Animals Australia - Faith in Humanity … Restored! - (Videos)

Animals Australia

At a time when tragedy dominates world affairs, it’s easy to despair at the path some ‘leaders’ have led us down. But if you’re worried about losing faith in humankind, despair not: we have the antidote. Cue happy tears…

Post by Animals Australia.

About
Animals Australia is Australia's foremost animal protection organization. See what we've achieved:



Mission
Animals Australia’s vision is a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect and are free from cruelty. We believe that we can create a kinder world for all by fostering respect for animals and that our treatment of animals reflects who we are as individuals and as a society

"Like" them on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalsAustralia?fref=photo

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What You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Retractable Dog Leash

One of the most popular devices used to restrain dogs when taking them out for a walk is the retractable leash. Many owners, however, wonder if such a leash is appropriate or even safe to use. Well, the answer generally depends on a person’s reason for using the device. While there are several ways to utilize the retractable leash properly, it is important to remember that they also pose some danger to you and your dog if not used correctly.

Before using a retractable leash, make certain you’ve got one that’s strong enough to handle your dog. Dogs that have a tendency to bolt or take off running after perceived prey should never be restrained with a retractable leash. Aside from those dangers, there are other things to keep in mind when using one of these popular leashes.

What You Need to Watch Out For

• Prickling leash burns. Retractable leashes, especially the thin string variety, can very easily cause leash burns. This could happen when you let your pooch race past you with the retractable line zipped up across your bare skin. Unwarranted injuries, however, can be prevented if you try the flat, tape style retractable leash.

• Entanglement or strangulation. Not only can retractable leashes burn us, they can also get twisted around a dog’s neck or legs. Worse, if your pooch panics and jerks the moment they get hog-tied; it could cause the leash to pull even tighter. Although you can loosen the cords that have wrapped around his neck, the situation could quickly become life-threatening.

• Fatal accidents. There are times when our dogs dart away all of a sudden, and with a retractable leash on him, your dog might dart even farther, faster. Nevertheless, it’s the reeling that’s a serious issue here. It is possible that Fido may spot a squirrel or anything interesting across the street, and suddenly take off after it. If you’re not alert enough, his abrupt behavior and an un-sturdy retractable leash could put him smack on the road, right in front of a speeding car.

Other Things You Would Never Want to Happen

• The leash drops. Because these leashes rarely have a wrist strap and are sometimes heavy and bulky, dropping them is a regular occurrence. What’s worse, if you drop the handle, the lack of tension can send the heavy handle hurdling toward your dog. Not only could the heavy leash handle smack your dog in the head, if your dog is spooked by the leash handle zipping deafeningly toward him, he may take off running.

• The cord is grabbed. If you grab the cord/tape while it is being pulled from the handle, you might suffer from immediate injury like cuts and burns.

• The cord wraps around you. Poor handling can also cause the cord/tape to twist around you or someone else’s fingers resulting in deep wounds, or worse, amputation.

• The collar breaks or comes off your dog. The moment this occurs, the leash could retract at top speed while the other end of the line whips around at the same full momentum leading to serious injuries to face, teeth, and eyes.

Injury to You, Your Children or Others

• Amputation of fingers
• Cuts, burns and deep Lacerations on hands, arms and legs
• Broken teeth (if collar breaks or leash clip fails and cord retracts at maximum speed to smack you in the face.)
• Eye injuries/blindness (same)
• Serious falls (when full speed dog hits end of 20+ foot leash or when bicyclist tangles with leash).

Injury to Your Dog or Other Dogs

• Amputation of legs or tail.
• Getting lost (when plastic handle “chases” them).
• Hit by car when they dart into the road (know several dogs, personally, who died that way. Still on leash but dead.)
• Injured when they get tangled with other dogs or bicycles.

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Dog Breeds Who Are Most at Risk in the Summer Sun

While cats have enough sense to nap their way through summer afternoons, dogs need a little more guidance in warm weather. If you let them, dogs will follow their masters into the inferno. That loyalty comes at a price. Dogs are not good at keeping themselves cool, so they rely on us to keep them out of trouble.

Dogs can become dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of water when it's hot outdoors. If they are panting heavily, bring them to a cooled-off area and give them water.

Dogs will not limit their own activity, so pay close attention to how your dog is acting as they play.

