The Sale of Illegal Baby Red-Eared Slider Turtles Continues in Los Angeles' Chinatown and Fashion Districts

The sale of baby red-eared sliders in small plastic aquariums in Los Angeles' Chinatown and Fashion District continues unabated even though the sale of turtles with carapace lengths of four inches or less has been illegal for decades.

According to Los Angeles Downtown News, the baby turtles can be found in many stores in the city's business districts with price tags ranging from $5 to $9 depending on the size of the housing in which the turtles are placed.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman, Andrew Hughan told the paper that it is illegal for the stores to be selling the turtles and that the DFW conducts inspections sporadically in Chinatown and other business districts in the city and if they find stores that are not licensed to sell animals, or are selling turtles with carapace lengths of less than found inches, those animals will be confiscated. Store owners could also be fined up to $1,000 for illegally selling animals. 

The DFW, however, like most state departments in California, has had its budgets cut and doesn't have the resources to continuously police the business districts looking turtle vendors who violate the law.

Before the FDA amended the 1975-era turtle ban law (enacted to reduce the spread of Salmonella) last month, turtles found for sale with carapace lengths of less than four inches were euthanized. The FDA said that alternatives to destruction should be pursued, including raising the animals until the carapace lengths exceed four inches, and donating the animals for scientific and educational purposes.

The reality, Hughan said, is that other than a handful of surprise inspections a year, Fish and Wildlife lacks the resources to stay on top of the turtle vendors. However, should a violation be determined, Hughan said a fine of up to $1,000 can be imposed on the seller.

Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular pet turtles in the reptile hobby. They grow to about 8-10 inches in length and are native to the Mississippi River drainages and can be found in most areas of the United States, including the state of Hawaii. They are also found in many countries in Asia and Europe.

For more information on Red-Eared Slider Turtles, visit the websites below:

Red-Eared Slider Care Sheet 
Turtles in Chinatown




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Maryland SPCA - Adorable Kittens Need Fostering: Are You Interested in Fostering?

From: Maryland SPCA

Waking up looking at these beautiful eyes is just one benefit of becoming a Maryland SPCA foster parent.

Kitten season is quickly approaching and the SPCA needs fosters for young kittens including bottle babies! Last kitten season, 382 kittens went to foster and this year, we want to help even more young kittens, but we need volunteers.

The SPCA will provide all supplies, medical care and 24/7 support. All new fosters will receive one-on-one training and material to take home and share with the family. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent please contact Kaitlyn Thomas our Foster Coordinator at kthomas@mdspca.org.

Website: Maryland SPCA

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A Puppy Missing a Paw Was Found on the Streets of Chicago: Now, He Has a New Home and a Prosthetic Paw on the Way

A puppy missing a paw was found on the streets of Chicago. Now, that puppy has a new home and a prosthetic paw on the way.

The new paw was donated all because of the puppy's name and a story on FOX 32's website.

The Chicago puppy is named ‘Betty Boop.'

In January, FOX 32 posted photos of Betty from the no kill shelter, PAWS Chicago. She was found on the city streets during the bitter cold winter and her back paw was missing.

Fleischer Studios, the creators of the cartoon Betty Boop, saw the story on FOX 32's website and contacted PAWS. The company wanted to donate the money needed for the puppy's prosthesis.

"We're so grateful that we named her Betty Boop," said PAWS communications manager Sarah Ahlberg.

PAWS volunteer Arianna Rudawski and her boyfriend officially adopted Betty Boop.

"We're really excited to have the prosthetic fit for her because we know she is going to be much more mobile with it," Rudawski said.

When Betty is fully grown, Dr. Barbara Royal will fit her with the prosthesis. She explained to FOX 32 what it could look like.

"You can have something that is like a fabricy bottom that gives some good grip and then something that has a good fabric over the top, so this is more like a rubberized bottom that can manage going and going and going," said Dr. Royal.

