins- Holiday foods, including animal skin, meats, and cheese are high in calories and contain large percentages of fat and protein. Even feeding your pet an amount of these foods that visually appears small can exceed your pet's daily caloric requirements. Additionally, the interruption of your dog's consistent consumption of a particular food by feeding holiday foods will increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal upset.

Bones- Cooked bones are harder than raw bones and prone to splintering, causing mechanical irritation to the lining of the stomach and intestines. Large pieces or multiple bones can be ingested, potentially causing esophageal, gastric, or intestinal obstruction. This year, don't be "that owner" berating yourself after a pet has gotten sick after eating your leftover steak bone.

Dried Fruits- Raisins (and grapes) have an unknown toxic mechanism which causes damage to the canine kidney. Although the toxic effects are most commonly seen when large amounts are consumed, it is recommended to prevent your dog from eating raisins and grapes. Along these lines, I recommend not feeding your pet any dehydrated fruits, as they are high in calories, may contain preservatives (sulfites, etc), and could lead to vomiting, diarrhea or other health concerns.

Holiday Decorations

Prevent your pet from having contact with holiday decorations, including candles and holiday plants.

Candles- Even momentary contact between a lit candles and your pet's fur can set your pet on fire, leading to life threatening skin burns. I have recently been involved in the treatment process of Buddha, a dog burned by an unknown heat source (see Burned French Bulldog Continues to Heal with Acupuncture Treatments). Besides the pain and suffering burned pets must endure, your entire family may be at risk if a pet knocks a candle over and causes combustion of flammable household materials.

Additionally, scented candles (cinnamon, fig, vanilla, etc) emit appealing aromas and may cause gastrointestinal abnormalities if consumed.

Holiday Plants- Many holiday plants are potentially toxic to your pet. A list of toxic and non-toxic plants can be found on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control website.

Despite general public perception, the poinsettia is a traditional holiday plant that is only mildly toxic to pets when consumed. The poinsettia contains a sap which causes local irritation to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract when ingested, potentially causing salivation or vomiting.

Christmas pine, spruce, and fir trees and their water can both lead to toxic reactions in your pet. Christmas tree needles contain oils and resins potentially causing salivation and digestive upset. Consumption of tree water can cause gastrointestinal problems or organ (kidney, liver other) failure caused by fertilizers, bacteria, or molds.

Schedule and Environmental Changes

Holidays create situational changes in our lives and cause additional stress for our pets. Pet owners or guests entering and exiting the home environment increases the likelihood your pet could escape. Even if your pet is not a notorious escape artist, fit your pet with a collar bearing appropriate identification. Additionally, microchip implantation will connect your pet to you should their collar fall off or be removed.

Travel plans or the presence of holiday guests may require a pet to be kenneled in a facility or confined in your home. If your pet is kept outdoors, ensure their safety from weather extremes by providing a climate controlled shelter.

This holiday season, please think ahead and plan for the possibility that your pet may be adversely affected by your festivities. Should your pet show illness or be suspected to have inappropriately consumed holiday foods or decor contact your regular or emergency veterinary hospital.

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Dr. Mahaney graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. He lives and practices in Los Angeles, California, and works closely with local rescue organizations. He also writes for Los Angeles Pet Care Examiner column.

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Related articles

• Holiday Safety Tips for your Pet (parleyswayneighborhoodwatch.wordpress.com)
• Satey Tips For Your Pets This Holiday! [VIDEO] (now100fm.radio.com)
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• Holiday Pet Safety (iowadogtrust.wordpress.com)
• Holiday Safety Tips for your Pets (biskey7.wordpress.com)
• Petplan Pet Insurance Finds Turkey Day Could Be 'Fowl' for Pets (prweb.com)
• Keep holiday food away from your pooch (cnn.com)
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Video about special needs dogs

Dogs with special needs need love and care, too.  Here is a wonderful video about just such a dog and his wonderful owner.  If only all dogs were so lucky!

Dog Survives Inferno by Hiding Under Bed

Here's some good news for a change that I found on Life with Dogs. Please visit the site and leave them a comment. More people need to know about this and see that there can be some good news, sometimes.
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Here's a link to a video about this dog


A Texas family finds hope amidst tragedy when their dog is recovered alive a day after their house burned down.