Provide your dog with a shady place to escape if they're out in the sun or keeping them completely indoors when it's very hot

Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, no matter how happy your dog seems when it's warm. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble: Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog who needs help. Get to a veterinarian immediately if you see these symptoms!

Remember that older, obese or short-nosed dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, Shih Tzus and French Bulldogs) are less tolerant of heat. However, all dogs need constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

Although many of the breeds on this list are brachycephalic, or have short noses and wide, flat heads-it's important to take proper precautions for keeping any dog cool in warm weather and never (ever!) leaving them in a hot car for any period of time.

#1 - Pug
Playful, confident and friendly, Pugs are well loved for their charisma and charm. With a wrinkled face, short legs and compact body, the Pug's unique expression and physique is well known among dog fanciers and pet parents alike. Because of its small size, Pugs can happily adapt to both city and country living.

Brachycephalic breeds-or dogs with short noses, compact skulls and compressed upper respiratory systems-like the Pug are inefficient panters, which means that they're unable to cool themselves as effectively as other dog breeds. Because of this, brachycephalic breeds are more prone to overheating and require extra care in warm weather, particularly access to shade and plenty of water.
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#2 - Pekinese
An ancient toy breed that originated in China over 1,000 years ago, the Pekinese is a happy, loveable lapdog. Loyal and devoted to it's family, the Pekinese can also be wary of strangers. With a thick undercoat and long, dense overcoat, Pekinese require regular grooming, in addition to special care in warm weather.

If you anticipate spending a lot of time outdoors with you dog, it's important to check with your veterinarian to make sure they're healthy enough to participate in the plans you make. Every dog is different, so there's no set of guidelines that can apply to every one.

#3 - Bulldog
Originally used for bull baiting, the Bulldog is now one of the most popular companion animals in America and is one of the most popular AKC breeds. A short yet powerful dog with a heavy build, trademark under bite and lots of loose skin, the Bulldog makes an adorable couch companion, albeit one that may be prone to snorting and drooling.

While the Bulldog may require some prodding to go out for a walk, they might have some trouble breathing as they run or play because they are brachycephalic, so take care not to over-exercise them.

#4 - Shih Tzu
Another ancient dog breed that was kept as a companion and lap dog by Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus remain popular family pets and companions. A playful breed that loves learning new things, Shih Tzus are generally good with children and other dogs. With a dense undercoat and long, straight outer coat, the Shih Tzu requires regular grooming and may snort and sneeze (in addition to overheat in warm weather) frequently because of its short muzzle.

You'll want to avoid spending too much time on the pavement with your dog in warm weather, as the ground can heat up quickly and can create blisters or burns on the pads of your dog's paws.

#5 - Boston Terrier
One of the first breeds established in the United States, the Boston Terrier is a lively, intelligent breed with a gentle and easy going disposition. A compact breed with large ears and a wide smile, Boston Terriers generally require a minimal amount of exercise and grooming and, aside from their propensity to overheat in warm weather, tend to be easy keepers.

#6 - French Bulldog

This little lap-warmer was bread as a companion for French royalty beginning in the 19th century. With a small, compact body and large, rounded ears, French Bulldogs also have short muzzles and broad, flat faces. Sweet, affectionate and friendly, French Bulldogs get along well with everyone but tend to become attached to one person in particular. In addition to their high risk of over heating in warm weather, French Bulldogs also need to have the spaces between the wrinkles on their face and neck kept clean and dry to prevent skin infections.

#7 - Boxer
Used for fighting and bull baiting in the 18th century, Boxers have become popular family pets, police dogs and military dogs. Large and muscular with a square head, short nose and high-tucked abdomen, Boxers love to play and spend time with their people. Particularly affectionate with children, the Boxers can be protective of their families in the presence of other dogs and require lots of attention.

If dogs are allowed to be active during the hottest parts of the day, they are at risk for heatstroke, which can be fatal if not corrected quickly. If at all possible. It is  recommended limiting extended outdoor time to early afternoon or evening on hot days. If your dog must be out and about during the hottest hours of the day, provide them with plenty of water, access to shade and time to take breaks and catch their breath.

#8 - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Considered a fashionable lap dog for women in the 17th century, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel remains a popular and friendly companion. An easygoing breed that falls in love with everyone it meets, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is small bodied with a round head, short nose and fluffy drop eats. A breed that loves attention, its medium-length coat requires regular grooming. Although the breed can fare well in either the city or the country, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels-like the other breeds on this list-will need to have access to air conditioning or plenty of cool places when the temperature heats up.