Currently, Betty is progressing very well with her make shift prosthesis. She's on track to shine once the real deal arrives.

Fleischer Studios donated all the money needed for the prosthetic paw, which was $2,000 dollars.

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What To Do If Your Dog Gets Sprayed by a Skunk

Skunk. A single word that fills even the most intrepid dog owner with dread. The smell, the nightmare of getting it off, the waste of perfectly good tomato juice… Let’s face it, nothing about your dog getting sprayed by a skunk is pleasant. 

About skunks

Skunks are a member of their own unique animal family, but are believed to be related to the weasel family as well (ferrets, weasels, otters, badgers, stoats, and wolverines). They are omnivores, eating both meat and vegetation, and are crepuscular in nature, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. They live in dens that they dig in the ground, and go into semi-hibernation in the colder months. They are most active during the spring and summer, when the weather is warmest. This time of year is prime time for skunks.

Skunks are generally non-aggressive animals that prefer flight to fight; however, when threatened, they are capable of spraying an incredibly foul-smelling substance a distance of up to 16 feet. This stinky spray is a thick, yellow, oily compound that is degraded from urine and released from scent glands located on either side of their back end. The principle component of this stinky secretion is called mercaptan, and contains sulfur – hence the stench. In fact, mercaptan is added to odor-free natural gases to that we can tell if we’ve sprung gas leaks in our stoves or furnaces.

When a skunk is preparing to spray, it will arch its back, raise his tail high, and begin hissing and stomping his feet on the ground. He may even do headstands with his back and tail arched towards the intruder. When he actually sprays, he will bend into a U-shape, with his head and back end facing the intruder, and aim his spray primarily at the intruder’s face.

As a result, animals that get sprayed by skunks tend to take the brunt of it in their face. This should not cause permanent damage, but make sure to keep an eye on your pet’s eyes, nose, and mouth for a few days. If redness, irritation, and/or secretions occur, make sure to get your pet to a vet right away.

OK, but my dog already got skunked. Now what?

Your dog will not be happy about his skunk bath. If your dog found himself on the business end of a skunk, time is absolutely of the essence. The longer the spray sits, the more it sets and the harder it is to get out. If not properly treated, the odor can last for months (or longer!) If your groomer is open, give them a call and see if they can arrange an emergency appointment. If that’s not possible, then here’s a DIY solution for you.

First things first, change into some old clothes that you don’t mind getting rid of after, as they’re going to smell to high heavens. Washing the clothes will not remove all of the skunk oil and may leave a skunk oil residue in the washing machine. Yuck! Also, throw on a pair of rubber or latex dish gloves or something similar; you don’t want to get the skunk spray on your hands.

Despite what you’ve heard, save the tomato juice for a Bloody Mary; it’s ineffective at best, and can stain your pup’s coat at worst. There are several store-bought enzymatic sprays you can use to get rid of skunk spray on a dog. But of course, we rarely have something like this on hand when we need it, so just follow the steps below for a clean, fresh, stink- and discoloration-free dog.

1. Sequester your dog outside. The last thing you want is that stink getting in the house. The skunk oil can be transferred to rugs, upholstery, and other items in the house, and it can last for quite a while.

2. Put on clothes that you can throw away later and protective rubber or latex gloves.

3. Check your dog for cuts and scratches caused by the animal; if you find any, skip the rest of these steps and bring your dog to the vet ASAP.

4. Prepare for an outdoor bath. Get a tub if need be, towels you don’t mind throwing out after, the hose, and a helper if possible.

5. DON’T HOSE YOUR DOG DOWN RIGHT AWAY! This can make the stink worse and make it harder to get off. Also, if your dog has any cuts or cracks in his skin, this could rinse the skunk spray into them and cause pain, burning, and irritation and could lead to skin problems down the road.

6. Apply a bit of eye lubricant or 1-2 drops of mineral oil to your dog’s eyes. This will protect the eyes in case you get any water or other substances in them during the cleaning process.

