Washington, DC - The Smithsonian's National Zoo: Help Name Our Andean Bear Brothers - Voting Ends March 22

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is asking for your help in namimg two of its newest additions. In November, the Zoo's eight-year-old Andean bear Billie Jean gave birth to two cubs and now the Zoo is crowdsourcing naming of the bear brothers.

The first cub, which the Zoo describes as "rambunctious and seems to need Mom's attention a bit more than his brother," has three options to vote for: Larusiri (lah-roo-SEE-ree), which means "giggly;" Mayni (MY-nee), which means "unique;" and Kusisqa (coo-SEES-kah), which means "happy." The cub's brother is described as "playful and likes to wrestle but is more laid back than cub #1" has the following name choices you can vote for: Tusuq (too-SOOK), which means "dancer;" Muniri (moo-NEE-ree), which means "loving;" and Wayna (WHY-nah): means "young."

If you're curious about the origins of the names, they're Quechua and Aymara, which are the languages of the indigenous communities in the Andes, where the bears originate. According to folklore, Andean bears were "said to protect pilgrims, especially musicians and dancers, during their pilgrimage to Q'oylluriti (a festival held high in the Andes mountains)."

The Zoo describes Andean bears as a "loving and happy, seeking harmony and balance in nature," which each of the name suggestions represents. Voting ends on March 22 and the winning names will be announced on March 26.

To vote, click HERE.

FOLLOW US!

Meet Nicholas an Adorable 6 ½ Month Old Yellow Lab Raised with a Special Needs Child - Family Can No Longer Care for Him - Do You Have Room in Your Heart and in Your Home for Nicholas?

Meet adorable Nicholas, a 6 ½ month old, 60 lb, Yellow Lab. Nicholas has found himself in the shelter through no fault of his own. This extra special boy was being raised with a special needs child but the family had several family issues that prevented them from continuing to care for Nicholas.

This is a gentle sweet boy, loves people, was living with several other dogs, and is housebroken. He would do best in a home with at least one other dog for companionship, a playmate, and to help him gain confidence in himself as he explores the world around him. Do you have room in your heart and in your home for Nicholas?

If you are interested in adopting Nicholas, click here: Nicholas


Operation Paws For Homes

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc. operates throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC and southern Pennsylvania; OPH is devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of animals from high kill shelters in the southern region of the United States

To learn more about them, click HERE.

Website: Operation Paws For Homes



General Information: operationpawsforhomes@gmail.com
Adoptions: adopt@ophrescue.org

Operation Paws for Homes, Inc.
P.O. Box 90813
Alexandria, VA 22309
Fax: (804) 302-7975

Please Share!

FOLLOW US!

A Denver Family Was Asked to Move Their Mailbox After Mail Carriers Complained of Snakes on the Property

Denver, Colorado – A family was asked to move their mailbox this week, after mail carriers complained of snakes on the property.

Laurie Simmons got a letter in the mail Friday explaining that she had to either move the mailbox from the porch to the curb or she would have to get a post office box to receive mail.

Simmons and her family rent the home in Denver's University Hills neighborhood. She said the two snakes that live in her flower bed are garter snakes, which are harmless.

However, the United States Postal Service says it takes safety of all mail carriers seriously and if a carrier feels a property is unsafe, they can choose not to deliver mail there.

The home is a rental. Simmons says her landlord will not build a new mailbox but has offered to remove the snakes. Simmons doesn't want the snakes removed, because she feels they are an important part of the ecosystem.





FOLLOW US!

Angels for Animals Foundation Launches 'Guardian Angels K9 Fund' to Help with Medical Expenses for Police, Military and Service Dogs

After seven years of service, hero police dog "Judge" was forced to retire due to health problems.

Judge lost his battle with Cushing disease last month, but not before he was given he was given an emotional final salute from fellow officers at St. Francis Veterinary Center in New Jersey.

Judge's incredible story inspired the veterinary hospital to start a national fund that will help care for service dogs like Judge in times of need.

Judge's former partner, Corporal Michael Franks, and Mark Magazu, chairman and founder of the Angels for Animals Foundation, appeared on "Fox and Friends Weekend" this morning, accompanied by Franks' adorable new four-legged partner, Taser.

Magazu said that the Guardian Angels K9 Fund, which was launched yesterday, provides medical assistance to police, military and service dogs when budgets are strained.

Franks revealed that Judge's medical bills were in excess of $12,000, so the help is very much needed.

