Kalley's Corner

Canine recipes

2006-10-20T02:01:00.000-04:00

Canine Cookies
A healthy treat for a happy dog.
2 1/2 cups flour, plus additional flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup salad oil
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup flour
Mix together 1 cup flour, baking powder, wheat germ, peanut butter, salad oil, honey and water until blended. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups flour a little at a time. Knead until dough holds together, adding more flour if necessary. Roll out and cut with dog-bone cutter. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn off oven but keep them inside for 1 hour. Makes 18 biscuits. Per serving: 187 calories; 14 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 67 percent calories from fat); 14 g carbohydrates; 0 mg cholesterol; 39 mg sodium; 2.5 g protein; 1 g fiber.
30 minutes
10 minutes to make
20 minutes to bake

Frosted Canine Confections
1 (16-ounce) container plain or vanilla yogurt (low-fat or regular)
1-2 bananas
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons peanut butter
Put ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour in small muffin pans or miniature bundt pans and place in freezer. Makes 12 treats. Per serving : 53 calories; 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat; 34 percent calories from fat); 7 g carbohydrates; 2 mg cholesterol; 39 mg sodium; 3 g protein; 0.5 g fiber.
5 minutes
5 minutes to make

Hound Dog Hash
Recipe from "Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way" by Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye (Broadway Books, $14). This is excellent for dogs who need a temporary bland diet.
4 cups long-grain rice
1 pound ground chicken or turkey
2 carrots, finely diced
1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli or green beans (optional)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Pour 6 cups water into a large pot and add the rice. Crumble in ground chicken and mix well. Stir in the carrots, finely chopped broccoli or green beans. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Turn the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture rest for 15 minutes. (The meat and vegetables will continue to cool with the rice.) Sprinkle parsley on top. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix the contents thoroughly.
Cool to room temperature before serving.
Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Makes approximately three days of food for a medium-sized dog.
Per serving: 576 calories; 8 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 6 percent calories from fat); 101 g carbohydrates; 45 mg cholesterol; 54 mg sodium; 21.5 g protein; 2.5 g fiber.
20 minutes
5 minutes to make
15 minutes to cook

Pawsta Salad
Recipe from "Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way." Bring this dish to your next block party. It's fit for pooches, but people will love it too.
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 cup macaroni, shell, elbow or bow-tie pasta
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced green beans
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup diced fresh tomatoes
In a small bowl, mix together the basil, oil and buttermilk for the dressing. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the tooth or fang, as the case may be). Drain the pasta, place it in a large bowl and toss with the cheese while still warm. Stir in the chicken, carrots, green beans, parsley and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently.
Cool to room temperature before serving. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Makes 6 servings.
Per serving: 165 calories; 6 g fat (2 g saturated fat; 33 percent calories from fat); 16 g carbohydrates; 26 mg cholesterol; 76 mg sodium; 12 g protein; 1 g fiber.
25 minutes
15 minutes to make
10 minutes to cook

10 tips on cooking for your dog

2006-10-20T01:58:00.000-04:00

1. Check with your vet first.
2. Understand that dogs need a diet that consists of 40 percent meat, 30 percent vegetables and 30 percent starch. Follow this formula to ensure that your dog has a well-balanced diet.
3. Always cook meat before feeding it to your dog.
4. Organ meat (such as liver, kidneys, etc.) and eggs are good for your dog.
5. Try making a mixture of ground turkey, rice and carrots for your own dog food. Meals made of ground beef, brown rice, brewer's yeast and carrots are also popular.
6. Rotate the foods you feed your dog so that your pet gets a variety of foods.
7. Add garlic to your dog food. Dogs enjoy the flavor, and garlic is a natural flea repellent.
8. Use oatmeal, pasta, rice or potatoes for your dog's starch requirement.
9. Grind eggshells and add them to your dog's meal. They have a lot of nutrients.
10. Keep cooked dog food in the refrigerator no longer than three days.

Marine Protects An Underdog, Literally

2006-10-06T10:53:00.000-04:00

(CBS) Almost any Marine who fought in a place like Fallujah will admit it is a life-changing experience. But chances are no one's life there changed the way Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman's did about two years ago, CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reports.

Kopelman is retired now and every day he sees a reminder of his time in combat. But it's a pleasant memory.

Lava was a 5 month-old puppy - part German Shepherd, part who knows what - when Kopelman met him in Fallujah and before long, he fell in love.

"Lava wouldn't take no for an answer, and still doesn't. Lava just wormed his way in," Kopelman says.

Rescuing Lava became Kopelman's secret mission. It was a secret because regulations say clearly, no pets are allowed. But Kopelman was just months from going home and could not leave Lava behind.

"The plan was to put him in a crate, put him on a plane and he would come home to the United States. But it wasn't as simple as that, in practice," Kopelamn says.

Kopelman had to organize a secret cadre of Marines, reporters, and Iraqi civilians who tried repeatedly to smuggle Lava to safety. Once they considered driving him to Kuwait, but that didn't work. Neither did a plan to sneak him across the border into Jordan.

Meanwhile, he had to hide the dog. At one point, Lava was stashed with the Marines guarding the Commanding General himself. Kopelman says he doesn't think the General even knew about this.

"To the best of my knowledge he didn't," Kopelman says.

Kopelman was running out of time, searching for anyone who could help, anyone who understood the bond between a soldier and a puppy.

"Lava adopted Jay just as much as Jay adopted Lava," Ken Licklider says.

Licklider trains dogs for the military and, more importantly, transports them into and out of Iraq.

"We understood what that dog meant to that GI. It was not even a question," Licklider says.

So after five months of work, Lava, the stray mutt, was hidden among some of the most elite dogs in Iraq, flown out of Baghdad and re-united with Kopelman.

"I may not have saved a child. I may not have saved an adult, but at least I saved something," Kopelman says.

Kopelman has just written a book about the mission that changed his life, a mission he says is not that different from what Marines always do. He says it's about protecting the underdog, and he doesn't mean that as a pun.

A little animal rescue humor

2006-10-01T06:14:00.000-04:00

All cats are descendants of one type of cat

2006-09-22T15:07:00.000-04:00

All cats are descendants of one type of cat
Whether your kitty meows or roars, it is a descendant of the Felis silvestris species, which is divided into the African wildcat, European wildcat and Steppe wildcat.
The smallest of the descendants is the rusty-spotted cat found in Sri Lanka. It is about half the size of the domestic cat. The largest is the tiger. The male Siberian or Amur Tiger has a total body length in excess of 3m (10 ft) and weighs up to 300kg (660 lb).
The lion is the king of the cats. It stands out from the other cats, not just in its distinctive appearance but also in being the only felid that lives in organized social groups. Adult male lions weigh up to 225kg (500 lb) and grow up to 3m (10 ft) in body length.
The fastest cat, the cheetah, is also the fastest land animal. It can reach 95 km/h (60 mph) over short distances. Unlike other big cats it does not roar - it makes high pitched yelps, barks and chirruping sounds. And like your kitty, it does purr.
Meow!Domestic cats purr at about 26 cycles per second, the same frequency as an idling diesel engine. A domestic cat hears frequencies up to about 65 kHz, humans up to 20 kHz. Its sense of smell is about 14 times stronger than that of humans.
In the rear of a cat’s eye is a light-reflecting layer called the tapetum lucidum, which causes cats’ eyes to glow at night. This reflecting layer absorbs light 6 times more effectively than human eyes do, allowing a cat to see better than humans at night.
There are more than 3000 types of domestic cats, but only 8% are pedigree. And, unlike other cats, they are found all over the world... in abundance. In the US, there are more cats than dogs, and people annually spend more on cat food than on baby food.
Domestic cats - or any other cats - do not have nine lives. They also do not always land on their feet. It is said that a cat that falls out of a 20-story building has a better chance of surviving than when falling out of a 7-story building because it takes a cat at least 7 stories to co-ordinate itself to land on its feet.
Cats step with both left legs, then both right legs when they walk or run. The only other animals to do this are the giraffe, camel and the maned wolf.
The tails of wild cats almost never lift higher than their backs.
Cats cannot see directly below their heads that is why they do not see the food when you put it under their nose. Keep this in mind when you're feeding your kitty.
Rare catsWhile there are so many domestic cats, other cats are of the rarest and most endangered species on earth. Only 250 of the Malabar Large Spotted Civet are thought to survive in their Asian habitat. Iriomote cats, found on the Japanese island of Iriomotejima, number less than 100.

More People Leave Big Inheritances To Fido, Fluffy

2006-09-22T09:05:00.000-04:00

More People Leave Big Inheritances To Fido, Fluffy
38 States Have Pet Trust Statutes
POSTED: 8:51 am EDT September 20, 2006
PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- Fluffy's in the will. Attorneys report a growing number of pet owners are making plans for their animals.
People have long left money and even homes to pets in their wills. But pets were considered property, so their status as beneficiaries rarely stood up to a court challenge.
A pet trust, though, allows a benefactor to name a caretaker for a pet and a trustee who ensures the money is being spent appropriately.
Virginia has now joined 37 other states that have pet trust statutes.
Steve Ann Chambers, president of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said the laws are needed to protect the last wishes of pet owners. Chambers said if a human would contest the will, the money would go to the person while the animal would go to a shelter.
Fay Francisco has shared her Portsmouth home with her cat Poppy for 17 years. Francisco, who is in her 70s, now has a "pet trust" intended to make provisions for her pet once its caretakers are gone.
Sharon Adams, executive director of the Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said legislators are recognizing that pets are "members of the family."
But Adams estimated that at least 500 animals dropped off at the SPCA shelter in Virginia Beach each year arrive after their owners die. Many of the pets are older with health problems.
The new Virginia law lets one person be appointed to care for the pet and another put in charge of assuring the pet's money is used appropriately.
Estate lawyer Montgomery Knight Jr. said he had one Richmond client who left $2.5 million to a horse. Distant relatives objected and a judge reduced the horse inheritance to $150,000. Knight added that another client left $35,000 for the care of a goose.

