Training Your Dog to Settle or Relax | Cat and Dog Behavior and Veterinarian Care

Training Your Dog to Settle or Relax | Cat and Dog Behavior and Veterinarian Care

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A Doberman Helps Owner By Going For Help

This wonderful article illustrates (once again) how perceptive dogs can be about things that are amiss with their owners.


http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/231047

Some Behavior Techniques are Not Good for my Psyche

My humans say that I have some "behavior challenges." I think that means that they think I am a little messed up, mentally. Supposedly, I am a " reactive dog." I have heard them say that I was not well-socialized as a puppy. I did not go to live with them until I was 10 months old, and I suppose that I had lived a rather sheltered existence before that. I had always been with my brother (from the same litter), so he was always my shield against danger. When I went out on my own, with my new family, there were times when I was nervous, especially around dogs or people I didn't know. I found that it made me feel more powerful if I bounced and barked at them, but this did not seem to make my people happy. They have been teaching me to relax, using something called a clicker, followed by a treat.

My human partner has been reading a lot of information, lately, about how "aversive training techniques" are not helpful or humane for a nervous dog like me, who is basically insecure. She read an interesting press release on the subject, so she wants me to share it on my blog. Here it is: http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/

Cat food recall originated in same plant that sickened dogs, firm says

This is a disturbing news article about Diamond Foods.

Cat food recall originated in same plant that sickened dogs, firm says

Cat food recall originated in same plant that sickened dogs, firm says

Cat food recall originated in same plant that sickened dogs, firm says

An Important Update on The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission

As my friends know, I am the official mascot of The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission. My person writes a blog for them, just like mine. Her blog is vefm.blogspot.com. She wanted everyone to know that VEFM did receive official, tax-exempt status from the IRS several weeks ago. However, the IRS is very slow at updating their web site, so, if anyone is disturbed by the fact they cannot find VEFM listed on the IRS list of charities, they can confirm their 501(C)3 status by calling the IRS (toll-free) at 1-877-829-5500. The corporate name is: The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission LTD (EIN: 26-3396722)For more information, visit this page on the IRS web site:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html

Diabetes Mellitus Part 1: Diagnosis

My veterinarian/human thought has seen several cases of diabetes recently, so when this article came out in the latest issue of Clinician's Brief, she thought it would be helpful to share it. I was happy to hear that German shepherds are one of the breeds listed that are at decreased risk of diabetes.

Diabetes Mellitus Part 1: Diagnosis

http://www.cliniciansbrief.com/column/consultant-call/diabetes-mellitus-part-1-diagnosis

Important Cat Food Recall

I know I'm not a cat, but my person has many cat friends, so I am passing this on.....
Certain lots of Premium Edge Cat Food have been recalled, due to a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine deficiency is treatable and reversible in cats, but can cause some alarming neurological signs, such as staggering and a strange flexing (downward) of the head and neck. Here is the recall notice from Diamond Pet Foods--http://www.premiumedgepetfood.com/promotions/66/

A New Witch Hunt In Massachusetts???

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This disturbing story appeared in the newsletter of Best Friends.org

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"A New Witch Hunt in Massachusetts:

"The City of Mashpee will hear an alarming breed discriminatory bylaw at its Annual Town Meeting on October 19, 2009. This disturbing bylaw includes claims that certain breeds have “a strong instinct for dominance” and a prey drive that results in “aggressive pursuit of . . . human children”. These statements made in Section 1 of the proposed bylaw are reckless and entirely unfounded. Even more appalling is subparagraph (i) under Section 4 of the proposed bylaw. It reads: 'In the event [a pit bull type dog has] a litter, the owner or keeper (i) must deliver the puppies to the Town Kennel for destruction. . . . Any pit bull puppies kept contrary to the provisions of this subsection are subject to immediate impoundment and disposal. . . .'."

For the complete article, go to the following web address:

http://network.bestfriends.org/News.aspx?pID=12799

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Recall of 2 lot #'s of 85 lb plus size of Iverhart Plus Chewables

The following is an excerpt from an article that was posted in The VIN News Service:

Virbac recalls Iverhart Plus

August 20, 2009
By: Jennifer Fiala
For The VIN News Service

Virbac Animal Health has recalled Iverhart Plus flavored chewable tablets for dogs after routine stability tests showed that samples from two lots did not contain sufficient amounts of ivermectin to give dogs weighing 85 pounds or more six months of parasite protection.

