The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : September 2016 The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : September 2016

Friday, September 30, 2016

Montreal SPCA to Take Legal Action Against New Bylaw Targeting Pit Bulls


Montreal's SPCA will ask the Quebec Superior Court to review the city's new animal control bylaw in a bid to have the sections targeting "pit bull-type dogs" declared illegal.

The SPCA said the action will be presented at the Montreal courthouse on Thursday.

The bylaw, which will ban new ownership of pit bulls and pit-bull type dogs, was passed by city council on Tuesday, and goes into effect Oct. 3.

But the SPCA wants the sections of the new bylaw concerning "pit bull-type dogs" declared illegal on the following grounds:

  • It discriminates by creating additional and punitive obligations for owners and guardians of pit bull-type dogs, which the SPCA argues are not dangerous.
  • It is "vague and imprecise" in its definition of pit bull-type dogs and makes it "impossible to know which dogs fall into this category."
  • It fails to include a means to challenge the designation of a dog as a pit bull-type breed.
  • It contravenes Article 898.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec, which grants animals the status of sentient beings, as well as sections of the Animal Welfare and Safety Act.
  • It is unreasonable that the bylaw treats all pit bull-type dogs as dangerous dogs despite what the agency says is the lack of credible evidence that they are inherently dangerous.

Animal rights advocates have criticized the bylaw, pointing out that many cities that have implemented similar legislation have since repealed the laws.

A spokesperson for the City of Montreal said the municipality has a "well-recognized" right to pass animal control regulations, especially where it concerns the safety of Montrealers.

To read more on this story, click here: Montreal SPCA to Take Legal Action Against New Bylaw Targeting Pit Bulls

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October 1st is National Black Dog Day: Adopt a Black Dog


“Black Dog Syndrome” is a phenomenon in which, for whatever reason, black dogs are passed over for adoption in favor of lighter-colored animals. Black dogs are more likely to be killed in shelters regardless of their breed. Some say it’s because they look scary or angry, you can’t read their expressions as easily as other colors, they don’t look as good in photos (hard to take a great adoption photo when you can’t get the facial features you can with other colors), some saying that their black fur hides their distinct personalities. Help break stereotypes and spread the truth by sharing this post on your wall with the hashtag #BlackDogDay to spread the word!

Here are ten reasons why you should adopt a black dog.

1. Black Dogs Are Just As Loyal And Loving As Any Other Colored Dog

I feel like this should go without saying, but we should open up this list with a big ole truth. Black dogs are just as adventurous, snuggly, protective, silly, and wonderful as any other color dog. Really let this sink in, especially if you are considering adopting a pup in the near future.


2. They Are Mysterious

One hardship black dogs face while trying to find their forever home is their online profile. Many shelters and rescues will advertise available animals with photos and black dogs, well, they can get lost in the shadows. If you see a photo of a black dog, don’t automatically think they are “less friendly” because a grainy photo may make it hard to distinguish their features… think of them as mysterious! They have an entire world to share with you, and you will be one of the select and privileged few to learn about all of the amazing qualities this animal has.


3. Easier To Clean

OK, maybe they aren’t easier to clean, but having a dog shed black fur shows you EXACTLY where you need to sweep or vacuum. They can also get away with skipping a bath every now and then, as long as you don’t make a habit of it.


4. Protection

Yes, black dogs get a bad rap, but why not use it to your benefit? If you are looking for a “tough” dog, what better than a cuddly black Labrador disguised as a “menacing” black Labrador? They will protect your from potential attackers with their very threatening looks…who cares if they are actually giving the look to a squirrel and not the creepy dude down the street? Creepy dude will never know.


5. They’re Ready For Every Formal Event

Black tie event? No sweat, your black pup is ready to go. Throw on a little bow-tie and they’ll be out-dressing half of the crowd by default. Black dogs aren’t mean or evil, they are sophisticated, like the James Bond of canines.


