The Dog House

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe During Summer Heat

2011-07-20T23:48:00.000-04:00

The better part of the USA is dealing with an extreme heatwave this week, and temps in Detroit are expected to be in the triple digits on Thursday, with a dew points in the tropical range.

So, here are some tips for keeping your pets (and maybe yourself!) safe in this summer heat. Please feel free to add your suggestions!

Also, PLEASE read these tips at the ASPCA web site.

If you have indoor pets, PLEASE be sure that their crate and/or cage or aquarium or living space is NOT in the path of direct sunlight.
Be sure to provide plenty of water for your animal. If you're both away from home, carry a bottle or container filled with fresh, cool water.
Leave your pets at home if possible (no car rides!).
If you must take your pet along for the ride, don’t leave your pets alone in vehicles. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly become a furnace in a very short time (minutes).
Exercise your pet in the cooler temps of early morning or evening; or forego exercise in this heat. Pets' paws can sustain burns or injuries on sidewalks and asphalt. Rethink the necessity for a walk in these high temps.
Provide plenty of shade for outside pets. Bring your pet inside during the heat of the day and let them rest in a cool part of your house (basements are very cool if you don't have a/c).
Older and overweight pets are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so take special care!
Watch for signs of heat stress—heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red tongue.
If you believe your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian right away—it could save your pet's life. You can help bring your dog’s body temperature down by sponging it down with cool water, but don’t try to place him in a bath or douse him with buckets of water since this can send a pet into shock.

Here's a product for your pup that you might be interested in checking out -- it's a "Canine Cooler" bed. (I'm thinking of getting a couple of these for the greyhounds that work the summer events for Michigan ReGAP.)

Stay cool, be safe!

I'm Starting A Pet Concierge Business & Need A Name!

2011-06-03T20:01:00.002-04:00

Suggestions welcome!

I've decided to start a pet sitting and concierge business, and I'm trying to decide on a name. Perhaps you can offer some suggestions, or tell me what you think about these names (insert the words "Pet Concierge" after each):

Four Seasons
Greyt Lakes
Lakeshore
Mr. Q (after our boy Quasar)
Sirius

What's to remember?

Well, I live in Michigan, and in a city bordered by Detroit and the Grosse Pointes (how's that for diversity?) -- so we live near the shore.
Although it's just me starting out, I might hire staff eventually.
I'm not a fan of "cute."
There are already lots of businesses with the names "Buddy" or "Pal" in them; I don't want to b e one of them.
I'd like something easygoing, professional, memorable, and recognizable.
The business will not take care of snakes, or farm animals.

Thanks!

--Veronica

UPDATE: As of now, these are the services I plan to offer:

Pet Check-In:
Feed/Water
Clean-Up
Medication administration
Play
Dog Walking
Vet Visits
Pet Transportation
Pet Supplies Shopping & small tasks

I'm currently researching insurances and surety bonds, and getting paperwork together.

Joplin Missouri Post-Tornado Animal Rescue

2011-05-24T23:22:00.000-04:00

The Humane Society of Missouri has deployed an emergency response team, including volunteers and staff, to Joplin, Missouri. Click on this link for updates, and to donate.

Click on this link for a related story at KSDK.com. "Humane Society president Kathy Warnick says thanks to a law that went into effect after Hurricane Katrina, both FEMA and SEMA are now including pets in their emergency planning and disaster assistance."

Military K9 Part of Team That Captured Osama bin Laden

2011-05-04T23:07:00.000-04:00

According to this New York Times Story, one member of the elite Navy Seals team that captured Osama bin Laden was/is a four-legged canine!

The article also says that there are currently 600 dogs serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

So, while we thank our men and women of the U.S. military, let's remember (and be thankful for) the unique roles their canine colleagues play in our safety.

Japan: Survivor Dog Leads People To Injured Canine Pal

2011-03-16T23:08:00.002-04:00

This is just heartbreaking.

Of course, we are all aware of the mounting sadness and mounting tragedies in Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami last week. It's difficult to understand how any living being has survived, and yet there have been amazing stories of survivors -- a man clinging to the roof of his house 10 miles at sea, an uninjured infant found under rubble several days later, a wandering horse by the roadside, a cow standing in the middle of a field, two dogs in Sendai that survived by breaking free of their ropes and running up the exterior stairs of their owner's home, and here two pals staying by each other. Surely after seeing a video like this one can only further accept and value life in all its forms -- human, canine, whatever.... Let's say a prayer for all.

I'll try to find out how we can help the animal life in Japan that is affected, and will post information soon.

Southeast Michigan's Monroe County Busts Dog Fighting Ring

2011-03-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a link to the story at The Detroit Free Press.

This is a story about some real heinous people, and has some photos of the dogs that were rescued (which are not all "Pit Bull" -- and include one small fluffy dog that was probably going to be used for bait). Two dogs were fatally wounded in fighting. The participants are residents of both Michigan and other states.

Too disturbing. I need to find some happy stories and do a happy post.

Over 100 Sled Dogs Brutally Murdered

2011-02-03T00:35:00.000-05:00

Here is a truly horrific story published by The Vancouver Sun about 100+ sled dogs that were brutally murdered (shot and throats slit by an inept and incompetent employee that believed he was "euthanizing" the dogs) last year by an employee of Howling Dog Tours of Whistler (British Columbia, Canada), owned partly by Outdoor Adventures.

It appears that the dogs were massacred because business was poor, and the dogs were deemed unadoptable because they are bred and raised for sport and recreation (and not as pets). Such similarities to racing greyhounds' plight.

Unfortunately, I don't know whom to contact to demand an investigation into and revision of rules and policies in the sled dog industry. If you do, please leave a comment here -- it would be much appreciated.

Ohio Horses Need Homes By Saturday -- Emergency!

2011-02-02T12:27:00.001-05:00

Just got this info from a friend of mine; perhaps you can help:

52 thoroughbred horses need homes. Will go to Sugarcreek this Saturday for slaughter. Gentleman died and his son wants nothing to do with them. Most broodmares are broke and some are in foal weanling, yearlings, 2 yrs and 3 yrs old most are gelded. FREE and papered. Friend of the deceased is trying to find homes 440-463-4288 or 440-463-4288 Barnesville, OH. Please help!!

There's A Blizzard Outside - Please Bring Your Pets Inside

2011-02-01T23:38:00.000-05:00

There's a blizzard happening outside. NO pet should be outside in this; bring your pets inside, please. Please! (Don't make me go to your house!!!)

What is a blizzard? Winds over 35 mph with blowing or drifting snow, with visibility less than 1/4-mile, and lasts for longer than several hours.

Be kind. All pets inside!

Baby, It's Cold Outside! Cold Weather Tips For Your Dog

2011-01-21T17:31:00.000-05:00

It's been in the single digits, temp-wise, around here lately -- with wind chills taking us into the sub-zero temperatures.

So, since it's been a few years (can you believe it?), I thought it about time to "re-post" my 2008 post "Cold Weather Tips For Your Dog." This post offers tips about heating, protecting your dogs' paws, and some essential links.

Keep your pets safe in this weather, keep them indoors, or do not leave them outdoors for extended periods of time.

Missing Police K9 Dog In Michigan - Find Bane

2010-11-23T17:11:00.004-05:00

Michigan State Police are searching for a lost colleague: K9 cop named "Bane" (a mostly black German Shepherd Dog).

You can help! Read this article for more information: http://www.clickondetroit.com/family/25855893/detail.html

Check this new web site: http://www.findbane.com/ You can read updates, and find links to the Find Bane Facebook page and make donations for the reward (which is now at $2,500).

Bane is lost in the area of Ocqueoc, in Presque Isle County in the northeastern area of Michigan's lower peninsula. It's a heavily wooded area. Bane is a search-and-rescue/tracking dog, that is said to be a gentle dog that can easily be approached.

The following was posted today on "Fine Bane" Facebook page:

The Facts:

by Find Bane on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 5:24pm

Due to the HUGE number of people visiting this page.......thanks to all........I am going to post this note to let the folks that join late know the scoop.

On 11/13/10 I was searching a tag alder swamp with Bane. We were searching for a missing dementia patient that had gone missing back in August.

At around 2pm I gave Bane a rest. We went back to my patrol car, he got some water and about fifteen minutes to cool off.

At 2:15 we went back out searching. After about five minutes he was tangeled up in the tags. (I had him on a 20 ft tracking lead)

I dropped the lead to untangle him. About the time I got him free, a deer that had been bedded and was less than five yards from me jumped up and ran directly in front of Bane.

Bane gave chase. He was out of sight in about a second and I have not seen him since.

I am confident he is not caught up in the woods. The lead is made of nylon. He has eaten them in the past, just for fun. In addition, I had him on the 'dead ring' of the check chain. This means that it is not able to tighten around his neck and he can slip his head out of it. He has done this numerous times in the past so it is not a concern to me.

We have searched a huge area, including using some of our other canine teams, a departmental helicoptor (with thermal imaging) and two fixed wing aircraft.

We have handed out flyers in a thirty mile radius around where he was last seen.

We had two possible sightings of him on 11/15/10 approximately 8 miles south of where I lost him.

I am asking that if anyone responds to search the area, please stay in your cars until after the firearm deer season. It is simply to risky to be in the woods with all of the guns out there.

The news media has been great, but the more publicity we have, the better chance we have of getting him back.

Heeling Autism - Service Dogs For The Autistic

2010-08-14T16:34:00.001-04:00

Heeling Autism is a program of Guiding Eyes For The Blind, based in New York. Heeling Autism is seeking funding, and is hoping to win a $250,000 (!) Pepsi grant! You can help by voting for this cause!

Visit http://www.refresheverything.com/autismdogsforchildren and vote now!

Learn more about the program at this link: https://www.guidingeyes.org/prospective-students/children-with-autism/

It's A Girl!

2010-08-13T17:37:00.000-04:00

After 7 months of fostering Star is Rising, we've decided to adopt her! Star is a quirky girly-girl, and a real sweetie-pie. She's a big 75-lb. girl, and we suspect is not all greyhound -- she's just too atypical. Star is very vocal, loves to jump into and lay in the water and in the driveway and mud. I think she'd be greyt for camping! And, she loves to sniff and smell everything and everyone very thoroughly. Silly girl!

Orchard Beach State Park Goes to the Dogs on July 24-25

2010-07-19T12:50:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2010

Contacts: Melinda Eberbach 231-723-7422 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

Orchard Beach State Park Goes to the Dogs on July 24-25

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced that
Orchard Beach State Park is hosting a “GO-Get Outdoors Pets in the
Park” weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 24 & 25. Scheduled events
and activities for the weekend include dog training, a demonstration on
scent detection, first aid for pets, wild animal rehabilitation, an
agility and work-out course and search and rescue. A veterinarian will
be on hand for a question and answer session and there will be a
children’s and pet parade.

Activities will start Saturday at 10 a.m. and run until 5 p.m. when the
children’s and pet parade will begin. Prizes donated by Manistee
Equine Feed & Pet Supply of Manistee and other local businesses, will be
awarded for the best costumes in the parade.

Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday, “Paws for Agility” will have an agility
course set up with demonstrations. Visitors may try maneuvering the
course with their pets. Participants are asked to donate pet food for
use in the local pet pantry before taking their turn on the course. Also
during this time, Dr. Laura Betts, a local veterinarian, will be at the
park to talk about health and safety issues for your pets.

Available throughout the day on Saturday will be a display of products
for pets. Visitors are welcome to bring their pets for the weekend’s
fun and activities.

Partnering with Orchard Beach State Park to offer the “Pets in the
Park” weekend are Lori Linderman of Manistee Equine Feed and Pet
Supplies, Jim Rutherford of Action Canine Institute, Chris Felty of
“Paws for Agility,” Dr. Laura Betts of Parkdale Animal Hospital
and Little River Ottawa Indians Search & Rescue K9 Division.

Orchard Beach State Park is located at 2064 N. Lakeshore Rd. near
Manistee. For more information about this event, the park,
accessibility, or persons needing accommodations to attend this event,
contact the park supervisor at 231-723-7422 (or TTY/TDD711 Michigan
Relay Center for the hearing impaired).

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must
display a 2010 Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park
entrance or online through the Michigan E-Store at
www.michigan.gov/estore. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for
a resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily
is $8.

Effective Oct. 1, 2010, the Recreation Passport will be available to
Michigan residents for $10 per registered vehicle, or $5 per registered
motorcycle. This will replace the resident annual state park and boating
access site permits. By checking "Yes" on your vehicle registration
form, Michigan residents will realize a 58 percent savings in exchange
for unlimited access to all Michigan state parks and boating access
sites. This money will also help support Michigan state parks, boating
access sites, state forests and local parks. For more information about
the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport .

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the
conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment
of the state’s environment, natural resources, and related economic
interests for current and future generations. For more information,
visit www.michigan.gov/dnre.

###

More Greyt Photos

2010-07-02T17:29:00.000-04:00

I just had to post these photos. The top is Mr. Q in the hole he dug up against our new neighbor's house. He's staying nice and cool (and so is the neighbor). The bottom photo is our foster girl Star, just cooling off, lying in the driveway.

Dog Friendly In Southwest Michigan - Photos

2010-07-01T21:57:00.000-04:00

This week we went our favorite dog-friendly place, Sweethaven Resort in Union Pier, Michigan. While there, we went to our favorite dog-friendly beach, at Warren Dunes State Park (2 miles of dog-friendly beach!)

2010 Claws & Paws - Run/Walk in Clawson, Michigan

2010-03-29T17:25:00.000-04:00

2010 CLAWS & PAWS
2 MILE RUN/WALK DOG JOG PET CARE FAIR & ADOPTION CENTER
May 22 – Clawson City Park, Clawson MI

The Clawson Chamber of Commerce and the residents of Clawson are pleased to announce the fifth annual CLAWS & PAWS which combines a 2 Mile Run/Walk Dog Jog with a Pet Care Fair and Animal Adoption program. Runners, animal lovers, and kids are all welcome to attend and participate in the event which begins at 10:00 a.m. The other fun filled and educational events sponsored by some of our civic group partners, local businesses, and the City of Clawson will be available from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Last year the event was a huge success, with more than 300 people from throughout Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Port Huron participating in the run. With your support 2010 can be even more successful for encouraging healthy living through exercise, promoting local businesses, creating positive visibility for the City of Clawson, and raising funds for this year’s charity, Guardians for Animals.