Pets Need To Be In Disaster Plans, Congress Says

2006-09-22T08:53:00.000-04:00

Pets Need To Be In Disaster Plans, Congress Says
POSTED: 11:45 am EDT September 21, 2006
WASHINGTON -- Congress called for emergency preparedness plans that include helping individuals and families with pets, under legislation sent Wednesday to President George W. Bush.
It was during Hurricane Katrina that people saw the images of anguished pet owners asked to abandon their animals to gain shelter or be rescued.
"It became evident during Hurricane Katrina, when asked to choose between abandoning their pets (and) their own personal safety, many pet owners chose to risk their lives and remain with their pets, and some of them perished," said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat who has two beagles and a cocker spaniel, said the bill is about "compassion and the recognition of the importance of compassion in the life of this nation."
The bill calls for state and local emergency preparedness plans to make provisions for families with pets and individuals with service animals.
It grants the Federal Emergency Management Agency the authority to help state and local governments develop emergency and evacuation plans that take pets and service animals into account.
It also authorizes some federal financial help for states establishing emergency shelters for people and their pets, and it permits FEMA to assist individuals with pets and service animals after a major disaster.
Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle said the change recognizes the fact that two-thirds of U.S. households have pets.
"The legislation reflects the reality that if you do not care for animals and recognize the human-animal bond, you're going to undermine the effectiveness of any disaster preparedness or response plan," he said.
The House passed the bill by voice vote. The Senate had passed it August.
"If we treat pets like family during our daily lives, we've got to treat them like family during emergencies," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., one of the sponsors of Senate's version of the bill. "Better emergency planning will mean more family members -- including the family pet -- will be able to get out of harm's way."

A Happy ending

2006-09-15T05:56:00.000-04:00

Chicken Soup: Velcro Beau

When I first saw him, he looked worried. His furrowed brow and uncertain eyes gave his regal face a haunted look. I would come to know that this was a dog who was spooked by change until he got his bearings. And that day his world had been turned upside down.

The large German shepherd had been running away on a regular basis. He always showed up at a neighbor's house where they played with him and fed him - and eventually called his family, asking them to come and get him. Sometimes when the family showed up to retrieve him, they were rough with him. The neighbors noticed that the dog never seemed too excited about getting into their truck. And lately he hadn't been looking well. His coat was rough and he was losing weight.

One day, when they called the dog's family to report his whereabouts, the family said they weren't coming to get him. They'd had enough; the dog was on his own. Fortunately, the neighbors called a friend who was a volunteer at the shelter where I also volunteered as dog-intake coordinator and breed-rescue liaison. She took him home and then called me.

As I drove up to my friend's house, I saw her sitting on the porch with her children. The dog was sitting on the porch, too, but wasn't interacting with any of them. Instead, he was scanning the street and sidewalk with nervous eyes.

He was a stunning dog, in spite of his worried _expression, rough coat and emaciated frame. I was told he was a little over a year and a half, still a pup by German shepherd standards. He was very tall and would be an imposing creature once he filled out. I had never handled a dog his size and was intimidated at first. But, aside from being agitated at the strangeness of his surroundings, he seemed perfectly friendly and readily jumped into the back of my car.

My plan was to take him to the vet for an exam and then take him to the shelter or arrange for him to go to the nearest German shepherd rescue group. But first I thought I'd stop and show him to my husband, Larry, as he'd grown up with German shepherds and loved the breed. (Over the years, I'd heard many stories about his favorite dog, Marc; none of our rescued mutts could compare.)

When I opened the back door of the car and the shepherd leaped out, he immediately loped over to my husband. After a cursory sniff, he lost interest and began exploring the parking lot where we stood. We watched him, and I could tell Larry was impressed. He turned to me and said, "I want him."

I was surprised. We already had three dogs - an occupational hazard of volunteering at an animal shelter - and Larry often complained that the household dog population was too high. Plus, this dog was huge - it would be like adding two more dogs to our menagerie! But I didn't argue; I was pleased that Larry wanted a dog for himself.

So Beau joined our family. It wasn't easy at first.
He had physical problems that made it difficult for him to gain weight. He was too skinny, yet couldn't digest any fats. His digestion was, to put it mildly, finicky. All that was certainly difficult, but his behavioral problems were even more troubling.

To our dismay, we soon learned that Beau had been "reverse house-trained." He consistently messed in the house and then stood by the door, waiting to go outside. We figured out that his first family had not given him regular opportunities to visit the great outdoors.
Then, when he made the inevitable mess inside, they would get mad at him and throw him out the door. He was an intelligent dog and made the obvious connection: Go to the bathroom and then you get to go outside. We had quite a time convincing him it actually worked better the other way.

But what was worse was his utter lack of interest in people. He loved the other dogs, but had no use for the two-legged members of his new family. In my experience, German shepherds were just like that. I thought of them as "big, impersonal dogs," and didn't feel hurt by Beau's coldness. Not Larry. He was deeply disappointed by Beau's aloof disinterest. It was the antithesis of his experience with Marc, whose devotion to Larry had been the stuff of family legend.

Over time, Beau got the hang of being housebroken and established his place within our canine foursome. His physical problems also gradually cleared up, and he eventually tipped the scales at 108 pounds. He was such a handsome dog that people constantly stopped us in the street to comment on his beauty.

Sometimes when I would see him lying sphinxlike in a patch of sun or running in the fields near our house, my breath would catch. He resembled a lion or some other majestic wild animal - his physical presence was simply magical. But still, his heart remained shut. He had no love to give to us. And when he looked at us, there was no spark of joy in his eyes. The lights were on, but no one was home.

What could we do? We did our best to love him and hoped we might reach him someday.

Then one day about four months after we got him, I glanced at Beau and was startled to see that he was following Larry closely with his large brown eyes. He seemed to be studying him - learning what actions signaled a chance to go for a ride or presented the possibility of a walk, treat or a scratch behind the ears. It was as if he suddenly realized that people had things to offer him - things that might not be half bad.

His interest in all things Larry began to snowball.
Swiftly, it became Beau's mission to keep an eye on my husband at all times to make sure he didn't miss any opportunities for doggy fun or excitement.

Larry didn't let him down. He knew what big dogs liked to do and where they liked to be scratched. He threw balls and sticks and took Beau to interesting places. Beau soon started whining if Larry left him behind. And when Larry finally returned from those solo jaunts, Beau was beside himself with joy. The floodgates of Beau's love had opened. The dry disinterest fell away and his heart began to bloom.

Today we call him Velcro Beau, because he sticks so close to Larry's side. Every day when Beau wakes up, he stretches his long body luxuriously and then finds one of us to give him his morning rubdown. He lays his ears flat against his head and shyly pokes his large nose against an arm. This beautiful big dog, overflowing with affection, lets us know he is ready for some serious lovin'.

I am grateful that although he is clearly Larry's dog, he has included me in the circle of his love. Often, while rubbing his large chest, I lean over and touch my forehead to his. Then he lifts his paw, places it on my arm and sighs with pleasure. We stay that way for a while, just enjoying our connection.

When we finish, Beau jumps to his feet, his eyes sparkling and his large tail waving wildly. It's time to eat or play. Or go to work with Larry. Or have some other kind of wonderful fun.

To our delight, that skinny, worried dog has become an exuberant and devoted companion. Beau knows that life is good when you live with people you love.

~ author unknown ~

Choosing A Doggy Day Care

2006-09-06T17:08:00.000-04:00

If you are going to enroll your dog or puppy in a day care service, it is recommended that you case out day cares with scrutiny the same way that you might scrutinize out a school for one o your kids. You should take a tour of each individual facility and ask a lot of pertinent questions each step along the way. You will of course only wish to place your dog into the hands of a facility that you trust. Here are a few tips:

1. Apart from searching online, ask other dog owners for referrals of places they have used and check with your local pet store, veterinarians and also your grooming parlor for references. You can also call the American Boarding Kennel Association for a list of their members.

2. Dog day cares should be clean with minimum odors. It is difficult to avoid at least some hint of a doggie smell, but avoid any putrid-smelling place.

3. Dogs should be well supervised. Note the dog-to-staff ratio to be certain that there are enough care givers to provide for proper supervision.

4. Make certain that each individual facility that you visit allows you to see exactly where your animal will be sleeping and eating. Stay clear of places that refuse to let you visit parts of the facility.

5. Get a feel for the staff. Are they knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating?

6. Does the place require proof of vaccinations and spay/neutering? If not, don't send your pet there.

7. All facilities must clean with agents that kill bacteria and virus, rinsing well afterwards.

8. All facilities must have a relationship with a local veterinarian so that if there is a problem, help is surely on the way. Ask the name of the veterinarian and make a phone call to the clinic, just to be sure.