7. Mix up the following in an OPEN container (as it creates a chemical reaction and could EXPLODE in a closed container):

– 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (check the expiration date!)
– ¼ cup baking soda
– 1 teaspoon of strong liquid soap, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent

For larger dogs, you can also add some lukewarm water to the mixture. DO NOT use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide; it can burn the dog’s skin. Also, make sure both the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are as fresh as possible. If either has been sitting in the cabinet or fridge for months, it’s best to run out to the pharmacy and pick up some fresh supplies (as they can break down over time and lose their effectiveness).

8. Locate the area(s) where the dog got sprayed. Wet the area(s) with the solution and thoroughly massage the solution into the coat. An old sponge works well for this. Be careful not to spread it to other areas as you’re massaging, as the skunk spray is oily and spreads easily.  The oil is what makes it so difficult to remove.

9. If your dog got sprayed in the face, you can apply the mixture to a cloth and wash the dog’s face that way, being careful to avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth. See the video below for a how-to on getting skunk spray off your dog’s face and chest.

10. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, then thoroughly rinse the dog off with lukewarm water.

11. Repeat steps 7-10 until the stink is gone.

12. Dry your pup well and give him a treat – or several!

13. Run to the pet store and pick up some skunk odor removal spray to have on hand in case this happens again. Also, take a look around your yard and identify places skunks are likely to hide, so you know where to keep your dog away from in the future.

14. If you find a spot in the yard that has been saturated in skunk spray, it is probably a good idea to restrict your pet from that area until the odor is gone. The oiliness of the spray allows it to linger and it could end up on your pet again if he/she plays in that area. If you have a Hidden Fence system, your local Dealer can help you create a temporary ‘avoidance zone.’

15. Make sure to not leave trash out overnight when possible, as this can also attract skunks.

Important to note

Skunk spray has been linked to incidences of various anemias in dogs due to some of the compounds in it. Watch your dog carefully for 3-5 days after it was sprayed, looking for lethargy, weakness, and/or discolored urine. If you note any of the above, bring the dog to the vet ASAP.



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Dog Rescued from Dog Fighting, Exhausted, Falls Asleep and Snores in Caregiver's Arms

Guardians of Rescue saves dogs every day from horrific lives where they are tethered in the cold, hoarded, or forced to fight.  One of their newest charges, Fudge, was found wandering in someone’s yard.  While he was being treated at the veterinarian for bite wounds, he became so relaxed that he began snoring in his caretaker’s arms!

Fudge is seen wearing a muzzle because he was in so much pain that rescuers worried that he might bite out of fear and pain.  But he was a very good boy.

This post comes from Guardians of Rescue:

Dog fighting is real. It happens all over the world and here in beautiful Suffolk County, NY we are NOT immune to that.
We have named our newest rescue Fudge. His personality is too sweet.

Fudge’s body is dotted a hundred times over in old scars and new puncture wounds. He has clearly been used for fighting or as a bait dog. His life has only been filled with pain. Today that changes.

We are so thankful we received this call. Instead of ignoring the furry heap that laid in her yard, a concerned citizen called us. Because of that, Fudge’s life has been saved.

He has a long road to recovery ahead of him. Each of his legs have been shredded and left untreated resulting in infection and pain. He has a bite wound straight through his lip. His adrenaline has worn out and Fudge has melted into the sweetest, calmest little patient any vet would hope for. Fudge is giving up his life of fighting and is so grateful to his rescuers for this new chance. He’s a good boy. The simplest of things.

Fudge needs a foster home that can treat his wounds. He is being monitored by a vet for now but will need calm and understanding as he heals from his horrific life.

Thank you Bed and Biscuit for always stepping up to offer our rescued dogs a safe and loving place to lay their head at night.

If you are on Long Island and can foster this sweet boy, you can become a hero today. Step up for Fudge to prove to him that his only remaining fight in life is for a spot on the couch.

