Archive for May, 2010

Gosh, don’t think I would ever let the Princess, Miss Mia tangle with a snake this size. Believe me she is quite the huntress. And has snagged her share of garden variety snakes. But nothing similar to this size snake….yikes! I wonder if the snake got away?

Next year, 2011 is being called “World Veterinary Year” by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine and veterinary groups around the globe.  The first veterinary school in Lyon, France will celebrate it’s 250th anniversary of being founded in 1761.  The intention of World Veterinary Year is to celebrate veterinary education, the veterinary profession and the concept of comparative pathobiology.

Claude Bourgelat founded the first veterinary school in France and

“dared to suggest that studying animal biology and pathology would help to improve our understanding of human biology and pathology.”

World Conference on Veterinary Education                                                                

I went for a walk and it is very warm outside.  There were a few folks walking with their dogs. One in particular I was a bit concerned for. He didn’t have his summer cut yet and his tongue was practically hanging to the ground. Not sure how long the dog and its owners had been walking. But it was a stark reminder that one cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting your pet (cat or dog) from extreme temperatures.

The unofficial start to Summer, Memorial day is this coming weekend.  And I have already read news report of a dog dying from heat stroke after being left inside a car.

Hot Weather Tip Reminders:

• The temperature inside a car can reach 40 degrees higher than the temperature outside.
• When temperatures reach 70 degrees it is dangerous to leave an animal unattended inside a vehicle.
• Hydration: having clean fresh water always available.
• Make sure there is access to shady areas while outside.

So remember, take it easy with your pets during those warm and balmy days. I think Hopey has the right idea hitching a ride from this tortoise…

Resource:

ASPCA

I never became a fan of “LOST” as with some friends.  After watching it once I was lost. Think however one had to tune in at the very beginning. Not sure if the ending was a bust as with M*A*S*H and Seinfeld. But these cats give a nice synopsis I think.  I love Claire! Who is your fave?

Not sure that I was as mature as Ciara at 12 years old. She is certainly a role model for other kids her age and for us adults too. As with anyone who has a pet, Ciara had the good fortune to grow up with a Golden Retriever, named Dakota. When Dakota passed there was an incredible void in her life. Instead of withdrawing after losing Dakota she volunteered at a local golden retriever rescue, Rescue a Golden, of Arizona.

But Ciara’s passion for animals did not stop there. She started a non-profit charity called Pennies For Pups.

“Pennies For Pups was founded to help raise awareness, money, medication and food for sick, injured and abandoned dogs in local animal shelters and foster care.”

Through Pennies for Pups she has established:

1. Annual weekly fundraiser at her school, Desert Arroyo Middle School.
2. Annual Book Sale and Dog show
3. Annual Four-Legged Food Drive

Yikes…..all at the ripe young age of 12! She most certainly is “a voice for the “bark” less”. Think she has a lot of MOXIE too…..”energy, nerve, courage & spirit!”

PeTA has enlisted the help of “Octomom”, Nadya Suleman to help promote spay & neutering of pets to pet owners. For $5,000 and a month’s supply of veggie dogs and veggie burgers she will place the above noted ad on her front lawn in La Habra, California, at 11 a.m today.

Already the ad has garnered attention from major media outlets for free; CNN, NBC, AOL News,  E! Online, USA Today, and the New York Post. With “kitten season” now underway it seems that this current focus on “Octomom” is well deserved.

Animal Birth Control

1. Up to 8 million dogs and cats inhabit shelters annually. At least half of these animals are euthanized.
2. 25% of animals at shelters are purebreds.
3. Female dogs and cats in heat have to fend off male animals without much success.
4. Spaying and neutering is a life saver for overall health and well being of your dog or cat.
5. Spaying and neutering puppies and kittens is cost effective.
6. With so many animals in need of good homes adoption is a life saver.

Following is video of above noted PeTA ad being unveiled.  Must say listening to paparazzi is very annoying.

Source: PETA

47 Dachsunds are maintaining order at the UN til May 29th at the Melbourne Museum in Melbourne, Australia. Perth artist Bennett Miller, creator of the performance work specifically recruited the dachshunds for the live viewings. Looks like there have been some lively debates.

One can never get enough of watching kittens wander about while mom comes to the rescue….

Nothing like a visual aide to “drive home” the point regarding deplorable conditions at puppy mills.  Speaking of baseball analogies, Tony LaRussa manager of the St. Louis Cardinals joined the board of the Puppy Mills Reform Committee, created by Missourians For the Protection of Dogs group.  He has been a long time advocate for animal welfare. The group is funded by the Humane Society and is looking to establish new regulations on dog breeders within the state. And to make “puppy mill cruelty” a crime advocating for creation of the “Puppy Mills Cruelty Prevention Act”.

Missouri has THE highest concentration of puppy mills.  These businesses bring in tax free cash sales annually. With new regulations the hope is for:

• adequate shelter, food and veterinary care
• improved living conditions and space for exercise
• minimize animals living on the streets
• limit breeding of cats and dogs to 50 per facility

It is always great to know of  a sports celebrity who is helping to improve the welfare of animals. All too often we hear more about those who do not.  Thank you, Tony LaRussa for the incredible work you do on behalf of animals!

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation

http://twitter.com/arftweets

http://twitter.com/TonyLaRussa

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tony-La-Russas-Animal-Rescue-Foundation

Missourians for the Protection of Dogs

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Missourians-for-the-Protection-of-Dogs

Check out this most adorable Persian cat following its canine mate in the pool. He is certainly not shy about getting wet….EH Matey!