9. Visit places without an appointment.

In addition, it should be noted that many pet spas are now giving parents the option of self-serve as well as full-serve pet grooming. We all know that getting our pets cleaned and groomed can be expensive and trying to do it yourself at home can get chaotic and messy. With self-serve pet spas, you have the best of both worlds. To top it all off, at a self-serve pet spa, you can make your mess and leave it all behind ... water and bubbles everywhere! The staff thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the stations after each client.

Whenever Your Cat Naps - Make Him Comfortable

2006-09-06T17:05:00.000-04:00

Giving your pet his own snoozing area gives you the ability to take back all of the space in your house that he has taken over. You may even want to give him several places to call his own to keep him happy! You'll find a cat bed that fits your tastes, and your pets, because there are so many out there to choose from. You'll find a colorful cat bed in fun pet prints that will add a touch of whimsy to the room you put it in. You'll find designer brands to choose from as well. You can also choose based on how the bed feels too. Many cat beds have a pillows made of fleece to keep them warm. They are oval shaped and have high sides or they may be completely enclosed. Cats like to find a secure, warm spot to rest. For many, getting into the tight warm couch cushion seems like the ideal place. You will find that some beds you can choose from are heated as well. If the cat spends time on the porch or in other chilly areas, you may want to give him one of these heated beds to warm up with. Have you purchased a great bed for your cat but he's ignoring it? Don't be surprised at this. If he just doesn't seem interested, add a catnip toy to the bed to attract him to it. Make sure that you place it in a cat friendly location too which will help to make it appealing to him. Cats don't want to nap in low places so you may want to put the bed on an end table or platform that is just a bit off the ground. You'll need to keep it from being in the midst of heavy people traffic as well. He needs to be able to relax and sleep there or he won't want to be there. Does your cat shed? Place the nap mat where your cat normally sleeps and then store it when you have guests. The cushions that are under the mat will then be hair free. Some pets enjoy a perch. These are padded shelves that have become very popular. You can attach the cat perch to your windowsill so that the cat can look out the window at the birds or just bathe in the sun. More than one cat can means more than one bed as cats are territorial and don't like sharing their beds. You may be able to look for a kitty version of a play gym or a cat condo. These allow several cats to nap in elevated spots. And, the cat condo has areas where they can climb and sharpen claws. If your cat likes to nap on your couch cushions, giving him a bed is the ideal way to make him comfortable and provide him with a place other than your furniture to nap on!

Puggle: This "Designer Dog" Is All The Rage!

2006-09-06T17:02:00.000-04:00

What in the world is a puggle? One fine day a pug was off gallivanting around when he came across a spirited little beagle, their eyes met and well.... the rest is history! Puggles are part of a new trend of "designer dogs"- like the schnoodle and the cockabiche. They are popping up in more places and are receiving more press, at the moment, than purebreds and are commanding prices that rival and even exceed the prices of their full-blooded compatriots. Fortunately, I purchased my puggle before their popularity soared. I originally wanted to buy a pug, but there were none available at the time, though a litter of puggles was. The pups were advertised at $250 each, less than 1/3 the price of a pug. That still seemed expensive to me, for what was essentially a mutt, or so I thought. A little background on the 2 breeds; Beagles are high-strung but also very sporty, while pugs are not very athletic, but have a calm, relaxing demeanor -- not yippy, overexcited, or insecure. Puggles do not generally howl like beagles and do not have the breathing problems that are often associated with the pug. Mix the 2 together and you have the best attributes of both. I was curious so I went and visited them. They, of course, were very cute and charming. Since I couldn't find a pug and really wanted a dog, I went ahead and purchased one, a cute little female... What a great decision that was! :) A puggle combines the strong physical attributes of the beagle with the even, mellow temperament of the pug, making for a calm small dog-- how rare is that? They have the wrinkled face of a pug while having the longer legs of a beagle. Puggles usually get to be 15-20lbs. as adults, are 12-15" high at the shoulder, are tan or brown with a black muzzle; earning them the well-deserved nickname of "miniature mastiffs". Purebred dog breeders naturally have problems with these crossbreeds as many have spent a great deal of time and money perfecting the bloodlines of their breed and don't like the attention these "mutts" are receiving. There is a widely held notion that these "mutts" are actually healthier than purebreds, which I have always believed. A cross between 2 breeds of any dog should eliminate genetic problems that may exist in either breed because 90% of genetic problems are recessive, meaning both parents must carry the abnormal gene. If you want a better chance of having health problems with your dog then buy a purebred! If you want a pet that is unique and healthy then buy a puggle, or go to the local shelter and adopt!

Cat Tails

2006-09-06T16:57:00.000-04:00

Through the years we have raised lots of cats. Their main value is the fact that they accept your love without giving up their own personality. Many a sour mood has been transformed into a happier one in the presence of a cat. Once we had three cats at one time. Sassy was the loner, a one person cat, and that person was my 11 year old daughter, Yvonne. It didn't matter that we were the ones who fed her, let her in at night, and petted her. Sassy always made a bee line for Yvonne, slept on her bed all night and took any and all kinds of abuse (friendly) to be with her. Yvonne had a habit of flinging herself to the other side when sleeping. It was a funny sight to see Sassy flying through the air, claws gripping the blanket as Yvonne flipped over. Mocha boasted of being half Siamese. She was on the small side and would stay in my lap forever, keeping me company all evening. She was not too smart, but clean to fault. Except for a case of bad breath. I was often teased that she picked me to like. Gypsy, a tricolor 'lucky' cat was the good-matured slob. She ate too much, liked to spend her days in the street, never cleaned herself, and purred so loudly we had to throw her out of our bedroom so we could sleep. One day Gypsy was eating (she always had to be first), when _Mocha sauntered by, suddenly veering toward Gypsy's rear end. A good sniff with opened mouth and a facial sneer confirmed what we already knew, that Gypsy didn't smell too good. Before _Mocha left in disgust, she gave Gypsy a healthy swat on the behind, getting an angry hiss in return. Our efforts a giving Gypsy a bath had to be done quickly without giving her a clue as to what would happen. Even so, many a hall wallpaper was sprayed in the race to the bathtub. One year, a four foot snowstorm covered the house and patio from roof to ground with fifteen foot drifts. We were extremely worried when after three days, none of our beloved cats came home. The food we set out was untouched and not a meow answered our calls. On the fifth day, while gazing at the unbroken expanse of white, a black paw emerged from a drift near the house. All three cats were safe although slightly emaciated. After these gems passed away, we acquired a big-eyed tiger named Shatzie (Little treasure in German). She was the smartest cat of all, very independent, but loving all the same. She so abhorred walking on a leash that my efforts at walking her resulted in a sideways cat sliding on the grass. She always wanted to be with us in the room and hated to be by herself. If we ever tried to close the door to keep her out, she would simply jump up, turn the knob, and let herself in. She could perform this feat even if the door opened in! Now we have SassyII, a wonderful cat who attached herself to my wife, Marianne. Sassy follows her around all day, helping with the laundry, cleaning, etc. When Marianne is sleeping, Sassy is by the side of her second choice with one ear bent toward the computer keys. The only bad habit she has is biting. These are love bites while playing, but they can hurt! Someday I'm gonna bite her back.

Cats On A Leash

2006-09-06T16:53:00.000-04:00

Can you train your cat to take walks with you on a leash outside just like a dog? Yes you can! Training cats however is a whole different ball game from training dogs. With some Patience and persistence, however, you may have your finicky feline outdoors on a leash in no time. The best time to start training is when your cat is a kitten; at this stage the cat doesn't have any programmed behaviors so you can try to mold him to what you want him to do. An older cat may be a bit more set in his ways and might require added patience for leash training. One thing you will want to do is search out the leash that will be suitable for both you and your cat. There are many different leashes on the market to day. Some are retract able with a setting on the holder to be able to allow just enough leash out for the cat. On the other hand, you can just let the cat have as much as they would like. This is nice for walking and for letting the cat to play, with control that they do not run off or get in to much trouble. Standard leashes are about 5 or 6 feet which should be fine. You want to get a leash that is lightweight - not one for a dog. Too much weight in the leash will make the cat uncomfortable and he won't want to go for walks. Another item that you will need to consider is a harness or collar for the cat. A harness is the best for a cat. With purchasing a collar you will want to make it very narrow one and light. When looking for a collar keep in mind that you don't want it too tight on the cat, but not too loose either as you don't want him to slip his head out. Cat's won't respond well to jerking their collar so a harness is really best and should be loose and comfortable for the cat. Once you get the leash, collar, or harness, you will want to introduce the cat to the item by playing with him. This allows the cat to get use to it and put its scent on these items. Next you want to try to put the harness or collar on the cat. Put it on as loose as you can get it, just place it him and depending on his reaction you can leave it on for a short time or if the cat does not want anything to do with it, then you might have to revert back to the "playing" stage. This step is very important, if you force the cat to wear the harness, they are not going to be happy at all with the harness or with you. Take your time with all the steps. After the cat is wearing the harness loose, then it is the time to tighten the harness up until it is the right fit for the cat. At this point, you will want to give the cat time to wear the harness. Next attach the leash. Remember first to have the cat play with the leash. Put the leash on and get the cat use to having it on. Then you will want to start walking the cat inside, until the cat is doing well. Once the cat is comfortable with the leash then it is time to go outside for a walk. When walking with the cat make sure there is not too much loose leash or they will be running in all random directions. There are many distractions for a cat outdoors - birds, squirrels and the neighbors pets might cause your cat to want to run around, but you must keep a tight leash so that your cat walks with you and is not dragging you all over the place.

