Why Is That Dog Wearing A Lampshade? – It’s Not A Lampshade, Its An Elizabethan Collar

Have you ever seen a cat or dog with a collar on that looks like a lampshade? While at first glance it does look like a lampshade, it is not.

Recently, my sister’s cat had minor surgery and the animal hospital sent her home with a elizabethan collar. She called me and asked why they had put a lampshade on her cat. She said that the cat didn’t like it on. She said that the cat was walking into walls and could not eat. I told her that she could remove it for eating, and put it back on.

I first experienced the e-collar in 2005 with my shih-tzu, Sugar. She too was walking into table legs and walls. We had to carry her outside to potty. My husband elevated her food and water bowls…and that didn’t work. Finally, we realized that the e-collar was too big for her.  Shih Tuzs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese and Pugs have brachycephalic faces, so the e-collar ususally sticks out too far. He finally got the idea to trim the e-collar down.

An elizabethan collar or as some people call it, a space collar, cone and yes lampshade, is a protective medical device worn by an animal, usually a cat or dog. Shaped like a truncated cone, its purpose is to prevent the animal from biting or licking at its body or scratching at its head or neck while wounds or injuries heal.

The device is generally attached to the pet's usual collar with strings or tabs passed through holes punched in the sides of the plastic. The neck of the collar should be short enough to let the animal eat and drink. Although most pets adjust to them quite well, others won't eat or drink with the collar in place and the collar is temporarily removed for meals.

While purpose-made collars can be purchased from veterinarians or pet stores, they can also be made from plastic and cardboard or by using plastic flowerpots, wastebaskets, buckets or lampshades. Modern collars might involve soft fabric trim along the edges to increase comfort and velcro surfaces for ease of attachment removal.

How the Elizabethan Collar got its name: The collars are named from the ruffs worn in Elizabethan times






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Dogs Are No Longer Allowed to be Tied Up for Hours on End in Springfield, Missouri

Dogs are no longer allowed to be tied up for hours on end in Springfield, Missouri. The city council unanimously voted to pass a bill that targets owners who leave their dogs tethered on chains.

City Council is enacting an ordinance to limit the tethering of dogs to temporary periods not to exceed 30 minutes. When dogs are tied up, dogs must be on a non-choke type collar.

The proposal comes at a time when many humane societies are spreading awareness that tethering pets is not only harmful to the animals but potentially dangerous for people as well.

Tethered dogs become bored, anxious and anti-social and this can cause a dog to negatively act out. It also gives rise to a higher chance of a dog lashing out and biting someone.

Dog owners who break the law could face fines.

Certain exceptions were highlighted in the bill and apply in circumstances where:

Tethering shall be allowed on rare occasions when it is necessary for the dog owner of a custodian to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained for a reasonable amount of time.

Tethering shall be allowed for short periods of time for the dog to relieve himself.

During the time the dog is tethered, he must be provided with adequate shelter and water.

When riding outside the passenger compartment of a vehicle in transit or when tied to a legally parked vehicle, the dog must be secured by a non choke collar or body harness.

The complete wording of the bill can be read HERE. 

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So You've Got Your New Puppy Home…Now What? Tips on Caring for Your New Puppy

Welcoming a new puppy into your family is truly an exciting and rewarding time! However, it can lead to headache and unnecessary stress for you and your new four-legged friend if you aren’t fully prepared. 

Before the Big Day

Once household discussions have established that everyone wants a dog of a certain age and breed, where to get the pup-from a shelter or reputable breeder-is more or less determined. Now, family meetings should cover scheduling:

• Who will take the pup to the papers or backyard and when?
• Who will be in charge of feedings three to four times a day?
• Who will make veterinary appointments for vaccinations and deworming?