6. They Look Great In Snowy Instagram Photos

Are you an avid hiker/winter aficionado? A black dog is absolutely perfect for you. They will look wonderful in all of your winter photos and you would have a really difficult time losing them in a snowy scene.


7. Actually, They Will Look Great In Pretty Much Every Photo


Case in point: Fred Levy’s stunning series of black dogs. Remember that rescues and shelters probably don’t have the latest DSLR, so they aren’t capturing all of the beautiful details of an adoptable black dog. Prove everyone wrong, adopt a black dog, and watch your Instagram feed gain a massive amount of followers.


8. They Are Natural Heaters

Science says so: black absorbs heat, which means dogs with black fur are perfect snuggling companions on chilly nights. Your gas and/or electric bill will thank you.


9. You’ll Be A Trendsetter

The weird thing is, one of the reasons experts believe Black Dog Syndrome exists is because of their “generic” look. People want distinct, unique pups. But if everyone has a perfectly groomed Pomeranian, it gets kind of boring. Mix things up in your social circle and be ahead of the curve by adopting a stunning black beauty.


10. They Are Available And Waiting For You!

There are so many loving, wonderful pups with black coats sitting in shelters, waiting for their forever home. There is no waiting list or difficult search for black dogs, since unfortunately they get the short end of the adoption stick.

If you are seriously considering adopting a dog (and want one NOW), why not a loyal, lovable, black pup?

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Here's How You Can Help Victims Of Montreal's Pit Bull Ban


Montreal just put hundreds of shelter dogs on notice: Get out of the city now or get put down.

The Canadian city's new law, which was passed on Tuesday, is a terrifying ultimatum for animals whose only crime is being born a pit bull — loosely defined as American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers or any mix of these breeds.

Since the story broke, hundreds of individuals and rescue groups across Canada and the U.S. have been asking the same question:

How can we help?

It turns out there are a lot of ways to save these dogs. But not a lot of time. By October 3, just days from now, the legislation will prevent any pit bull from being adopted from the city's shelters.

To read more on this story, click here: Here's How You Can Help Victims Of Montreal's Pit Bull Ban








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Montreal Just Delivered A Death Sentence To Thousands Of Dogs


City councilors in Montreal just signed a death warrant for thousands of dogs in the Canadian city.

At a council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, legislators voted in 37 to 23 favor of breed-specific legislation, effectively outlawing any dog that resembles a pit bull — unless owners meet a strict set of conditions.

"I have a responsibility as the mayor of Montreal to protect the citizens," Mayor Denis Coderre told reporters after the vote.

But pit bull-type dogs currently in city shelters need not apply. Under the ban — which loosely covers American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers — no dog considered a pit bull can be adopted from Montreal shelters.

"For dogs that don't have an 'owner' on the day of the passing of the legislation, the way the legislation is drafted, the dogs have to be euthanized," Alanna Devine, of the Montreal SPCA, told The Dodo last week.

To read more on this story, click here: Montreal Just Delivered A Death Sentence To Thousands Of Dogs


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Thursday, September 29, 2016

After Seeing a Video of a Blind Bulldog, One Couple Drove Across the Country to Get Their Own Blind Dog a New Brother


Ago just got a new lease on life and a new brother to go with it! After seeing a video of a blind Bulldog, one couple drove across the country to get their own blind dog a new brother.

Ago, who was originally named Batty, got a rough start in life. Born with a rare birth defect in both of his eyes that made him blind, Ago was eventually left at the Sacramento SPCA covered in ulcers and feces when he was just a pup. Because of the condition he was in, the shelter’s staff believes Batty was a part of a litter of backyard bred dogs. The staff believe Ago’s parents are related and that caused Ago’s blindness.

You see, their own dog Soto is also blind. So they already had experience dealing with a blind dog and thought it would be great if Soto could have a blind brother. Krauss and Weyers had been looking to adopt a Bulldog. And as soon as they saw Ago, they knew they had to get him.