You can learn more about the event, sign up to be a Walker, read about Sponsorship opportunities, or make a donation by visiting www.clawsonclawspaws.com You can also contact the Clawson Chamber of Commerce for additional information by calling 248-435-6500, writing to the director at P O Box 217, Clawson, MI 48017, or emailing Sheryl@clawsonchamberofcommerce.com

Check Out this year’s Charity!

Guardians for Animals is dedicated to helping rescues, and sanctuaries save the lives of abandoned abused and neglected animals. GFA helps dedicated; NO KILL rescue groups receive much needed funds, supplies, and help with placement of animals in their care. Please visit their website to learn more about the wonderful services they offer. www.guardiansforanimals.org

Clawson is located in the center of Birmingham, Royal Oak, and Troy, about one mile west of I-75. Clawson combines small town amenities with convenient access to all of Metro Detroit’s big city events.
The Clawson Chamber of Commerce was established in 1939 as an organization of local businesses dedicated to stimulating economic development and supporting business retention in Clawson.

Live Web Cam - Watch A Barn Owl

2010-03-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

This is very cool live web cam of an mother barn owl sitting on her eggs (and eating, cleaning herself, etc.). So entertaining that it's addictive!

http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox

Lost Greyhound - Woodhaven/Brownstown Twp.

2010-02-23T22:35:00.003-05:00

UPDATE: March 31, 2010 8:31 p.m.

It's with much sadness and a very heavy heart that I report that foster dog "Uneventful" (aka "Dutch") was found deceased over the weekend, deep in the woods in Brownstown Township.

Thank you to all who searched for him relentlessly, day after day, and for all that cared and wished him the best.

RIP Dutch.

-----------------------------------

UPDATE: March 3, 2010 8:12 p.m.

He was seen at 7:05 tonight in the Flower Creek Subdivision (entrance street is Wilson off Van Horn) at the intersection of Stacey (runs E and W) and Helen (runs N and S). He was headed NORTH on Helen.

------------------------------------

UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2010

This greyhound is still missing, but there is now a $200 Reward for him. He has been sighted daily in the area, so we know he's still loose and alive.

------------------------------

The lost foster dog has been sighted in the area closer to his home where he started – he may be going in a circle. He was sighted by Hall Rd and Telegraph in Woodhaven/Brownstown Twp.
Foster mom Sue is VERY grateful and appreciative of everyone who has come out to help search thus far….but we still need YOU.

Here is the information - One of our foster dogs has gotten out - His name is Uneventful, black with white markings, male, red collar with REGAP tag.

If you are in the area and can help look please call 734-358-6786 - Sue the foster mom. They live in the area of Hall and King Roads.

If you are able to search please bring a leash, blanket, smelly yummy food to entice him to come to you. DO NOT CHASE HIM!! Bring your greyhound if you are able.

HE MAY ANWSER TO THE NAME 'DUTCH' BUT CALL TO HIM 'HERE BUDDY....GOOD DOGGIE,,,,,,COME'RE BOY' in a soft gentle voice.

Many Thanks In Advance -
MI REGAP
The Lost & Found Team 248-425-3107 or the Lost & Found Pager number 586-309-727

Dairyland Greyhounds Found Beheaded in Creek?

2010-02-06T15:02:00.001-05:00

UPDATED 2/12/2010

NO! Greyhounds were not found in the creek. Thanks to readers/commenters JCP, Pam, and Anonymous.

Actually, it was coyote carcasses that were found. (Still a drag, me thinks.) Coyote hunting is legal.

Please see Comments on this post for links to news articles updating this story.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is why Greyhound racing should be banned. They usually just lop off the ears (that are tattooed); this time, they lopped off the entire heads.

Can you tell I'm angry?

It seems to me that these may very well be dogs from a kennel at Wisconsin's Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack, which closed Dec. 31, 2009. However, any kennels that still had dogs remaining by the first weekend in February (today) would not receive a $5,000 bonus. Looks like someone cared more about that bonus than finding the dogs homes. The Greyhound Alliance has been working feverishly for months to be sure all the dogs were place; Michigan ReGAP took in a large number of them just a few weeks back.

ugh.

From WTHR.com

Beheaded dogs found in creek

Updated: Feb 05, 2010 6:08 AM

David MacAnally/Eyewitness News

Madison County - What police and animal control saw in the Fall Creek in Madison County, you may not want to see.

Sheriff Ron Richardson says, "Possibly Greyhounds. There are eight animals in the water. It looks like none have heads. Heads have been removed. We'll know more once we get them out of the water."

They were spotted when Joe Riley was on his way home about 5 p.m. Thursday. He pulled over, got out and looked into the creek for rocks for his pond at home.

Joe Riley says, "Found something I sure wasn't looking for. I still can't believe what I saw. It's crazy."

It's unclear how long the dogs were in the water. Blood still appears to be around the carcasses. And there may be more dog carcasses downstream.

Sheriff Richardson says, "If anybody knows anything about any group or persons that may be involved doing this type of thing to animals, contact the Sheriff's Department in Madison County."

"I've got two dogs that sleep with me. I love them very much. I just can't imagine this," said Joe Riley.

Greyhound Health and Wellness Conference For Greyhound Owners and Veterinarians

2010-02-04T16:21:00.000-05:00

Greyhound Health and Wellness
March 6, 2010

Course Description: The First Annual OSU Greyhound Health and Wellness Conference will present valuable medical and surgical information for Greyhound owners, adopters, trainers, and for veterinarians involved in the care of Greyhounds. Topics will include idiosyncrasies in Greyhound lab work and imaging (X-rays and ultrasound), anesthesia, and bone cancer (both from the owners' and oncologists' perspectives), among others. There will be a joint morning session for the whole group; the afternoon sessions will be separate for owners/adopters and for veterinarians.
Cost: $100 Veterinarians, $75 Non-veterinarians
CE Hours: 7

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Office of Continuing Education - A Greyhound Health and Wellness Conference.

Wow!

Star Is Rising - Our Latest Foster Girl From Michigan ReGAP

2010-01-26T22:48:00.002-05:00

This is a photograph of our new foster girl Star Is Rising. She's 71 lbs. and currently up for adoption by Michigan Retired Greyhounds As Pets.

We've had her about 3 weeks now. She's a truly wonderful girl, and deserves a real forever home. She knows hand signals for "sit" and "down." She knows her name very well, loves to go for walks, is very playful and loving, and has just learned to go up and down stairs quickly yet carefully. She's a dream to have in the car, and she walks great on leash! She's just a very loving girl -- and she's very well adjusted.

Unfortunately, as you'll notice in the photo, her tail has been amputated (bit by another dog). So she wags her butt! She's a very happy girl.

Lost: Italian Greyhound in Harper Woods

2010-01-26T13:00:00.002-05:00

A little 17 pound Italian Greyhound is lost - for almost a week - in the
Harper Woods/Grosse Pointe area - last seen around I-94 and Moross. His
name is Caesar, he is gray, 16 years old, hearing and sight impaired,
wearing a collar with outdated info on it. They have contacted all local
authorities, pet-finder, and craig's list.
If you are in the area and can help look, please call Sherri at
586-295-0545.

Please Rescue A Greyhound NOW! Foster or Adopt a Greyhound! Dairyland Track Closing.

2009-12-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

'm sure you have all been following the story with the Dairyland track. Although it is a very happy occasion when a track closes permanently, this one is coming with a very sad ending for many dogs. Starting on 1/1/2010, the kennel owners will be responsible for moving all dogs and they will not be paid to do it. They will have to provide food and staff until all dogs are gone which must completed by 2/5/2010. NO adoption groups are allowed on the premises after 12/31.

Dogs that are not removed by the end of the year will probably be shipped to Mexico or sent back to the farms to be euthanized (if they are lucky).

I know the holidays are suppose to be a joyous time, but for many families, this economy is making this a very difficult time. People are unemployed, salaries have been cut and more and more families are having a hard time making ends meet. This is the worst time for all of this to happen at Dairyland.

Regap is a rescue organization and this is what we do. We take dogs that are at risk of being destroyed or worse. I can't think of a better example than these Diaryland dogs. I would not ask for your help if it wasn't absolutely necessary. This is an emergency situation. We need to pull together every resource we have to get out as many dogs as possible.

Regap volunteers are the hardest working in greyhound rescue. Your generosity is unmatched. Our foster homes are always full and every single volunteers gives their heart and soul everyday for these dogs. I really wish I didn't have to ask for just a little bit more at this time. If you can open your home for just a few weeks during this holiday to help save one of these greyhounds, PLEASE contact Jennifer at Jen4greyrescue@yahoo.ca as soon as possible.

We are on a very tight time frame here and only have a few weeks to move all those dogs. It has been a few years since we have had an emergency like this one and we need every person to spread the word on what is happening and how these dogs are being treated. We need every person to go the extra mile this time because we are certain that dogs that are not moved will be killed or worse. That is a fact.

If you know of a boarding kennel that still has space available for the holidays, please contact Suzanne atxmerlin@prodigy.net.

And thank you to all who have already stepped forward to help with this emergency. Thank you in advance to those of you who are going to. We really need you at a time like this!!

My sincere thoughts and wishes to all of you!

Leslie Forys

Founder

Lost Dog Found In Harper Woods

2009-12-12T14:58:00.001-05:00

A very friendly dog followed my husband and Quasar home on their walk today. We've taken the dog to the local Animal Hospital where they checked for a microchip -- and he doesn't have one.

If you're missing your dog in the area, call Harper Woods Police Dept. at 313-343-2530 to find out if he's the one we've found.

Today is Saturday, December 12, 2009.

THE LOST DOG HAS BEEN REUNITED WITH HIS OWNER. Thanks to the both of us having called the police.

People, please remember to microchip your dog! It could have helped in this situation.

Rescue Wisconsin Dairyland Park Greyhounds! Foster a Greyhound!

2009-12-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin's Dairyland Greyhound Racetrack is scheduled to close at the end of 2009. This fact has been known for a while.

Now, in a vindictive move by the track-, kennel-, and dog-owners, the dogs have been abandoned. PLEASE, help save a greyhound -- even if you can only foster a dog temporarily. There are a list of Michigan greyhound rescues in this blog's sidebar; I happen to volunteer with Michigan ReGAP (Rescued Greyhounds As Pets).

Following is the notice that I received this morning from MI ReGAP:

Neither the State of Wisconsin Division of Gaming, nor Dairyland Greyhound
Park have or will take responsibility or assist in the placement of pets at
Dairyland. Roy Berger, of DGP corporate management, stated that their
"contract with the State of Wisconsin terminates at midnight on 12/31/09;
{they} have no further responsibility or obligation." The Division of Gaming
today stated that it is the responsibility of DGP.

The dogs have no protection - they have been abandoned. Please go to the
website www.greyhoundalliance.org <http://ce.org/> where we will post
updates to the now upon us crisis.

If any groups can take dogs in the next 3 weeks, please let us know asap -
we will try to get every dog out of Dairyland that we can; we have been
denied access to the compound to cat test dogs, so that information is not
available.

Time is running out for the hounds

HOW CAN YOU HELP THESE DOGS? EITHER ADOPT OR FOSTER OR HELP SPREAD THE
WORD TO THOSE THAT WILL.
If you are able to foster a dog please contact Jennifer at
jen4greyrescue@yahoo.ca
If you are interested in adopting please visit our website at
www.rescuedgreyhounds.org and submit an application.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

For speaking for those that cannot -
MI REGAP

Federal K9 agent killed in line of duty - Detroit

2009-10-29T21:45:00.000-04:00

Federal canine agent Freddy was killed in the line of duty this week, during an FBI raid here in Detroit.

Read the story FBI mourns Freddy the dog, 2, killed in raid in The Detroit Free Press. There are links to make a donation, and info on where to send condolences.

Check out this link http://k9pride.com/ to learn more about police, military, and working dogs worldwide.

About Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer"

2009-10-11T12:49:00.000-04:00

Do you know Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer?

I confess that I do not know his techniques for training dogs or people (!), have never watched him on TV or read any of his books. I do know that he is immensely popular. Today's New York Times has a really interesting business article about Millan -- his background, how he started business, how it grew.

Check it out: Whispering to Rottweilers, and to C.E.O.'s. It's a good read.

Pets, Autism, and Health Benefits of Pets

2009-10-06T22:29:00.001-04:00

Just found this great site: Autism Service Dogs of America. I hadn't known there were service dogs for the autistic. Good to know.

Also, check out this interesting Consults blog in the New York Times: Readers Ask: Pets, People and Autism, and the related article Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets.

It's all good reading.

Dog-Friendly in Southwest Michigan

2009-09-02T12:17:00.001-04:00

AR and Quasar and I took a quick 2-day vacation (came home last night). It's sometimes tough trying to find dog-friendly places to vacation, so I just had to tell you about this.

We drove from Detroit to Union Pier, in southwest Michigan. It's a very small town atmosphere, but very relaxing -- wooded and right on Lake Michigan (my favorite Great Lake!). We stayed at Sweethaven Resort, which is less than a mile off I-94, and less than an hour-and-a-half from Chicago. Sweethaven is dog-friendly, and has 5 cottages for rent that sit on 9-acres of wooded land. Your dog is welcome to be on the grounds leash-free. Plus, there's great stuff for people: bicycles and beach furniture, fire pit, plus our cottage had a hot tub!

Equally as great is the very nearby Warren Dunes State Park, which just this year began allowing dogs to run free on the dunes and in one small part of beach. Quasar had a blast, and proved to us that we have all bonded very well (he enjoyed running free, but came when called).

Woods, beach and dunes, bicycling, hot tub ---- and your dog! Who could ask for more? (Well, there's a great Mexican restaurant nearby with excellent margaritas!)

Police & Show Dogs Die of Heat Exhaustion While in Cars

2009-08-19T18:46:00.004-04:00

It's summer and it's hot outside, and the usual accidents happen and mistakes are made in this heat. Specifically, people leave their dog(s) in the automobile thinking that they are safe from immediate ravages of heat, but something goes wrong and the dog dies.