Please email us at: Info@guardiansofrescue.org

If you’d like to donate, please CLICK HERE.


Website: Guardians of Rescue

This is no doubt Fudge's first peaceful nights sleep. He is on a bed surrounded by people who already love him. 

This is why we do it. So we can take these animals with such broken spirits and restore them to how they should be.
Sweet dreams Fudge. You deserve it.

FUDGE UPDATE
Here's our boy Fudge showing how truly forgiving this amazing breed is. He is sitting next to Oliver, his foster brother. Fudge had a great first night in the home and snored loudly in bed with his new humans. 

These dogs don't want to fight and Fudge is proof of that!
Way to go buddy!

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Little Boy Says Heartbreaking Goodbye to Pet Goldfish

Alberta, Canada  - It can be hard to say goodbye to your best friend – especially when you have to flush him down the toilet.

In a scene that is probably familiar to those of us who owned pet fish when we were young, a little Alberta boy’s heartbreaking goodbye to his goldfish has become a viral video hit.

Spirit River, Alberta’s Brooke Geherman originally posted the video to her Facebook and YouTube channels this past March showing her young son, Kowen, saying goodbye to his dearly departed goldfish.

Kowen bids goodbye to the fish in question, named “Top”, with a few kisses before committing his body to the water.

But it’s his reaction once the fish has been flushed that’s truly heartbreaking, as the tearful boy shares a hug with his mom.

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Washington, DC - Missing Dog's Owner Threatened With $750,000 Fine for Posting Missing Dog Posters

A D.C. dog owner did what anyone with a missing pet would do. He posted flyers -- but then, he says, police threatened him with a $750,000 fine.

Roger Horowitz was out Friday, ripping down flyers he posted about his missing dog, Ollie -- not because the dog has been found, but because he's afraid of being hit with the huge fine.

Horowitz and his wife, Annemarie, had recently adopted Ollie, a rescue dog that had been shot in Georgia.

"He'd been abused by his previous owner and actually shot with a shotgun," Horowitz said. "So he has about 23 pellets still in his back."

On March 30, Horowitz was walking Ollie near Georgia Avenue and Euclid Street NW when the dog broke loose.

"A car just backfired, and he suddenly just bolted and managed to get away with the leash," he said.

He filed a missing dog report, and said he was initially encouraged by police to post flyers. Volunteers helped put out thousands of them -- but then a phone call changed everything

The couple said they got a call from a D.C. officer, saying the signs had to come down or they'd face a hefty fine

"So he told me that regardless if we put up the flyers, or if other people put them up, we had made the original flyer that had my phone number, and that we could get fined up to 750,000," Horowitz said.

News4 asked D.C. police about the sign rules and fines. Authorities said sent a list of regulations about posting flyers. The rules say that violations can result in a $300 fine. It's unclear if that's per sign.

The Horowitzes say they'd like to see the law change to help people looking for missing pets and loved ones. "It's kind of this big unknown, of what can we do next?" said Annemarie Horowit. "What should we do to find our dog?"

They hope their social media campaign, #FindOllie, will help them do just that.

You may be interested in reading: REWARD! Washington, DC - Missing Dog in the Howard University Area, 811 Euclid Street, NW - Have You Seen This Dog?

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Florida Woman Arrested and Charged with Felony Animal Cruelty Allegedly Poured Bleach into Her Boyfriends Fish Tank Killing Five of His Pet Goldfish

A Florida woman was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty over the weekend after allegedly pouring bleach into her boyfriend's fish tank, killing five of his pet goldfish. 

The police report is based largely on what De'Andre Johnson said went down: He's the son of the man Angela Garcia, 32, is dating; Johnson says that after a morning argument, his father told Garcia she needed to leave the home and then went to work. But instead of vacating, Johnson told police he heard her make a phone call and say she intended to destroy things. He left and returned to the Pine Hills home to find a flat screen TV, furniture, stereo equipment, and a computer damaged, reports the Orlando Sentinel.