The company, which sent out a letter to distributors last Friday, reports that lots 090093 and 090095 of the heartworm preventative, sold between March 20 and April 5, are affected.

A third lot, 090073, initially was named in the recall, but subsequent tests revealed the related product was not subpotent....

The rest of the article can be found at the following link: http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13680

An Open Letter to Veterinarians, By a Veterinarian

"The Growing Problem of Clients Who Cannot Afford Emergency Care"

After about 10 years working in emergency hospitals, it became painfully clear that, the more advanced our ability to provide adequate care became, the less the average person was able to afford it. In our recent economic downturn, it has become a real crisis. With the widespread use of specialized emergency and critical care hospitals for overnight, weekend, and holiday coverage for general practitioners, clients and their sick and injured pets are frequently caught in a desperate situation. They find themselves in the midst of a medical emergency, in a hospital where there is no ongoing relationship with the doctor providing the care, and faced with charges that are likely to be much higher than they are accustomed to, not to mention the requirement of immediate paymentFew would disagree that state-of-the art veterinary care should be available and easily accessible. It also goes without saying that facilities that provide this level of care must charge more for their services than practices with lower overhead. However, often we are dealing with owners who have chosen a particular emergency facility simply because their own vet is using it to cover emergency calls. Suddenly, they are faced with charges that could easily be three or four times when their normal vet would charge. There are some ethical questions, here. Should an emergency hospital that offers round-the-clock care, sophisticated critical care monitoring, and advanced surgical and medical treatment, be willing to offer care that is less than state-of-the-art, simply because an owner cannot afford it? Is it right to turn someone away and risk the animal's death, because they do not have enough to pay for treatment? As veterinarians, where do our allegiances lie?--to the owner and their emotional and financial needs; or to the animal and its comfort and general welfare? What about our own financial needs? It helps no one if veterinarians give so much of their services away that they go out of business. Nor does it help if we give away so much of our time and energy that we burn ourselves out and either lose our compassion or leave the profession.I would really like to get a dialog started about this important issue. My husband and I are trying to build up an organization that will help find funding for people who cannot afford emergency care. It is called The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission. Other similar organizations have fallen short because they have depended only on the generosity of individuals. I think that this issue is far too important not to get the backing of veterinarians and local communities around the country. Perhaps an internet dialog will get the word out and start people thinking about how to make change happen.

Lucy L. (Pinkston) Schroth DVM - President & Co-Founder of The Veterinary Emergency Funding Missionhttp://www.vefm.org/ (blog - http://vefm.blogspot.com/ )(vefmmail@gmail.com)

"Help me to help financially strapped owners pay for emergency vet care."

"Together, the veterinary community can make a BIG difference."

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A Tribute to K-9's

This is a great You-Tube Slide Show.

"Finding the Right Diet for Your Dog," an article by Darlene Arden

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"Finding the Right Diet for Your Dog"

(Article © 2000 Darlene Arden. First published in AKC Gazette, March 2000)

Click on the above link to read this informative article, written by behaviorist, author, and long-time dog and cat owner Darlene Ardene. It is an excellent summary of the issues involved in feeding your dog. When one talks to people in the "commercial diet" camp and the "raw diet" camp, it sounds as if they are arguing about religion.....Darlene's article discusses the pros and cons of both types of feeding and suggests that rigid adherence to any one method, especially without the nutritional education to back it up, can be quite dangerous to your dog's health.

For more information about Darlene Arden, go to her web site, www.darlenearden.com or visit her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/petxpert

Darlene's latest book is "Rover, Get Off Her Leg!" - "Pet Etiquette for the Dog Who Pees on Your Rug, Steals the Roast, and Poops in Improper Places." - (available at www.amazon.com) For more information about this informative, irreverent book, go to Darlene's "room" in The Red Room, an online writer's community (www.redroom.com) - http://www.redroom.com/author/darlene-arden/bio.