One particular case is the death of a K9 police officer in Georgia, "Rudy." Rudy's partner left him in his police vehicle, with engine hood propped up and air conditioning running, while he went into a meeting for about an hour-and-a-half. However, the engine stopped during that time, and Rudy overheated and died. For more info, read the news article Carrollton K9 Dies From Heat Exhaustion.

Locally, two German Shepherds (both show dogs) were found dead in their crates inside a pickup truck in Eastpointe. The dogs were said to be left inside the truck with the windows open while the owner went into an animal hospital with a third dog. Upon returning to the car a half-hour later, the dogs' owner found the truck window closed and both dogs dead. Police are investigating who might have closed the truck windows. The owner thought the weather that day was mild and fine to leave the two dogs crated in the truck; temperatures that day were in the 70s. For the story and video, click to read 2 Dogs Die in Pickup Truck.

These are two sad cases that highlight no matter how good our intentions are (leaving on the a/c or windows open in "mild" weather), sometimes we don't stop to think about all of the repercussions of our actions.

Best ideas: leave the dogs home, or bring them into the building with you.

One of the interesting things in the K9 news article, is mention of a "canine heat alarm" for police patrol cars. So I did a quick Google search and found a site, one of many that offers a K9 Heat Alarm with features that include dual remote temperature sensors, a special horn-honking feature, and accessories (such as siren notification). Check out AceK9.com for these and related police dog products and services.

2008 Pennsylvania Dog Breeding Law Closing Down Puppy Mills

2009-08-17T23:24:00.004-04:00

A 2008 "Dog Law Restricted Account" by the State of Pennsylvania is now effecting positive change for dogs in that State; it's said that this recent law is one of the strictest dog breeding laws in the nation.

"The law increases minimum cage sizes, requires veterinary care and exercise periods, and bans wire flooring...," according to today's New York Times article 2008 Law Leading to Crackdown on Pennsylvania Puppy Mills (please read for more details and to download a PDF copy of this dog breeding law).

Perhaps this is a law we could see other states adopt and enforce. I'll look for a copy of Michigan's dog breeding law (if there is one) and will post it or a link to it in the near future.

That the Professional Dog Breeders Advisory Council has decided to sue Pennsylvania for violating the federal Constitution just highlights the fact that they care nothing about the welfare of dogs and everything about making $$$ regardless of abuses they engage in. Really sad.

This is not to say that all dog breeders are "bad," but rather that there needs to be strictly enforced regulation and accountability for those that deal in propagating animal life.

Michigan Animal Care Network & Michigan Animal Adoption Network

2009-08-16T22:06:00.004-04:00

Informative article in today's Detroit Free Press about the nonprofit Animal Care Network of Pontiac and Inkster (a sister group of the Animal Adoption Network).

Click on this post title to visit their web site.

Read the article Prowling the streets for pets in distress for information about the groups, how to care for dogs and cats, and what you can do to help.

According to the Freep, low-income Pontiac and Inkster residents can request pet supplies or assistance from the Animal Care Network. For Pontiac, call 248-678-2756 anytime. For Inkster, call 248-545-5055 weekdays from 9 a.m. to5 p.m.

Parvo Virus - Michigan, August 2009

2009-08-03T18:32:00.004-04:00

Local TV news and newspapers have noted an outbreak of the usually fatal canine parvo virus, particularly in the local (Michigan) cities of Pontiac and Inkster.

There are two types of canine parvo virus, which are spread dog-to-dog via contact with infected dog feces. The most common type of the virus is intestinal, and the most common symptoms are lethargy, fever, vomiting, and bloody stool. Death is quick (usually within several days), but painful and ugly. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, it's best to get it to a veterinarian or animal hospital quickly.

The virus usually affects dogs that have not been vaccinated against it (which would include puppies that are not yet old enough to have received all their vaccinations.

Please, follow-up on your pet's annual vaccinations! Also, it might be a good idea to keep puppies out of situations where they might encounter un-vaccinated dogs or their droppings.

Read the Detroit Free Press story Hundreds of dogs in Pontiac, Inkster dying in parvo outbreak.

UPDATE: September 13, 2009

Didi, over at La Ferme de Sourrou, is just recovering from a bout of canine parvo virus. Please check out the post Did Comes Home From The Vets' for details about symptoms, etc.

100+ Chihuahuas Found in Dearborn Home; Dogs Rescued From Dearborn, Michigan, Home

2009-07-25T20:18:00.003-04:00

OK, this is sad.

A 50+ year old Dearborn, Michigan, man is in psychiatric care after police responded to a foul odor complaint at his home, and discovered it overrun with chihuahuas in what appears to be a case of animal hoarding. At last count, according to The Detroit Free Press, 112 live chihuahuas and 150 dead dogs have been found in the small home, and more are expected to be found alive as the house continues to be cleaned out by the authorities.

The Dearborn Animal Shelter is caring for the chihuahuas, and is asking for donations to help with the sudden influx of these dogs (monetary and/or supplies appreciated).

For related articles and link for a Dearborn Animal Shelter adoption form, read the Freep article More Chihuahuas found dead; dozens wait to adopt survivors. This page will also have links to a photo gallery.

UPDATE: Here's a follow-up Freep article, titled One kitten led to a case of 110 dogs, that appears to give the real sequence of events leading up to the finding of all these chihuahuas in the Dearborn home.

Mike Vick Update, July 20 & July 27, 2009

2009-07-20T13:22:00.003-04:00

Just want to post a quick link to a story at the New York Times, titled Vick is Released, but His Future in N.F.L. Remains Cloudy.

Vick has just finished serving a 20-month sentence on federal charges related to dogfighting.

(For previous posts about Vick -- opinions, links, etc. -- click on the Vick label in this blog's sidebar.)

UPDATE: July 27, 2009

Click here for the link to the NY Times story N.F.L. Grants Vick an Opening.

Pet Airways - Airline for Pet Flight Travel in the USA

2009-07-15T12:54:00.003-04:00

Ever need to transport your pet across country, but fear the horror stories of pets' adventures in cargo-hold on an airline -- so you end up driving? Now your pet can fly in the cabin, with a bit more attention and comfort, and without the fear of extreme temperatures (and worse) to which cargo holds are often subject. (After all, your pet is not a suitcase.)

If so, then you'll want to read an interesting article in today's New York Times, titled Paws Up - All-Pet Airline Hits Skies.

The article talks about a New York couple that have created an airline specifically for the transportation of pets between the cities of NY, Washington, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. As of this writing, the fare is only $250 one-way trip.

Detroit Dog thinks this is a great idea for both pet health and owner peace-of-mind.

Memorial Day Tribute - Soldiers and Military Working Dogs

2009-05-25T11:53:00.004-04:00

This is a really great blog, that informs us about and honors our service dogs, most especially our military working dogs :

http://k9pride.wordpress.com/

Tucson Greyhound Racing Park & Tucson Dog Protection Act

2009-05-01T12:42:00.002-04:00

Both, apparently, a sham.

Read the story at The Tucson Weekly.

Animal Poison Control Center

2009-04-11T19:04:00.004-04:00

Poison Control Center Info

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is the premier animal-oriented poison control center in the U.S., and is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

Detroit Dog first learned of this hotline about a week after I adopted Bastet (RIP) in 1997. I left my apartment for about 15-minutes, and when I came back discovered that Bastet had somehow opened my snap-shut backback and pulled out my medications -- which were sprawled across the floor. Since I wasn't sure she'd eaten any, I called animal poison control. They were very helpful -- and thanks to them I learned how to make a dog vomit! (Because they thought the meds might not have yet 'disintegrated' into her digestive system, they had me give Bastet several tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide - the type you purchase in the brown bottle - and she threw up immediately within a matter of seconds. Then I had to keep watch over her for about 4 hours to watch for side effects; this all happened close to midnight.) This was a good trick to learn, as I had to use it a few times more during Bastet's life (poor girl) when she swallowed some things that otherwise could have been dangerous to her.

(However, always call your vet in an emergency!)

Yoga with your dog

2009-04-08T21:55:00.003-04:00

Good grief.

Read all about it at The New York Times: Bonding With Their Downward-Facing Humans.

Neglected New York (Paragallo) Racehorses Rescued

2009-04-04T19:36:00.009-04:00

UPDATE: March 10, 2010

Mr. Paragallo has been convicted of animal abuse. Read the New York Times story Paragallo Convicted of Animal Cruelty.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know we're all about dogs here at The Dog House, but being especially concerned about greyhounds and dog racing, Detroit Dog thinks it only fair to focus on the plight of animals often treated as no more than inanimate commodities when their money-making careers are over.

Please read the New York Times article Prominent Horseman Faces Questions About Neglect, which reports about 4 specific races horses (of about 20) that were found in a "kill" pen, with lice, injuries, and severely underweight:

"...the kill pen operator, who does not want to be identified, said the horses were in such bad condition that he had to feed them for several weeks just to get them in shape for the trip to the slaughterhouse."

The mares are currently being rehabbed by Another Chance 4 Horses, a Pennsylvania nonprofit rescue group.

To learn about horse rescue in Michigan, please visit the International League for The Protection of Horses - Michigan.

UPDATE 4/7/2009:

You might also be interested in this New York Times story: Surge in Abandoned Horses Renews Debate Over Slaughterhouses

UPDATE 4/8/2009:

Another NY Times story just in: New York Takes Over Paragallo's Horse Farm. Sadly, there are many, many more horses in poor condition; both New York State Police and the Humane Society have intervened.

The Recession and Pets

2009-04-03T14:58:00.003-04:00

Please read this story on the National Public Radio web site: The Recession and Pets: Hard Times for Snoopy

2009 Mike Vick Update

2009-03-26T00:44:00.005-04:00

I can't believe he's compared to Martha Stewart....

Here's a news story from USA Today, titled Goodell: Vick must show 'remorse' to play in NFL again

UPDATE April 2, 2009:

Here's a link to a CNN story: Michael Vick taking construction job after prison, lawyer says

TigerLily Finds Her Forever Home

2009-03-22T23:23:00.004-04:00

Dana (TigerLily) comfy with a new toy in her new home.

Our foster greyhound TigerLily (racing name Stormy Dana, aka Shanna) was adopted this past weekend by a wonderful family. We will miss her big floppy ears and her incredibly long waggy tail, and her gentle demeanor.

Last Sunday we heard from Michigan ReGAP that a family was interested in meeting Dana, so we called them on Monday and set up a time for them to meet Dana on Tuesday.

MP and wife PP and 9 year old son RP stopped by our house last Tuesday evening to visit with Dana for close to an hour. We talked about her - and them - and then went outside to play with her, then AR and Quasar went for a walk around the neighborhood with Dana and the family. It was a wonderful visit, and I must say that I was impressed by the family. Dana is their first dog, but they've been looking for well over 6 months, and have been researching the breed, and were just very conscientious that the adoption was the right thing for all concerned -- dog and human.

We liked the family and they liked Dana, so paperwork was taken care of, and on Saturday the P family stopped by to pick up Dana and take her home. We packed some treats, her blankie, and a few toys she'd come to like, as well as her vet and racing records, gave her a kiss and said goodbye. We were a little teary-eyed.

Dana has moved pretty far north of here (there's still snow), but she's with a wonderful and loving family in a very big home, with four acres (!) to romp, and a little boy with lots of love. We should all be so lucky!

We wish all the best for Dana and her Forever Family.

Honest Scrap!

2009-03-14T15:34:00.010-04:00

Blogpal Victoria at Teachings of The Horse has seen fit to bestow upon Detroit Dog the "Honest Scrap" award or meme really -- most likely as a way to get me up and posting. Well, it has worked!

Honest Scrap requires that I list 10 (Honest) Things About Me. It's really rather timely, as I've been very self-reflective as of late. Normally with memes I'm all about Detroit Dog, but for Honest Scrap I'll reveal the person inside the name.

10 Things About Me:

1. I was chased by a pack of chihuahuas when I was 9 (it traumatised me, and I was afraid of most small dogs until I was in my mid-20s);
2. I have revised this list several times; I have anxiety about the possibility of people knowing who I am (though it wouldn't matter to anyone but me);
3. I was once robbed at knife point, and my "purse" was handed back to me without the thief digging into it because it was too messy (he decided to take just what was in my pocket; believe me, this tells you lots about me);
4. I've been mostly unemployed for 2 years. The first year was a relief. The second year was worrisome. Now I'm trying to look at unemployment as a gift and an opportunity, and figure out how to recreate myself;
5. I lived in NYC for 13 years and moved there without having first visited; I arrived on a Greyhound bus with $1,000 in my pocket;
6. I volunteered in a NYC hospital ER every Friday night for 13 months (and I have shrouded a dead patient);
7. I find my greatest comfort in animals;
8. I've exhibited with museums and Michigan and NY galleries (it's been a while);
9. I have Lupus, and have been in remission since I lost my edge (and left NY -- 10 years steroid-free!);
10. I have fantasies about: a) getting a Ph.D. one day, b) publishing a book, c) winning the lottery and building my dream home with acres and acres for a dog and animal sanctuary.

And one more for good measure: I am thankful for the life that I have, and the people that are a part of it.

Now, Part 2 of Honest Scrap requires that I pass this on to 7 others, so I will pass this on to:

1. New blogger Henry the Dog's Mum, who is on a path of self-discovery brought about in part by the European "credit munch" (check out her pup's blog at Henry the Dog Diaries);
2. Marvel at Strawberry Lane, because I suspect she needs a little boot to blog about now, and because I'm curious about the woman behind the horses, the dogs, the ranch...;
3. Hardworking Hippy at La Ferme de Sourrou, an interesting woman who blogs about her "off grid, home built house and permaculture smallholding in Bourrou, France";

Hmmmm.... Well, that's 3. I'd like to invite readers (perhaps 4 of you?) to take on this meme of sorts and share some Honest Scraps about yourself. Please come back and leave a comment and a link to your blog, and I'll be sure to post it for all of Detroit Dog's readers.

(One more thing: Passing along memes gives me great anxiety.)