“We knew we wanted to rescue a Bulldog. We hadn’t found one that was the right fit,” Kraus explained. “Then I saw this Bulldog. And lo and behold we have such experience with this condition.”

That’s where Cassidy Kraus and her boyfriend Brett Weyers came in. As soon as they saw a video of the 4-month-old pup online, they knew he had to be a part of their family. “I just had to have this puppy,” Krauss told Inside Edition.

Kraus and Weyers have trained Soto using word commands. They can tell Soto if he needs to step down from a curb or up a step. And they planned on training Ago the same way.

The problem? Kraus and Weyers live all the way in Wisconsin. They applied to adopt Ago from the SPCA in Sacramento, but Krauss told Inside Edition, “I really didn’t think much would come of it because it was so far away.”

Fortunately, Kraus and Weyers were accepted. So they packed up Soto and drove across the country to see if Soto and Ago would get along. And of course they did. Soto was so excited to meet Ago, he ran into a pole!

Weyers, Kraus, Soto and his new brother drove the 32 hours back home to Wisconsin. Now Ago has been busy settling into his new life with his family: figuring out the elevator and learning when Soto’s had enough of Ago’s puppy energy. But while Ago may have a little adjusting to do, they’ve become a happy family.

If you’re interested in helping dogs like Ago, please consider donating to the Sacramento SPCA.




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Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan Visits Chicago Braves Deep Dish Pizza


As if a father-son road trip wasn't adventurous enough. Imagine travelling with two pugs, a pomeranian and a pit bull in an RV.

"Dog whisperer" Cesar Millan and his 22-year-old son Andre are touring the country while filming their new Nat Geo Wild series "Cesar Millan's Dog Nation." The duo arrived in Chicago last week and plan to leave the city Wednesday after stops at Calumet Park for the Southeast Chicago Dog Fest; Michigan Avenue for window shopping; and Giordano's for a slice of deep dish pizza, despite the elder Millan's lack of cheese tolerance.

Along the way, the longtime dog behaviorist and his son shared tips with the Southeast Chicago Dog Park Committee about building a successful dog park and 20somethings about adopting their first dog.

"I want Andre to come in and teach the youth about prevention, what it means to be a responsible dog owner," Cesar Millan said during his visit to Tribune Tower last week.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan Visits Chicago Braves Deep Dish Pizza




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US Doctor, Ming Te Lin Accused of Making Vaccines for Children From Cat Saliva and Vodka


Regulators have suspended the license of a doctor in Chicago who allegedly gave patients modified vaccinations containing cat saliva and vodka. 

The Illinois department of financial and professional regulation ordered the emergency action in the interest of public safety, according to paperwork signed by acting director Jessica Baer.

After hearing complaints from health care providers that children were getting unapproved oral versions of childhood shots from Dr. Ming Te Lin, investigators visited Lin’s practice.

They found a cluttered, unsterile office and “a box filled with vials and tubes that [Lin] was using to make his own vaccinations.”

Lin told investigators he had been preparing alternative vaccinations for children for more than a decade, according to the order.

Despite his unapproved methods, Lin is accused of signing state forms certifying he had given pediatric patients their conventional shots. Charts showed the patients who received unapproved oral vaccines included a seven-day-old infant.

A phone message and email seeking comment from Lin on the allegations were not immediately returned.

Lin added alcohol and sometimes cat saliva gathered with a swab from a cat’s mouth for patients with allergies, he told investigators, and he used a device called the “WaveFront 2000” to detoxify vaccinations from mercury.

Lin gave vaccines orally or in a nasal form if the patient or a family member had a history of autism, eczema or neurological disorder.

None of Lin’s methods is approved by the Food and Drug Administration or regarded as legitimate medicine. He didn’t inform his patients of the risks of failing to follow vaccine guidelines, the state’s paperwork says.

A hearing before the Medical Disciplinary Board is set for 11 October in Chicago.