As an aside (and this is strictly from a dog's perspective, since it's MY journal and I AM a dog!), she's a really nice person. Shhhh......Don't tell anyone that I was the one who said this, since German shepherds are supposed to be aloof with people outside their family. I wouldn't want to tarnish my image.

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Flu Vaccine?? Don't Jump on This One Right Away

The New York Times published this article about a newly FDA approved vaccine against canine Influenza (Flu).
New York Times Article (June 30, 2009)
Of course, they make it sound as if every dog with a "pushed-in" (brachycephalic) facial conformation should have this vaccine. However, a recent article in Veterinary Practice News (June 23, 2009) stated that "Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8, has been granted a conditional product license." A conditional product license is just that--"conditional." The Veterinary Practice News article goes on to say that, "During the conditional license period, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health will continue to submit data obtained in support of the product’s performance, which will be evaluated by government regulators to determine whether a regular product license may be issued. The vaccine, made from inactivated virus, has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding." This last statement is significant. It means that it does not prevent canine Influenza, nor does it cure the disease. "It is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with canine influenza virus infection, a type A, subtype H3N8." So far, although it may play an important role in controlling existing outbreaks in group-housing situations (like shelters), veterinary infectious disease specialists are NOT yet recommending it for the average "dog on the street." The reasoning behind this position is explained in the Vet. Practice News article. "Because the virus is a novel pathogen, most dogs have no immunity to canine influenza. Therefore, the infection can spread quickly through animal shelters, adoption groups, pet stores, boarding kennels, veterinary clinics and any location where dogs congregate." However, in spite of the fact that it is highly contagious, it is not the "killer virus" that the media has implied. For more information on the disease itself, visit this page on Veterinary Partner, a client education site. (article)

Algae blooms close ponds in Harwich, Brewster | CapeCodOnline.com

Blue-green algae is very toxic to animals and humans. This as an important issue for dogs who swim in ponds.

Algae blooms close ponds in Harwich, Brewster | CapeCodOnline.com

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What, on Earth, is a Thundershirt???

My human partner saw a Facebook Page advertisement for something called a Thundershirt, that is supposed to ease a thunderstorm-phobic dog's anxiety during a thunderstorm or fireworks. As you know, my human partner is a veterinarian, so she naturally wondered whether was any scientific basis for their claims. Unfortunately, unless she became a "fan" of the Thundershirt Facebook page, she could not ask questions there. So she looked up Thundershirt in Google, and discovered their web site: http://www.thundershirt.com/ http://www.thundershirt.com/IBS/SimpleCat/InfoPage/asp/Comp_ID/25315.html

Their web site states that it "works" for the following reasons:

"Thundershirt (patent pending) does the following for most dogs suffering from noise anxiety:

The physical sensation of wearing Thundershirt distracts the dog from focusing on her fears, and

Being wrapped in a Thundershirt gives the dog a feeling of safety and comfort.
Soon after putting on her Thundershirt, your dog will likely settle down and relax. Many dogs will lie down and weather the storms with little to no further symptoms of noise anxiety.
From a more scientific perspective, according to neurobiologists, many types of traumas can cause nerve damage, leading to dogs having exaggerated responses to stimuli such as loud noises. Applying constantly maintained pressure with Thundershirt provides an unchanging, quieting stimulus that allows the dog to relax (in other words, #1 above!)."

My human partner is, understandably, VERY skeptical about the science behind this device, and DISAGREES with physical trauma to nerves being a cause of noise phobias. Because there is no scientific basis for their claims that trauma, leading to nerve damage, leading to exaggerated responses to noise stimuli; my partner also finds it hard to believe any other claims they have made about their product. It might work or it might not work, but if it does, it is probably not because of the reasons they have stated. She will keep an open mind, however---If there start to be UNBIASED reports about its effectiveness AND safety, perhaps she will give it a different review.

My "Pet Project" Has an Important Announcement

Since I am the official mascot for the Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission, I had to share an exciting new idea, because they need feedback and ideas. Please go to their blog to join the discussion: http://vefm.blogspot.com/

This is a copy of what was posted on the blog:

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I think we have solved several of the biggest challenges for VEFM with one great idea.....

