The Dog Trainer's Trainer

From: www.dogtime.com

While Cesar Millan is dazzling TV audiences, Ian Dunbar has been quietly gaining the respect of the people who really count -- other dog experts.

Chances are you've heard of Cesar Millan, Hollywood's famous dog whisperer. Chances are you haven't heard of Ian Dunbar, soft-spoken Northern California behaviorist. That, however, is about to change. And when it does, dogs and dog owners everywhere will be having a ball.

In recent years, Cesar Millan has taken the world by a storm, starring in National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, pumping out books and DVDs, appearing on talk shows, even offering to buy fans their very own doggie treadmills. Millan's philosophy? We, as humans, must act as dominant pack leaders; our dogs must behave as submissive followers.

Good TV, but who's watching the dogs?

Millan's charismatic persona and bold approach to dog training have taken firm hold on the country's collective scruff of the neck. For one, the idea of the faithful dog walking dutifully behind his commanding master taps into our very image of a strong America. The second, and probably more telling explanation for his success: Millan's I'm-the-boss method makes for pretty dramatic television.

But even without a hit show, flashy website, and his own monthly wall calendar, Ian Dunbar has been winning over dogs, dog owners, and dog trainers for years. Talk with the most respected names in the dog training world and you discover Dunbar's impact is unparalleled.

"His contribution to this field is immeasurable," says Patricia McConnell, author of The Other End of the Leash, co-host of NPR's Calling All Pets, and founder of Dog's Best Friend Training. "Ian Dunbar created an entirely new perspective about dog training. He deserves tremendous credit for teaching us to be loving with our dogs and to have fun with the training."

Let's not get physical

Dunbar's hands-off, reward-based approach stands in stark contrast to Millan's figurative chest-thumping and physical corrections. Perhaps not the stuff of Hollywood television, but watching Dunbar quietly train--without so much as wagging a finger--is riveting to anyone who has ever tried to teach their dog anything.

Rather than leash pops, alpha rollovers, and finger jabs, Dunbar advocates a trusting and respectful relationship, treating dogs as companions and family members as opposed to a lesser species requiring physical dominance.

"Ian carried the torch for lure-and-reward training," says Sue Sternberg, founder and owner of Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption in upstate New York and author of Great Dog Adoptions: A Guide for Shelters and Successful Dog Adoptions. "He converted an entire generation of yank 'em, crank 'em dog trainers into better communicators." Read the entire article.

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Worn Teeth

WORN TEETH

There are many causes for worn teeth in a dog or cat. The most common is pruritis (itching and chewing), because hair is very abrasive. This will commonly cause severe wearing of the incisors, although the canines can also be affected. This can progress all the way to the gumline, and occasionally below. Dogs that chew on tennis balls or other abrasive toys (think of tennis ball as a scouring pad), will often wear their smaller front cheek teeth (premolars), and the back aspect of the canines. This abrasion won’t do much over the course of one day, but chewing every day for years can cause significant wear. Another cause is chewing on things like fences, which will wear down the backside of the canines. Finally, malocclusions can cause two teeth to come together and wear on each other.

Worn teeth look like fractured teeth, but usually are not a significant problem. If the wear occurs slowly, the tooth will respond by laying down extra tooth structure (dentin) in response to the tooth loss to protect the pulp. This is similar to the way that our teeth respond to deep cavities. If this occurs, the tooth will generally stay alive, and not require any additional therapy. The exposed dentin in the middle of the tooth will stain a light tan to medium brown. An instrument will not be able to enter the root canal. Read the entire article.

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Big Sale on NSP Products

Below is a sampling of what's on sale at Nature's Sunshine this week!