Dog Owner's Prayer

2006-09-06T16:44:00.000-04:00

O Lord don't let me once forget
how I love my trusty pet.

Help me learn to disregard
canine craters in my yard.

Show me how to be a buddy
even when my sofa's muddy.

Don't allow my pooch to munch
postal carriers for lunch.

Shield my neighbor's cat from view—
guide my steps around the doo.

Train me not to curse and scowl
when it's puppy's night to howl.

Grant I shan't awake in fear
with a cold nose in my ear.

Give me patience without end—
Help me be 'A Dog's Best Friend'!

- Author Unknown

THE PASTOR'S CAT

2006-09-05T22:59:00.000-04:00

This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor?

Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.
the kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and drove away so that the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went "boing!" and the kitten instantly sailed through the air-out of sight.

The pastor felt terrible... He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, "Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping," and went on about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, "Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?"

She replied, "You won't believe this," and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, "Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it."

She told the pastor, "I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her."

Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.

Don't dump your Christmas gift pet please

2006-09-05T22:09:00.000-04:00

Don’t dump your Christmas gift please
Danielle Moore enjoys living a quiet life on a country road near Lorena, but she remembers well the day last fall when she heard a truck backfire as it barreled down Spring Valley Road.
Moore marched out her front door to see what had caused the commotion. As the truck passed her property, she saw a large yellow Labrador running as fast as possible to catch up to its owner, who had dumped the critter on the rural country road.
Moore became the reluctant hostess to 13 animals – eight dogs, three cats and two ducks – dumped near her property last year, and with Christmas now over; she said she fears the seasonal dumping of pets that were once gifts will bring even more furry critters to her property.
“People dump these dogs, and they think that someone like me finds them immediately,” she said. “But, those dogs run after their owners' cars, sometimes for miles, and then they get scared and hide. ... By the time I find them and can catch them, they're scared to death and starved. This is not the place to drop a dog.”
Moore is one of many hosts to unwanted pets dumped near her property, said Brandy Matus, a veterinary technician who works with those good Samaritans to find homes for the animals and to get them spayed, neutered or vaccinated. Since she began taking in strays, Matus herself has sheltered or found homes for about 30 animals from her West home.
The inexpensive shots and services offered by various animal hospitals have been a big help, Moore said, but those expenses add up.
Moore, who with her husband converted an old barn on her property to shelter the animals, asks that those who adopt the critters she finds near her property pay what they can afford to help offset the costs of shots and spay or neuter fees.
Matus said to get an animal spayed or neutered at a veterinary clinic can cost anywhere from $40 for a cat to up to $60 for a dog. But getting the animals spayed or neutered can prevent further dumping of unwanted pets, she said. The alternative is paying a fee to surrender them to a local shelter.
Fuzzy Friends Rescue accepts animals for a fee ranging from $35 up to $75 but asks that people call before taking an animal to the shelter.
The Waco Humane Society requests a minimum $25 donation to surrender an animal, said medical director Connie Brunson. However, she noted that the donation barely covers the costs for caring for a dog for one day.
Immediately after Christmas, she said, the shelter saw a “surge of dumped puppies” which she speculated were leftovers from litters that weren't sold out in time for Christmas gift-giving.
“We try to do the best we can to try to adopt them out, because there are still people looking for puppies after the first of the year,” Brunson said. “We also give out coupons for getting the pets spayed or neutered before they have another litter. The shelter is a whole lot more than just scooping poop and throwing out some dog food.”

Dogs, Cats and Other People - Natural Born Beggars

2006-09-05T21:52:00.000-04:00

Dear Uncle Matty: What is your stance on sharing food with your dog? I recently read an article about the positive bonding effect there can be from sharing food with your dog (as long as the food is safe for your dog to eat). Is there any value to this? If so, is there a right way to do this so that you don't turn your dog into a whining machine every time you eat something he wants (which is basically everything you eat)? My belief has always been that you never share your food with your dog because most human food is too rich and some human food is toxic and even lethal for dogs. -- Lisa C., West Palm Beach, Fla. Dear Lisa: The best way to do this is NOT to do it! Dogs are natural born beggars when it comes to food and will usually woof down anything eatable whether it is good for them or not. Cats are more discriminating -- they take more time to decide whether or not the food being offered is a good idea, and they are less likely to consume people food. Sharing your food with your animal is not a healthy approach to caring for your pet. People food is likely to give pets indigestion, cause diarrhea, and create an overweight condition. People food tends to have too much salt and/or sugar, and both of these in people quantities are unhealthy for pets. Dogs are dogs. Cats are cats. And both species need diets that are nutritionally appropriate for the species and for the individual needs of each pet. And what's with the "bonding" thing? That's like saying your dog will feel closer to you if you wear matching sweatshirts. It's ridiculous. Wear matching sweatshirts if it makes you happy. Your dog couldn't care less. He make like the attention he gets when you put on the sweatshirt and "ahhh" and "coo" over his appearance, but you can "ahhh" and "coo" without the shirt. Bonding by sharing food? What was the author of that article thinking? If you insist, get down on all fours and dig into the kibble or some fancy kitty feast. Slurp a refreshing drink by sharing the water dish. If your dog is possessive over his food, you may have a problem. I doubt that your cat will want to share any part of the experience. And yes, Lisa, sharing food at the table will most likely turn your dog into an annoying, impossible, whining beggar. This bonding idea is more of the current trend to humanize pets and treat them as people. This takes life with Fido to the extreme and the ridiculous. Dogs are happy being dogs. Cats are happy being cats, and they are happier if you make it a point to understand their behavior. Don't try to turn them into little four-legged people. Look at your dog from the dog's point of view. Consider your pets' health if you really care. Provide a diet that offers the best nutrition for your animals' species, age and weight. Feed your pets before your mealtime, and don't allow them to beg while you are eating. Bond with your pet through the training experience, daily walks, providing moments of undivided attention, kind words and loving strokes, playtime, rides in the car (if your pet enjoys excursions), a healthy diet, and good health care. Woof!

Training Your Dog to Use a Collar

2006-09-05T21:49:00.000-04:00

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family. All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog. Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders. This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training - the so called leash/collar style of training. Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement. Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time. The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed. It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding. Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds. You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone who style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog. Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability. For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training. In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections. The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective. In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash. After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake. The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training. When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question. In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take. This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation. This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training - the leash. It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool. While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand. Even when the only tools at hand are the owner's body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey. Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch. A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

Cat Fleas, How to Detect and Control Them

2006-09-05T21:32:00.000-04:00

There are more than 2,000 species of fleas around us. Out of these, the most common one is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. The cat adult fleas, unlike many other fleas, remain on the host. Though it exists worldwide, it is most commonly found in the United States. Cat fleas are commonly found on both cats and dogs. In order to reproduce, cat flea’s needs fresh blood. They lay eggs at the rate of one egg per hour. Their life cycle consists of four stages of metamorphosis, namely egg, larval, pupa and adult. Depending on external environmental factors like temperature and humidity, this cycle lasts 30 to 75 days. The most common problem occurring due to flea bites is flea allergy dermatitis, the severity of which depends upon the sensitivity of the host. Pet owners in the United States spend millions of dollars each year on flea allergy remedies. Cat fleas often carry infection too, and are feared to be capable of carrying plague and typhus. They also serve as the intermediate host to the dog tapeworm, an intestinal parasite, which gets transmitted to the pest when the flea carrying the tapeworm cyst is ingested. The only possible way to detect fleas is to observe the behavior of your pets. Early detection of the fleas enables you to control them and minimize the suffering that can be caused to you and your pets by allergies or more serious infections transmitted by them. The most important way to control the breeding of fleas is to take proper care of sanitation of your indoor and outdoor premises. Ensuring proper care of pets by washing and shampooing them regularly is also another important factor. There are varieties of shampoos available in the market for pets, which contain pesticides, and are helpful in eradication of fleas. Only by being conscious of cleanliness can we rid ourselves of the annoyance and hazards spread by cat fleas: by preventing them from breeding in and around our homes and pets. http://www.fleas-web.com/
provides detailed information about fleas defined, cat fleas, dog fleas, flea bites and more.

Spay/Neuter Your Pet

2006-09-05T21:23:00.000-04:00

Responsible pet owners have their pets altered within 6 months of being born. This is the law in Michigan and is spelled out in our adoption contract. You will be given a date (usually 16-20 weeks of age depending on the veterinarian used) to have this procedure performed. You will have a refund check sent to you which you pay when you adopt the animal. This has a beneficial effect for both owner and pet. This has a long range health benefit also-tumors don't develop and cancer risks are reduced.

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

They are less inclined to roam or fight.
They are generally more affectionate.
Male cats tend to stop spraying.
Dog license fees are 1/2 the cost.
Spayed/neutered pets do not get fat and lazy.
Spaying and neutering can be done as early as four months of age.
Your female pet can be spayed while in heat or pregnant.
Your female dog or cat does not need to have "just one litter."

Spay/Neuter General Information

Spaying (ovario-hysterectomy) is the surgical removal of the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes) of the female animal. Neutering (orchectomy or castration) is the surgical removal of the reproductive glands (testes) of the male animal. The outer is left, only the testes are removed. Appearance depends upon the dog's age at the time of the surgery.

Females and males should be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. Currently some clinics are performing surgeries on animals as young as 8 weeks of age. As this procedure becomes more common, perhaps it will be available in this area. Older animals can be done as long as they are in good health. All sterilization surgery is performed under general anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian.