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Celebrate National Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month at the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League


Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League’s top five reasons to adopt a shelter dog:


1.    There are GREAT dogs at our adoptions centers
We have wonderful dogs available for adoption, all shapes, sizes, and breed mixes.  The dogs you find at our adoptions centers are simply unlucky.  Usually, for circumstances beyond their control, they have found their way to our shelters and are simply looking for a new home. 

2.    Adopting a Dog from us is cost effective!
When you adopt a dog from the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League, they will have already been spayed/neutered, received any needed vaccinations and will have been microchipped – all for the low price of an adoption.  Our adoption fees for dogs range from $250 for puppies (under six months), $200 for young dogs (six months – six years), $100 for “middle aged” dogs (seven years – nine years) and $50 for a dog 10 years or older.

3.    It’s Cool to Adopt
Take it from us, it’s a great feeling to proudly state:  “I Adopted a Shelter Dog.” 

4.    It’s Easy!!
We do our best to make sure that our potential adopters are matched up with dogs that fit their lifestyle and you must go through our application process.  But it’s not difficult or too time consuming.  We want you to find a companion animal.  Come see us!!!

5.    You Will Save a Dog’s Life
By Adopting a Shelter Dog from one of our adoptions centers, you’ll make room for one more dog to be rescued by our organization.  We transport dogs from shelters throughout the region and also from overcrowded rural shelters.  The more we adopt here in Washington, DC, the more we can save!

About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS)
The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others.  Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region. 


My handsome model is Buzz Lightyear, he is available for adoption!

Buzz Lightyear here! I'm an active 1 year old that was actually adopted from WHS about a month ago, but my new owner came down with severe dog allergies, so now I'm back! Now I'm hoping to find a new home with people that aren't going to sneeze every time I walk into the room. I get very excited around kids and other dogs and my previous owner said that I played excellently when she took me to the dog park. I have energy to burn, so I will definitely need an owner that is looking for more of a running buddy than a couch potato. I LOVE peanut butter and am very motivated by treats. I'm already learning "sit" and "lie down" and will usually do either for a treat, but I'm still learning. If you think I could be the pup for you, swing on by the shelter to meet me! You won't regret it!

To learn more about Buzz Lightyear, click HERE:

Animal ID: 33259320 
Species: Dog 
Age:1 year 1 month 9 days 
Sex: Male 
Color: Brown/Black 
Declawed: No 
Site: Oglethorpe Street 







Please Share!





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Maryland SPCA Fundraiser: Spend $10 at Chipotle Mexican Grill on Thursday, September 29 and MDSPCA Receives $5 the Cost to Provide Medicine for One Sick Pet


Tomorrow is our statewide Chipotle Mexican Grill fundraiser—every Chipotle in Maryland is donating 50% of their sales back to the Maryland SPCA!

Here's how to help the cause: 
1.  Eat at any Maryland Chipotle restaurant on Thursday, September 29, during their opening hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2.  EAT IN: Mention that you are supporting the Maryland SPCA when placing your order.

CARRY OUT: If ordering online, mention that you are supporting the Maryland SPCA in the special instructions box.

3.  Bring your friends, family or coworkers to Chipotle

4.  Share our Chipotle Facebook event - and indicate that you are "going"

5.  Print Chipotle flyer and place on office bulletin

6.  Take a picture of your meal from Chipotle and share the event details on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms

Help us make Cause an Effect - Chipotle Fundraiser for the Maryland SPCA a HUGE success for homeless animals!


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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Secondhand Hounds Give Sick Dogs the Comfort and Care They Need to Live Out Their Last Days with Dignity


Some dogs enter the shelter system happy and healthy. Others have serious medical problems that make it more difficult for them to find homes. When a dog has a terminal illness, the volunteers at Secondhand Hounds’ hospice program are there to help. They give sick dogs the comfort and care they need to live out their last days with dignity.

Secondhand Hounds is an animal shelter based out of the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. It does what a lot of other animal shelters do: find forever homes for dogs and other companion critters. What makes Secondhand Hounds truly special, however, is its hospice program. Volunteers at the nonprofit take in very sick dogs — and a handful of cats — and provide them with love and care.