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Baby Alligator Escapes Zoo And Accomplice Was The Tortoise, Gator Still On The Run In Michigan

A baby alligator named Carlos has pulled of the zoo version of the greatest escape with the help of a local tortoise. GarLyn Zoo officials believe they know how the little gator managed to pull off its caper but the animal is still on the loose in Michigan’s upper peninsula.

In a related report by The Inquisitr, gators are not just escapees, they can be the good guys, too. One car thief found himself thwarted by an alligator in Florida. Still, they are known to be a touchy lot. One guy was caught on video trying to move an alligator out of the road, and that went about as you would expect.

GarLyn Zoo is home to about 100 animals, including two adult alligators and little baby Carlos, who has only been with the zoo for a few months. The reason the alligator escaped the zoo was because the 12-inch little guy was being housed in a pond with turtles, which has a fence with one-inch openings. Manager Gary Moore says a large tortoise has a tendency to wear the dirt away from the bottom of the fence when it makes its rounds of its cage. They believe a hole was opened up that was large enough for the baby gator to escape.

Carlos is the first escapee in the 21 years the zoo has been in operation. In fact, Moore did not even notice his gator was missing until a state trooper visited him and told stories of witnesses seeing a young alligator ambling along U.S. 2:

“I’m asking people that if they see a little alligator holding a sign on U.S. 2 that says, ‘Florida or bust’ to call us.”

Unfortunately, while the situation sounds kind of funny, it’s actually quite serious for the baby alligator. Moore does not believe Carlos will survive in the wild past October and are hoping people will help find and recover him. Although the gator is said to pose little threat to humans since he only stands about an inch and half tall, Moore recommends not touching the alligator and they ask people to call GarLyn Zoo at 906-477-1085 or contact the police.

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Don't Let Ag-Gag Bills Hide Animal Cruelty - The President and CEO of the HSUS, Wayne Pacelle, Rev. Al Sharpton and Undercover Investigator Cody Carlson Discuss Ag-Gag Laws and Video Footage Touching on Food Safety in America

In recent years, whistleblowing employees have repeatedly exposed animal abuse, food safety threats, unsafe working conditions, and environmental problems at industrial agriculture operations. Unfortunately, the agricultural industry has introduced "anti-whistleblower" bills in an attempt to hide animal cruelty and prevent the American public from finding out about the abuses in the first place.

These bills would criminalize undercover investigators doing important work, such as our very own Cody Carlson, who went undercover to capture footage at four different factory farms -- inlcuding two in Iowa -- where there already is an "Ag-Gag" law in place.

Cody witnessed horrible abuse and found that workers had absolutely no regard for the animals' well-being. Watch as Rev. Al Sharpton, Wayne Pacelle, and Cody Carlson discuss Ag-Gag laws on MSNBC.




TAKE ACTION
Join The HSUS and animal lovers nationwide to protect animals from dangerous "ag-gag" bills by signing our pledge HERE.

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You May Have Read Erin Auerbach's Recently-Published Column ("Why I'd Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again") - Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO, Washington Humane Society, Responds - ("Why I Would Always Adopt a Shelter Animal")

If you missed Erin Auerbach's article, you can read it here: Sharing This Story from The Washington Post (PostEverything Section) - Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again - What Are Your Thoughts?


From: Lisa LaFontaine:
For anyone who saw the recent column about adoption of shelter animals ... read my blog in the Huffington Post about why people SHOULD ADOPT from a humane society ~

To read Lisa's story, click here: Why I Would Always Adopt a Shelter Animal



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How to Clicker Train Your Cat

What Is Clicker Training?

Clicker is a method of animal training that uses a sound a click—to tell an animal when he does something right. The clicker is a tiny plastic box held in the palm of your hand, with a metal tongue that you push quickly to make the sound. Most people who’ve heard of the clicker know that it’s a popular tool for dog trainers, but clickers can be used to train all kinds of animals, wild and domestic—from lions to elephants to household cats, birds and rats!

Cat training has often been considered an elusive goal by pet owners who've been conditioned to view cats as "untrainable." Yet many cat owners have found an enjoyable way to train and interact with their pets through the process of clicker training for cats.