Univ of Michigan To Stop Using "Healthy" Dogs For Medical Training Course

2009-02-27T01:58:00.002-05:00

On first read, it seems a great thing that University of Michigan "that it would end a controversial practice of using healthy dogs from animal shelters in teaching surgeons trauma lifesaving skills." (From The Detroit Free Press.) However, that the word "healthy" was included in the announcement, leaves me to suspect it ain't over; they didn't say that they would just stop using dogs -- period.

Read the article U-M to end use of healthy dogs from shelters in surgeon training course.

Still, it would be a start.

Van Gogh's Ear Award

2009-02-26T18:56:00.004-05:00

Blogpal Victoria, at Teachings of the Horse, has seen fit to bestow upon Detroit Dog (and select others) the Van Gogh's Ear Award.

“The Van Gogh's Ear Award is for blogs that are making a difference in the blogosphere," its creator said, "We are all artists in our own way, be it art, photography, writing, philosophy, comedy, or blogging, and we all go a little crazy sometimes.... Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else."

So, in the spirit of artistic craziness, I'm going to pass the Van Gogh's Ear Award to my blogpal Henry The Dog, who is both a little crazy and hears much better than most humans, and has certainly made a difference in the lives of many humans and canines.

Remember, Henry, the Ear is not a play thing!

University of Michigan Med School Continues Using Dogs for Student Training

2009-01-24T16:28:00.004-05:00

There's an interesting opinion piece in today's Detroit Free Press that you might want to check out, titled Medicine and Morals at U-M, and subtitled U-M med school should stop traumatizing dogs. It's written by Ann Arbor physician and University of Michigan School of Medicine clinical professor Edward J. Linker, M.D. (a specialist in Holistic Primary Care).

Dr. Linker says that he is "disappointed that U-M refuses to modernize its Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course by replacing live animals with high-tech simulators that accurately replicate human anatomy.

Instead, U-M continues to use and kill dogs from Michigan animal shelters in a course designed to teach procedures to be performed on human patients."

He goes on to say, "It's crucial that all doctors, especially trauma training participants, be trained with the best tools and methods available and have a complete understanding of the human body. That's why the vast majority of ATLS courses across the country, including all other ATLS courses in Michigan, have stopped using live animals as training tools. Participants in these other courses now use cutting-edge human patient simulation technology to learn how to treat the effects of trauma in humans.

But in U-M's trauma training course, students continue to use anesthetized dogs. At the end of the course, the dogs are killed.

Well, since respected technology exists, why is University of Michigan Med School still choosing to use dogs? Especially when that technology replicates the human body?

Let's call for U-M to come around in its thinking and join the 21st century already.

Watching the Obama Inauguration

2009-01-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

Dear Reader,

We're all here at home today to watch the inaugural news and festivities, and to watch the inauguration itself in just a little over an hour-and-a-half.

Mom (detroit dog, that is) is snuggly in flannel PJ's (just finished last week in my first-ever sewing class!) with a cappuccino and laptop, in front of the TV. (Stimulus-overload, ya think?) TigerLily is stretched out on the floor at my feet. Quasar is snuggled into a corner of the couch (allowed only when his blankie is on it). Dad (the hubby, that is) is having his coffee at his computer in his office.

Outside is about -- well, who knows how much snow by now. It snowed 6 inches on Saturday, and it seems to snow about every 2 or 3 days.

It's all a pretty and comfy scene here in anticipation of what we hope is a good year, and a Presidency of honor, hope, and greatness -- not just for us Americans, but for the world over. I am hoping we are taking great steps toward peace. (And towards making both Election day and Inauguration day national holidays -- work-free days.)

Here is a link to a great New York Times page appropriately titled Picturing the Inauguration: The Readers' Album. It's a collection of readers' photos that have been sent into the paper since January 18.

Wishing you peace and hope,

Veronica (detroit dog) & Alex, Quasar, & TigerLily

Introducing TigerLily

2009-01-09T18:19:00.004-05:00

A day or two before New Year's I received an email from ReGAP, asking if AR and I could take in a foster dog. I responded that I thought we couldn't unless it was a real emergency, and then it would have to be a female (still a few dominance issues with Quasar). Well, ReGAP responded that it was indeed an emergency.

This past Sunday, there was a kennel closure at the Dairyland Racetrack in Wisconsin. About 16 dogs were transported from the track to the Michigan Welcome Center at the Indiana state line, and the dogs were distributed to several rescue groups. ReGAP took 5 of the dogs and their great volunteers drove (about a 6-hour round trip, and in an ice storm!) that day to pick them up and bring them back here, where they were treated to baths and grooming by Dapper Dog Wash.

AR instantly fell for a sweet brindle girl, one of two females. She came home with us. Her track name is RJ's Stormy Dana, but the workers on the track called her Shana (and it was inscribed on her muzzle). So for a few days we called her Shana or Dana.

She's a sweetheart, with thick fur (really unusual) that is gold with tiger-stripes. So on Wednesday, AR says "We should call her TigerLily." O.K. Then yesterday, the dear hubby says "We could call her Lily." O.K.

See where this is going?

This is a photo of TigerLily & Quasar yesterday in the snow. That's me in the background, dressed to slum (or for the cold).
AR was holding the camera and called them.

Here are Quasar and TigerLily with their Wiggly-Giggly ball.

Here's Quasar reasserting his maleness, in a playful way.
Lucky that TigerLily is mellow, and is being vetted next week.

TigerLily is a sweetie. She's taken a few days to figure out what toys are for and what a treat is. She's very affectionate. And she has thick fur and feels very soft. Perhaps we should call her "Fluffy." She's taught herself how to climb up and down stairs, and knows how to jump into a car (we still have to lift Quasar). She loves her crate.

Dana/Shana/TigerLily is a good girl, and will make some family a loving pet - though it will be a couple of weeks before she's fully "assessed" and put up on the ReGAP site.

In the meantime, she's one of our family.

How To Deconstruct A Screaming Monkey

2009-01-08T16:33:00.005-05:00

Quasar celebrated the holidays with his favorite Christmas gift, the notorious Screaming Monkey, a gift from one of AR's best friends. This particular Monkey has a recording device inside which, when squeezed properly, emits the sounds of what one hopes is in fact not a screaming monkey but rather a lunatic that makes a good living in strange ways. The screaming sends Quasar into a scary frenzy. Really. He gets this look in his eye that is both intimidating and focused. He tore the monkey apart at the seams within 20 minutes, so AR took the monkey and duct taped it together, and put it in hiding for a couple of weeks until poor Quasar calmed down.

Since Quasar has been a Good Boy as of late (really, all the time), we decided this afternoon to give him the Screaming Monkey as a treat.

Quasar immediately went into another frenzy, showing the Monkey who is boss and that he will not be intimated by either screaming...

...or duct tape.

One damn happy dog.

I don't know how much this toy costs, but it is worth every penny regardless of its longevity. Just have your camera ready.

The good news is that we retrieved the recording device, which still works and which we will use whenever we need to get Quasar's serious attention.

Get Your Dog Microchipped!

2008-12-19T15:47:00.003-05:00

yeesh!

This past Sunday evening, my friend TT's two greyhounds -- Cinnamon and Bella -- escaped her back yard. (It's supposed that the neighbor came into the yard to adjust the Christmas lights along the fence and did not close the gate on the way out.) Cinnamon was found a block over about an hour later, but Bella was not found until about midnight Wednesday.

For days, TT and friends and caring people in the ReGAP list serve that live nearby, searched the area and put up posters, called local vets and rescue groups, walked along the local railroad tracks, searched through the nearby cemetery and, in my case, searched at local shelters. No Bella to be found. Wednesday night a neighbor mentioned that someone he knew had found a lost dog on the street and had her at his home in a nearby town. Anyway, long story made short, Bella was brought home.

But during the time that she was away, several rescue groups sent out emails to their members asking them to be on the look out or help search for Bella. Many people came to help. And we got our first "real" snow of the season of about 3 or 4 inches, complete with freezing temperatures.

Bella, who was never microchipped, was found without her collar and tags. I cannot tell you how upset I was about that.

On Monday and Tuesday, I searched for Bella at the Michigan Humane Society in Detroit, the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, and the Oakland County Animal Control. Talk about depressing. It's sad enough to know that pets go unwanted, but many also remain lost and perhaps "put down." Michigan law requires that city animal control/shelters keep dogs for only 4 days; after that they can be either euthanized or put up for adoption. Roughly 15 -25% of animals that walk in to shelters actually walk out alive (adopted). So that's roughly 75 - 85% that are destroyed. (Read my April 2007 post Surrendering Your Pet.)

How to make a difference for you and your beloved pet? Get your pet microchipped. It's simple and very inexpensive (less than $20) and takes only several minutes. Your vet will inject a tiny microchip into the area between your dog's (or cat's) shoulder blades. If your pet is lost but somehow finds its way to a veterinarian or shelter, or even police department, a special microchip scanner used on your dog can read the i.d. #, they can then call the product supplier and find out the contact information for you - the pet owner.

Please, get your dog microchipped. It could save us all some heartache.

If you're considering making a donation to help dogs at year's end, please consider the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society in Detroit. They are small, in a not well-trafficked area, and the dogs there look in particular need. Send your donation to Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, 13569 Joseph Campau, Detroit, MI 48212-1648.

Some random items from their wish list: blankets, towels, laundry detergent, postage stamps, dog and cat beds and toys, and dog collars.

Mike Vick Update: Vick Moving to Halfway House?

2008-12-16T22:23:00.004-05:00

According to an article in today's NY Times Sports section, imprisoned NFL star and convicted dogfighting bankroller Michael Vick's lawyers say that he may be headed from Leavenworth to a halfway house in Virginia in late January. Vick's federal sentence expires in July 2009.

For more information about Vick's move and his finances, read the story Lawyer: Vick May Be Moved to Halfway House in Jan.

To read/find back info about Vick, click on the label Vick in this blog's sidebar.

LOST GREYHOUND DOG - FERNDALE

2008-12-15T19:16:00.003-05:00

Please be on the lookout for "Bella" (Isabella), missing since Sunday evening in the 8-1/2 Mile and Woodward/Hilton area of Ferndale.

Bella is a dark brown/black greyhound, very skinny and small -- about 50 lbs. She's very friendly. Was last seen wearing a red collar with her ReGAP tag on it.

Bella and her partner Cinnamon escaped from the yard (it's suspected that a neighbor left the gate open after going in to arrange his Christmas lights along the fence line). Cinnamon was found about an hour later (6:30 p.m.) just a block over; Bella was nowhere to be found.

If you find Bella, please do one of the following:

Call your local police (Ferndale and Royal Oak PD have been notified), or
Call Tracey at 248-210-8283, or
Call Michigan ReGAP at 1-800-GO-HOUND

Tracey and I put up some flyers around the area this evening. We've both driven up and down local streets calling for her. I've checked at the Michigan Humane Society for her today (talk about sad); tomorrow at the Anti-Cruelty Association and the Detroit Animal Control. She's checked at a few local shelters, called some local rescue groups, and ReGAP has shared the news with other local rescue organizations that have notified those on their listserves.

Let's hope Bella gets home soon. There's a Polar wind that's coming in, and we're expecting a few inches of snow by tomorrow night.

Thank you for your help!

Finding Peace with Animals

2008-12-14T10:43:00.002-05:00

There is a great story on the National Public Radio (NPR) web site, which you can both read and listen to, titled Injured Veteran Reunites With Bomb Dog And Medic. It's about a young woman veteran, severely injured in the Iraq war, who came to adopt her bomb-sniffing dog Rex and marry the medic who saved her life. What a story!

This woman and her husband and dog now live on a farm/ranch in Pennsylvania. The last paragraph of the story is subtitled "Finding Peace with Animals."

It's a good read.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-12T13:02:00.003-05:00

Season's Greetings to you and yours, from Detroit Dog and Quasar!

Here's a sweet treat, The Snow Dog at www.jacquielawson.com (and thanks to blogger French Fancy for sharing the gift with us so that we could pass it on).

Flowers for My Blog Pals

2008-12-02T13:35:00.005-05:00

Such a wonderful bouquet of flowers from my blog-pal Victoria at Teachings of The Horse. The flowers have helped to lift my spirits today. So, in the spirit of keeping a gift in motion, I'll pass on this bouquet to a few other blog-pals.

One bouquet is for Kat at Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes, who very recently lost her beloved father. Hugs, Kat.

A second bouquet is for Linda at Linda and Her Twaddle, who recently underwent surgery, but is back sharing with us her contemplations on life as a wife, mom, and artist in Australia. Nothing keeps you down, Linda!

And, because we are all about animals here at The Dog House, a third bouquet goes to -- good grief, what is her name?! -- my blog-pal over at Strawberry Lane, who's generous spirit has put her through many trials and tribulations with her rescue horse Shadow, and who recently adopted a rescued golden retriever named Katie.

Ladies, I salute you.

Texas Busts One of the Largest Dogfighting Rings in the Country

2008-11-16T03:14:00.004-05:00

According to the NY Times: Texas "State officials said late Friday that they had begun dismantling one of the largest dogfighting rings in the country that night, arresting eight people and seizing 187 dogs used by a sophisticated network of bettors throughout eastern Texas."

Read the full NY Times story: Dogfighting Ring is Broken Up in Texas.

Or read the Houston Chronicle story Huge dogfighting ring broken up in Harris Co., DA says. This story tells more about the 17-month investigation which required infiltration into the ring by undercover investigators, the indictment of 55 people, the arrest of a school teacher, and the discovery of firearms and drugs.

UPDATE: December 7, 2008

Read the NY Times follow up story Dogfighting Subculture is Taking Hold in Texas. Sick and sad.

Military Vets & Their Service Dogs

2008-11-12T01:28:00.003-05:00

Monday's NY Times ran a great story about US war veterans assisted by service dogs. Read Veterans Helped by Healing Paws, a good read about the physical and emotional service these dogs contribute, and our good soldiers that recognize the strengths of such partnerships.

Want to read more about military and working dogs? Check out this great blog, K9 Pride.

Quasar Sleeping

2008-11-11T12:16:00.001-05:00

So I woke up about 3 a.m. the other night and had time to go downstairs and get my camera and come back upstairs and take a picture of the still sleeping Quasar! I suspect he must be getting comfy in his new home.