ALOE VERA JUICE (32 OZ) $2 OFF
ALOE VERA JUICE (32 FL OZ) BUY 9 GET 3 FREE
ALOE VERA JUICE (32 OZ) BUY 4 GET 1 FREE

BIFIDOPHILUS FLORA FORCE (90) $2 OFF
BIFIDOPHILUS FLORA FORCE (90) BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
BIFIDOPHILUS FLORA FORCE (90) BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

CANDIDA CLEAR $2 OFF
CANDIDA CLEAR BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
CANDIDA CLEAR BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

Five Dollar Items!
CASCARA SAGRADA CAPSULES $5 PER BOTTLE
PSYLLIUM HULL CAPSULES $5 PER BOTTLE

COLLATRIM PLUS POWDER $2 OFF
COLLATRIM PLUS POWDER (326.5 G) BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
COLLATRIM PLUS POWDER (326.5 G) BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

FEMALE COMFORT $2 OFF
FEMALE COMFORT BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
FEMALE COMFORT BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

Fizz Active! One of my favorite products for the Fall and Winter Season is on sale!
FIZZ ACTIVE-IMMUNE $1 OFF
FIZZ ACTIVE-IMMUNE BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
FIZZ ACTIVE-IMMUNE BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

GENTLE MOVE $1 OFF
GENTLE MOVE BUY 4 GET 1 FREEE
GENTLE MOVE BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

LIQUID B12 COMPLETE (2 FL OZ) 15% OFF -INTERNET ORDERS ONLY

MENS FORMULA W/LYCOPENE (60) $2 OFF
MEN'S FORMULA W/LYCOPENE (60) BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
MEN'S FORMULA W/LYCOPENE (60) BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

MILK THISTLE COMBO (90) $2 OFF
MILK THISTLE COMBO(90) BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
MILK THISTLE COMBINATION (90) BUY 9 GET 3 FREE

Silver Shield with AquaSol Technology
SILVER SHIELD (18PPM) $2 OFF
SILVER SHIELD (18 PPM) (4 FL OZ) BUY 4 GET 1 FREE
SILVER SHIELD (18PPM) BUY 9 GET 3 FREE


Click here for details!

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Feline Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma

You are a responsible cat owner, and always look after your cat’s health. You take your cat to the vet once a year for a checkup and his annual vaccines. Suddenly one day, you feel a small lump on your cat’s shoulder. You are not sure what it is, so you keep a watch on it, feeling it every day until you realize that it is not going away – in fact, it seems to be growing at an alarming rate. You take your cat to the vet for an examination. You are shocked to find out that your cat has cancer – somehow caused by the very vaccinations that you ordered regularly to protect his health. Your cat has Vaccine-Associated Sarcoma, or “VAS”, something you have never even heard of! read the entire article.

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Feline Vaccinations

Feline Vaccinations
By Pat McKy and Dr. Susan Beal
www.wellpet.org

Carder wrote: Our vet has recommended that we have our cat be inoculated against feline leukemia. This was suggested before any blood tests or any indications that she may have leukemia, but rather just as a "precautionary" procedure.

Does anyone have an opinion on the feline leukemia shots? Are they needed? Are there any side effects? Is feline leukemia as rampant as we seemed to be led to believe?

Our cat seems healthy overall. She hunts and sleeps. Every few weeks, she does vomit. We have not changed her diet -- except for what she catches.

Hi, Carder,
I have an opinion. DON'T VACCINATE!
A quote from my book, NATURAL IMMUNITY, Why You Should NOT Vaccinate!: "If after knowing that some of the health hazards from vaccinations include AIDS, allergies, arthritis, asthma, autism, blindness, cancer, cataracts, cerebral palsy, chronic ear infections, conception rate lowered, encephalitis, epilepsy, fibrosarcoma at the vaccination site, hyperactivity, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, interdigital pyoderma, juvenile type diabetes, learning disabilities, leukemia, lupus, meningitis, mental retardation, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, short life span, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), tuberculosis, damage to and/or failure of heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas and other organs of the body, and ALL of the diseases for which your animal or child were vaccinated, are you still willing to take that risk of vaccinating? If so, WHY? There is no proof that vaccinations work at all."

A quote from Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD (Immunology): " If you knew when you gave a vaccination that you might save an animal from an episode of an acute disease, and you also knew that you would be sentencing the animal to a lifetime of chronic disease, would you still vaccinate?" Read the entire article.