Also, take time to create a vocabulary list everyone will use. If Mom says "down" when the puppy climbs on the couch, Dad says "down" when he wants him to lie down, and Junior utters "sit down" when he expects the pup's rear to hit the floor, the result will be one confused dog! Putting the schedule and vocabulary list in writing prevents confusion and will help dog walkers, nannies, and others involved in raising the puppy.

Next, draft a shopping list and purchase supplies: food and water bowls, chew toys, grooming supplies, bedding, collar and leash, identification tag, crate, gate, and odor neutralizer. Pre-puppy shopping allows you to order from wholesale catalogs or visit the pet superstore in the next county without the pressure of the puppy needing it right now.

You'll need to puppy-proof the area where the youngster will spend most of his time the first few months. This may mean taping loose electrical cords to baseboards; storing household chemicals on high shelves; removing plants, rugs, and breakables; setting up the crate; and installing gates. Once you think you've completely puppy-proofed, lie on the floor and look around once more to get a puppy's-eye view.

If you have children, hold one last meeting to lay down the rules: Don't overwhelm Puppy the first day, and don't fight over him.

Getting Off on the Right Paw

When you pick up your puppy, remember to ask what and when he was fed. Replicate that schedule for at least the first few days to avoid gastric distress. If you wish to switch to a different brand, do so over a period of about a week by adding one part new brand to three parts of the old for several days; then switch to equal parts; and then one part old to three parts new.

From the start, consistency is important. On the way home, Puppies should ride in the back seat, in a crate or carrier.

Once home, people who  plop the excited newcomer on the rug, and let the kids chase him will be mopping up in no time-and regretting the lesson they taught their new pup. 

Instead, take him to his toileting area immediately.

From there, carry out your schedule for feeding, toileting, napping, and play/exercise. From Day One, your pup will need family time and brief periods of solitary confinement. Solitude may be new to Puppies, so he may vocalize concern. Don't give in and comfort him or you may create a monster. The puppy thinks, "if making noise brought them running once, maybe more whimpering is needed to get their attention again," reasons the pup. Give him attention for good behavior, such as chewing on a toy or resting quietly.

They may be small, but new puppies can be big work. So much so, that the second you tell someone you’re getting a dog, the advice comes pouring in. “I think you get more advice when you walk down the street with a puppy than you do with a child,” says New York-based pet trainer and author, Andrea Arden. 

Five top tips for welcoming a new puppy into your home:

1. Get lots of toys
“A puppy, no matter what size, age or breed is going to have a lot of energy,” says Arden, who recommends having plenty of toys around the house to keep your pup busy and out of trouble. A toy that can be stuffed with food keeps puppies busy by encouraging them to hunt for their meals, and burns calories at the same time. Arden suggests keeping five to ten toys on hand. Remember, she says, “a nice tired puppy is a wonderful puppy.”

2. Create a confinement area
“There’s a misconception about crating or confining your pet,” says Arden. “It’s not cruel. We use confinement to keep pets safe, like we do with children. If you were a visitor at someone’s home, you wouldn’t want to be set free to explore the home to then be reprimanded for going somewhere or touching something you weren’t supposed to. It’s the same with your new dog.”

Arden advises puppy owners to purchase a crate that’s an appropriate size for your pooch to stand up in, lie down, and turn around comfortably. This is meant to be used as a short-term confinement area. If you need to leave your pup alone for a stretch of time, consider an exercise pen – similar to a baby pen. Such pens give puppies more room while keeping them in one place.

3. Forget the doggy bed, use a towel instead
New dog owners don’t necessarily need to invest in a doggy bed right away, says Arden, who recommends using an easy-to-clean towel during the first few months. “I usually offer a puppy bed when the dog is five or six months old.”

4. Get a (good) collar and leash
“Ideally, you’ll have one of three collars – a plain buckle nylon collar, a Martingale collar that’s fitted to your puppy’s collar (especially good for Italian Greyhounds) or an Easy Walk or SENSE-ation harness,” says Arden. The two harnesses have a front leash attachment design and don’t pull on your dog as much. For leashes, the trainer recommends a 3-to-6-foot nylon style. Retractable leashes are better suited for older dogs who have already been trained.