So what is cat clicker training? Cat clicker training is an easy and fun way to help shape your cat's behavior. The scientific term for the method is operant conditioning - simply put, it means you can take advantage of your cat's natural tendency to repeat an action that has a positive consequence. With clicker training, punishments are not used. You "mark" a desirable behavior with a click, and then reward it with a treat.

The clicker is a small plastic device with a metal strip that makes a clicking sound when it's pressed. The value of the clicking sound is that it is completely distinct within the cat's environment. Unlike the sound of your voice, which your cat hears all the time, the sound of the click becomes a clear form of communication. The click is something that he can uniquely associate with the desired behavior. The treat then immediately follows the click, reinforcing the positive consequences of the behavior.

Cat clicker training definitely requires your patience. Before you begin, look for examples of clicker training videos on the Web, or go through your local bookstore to find guides full of clicker training tips and tricks. Set your goals for cat training, and decide which behaviors you want to encourage, which ones you want to replace, and whether you want to teach your cat a few simple tricks.

The first step is to get your cat used to the sound of the clicker. When you have your cat's attention, give the clicker a click, and follow it immediately with a small morsel of something he loves to eat. Commercial cat treats are ideal for this process. It's important to give just a small taste of something yummy so your cat is left wanting more. You can either toss the treat to the cat, or hand-feed it to him.

Be patient. Some cats will associate the click with the treat almost immediately, while others may be slower to catch on. This process is sometimes referred to as "charging the clicker." Once the clicker is charged, and your cat readily makes the association between click and treat, he's ready for more advanced cat clicker training.

Perhaps the easiest command to teach your cat is to "come" at the sound of the clicker - wherever he is, he'll come out of hiding to retrieve the treat. It's the same principle by which cats learn to come running at the sound of a can opener. And if you have a new kitten that hasn't yet acquired an aversion to the cat carrier, you can use clicker training to get him to enter his carrier on demand.

Some cat owners have successfully replaced clicks with voice commands or visual cues. Once a behavior has been learned, it doesn't have to be rewarded with a treat every time, but should always be accompanied by praise.

Keep The Following Clicker Training Tips In Mind As You Train Your Cat:

• Click during the desired behavior, not after it. Timing is crucial, because the click sound may actually cause the cat to terminate the behavior in anticipation of a treat.

• Begin with something easy that your cat is likely to do on his own (sit, come, touch your hand with his paw or nose, scratch on a post, follow a target object like a wand or pencil).

• Only click once per behavior. Multiple clicks can confuse your cat.

• Keep your cat training sessions very short.

• Focus on coaxing or luring your cat into a position area; never push him or pick him up to move him. Your cat's movements should be voluntary, even if they are accidental, he'll gradually associate the click with the movement you're training him for, whether it's sitting or jumping on a stool.

• Start by rewarding for small movements toward your goal, and then shape a behavior by raising the goal. For example, if you're training your cat to enter his carrier, at first you'll reward for any steps he takes in that direction, then for walking right up to the carrier, then for entering it.

• Don't punish bad behavior, but refocus your cat on good behaviors by rewarding them. For example, instead of punishing a cat for scratching on the furniture, reward him for using his designated scratching post. (You can begin by rewarding him just for being near the post.)

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How to Clicker Train Your Dog

What Is Clicker Training?

Clicker is a method of animal training that uses a sound—a click—to tell an animal when he does something right. The clicker is a tiny plastic box held in the palm of your hand, with a metal tongue that you push quickly to make the sound. Most people who’ve heard of the clicker know that it’s a popular tool for dog trainers, but clickers can be used to train all kinds of animals, wild and domestic—from lions to elephants to household cats, birds and rats!

Giving the Clicker Meaning

It’s easy to introduce the clicker to your pet. Spend 30 minutes or so teaching him that the sound of the click means “Treat!” (For the sake of simplicity, let’s assume that you’re going to clicker train a dog.)

Sit and watch TV or read a book with your dog in the room. Have a container of treats within reach.

Place one treat in your hand and the clicker in the other. (If your dog smells the treat and tries to get it by pawing, sniffing, mouthing or barking at you, just close your hand around the treat and wait until he gives up and leaves you alone.)

Click once and immediately open your hand to give your dog the treat. Put another treat in your closed hand and resume watching TV or reading. Ignore your dog.