Officers soon located Garcia walking on a nearby street, "visibly intoxicated" and covered in bleach. The Smoking Gun puts the damage at $1,500, and notes she was also hit with a felony charge of criminal mischief. Garcia was booked at the Orange County Jail; she posted a $1,150 bond and was released on Monday. 

It's not Garcia's first run-in with the law according to Johnson: She was out on bond for a separate crime when the goldfish incident occurred.  FOLLOW US!

According to the Fossil Record, Nautiluses Have Existed for About 500 Million Years

 A scientific look at the unusual nautiluses, including their eating habits, reproduction, and famously unique anatomy. 

The common misconception regarding the captive care of cephalopods is that long-term success is impossible. While it is true that keeping cephalopods is a difficult task, understanding their biology and natural behavior will enhance the success of the exhibition of these animals. The nautiluses are no exception. Though they may not have the chromatophores possessed by other cephalopods that enable color change, these deep-sea animals are a window into a world that most people will never see.

The nautilus differs from other cephalopods in many aspects both anatomically and behaviorally. The main body features of the nautilus are its shell, hood, and tentacles.

The chambered or pearly nautilus is a cephalopod (a type of mollusk)—a distant cousin to squids, octopi, and cuttlefish. Unlike its color-changing cousins, though, the soft-bodied nautilus lives inside its hard external shell. The shell itself has many closed interior chambers or “compartments.”

The animal resides in the shell’s largest chamber, while the other chambers function like the ballast tanks of a submarine. This is the secret to how the nautilus swims.

The tissue in a canal called the siphuncle [sigh-funk-el] connects all of the interior chambers. As seawater pumps through the living chamber, the nautilus expels water by pulling its body into the chamber, thereby creating jet propulsion to thrust itself backwards and to make turns. While swimming up or down through the water column, the nautilus uses its siphuncle to suck fluid into, or draw it out of, the smaller sealed chambers, allowing the animal to adjust its overall buoyancy.

According to the fossil record, animals similar to the chambered nautilus have existed for about 500 million years. Although no regulations currently exist to protect them, the six living species of chambered nautilus appear to be in decline. They are trapped mostly for their attractive shells and also for the shell’s inner layer, called nacre, which is used as a pearl substitute in jewelry and trinkets. In 2013, NOAA Fisheries funded a University of Washington researcher to conduct population studies of the nautilus in Fiji and American Samoa. The research should provide a clearer picture of nautilus abundance in those areas.

Shell and Hood

Similar to the cuttlebone in cuttlefish, the nautilus shell regulates the animal’s buoyancy, while at the same time providing protection against predators. The calcium carbonate shell is made up of individual chambers, some of which are filled with gas and others filled with seawater. The chambers are interconnected by a tube, or siphuncle. The liquid-filled chambers release or take in sea water in order to maintain neutral buoyancy.

The body of the nautilus lies within the first chamber and can retract into this chamber if in danger. In the retracted state, the hood protects and conceals the animal from predators. This behavior is its only known defense mechanism. While most cephalopods possess an ink sac that can be used as a defensive tactic, the nautilus is without an ink sac.

Tentacles

Nautiluses are equipped with a total of 90 adhesive tentacles, without suckers, significantly more than any other cephalopod. Utilizing its 90 tentacles, the nautilus is able to feel around the ocean floor or rocks searching for prey. Vision in the nautilus is much less developed than in other cephalopods; the eye lacks a lens and is constructed like the aperture of a pinhole camera (Hanlon & Messenger, 2005).

The last major difference between nautilus and other cephalopods is their life span. While most cephalopods have a life span of one to two years, the nautilus is thought to live up to at least 15 years, a very attractive characteristic for an aquarium animal.