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Guardian Angels for Military pets

Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet

An all volunteer 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Federal Tax Exempt public charity supporting our military service members, veterans, and their beloved pets through our "Foster Home" program aimed at reuniting pet(s) and owner following deployment or an emergency hardship.

Operates and utilizes volunteers for this endeavor

Non-political, non-partisan, and does not support nor endorse any political candidates

Works with local communities, appropriate government representatives, and military representatives to accomplish our mission and goals

Recruits and interviews potential individual foster homes
Works with the military pet owner to find a caring, loving, and safe environment for his/her pet(s)

Maintain contact with individual foster home caregivers fostering pets through our organization to ensure the pet(s) remain in a caring, loving, and safe environment
Remains in contact with information about the pet (i.e., via letter, emails, and pictures) to the military person while he/she is deployed. Read more.

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Animal Abandonment Law

ASPCA Victory: First-of-Its-Kind Animal Abandonment Law Passed!
www.aspca.org

The subprime mortgage crisis that has devastated homeowners and the economy has brought with it a troubling trend: pets abandoned after home foreclosures. Those who assess deserted homes are often directed to leave property—including pets—untouched until the foreclosure process is completed. As a result, many pets have been left to die.

The ASPCA would like to congratulate the California Legislature for addressing this issue with the swift passage of Assembly Bill 2949, which amends California’s Civil Code to require property owners—including banks or other corporate entities—to immediately notify animal control officials when animals are abandoned at foreclosed properties.

AB 2949 was born out of California State Assemblyman Mark DeSaulnier’s annual “There Ought to Be a Law” contest. Contest winner Sheri Kuticka recognized this tragic consequence of the housing market downturn, and suggested that something be done to help abandoned animals. She, along with the ASPCA and the California Animal Association, cosponsored the legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on August 4.

“While pets are mere ‘property’ in the eyes of the law, the difference between a cat and a stereo is self-evident,” says Californian Jill Buckley, ASPCA Senior Director of Government Relations. “Before this law, a lot of well-meaning people’s hands were tied when they found pets in empty homes. Of course, the most important thing is for folks not to abandon their pets in the first place—but at least now, these unlucky animals will have a chance to get the life-saving care they need.”

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Free NSP Webinar

FREE NSP Webinar
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

“Fighting Chronic Inflammation and Diabesity with NSP’s Super Trio™ and Bifidophilus Flora Force®”

Diabetes is the fastest-spreading disease in the U.S., and millions of victims don’t even know they have it. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are largely to blame.

Your Presenter: Hugo Rodier, M.D.

A board-certified family practitioner, and Medical Director at a leading integrative health center in Utah. He brings a unique perspective to traditional medicine through extensive research (surveying 150 medical journals each month), education (teaching at the University of Utah School of Medicine, College of Health and Department of Nutrition), and active clinical practice (working with a variety of chronic conditions).

Register for the time listed below that best meets your schedule.

Time: 7:30 pm Eastern, 6:30 pm Central, 5:30 pm Mountain, 4:30 pm Pacific
(Please realize all confirming emails from gotowebinar will always show at Pacific time)

Get more details on the webinar and get registered now at this link (copy and paste the link into your browser:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/199472304

Read the details on computer system requirements. If you can't hear through your computer there is a phone number to connect to the audio by phone.

Read more about Super Trio.
Read more about BIFIDOPHILUS FLORA FORCE.

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Traveling With Pets

Since 1996, TravelPets.com has been bridging the gap between the traveling pet owner looking for a pet friendly place to rest their heads and the properties that are able to provide these accomodations. With over 1.4 million viewers per month, our site has grown to be the top advisory for people traveling with their pets. From prestigious continental hotels to cozy inns, bed-and-breakfasts, country cabins, and roadside motels, our visitors have access to a deluxe database of over 6,000 accommodations around the globe that accept pets. Visit TravelPets Website.