Patsy Alexander dug through the rubble of her parents home after it was destroyed by a fire last week. The Tyler, Texas resident was hoping to find a few sentimental items, and was shocked to find the family dog alive and well after spending the night hiding under a bed.

“I was just glad to see at least one come out and made it through this tragedy,” said Alexander.

Alexander spent the afternoon at the aftermath of her uncle’s charred home. Alexander is worried for the homeowner, James Culpepper. He was injured after helping his family to escape the blaze and is hospitalized in serious condition. Daughter Linda Cook is caring for his dog until he is released.

Authorities say the fire was started by a faulty heater that ignited a sofa. Culpepper’s family is thankful his dog somehow survived, and said they are hoping to see the two reunited in the near future.

Friday Videos

These are cute videos of dogs being silly.  I laughed and thought you might get a kick, too.  Enjoy!

Ensure Your Pet Always Has a Way Home.

Homeless and lost pets fill our animal shelters to capacity.  True, some animals are "dumped" there, but the majority of them have been picked up roaming the streets unescorted.

Satchmo, bless his soul, was the epitome of the escape artist.  He could get through spaces much too small for him and be gone in a flash!  Once out and about, he was only caught when he wanted to be caught.  My biggest concern as I chased after him was "when will he finally get tired and want to come home?"  but my next thought was always, "what if he gets hit by a car?" because he knew nothing about traffic and streets.

There are many ways a responsible pet owner can make sure that their pet is returned to them if lost.

First, start out simply click here to get your pet an engraved tag stating the animal's name and having your last name and telephone number on one side.  Make sure to attach this to the animals collar or harness.

Secondly, click here to get your animal microchipped.  However, a caveat.  If you don't keep the information current, this is a worthless piece of junk inside of your pet.  Most microchips can be reconfigured to input new information if you move, but you must notify the company to get the information changed.

Another way to keep your pet safe is to use a GPS collar to track your dog.  These products have become more and more affordable as GPS gains in popularity.  With this system in place, you simply notify the company and they will notify you of your dogs location.

There is also the option of joining an online pet finding company where you can register and pay, then if your pet is lost, the company will call all shelters, put up flyers, send out email alerts to your area, call all of your neighbors to alert them of the lost pet.  This type of service is excellent and has a really good track record of finding lost pets.

With all the options available, there really is not a good excuse for your pet to be one of the lost and scared animals sitting in our over-crowded shelters, is there?

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Separation Anxiety Can Be A Reality For Your Dog When The Kids Go Back To School

Image via WikipediaWhen summer is over and the kids have to return to school, sometimes our pets have difficulty adjusting to the loss of their playmates of summer.  Some develop anxiety disorders, some develop really bad habits and regress to puppyhood.  Here is an article that addresses this issue.  It is from Banfield.com and has really good information you can use immediately.

Another way to help your pet with anxiety is with the new wrap that snuggles your pet and makes them feel safe and protected.  You can visit this link to find out more about this wonderful product.

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In September, as the kids head back to school, did you consider that your dog may have to adjust to the changes in the family routine just like everyone else? During the summer, your children and the family dog can develop a strong bond. Now there’s suddenly an empty and quiet house. This change in routine can cause your dog to suffer from separation anxiety or depression—to actually miss your kids—and even follow them to school. Your dog may experience the effects of the loss of extra playtime and the friendship developed with your children by exhibiting signs of separation through destructive behaviors such as:

• Chewing furniture
• Ripping the stuffing out of pillows
• Shredding paper
• Obsessive barking/whining for extended periods of time
• House soiling

Separation anxiety is a serious condition that can be managed with structure and patience. NEVER punish your dog for exhibiting this behavior, as it will make him more fearful and potentially aggressive.
Tips to manage anxiety:

• Start with leaving your dog at home for very short periods of time to get him used to being alone
• Avoid emotional departures and greetings
• Have your belongings prepared so that your departure from home is calm
• Consider doggie daycare for prolonged absences
• Teach the kids to avoid over stimulating the dog with departures and arrivals
• Exercising your dog before leaving the house in the morning is a good idea so he’ll be relaxed when you return and be set for when you’re away.
• Leave some sturdy, interactive toys for your dog to help keep him from being bored.
Be sure to check with your veterinarian to have your dog fully evaluated and correctly diagnosed before trying to manage the symptoms. There may be an underlying medical condition that may be misconstrued as separation anxiety.

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