Secondhand Hounds was founded in 2009, and as of 2016, it has saved over 10,000 animals. The hospice program began in 2015, and around 20 dogs receive care through it at any one time. Volunteers look after the animals in their own homes, while the shelter provides financial support and medical care.


Secondhand Hounds’ hospice program doesn’t try to stave off the inevitable, but it provides solace and love for creatures that might otherwise suffer. Pets with chronic illnesses are more difficult to place, and when the illness is terminal, they may otherwise wind up spending their last moments alone in a shelter. By giving these critters care at home, the quality of their lives improves drastically.



For example, Carol Marple’s furry friend, Bella Boo, arrived at the shelter in April 2015. Bella Boo wasn’t expected to stay for long, but as of July 2016, she is still alive and kicking. In an interview with the Star Tribune, Marple stated, “She seems to know that she’s safe, and she’s enjoying life.” 

Sheridan is another example of a terminally ill dog who benefited from the love and care of friendly humans. When Sheridan came down with canine osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, Sheridan’s humans decided to give him the time of his life. They took him out on epic adventures, ensuring he would live out the rest of his life as happily as could be. You can hear all about it in this post celebrating his epic last days.



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Tiny Dog Who Stepped on ISIS Landmine, Survived, But Was Badly Injured: Saved by Kurdish Soldiers


War is devastating. There are so many victims who go unmentioned. Innocent people, innocent children… and yes, innocent animals. Recently, a small puppy stepped on a landmine left by ISIS. The tiny dog survived, but was badly injured. In the video below, you can see Kurdish soldiers rush to save the puppy’s leg with first aid. The puppy’s cries are heartbreaking.

Unfortunately, there’s no further information about the dog, but we are glad the pup is alive and so thankful to these brave soldiers.



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Montreal Passes Controversial Pit Bull Ban


Nearly three months after a brutal dog attack that claimed the life of a Montreal woman, the city has passed its contentious pit bull ban.

City council voted Tuesday in favour of changes to its animal control bylaw that include a ban on new ownership of pit bull and pit bull-type dogs. The final vote was 37-23 in favour of the ban.

"My duty as mayor of Montreal is making sure I am working for all Montrealers," said Denis Coderre. "And I am there to make sure they feel safe and that they are safe."

The bylaw vote was supposed to take place Monday, but was pushed to Tuesday due to a busy agenda.

The city announced that the new rules, including the ban on new ownership of pit bull or pit bull-type dogs, will go into effect across all 19 Montreal boroughs starting Oct. 3.

Members of Opposition Projet Montréal questioned whether the Coderre administration would be able to enforce the new rules.

"This is going to create a bigger problem than a solution," said Coun. Sterling Downey.

To read more on this story, click here: Montreal Passes Controversial Pit Bull Ban

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Tuesday, September 27, 2016

This Spot-On Comic Nails How Your Dog Feels Alone At Home


Leaving your dog at home alone for 15 minutes while you run to the store probably seems like no big deal. But for dogs, those 15 minutes can feel like an eternity. 

Comic artist The Pigeon Gazette humorously illustrates the quiet desperation of a dog who has been left home alone.

To read more on this story, click here: This Spot-On Comic Nails How Your Dog Feels Alone At Home




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Kicking “Support Animals” Off the Plane


Frequent travelers have no doubt seen some strange things in passenger cabins, including a surprising variety of so-called “emotional support animals” (ESAs) – critters that are allowed to fly with human companions who say they just can’t travel without their furry friends close at hand. But now some airlines want to kick the menagerie off the plane.

According to Aviation Daily, carriers including United, JetBlue and Delta are asking the Transportation Department to amend its rules to ban emotional support animals from passenger cabins. 