Michigan Horse Rescue

2008-11-09T11:30:00.002-05:00

Today's Detroit Free Press runs an interesting story about a horse rescue group in Dansville, Michigan: Dansville farm readies abused horses for caring homes. This group is "the only U.S. affiliate of the British International League for the Protection of Horses," according to the Freep.

Find out more at the web site International League for the Protection of Horses - Michigan.

Quasar!

2008-10-29T19:55:00.002-04:00

It's A Boy!

2008-10-23T00:16:00.006-04:00

We didn't know we were expecting, so imagine our surprise when we fell in love with "Quasar."

He's now the brightness at the center of our galaxy!

Quasar is keeping his racing name; he knows it, answers to it, and it suits his quirkiness. He's nothing like our dear departed Bastet --in looks or temperament; we didn't think we could ever find another girl like her and, indeed, we did not. He is all boy. He's 66.7 lbs. of love, and dressed in a tux! He loves to fart and burp (it's a love fest with Dad), he barks (unusual for a greyhound), loves to "roughhouse," plays fetch with his squeaky hedgehog, chases squirrels, loves to be outside, and is quite the extrovert. At 4 years of age, he's still his puppy-self, but very well-mannered -- especially with "sit, stay" (treats help).

This past summer, we thought about the possibilities of adopting, but still weren't sure. In August, we received an email from Michigan ReGAP asking for additional foster families for some greyhounds coming out of the Second Chance At Life Greyhound & Inmate Prison Partnership Program. AR & I decided that we would foster as a way to figure out if we were ready for a dog. We completed our foster paperwork, and the next day I showed up at Dapper Dog Wash to pick up a dog. Quasar was assigned to me, and off we went.

I'll have to post more photos soon, and there is lots more to tell (his father was an Australian champion, he's an IVF baby, and he has over 5,400 siblings), but in the meantime, here is the letter Quasar will be mailing to his former handlers at the prison in Coldwater:

Hi,

I am writing to tell you that I have just been adopted! It is a case of "foster failure"; that is, after all these weeks my foster parents decided that I must be their forever dog. They tell me that is so because I am such a good-looking and well-behaved dog and there is probably not another one like me out there and they feel so lucky that they just can't believe it! (And did I mention because I'm good-looking?)

So let me tell you about my new digs and my new family.

I am just crazy about my new Dad; he is my best buddy. We go for 2-mile walks almost every day, and he is a firm believer that life is not worth living without peanut butter treats. I like to race up and down the driveway when he gets home from work. I love to play with Mom, and if I bark at her, she will roughhouse with me. Mom and Dad do not have kids, so I am an only child. They are creative types, though, and come and go throughout the day, so there is almost always someone home with me.

There are lots of beds here! I have one in the basement so I can be with Dad while he practices guitar, and a bed on the first floor so I can just hang out (usually looking out the front door at the neighborhood), and another really comfy bed upstairs. At night I like to sleep on my back with my legs up in the air. We go on day trips, and I've already been to the cider mill and to State Parks. I've come to love car rides, and yesterday Dad took me around the block just for fun. It was a blast!

We have a small but nice home, and the yard is fenced so I can run free to chase the squirrels. I have a favorite tree which I will stand under for long periods of time just waiting to see those squirrels come out of their nest. We have discovered that I am quite the watchdog -- a real surprise to all of us. I patrol the house and windows, and I bark at squirrels, people, and strange sounds at night.

When I first came to live here, I really missed you guys, so much that I didn't eat for a few days and really worried everyone. But they got the idea to mix some canned food with my dry food, and now I eat two big meals a day.

Mom and Dad want me to give you a special "Thank You" for having spent your time and energy training me and letting me know what love is all about. It's a big exciting world out here, and I really appreciate your having prepared me, and I will remember you always for it. I hope there are other lucky dogs out there that will get to know you, too.

Best wishes forever,

Quasar

Michigan ReGAP Greyhounds at Waterford Oaks

2008-09-26T22:29:00.004-04:00

Join Michigan ReGAP (Rescued Greyhounds As Pets) this Sunday afternoon for a greyt time!

There'll be lots of greyt dogs there, and it will be a wonderful opportunity to meet many available for adoption. To see them via the internet, and/or find out more about this and other upcoming ReGAP events, click on this link.

September 28

MI - REGAP's 12th Annual Walk For Life Pledge Drive Fundraiser

What: FUNdraiser
When: Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m..
Where: Waterford Oaks, an Oakland County Park. 2800 Watkins Lake Rd., Waterford, MI. (Between Pontiac Lake Rd. and Dixe Hwy, just west of Telegraph
Park Info: 248.858.0906

Pledge Drive & Hike/walk to help save greyhound lives! Ask friends, family and co-workers to help greyhounds find their way from the track to the safety of REGAP and sponsor your "Hound Hike" in Waterford Oaks'

NO PARK ENTRY FEE! Greyt trails- wooded or paved! All walker-hiker hounds completing their route receive a memento greyhound pin.

FALL FUN! 2 Hike routes: Let your hound sniff til heart's content on the Nature Trail in the woods & over bridges or on a Paved Path along-side marshes, ponds and the woods. Large Playscape for the human kids! Relax under the large gazebo shelter, nibble on a Hotdog fresh off the grill. Annual Greyt Fall Raffle, Vendors, and some special guests to be announced at a later date!

Animal Planet Examines Mike Vick and Dogfighting

2008-08-23T20:52:00.003-04:00

The following are excerpts lifted from an ASPCA newsletter:

Don’t Miss It: “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case” Premieres This Sunday!

Last year’s federal case against Vick dominated the media for months, generating public concern for the dogs seized from Bad Newz Kennels—and for animal victims across the country still involved in this brutal “sport.” The sentence may have been handed down, but the concern and questions still remain. What happened to the dogs seized in the case? How did Vick get involved in this underworld?

Many of these questions will be answered this Sunday night during “Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case," the premiere episode of Animal Planet’s new series on animal forensics. The one-hour show offers an in-depth look at Vick and exposes the hidden world of dog fighting—and for the first time on national television, lead investigator Bill Brinkman talks about the inner workings of the case.

The episode is scheduled to air at 10:00 P.M. EST this Sunday evening, August 24. Please visit Animal Planet online to learn more. Please note, the episode does feature footage from underground dog fighting videos—viewer discretion is advised.

Dog Days, a Video by Jeff Scher

2008-08-19T11:06:00.002-04:00

Something very fun in the NY Times today, and a good read...or, good see.

Check out The Animated Life, a quick read by visual artist Jeff Scher, with a short video titled Dog Days. Music by composer Shay Lynch.

The Dallas Zoo & Jenny the Elephant

2008-08-15T17:59:00.004-04:00

The Dallas Zoo is seeking to relocate its 32-year old African elephant, Jenny, to the Africam Safari Park in Puebla, Mexico. (yes, Africam)

According to the NY Times story What to Do With Traumatized Elephant Stirs Up Dallas, there has been a local -- and increasingly national -- uproar over the Dallas Zoo's choice of future home for Jenny the elephant. Jenny is considered somewhat of a "special needs" elephant, as she at one time suffered from serious depression which included anger and self-mutilation.

So, what's all the fuss about?

Since the death earlier this year of the Zoo's other elephant, Jenny has lived alone. Zoo officials hope to relocate Jenny to the newly AZA-accredited Africam Safari Park, which offers a part of a 4.9-acre shared elephant site. (Currently, one acre of the proposed space is occupied by several Asian elephants.) However, Jenny has an opportunity to live out her life at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, in a setting offering her several hundred acres within their 2,700 acre sanctuary.

You would think it would be a no-brainer for The Dallas Zoo, but it is not. The Safari Park offers significantly less roaming space than the Sanctuary (a portion of a 4.9-acre elephant site compared to 300+ acres), and less experienced staff. Additionally, the American Zoo Association (AZA) standards are voluntary amongst its members; the Safari Park accounts to no one. Also, more walking space would help in preventing arthritis, which many zoo elephants are prone to because of the small size of their enclosures.

Perhaps most importantly, the move of Jenny from a zoo to a drive-through theme park both perpetuates and highlights an organizational perspective of very street-level thinking: that animals are easily disposable, that the size of an animal's enclosure is irrelevant to quality of life.

Visit concernedcitizensforjenny.net to find out more about Jenny and how you can help in her quest for a better life.

Comedienne Lily Tomlin has become active in efforts to convince Zoo officials to allow Jenny to live at the Sanctuary....or any sanctuary. Read her blog post Lily Tomlin to the Rescue of a Special Needs Elephant.

To submit an online email to the mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, click on this link. Or, email tom.leppert@dallascityhall.com. To reach the Mayor and City Council members, write to: Mayor/City Council, City of Dallas, 1500 Marilla Street, 5th Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-6390

Bush Seeks to Render Endangered Species Act Comatose

2008-08-13T14:24:00.004-04:00

ABC News reports that the Bush administration is seeking to make extinct parts of the Endangered Species Act. The following is a bit from that story, Bush to Relax Protected Species Rules:

The Bush administration wants federal agencies to decide for themselves whether highways, dams, mines and other construction projects might harm endangered animals and plants.

New regulations, which don't require the approval of Congress, would reduce the mandatory, independent reviews government scientists have been performing for 35 years, according to a draft first obtained by The Associated Press.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said late Monday the changes were needed to ensure that the Endangered Species Act would not be used as a "back door" to regulate the gases blamed for global warming.

Well, that's pretty damned ridiculous. He says right there that his interest isn't "species," it's regulation of gases alleged to affect global warming. He's got his regulations mixed up. (Having things mixed-up seems to be common in the proud-of-his-college-"c"-average Bush administration.) Will somebody please slap the guy and yell "Snap out of it!"

Essentially, Bush proposes to "relax" current natural resources and wildlife policies, leaving the welfare of our natural resources and wildlife to be determined by federal agencies (such as the Dept. of Transportation) that know nothing about land and life, instead of agencies that do (Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, etc.).

Who needs independent assessments, second opinions, scientific input, diverse perspectives, or even a brain for that matter? Not us.

Would any of these federal agencies have proposed these projects in the first place if they thought it might be a problem? No, they wouldn't have wasted their time. If Bush has his way, these federal agencies will just go ahead with their projects without concern to anyone except their developers ($$$).

Please read today's NY Times editorial An Endangered Act, which addresses President Bush's continued attempts to eradicate the physical health and welfare of flora and fauna in this great country, quickly and surely.

It's a wonder I still have hair left.

Kansas City's Woodlands Greyhound Track Closes

2008-08-05T09:45:00.003-04:00

Kansas City's Woodlands Greyhound Track has announced it will close August 23.

The Woodlands track manager Jayme LaRocca estimates there are about 900 dogs at the track (14 kennels have the capacity for 66 dogs each.) As with most track closings, some of the dogs will move on to other tracks, some will go to greyhound rescue groups, and the remaining dogs will return to the custody of their owners (as pets or, more likely, to be put down).

The good news is that the track is closing. The bad news is that there will be a great strain on rescue/adoption groups around the country: 1) to arrange for relay transportation of the dogs to other parts of the country; 2) to find additional foster/adoptive homes during these difficult economic times; 3) to raise the funds necessary to provide medical care for dogs coming off thee track (spaying/neutering, and in many cases acute-need veterinary care).

Here's a link to the story Greyhounds Need Homes After Woodlands Shutdown @ KMBC-TV in Kansas City.

I'll be updating this post today with more information and greyhound rescue group links.

Mom Moose & Twin Calves Playing in Sprinkler

2008-08-02T10:04:00.003-04:00

Here's a cute YouTube video -- sent to me by my Uncle P. -- of a mother moose and her twin calves. It appears that they walked into someone's backyard; the calves are having a riot playing in the sprinkler!

Really beautiful. Enjoy!

Click on this link to watch: Mom Moose and twin calves playing in sprinkler. The video was posted by "Arcticsooner" and is just under 4-minutes' length.

Support The Detroit Zoo!

2008-07-30T19:45:00.004-04:00

Please vote YES on August 5 to support the Detroit Zoo!

Pasted in below is the Proposal FAQ from The Detroit Zoo's web site. For more information about The Detroit Zoo, necessary funding, the Proposal, and how you can help, visit The Detroit Zoo's voter education pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Proposal?
The Detroit Zoological Society is asking Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties to each place a proposal on the ballot that asks voters to approve a tax of up to 0.10 of a mill on all taxable property for a period of 10 years. Funds will go to the Detroit Zoological Society to help support its operation and maintenance of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

Why does the Zoo need the proposal?
The City of Detroit turned over governance and management of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo to the Detroit Zoological Society in 2006. At the time of transition the City ceased its annual subsidy.

How much does it cost to operate the Zoo?
The DZS has an annual operating budget of $24 million dollars to operate the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo in fiscal 2009. The City of Detroit was the source of a direct annual operating subsidy for 77 years. The current budget has one-third coming from earned revenue (admissions, parking, concessions, rides, rentals); one-third from contributed income (donations, memberships, sponsorships, grants) and one-third from a newly proposed public funding source.

How much will the proposal cost me?
A 0.10 of a mill tax will cost the average homeowner of a $200,000 home approximately $10 per year. That’s less than a dollar a month!

Is a ballot proposal necessary?
We continue to increase earned revenues and aggressively raise funds from the private sector (foundations, corporations, individuals), but the DZS needs a long-term sustainable source of public funding in order to continue serving the community.

Why are three different counties being asked to support the zoo?
The Detroit Zoo benefits the entire tri-county Metro Detroit region, and a substantial proportion - 85percent, - of the Zoo’s members and visitors come from the tri-county community. Therefore, it only makes sense for support to come from this entire area – not just one city, county or organization.

Why Should I care about the Zoo?
The Zoo is part of every Metro-Detroit family. You’d be hard pressed to find a family who hasn’t spent time at the Zoo. Throughout the tri-county area schools use the Zoo for field trips and hands-on learning. The animals and programs at the Detroit Zoo have educated, entertained, amused and amazed every generation for generations.