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Pet Food Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Fanklin, Tennessee -- September 12, 2008 -- Today, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary recall of products manufactured at its Everson, Pennsylvania facility. The pet food is being voluntarily recalled because of potential contamination with Salmonella serotypeSchwarzengrund. This voluntary recall only affects the United States.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs and cats, and, if there is cross contamination caused by handling of the pet food, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Click here to read full details and a list of foods being recalled.

Click here to read the recall on the Mars site.

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Moving With Your Pet

From: PetsWelcome.com

Because pets have an instinctive fear of new surroundings, pet owners want to help them adjust quickly. This article will provide a checklist of things to do to see that your pets will be happy--courtesy of Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. Pre-planning for the transfer of your pet, as well as for your household goods, should begin as soon as you know you are going to move. This article covers the following topics:

Pre-Planning
State and Local Regulations
Health
Identification
Transportation
Tropical Fish
Horses and Ponies
Unusual Pets
A New Veterinarian
At Home in the New Home

Read the entire article.

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Resource Guarding

Stop your dog’s “resource guarding,” a natural (and dangerous) behavior.
by Pat Miller, Whole Dog Journal

Dusty, our diminutive eight-pound Pomeranian, grabs a chew-hoof and darts under the coffee table with his prize. Tucker, the 75-pound Cattle Dog-mix approaches, eyeing the hoof covetously. Dusty curls his lip and emits a surprisingly convincing growl for such a tiny canine. Despite the fact that he could easily take the hoof away from the much smaller dog, Tucker backs off, leaving Dusty to chew in peace. We watch, and chuckle at the mini-drama that plays out in our living room almost daily.

It’s most common for dogs to defend their food, but edible items are not the only things that dogs will keep from all potential rivals. Some dogs will defend their “ownership” of toys, a favored place to sleep, or the water bowl. Behaviorists and dog trainers call these protective behaviors “resource guarding.” Read the entire article.

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An Interview with Dr. Jane

An Interview with Dr. Jane
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th
8:30 PM EST

Do you want to get to know Dr. Jane Bicks a little better? Don't miss tomorrow evening's call and you'll learn what inspired her to become a veterinarian and then a product formulator. You'll also learn how Dr. Jane's dedication to the health and well-being of animals influence HealthyPetNet product formulations.

The Thursday night calls with Dr. Jane are always informative and a lot of fun! To participate in this call, dial 712-580-0380 and enter pass code 626116# after the prompt.

Questions from customers and Field Reps will be taken from 8:30 - 8:45 PM. Once you join the call, please follow the moderator's directions to mute your phone. This will reduce the background noise, so everyone can hear Dr. Jane speak.

*********

First and foremost, Dr. Jane is the ultimate pet person. She shares her life with a dog, a goat, two horses, a monkey, and two cats. Her pets are her family and she is dedicated to their health and happiness. Dr. Jane knows you feel the same way about your pets and she has devoted her life to the health and wellness of our precious companions.

Dr. Jane is a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian. She is the author of three national books on pet care and nutrition and has served on professional boards including the Cornell Feline Health Center. Dr. Jane served as the President of the Veterinary Medical Association in NYC and was appointed by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to help start one of the largest animal shelters in the United States. She has also appeared on many network television and cable programs and numerous radio stations as a veterinary expert.

Dr. Jane is responsible for HealthyPetNet's product formulation and development, and she consults regularly with pet industry experts to ensure our cutting-edge formulas meet the highest standards for quality and effectiveness.


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Colostrum

Colostrum is a super-nutritional substance secreted by the mammary glands of nursing mammals. It is a safe and natural way to fortify bodysystems against disease and infection. A substance that occurs naturally in bovines, it contains protein molecules known as immunoglobulins, which help defend the body against viruses and bacteria. Bovine colostrum is is a “universal donor.” Humans are able to use it because of its immune factors, along with key immunoglobulins that are identical in molecular structure to those of humans. Scientists have discovered that bovine colostrum contains special trypsin and protease inhibitors that shut down the digestive enzymes and acids of the stomach. Therefore, rather than being digested in the stomach, colostrum’s proteins pass through the stomach to the small intestine, where they are easily absorbed.