What kind of animals are we talking about? The most common, of course, are dogs – and there are plenty of stories about passengers falsely claiming their canines are support animals so that they can fly with them in the cabin instead of the cargo hold, or just to gain access to an up-front seat. Or they are simply trying to avoid the additional cost or burden of shipping the animal in the cargo hold?

To read more on this story, click here: Kicking “Support Animals” Off the Plane


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Abandoned and Stray Cats Have Found a Friend in Mohammad Alaa Jaleel: He Cares For Hundreds of Them


Aleppo, Syria - Abandoned and stray cats in Aleppo, Syria, have found a friend in Mohammad Alaa Jaleel.

The ‘cat man,’ as the BBC is calling him, cares for more than a hundred felines without homes in the city destroyed by civil war. In a video shot by the BBC, the animal lover says his cat sanctuary will “protect” any cat that needs it.

The sanctuary began with about 30 cats, but a year later that number expanded to more than a hundred. “Some people just left them with me knowing that I love cats,” he said.

Other stories of pets left behind are much more heartbreaking.

“One time a little girl brought me a cat. Her parents wanted to go abroad. So they came here — they knew there was a cat sanctuary here. The girl had brought the cat up since she was a kitten,” he said. “She cried as she handed her over to me and they left the country. I’ve been taking photos of the cat and sending them to her in Turkey. She begs me, ‘Send me photos of her. I miss her. Please promise to return my cat back to me when we come back.’ ”

With so many of his human friends leaving the war torn city, Alaa Jaleel told the BBC the kitties are his newfound friends.

“I’ll stay with them,” he said, “no matter what happens.”




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Baltimore, Maryland - Sunday, November 6 Will Be “Pay What You Want Day” at the National Aquarium


Sunday, November 6 will be “Pay What You Want Day” at the National Aquarium. The day is a continuing effort to provide access to the Aquarium for Maryland residents. The day allows visitors to name their own price for aquarium admission.

“We are committed to connecting our local residents to the aquatic world and our conservation mission,” said John Racanelli, National Aquarium CEO in a statement.

“’Pay What You Want Day’ is part of a series of programs that ensure our communities have the opportunity to visit the Aquarium and be inspired by their 20,000 aquatic neighbors,” he said.

In the past, the National Aquarium welcomed more than 7,500 guests to each of the previous Pay What You Want Days.

The day is supported by T. Rowe Price, who is the Aquarium’s official community engagement partner.

“’Pay What You Want Day’ enables families across Maryland with any budget size to visit and engage with the variety of species living in the National Aquarium,” said  Renee Christoff, head of Corporate Social Responsibility at T. Rowe Price.

To further help with the cost of a visit to the Aquarium, their official partner parking facilities are pleased to offer $10 parking to those attending “Pay What You Want Day” 2016. Guests can bring proof of their Aquarium visit to the LAZ Inner Harbor Garage at 100 S. Gay Street or Lockwood Parking at 124 Market Place for the discounted parking.

For anyone who can’t make “Pay What You Want Day,” the Aquarium also has other opportunities for discounted admission. There are year-round Half-Price Friday Nights (Friday nights after 5 p.m.) and discounted Maryland Mornings for Maryland state residents visiting before noon Sundays through Fridays now through February 28. There are also Dollar Days coming in December.

For more information about The National Aquarium and “Pay What You Want Day,” visit their website.




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Woman Apparently Captures Video of Her Dog’s Ghost


Two weeks ago, Kimberley Pearce of North Carolina had to have her 12-year-old cocker spaniel, Sadie, put to sleep.  While getting some video of her new dog, a strange figure appears to walk across the screen.  Is it a camera glitch, a hoax, or do you think it’s really Sadie’s spirit?

This is Pearce’s account of the scenario:

It was only a few days after when I was showing the video to a friend that I saw her appear. I just knew it was her. That was my dog.

I was in shock – I went outside and started to cry. But then I started to smile. I had been begging for her to give me a sign.

You can see it’s a white and caramel color, and so was my little girl.