Do other zoos receive public funding?
Yes, more than two-thirds of nationally accredited nonprofit zoos receive public funding. Public funding accounts for 30-40percent of the operating budgets among nonprofit-operated zoos (this figure is even higher among government-operated institutions).

Will county residents get any special discounts if the proposal passes?
Yes. The Zoo and county zoological authorities in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County will mutually determine what benefits its residents will receive should the ballot proposal pass. Benefits could include education discounts, free admission on select days, or any number of yet-to-be-determined discounts.

What happens if the tax doesn’t pass?
We believe the community understands the value of this regional gem and will support this measure to secure the Zoo’s future.

Military & Working Dogs

2008-07-15T16:11:00.005-04:00

Just came across an awesome blog, thanks to a reader comment by "War Dog Marine" on an earlier blog post.

This is copied from War Dog Marine's blog K9 Pride, which is "Dedicated to working dog teams protecting us worldwide":

My name is Sgt Mike Dowling. I was a military working dog handler in the Marine Corps from 2001-2005. In 2004 my dog Rex and I had the privilege of being a part of the first group of war dog teams sent into combat during OIF II (Operation Iraqi Freedom). We were based out of Camp Pendleton, Ca and operated with 2/2 in Mahmudiyah and Fallujah, Iraq. Together Rex and I earned many awards and had a lot of achievements that I am proud of and grateful for. I started this blog to honor dog teams worldwide and share the incredible value they bring. I am also asked many questions about the dogs so if you have any feel free to email them here k9prideblog@yahoo.com and I will try to respond as soon as I can. Please leave comments and share any thoughts you may have. Semper Fi

K9 Pride has lots of really wonderful photos, some videos, and lots of information. Some of the categories or labels on the blog:

Air Force, Army, Navy and other military working dogs
Police dogs
Fallen handlers
Dog poems

Please, check it out!

For still more links to working/service dog sites, read my July 4 post Working Dogs & The Helmsley Billions. For more about dogs in the military, visit the Military Working Dog Foundation.

Wildlife Art

2008-07-14T10:57:00.004-04:00

There is an interesting article in the NY Times about wildlife art, and specifically at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Titled The Prowess of the Painter in a Hunter's Paradise, critic Edward Rothstein's story is also a somewhat melancholy look at the vanishing wildlife that inspires wildlife artists. Rothstein also makes mention of the varieties of wildlife art (sport, scientific cataloging, etc.) and the history of wildlife art and the driving forces behind it. It's a good - and educational - read.

One of the best collections in the Midwest of wildlife art can be found here in "our own backyard," at The Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, Michigan.

Cockfighting & the Law

2008-07-06T13:07:00.004-04:00

Today's New York Times runs a story about cockfighting in New Mexico.

Last year, New Mexico became the 49th state to outlaw cockfighting; Louisiana will become the 50th next month.

Like dogfighting, so-called "game" cocks are thrown into a ring (pit) to fight each other. Gamecocks, however, wear razors/spikes/spurs strapped to their legs; they generally fight each other to the death. (Cocks - roosters - are naturally aggressive towards each other.) Like fighting dogs, the cocks fight in a pit or enclosed area, with sometimes hundreds in attendance. Now that the sport has been outlawed, it has moved the way of dogfighting: largely to rural and clandestine locations. Like dogfighting, cockfights are a haven for illegal gambling.

NM Governor Bill Richardson's did not sign a bill outlawing cockfighting until he decided to run for the U.S. presidency. Seems rather hypocritical to me that he decided not to outlaw a heinous crime until it was clear that his personal goals would be adversely affected. So much for politicians doing what's right, and doing it for the population at large. But I digress....

Read today's New York Times story A Ban on Cockfighting, but Tradition Lives On. You can view a short video there, too.

The Lost Ladybug Project

2008-07-05T21:04:00.003-04:00

Today's NPR program All Things Considered broadcast the segment Lost Ladybug Project Turns Kids Into Scientists. Here's some info from that program's web site:

Cornell University wants you to find and photograph ladybugs. John Losey, a professor of entomology at Cornell University, hopes children will help document ladybug populations around the country. Some native species are dwindling, while exotics are on the rise.

Here's a paragraph from the Lost Ladybug Project web site:

Over the past twenty years several native ladybug species that were once very common have become extremely rare.... During this same time several species of ladybugs from other places have greatly increased both their numbers and range. Besides being incredibly cool and charismatic ladybugs are also essential predators in both farms and forests that keep us from being overrun with pests (like aphids and mealybugs). In many areas the native ladybugs are being replaced by exotic ones. This has happened very quickly and we don't know how this shift happened, what impact it will have (e.g. will the exotic species be able to control pests as well as our familiar native ones always have) and how we can prevent more native species from becoming so rare.

Visit the site to learn more about participating in the project (click the above link).

For more information about the beneficial laboring ladybug, read my October 20, 2007, post Ladybugs and Gardening.

Working Dogs & the Helmsley Billions

2008-07-04T10:05:00.008-04:00

With all this brouhaha about hotel magnate Leona Helmsley's desire to leave her estate to "be used for the care and welfare of dogs," I thought it might be appropriate to list all those working dogs that do something for humans, and might make it worth our while to take care of.

So here goes.

Police K-9 dogs
Military working dogs (check out the Military Working Dog Foundation)
Bomb-sniffing dogs, narcotic- and evidence-sniffing dogs, and illegal contraband-sniffing dogs
Mine-sniffing dogs (see the Thailand Mine Action Center)
Search and rescue dogs (who was helping to find people during NYC's 9/11 emergencies?) Check out the Search Dog Foundation. (air scent, trailing, tracking, disaster, cadaver, water rescue, avalanche)
Service dogs for the blind, deaf, and mobility-impaired persons (see the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs or Susquehanna Service Dogs site)
Sled dogs (still used for transportation in some parts of the world. Balto delivered the diptheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, in 1925; there's even a memorial statue of Balto in NYC's Central Park) (carting and drafting dogs)
Therapy dogs (see the national registrar Therapy Dogs, Inc. and the international registrar Therapy Dogs International)
Dogs used in children's literacy programs ("Reading Assistance Education Dogs")

There is an FBI site about working dogs!

Plus, a lot of these dogs need homes when their working days are over; they don't all just live out their lives with their handlers. There is a very real need for adoptive homes for these dogs.

Leona Helmsley wants to leave billions for the care and welfare of dogs? Fine by me. She wants to leave lemons? Make lemonade!

Make Helmsley's donation work for us, let's not work against it.

For detroit dog's editorial on this subject, as well as story links, read my July 1 post Leona Helmsley Leaves Billions to Dogs.

Leona Helmsley Leaves Billions to Dogs!

2008-07-01T22:45:00.013-04:00

Wow.

Hotel magnate Leona Helmsley has requested that the bulk of her estate ($5 billion on the low end) go to the dogs.

It's reported in the NY Times that Mrs. Helmsley's "mission statement" articulates her desire that the monies from her estate be used to help dogs. However, according to the Times, the statement also allows the trustees to use their discretion in distributing the monies.

So, is this crazy? Well, it's certainly unprecedented. Does it have a snowball's chance in Hell of seeing the light of day? If people can see this as less a frivolity and more as a gesture capable of realizing great strides in animal welfare, then perhaps a significant amount of the funds will find their way towards Ms. Helmsley's mission.

One would hope that Helmsley's trustees would realize that such magnanimous generosity would create an unparalleled legacy and give a precedent-setting credence to the importance of animal welfare the world over. What a great gift to the world.

Best to read the NY Times story Helmsley, Dogs' Best Friend, left them up to $8 Billion.

I think it's wonderful that the money is being left to dogs. It's an acknowledgment of the importance of animal welfare for human life. This is not just a total fruitcake gesture; it's a serious and compassionate gesture, albeit from a controversial woman who drew great comfort (and no criticisms, hypocrisies, judgments, expectations, or jealousies) from pets.

There are lots of humane organizations that can be helped by Ms. Helmsley's generosity.

Perhaps monies can be spent on stopping greyhound racing, or funding programs to stop dogfighting, or subsidize low-cost spay-neuter programs, or support service dog organizations, or assist in training search-and-rescue dogs, or assist in veterinary programs (research also helps humans), or subsidize basic shelter costs, or subsidize education and/or training programs, or help out in emergencies like hurricanes and floods, or subsidize medical expenditures making pets more easily adoptable, or giving toys to shelter dogs (always the most urgent items on wish lists), or stopping dog-to-dog rabies throughout the world (an end was put to it in the U.S. last year), or....

Perhaps the trustees will allow only a percentage of the funds for dog-related care. Let's see if even 20% makes it to that. But wouldn't it be great if the total amount went towards animal welfare?

Perhaps monies could be used for special conservation programs, zoo education programs, endangered species, research, rescue, funding of animal law programs....

The list goes on, lots of great programs, all deserving and nothing worthless.

It's about time somebody did something for animals - even if it is just dogs. It's a start. Mrs. Helmsley's philanthropic gestures are kind and thoughtful, regardless of how most of us would spend the monies; selfishness is to be found only among those that are thankful only for monies that contribute to their interests and not the donor's.

Thank you, Mrs. Helmsley. You rock.

--------------------------------------------

ADDENDUM:

I've been reading some of the comments left on the aforementioned NY Times story, and there are some of them make very good points.

It's her money; she earned it.
How is her contributing to animal welfare any different than someone else donating their hard-earned money to an animal welfare group?
What's the point of having a will or trust if anyone can have it changed to suit their wants/needs?
Perhaps by helping animals, we'll become better humans.
Why not use the funds to help animals that in turn help humans? (Service dogs, search-and-rescue, etc.)
For a lot of years, Helmsley was demeaned as having an inordinate sense of entitlement; and yet here we are feeling entitled to the money she earned.
Ruth Lilly (think pharmaceutical foundation) gave $200 million to the Chicago nonprofit Poetry Foundation; who complained about that?

Additionally, Helmsley has given millions to various human causes throughout her life. She's donated $1 million to the Nat'l Council of Churches for the rebuilding of churches damaged/burned in hate crimes; $10 million to a Connecticut hospital; $33 million to the New York Hospital - Cornell Medical Center; underwrote the Alzheimer Alert Program; and donated millions, also, to other medical and religious organizations.

She obviously didn't do as much as we think she should have, or could have. But she did something.

A couple of other thoughts: We think nothing of paying people millions of dollars to act in movies, play basketball or football or baseball, or even for artworks. So why not give some monies for dogs?

Here is one of those NY Times story comments:

This reminds me of a headstone I saw at the Hartsdale Canine Cemetery. "You were the only one who ever loved me back."

— Naked Uke Guy, Brooklyn

To find out what types of working dogs could be helped by these funds, read my July 4 post Working Dogs and the Helmsley Billions.

Genesee County Animal Control Adds Insult to Injury

2008-06-26T10:56:00.006-04:00

A Mt. Morris, Michigan, (Genesee County) animal control shelter killed the "wrong" dog. The shelter staff lethally injected a family dog that was being held only for observation.

The kill shelter has offered that the family adopt another dog from their shelter, and charge the family only for the spaying or neutering.

The Genesee County Animal Control staff can join others in The Dog House for their gift of adding insult to injury: essentially penalizing a family by having them reimburse the county for monies they wouldn't have had to spend if the county had not made a mistake in the first place.

Read the story at the WDIV web site.

Greyhound Protection at Tucson, Arizona, Dog Track

2008-06-16T17:46:00.004-04:00

The following is from an email I received this morning from my pals at Michigan ReGAP (Rescued Greyhounds as Pets) about both the current status of dog racing in Colorado, and a ballot initiative in Tucson, Arizona, seeking to improve the lives of greyhound dogs at the track:

This appears to be one of those good news/bad news situations. The good news
is that the racing industry in Colorado is losing so much money that they
are having to close their tracks early -- some are afraid permanently (gee,
that would be horrible, wouldn't it?). The bad news is, that when this type
of thing happens, hundreds of dogs are at risk.

According to the Denver Post, the 2008 Colorado dog racing season will come
to an end this month after the Colorado Racing Commission and the Colorado
Greyhound Kennel Association could not agree on kennel contracts. Racing
will stop on June 28. It was scheduled to go until Sept. 1. The governing
bodies said they will work with area kennels and adoption agencies to
relocate the dogs. Bruce Seymore, director of operations for Mile High Dog
Track, says they will be reaching out to rescue groups to help place the
dogs. While that is commendable on his part, it certainly highlights the
fact that the industry has no plan in place for finding homes for the
hundreds of dogs that are continually displaced when they are no longer
profitable.

There is some speculation (Colorado's Channel 2 News) that this may be a
tactic by international investors to bring video gaming and satellite racing
to the Colorado tracks, something that is currently illegal in Colorado, but
has become a popular plan in other states.

This is definitely a situation that merits watching...

ALSO -

This article is too important for us to edit. Please click on the link and
read the entire piece. We all know that Arizona is one of the worst states
for greyhounds -- remember the 150 dogs that got "lost" on their way to
adoption groups, or the little girl that was put down while a rescue group
was en route to get her because the track didn't want to be bothered?
Arizona is also often the last stop on the way to Juarez Mexico tracks
where, believe it or not, conditions are even worse. The Tucson Dog
Protection group has proposed a ballot initiative that would mandate basic
protections for the dogs at the tracks. We need to write everyone we can to
help support this legislation.

Read the guest Op-Ed Greyhounds need the protection offered by South Tucson initiative by local veterinarian Janet Forrer.

Find out more about Tucson Dog Protection.

Urban opossums in the garage

2008-05-21T19:37:00.008-04:00

This afternoon, detroit dog's spouse was cleaning out the garage. He pulled all kinds of things out of the corner, and as he positioned the broom and took a small swipe at a pile of leaves, out came running 6 little baby opossums. Surprise! Four ran under the never-used lawnmower, one climbed up fencing to nowhere, and one dug a little deeper into the leaves. The spouse ran inside.

What to do?

Well, we went back out and tried to recreate some semblance of the small dark space that they'd called home. We didn't touch the babes, who are old enough to no longer live in their mom's pouch (opossums are the only marsupials in north America). Keep in mind that we did not want the animals separated from their mom (who wasn't present), and we didn't want them dead.

