Dog Owners In A Minneapolis Suburb Are Finding Screws, Open Safety Pins, And Punctured Batteries Stuffed in Hot Dogs in Their Backyards

Dog owners in a Minneapolis suburb are afraid that someone is trying to harm their pets.

Residents in Lakeville reported finding things like hot dogs stuffed with screws, open safety pins and punctured batteries scattered around their backyards over the past several days.

Some food and treats were tangled in rubber bands and balls of steel wool with suspicious capsules inside. At least two dogs have been hospitalized since last week. Lakeville police told KARE the department is treating this as a criminal case.

KARE viewers responded to the story on Facebook, calling it "sick" and "disturbing." But, according to one commenter, this isn't the first time the town has fallen victim to this sort of thing.

Rosalyn Treat wrote, "Several years ago someone tossed antifreeze laced meat into my daughters fenced in yrd and their two beagles were poisoned one had to be put down the other on life long medication they never found out who did it."

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help pay for some of the dogs' medical expenses.

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Have You Heard? The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Minor League Baseball Team Will Be Giving Away Hermit Crabs As Pets, At Their April 24 Opening Game

Waldorf, Maryland, - The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Minor League Baseball Team has a special surprise for their fans. They have announced that each of the first 1,000 fans at the April 24 Opening Day game presented will receive a live hermit crab and terrarium container as part of the home opener festivities.

Under the banner of "Anchors Away on Opening Day," fans can expect a plethora of nautical-themed promotions, including the introduction of the entire Blue Crabs roster as players are brought onto the field in luxury sport boats. Fans will also have a chance to win nautically inspired giveaways throughout the night to celebrate the start of a new baseball season.

In addition to live hermit crabs, the first 1,000 fans at Regency Furniture Stadium for the April 24 opener will receive a 2015 magnet schedule presented by Community Bank of the Chesapeake.

Following the inter-divisional matchup between the Blue Crabs and the Somerset Patriots, fans will be able to enjoy a fireworks display and take part in the return of the popular "Launch-A-Ball" promotion.

Tickets for Opening Day are only available at the official Blue Crabs website which can be accessed at www.SOMDBlueCrabs.com.

"How crazy is it that we are giving away live hermit crabs for our first game of the 2015 season - said Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Assistant General Manager Courtney Knichel. "The craziest part about this promotion is the fact that we are doing something that has never been done before, and it is just the first of 70 home games. Fans will just have to wait to find out what else we have in store for them for the other 69 games, but I know that they will not be disappointed."

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After 3 Months of Waiting, the Court Has Released the 55 Havanese Dogs Rescued From a Puppy Mill to Angels of Assisi - Available for Adoption Soon

After 3 months of waiting, the court has released the 55 Havanese dogs rescued from a puppy mill to Angels of Assisi! They have been caring for them since last November, and many have had extensive medical treatment. They will be available for adoption as they get them spayed and neutered over the next few weeks.

If you are interested in adopting, please do some research on the needs of puppy mill dogs- the ASPCA has some helpful information here: Adopting a Puppy Mill Dog

To learn more about Angels of Assisi, click HERE!

Angels of Assisi
415 Campbell Avenue, SW
Roanoke, Virginia 24016
(540) 344-8707

Website: Angels of Assisi

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Potentially Fatal Toxicity in Pets Due to a Sudden Increase in Paralysis Tick Cases

Vets at the Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre (MPEC) are warning of potentially fatal toxicity in pets due to a sudden increase in paralysis tick cases.

Dr Jill Griffiths, Veterinary Supervisor of MPEC, said pet owners should take great care when travelling with their pets in the eastern states.

"Recent weather conditions have created perfect breeding conditions for these ticks. We have had more pets present with paralysis tick poisoning in the last 10 days than we usually see in a year," Dr Griffiths said.

"Paralysis ticks are not naturally found in Western Australia, and all the cases we have seen here are of dogs and cats that have recently travelled from the eastern states. This coincides with record numbers of paralysis tick cases in New South Wales and Queensland."

Signs of paralysis tick intoxication include weakness, lack of coordination, gurgling, breathing problems, choking and a change in voice. The signs usually start with hind leg weakness and progress forward up the body.

Intoxication occurs when a tick bites, releasing a toxin into the pet as they feed.