The video had been taken around lunchtime and no cars go past my house to make a reflection, and no birds for a shadow or anything. We live quite far out in the country.

There was nothing else it could have been. Before I kind of did and didn’t believe in ghosts. Now I really do believe.

It might sound strange, but a couple of days after Sadie died I finally went and sat out on the porch and had a half hour conversation with her.

I felt so guilty because I was the one who made that decision to have her put down. I signed the papers. I was shaking even just writing my name on them. And I just wanted to tell her, ‘Sadie, I’m so, so sorry and please forgive me for what I’ve done.’

In that conversation I just begged and begged for her or God to send me a sign so that I knew she was okay.

To read more on this story, click here: Woman Apparently Captures Video of Her Dog’s Ghost

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Angry Animal Advocates Can Calm Down: Tens of Thousands of Wild Horses and Donkeys Will be Spared the Threat of an Untimely Death


The federal government said this week that it will not consider a suggestion to euthanize the animals or sell them to slaughter.

The pronouncement, issued by the Bureau of Land Management, followed a public outcry over an advisory board’s recommendation on Friday that the agency kill or sell all of the 45,000 horses and donkeys in its custody that cannot be adopted.

In a statement and blog post in response, the Humane Society of the United States described the recommendation as “unhinged advice,” “a complete abdication of responsibility,” and “a sort of ‘Final Solution.’ ”

An online petition has collected more than 118,000 signatures so far.

But a spokesman for the bureau made clear in an interview that it had no plans to act on the advice.

“We’re making no change in our current policy,” the spokesman, Tom Gorey, said on Thursday. “We’re not going to sell to slaughter or put down healthy horses.”

The bureau will reinforce its contention at the next meeting of the group that made the recommendation, the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. The recommendation was adopted by seven of its members, with one dissenting and another absent. It meets again in the spring.

The advice, however, puts into focus what some have described as a crisis for the program: The bureau takes in more and more animals as the population in the wild swells, using money that could be spent on dealing with population growth in the first place.

The federal agency houses more than 45,000 horses and burros in corrals, pastures or sanctuaries at a cost of more than $49 million annually.

In addition to the animals in captivity, there are more than 67,000 wild horses and burros roaming on federal land in the West, about 2.5 times the level the agency deems ideal for them to “thrive in balance with other public land resources and uses.”

The imbalance is most severe in California, where the current population is 3.8 times the sustainable level, according to the bureau’s estimates.

The agency takes more in each year, but it can’t keep up with explosive growth: The wild population expanded by 15 percent last year and 18 percent the year before.

While the agency adopts out thousands of animals each year and administers birth control to hundreds more, neither of these methods makes for a viable long-term solution to the population problem, Mr. Gorey said. The best hope is to improve birth control.

“What we need is a deus ex machina; we need a longer-lasting fertility-control agent and right now that’s not to be seen,” Mr. Gorey said. Current methods last about a year.

In the meantime, he said, the agency will just have to do the best it can to keep the booming population down.

The Bureau of Land Management used a helicopter to trap wild horses in Utah in 2015, though several escaped. It is costly to manage the animals, some critics say. Credit Jim Urquhart/Reuters.



You may be interested in reading: Bureau of Land Management Recently Recommended that 45,000 Wild Horses and Burros be Sold and/or Killed by a Range Management


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College Football Star ‘Suspended Indefinitely’ Over Animal Abuse Investigation


A Missouri State football star was suspended indefinitely after allegedly punching a dog three times and breaking its jaw, according to reports Sunday.

Bears quarterback Breck Ruddick, 20, hit the 42-pound Australian shepherd so hard, the pooch, Luca, lost teeth and was rushed to a vet with a shattered jaw, the Daily Mail reported.

The player was suspended Friday for “conduct detrimental to the team” just hours after a Facebook post detailing the attack emerged, the paper reported.

The player lost his cool, punched the dog and let him “run off, all alone and bleeding profusely,” Shelby Filbeck, a friend of the dog’s owner, Katie Riggs, wrote in a Facebook post Friday afternoon.