Several minutes later, click again and offer another treat.

Continue to repeat the click-and-treat combination at varying intervals, sometimes after one minute, sometimes after five minutes. Make sure you vary the time so that your dog doesn’t know exactly when the next click is coming. Eventually, he’ll start to turn toward you and look expectant when he hears the click—which means he understands that the sound of the clicker means a treat is coming his way.

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Be Nosey - If You See Either of These in a Hot Car...Call Police!

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Atlantic Small Dog Rescue Has Set Up a Veterinary Fund to Help Care for the Dogs From Puppy Mill in Virginia - Can You Help?

Atlantic Small Dog Rescue has received some dogs who were rescued from a Puppy Mill. These dogs have been kept and raised in deplorable conditions, and have not received proper veterinary care their whole lives.

Now that they have been rescued their new lives will begin! ASDR will bring these dogs in to care, bring them to the vet, and ensure any medical problems are addressed. We already know that a number of these dogs have dental issues and will need deep cleanings, and possibly extractions. These procedures cost hundreds of dollars each, but mean a great deal when it comes to the future comfort and health of these dogs. Every dog will also be spayed or neutered before being sent to their new home.

We are also taking in at least one dog who may be pregnant, so her puppies will require their puppy vaccines and a thorough health check.

Are you able to donate even a little bit to our veterinary fund for these pups? Every dollar counts and will make a huge difference to these little guys!

Keep an eye out for their adoption advertisements to be posted on our Facebook page!

If you want to help these Puppy Mill dogs on their road to recovery, please consider a donation to our GoFundMe campaign. Every one of them will require spaying or neutering which will cost approximately $2,000 alone, and many will also need dental work. Please visit http://www.gofundme.com/56n79c or email money transfer your donation to paypal@asdrescue.com every little bit helps! Even $1!

If you would like to donate to help these dogs, click HERE!

A full write up on the details of their rescue will be posted some time in the afternoon or evening for you all to see!

The dogs will NOT be available for adoption right away, but we will be posting photos of them as we can. If you are interested in adopting one, please be patient, and wait until we post the dogs as available. They will each have their own post in our "available dogs" photo album with as much of a writeup on them as we can manage. But remember, they are from a puppy mill, so their lives have not been the best before now. Thankfully most of them seem like nice dogs, and even a few are quite friendly! We will be doing our best to bring them out of their shells upon their arrival, but for some that may take a while!

Some statistics on the dogs coming in: of the 10 dogs who are coming to us 6 have known dental issues that will require treatment, 8 have skin issues including scabby ears and hair loss, 1 has a heart murmur, 1 is possibly pregnant, 1 has an eye infection, and 1 has a hernia! That's a lot of health issues for one small batch of pups! These dogs range in age from 1 or 2 years old up to possibly 10 years old, and approximately half of them are 5 or under. Just a bit more information to tide you over until we can give more!

The transport has been delayed by a week, which gives us a bit more time to get prepared! We're coming close to the $1,000 mark, do you think we can reach it today?
About: Atlantic Small Dog Rescue

Just in case anyone was wondering, not ONE person who does work for ASDR is paid for their time. In fact, board members and other volunteers often donate their own hard earned money to fundraisers to help the dogs we take in. 97% of all funds raised go directly towards helping the dogs in our care, the vast majority of which is veterinary bills. The remaining 3% of the money we take in is spent on administration (banking fees, promotional materials, etc). And of all of the money we take in, only 50% is from adoption fees. That means that in order to continue the work that we do we must fund raise! We just wanted to clear up some misconceptions about non-profit organizations in order to allow you, especially those who are new to us, to understand how we work!

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ISPCA Warns That Casual Dog Fighting Is On The Rise

Casual Dogfighting, or  “rolling” is on the rise, according to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

The ISPCA this week released photos of an English bull terrier named Garth who was found bloodied and beaten after a suspected dog fight.

The ISPCA’s Conor Dowling says that Garth’s case is not an isolated one.
“It is definitely a problem,” Dowling told TheJournal.ie.

He said that there is two forms of the bloodsport, with the second form becoming a problem.

Though dog fighting has been illegal for 170 years, it has still gone on and is generally linked to criminal community.

“These events would have their own rules and regulations, but it’s difficult to infiltrate.