"Tick paralysis can be fatal, so it is critical that pets are taken to a vet immediately if any symptoms are noted. Treatment involves tick anti-serum, intravenous fluids and supportive care, and some animals will need extra oxygen or to be placed on a ventilator to help them recover from this toxicity," Dr Griffiths said.

Paralysis ticks are typically found along the eastern seaboard, usually in scrub and long grass. They usually attach around the legs, chest, head and neck, but can be anywhere on the body including down inside the ears.

Dr Griffiths said pets needed to be checked every day for ticks when in these areas, which owners could do by running their hands all over the animal's coat, feeling for anything unusual, including inside the toes and looking inside the ears.

Tick preventatives are also recommended, but do not remove the need for daily checks.

Dr Griffiths advises that if you do travel to the eastern states and find a tick on your pet, gently remove it immediately and closely monitor your pet for at least three days for any clinical signs.

"Paralysis can take up to three days to show signs, so it is important to be continually vigilant," she said.

Source: Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre

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Three Month Old Police Puppy Practices Takedown

Police K-9 officers are an indispensable resource when it comes to keeping our neighborhoods safe. This adorable video shows a 3-month-old puppy named Taz practicing his criminal pursuit and takedown.





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Running Club Spotlight: The People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK) - Washington Humane Society

Washington, DC - PACK was started in 2008 when a couple of WHS employees began to take a particular shelter dog for a run on Saturday mornings.  They immediately noticed an improvement in the dog’s focus and overall behavior.  This inspired them to start a program so more shelter dogs could reap these benefits.  PACK gives dogs a chance to get out of the shelter and stretch their legs.  Not only do they get to burn off energy, but PACK volunteers also spend time training them skills that will help them be successful in a home, such as leash walking, sit, down, and stay.

To read more on this story, click here: Running Club Spotlight: The People and Animal Cardio Klub (PACK)

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Woman Says After Her Home Caught Fire, The Insurance Company is Refusing to Pay Her Claim, Because She Owns A Pit Bull

East Rockaway, NY - A woman says after her home caught fire, she contacted Adirondack Insurance, who is refusing to pay her claim.

Their reason…she owns a pit bull.

Mary Grace O'Brien, lives on Lawrence Street, with her three children and multiple pets.

In October, her dryer caught fire, and gutted the entire house. The family has been living with a friend.

The insurance company says that they were unaware that she owned a pit bull. She claims they never asked about any of her six pets.

"They produced a letter with a signature on the bottom," O'Brien says. "I had never seen it before and it said I have no pets. I have cats and I have dogs. I would never say that I have no pets. Nobody ever asked me."

Adirondack Insurance says pit bulls are on their list of prohibited dogs listed on their guidelines.

A broker from Sidakas Insurance Agency in Queens sold O'Brien the policy. She believes they lifted her signature from another document and put it on the application in question.

The insurance company is refusing to make a statement.

She is now filing a lawsuit against both Insurance companies.

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Three-Year-Old Irish Setter, Jagger, a Canine Competitor Died a Day After Taking Part in Crufts Dog Show - Autopsy Indicates He Was Poisoned

A canine competitor died the day after taking part in Crufts, one of the world's most prestigious dog shows. An autopsy indicates he was poisoned. An investigation is underway.

Three-year-old Irish setter Thendara Satisfaction, known as Jagger, took second prize in his class at the event in Birmingham, central England, on Thursday.

The next day later, after returning home to Belgium, he became ill.

Owner-breeder Dee Milligan-Bott told CNN Jagger was "finding it hard to breathe" so a veterinarian was called, but the dog died before he could get there.

"The vet thought it was suspicious, and decided on an autopsy. Cubes of beef  were found in his stomach They had at least two types of poison inside. The pieces of beef had been stitched together so that the poison didn't come out.

According to the vet, he had enough poison in his system to kill a horse.

Milligan-Bott, who is at a loss to explain why Jagger was targeted: "We can't fathom why anyone would do this."

"I've been doing this for 30-odd years and I think I would have to give up on everything if I believed that someone who shows and breeds dogs would kill a dog. We all do this because we love dogs. If you hate me for being successful, then stick a brick through my window or something. But why would you involve a dog?"

Toxicology tests are being carried out. The vet has reported the dog's death to Belgian police, and Milligan-Bott said she would likely contact West Midlands Police in the UK too.