5. Groom early and often
Start good grooming habits early with your puppy. “Clip a nail a day just so he gets used to the sensation,” says Arden. Buy a toothbrush or rubber tip for your finger and brush your pup’s teeth every day with pet safe toothpaste. Arden also recommends using unscented baby wipes to clean his paws every time you come in from outside. And remember to bathe your new pup in pet-safe shampoo and conditioner every two to three weeks.

Doing things correctly from the start prevents confusion. Through puppy preparedness, you are one step closer to your Dream Dog. FOLLOW US!

Preventing Dog Collar Accidents

Most dog owners think that they are protecting their dog from getting lost when they put a collar on their dog.

They fasten the collar with flashy identification and rabies tags to ensure that if someone were to find their dog unattended, he or she would know who to call and that the dog is vaccinated.

To read more on this story, click here: Preventing Dog Collar Accidents
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10 Unexpected Ways You Could Be Hurting Your Dog or Cat

We know you love your pet unconditionally and strive to take good care of him, but even the most experienced owners can sometimes harm their cats or dogs and not even realize it.

Here are a few mistakes you might be making, but don't worry, we've also included advice and links to more detailed articles to help you fix them.

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Unexpected Ways You Could Be Hurting Your Dog or Cat FOLLOW US!

Northwest Boxer Rescue: The Importance of Collar-Less Dog Play

Sharing from my friends at, Northwest Boxer Rescue

A few years ago I was pretty shaken by a phenomenon I had never heard about: the intense, chaotic, life-or-death struggle that ensues when one dog gets his jaw stuck in another dog’s collar.

It happened to two dogs that live a few houses down from my home office. I was working at my computer when I heard a dog’s horrifying screaming. I leaped up from my desk and ran outside toward the screaming.

It was a young Malamute and a Lab-mix in the back yard of a house down the street. One had grabbed his friend’s collar and then mostly likely rolled over, twisting his lower jaw in the collar. His tooth had somehow gotten stuck under the collar; he was the one making all the noise.

His buddy was not screaming; he was fighting for his life, and being choked to death by his own collar. Both dogs were thrashing in pain and fear. The owners were not home but thankfully a neighbor and I were able to help.

I grabbed one dog by the scruff; he grabbed the other. The neighbor quickly found the collar with a quick release buckle and it released.

These dogs survived the experience. A couple days ago a dedicated NWBR volunteer encountered a similar situation and her dog wasn’t so lucky. We share this story so you can be aware of this risk and take preventative measures when your dog is playing with other dogs.

Here are five things you can do to keep your dog safe when he’s playing with other dogs.

1. Play Naked! Remove your dog’s collar or harness.

2. Use a Collar With a Quick-Release Buckle. If you’re nervous about having your dog naked (and without ID), get your dog chipped or use a collar with a buckle that can be released even under tension. Another option is a safety breakaway collar (but do not use when walking your dog).

3. Don’t Allow Your Dog to Play With Dogs Who Are Wearing Gear. At times, this may mean your dog won’t be able to play at a dog park, because it’s nearly impossible to get everyone to comply with sensible rules at a dog park.

4. Spread The Word. Share this story so others can consider this potential hazard they can prevent a tragedy happening to their dogs.

5. Keep Something Sharp Handy. This is quite a long shot – and yet, this may be your only option to help a dog quickly.

Like them Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthwestBoxerRescue?fref=photo
Visit their website at: http://www.nwboxerrescue.org/

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'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog Who Has A $100,000 A Year Allowance for Paw-dicures And Designer Shopping Sprees

Forget give the dog a bone, this pampered pooch would likely dine on filet mignon and lobster given half the chance.

Bella Mia, a three-year-old full-breed Maltese from Great Neck, New York, is said to be one of the richest dogs in the world with a six-figure trust fund under her collar.