Riggs “spent the whole night looking for her dog,” Filbeck said, according to the Daily Mail.

On Saturday, the college said the suspension was linked to the animal abuse allegations. Reddick won’t play again “until the situation is resolved,” said athletic director Kyle Moats.

To read more on this story, click here: College Football Star ‘Suspended Indefinitely’ Over Animal Abuse Investigation



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The Man Who Shot and Killed K-9 Officer Jethro, of the Canton Police Department in Ohio, Has Been Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison


Kelontre Barefield, 23, received the sentence after pleading guilty to charges related to the police dog's death and other charges in an unrelated robbery case, a spokeswoman for the Stark County Clerk of Courts told ABC News today.

Barefield's attorney, Steven Reisch, didn't immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment.

Jethro was killed in January after suffering multiple gunshot wounds while responding to a burglary at a grocery store, according to Officer Eric Stanbro, head trainer of Canton PD's K-9 unit.

The death of the 3-year-old German shepherd devastated Canton PD Officer Ryan Davis, who had been Jethro's partner since he was an 8-week-old puppy.

In March, an 11-year-old girl donated all of her allowance money to help get bulletproof vests for all of the department's dogs.

"Officer Davis has received 2,000 letters since Jethro's death, and he was catching up with them over the weekend," Stanbro previously told ABC News. "He came across this girl's letter and donation, and it really touched him."

In the letter, an 11-year-old girl named Allison tells Davis, "I sorry about Jethro. So here is my allowance for the bulletproof vests. God bless you and the dogs."

An 11-year-old girl named Allison donated her allowance money to the Canton Police Department to help get bulletproof vests for dogs in the department's K-9 unit.

On Wednesday, the Canton PD's K-9 Unit shared a video of some its dogs and handlers on Facebook "[i]n honor of Jethro's killer being sentenced to 45 years in prison."

To video video, click HERE.



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Monday, September 26, 2016

Benefits of Having Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed Every Night


We’ve all heard that we shouldn’t do it: inviting your dog into your bed. People believe it’s dirty, and it’s just not good for you. People have been saying it for years.

But, what if we told you that maybe that isn’t entirely true.

There are actual health benefits to letting your four-legged best friend spend the night, and it isn’t just you who’s better for all that cuddle time.

It’s better for your dog, too!

And who doesn’t want to do everything they can to make sure their little one is as happy as possible?

So to all you dog lovers who love snuggling up with their warm, fluffy buddy at the end of the day, keep doing what you’re doing.

Chances are, you’ll sleep better at night and we all know that better sleep leads to a better day.

It really is a win-win situation for everyone involved!

They Give You Comfort

Whether it’s their warm body or rhythmic breathing, there’s just something so comforting about a dog. They make your bed feel even cozier!



They Fight Insomnia

Their presence promotes calm, stress relief, and a feeling of safety. So, basically, they take away all of the things that keep you up at night!



Snuggling With Them Relieves Stress And Anxiety

As therapy dogs have shown, a pooch’s presence is a great stress reliever. Their positive outlook seems to be contagious, and their attentive nature can be very reassuring.


They Provide Warmth

Their warm bodies and tendency to curl up as close to their humans as possible work as a little radiator in the bed. While this can be tough in the summer, who doesn’t love a little bit of natural warmth on a chilly night?


They Help Fight Depression

One thing that dogs offer without question is unconditional love. For someone battling depression, this type of connection can feel hard to come by. To receive it, with no questions asked, can work wonders during a particularly tough time.


They Make You Feel Safe

Knowing that there is another presence watching over you when you’re at your most vulnerable is such a comforting feeling. Their super hearing and tendency to bark at strangers are all factors in this.


It's Good For Your Dog, Too

There’s nothing in the world that your dog loves more than you, so allowing them to spend that extra snuggle time will make their day. They receive comfort from you in the same way that you do from them, so this sleep arrangement is good for everyone!


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