“Previously, the fights would have been fairly organised and had weight classes and rules. But what we’re seeing is people just putting two dogs together that they think will fight.

“It’s called street fighting or rolling.

It’s a problem in built-up urban areas and is often linked to gangs. It is used to increase the macho image of someone and has been used to settle gang fights, rather than having two people fight.

As Garth proves, the impromptu nature of rolling doesn’t lessen the impact and damage on the dog.

There is also the danger that dogs are stolen for the purpose of rolling.

“There is certainly anecdotal evidence that people see what they think is a violent dog and steal them.”

For that reason, among others, the ISPCA says that anybody who has a dog should be micochipping it.

Dog fighting carries punishments including an up to €250,000 fine and two years in prison. The ISPCA has been buoyed by changes to the law that made attendance at a dog fight and keeping dogs for the purposes of fighting illegal.

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You May Have Seen an Editorial in the Washington Post titled "Why I'd Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again" - An Advocate Responds to that Editorial - What She Had to Say

I posted the editorial yesterday, by, Erin Auerbach, titled "Why I'd Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again." If you missed it, you can read it here: Sharing This Story from The Washington Post (PostEverything Section) - Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again - What Are Your Thoughts?


This is the response by, Nina Stively, Nationally Certified Animal Control Officer

When Misperceptions Cost Lives

I don’t know what possessed me to even read something entitled “Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again,” written by Erin Auerbach, who also wrote a story entitled, “I Hope My Dogs Die Soon ,” but call me a glutton for punishment.

I love shelter dogs. I also love purebred dogs (some breeds more than others). I don’t think loving one is mutually exclusive of the other — especially considering the frequency with which you can find purebred dogs in shelters and rescues. However, I know shelter pets need all the help they can get, so seeing someone in a high-profile publication stomp their feet and complain in circles, without taking the chance to educate people, is just plain sad.

Although reputable breeders screen for preventable diseases inherent in a breed, some ailments cannot be predicted.

What frustrates me most about these articles, is, when it comes to health, there are no guarantees. Not in humans, not in plants, and not in dogs. In an effort to create a healthy litter, a reputable breeder will screen their dogs for health problems that are common and inherited in that breed, before they plan the breeding. A French Bulldog, the type of dog the author chooses in this article, would at the very least, be screened for heart, eye, and knee problems common to the breed. Her first dog lived to be more than 10 years old and eventually succumbed to cancer; her second dog struggled with epilepsy. While I greatly value the importance of preventative screening, neither of these afflictions could have been predicted by a pre-breeding screen. The author herself claims her previous shelter dogs lived “extraordinarily long lives,” so, to me, this whole story seems like an unfounded rant taken out on a population who so desperately need someone to look their way, instead of swearing them off altogether.

Auerbach claims the 2-year-old dog she ultimately purchased was being sold because his color was not suitable for the show ring — even though most breeders state French Bulldogs develop their full adult color by 16 weeks of age. I have no doubt that the author loves her dog, but to suggest that a breeder did not realize the dog’s incorrect color in two years means perhaps, she did not do her research either. In which case, why are we listening to her?

There are no guarantees in life and there are no guarantees as to how any of us will die. I am very sorry Ms. Auerbach has chosen to use her public platform to decry the adoption of homeless pets when, without people fighting in their corner, millions will die each year for no reason other than for lack of a home.

If you are looking to buy a puppy and don’t want to check your shelter or purebred rescue, please consider responsible breeders, but just because saving a life is not what you choose to do, please don’t encourage others to do the same without doing your research. With 5 to 7 million pets entering shelters each year, we are their voices, and often the only ones they have.

Do you have an adopted pet who has changed your life? Let’s share some stories and get the word out there that adoption is an awesome option. Together, we can change misperceptions and save lives.

Nina Stively has worked in animal welfare for the past 10 years and is a Nationally Certified Animal Control Officer. She loves planning pet adoption events and is a closeted "cat person". She shares her home with two dogs, three cats, an assortment of foster animals, and one very patient husband.

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Does Your Cat Often Shake Their Head or Scratch at Their Ears? It Could Be an Ear Infection

Cats catch a lucky break when it comes to ear infections, since they get them far less than their canine counterparts. However, if your cat gets an ear infection it should be addressed right away to minimize pain and damage to her ear canal.