I called the Michigan Humane Society Wildlife Department and asked what to do? They told me that opossum moms move their litter every 2 - 3 weeks, so they'd soon vacate the premises. But, if we want them out sooner, she said to keep a light on and/or a radio playing; opossums like the dark and the quiet.

We're going to keep things as they usually are around here, and will check back in a few days to see if they've relocated. I am a little worried, though, since the mother didn't appear to be there. Having said that, the babies looked very healthy and moved around just fine (the one was climbing some fencing about four feet up). I'll update this post to let you know what's going on with the critters.

Where to learn more about the lovely (and highly useful) Opossum: National Opossum Society, the Opossum Society of the United States, and The Humane Society of the US wildlife page. I really like the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Living with Wildlife page.

Quick opossum facts:

Opossums...

...eat mice, rats, and carrion (good news around here), and snails, slugs, spiders, cockroaches, and insects ("carrion" is dead animals), as well as over-ripe/rotting fruit or vegetables (as opposed to fresh)
...score better than dogs (and about as well as pigs) on learning and discrimination tests
...are more resistant to rabies than any mammal (including humans), and do not carry parvovirus and distemper (possibly due to their low body temps)
are fairly docile, and not aggressive or vicious though they may appear so, however, just before falling into a catatonic state that lasts from minutes to hours ("playing opossum"; they will stiffen and be still and appear dead - even if you pick them up)
...get along with cats just fine (they seem to have a mutual respect for each other and just ignore each other)
...opossums do not dig! They can't; opossums have no "fingernails." Their paws are too soft to dig, so if you see them in or at a hole, it is one that was dug by a different animal. They do have "thumbs" on their hind paws.

Sounds worth building a home for! (at least in urban and suburban areas.)

For wildlife questions, contact the Michigan Humane Society Wildlife Department, located at the MHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care, at (248) 852-7420 ext. 224. MHS Wildlfe Dept. Hours (7 days a week): Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday - Monday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

P.S. I don't recall which web site the above photo is from, but the photographer's name is on the photo.

River Rouge Animal 'Shelter' : Animals walk in and don't walk out

2008-05-20T10:42:00.006-04:00

Here's an article forwarded to me by the people at ReGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets). It's about the fact that the so-called animal shelter in River Rouge, Michigan, destroys each and every animal that comes through its doors; there are no volunteers at this shelter, and no effort is made to adopt out the animals.

In fact, the animal control officer for the city, Ernest Bowling, seems to have taken it upon himself to make it a policy to not adopt out any animals. This after being told by the city to not sell animals to research (he had previously been selling all of them, it seems, to a specific licensed "breeder" that in turn would sell them to research).

Why the reactionary response by Mr. Bowling? Is he angry about not making a buck on the sale to one specific 'breeder'? Is he just an angry and spiteful person in general towards his employers? Does he just not care to put any effort into his work? My own feeling is that the guy should be fired and a new animal control officer hired, and at least make an effort to find homes for the animals; they should not sell to breeders or to research. If breeders are taking in stray stock, then they're obviously not concerned with genetics or characteristics or qualities, just with popping out another pup to sell.

Read the May 18 Detroit Free Press article Animal shelter is criticized. The original story, by Justine DePalma, is printed below the following update.

--------------------------------------------

UPDATE: May 21, 2008

Changes were made by the River Rouge City Council. Click on this link to watch a video at Fox News about the situation and the City Council meeting.

Read the Detroit Free Press article Animal shelter to stop using poisonous gas.

Here's an excerpt from the Freep story:

Officials also said at Tuesday night's meeting that they will consider getting a scanner to read pet identification computer chips and will talk with Dearborn's animal control about creating a volunteer system for the local pound.

Approximately 60 people, many of whom were pound volunteers from other cities, filled the second-floor courtroom in River Rouge City Hall to voice their concerns about the city's high euthanasia rate and the carbon dioxide used to kill strays.

Except for animals that died in their cages, escaped or were stolen, River Rouge has a 100% euthanasia rate, according to the city's file with the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

------------------------------------------

The Worst Shelter in Michigan
Written by: Justine DePalma
Published May 2, 2008

One Michigan animal "shelter" does not need volunteers. Services such as petfinder to increase adoptions are useless at this shelter. City of River Rouge runs a no frills animal "shelter". The rules are simple, if a stray dog or cat enters the River Rouge shelter, he/she will die at the end of the stray time. There are no reprieves. The sweetest poodles, the most stunning purebred Afghan, the great family mutt all have the same fate when they enter that building, death by
gassing. Animals entering the River Rouge shelter have drawn the worst shelter in the state of Michigan. It is the only shelter that killed every single animal unlucky enough to enter its doors.

Why does River Rouge kills all of the animals that enter its pound?

Ernest Bowling is the animal control officer for River Rouge and he is just following orders. In 2001, Fox2 News reporter, Fanchon Stinger aired an undercover investigation of Hodgins Kennel, a USDA Class B Dealer. River Rouge sold dogs and cats to Hodgins at that
time. Because of the public uproar, the River Rouge City Council commanded that its animal shelter stop selling to research. According to Bowling "the only way I can 100% guarantee that I'm not adopting out an animal to research is to not adopt them at all". It
seems that Bowling takes things literally and he claims Fred Hodgins told him that about 1% of the animals the shelter would adopt to the public would end up in research labs, so Bowling decided the only way to comply was to not adopt any. So for all these years Bowling gassed
every single dog and cat that entered his shelter. Every single one.

Call to Arms

River Rouge's Mayor Michael Balder and its City Council have some explaining to do. However, they will not change a thing unless people stand up for the animals. Humans must be their voices. Quick action is necessary to end this hideous slaughter. This project will take a little effort. River Rouge is still in the dark ages without email or even a web page.

Please visit this link to read a City of River Rouge Animal Shelter 2007 State of Michigan Shelter Report.

Please consider attending tonight's River Rouge City Council Meeting TONIGHT.

Residents and River Rouge city officials will hear from animal activists Tuesday who claim the city's shelter euthanizes animals at an alarming rate and uses poisonous gas to put them down, versus cheaper more humane methods.

Send letters to or call by telephone:

Mayor: Michael D Bowdler

City Council: Patty Campbell, Karen Ward, Derek Perry, Malcolm Moulton, Mark
Pruneau, Anthony Laginess

City of River Rouge
10600 W. Jefferson Ave.
River Rouge, MI 48218

Telephone: (313) 842-5604

Shame on the City of River Rouge, Michigan. They can go live in The Dog House.

Chicago Embarrases Itself; Overturns Ban on Foie Gras

2008-05-14T22:16:00.002-04:00

The Chicago City Council has chosen to embarrass itself, ironically by saying that it was an embarrassment to have a two-year city-wide ban on pate de foie gras (fatty - diseased - duck liver). Looks like I made a mistake by thinking that Chicago was a progressive-minded city and on the forefront of a fight against animal cruelty.

Want to see how the foie gras gets to your plate? Click on this link to YouTube - it's one of the easier to watch videos. (Heavy metal pipes are shoved down the throat of a goose, as it is force fed directly to the stomach. This happens several times daily the last 2 - 3 weeks of a goose's life. It's akin to rape.)

You can also purchase a copy of the ABC Night Line program, from March 2007, at their online store. Or, check out the web site No Foie Gras.

Read the Diners Jourrnal blog post Chicago Overturns Foie Gras Ban at The New York Times.

Shame on Chicago, and shame on the Chicago City Council. They're in The Dog House for preferring to condone animal cruelty rather than risk embarrassment by foie gras consumers.

Purina Recalls Horse Feed

2008-05-07T20:21:00.003-04:00

Purina has just recalled horse feed; this is major. Read blogger pal Victoria's post Do you know about the feed recall? at her blog Teachings of the Horse.

Information can also be found at the Purina web site.

Racing Horses and Greyhounds

2008-05-06T20:19:00.003-04:00

Another interesting blog/article in today's New York Times' The Rail, titled Injured Horses You Didn't See, by T.D. Thornton. Thornton questions whether a televised fatality will in fact impact positive change on the track, especially in light of "...15 horses at 39 North American tracks who failed to finish a race Saturday," the same day that Eight Belles was euthanized on the Kentucky Derby track. Speaking of another horse, Thornton says, "Unlike Eight Belles, whose tale will be told for decades to come, the only historical record of the gelding’s misstep will be a cryptic footnote, a dozen-year thoroughbred career distilled into a single line of agate type that reads nothing more than “trailed, pulled up ½.”

You really must read the article to better understand the frequency, severity, and sadness of the demise of many horses on the racetrack. It really draws into focus the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality of which most of us humans are prone to, and a trait which leaves many of us unaware of the same and equally distressing plight of racing greyhounds.

Read my May 3 post about Eight Belles euthanized on the track (and photos), and my May 4 post about ethics and morals of horse racing, with many links to outside stories and opinions.

Derby Horse Eight Belles; Ethics/Morals of Horseracing

2008-05-04T10:42:00.006-04:00

Read the NY Times story Race Illustrates Brutal Side of Sport by William C. Rhoden. Here are the first few paragraphs of that story:

Why do we keep giving thoroughbred horse racing a pass? Is it the tradition? The millions upon millions invested in the betting?

Why isn’t there more pressure to put the sport of kings under the umbrella of animal cruelty?

The sport is at least as inhumane as greyhound racing and only a couple of steps removed from animal fighting.

Is it the fact that horse racing is imbedded in the American fabric? And the Triple Crown is a nationally televised spectacle? Or is it the fact that death on the track is rarely seen by a mainstream television audience?

Another interesting article, and one that definitely looks at both sides of the sport, is a Jim Squires post on the NY Times blog The Rail: Horse Lover's View from Inside the Industry. Mr. Squires, an obvious lover of the sport, defends horse racing but also considers the many criticisms of it, and brings up some serious issues for us to think about, such as track conditions, veterinary care, owners vs. trainers, individual horse's spirit, conscientious breeding, and gambling.

Another story worth reading: Is Horse Racing Breeding Itself to Death? by Sally Jenkins at The Washington Post. Ms. Jenkins speaks to the moral crisis in racing, due in part to the current breeding of horses for spirit and physical stamina, and larger chests yet seeming increased skeletal frailty. A line from that story: Horses are being over-bred and over-raced, until their bodies cannot support their own ambitions, or those of the humans who race them. And another: According to several estimates, there are 1.5 career-ending breakdowns for every 1,000 racing starts in the United States. That's an average of two per day.

Many of these same articles have mentioned a similar - though less noticed - accident just the day before the Derby: a colt named Chelokee dislocated an ankle at Kentucky Oaks and has only a 50% chance of survival. Regardless, the injury has ended the horse's career and we just hope the poor animal doesn't wind up as dog food (though it's been suggested that he might spend his days as stud service).

On another note about equine sports, check out the excellent blog Teachings of the Horse, specifically the post Too Much, Too Fast, Too Hard. In this post, author Victoria Cummings muses on the equestrian sport of Eventing, and the tragedies - and reasons for them - in that sport of late.

For a more immediate reaction to this Derby incident, with links to NBC Sports and ESPN stories, read yesterday's post Eight Belles - Derby Horse Euthanized on Track.

Eight Belles - Derby Horse Euthanized on Track

2008-05-03T18:27:00.020-04:00

AP/Brian Bohannon @ ESPN

AP/Charlie Riedel @ MSNBC

Very upsetting news.

Racehorse Eight Belles has just been "euthanized" on the track during the run of the Kentucky Derby, after having placed second in this most important of horse races.

The only filly to have raced the Derby in 9 years, Eight Belles crossed the finish then collapsed. The decision was made to put her down on the track after vets determined that her front ankles were broken.

These types of accidents happen on tracks; horses and dogs racing at great speeds, pushed beyond reasonable limits. Some are heart attacks, some collisions with other racers or equipment, some broken bones.

And all for money.

Well, there are lots of opinions pro and con for racing horses and greyhounds. I'll try to address those at a later date.

Jockey Gabriel Saenz was able to slide off the horse as she fell; he was uninjured.

Events like this are confusing to me. To watch any athlete perform while in his/her prime is truly like watching a work of art. For me, it makes racing rather an ethical struggle.

Read the New York Times blog The Rail for live-blogging and follow-up of the Derby, and for extensive discussion about Eight Belles, cruelty in the sport of horse racing, pro and con about horse racing, and links to important stories and opinions, as well as over 300 reader comments.

--

According to the AP story Filly Eight Belles breaks down after 2nd-place Derby finish:

"...the fracture in Eight Belles' left front ankle opened the skin, allowing contamination to set in. At least one of her sesamoid bones was broken, too.

"She didn't have a front leg to stand on to be splinted and hauled off in the ambulance, so she was immediately euthanized," he said. "In my years in racing, I have never seen this happen at the end of the race or during the race."

"Horses really tire. They are taking a lot of load on their skeleton because their muscles are fatigued. The difficult thing to explain with her is it's so far after the wire, and she was easing down like you'd like to see a horse slow down by that point. I don't have an explanation for it."

Click on the photo credits above to read the stories at ESPN and/or NBC Sports.

For links to more stories at NY Times, Washington Post, and others, read my May 4 follow-up post.

A Springtime Award

2008-04-29T22:52:00.004-04:00

Thanks to blogger pal Poetikat at Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes for the above award -- much needed by detroit dog today, and very much appreciated.

Do you need an award today, too? You are welcome to share in mine. Enjoy the spring.

Detroit Zoo Dog & Pet Adoption 2008

2008-04-27T20:37:00.006-04:00

Meet Your Best Friend at The Detroit Zoo this next weekend, May 3 & 4, 2008.

From the Zoo website:

Join the Detroit Zoo and the Michigan Humane Society on May 3 and 4, 2008 for Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo. Now in its 16th year, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo is the largest off-site adoption event in the country. Held in the Zoo's small parking lot, underneath the landmark water tower, hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and rabbits will be available for adoption. Parking and admission for the event is free and does not include regular Zoo admission.

Over 20 adoption/rescue groups, including the Detroit City Animal Shelter will have rabbits as well as dogs, cats, pups and kittens up for adoption at the two day event, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Please remember that adoption fees and policies vary by adoption/rescue group; do not bring your other pets to the zoo.