A spokesperson for the Kennel Club, organizers of the Crufts dog show, said there had never been such an incident in the history of the competition, which dates back to 1891.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear this terrible news and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jagger's owners," said Caroline Kisko, secretary of the Kennel Club, in a statement.

"We understand that a toxicology report is due next week and that this matter has been reported to the police - we will work with them and help however we can."

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Tips For Starting A Saltwater Tank - A Beginners Guide

So you want to start a saltwater tank? Awesome and good for you! You don't need to have FW experience, but a little understanding goes a LONG way. Here is a brief summary of things to consider when starting a SW tank. This is in no way a complete list, it's just a list of the most basic things you need to consider when starting a salt tank. Be sure to read up on topics and do plenty of research before starting anything because salt tanks are more costly then fresh.

To read more on this story, click here: Tips For Starting A Saltwater Tank - A Beginners Guide FOLLOW US!

Freshwater Aquarium Setup - Fish Tank Setup

This freshwater aquarium setup article explains how to set up a basic freshwater fish tank. We'll start with a short list of the equipment you'll need and then give you a step by step guide on setting up or starting your first freshwater fish tank.

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Are You Making These Mistakes Setting Up A New Aquarium?

With the availability of mini-aquarium packages it's become appealing to go small. However, for beginners, choosing a small aquarium is courting failure. Why? Because when the water volume is small, key water parameters change very quickly, leaving no room for error.

Starting Too Small

Even experienced aquarists are challenged by a small aquarium. Newcomers to the hobby, stay away from tanks under 20 gallons until they've gotten some experience under their belt. Remember, the bigger the tank, the less impact a mistake will have on the fish.

Adding Fish Too Soon

New aquarium owners are eager to add fish, often the same day they set up the tank. Some are lucky but many will quickly lose some, or all, of their fish. What went wrong? The water in a new tank hasn't stabilized yet. Gases are dissolved in the water, as well as minerals, heavy metals, and chemicals added by local water treatment facilities.

Without going into lengthy detail about water chemistry, suffice it to say that dissolved constituents in the water can harm the fish. Aquarium water should be treated to neutralize harmful materials, and allowed to stand for a day or so to allow dissolved gases to escape and the pH to stabilize. Only then is it safe to introduce fish to the aquarium.

Adding Too Many Fish at Once

The fish owner isn't eager to fill the tank with fish? Unfortunately adding too many fish all at once is another common new owner mistake. Until the bacterial colonies have fully established, the aquarium cannot safely support a full load of fish. Only add a couple of
small hardy fish initially. Wait until both the ammonia and nitrite levels 
have risen, and then fallen to zero, before adding more fish.

Overstocking

Even getting through the initial startup, it's very common for new owners to overstock the aquarium. Although an experienced person may successfully keep a school of twenty small fish in a ten gallon aquarium, it would be disastrous for a beginner to attempt it.

Debate exists over the inch per gallon rule, but it provides a good basic yardstick from which to start. I recommend taking eighty percent of the net gallons of water in the tank as the maximum number of inches of fish to keep in the tank. The net gallons of water is the amount of water actually placed in the aquarium after the gravel and decorations a in it.

For example, lets say an aquarium holds 16 gallons of water after the decorations and gravel have been added. Multiplying a 16 times 80% yields a result of 12.8 - or about 13 inches of fish as a maximum number. It is always wise to go under the maximum to rather than all over.

Keeping Incompatible Fish

New aquarium owners often choose fish that look appealing to them, without knowing the environmental needs of the fish. Some fish may fight with one another, or require widely different water conditions. Either way, they should not be kept together. Always research each species before choosing tank mates. Select peaceful fish that thrive in similar water conditions.

Overfeeding

The number one mistake made by fish owners is overfeeding their fish. Fish are opportunistic and will seek food at all times. Just because they appear hungry, doesn't mean they need to be fed all the time. Feed them no more than is completely consumed in five minutes.

During startup feed fish no more than once per day, and during critical times when ammonia or nitrite levels are high, withhold feeding for a day or two to reduce the wastes being produced. Fish can easily go several days without food, and not suffer ill effects.

Insufficient Filtration

An aquarium filter should filter all the water in the tank through it at least three times per hour. If it doesn't, it is too small. If in doubt about filter size, move to the next size up. You can't over-filter, but you can definitely under-filter, and the results can be harmful to your fish.

Not Testing the Water

New owners aren't magically given full knowledge of the nitrogen cycle, and the need to monitor the water chemistry in their aquarium. As a result they often are unaware of the need to test their water, and fail to take steps to deal with harmful toxins.