The main causes of ear infections in cats are:
Ear mites (parasite)—especially in kittens; highly contagious among cats
An abscess from a bite wound or scratch
Growth in the ear canal
Allergies

Symptoms
If your furry friend has an ear infection, you might notice the following:

Discomfort when the base of the ears are massaged
Self-inflicted skin trauma from scratching
Dark or crusty debris in the ear canal opening
A wet sound when the ears are gently massaged
Head tilt or incoordination
Uneven pupil size

Diagnosis
Ear infections can resolve quickly or become chronic, depending on the cause and seriousness of the underlying condition. To diagnose an ear infection, your veterinarian will take a thorough history of your cat. This is very important to determine if an underlying disease may be the cause. They will also perform a complete physical exam and take a good look at your pet’s ears, using an otoscope to look down the ear canal. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, other tests or procedures may be performed for an accurate diagnosis. Some additional tests they may recommend are:

• Cytology, which identifies if yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms are present 
• A culture to determine which type of bacteria is present

If your cat goes outside, and/or if a bite wound or scratch is the underlying cause of the ear infection, your veterinarian may recommend testing your cat for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Both of these viruses are transmitted from cat to cat and are highly contagious.

Treatment 
Treating ear infections can be very tricky, especially if allergies are involved. Treatment will depend on the cause, nature, and severity of the ear infection. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment for your cat.

Treatment may include:
Antibiotic ointments, drops, sprays or creams for the ear
Oral antibiotics
Surgery (for cats with repeated ear infections or no response to other treatment)

Prevention
The best way to help your pet avoid ear infections is by watching for any signs of irritation. Keeping your cat indoors makes a huge difference if he has a history of recurring infections. In addition, keeping his ears dry will help prevent infections.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

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Does Your Dog Have "Dog Shaking Head Syndrome"? It Typically Means One Thing, There is Something Affecting its Ears, Causing Him Discomfort and Possibly Pain

If your canine displays "dog shaking head syndrome," it typically means one thing: there is something affecting its ears, causing him discomfort and possibly pain. If you know what to look for, you can diagnose your dog's head shaking rather quickly--therefore, you are able to treat the problem fast.

Does your dog have any evidence of an ear infection?

Dog ear problems are easy to spot, but you must be able to differentiate between them to determine the best treatment. Floppy-eared dogs are more vulnerable to ear problems, but a dog ear problem can affect any dog.

The 7 most common reasons of a dog's ear problems are:

Allergies: The most common cause of dog ear problems is an allergic reaction of some sort. Allergies can be caused by food ingredients or environmental irritants such as pollen or dust. Itchy, inflamed ears and paws are symptoms of an allergy. Switch to a low-allergen food that does not contain wheat, soy or corn. Often, switching to a higher quality dog food reduces allergic reaction ear problems. Keep the environment as dust free and clean as possible.

Ear Infections: If you have a drop-eared dog, ear infection may be on ongoing problem. The warm, moist environment created by the fold in the ear flap is ideal for bacterial growth. Yeast and bacterial growth will cause odor in the ears. If the infection is confined to one ear, your dog may tilt her head in an attempt to equalize pressure. The ears may feel warm to the touch.

Debris in ears: Foxtails, plant awns and other debris can get inside a dog ear. Look inside your dog's ear with a flashlight; debris can wedge itself quite deeply. Do not insert anything inside your dog's ear-you may cause further damage.

Parasites: Ear pain and itching associated with parasites can cause ear problems in your dog; tick bites, mites and fleas can cause swelling, hair loss and crusty skin.

Trauma: An ear injury can cause swelling or a dog ear hematoma. An animal bite or other trauma can allow blood and fluid to accumulate between the cartilage and the skin of the ear flap. Even vigorous scratching or head shaking can cause this condition. The ear will become swollen and disfigured. An ear hematoma should be drained and surgically corrected. If untreated, the ear will be permanently disfigured.

Hormone Disorders: Certain hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism and adrenal malfunctions can cause ear problems. You may notice poor coat quality, behavioral changes and hair loss in addition to itchy, reddened skin around the ears.

Other Causes: In rare cases, ear problems are the result of a hereditary disorder such as dermatomyositis (a connective tissue disorder in Collies and Shelties) or seborrhea which causes hair loss and scaly skin. Cancerous condition such squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma may also affect the ears; check for darkened or scaly patches of hairless skin.

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