- VOUCHERS FOR EMERGENCY CARE -

For years, shelters and SPCA's have used spay/neuter vouchers to encourage low-income pet owners to get their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. Recently, Bayer Animal Health has started a $20 voucher program to encourage owners to go to their vets for preventative care (http://www.gettothevet.com/). It would seem to me that, in this era of gift cards and gift certificates, that we can easily establish a voucher program for emergency vet care that can go NATIONWIDE immediately, not just starting in the local area where VEFM is based.
PLEASE give ideas and feedback about this plan. Below are some sites where there is information on similar programs, where we can educate ourselves about the possibilities. We would like to have the new program fully operational well before the October date for the Seaside Festival booth.

http://www.customgiftcard.com/index.htmlhttp://www.justgive.org/give-now/gift-cards/index.jsp?gclid=CNLmu4WInpsCFVpM5Qod1DTVpAhttp://www.signaturecard.net/?referer=google&gclid=CJrXwZyInpsCFcxM5QodOGIdpQ

Vet-related vouchers:

Well-pet vouchers:

http://www.gettothevet.com/

Spay-neuter vouchers:

http://tlconline.org/pgm/0010app.html

http://www.schuylerhumane.org/vouchers.html

http://www.nfvsonline.org/nys_spayneuter.html http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=9698

http://www.animalrescue.net/vet_corner#9

Bayer might be willing to sponsor emergencies, too.... http://www.veterinarians.com/library/alerts/109/Bayer-$20-Vet-Voucher.html

Defense department????: "Automated Voucher Examining and Disbursing System" http://www.dodig.mil/audit/reports/fy03/03003sum.htm

Emergency food programs:
http://www.wfp.org/content/protracted-relief-and-recovery-operation-syria-107780-emergency-food-assistance-victims-drought

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A Letter from a New Friend

Dear Ginny,

So you have a June birthday too!
I turned 5 on June 10. see my pic here.
I am the one on the left with my friend Abby on the right.
Maybe we could go out on a date sometime, Ginny?
--Boaz (aka CH Canal-Side's Kinsman Redeemer CGC)

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Does Anyone Know Any NON-Biased Reviews of the Shoo-Tag Insect Repellent System?

I heard about an interesting product, today. It is called Shoo-Tag, and is supposed to repel certain insects, like mosquitoes, fleas, and chiggers, from animals and humans. It was developed by some scientists and its technology is based on electromagnetic fields. On an internet search today, I was able to find only two unbiased personal opinions about how well it worked. One person thought it was useless and the other one thought it was great. Has anyone else used it? If so, my human and I would like to hear your opinion.
[Note: Comments are now closed for this post. 9/19/12]

I Had a Birthday, Yesterday!

I turned 3 years old yesterday. I was having quite a nice day, actually---that is, until my humans decided to make an annual tradition of last year's Birthday Hat Event.

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This photo is of me, still a little sleepy from a nap, but much happier than I was a few minutes later, when the Party Hat was tied onto my head.

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I do try to be a good sport about things, and I did my best to be a good sport about the hat, but it is very difficult to be a dignified German shepherd with silly hat sitting on my head, tied with yellow ribbon. There was a space for my ears to stick up, but I had no desire whatsoever to lift them. I was feeling quite sorry for myself.

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Here is a close-up of that silly hat!

Puppy Cam--Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Check out these new puppies on live camera: http://www.sacpaws.com/#video

Week #3 of Obedience Class

First, let it be said that I am really a very clever dog. I understand all sorts of phrases and words--things that my people never even taught me--I just figured out their meaning by simple observation. For example, If one of my people says to the other, "I am getting sleepy," it doesn't take a genius to figure out that I might as well go to my crate, because they are about to go to bed. My people already know that I am smart. I do not know why they thought I needed to go to school to prove it to other people, too.

As I understand it, they want me to obey their commands when I am in public. I, myself, do not understand this. When I am in public, I feel a great compulsion to protect my people against what I perceive to be danger. The whole world outside makes me quite nervous. I do not trust strange dogs or strange people. Therefore, I feel that it is my responsibility to act tough and warn them that they better not come too close. For some incomprehensible reason, this makes my people very unhappy. When I bark or do my warning "woof-and-bounce" that is meant to make me look threatening, they speak quite harshly to me. I initially assumed that their displeasure meant that I did not do my job properly. Now that I have started going to dog class, I am beginning to figure out that the rules of social behavior are not quite what I had originally thought. This is going to require a good bit of getting used to.