Feeding

Wild nautiluses have been observed to make diel migrations (Carlson et al., 1984; Ward et al., 1984). This type of behavior takes the nautilus from depths of 1200 feet at daybreak up to depths of 300 feet by sunset. Nautiluses can best be characterized as opportunistic feeders investigating food when detected. The actual feeding behavior of the nautilus can be described as sampling, searching, and sweeping.

There is evidence to support that the nautiluses detect prey by sampling lateral currents across the reef for chemical trails (O’dor et al., 1993). After detecting prey with the use of large olfactory organs, the tentacles are used to locate and seize the prey. The diet of the wild nautilus includes crustaceans (including hermit crabs; Ward & Wicksten, 1980), crustacean molts, nematodes, echinoids, and fishes (Saunders & Ward, 1987). There are accounts of cephalopod beaks and nautilus tentacles found in the gut as well (Hanlon & Messenger, 2005). It is not uncommon under aquarium conditions to witness cannibalism (Carlson, 1987) as is observed with other species of cephalopods.

The main focus in the feeding of nautiluses is to provide food that is high in calcium in order to sustain normal shell growth. The most common food offered to nautiluses in captivity is shrimp (with shell), squid, various types of frozen fish, and blue crab. Several different types of molts, such as lobster molts, have also been fed as an enrichment food. The lobster molt is taken quickly and consumed with no problems (molts are also a great source for calcium).

Shell Aberrations

A common and still misunderstood issue with captive nautiluses is aberrations of the shell. Over time, the shell does not grow normally and begins to degrade. Signs of this are black edging of the newly formed shell. There appears to be no adverse health issues associated with the shell malformation, and to date is merely an aesthetic problem.

Aquarium Care

Tank Size

Although nautiluses spend most of the time attached to the walls of the aquarium, they do occasionally jet around with minimal control, often running into the sides of the tank. For this reason the dimensions of their accommodations are important for the proper care and maintenance of nautiluses. For the average nautilus (less than 6 inches), the aquarium should be at least 3 feet long, 18 inches wide, and 2 feet deep to allow the animal to move around freely without constantly bumping into the sides of the tank; however, when keeping multiple nautiluses or a single large nautilus, a bigger aquarium is required.

Filtration

As with all cephalopods, a key ingredient in successful husbandry is proper filtration. Due to the high amount of solid and liquid waste produced, it is important to have a large biological filter bed or sand filter. A protein skimmer is also recommended to help manage the large waste load. UV sterilizers can be added to help minimize the spread of possible pathogens, which can be difficult to treat in cephalopods. A good rule to go by is to have a filtration system that is designed for a tank twice the size of the one the animal is in.

Temperature

Another important aspect of keeping nautiluses alive is maintaining the water temperature between 50° and 70°F, using a chiller. For a more natural environment and to aid possible breeding, one can have the temperature gradually fluctuate between cooler and warmer temperatures over a 24-hour period. This will mimic diel migration, although this will be difficult without a computer controlling the heater/chiller. Because nautiluses live in the deep sea and receive only minimal light when migrating to the surface at night, there should only be enough light in the tank to view the animal. Actinic lights work well for this, as too much light can stress the animal.

Aquascaping and Tankmates

Careful consideration should be used when deciding how to decorate the tank and choosing tankmates. Live rock can be used on the bottom and sides of the tank, but the mid and upper sections of the tank should be clear of obstacles that the nautilus could run into and damage itself. There should be no plastic décor, as nautiluses have a habit of trying to bite/eat everything.

The nautilus is one of the few cephalopods with which other animals have been kept in the same tank with some success, but keep in mind that there is always the chance that those animals could become a snack. If choosing to have tankmates, make sure they are non-aggressive and can withstand the cold water and dim lighting nautiluses require. Possible tankmates include cardinalfish, squirrelfish, pinecone fish, flashlight fish, shrimp, sponges, snails, and non-stinging corals that can live in low light.