The Journal of Sports Medicine in September of 2006, reported that bovine colostrum helped male distance cyclists retain more energy following intensive training. The cyclists who used bovine colostrum performed at a higher level with fewer signs of fatigue during tests taken after their five days of intensive training. The European Journal of Nutrition in August of 2003, reported on an investigation of whether concentrated bovine colostrum affected the incidence or duration of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in adult men. Based on the self-reports in a double blind, placebo controlled study, preliminary evidence showed that concentrated bovine colostrum protein may enhance resistance to the development of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection.

Nature's Sunshine's unique formula Colostrum with Immune Factors is a combination of nutritional and herbal elements designed to nourish and support the immune system.

The immune factors in this product are known to stimulate cytokines and strengthen the intestinal lining.

This unique formula contains:

- colostrum (the foremilk produced by mammals before the onset of lactation)
- inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), has immunostimulatory actions)
- maitake mushroom (contains powerful beta-glucan)
- shiitake mushroom (stimulates macrophages)
- astragalus (enhances the production of immunoglobulin/helps stimulate macrophages)

Click here to read more about Colostrum with Immune Factors.

Colostrum is also available as a single product.

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Mullein

From: Botanical.com

The Mullein has very markedly demulcent, emollient and astringent properties, which render it useful in pectoral complaints and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. The whole plant seems to possess slightly sedative and narcotic properties.

It is considered of much value in phthisis and other wasting diseases, palliating the cough and staying expectoration, consumptives appearing to benefit greatly by its use, being given in the form of an infusion, 1 OZ. of dried, or the corresponding quantity of fresh leaves being boiled for 10 minutes in a pint of milk, and when strained, given warm, thrice daily, with or without sugar. The taste of the decoction is bland, mucilaginous and cordial, and forms a pleasant emollient and nutritious medicine for allaying a cough, or removing the pain and irritation of haemorrhoids. A plain infusion of 1 OZ. to a pint of boiling water can also be employed, taken in wineglassful doses frequently.

Fomentations and poultices of the leaves have been found serviceable in haemorrhoidal complaints.

Mullein is said to be of much value in diarrhea, from its combination of demulcent with astringent properties, by this combination strengthening the bowels at the same time. In diarrhcea the ordinary infusion is generally given, but when any bleeding of the bowels is present, the decoction prepared with milk is recommended.

Robin's Notes:
Highly valued as respiratory remedy, Mullein is an expectorant and has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, anti-spasmodic and astringent properties. Because it is an anti-spasmodic herb, it may also be beneficial for bladder concerns.

Read more about Mullein.
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Note: The information in this blog is not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. The ideas and information on this blog have not been endorsed or approved by the FDA. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Opinions expressed here are those of the blog owner.

First Aid for Choking Pets

First Aid for Choking

Choking is interference with breathing caused by foreign material in, or compression on, the trachea (windpipe).

If the Pet is Unconscious

Perform a Finger Sweep
Open your pet's mouth and perform a finger sweep by placing your finger along the inside of the mouth, sliding it down toward the center of the throat over the base of the tongue and gently "sweeping" toward the center to remove any foreign material. Warning: there is a structure deep in the throat (the Adam's Apple) that feels like a smooth bone. Do not attempt to pull it out!

Begin Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing is described in the CPR article. If air is not entering the lungs, slap the pet's chest wall firmly or perform the Heimlich maneuver by putting the pet on its back, placing your hands over the abdomen near the bottom of its rib cage, and gently, but firmly thrusting toward the spine. Perform a finger sweep and begin rescue breathing. Repeat until the foreign body is clear and the lungs can be inflated. Transport to the veterinarian.


If the Pet is Conscious

Stay calm and try to keep the pet calm. If the pet is overheated, wrap him in a wet towel, and transport him to the veterinarian. Perform a finger sweep only if it will not excite the pet.