Female dogs and cats can be spayed when in heat or pregnant. This can usually be done up until a few days before delivery. These surgeries can take longer, and can therefore cost more. Spaying before having a first litter or heat cycle is usually a simpler procedure.

The heat cycle for dogs is once or twice a year starting as early as 6 months of age. Duration is 3 weeks. Heat cycles in cats start as early as 6 months and occur every 3-4 weeks during spring through early fall. The gestation period for both dogs and cats is 63 days. Female cats can become pregnant again as soon as 10 days after giving birth (while still nursing the first litter).

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Spayed animals no longer feel the need to roam to look for a mate. The result is that they stay home and have less chance of being involved in traumatic accidents such as being hit by a car. They also have a much lower incidence of contracting contagious diseases, and get into fewer fights.

In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias, and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination (spraying) and other undesirable male behaviors.

In Females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer (the rate goes down to almost zero if the spaying is done before the first heat cycle!). It eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many mature unspayed animals (pyometra). Spay surgery also eliminates the heat cycle and associated mood swings and undesirable behaviors, messy spotting (in dogs) and the attraction of all available males to your yard.

The simple fact is that spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases quality of life as well!

Here's something to think about when winter subsides and summer seasons are upon us.

2006-09-05T21:07:00.000-04:00

HOT WEATHER CARE FOR PETS
This information can help you care for your companion animal when the mercury rises.
Overheating (heat prostration) can kill an animal. Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Parking in shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day. When traveling, carry a clean used plastic gallon container (from milk-juice-etc.) filled with fresh, cold water (even water at ambient temperatures will suffice).
Don't force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Always exercise him or her in the cool of the early morning or evening.
In extremely hot weather, don't leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. He is much closer to the hot asphalt and his body can heat up quickly. His paws can burn since they are not protected by shoes.
Never take an animal to the beach unless you can provide a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your pet to drink. Rinse your pet off after your pet has been in salt water.
Always provide plenty of shade for an animal staying outside the house. A properly constructed dog house serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day and let your pet rest in a cool part of your house. Always provide plenty of cool, clean water for your animal.
Please be sensitive to old and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs (especially bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus) and those with heart or lung diseases should be kept indoors in air-conditioning as much as possible.
Keep a current license and identification tag on your dog or cat and consider tattooing or microchipping as a means of permanent identification.
Avoid walking your dog in areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals, as poisonings increase during the summer when gardens, lawns and trees are sprayed. These chemicals can sicken or kill an animal. Call your veterinarian or The ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA/NAPCC) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned. When applying fertilizer to your lawn follow ALL directions concerning pets. Allow a couple of weeks for granulated fertilizers to dissipate fully into the lawn. Isolate your dog from the affected lawn area by purchasing a chain link pen (relatively inexpensive and easily put up) for your dog to live in till the dissipation period has expired. Today's regimen usually calls for 4 applications during the summer months so the investment in the pen more than pays for itself in good health and un-needed suffering. The other alternative is let the weeds grow and not apply anything to the lawn.
Be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle or do not openly store drained coolant-put it in a container and dispose of it properly at a recycling center. Open container storage also applies to motor oil as cats will be likely to get into it or an unclean drain pan (some drain pans are designed to pour out the oil into a container repeatedly and people overlook cleaning the pan). Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal's death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than those containing ethylene glycol.
A clean coat can help to prevent summer skin problems, so keep your dog or cat well groomed. If your pet has a heavy coat, shaving your dog's hair to a 1-inch length will help prevent overheating. Don't shave a dog's hair down to the skin; this robs him of protection from the sun. A cat should be brushed frequently to keep the coat tangle-free.
Take your companion animal to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer checkup, including a test for heartworm if your pet isn't on year-round preventative medication. Have the doctor recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program. Fleas love hot and dry weather so if you are experiencing a drought expect a high flea season and if you are experiencing a longer than usual and milder fall/early winter fleas are looking for an animal to keep them alive since the fleas have experienced cold weather. The indoor/outdoor animal will bring in the fleas and infest the home. You do not want to ever experience eradicating fleas even once.
Never tie an animal outside on a correction collar. He can choke to death. If you must tether him, use a buckle collar with identification tags instead. (This applies in any season.)
Never let your animal run loose. This is how an animal can contract a fatal disease, including rabies (please have your animal up to date on it's shots-the rescue in which you got your pet has more than likely started a regimen for the animals age-if gotten from a pound take the savings and have your pet vet checked and inspected for easily contracted problems such as kennel cough and fleas or injuries contracted before being captured), or be injured, killed (by a prankster-there are many evil individuals that start killing animals before going on to killing humans or a car as an animal has little/no chance of survival against any size vehicle) or stolen (especially if your pet is extra friendly-which you will know when you first make contact-or if it is a breed which can be used for fighting or even baiting). Be sure there are no open and unscreened windows or doors through which your animal can fall or jump.
Use common sense this summer, to help keep your pet safe. Your pet has the same needs you do all year long.

No Sale

2006-08-30T16:06:00.000-04:00

Animals aren't old clothes to be bought and sold.

If you've ever passed a flea market table, you've seen them: sad-eyed, sometimes bouncing around like they're on a caffeine high, other times curled in a tight little ball, the almost imperceptible rise and fall of breathing the only thing giving them away as living creatures.

At least for the time being.

Puppies and kittens may attract a lot of attention at flea markets and you may have even bought one. If so, we hope your experience was a good one because all too often it isn't, not for pet owner or pet.

In Berkeley County, an animal rescue group wants the practice stopped. In fact, selling animals at flea markets is against a county ordinance, but animal control officer Jon Nutter told a Post and Courier reporter it's not enforced because it's still under attorney review.

A flea market owner told the reporter he doesn't think it's about animals; it's about the money. Dan Davis thinks shelters want to control the sale of animals outside of stores "because they get money for it."

In his experience, that could be the prevailing view. But we can say with certainty that we've never encountered anyone with a shelter, a humane treatment, animal welfare or rescue group that gave a rip about money.

Dogs and cats sold at a flea market, those offered by the occasional seller who has simply signed up to get rid of an unwanted litter, are not regulated by any health standards. It's like any sales format of this type: pay your fee and sell your stuff, even if your stuff happens to be breathing.

We prefer that an animal go to a good home if its owner doesn't want it, or is irresponsible enough to let it breed indiscriminately. But selling it at a flea market isn't a good answer.

The last time we wrote on this topic, we received a call concerned that we ran "free-to-good-home" ads. Here's why we do: Because some of those animals, if not placed through one of those ads, would likely die a much crueler death or even be killed. (There is, by the way, no charge for this type of ad.)

We do, however, have some advice for people who offer kittens and puppies this way: If a caller is willing to take the whole litter, follow Nancy Reagan's advice and just say no. According to the Humane Society of the United States, Class B dog and cat dealers are brokers who "acquire animals from a variety of sources, including pounds, flea markets and newspaper ads" and then resell them, sometimes for medical research, other times for some activities that would both stun and disgust a normal person.

If you're going to give away animals "free to a good home," please make sure it is indeed a good home, where the animal will be loved and cared for, not treated as a commodity, or worse, be subjected to a painful existence.

And if you want a puppy or kitten, or better yet, a mature animal that needs a good home, go to a shelter or a rescue organization or any animal welfare group. If you insist upon the purchase of an animal because you want a specific breed, do it from a reputable business. Keep in mind, however, that there are purebred animals in shelters all over the country just waiting for a good home. And wherever you get your pet, spay or neuter it as soon as possible. Don't be responsible for creating yet another generation of unwanted, unloved animals.

It may not be the biggest crime; it may not even be a crime in the Upstate, to sell animals at flea markets, without any health standards or oversight. But even if it's not on the books, it's a bad practice. And we'd like to see it stopped.

Every time we've seen puppies or kittens or any living creature in this type of environment, we're always left wondering if anyone did buy them or even take them for free and give them a good home.

And then we wonder: What happened if no one did? Whatever happened to those hopeful faces, with eyes that followed passersby and a soft purr or yip that seemed to say, "You're my last chance?"

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE

2006-08-30T13:43:00.000-04:00

Whoever said, "LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE" didn't sleep with dogs. The first thing you discover when you bring a dog into your bed is the striking difference in weight between an alert, awake dog and a dog at rest.

Rule #1: The deeper the sleep the heavier the dog.

Most people who sleep with dogs develop spinal deformities rather than rent the heavy equipment necessary to move their snoring canines to a more appropriate part of the bed. Cunning canines steal precious space in tiny increments until they have achieved the center position on the bed, with all covers carefully tucked under them for safekeeping. The stretch and roll method is very effective in gaining territory. Less subtle tactics are sometimes preferred. A jealous dog can worm his way between a sleeping couple and, with the proper spring action from all four legs, shove a sleeping human to the floor.

Rule #2: The deeper the sleep the louder the dog.

As you cling to the edge of the bed, wishing you had covers, your sweet pup begins to snore at a volume you would not have thought possible. Once that quiets down, the dog dreams begin. Yipping, growling, running, kicking. Your bed becomes a battlefield and playground of canine fantasy. It starts out with a bit of "sleep running", lots of eye movement and then, suddenly, a shrieking howl blasted through the night like a banshee wail. The horror of this wake-up call haunts you for years. It's particularly devastating when your pup insists on sleeping curled around your head like a demented Daniel Boone cap.