I had a very quiet early puppyhood. I lived with my breeder and my brother until I was 10 months of age. It was a peaceful life. There were other German shepherds around, but my brother (who was always bigger than I was, and kept me safe from danger) was my constant companion. I loved my breeder and her granddaughter, who would come and brush me and walk me around on a leash. Sometimes I would go to see another human relative, but I never had to interact with strange people or dogs. I was happy this way. My current humans had sent some of their clothing for me to sleep with before they came to take me to my new home, so that when we first met, I felt like I had known them already. My new home was very peaceful, too, and we did not meet many strangers on our walks. I heard my humans talk about taking me to school, but it sounded as if there were some reasons they could not do this, so I assumed it wasn't important for me. I must have been wrong about this, since I am enrolled in school now. They said that I needed to know how to behave properly in public.

The first week of class, I was so anxious that I could not concentrate on anything. I know that my human partner (the female one) was saying words to me that I had heard before, but I did not even register on what they were. The one command I did do a good job with was the one to "come." My partner told me to stay on one side of the training ring. Then she walked to the other side. When she said "come," I was delighted, so I ran to her--very happy to be safe again. A few times, when I walked near another person and their dog, I woofed and bounced, and my partner scolded me. This made me even more anxious, because I did not understand why she was unhappy with what I did. It seemed to me that she needed protection. It was not my fault that she did not see the danger.

That was week one. On week 2, I relaxed enough to notice that I frequently got delicious little treats if I paid attention to my partner. I was still very anxious, but started to remember what she meant by "heel," since we had worked on that exercise at home.

Tonight, which was week 3, I finally had a breakthrough, although this new understanding did not come until the end of class. I had heard the instructor talking to my handler (partner) and suggesting that she discontinue the collar-jerk and her harsh tone of voice when I did my woof-and-bounce. She said that it seems to increase my anxiety. If I am anxious, I cannot concentrate on the obedience exercises. The goal was calm control. My handler was not to allow me to forge ahead or whine. However, instead of telling me that this was bad, she is supposed to stop walking and wait, without saying anything. When I am quiet (not whining) and can walk without pulling on the leash, we can walk ahead quietly. It took us about 20 minutes to leave the building and make it to the car, because we would go a step or two and have to stop. This was because I forged ahead or whined in my excitement to go home. However, I finally got the hang of what I was supposed to do--I don't know why it took me so long. I was just so excited about going to the car. However, I liked the fact that my partner was calmer with this approach. It made me much more relaxed.

You just wait..... I'll be an obedience graduate yet! I might even like it. After all, I AM smart.

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More about Whether FDA Is or Is NOT Investigating Nutro

In the interest of fairness, it should be noted that the probe mentioned in my last post has been denied by both Nutro and the FDA itself. See below:

NUTRO Bites Back; Denies Probe of Pet Deaths, Illnesses (4/22/09) - http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/nutro_foia02.html

April 28, 2009
FDA Statement on Nutro Products, Inc.

"FDA is clarifying that Nutro Products, Inc. is not currently under investigation. FDA does not typically confirm or deny the existence of an FDA investigation. It has recently come to our attention, however, that a media report incorrectly concluded and reported that Nutro Products, Inc. was the subject of an investigation. " - http://www.fda.gov/cvm/CVM_Updates/NutroProducts.htm

FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses

This disturbing article by Lisa Wade McCormick, of ConsumerAffairs.com, was posted April 20, 2009:

"FDA Confirms Probe of NUTRO Pet Food Deaths, Illnesses"

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the agency is investigating NUTRO pet food, following a series of unexplained illnesses and deaths. Consumers have been complaining for more than two years that their pets have become ill after eating NUTRO products; many have recovered when they were switched to other foods. The company has steadfastly denied that its food is to blame." For the complete article, go to the following link:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/04/nutro_foia.html

A Worthwhile Charity to Help Study Dog Behavior

Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund to Benefit Canine Behavior Studies