Frequently, pet owners confuse coughing with choking. Both cause the pet to forcefully exhale. With choking, the pet has difficulty inhaling. When coughing, the pet can inhale almost normally. Be careful to distinguish the two: attempting to give first aid to a pet who is merely coughing can injure the animal.

Read the entire article.

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New Canned Dog Food Now Available!

From Dr. Jane Bicks, Product Formulator:

"I am so very proud to announce that our new Life's Abundance Premium Canned Health Foods for Puppies and Adult Dogs are now on sale. It's been a long time coming, but it's hard to put a timetable on perfection!

I want to take a few moments to tell you why this new dog food line is truly a cut above the rest. First, I believe that it is healthier for dogs to eat two small meals a day, as opposed to one large meal. That is why I formulated two meals, one especially for breakfast and another just for dinner. Second, it is well known that dogs absolutely love canned food."

Turkey & Shrimp Breakfast in Broth

The breakfast recipe was formulated to include a number of savory and nutritious ingredients used in omelets. Dogs of all breeds will happily enjoy this wonderful morning meal featuring turkey, shrimp, eggs, red skinned potatoes, red bell peppers and cheddar cheese. And it's seasoned with just the right amount of basil and parsley. It's the perfect tail-wagging way to start a day!


Chicken & Crab Dinner in Sauce

The dinner recipe was formulated to be similar to a meal you and I would prepare for ourselves. It's a delicious evening meal featuring organic chicken, crab, eggs, carrots, red skinned potatoes, peas, even apples, for a built-in dessert. This flavorful and satisfying meal is a doggy dream come true!

Special Call Tonight ... Thursday, September 4th at 8:30 PM Eastern Time
To learn more about the new canned dog foods, please join Dr. Jane tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern Time. To participate, simply call 712-580-0380 and enter pass code 626116# after the prompt.

Questions from customers and Field Reps will be taken from 8:30 - 8:45 PM. Once you join the call, please follow the moderator's directions to mute your phone. This will reduce the background noise, so everyone can hear the conversation.

Click here for more information.

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Dog Law Reforms

Governor Rendell Calls on House of Representatives to Pass Dog Law Reforms
Aug 16, 2008
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 16/PRNewswire-USNewswire

Stunned by reports that two dog breeders shot to death 80 dogs rather than seek veterinary care for them, Governor Edward G. Rendell today strongly urged the House of Representatives to pass his proposed reforms to the state dog law.

"This act disgusted and shocked citizens all over the commonwealth," Governor Rendell said. "These violent killings were totally unnecessary, particularly considering that there are rescue societies that would have taken all of the dogs, regardless of their ages or conditions.

"Clearly, the time has come to enact legislation that would make this practice illegal and raise the standards under which the state's commercial breeding kennel industry operates. There is simply no excuse for continued inaction," he said.

Under legislation pending in the House, only veterinarians would be authorized to euthanize dogs in commercial breeding kennels.

House Bill 2525 also:

* Doubles the minimum floor space for cages.

* Requires outdoor exercise. Current law does not require even that dogs be let out of cages, much less given access to outside exercise.

* Requires solid flooring. Dogs now can spend their entire lives on wire floors, which damage their feet over time.

* Prohibits the stacking of cages. Under existing law, cages can be stacked so high that inspectors can't see whether they have food or water, or even if they are still alive.

* Requires veterinary checks annually or during each pregnancy. Many dogs now never see a vet throughout their entire lives.


Read the entire article.

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Feline Fallacies

THE PET CONNECTION
By Gina Spadafori
Pet Columnist

Feline Fallacies

We now know more than ever before about our cats. But a surprising amount of information that's just plain wrong still hangs about in our culture and, worse, keeps popping up as true, and so passes on anew.

Anyone who has ever said goodbye to a cherished companion knows cats don't have nine lives, but some of the other things we think we know about cats sure seem to have at least that many lives. Here are a few of the most enduring feline fallacies:

Cats purr when they're happy.