Rule #3: When the dog wakes, you wake.

The night creeps on and you fall asleep in the 3 inches of bed not claimed by a dog. The dog dreams quiet slightly and the heap of dog flesh sleeps breathing heavily and passing wind. Then, too soon, its dawn and the heap stirs. Each dog has a distinctive and unpleasant method of waking the pack. One may position itself centimeters from a face and stare until you wake. The clever dog obtains excellent results by simply sneezing on your face, or they could romp all over your sleeping bodies, or the ever-loving insertion of a tongue in an unsuspecting ear.

So, why do we put up with this? There's no sane reason. Perhaps it's just that we're a pack and a pack heaps together at night safe, contented, heavy, and loud.

How To Choose the Right Dog Carrier for you and your Dog

2006-08-30T12:25:00.000-04:00

There is an ever growing assortment of dog carriers on the market today. People continue to look for smaller dogs to add to their home and families. Consequently, the demand for dog carriers is higher than ever.

How do you decide which carrier to choose from the growing assortment? What size is your dog? What is your budget? What is your particular or unique style? Once you answer those questions you are well on your way to finding the perfect dog carrier for you and your dog. The smaller dogs are best transported in dog carriers.

When you have a dog that weighs 15 pounds or more it will difficult to carry that dog in an over the shoulder carrier. You might opt for a suitcase style carrier in this case.

If your dog weighs over 9 pounds, you might as well forget about a fashion carrier. You will need a practical carrier. The dog world of fashion does cater to the smaller teacup breeds. These are dogs anywhere from 2 to 7 pounds in weight. If your dog fits this category you will have a wider array of choices and fashion styles.

Whatever you do, don't buy a carrier that is too large for your dog. You want a carrier that your dog can snuggle and stretch in comfortably. Place a soft blanket or piece of soft fleece material and your dog's favorite toy in the carrier.

Your budget will determine what type and how many carriers you can buy. Top of the line dog carriers are made of luxurious leather. Some of these carriers look as good as your own luxurious leather handbag. They can resemble your own handbag so well in fact that you can pretty well go anywhere with your dog undetected, which is becoming more and more appealing for dog owners who do not like to leave their dogs behind even when they go out to eat.

The faux leathers and designer fabrics are also very popular. These are not necessarily cheaper, however. The materials offer consumers a greater variety in design and colors. Be sure the carrier you purchase has the following:

1. A safety snap to clip onto your dog's collar to prevent your dog from jumping out.

2. Adequate ventilation at both ends of the carrier at least, preferably also at the top of the dog carrier.

3. A comfortable and easy clean interior.

4. Storage pockets for treats and other necessities is a nice extra feature.

Kalley's Korner Animal Rescue: more tips

2006-08-30T11:57:00.000-04:00

Q.
My pet is doing the same simple things over and over and seems stuck in a rut. What's going on?
A.
Repetitive, relatively unvaried behavior patterns that appear to have no purpose are known as "stereotypic" behaviors. These behaviors range from pacing and barking incessantly to grooming excessively. They often interfere with normal functioning. Another name for stereotypic behavior is "obsessive-compulsive disorder." The behavior can be caused by a medical problem. However, if your dog is pacing or spinning a lot, it may be the result of kenneling. Give her lots of playtime and go for a stroll! Stereotypic behavior in cats can be triggered by changes in their surroundings or the stress of being confined indoors. Be sure to let your kitty stretch her legs.

Q.
How is stereotypic behavior treated in cats and dogs?

A.
Your veterinarian will need to examine your pet to determine if the stereotypic behavior is primarily a behavioral problem and not related to a medical problem. Most pets respond well to behavior modification and environmental changes. Sometimes medication is also necessary. Behavior modification for dogs is usually geared toward teaching the dog to relax in a variety of settings, and substituting calm behavior for the stereotypic one. For cats, it's often a matter of ignoring stereotypic behavior and rewarding good behavior. Reducing stress in a cat's environment and not confining the animal to close quarters is also helpful.

Life On The Streets-Katrina Hit A Year Ago.

2006-08-30T11:49:00.000-04:00

Flooding from hurricane Katrina killed thousands of animals and left as many homeless in cities along the Gulf Coast. Now, more than five months after flood waters rose as much as 35 feet along the shores of Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., these dogs and cats are still at large and have integrated into a new life on the streets. Mixing with local strays, these animals roam together, sleep together and bear puppies with their nomadic mates. They make dens in abandoned homes, and toxic crawl spaces under the porches serve as nurseries for pregnant females. Most stay in the vicinity of their neighborhoods and these neighborhoods are becoming crowded. Litters of puppies appear daily.

For Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) trappers sent in to help local officials deal with the overwhelming numbers of animals, finding the dogs is just a matter of cruising the neighborhoods. See a female who is obviously nursing, follow her to her puppies and the rest is usually easy. What is not easy is the task of housing these pets and puppies. The work falls on the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi (HSSM), a 501 C3 shelter with facilities for about 150 animals that now often admits as many as 250. According to Julie Parks, assistant director of operations, their puppy wing at the shelter houses 75, but is often expanded into other rooms to accommodate the numbers. The shelter is what Parks calls an open admission, where no dog is turned away. In addition to sheltering the dogs and cats, HSSM actively promotes it’s spay/neuter program, hoping to control the proliferation of locally owned pets. Most of their animals are not neutered, which is a rural mentality that Parks said they hope to slowly change with education and free services.

Many of HSSM's pets are adopted locally, but the shelter also relies on the assistance of organizations such as PetConnect in Potomac, where volunteers arrive with vehicles to pick up and transport dogs and cats back to their part of the country for fostering and adoption. Recently, four Mississippi dogs from the HSSM shelter arrived in Potomac to be welcomed into homes found for them by PetConnect. The organization hopes to bring back another group of rescued dogs and cats from the area as soon as they find volunteers to help foster them, said Lizette Chanock, founder. To date, PetConnect has fostered/adopted more than 50 Katrina dogs and cats, and also helped reunite some of them with their owners. These local organizations around the country are the backbone of the Katrina rescue mission. Without them, volunteers in Mississippi and Louisiana would be hampered in their animal rescue efforts, which are ongoing. These volunteers work in extreme circumstances and rely on the availability of a limited but vital space, often in local makeshift shelters, where the dogs they still find on the streets can be given the opportunity for a new start.

Think about it-Winter is coming

2006-08-30T11:34:00.000-04:00

Make sure fido is ready too.

2006-08-29T22:59:00.000-04:00

Wild Bird Center is a comfortable neighborhood store. Although it sits within the blissfully busy Cottonwood Corners on the West Side, the store that sells bird seed to folks who like a little slower lifestyle.

Early in the morning just after opening -- when things are at its quietest -- is a time when you can take care of some paperwork and arrange shelves and work on inventory. When visitors walk into the store at this time, they are most likely to be greeted by a chubby feline who could only be named Nigel.

Nigel fills a lot of roles at Wild Bird Center. He does public relations for the store, greeting each customer with a friendly meow. He's a working cat, keeping mice from getting in the store.

And he keeps his owner company.

"He's a gigolo," says Lee Hopwood, co-owner of the store. "He does all right around men. But he really loves the ladies. You can't take it personal though, you just have to realize that, once you leave, he'll be on to someone else."

Before taking up residence at Wild Bird Center, he lived in a saddle shop. Lee explained that Nigel's former employer had retired and, after nine years, Nigel became a house cat with other animals around.

He wasn't ready for retirement yet.

"I hired him because he needed a job," Hopwood says.

Nigel is just one of a handful of pets who come to work with their owners. In Rio Rancho, a Yorkshire terrier named Rascal watches over Turn On Lighting. At the Village Mercantile in Corrales, a red heeler named Doc will help customers with their shopping. And at Southwest Motorcycles, a trio of rather large Chihuahuas alerts the mechanics when someone walks in the front door.

There's something different about business owners who bring their animals to their shops, said Andrew Burr, owner of the Village Mercantile.

When you come to a store that has a pet around, the first thing you realize is that it is a family run operation. Big companies usually don't let animals walk amongst the aisles of a store, Burr said.

"He'll help you shop," Burr said. "Having him here just gives the place a homey feel."

Fuzzy benefits

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, having pets at work can "improve morale and productivity, reduces absenteeism and contributes to a more creative work environment."

The association did a survey of business owners who allow pets in the workplace in 2001. More than 73 percent of the business owners surveyed said pets created a more productive work environment. More than 96 percent said pets create positive work relations.

For Carl Neiderman, owner of Southwest Cycles, his three dogs, Renee, Odie and Ginger, are good at letting him know when someone comes into the motorcycle repair shop.

"They aren't very good guard dogs, but they are good alarm dogs," he said.

The three Chihuahuas go home with Neiderman and his wife, Theresa, every day. But most days at the shop, they lie in their beds and welcome the attention the mechanics give them. They are also friendly to visitors to the shop, once they get to know you.

The dogs are barricaded behind the customer service counter so they won't harass any customers, Neiderman said.

At Turn On Lighting in Rio Rancho, 7-month-old Rascal has the run of the office, even though, at under four pounds, he can get stepped on from time to time.

"He's getting better at getting out of the way, but he still sometimes gets underfoot," said Sondra Lease, a co owner of the business.

Lease said she and her husband, Tom, have always had a pet at the store, usually smaller dogs. Rascal is good to have around for company, Lease said, but he is also good at keeping little kids occupied while their parents are shopping.