Last year, her owner Rose Ann Bolasny gave her a $100,000-a-year allowance to play with towards weekly paw-dicures, haircuts and designer shopping sprees.

The 60-year-old accountant, who has two adult sons, says Bella Mia is the 'daughter she never had' and likes to refer to her as a child instead of an animal.

To read more on this story, click here: 'She's The Daughter I Never Had': Meet Bella Mia The Trust Fund Dog

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7 Myths About Dog Care - (Written by a Dog)

Hi my human friends, my name is Skai Wantstofly and my dad, Dr. D., is a vet. Dad  says that I am the ambassador of natural healing.  I am not sure what it means exactly but I know that it is about feeling good and making us, dogs better without chemicals, vaccines and drugs.

I have always loved the number 7 because it looks a little bit like a stick and I looove sticks. So today, I have seven myths to many humans still believe

To read more on this story, click here: 7 Myths About Dog Care - (Written by a Dog)

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Donations Needed for Dog Injured in Fall - Collar Embedded in His Neck

I am sharing from my friends at Willy's Happy Endings Animal Shelter

Willy's Happy Endings Animal Shelter: 
HELP!
We are currently at the vet with one of the worst embedded collar cases we have ever seen. This boy desperately needed our help after he fell from the bed of a truck and good Samaritans called the sheriff's dept.

He is heartworm positive, running a high fever, emaciated to the point of muscle atrophy, and has skin infections to boot.

We are dedicated to saving this boys life, but we need your help!

Please consider calling a donation in to the WHE account at North Stewart Vet for the embedded collar chow right away! 931-232-9900 you can also send a paypal to info@willyshappyendings.org or mail to W.H.E 2073 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville TN 37040

Can't donate? You and/or your children can send 'get well' or 'good luck' cards and drawings to any of our animals and we will read them to them and hang them in their kennel!!
W.H.E. Animal Rescue
C/O {pet's name}
2073 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040

This is his story:

$500 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF THE MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CRUELTY + an additional $500 pledged by supporters

On the morning of 10/17/2014 a Grey/Silver Ford Ranger drove past the Garden Place on Woodlawn Rd. This dog jumped or fell out of the bed of the truck and good Samaritans rushed to help him. The women say the man driving was a very large African American man and that he turned around to come back for the dog but did not stop when he saw them with him.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Dept. and Animal Control were on scene and took reports and Willy's Happy Endings was called to provide treatment and safe harbor for the dog.
If you have any information on who this man may be please contact W.H.E. #931-217-4495.

Phoenix has suffered at the end of a chain, likely for his whole life. His choke-chain collar was double looped and likely put on him as a puppy. As he grew, it cut into his neck slowly causing extreme and ever present pain and damage to deep tissue. He now has a systemic infection, is emaciated, heartworm positive, and has road rash to boot. The person who caused this suffering must be found and punished. WHE will not stop fighting! Together, we can make sure Phoenix rises from the ashes of his old life and that Justice is done to the man responsible on his behalf.

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A Homeless Dog That Was Found Carrying A Mysterious Photo in his Collar, Needs Help Finding His Family

A mysterious photo found in a homeless dog's collar has captured the imaginations of supporters of Greenville County Pet Rescue and has many of them playing detective.

A 2-year-old Pit Bull who arrived at the shelter in South Carolina and had an old, battered photo of a man tucked away in his collar. The dog, since named Soldier, has not been claimed and no one has identified the man in the photo.

Several people on the shelter's Facebook page have commented that the man appears to be holding a knife in his right hand. Others say he may be holding a soldier's cap. But the person in the black & white picture remains a mystery.

As for Soldier, he is now looking for a forever home. He's friendly with people and with dogs and is healthy. For more information on adopting Soldier visit Greenville County Pet Rescue's website  (dog ID #21844639).

                          Soldier (right) was found with an old photo in his collar. Photo: Greenville County Animal Care

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