When the tank is first set up, it should be allowed to run for a day or two. Before adding the fish the pH, hardness, ammonia, and nitrite levels should be tested for a baseline record. During the startup cycle it is important to test the ammonia and nitrites often (see Nitrogen Cycle for details). Once the tank is well established, test the water monthly to be aware of unseen problems that may be brewing. If fish suddenly die, test the water to see if anything has changed.

Not Changing the Water 

On other area that new owners aren't always educated about is aquarium maintenance, which includes changing part of the water on a regular basis. Wastes build up in the tank that can only be removed by vacuuming the gravel and removing some of water and replacing it with fresh water.

Although your fish may not die if you fail to maintenance and regular water changes, they will be stressed by substandard water conditions. As a result they will be more susceptible to disease and often will have a shorter lifespan than they should have.

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MRI Machine Explodes At Oradell Animal Hospital, Critically Injuring Repairman

Paramus, New Jersey - An MRI machine exploded during maintenance at the Oradell Animal Hospital late Friday morning, critically injuring one repairman but sparing scores of employees and animals in the hospital, Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said.

The critically injured worker suffered cuts and crushing-related injuries; the other two had minor to moderate injuries including respiratory complaints, the chief said. He said their identities were being withheld pending family notification.

Responding to reports at 11:51 a.m. of a fire and an explosion at the animal hospital at 580 Winters Ave., police found the ceiling of the east wing collapsed, but the building remained structurally sound, the chief said. There was no evidence of a fire, he said.

About 60 animals and 100 employees were in the building and the staff subsequently accounted for all animals and employees.

Three men were injured, all contract workers from a private company not affiliated with the hospital.

They were in the process of removing the 10-year-old MRI machine when the explosion happened. The machine was being  leased from Advanced Veterinary Technologies, and was having software problems.

Emily Cottam, an emergency and critical care resident at the animal hospital, was in the rear of the hospital near the explosion. “The ceiling fell on my head,” she said.

Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Occupational Safety and Health Administration are assisting in the investigation. The building will remain closed until further notice.

MRI explosions are rare but can be deadly, said Wlad Sobol, Ph.D., a medical physicist and professor of radiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.

“I’m aware of maybe half a dozen events that led to catastrophic failure of a magnet” in the last decade, Sobol said.

Sobol, who has studied MRI explosions, said that there are two potential causes.

An MRI — magnetic resonance imaging — machine is a superconductive device, meaning it contains wire that can conduct electrical current without generating any resistance, or heat. Superconductivity happens at extremely cold temperatures, made possible by bathing the wire in liquid helium. If for some reason the superconductivity is lost — if one of the magnets in the device is dropped, for example, or the helium runs out — the large amount of energy stored inside the magnet quickly encounters resistance and releases heat.

“The amount of energy stored in a magnet like that is not trivial,” Sobol said, adding that it is equivalent to several kilograms of TNT — “It’s like a bomb in its ability to destroy stuff.”

The other possible scenario is that the ventilation system for the liquid helium becomes clogged. “The pressure will build up and the magnet will explode,” Sobol said.

Shortly after noon, about 60 people had congregated in the hospital's parking lot, along with several dogs. The staff brought animals out of the building, some on leashes, some carried in blankets and some in moving cages or hand crates.

Soon after the incident, no smoke or fire was observed coming out of the building. But A&S Drive was blocked off by police tape between Winters Avenue and Ring Road. Among the units that responded were Bergen County sheriff’s officers, Paramus and county police, and Paramus and Hackensack fire departments, the latter’s collapse team, Bergen County Hazardous Materials Unit, and the county Office of Emergency Management.


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Sony Stops Production of Aibo, the Robot Dog - Parts No Longer Available for Repairs

In 1999, Sony launched a robot dog named Aibo in the U.S. and Japan that not only responded to external stimuli, but was able to learn and express itself. These capabilities, allow each unit to develop a unique personality including behavior shaped by the praise and scolding of its owner.” And Aibo, short for “Artificially Intelligent Robot,” quickly became a hit, especially in Japan.

At around $600 to $2,000 a pup, each iteration of Aibo cost less than some real dogs. And the perks didn’t end there. He doesn't need to eat or be taken out for a walk. He can be cut off when you are away. He does have a feature that when he cocks his leg, your hear noise like water running.