RALEIGH, NC – The AKC Canine Health Foundation announces the establishment of the Marcia Polimer Abrams Fund for Canine Behavior Studies. The Donor Advised Fund (DAF) was created in memory of author and CHF President’s Council Member Darlene Arden’s mother, and will benefit studies focusing on unlocking the mysteries of canine behavior.
A certified animal behavior consultant, Arden’s writing focus has been on helping dog owners in identifying and eliminating unwanted behaviors in their pets. The author of “Small Dogs, Big Hearts,” “The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Prevent ive Care for Dogs ,” and now her new behavior book, “Rover, Get Off Her Leg!” Arden has specialized in behavior issues of dogs 20 pounds and under. Portions of the proceeds from “Rover, Get Off Her Leg!” will benefit the fund and will lead to future behavior studies as identified through the Canine Health Foundation grants review process.
“Darlene has been a tremendous asset to CHF in the past and has always been on the lookout for opportunities to help us tell our story,” says Wayne Ferguson, president of the Canine Health Foundation. “We’re pleased that she’s chosen to honor her mother is such a resounding way.”
“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor my mother and our shared love of dogs than to create this fund in her memory. Behavior is at the very core of the human-animal bond. I also know that whatever studies the CHF funds will also ultimately benefit
people. It’s truly a win/win for dogs and their human companions. I also hope it will help breeders breed dogs that are mentally as well as physically sound. I think my mother would wholeheartedly approve.”
Donations can be made to the fund online by clicking here or by contacting the Canine Health Foundation toll free (888) 682-9696.
In a recent review of Arden’s new book in “The Library Journal,” Florence Scarinci writes, “Even the most inexperienced dog owner will find her advice easy to follow. Humorous anecdotes illustrating the undesirable behavior enhance the text. While there are many helpful guides available addressing the same behavioral issues and using the same training methods… Arden’s book is easy to read, entertaining, and affordable. An excellent purchase for all public libraries.” Information about ordering Darlene’s new book can be found at Dogwise.
For more information, please visit here.
Contributions to the DAF can be made at our website.
Contact: Jeff SossamonDirector of Development & CommunicationsAKC Canine Health FoundationPO Box 37941Raleigh, NC 27627-7941(919) 334-4015 (b)(919) 334-4011 (f)(888) 682-9696 (toll free)jds@akcchf.orghttp://www.akcchf.org/
The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines. Our goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is the leader in non-invasive genetic health research, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting both canines and humans. Through the generous financial support of the American Kennel Club and the Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., we’re proud to announce we have allocated more than $18 million in canine health research through 74 schools and research institutions worldwide.

Finally--A Good Report on a Pit Bull!

Here is a great story about a dog that saved his owner from an attack and very well may have saved her life.

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=107779&catid=14

An animal video that I just had to share

"It's a Wonderful World"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco

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My sister

I have a beautiful sister, named Melody, who is from a later litter, but our parents are the same. My breeder kept her, because she liked her so much. I think she looks like me, too. Here are some pictures.

Fundraiser for Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission's 501(C)(3) Application

As you know, I am the official mascot for the Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission, or VEFM. It is terribly important to me that my animal friends are able to get emergency care when they need it, and not all their owners can afford it. That is why I want so much for VEFM to succeed. It will be hard for them to succeed unless they can get 501(C)(3) status as a non-profit corporation, but they do not have the $300 they need in order to apply. In order to help, they set up a donation page at a need web site called Fundable.com, where donors can pledge $10 or more toward this fundraising drive. Here is the link: http://vefm.blogspot.com/2009/03/fundraiser-to-get-300-needed-for-501c3.html

Please tell all your friends.

Dog First Aid, from Cesar Millan's Web Site

I wanted to share with you an interesting article on first aid, located on Cesar Millan's web site.

