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

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.