List of participating Michigan pet adoption & rescue groups:

Adopt-A-Pet
Alliance for Spay-Neuter and Pet Rescue
Animal Rescue Connection
Animal Welfare Society
AuSable Valley Animal Shelter
Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue
Battle Creek Animal Shelter
Detroit Animal Control
Faerie Tales Cat/Maine Coon Rescues
Feline Friends
Greater Hillsdale Humane Society
Home Fur Ever
Homeward Bound Rescue
K-9 Stray Rescue
Last Chance for Animals
Metro Area Animal Adoption Association
Michigan Greyhound Connection
Michigan Humane Society
Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue
Mid-MI Small Breed Rescue
Oakland County Animal Care Center
Precious Animal Welfare Society
ReGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets)
Roofs for Woofs
Roscommon County Animal Shelter
Sanilac County Humane Society
Tigerlily Cat Rescue
WAG Animal Rescue

Be sure to check out these and other adoption/rescue groups links in the blog sidebar.

Winky the Elephant Dies at Age 56

2008-04-07T22:10:00.003-04:00

Winky the elephant has died at the age of 56.

Some of you might remember Winky and partner Wanda, Asian elephants formerly of the Detroit Zoo; they were relocated to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) animal sanctuary in California. Both Winky and Wanda suffered from severe arthritis and were relocated to the sanctuary to live out their lives in relative peace and freedom and some measure of comfort.

The following is courtesy of the PAWS web site. Please visit the site to learn more about their sanctuaries, educational programs, ways to help, and of course the wonderful animals that reside there.

PAWS Bids Loving Farewell to Beloved Elephant

April 7, 2008

(San Andreas, CA) In the early morning hours of April 7th, Winky, one of PAWS’ cherished Asian elephants, passed away peacefully. Born in 1952, Winky was one of the oldest elephants in the United States.

Arriving to her retirement at PAWS’ ARK2000 sanctuary three years ago - almost to the day - April 8, 2005 – Winky made the long trip from Detroit to California with her long-time companion, Wanda. They had resided at the Detroit Zoo for approximately 17 years, until decision was made to close their elephant exhibit. Prior to her stay in Detroit, Winky had lived at the Sacramento Zoo.

Last week, Ruby, who also has a history of colic episodes, showed signs of distress and we immediately began a course of treatment which included keeping her in the small yard to monitor her stool and food and water intake. Since Maggie occupies the small yard until she goes out into the habitat with the others, Ruby and Maggie shared the smaller habitat.

While Wanda quickly took to roaming the grassy hillside habitat of ARK2000, Winky choose to spend her days basking in the sunshine, staying closer to her barn. “Perhaps it was because of all of the attention she received, or all of the treats she was given, at any rate, she wanted to stay close to home.” Pat Derby, PAWS’ founder, fondly recalls.

Winky had long suffered from joint problems. Her veterinarian from the Detroit Zoo was out to see her this weekend. According to her night keeper, at 3am she gently slid to her hind quarters and could not get up. The keeper immediately notified all elephant keepers and PAWS’ Directors, Pat Derby and Ed Stewart.

Urgent attempts were made to lift her, but she could not stand and support her back legs. She had three veterinarians in attendance while she was euthanized. Her companion, Wanda, choose to stay with her for some time. A necropsy is scheduled at UC Davis.

“Winky was a wonderful girl. She was a sweet favorite of all of those who cared-for her. She had a happy spring day yesterday – getting lots and lots of attention, and of course, lots of her special treats. We will all miss her terribly.” Derby added.

Endangered Species Act: Yellowstone Wolves

2008-04-05T20:43:00.006-04:00

There are almost no words that I can say to convey the utter stupidity and audacious carelessness of our current presidential administration's policy to do away with our country's wildlife and eco-systems; it's as though we're rushing head first into ecological genocide. (But, hey, business is great.)

After successfully ridding most of the western part of this country and Yellowstone National Park of all wolves nearly a century ago, the government decided in the 1990's to transplant 66 Canadian wolves in the Park. Over those short years, the number of wolves has grown to about 1,300. They were protected by the Endangered Species Act.

While scientists say that to protect and encourage healthy genetic diversity the wolves should number over 2,000 before being de-listed. The federal government thinks otherwise, and in February took the wolves off the Endangered Species list. As a result, Park employees are allowed to kill wolves they deem a "problem," and any that step out of the park onto state land are allowed to be hunted by sportsmen and ranchers alike. Several wolves have already been killed, two as "trophies."

The following is from a New York Times article titled U.S. Ends Protections For Wolves In 3 States, which I suggest you read:

State management plans allow for wolf hunting, or outright eradication in some places — including most of Wyoming — with a target population of 150 in each of the three states.

There are over 330 million people in this country, and we want to limit the numbers of wolves to 150 in each state? I say let the ranchers lose a cow or bull once a month (the average loss) in exchange for keeping a species alive, thriving, and healthy. I also say let the hunters have less elk to eat and less trophies in exchange for keeping a species alive, thriving, and healthy. For keeping our ecosystem - and human life - intact.

A New York Times editorial says the exact words that I feel about this situation; please read When Protection Vanishes, published in today's paper.

During his 7-year tenure as President, Bush has listed less than 60 animals as Endangered Species. Both Clinton and the former President Bush each listed at least 60 animals annually.

Thanks to our selfishness, we are putting ourselves in a dangerous situation where one day our wildlife will be depleted to the point of (near) extinction - leaving us without natural resources, sport, food, and jobs. Without maintaining our natural ecosystems - and the lives of those with whom we share the earth - we'll be putting an end to our own lives.

Read the Washington Post 2004 story Endangered Species Act's Protections are Trimmed.

Consider the current federal government wildlife polices in The Dog House.

(See detroit dog's March 23 post about Yellowstone Bison.)

Update 4/12/2008:

Read the New York Times story In the West, a Fierce Battle Over Wolves. It explains the current situation between those that want to hunt and/or kill wolves and those that want wolves re-listed on the Endangered Species list. (10 wolves were killed the first week they were de-listed.) The de-listing of wolves will be contested by animal welfare/rights and environmental groups in a federal court on April 28.

Check the State of Wyoming Game and Fish web site for Wolf Information (links to Weekly Wolf Update and news releases, management plans, etc.)

Let's stop trophy hunting, and re-list the wolves for greater numbers and better genetic diversity.

Greyhound Event: Dog Day Afternoon - ReGAP, Harley Davidson, & Ann Arbor American HOG join to rescue greyhounds

2008-03-27T22:40:00.004-04:00

Michigan ReGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets) has partnered with American Harley Davidson and the Ann Arbor American Hog Chapter to sponsor a police escorted motorcycle ride to raise awareness about working and service dogs, and raise funds to rescue former racing greyhounds.

On Sunday, May 18, Washtenaw County Sheriff motorcycle police will escort participating motorcyclists on a 50-plus mile countryside ride, starting in Ann Arbor and finishing at Willow Run Airport just outside Ypsilanti. Please join us for Dog Day Afternoon.

Food and entertainment – including an aircraft display by Yankee Air Force – will follow the ride. Wolverine K-9 Search and Rescue will give demonstrations; as will be ReGAP’s Second Chance at Life Prison Program greyhounds.

For more information and to register as a motorcyclist participant, please visit the ReGAP web site.

Endangered Species Act: Yellowstone Bison

2008-03-23T21:13:00.005-04:00

A short post today. Just want to post some links to a couple of stories about issues that I think are very important.

The first of these is found in today's Washington Post, and is titled Since '01, Guarding Species Is Harder and subtitled Endangered Listings Drop Under Bush. As the title infers, it's become incredibly difficult during the Bush Jr. administration to get animals listed as endangered species; policy has been set to purposefully make it difficult. Why? Well, my take on it is that it's good for business, big business. During Bush's tenure thus far, less than 60 species have been listed as endangered. In contrast, during the Clinton and elder Bush's tenures an average of 60 species were listed annually. In the meantime, Bush denied an emergency listing for a sock-eye salmon which has since become extinct, as has a pygmy rabbit that he denied habitat protection.

Today's New York Times runs the story Anger Over Culling of Yellowstone's Bison, about the hunting and slaughterhouse deaths of bison that have wandered out of Yellowstone into "the state of Montana." (Sorry, no link.) When winter snows are heavy in the mountains, the bison migrate into the valley to graze on grass in attempts to stave off starvation; it's then that they are hunted or rounded up for the slaughterhouse by Park employees. What is especially terrible about this slaughter is the increased loss of genetic diversity within the herd; often four generations of females travel together, and the culling essentially wipes out entire families.

(See detroit dog's April 5 post about the Endangered Species Act and Yellowstone Wolves.)

Poisonous Processional Caterpillars

2008-03-15T18:30:00.002-04:00

Earlier today I was checking in at blogger pal hardworking hippy's La Ferme de Sourrou. She has some interesting photos of Processional Caterpillars in the woods near her home in France, and also explains the extreme dangers to animals, children, and some adults: serious life-threatening danger from just touching the caterpillars or even inhaling their hairs. Read her post Processional Caterpillars in the Woods.

She also gives a link to her blogger pals at Chez Francois et Danielle, whose post Poisonous Caterpillars goes into great detail, along with photographs of their poor dog's mouth after he ate some of the caterpillars (his tongue and mouth swelled). They rushed him to an emergency vet, and he lived; however, part of the dog's tongue rotted out within a couple of days (photos of this, as well), and he now has some difficulties eating and drinking.

hardworkinghippy was also kind enough to steer detroit dog to a SUNY Cortland website about a variety of social caterpillars, including photos and a link to the Pine Processionary caterpillar.

The caterpillars, which live in host Pine trees, are found in Europe, the Near East and North Africa. They are called Processional because they follow each other literally "head to toe" from one tree to the next.

I will try to find out if they also populate the Americas, and will update this post if so.

3/12/2008, #3

2008-03-12T14:23:00.002-04:00

3/12/2008, #2

2008-03-12T14:21:00.002-04:00

3/12/2008, #1

2008-03-12T14:14:00.001-04:00

Nellie McKay and Animal Welfare

2008-03-08T00:19:00.007-05:00

Scott Gries / Getty Images

(image lifted form NPR web site)

Tonight, detroit dog went to see the multitalented Nellie McKay perform at a local museum. She was phenomenal. She has a beautiful voice, and sings in a rather jazz-inflected style; she plays piano and ukelele. And she is hilarious, and rather irreverent. "Performance Art" really. She sang about feminists, dogs, cats, love, and her encore was Ella Fitzgerald's signature song A-Tisket A-Tasket.

Animal welfare is obviously a very important topic for Ms. McKay as she talked - and sang - about animals used in lab experiments. Check out her The Dog Song. Love and life summed up. She suggested that audience members check out the following web site for more information: www.stopcolumbia.org (as in Columbia University); the link won't work, so I am suggesting that readers visit PETA's "10 Worst Laboratories List" (U.S. universities). You can read all about animal lab testing on animals, and why these 10 universities are deemed to have the worst labs. (Her first album is titled Get Away From Me and was released, oddly enough, on the Columbia Records label.)

You can also check out Nellie McKay on Wikipedia, or hear her NPR interview Nellie McKay, Live on 'Fresh Air' with Terry Gross. very cool.

Marine Throws Puppy Off Cliff

2008-03-04T16:11:00.007-05:00

You would think that the U.S. military could use some good PR just about now. But no. A video has surfaced showing a Marine Lance Corporal throwing a puppy off a cliff, while the camera person (it's believed) comments on the meanness of it.

Just a fake video? No. The Marines know the officer in question and are not releasing his name pending further investigation. The video had been running on YouTube, but is now down. If you do a search on the site for "marine puppy," several videos will show. However, when you click on the video to play, this is what shows on a banner at the top of the page: This video has been removed due to terms of use violation. You can still see the video of the smiling soldier (with other smiling soldiers) at the web site Dumpen Maar. You can also sign a petition titled Stand Against Puppy-Killing Soldiers at the Care2 petition site.

Ugly and mean. You think that these people are here to protect us, but such cavalier attitudes toward life make you question the focus of their missions or, at the least, their competency in enforcing it.

Addendum (thanks to my spouse): This particular marine is a punk, not a warrior. A true warrior uses his skills and knowledge when appropriate; a true soldier is not gratuitously violent. Unfortunately, this guy chooses to misrepresent the mission of military colleagues.

Addendum 2: Some of the video viewers are suggesting that perhaps the puppy was dead, since it was limp, and that it's yelp was dubbed in. detroit dog thinks not. The puppy was indeed limp, as young pups do when picked up by the scruff of the neck. But the puppy still had a lot of muscle tone there. Have you ever seen a dead rabbit or other dead animal in an upright position? All of their legs hang as straight down as is possible given their angled joints. This pup's legs and paws were still held up. Also, the video quality appears to be that of either a small camera or a cell phone camera. I can't imagine that someone would go through all the trouble of inserting a yelp sound for an otherwise worthless video.

Thanks to my friend KE at Lusting WanderLuster for bringing this issue to my attention. You can read the news story Video appears to show Marine abusing puppy at CNN.

Dog & Pet Rescue and Adoption: Detroit and Michigan Shelters & Rescue Groups

2008-03-01T11:24:00.009-05:00

Looking to adopt a dog, cat, or any furry friend?

Then click one of these links, or one of the many more listed in Bastet's Pet Adoption Links in this blog's sidebar. While you're there, check out Bastet's Greyhound Adoption Links.

Petfinder.com (type in your zip code anywhere in the U.S. and find animals in your area - cats, dogs, horses, rabbits - you name it
Michigan Pet Shelters and Rescue Groups at Petfinder.com
City of Detroit Animal Shelter
Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society
Michigan Humane Society (centers in Detroit, Westland, and Rochester; animals include hamsters, ducks, and the like)
A True Blue Rescue (wonderful "foster to adopt" program: foster the dog for a short time to make sure that you are right for each other, if so, then adopt!)

Also in the sidebar are links to animal welfare and animal law sites, and detroit dog's (animal) site suggestions.

Links are updated frequently. See detroit dog's post of April 27, 2008, for a links listing of over 20 Michigan animal adoption/rescue groups at the 2008 Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo event. Or, click on the Adoption label in this blog's sidebar.