Rascal has been a fixture at the shop since the Leases got him in August. As a matter of fact, Lease said, Rascal doesn't stand for being left at home.

"The minute I say, 'OK, to work' he runs into his kennel," Lease said. "He doesn't want to be left behind."

All the shop owners who have pets agreed they are a dying breed. Fewer and fewer animals are going to work. Some said they may have lost some customers because of the animals. And there are always concerns about running off visitors who may have allergies.

But that doesn't mean these pets are going to stop going to work. "Having a dog at a mercantile?" Burr says. "It's the American way, isn't it?"

Go Read Some Doggie News

2006-08-29T22:41:00.000-04:00

DoggieNews: Help the Animal Rescues

State of Michigan Animal Cruelty Laws

2006-08-28T12:21:00.000-04:00

Michigan
Statute Name
Citation
Summary
MI - Abuse - Intentional Infliction of Pain and Suffering Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.50b
This statute makes it an automatic felony punishable by a prison term of up to four years for the malicious and intentional torturing, maiming, poisoning or unjustified killing of any animal not excluded by statute. Among the exclusions are hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock husbandry, and scientific research.
MI - Appellate Rights (generally) and Public Access to Government (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.1101 to MCL 324.1102
These sections describe the ability of courts and the Commission to review the Department of Natural Resources decisions and the ability for the public to circulate and sign petitions.
MI - Biological Diversity - Biological Diversity Conservation (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.35501 to MCL 324.35506
These Sections describe the State's desire to conserve biological diversity as well as the State's strategy and considerations in achieving this goal. These sections also create the joint legislative working committee on biological diversity.
MI - Breed - Adoption of ordinances (Wolf-Dog Cross Act)
MI ST 287.1021
Under this Michigan statute, a local unit is empowered to adopt an ordinance governing wolf-dog crosses that is more restrictive than this act, provided it fulfills the requirements of this act in addition to any other requirements governing a wolf-dog cross under state and federal law.
MI - Breed - Possession of wolf-dog cross
MI ST 287.1004
This Michigan statute provides the requirements for ownership of wolf-dog hybrids in the state.
MI - Counseling - Senate Bill 754 - Counseling Required for Juvenile Cruelty Convictions
Michigan Senate Bill 754 (2000)
This bill amends the Michigan anti-cruelty statutes such that the court shall order that an adjudicated juvenile be evaluated to determine the need for psychiatric or psychological treatment. If the court determines that psychiatric or psychological treatment is appropriate for that juvenile, the court may order that treatment.
MI - Crimes - Duty to Enforce Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.52
This statute provides that it is the duty of the officials involved in animal cruelty investigations to arrest and prosecute those committing the offenses where there is knowledge or reasonable notice of the acts. The failure or neglect by an officer involved to do so may result in a misdemeanor.
MI - Cruelty - Consolidated Cruelty Statutes
MI ST 750.49 and 750.50 et seq.
The Michigan Legislature has designed three primary provisions related to cruelty to animals: intentional infliction of pain and suffering, duty to provide care, and anti-animal fighting. The intentional infliction of pain and suffering provision carries the most severe penalties for animal cruelty and a violation is automatically a felony. A violation of the duty to provide care provision is initially a misdemeanor, which becomes a felony for a second or subsequent violation. A violation of the anti-animal fighting provision is either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of conduct related to fighting. The provision does not apply to the lawful killing of livestock or customary animal husbandry of livestock, or lawful fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife control, pest or rodent control, and animal research.
MI - Dangerous - Michigan Dangerous Dog Laws - Definitions
MI ST 287.321
This Michigan statute defines "dangerous animal," which means a dog or other animal that bites or attacks a person, or a dog that bites or attacks and causes serious injury or death to another dog while the other dog is on the property or under the control of its owner. However, a dangerous animal does not include any of the following: an animal that bites or attacks a person who is knowingly trespassing on the property of the animal's owner; an animal that bites or attacks a person who provokes or torments the animal; or an animal that is responding in a manner that an ordinary and reasonable person would conclude was designed to protect a person if that person is engaged in a lawful activity or is the subject of an assault.
MI - Dogs - Consolidated Dog Laws
M.C.L. 287.261 - 395; 324.73101 - 42106
The regulation of dogs and cats in Michigan implicates three major issues: licensing and registration of dogs; the regulation of animal control facilities and pet shops; and the ever-present concern of dog bites. The primary statutory vehicle that regulates the licensing requirements for dogs is the The Dog Law of 1919. Under the dog law, it is unlawful for any person to own a dog six months or older unless the dog is licensed. MCL § 287.262. It is also unlawful for a person to own a dog six months or older that does not wear a collar and tag at all times, except when engaged in hunting activities accompanied by his or her owner. MCL § 287.262. A female dog that is in heat may not go beyond her owner’s premises unless properly held on a leash under this section.
MI - Endangered and Threatened Species Act of Michigan
Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. §§ 324.36501-07 (1999)
The state of Michigan defines an endangered species as "any fish, plant life, or wildlife that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant part of its range, other than a species of insecta determined by the department or the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior to constitute a pest whose protection under this part would present an overwhelming and overriding risk to humans." Violation of the taking provision constitutes a misdemeanor punishable up to 90-days in jail and/or up to $1,0000 in fines.
MI - Equine Activity Liability Act
MCLA 691.1661
This statute sets out the liabilities for those that own and use horses: both commercial horse operations and horse shows. It limits liability of owners in certain circumstances.
MI - Equine Liability Act
MI ST 691.1661
This act stipulates that an equine sponsor or professional, or any other person, is immune from liability for the death or injury of a participant, which resulted from the inherent risks of equine activities. However, there are exceptions to this rule: a person will be held liable for injuries if he or she commits a negligent act or omission that results in the proximate cause of injury or death, and if he or she fails to make reasonable and prudent efforts in ensuring the safety of the participant. In addition, a person will also be held liable for the injury of an equine activity participant if he or she is injured on the land or at a facility due to a dangerous latent condition of which was known to the equine sponsor, professional or other person.
MI - Exotic Pets - Animal Industry; Large Carnivore Act
MI ST 287.1101-1123
This Michigan law bans acquisition and possession of large carnivores (big cats and bears), though it “grandfathered” animals already owned as pets at the time of the law's enactment. In order to maintain public safety and animal welfare, the state created a strict permit system for those owners who were allowed to keep their already-existing pets. The statute also outlines minimal care requirements, transportation guidelines, and procedures for when a large carnivore suspected of carrying rabies bites a human or livestock.
MI - Exotic Pets - Chapter 287. Animal Industry; Wolf-dog Cross Act
MI ST 287.1001-1023
This Michigan law bans acquisition and possession of wolf-dog hybrids, though it “grandfathered” animals already owned as pets at the time of the law's enactments. In order to maintain public safety and animal welfare, the state created a strict permit system for those owners who were allowed to keep their already-existing pets.
MI - Exotic Pets - Importation of species having potential to endanger life or property prohibited; importation of wild or exotic animals; requirements and prohibitions
MI ST 287.731
Michigan completely prohibits the importation into the state of “any species having the potential to spread serious diseases or parasites, to cause serious physical harm, or to otherwise endanger native wildlife, human life, livestock, domestic animals, or property.” For other wild or exotic animals, Michigan regulates various aspects of their importation, such as requiring physical exams by vets, negative disease tests, and proper animal care and restraint.
MI - Fighting Generally - Anti-animal Fighting Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.49
The anti-animal fighting provision prohibits conduct related to animal fighting, including but not limited to organizing or being a spectator at a fight and training or using animals for fighting.
MI - Fishing - Aquatic Species (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.45101 to MCL 324.45711
These sections describe the regulations of fishing from inland waters and with hook and line. These sections also describe the regulations regarding the taking of frogs and mussels.
MI - Fishing - Commercial Fishing (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.47301 to MCL 324.47335
These sections describe the regulation of commercial fishing including the licenses required and the daily reports of fisherman's catches.
MI - Fishing - Sport Fishing, part 1 (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
324.48701-324.48727
These sections lay out the guidelines for sport fishing including legal fishing devices, the open season for each species as well as the minimum legal size requirement for each species of fish.
MI - Fishing - Sport Fishing, part 2 (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
324.48728-324.48740
These sections lay out the guidelines for sport fishing including legal fishing devices, the open season for each species as well as the minimum legal size requirement for each species of fish.
MI - Forfeiture - Search and Seizure Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.53
This statute provides that a person violating any of the animal cruelty statutes may be arrested without warrant, similar to the arrest of those found disturbing the peace. Further, the official making the arrest has a duty to seize the animals involved and place them in the custody of the jurisdiction.
MI - Foxes - Regulation of Wildlife: Foxes In Captivity (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.43101 to MCL 324.43104
These sections lay out the regulations and prohibited acts in regards to foxes in captivity.
MI - Generally Powers - Department of Natural Resources: General Powers and Duties (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.501 to MCL 324.507
These sections lay out the creation, jurisdiction, powers and duties of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
MI - Great Lakes - Great Lakes Basin Compact and Compact Commission (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.32101 to MCL 324.32206
These sections describe the authorization of the compacts and the powers and duties of the commisioners of the Great Lakes compact commission and the Great Lakes Basin compact.
MI - Habitat Protection - Inland Lakes and Streams (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.30101 to MCL 324.301113
These sections describe the necessity and process of obtaining a permit to build a marina, canal or any other project that affects any inland lake, stream or bottomland.