Purring is one of the most special elements of a cat, as far as most humans are concerned. Caressing a purring pet has proven to relax the person doing the stroking and lower the blood pressure, too.

But careful observers of the cat know that purring isn't just a sound of contentment. Cats also purr if they're injured, while giving birth -- even when dying. British zoologist Desmond Morris has observed that purring is "a sign of friendship -- either when [the cat] is contented with a friend or when it is in need of friendship -- as with a cat in trouble." In other words, purring is sort of like smile: Sometimes you smile when you're happy, sometimes when you're hoping a smile will get you out of trouble.

Cats will smother babies.

You don't need to find a new home for your pet when a baby's on the way, no matter what well-meaning relatives and friends may say to the contrary. Cats do not maliciously smother or suck the breath out of babies.

The myth that they do probably came from their natural curiosity to investigate a new addition to the family, coupled with the tragedy of what's commonly known as crib death. We can easily understand how, in generations past, people may have seen a cat in the crib -- perhaps sniffing at a baby's milk-scented breath -- and later found a dead child and then tried to find an explanation for the loss by linking the two events together.

We now know there's no connection. But common sense still dictates that no animal be left unattended with an infant or small child. And, of course, before the baby arrives, safety dictates that someone other than the expectant mom clean out that litter box to reduce the risk of birth defects caused by the parasites that may be in the cat's feces.

Well-fed cats won't hunt.

The ability to hunt is hard-wired into all cats. But the level of desire varies by an individual's genetics and early experiences, not by the rumbling in his belly.

Hunting behavior in cats is very controversial, especially if the prey is songbirds or endangered rodent species. Fitting your cat's collar with a small bell has little effect on his ability to hunt. Turning him into an indoor dweller is the only way to protect wildlife from him. (It'll also make your cat's life less likely to end abruptly from the hazards of the outdoors.)

All calico cats are female.

Almost all calico (and tortoiseshell) cats are female, but not quite all. About one in every 3,000 calico cats is male, with an extra X chromosome -- XXY instead of the XY of a normal male.

The gene that governs how a cat's red/orange color is displayed is on the X, or female, chromosome. Any cat, male or female, can be orange. In males, however, that color is usually expressed in one way: the tabby pattern, often called a "ginger tom" or marmalade tabby. It takes two X chromosomes to make a calico, which is why a cat must have an extra X chromosome to be a male calico.
Females can be orange tabbies, tortoiseshells or calicos. Because orange females are divided among calicos, torties and tabbies, people sometimes think that almost all orange tabbies are male, just as almost all calicos are female. Not true: For an orange tabby to be female is a lot more common than for a calico to be a male.

Black cats are bad luck.

Black may be an unlucky color all right -- for a cat, not a person. Black cats have been said to be associated with the forces of evil for hundreds of years. Humane societies warn that this myth has cost some of them their lives as the target of satanic rituals, especially around Halloween.

Black may be an unfortunate color for another reason: visibility. Thousands of cats are killed by cars every year, and the difference between a hit or a near miss may be the driver's ability to see the cat darting across the road before him. At night, patches of light-colored fur are a distinct advantage to a kitty.

Hypoallergenic cats don't exist

If people are allergic to animals, their bodies are reacting not to fur but to proteins in skin secretions and saliva, commonly known as dander. These particles are applied generously to a cat's fur by the act of grooming and are liberally applied to every surface she rubs against.

Myths persist about "hypoallergenic" breeds of cats, usually involving the nearly naked Sphynx or lightly coated Devon or Cornish Rex. Their fanciers actively promote many of these breeds as being good for allergy sufferers, but allergists argue otherwise. -- G.S.

read the entire article.

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Puppy Mill Awareness Day

Puppy Mill Awareness Day
Saturday, September 20, 2008 11am - 5pm

Why: AWARENESS. The truth about our country’s pet trade and puppy mills is slowly getting out to the masses. This year, Oprah Winfrey joined in. Several mills with hundreds of dogs were seized and shut down. People around the country are organizing their own pet store protests.

Read More At: http://www.awarenessday.org/national/index.html

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