Reproduction

The understanding of nautilus reproduction has increased substantially in the past 20 years owing much to the pioneering work of Dr. Bruce Carlson at the Waikiki Aquarium (Carlson, 2000). There are two methods in determining the sex of a nautilus. The first is best used on new animals not accustomed to captivity. By turning the animal upside-down, a horseshoe-shaped gland will be visible in females and will be green to brown in mature females. This technique, though, should only be used by advanced aquarists. The second technique of sexing a nautilus is to locate the spadix, which is a large modified tentacle found on the left side of the male nautilus, adjacent to the mouth. The spadix is the mode of sperm transfer.

Nautiluses mate facing each other and may stay in that position for hours. The first embryo was discovered in 1985 and the first hatchling was obtained in 1988 (Norman, 2000). In captivity, female nautiluses may lay one to two eggs per month. The nautilus egg will take at least one year to hatch. The temperature of the egg-holding tank is crucial in the development of the embryo.

While most nautiluses are kept at temperatures of 64°F, the eggs actually develop at warmer temperatures, 70° to 75°F. Once hatched, the juvenile nautilus readily accepts food. Unfortunately, there has been no success in rearing adults from eggs as of yet.

Difficult Yet Rewarding

The task of exhibiting the nautilus can be very overwhelming when considering tank design, filtration units, and tank decor. Nevertheless, a keen awareness and understanding of nautilus biology and behaviors will assist you when you begin to assemble your tank. As Jacques Cousteau said, “The impossible missions are the only ones which succeed.”

References
Carlson, B. A., McKibben, J. N., & DeGruy, M. V. 1984. “Telemetric investigation of vertical migration of Nautilus belauensis in Palau.” Pacific Science 38:183–188.

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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!

Only 8 days Left! Get your 'I Rescued My Best Friend' T-Shirt, for $17 - Your Purchase Helps Support Homeless and Abandoned Animals at 'Animal Allies, Inc.' - Ends April 18, 2015

There are only 8 days left to purchase your 'I Rescued My Best Friend' T-Shirts. They are only $17, and your purchase helps to support homeless and abandoned animals at Animal Allies, Inc., a shelter located in Fairfax County, Virginia.

If you have adopted/rescued an animal. Wear your T-Shirt proudly! You have saved a life...and let everyone know! Limited edition of only 150. Only $17. Front of t-shirt reads: 'I rescued my best friend', and the back of the t-shirt reads: 'Visit your local animal shelter…and save a life! 'Adopt Don't Shop'. 

Last day to purchase, April 18, 2015. 

Your purchase will help provide care for homeless and abandoned animals at Animal Allies, Inc., in Fairfax County, Virginia.

To place your order, click here: 'I Rescued My Best Friend'

 There is no love, like the love that you get from an animal that you have rescued! They will never, ever forget what you have done for them.

I have setup a fundraiser campaign for Animal Allies of Fairfax, Virginia. My goal is to raise $1,250 to help this wonderful organization by selling t-shirts, that I designed with my favorite quote "Adopt Don't Shop!"

What a wonderful way to show the world that you have saved a life, while also getting the word out that animals should be adopted and not purchased!

About Animal Allies:

Animal Allies, a nonprofit, all-volunteer no kill organization dedicated to the rescue of homeless and abandoned animals. We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of VA. Founded in 1984, Animal Allies is devoted to curbing the irresponsible breeding of pets in an effort to end the overpopulation of homeless animals.

Animal Allies volunteers work to rescue lost, abandoned, or stray animals and find loving homes for them if possible. All animals in our system are vetted to check for disease and spayed and neutered to stop the cycle of unwanted animals.

Through a detailed process, we do our best to make sure each animal goes to a suitable home where they can enjoy love and shelter and the necessities for the rest of their lives, and provide their human companions with love in return. Our organization is funded solely through the generosity of the public and countless hours put in by our volunteers.

Ready to order? Click here: 'I Rescued My Best Friend'

Animal Allies, Inc.
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
(703) 940-9183
Website: http://www.animalallies.com/

Thank you, and please share!

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