MI - Habitat Protection - Wetland Protection (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.30301 to MCL 324.30323
These sections describe prohibited acts as well as permissible uses of land designated as wetlands. Municipal and wetland ordinances are also described.
MI - Habitat Protection - Wilderness, Wild, and Natural Areas (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.35101 to MCL 324.35110
These sections define, identify, and set guidelines for the protection of wilderness, wild, and/or natural areas.
MI - Humane Slaughter - Humane Slaughter Michigan
M.C.L.A. 287.551 - 556
A typical state law that imposes the requirements of humane slaughter upon the commercial operations of the state. The law describes humane methods of slaughter, which include ritual slaughter methods. It also makes the statement that no slaughterer, packer or stockyard operator shall shackle, hoist or otherwise bring livestock into position for slaughter by any method which shall cause injury or pain. However, the director, by administrative order, may exempt from compliance with this act, for a period not to exceed 1 year after the effective date of this act, any slaughterer, packer or stockyard operator if he finds that an earlier compliance would cause such person an undue hardship. Any person who violates any provision of this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
MI - Hunting - Game Breeders and Dealers (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.42701 to MCL 324.42714
These sections describe the licensing of and regulations of breeders and dealers, including zoological parks. These sections also describe the parameters for enclosures and pens.
MI - Hunting - Hunter Harassment
MCLA 324.40112
This law makes it a crime to interfer or obsturct someone in the lawful taking of animals.
Mi - Hunting - Hunting Area Control (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.41901 to MCL 324.41905
These sections describe the powers of the Department of Natural Resources to regulate and even to close areas to hunting.
MI - Hunting - Limitation on Acreage (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.43301 to MCL 324.43303
These sections place limitations on acreage held for sporting purposes and on acreage within 2 miles of other lands held for sporting purposes.
MI - Hunting - Private Shooting Preserves (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.41701 to MCL 324.41712
These sections set out the guidelines for private shooting preserves, including the species of wild animals and birds permitted to be hunted.
MI - Hunting - Recreational Trespass (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.73101 to MCL 324.73301
These sections describe the Department of Natural Resources ability to enforce and prosecute persons who enter upon the land of another, who remove or destroy signs or posters or enclose someone else's land without permission. These sections also describe the potential liability of landowners.
MI - Hunting and Fishing Licenses - Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Part 1 (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.43501 to MCL 324.43531
These sections describe the required licenses for each type of game animal or aquatic species.
MI - Hunting and Fishing Licenses, Part 2 (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.43532 to MCL 324.43561
These sections describe the required licenses for each type of game animal or aquatic species.
MI - Impound - Disposal of animals; holding period; notice to owner; records
MI ST 287.388
This Michigan statute provides that a dealer, a county, city, village, or township operating a dog pound or animal shelter shall not sell or otherwise dispose of a dog or cat within 4 days after its acquisition. If the dog or cat has a collar, license, or other evidence of ownership, the operator of the pound or shelter shall notify the owner in writing and disposition of the animal shall not be made within 7 days from the date of mailing the notice.
MI - Law Enforcement - Enforcement of Laws by the Department of Natural Resources (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.1501-324.1609
These sections lay out the powers, including the power to serve criminal process, and jurisdiction of conservation officers, peace officers, and volunteer conservation officers.
MI - Leash - Licensing and control of dogs; hunting dogs; female dogs in heat; straying dogs
MI ST 287.262
This section of the Dog Law of 1919 provides that any dog over six months must be registered and wear a collar at all times. It also mandates that female dogs in heat must be kept on their owners' premises or restrained on a leash. The overall leash requirement is less clear, stating that it is unlawful for an owner to allow a dog "to stray unless held properly in leash." This does appear to mandate a statewide leash requirement for dogs, however.
MI - Lost Property - Lost Property Act
M. C. L. A. 434.21, MI ST 434.21
This section comprises Michigan's Lost Property statutes.
MI - Natural Resources - Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund
Mich. Const. art. IX § 35.
The trust fund consists of all bonuses, rentals and royalties collected or reserved by the state under provisions of leases for the extraction of nonrenewable resources from state owned lands.
MI - Natural Resources - Protection of Natural Resources
Mich. Const. art. IV § 52.
This section declares the protection, conservation, and development of the state's natural resources to be of paramount public concern and the legislature shall provide for the protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment and destruction.
MI - Neglect - Duty to Provide Adequate Care Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.50
This statute sets out the Michigan duty of care for all vertebrate animals, including what define adequate food, water, and shelter. Also explained are the penalty and forfeiture provisions for violations of the statute. The exclusions under the statute include those animals used in hunting, fishing, trapping, horse racing, farming, zoos, and scientific research.
MI - Ordinances - Animal control agency, establishment, employees, jurisdiction; county animal control ordinances, contents
MI ST 287.289a
This Michigan law provides that a board of county commissioners may establish, by ordinance, an animal control agency. The animal control agency shall have jurisdiction to enforce this act in any city, village or township which does not have an animal control ordinance. The county's animal control ordinance shall provide for animal control programs, facilities, personnel and necessary expenses incurred in animal control.
MI - Ordinances - City, village, or township animal control ordinances, authorization, contents; proof of vaccination for rabies
MI ST 287.290
This Michigan statute enables a city, village or township to adopt an animal control ordinance to regulate the licensing, payment of claims and providing for the enforcement thereof.
MI - Ordinances - Detroit and East Lansing Animal Control Ordinances
Detroit - 6-1-1 - 6-5-30; East Lansing - 4-1 - 4-6
These ordinances comprise the cities of Detroit and East Lansing, Michigan's animal control provisions.
MI - Ordinances - General powers of city, ordinances; ordinances and regulations consistent with state laws and constitution
MI ST 91.1
This Michigan statute provides that a city incorporated under the provisions of this act has, and the council may pass ordinances relating to, the following general powers: To provide for the issuing of licenses to the owners and keepers of dogs and to require the owners and keepers of dogs to pay for and obtain such licenses; and to regulate and prevent the running at large of dogs, to require dogs to be muzzled, and to authorize the killing of dogs running at large or not licensed in violation of an ordinance of the city.
MI - Pollution - Environmental Protection Act: Pollution (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.1701 to MCL 324.1706
These sections lay out the process and standards to determine a pollution violation, actions for declaratory and equitable relief, the burden of proof, and affirmative defenses to such violations.
MI - Service Animal - Leader Dog Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.50a
This statute sets out the penalty for willful and malicious interference with guide dogs used by individuals defined by statute as blind, deaf, or physically limited. Under the statute, a first offense results in a misdemeanor conviction with penalty enhancement for subsequent convictions.
MI - Service Animal - Police Dog or Horse Provision
Mich. Comp. Laws 750.50c
This statute outlines the penalty for the intentional physical harm or interference with a police dog or horse. The statute provides for a misdemeanor in the case of interference to the animal and a five-year felony where the animal was killed or seriously physically injured. If the interference was committed during the commission of another felony, then the penalty rises to a potential two-year imprisonment.
MI - State Lands
Mich. Const. art. X § 5.
This section describes the State legislature's authority over all state land and the requirement that all departments that have supervision or control of any state land submit an annual report as to the status of such land to the legislature .
MI - Statute of Limitations - Injuries to persons or property
MI ST 600.5805
This Michigan statute outlines the statute of limitations for injuries to persons or property. Under the statute, actions for malpractice have a two-year statute of limitation.
MI - Trapping - Furs, Hides and Pelts (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.42501 to MCL 324.42507
These sections describe the regulations for trapping for furs, hides and pelts. This includes the requirement for a fur dealer's license and for a monthly report of all pelts on hand.
MI - Trusts - Trust for lawful noncharitable purposes; length of performance; trust for care of designated domestic or pet animal; validity; length; intent and extrinsic evidence
MI ST 700.2722 (2000)
This Michigan statute provides that a trust for the care of a designated domestic or pet animal is valid (these trusts follow the terms for non-charitable trusts and thus, can be of a duration of up to 21 years). The trust terminates when no living animal is covered by the trust. Extrinsic evidence is admissible to prove the transferor's intent and the court may reduce the amount of the property transferred if it determines that that amount substantially exceeds the amount required for the intended use.
MI - Veterinary - Part 188. Veterinary Medicine.
MI ST 333.18801 - 18838
These are the state's veterinary practice laws. Among the provisions include licensing requirements, laws concerning the state veterinary board, veterinary records laws, and the laws governing disciplinary actions for impaired or incompetent practitioners.
MI - Wildlife Conservation - Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act
MCL 324.40101 to MCL 324.40119
These sections define game animals and lay out the regulations for taking/hunting them. Moreover, the statute clarifies that the animals are property of the people of the state and are managed by the state for their benefit.
MI - Wildlife Conservation - Protection and Preservation of Fish, Game and Birds (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.41101 to MCL 324.41105
These sections describe the regulatory powers of the Department of Natural Resources in issuing conservation orders protecting fish, game, and birds.
MI - Wildlife Conservation - Wildlife Restoration (Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act)
MCL 324.40501
This Section describes the Department of Natural Resource's authority to co-operate with the federal government and to use hunters' license fees for wildlife restoration.

We're getting off the ground a little more.

2006-08-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

Go to http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI517.html to see where we're at for now. Visit often for updates. Call 248-549-0803 or 248-808-9118 for assistance.

We're republishing in a beta format

2006-08-28T11:10:00.000-04:00

This will allow me to publish a better blog.