Dog First Aid

The single most important thing you will need: a clear level head. Stay calm! If an emergency should arise, your pet is counting on you to focus and provide the necessary attention and care.This information is not intended to take the place of expert veterinary care. It is only intended as assistance to help you determine if you have a serious situation and to help you maintain your pet's life until you can obtain medical attention. [For full article, go to: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/firstaid/]

Sago Palm Plant Kills Puppy

This sad headline is from an article on the ASPCA site, published by the the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, to alert pet owners about the dangers of a common household plant. To read the full article, and to learn more about other household toxins, go to the following link: http://www.aspca.org/news/national/03-20-09.html#1

Photo of Sago Palm, from ASPCA article

Mother Dachshund Adopts Newborn Piglet

This story is so neat that I have to share it with my friends. A premature piglet was given to a loving, dachshund mother, who was more than happy to raise him as her own. The pictures of this remarkable family have made the internet rounds, but I wanted to trace them back to their source. What I found came primarily from two web sites:
1) http://dailydachshund.blogspot.com/ and
2) http://puppyintraining.com/.

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Both pictures featured here are from http://puppyintraining.com/dachshund-acts-as-mom-to-baby-piglet

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The owner of the dachshund Tink, her pups, and the newborn pig Pink said,


"I live on a farm where we raise pigs for our kids for their 4-H projects. The one sow delivered 12 pigs and several were very small. Pink was the smallest and he was born with his eyes sealed shut. That is the first time I've had a preemie piglet. He was breathing well and was making noises, but I really didn't look for him to make it. Piglets are born with their eyes open and are very active and ready to nurse within a few minutes. He didn't have any suck reflex, so we placed him under the heat lamp. After the delivery, which took up most of the night, my husband tried to get him to nurse from his mommy. He was too weak to stand up, so he held him up and squeezed some milk down his throat to get him some colostrum.

Two of my dachshunds had had puppies a few days before. Tink had only one puppy (the other was stillborn) and Sammi had 7 a few days before Tink. I had taken 2 of Sammi's puppies and put with Tink for her to foster. I got the idea to bring the piglet up to the house to see if Tink would nurse him since she accepted the other puppies so well. She is a very loving, sweet dog. She immediately loved on him and began licking him and let him nurse." [Owner's e-mail to the Daily Doxie (http://dailydachshund.blogspot.com/)]

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The complete story, with many pictures, can be found at the following locations. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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http://puppyintraining.com/dachshund-acts-as-mom-to-baby-piglet/

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http://dailydachshund.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-photos-of-dachshund-and-piglet-not.html

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http://dailydachshund.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-photos-piglet-and-dachshund-at-six.html

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Canine Cancer Conference

Here's something that might interest some of the humans out there.......

Title: Genes, Dogs & Cancer: 5th International Canine Cancer Conference

Date: Feb. 13-15, 2009

Location: Royal Plaza, In the Walt Disney World Resort, 1905 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, USA 32830


Species: Canine, Exotics, Feline, Lagomorph, Rodent, Zoo


OrganizersAmerican Kennel Club - Canine Health Foundation (AKC-CHF),

Contact: Erika Werne

Contact Address: AKC Canine Health Foundation, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27617-3901, USA

Phone(919) 334-4010

Fax(919) 334-4011


For more information and to register, go to http://www.akcchf.org/

For hotel registration, go to http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/g_reservation.cfm?groupID=224671&hotelID=2070

I am the Official Mascot of VEFM

I want to announce that I have been promoted to the enviable position of Official VEFM Mascot. You might wonder, "What is VEFM?" I am proud to tell you that it is the brain-child of my veterinarian human, Dr. Lucy Schroth, who previously wanted to stay anonymous in my blog, because she wanted me to get the spotlight. However, I convinced her that VEFM's goals are so important to pet owners that she really needed me to tell as many dogs and cats (and their humans) about it. VEFM stands for Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission. My two human partners, Dr. Lucy and her husband Don Schroth (an ordained minister) are establishing this organization to assist financially strapped owners whose pet is faced with a serious emergency. It is taking a long time to get all the paperwork in Massachusetts completed, so they have not yet been able to do an all-out fund-raising drive. I am trying to do my part (now that I'm "official") in telling everyone I know to find some person or company who might be interested in being a VEFM benefactor. What VEFM really needs is a large donation, that can be set aside as an endowment, so that the interest can be what is used to help these pet owners. The web site is http://www.vefm.org/ and the blog is http://vefm.blogspot.com/. The need is so great. I wish I could do more......WOOF !