Hideko Mori, a robot dog owner of eight years, purchased the pooch after the death of her husband and, like many other Aibo owners, became attached to her unique cyborg companion.

“I can’t imagine how quiet our living room would have been if Ai-chan wasn’t here,” Sumie Maekawa, a longtime Aibo owner, told The Wall Street Journal, using an honorific suffix applied to girls’ names.

Tatsuo Matsui, who owns two digital dogs with his wife, added, “I can’t risk my precious dogs because they are important members of our family.”

Sony decided to discontinue the bot in 2006, after selling around 150,000 units.

"Our core businesses are electronics, games and entertainment, but the focus is going to be on profitability and strategic growth," a Sony spokeswoman said at the time. "In light of that, we've decided to cancel the Aibo line."

For years following the announcement, Sony would repair Aibos that experienced technical difficulties. But in July 2014, those repairs stopped and owners were left to look elsewhere for help.

“The first time I spoke directly to a client he told me, ‘He’s not very well, can you examine him?’” Hiroshi Funabashi, a robot dog repairman, told AFP. “I realized he didn’t see it as a robot, but as a member of his family whose life was more important than his own.”

The Sony stiff has led not only to the formation of support groups--where Aibo enthusiasts can share tips and help each other with repairs--but has fed the bionic pet vet industry.

“The people who have them feel their presence and personality,” Nobuyuki Narimatsu, director of A-Fun, a repair company for robot dogs, told AFP. “So we think that somehow, they really have souls.”

While concerted repair efforts have kept many an Aibo alive, a shortage of spare parts means that some of their lives have come to an end, and funerals have been held for 19 Aibos that engineers at A-Fun were unable to save.

Each formerly automated animal is wearing a tag with its owner’s name, as well as where it is from.

"It’s not at all unusual for people to develop strong emotional attachments to non-living objects or machines," says cyberpsychologist Eleanor Barlow, giving the common examples of naming a car, or a child becoming attached to a doll. "Research suggests this can happen in order to satisfy a need in us...to care for something to improve our own sense of well-being or by way of a child substitute."

As artificially intelligent machines are increasingly incorporated into our modern lives, people substituting robot interfacing for human interaction. And when a machine resembles something living (like Aibo), people are likely to both form a stronger bond to it and feel a greater sense of loss when it vanishes, said Barlow.

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Did You Know: The shape of a Cat’s Face Holds Valuable Clues to its Personality?

The shape of a cat’s face holds valuable clues to its personality — helpful for strengthening your bond with your current cat or determining if a potential new kitty is right for you.

“Cat face geometry is one of the best tools for matching a cat to a person,” explains Arden Moore, author of “Fit Cat: Tips & Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life” (Amazon Books, $15.90). “It especially helps with ‘mutt’ cats whose breed cannot be determined.”

You can order on Amazon.com below:

Here, Moore breaks down the personalities for the three basic cat face shapes to help determine the ideal human companions for each.

Face Shape: Round

Breed examples: Persian, Himalayan
Personality: Referred to as “library cats,” these are the quiet felines who “get spooked if the doorbell rings,” says Moore. They’re shy and gentle and they love a good cuddle — and will happily pose for your Instagram. Once you develop a bond, they will never leave your side.

Ideal Companion: You enjoy curling up on the couch with your Kindle or Netflix and a cup of tea. You’re a homebody, and likely live alone in a studio apartment on a high-numbered floor, away from the noise of the streets below.
​

Face shape: Square

Breed examples: Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest
Personality: Confident and independent, square-faced felines can be mellow and roll with the punches. “They can hang out with dogs, kids — nothing really rattles them,” Moore says.

Ideal Companion: ​You have a social life, but look forward to greeting a furry friend when you return home. You work a 9-to-5 job, and live with your spouse, children and a pup in a Park Slope brownstone.


Face shape: Triangle

Breed examples: Abyssinian, Siamese, Burmese
Personality: The “jocks” of the cat world, “they’re the perfect cat for someone who wants to teach their pet tricks,” says Moore. Triangle-faced cats tend to be the most vocal and would rather watch birds out the window than sit in a lap.

Ideal Companion: You’re the life of the party, hosting frequent soirees and showing off your cat’s latest trick. Your work schedule may be erratic, but you don’t mind late-night meows — and you don’t own another, more submissive cat. FOLLOW US!