"We're asking you guys to think about donating to the fund," Magazu said. "We're here, helping dogs like Taser, should he ever, God forbid, find himself ... injured or getting sick or something like that."

"It's an important fund. These guys, just like our police, their risks are gunshots, kicks, assaults. And those medical bills, like Judge, can get up into the tens of thousands."

Watch the "Fox and Friends Weekend" clip below and learn more about how you can help support heroic service dogs by donating to the Guardian Angels K9 Fund.

To donate to the Fund, simply text the word “GuardianK9” to the number 41444, followed by a space and then the amount you would like to donate. Donations can also be made online at www.BeMyAngel.com/Guardian.

For additional information, visit the Angels for Animals Foundation
On facebook

Website: Angels For Animals



About Guardian Angels K9 fund
The Guardian Angels K9 Fund is a dedicated fund of the Angels for Animals Foundation solely focused on raising money to provide life-saving medical care to police and military service dogs on active duty and in retirement. More information can be found at www.BeMyAngel.com/Guardian

.

FOLLOW US!

Tips for Keeping Your Child Safe Around Animals

Children are naturally drawn to animals. In order to help make "man's best friend" your child's best friend, it is important to take into account the guidelines for the safety of your child around animals.

Having a pet can be a very positive and rewarding experience for a child. Children learn responsibility and compassion through caring for a pet, and gain a wonderful companion as well.

As a parent, you must be the one to decide the appropriate time to introduce a pet to the family based on your child's age, behavior, maturity, and interest.

In making such a decision you will need to determine how much of the animal's care you expect the child to be responsible for and/or how much you intend to be responsible for.

Recognizing your pets moods.
The most important lesson to teach your children is to always treat animals gently and with kindness. Animals that are in pain, are afraid, or feel threatened are most likely to bite or scratch to protect themselves.

Animals, like humans, have times they just want to be left alone. Help your child learn how to recognize your pets mood, and to give him/her some space when they would rather be left alone.

To ensure animal safety for kids teach your child never to pull an animal's ear, tail, or feet when playing and to not wrestle roughly with animals. Children should never restrain animals against their will.

Your pet is a family member!
Family pets adjust to children best when they are treated as part of the family. Dogs should never be left outdoors chained up - dogs that are permanently chained up are more aggressive and more likely to bite.

Spay or neuter your pets; pets that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to bite than pets that have not been "fixed." Consider enrolling your dog in basic obedience classes - even a well-behaved dog can benefit from such instruction and it is a great bonding experience between pet and owner.

Keep your pet's immunizations, preventative meds (heartworm), flea and tick treatment and check-ups current. It's to the benefit of animal safety for kids to guard against disease.

Use a microchip and/or tag with up to date contact information so if your pet is ever lost, the odds of being found and returned home safely are greatly increased.

Animal safety tips for kids

• Avoid the face and head area when petting dogs and cats. Stroke along the neck, back, and sides. Cats, unlike dogs, may bite or scratch when rubbed on the belly.
• Leave animals alone when eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy, or caring for its babies.
• Pay attention to warning signs - an animal that is growling or hissing wants to be left alone!
• Explain to your child that animals may be startled by loud, high-pitched screams or noises and sudden movements.
• Never approach an animal you do not know. Animals in vehicles and yards may behave aggressive and territorial and are likely to bite. Always ask permission from an animal's owner before approaching a friend, neighbor, or acquaintance's animal - even if you have played with the animal in the past.
• Never approach an animal that appears injured or sick.
• Never approach stray animals.
• Teach your child not to run when approached by a strange dog. Running may provoke the dog to chase and attack. Teach your child to act like a "tree" by standing still and staring straight ahead until the dog leaves or acting like a "rock" if sitting or knocked to the ground by curling up in a ball keeping his/her hands over his/her ears. If a dog attacks teach your child to throw something like a backpack or coat for the dog to bite.
• If your child is responsible for cleaning animal cages, litter boxes, or cleaning up the yard after a dog have him/her wear rubber gloves and always wash his/her hands when done.
• Keep food dishes and litter boxes out of reach of babies and toddlers.

Introducing your new baby to pets.
On the other hand, if in your particular situation you already have a dog or cat and are planning to introduce your new baby to the household, the following are some helpful tips to ensure animal safety for kids as well as a smooth transition period.

• Even before the baby arrives it is a good idea to let your pet smell blankets or clothing with baby powder or oil on them so that the pet becomes accustomed to the new smells. Likewise it is a good idea to play recordings of a baby crying several times and to run baby equipment, such as the swing, so that that pet becomes accustomed to the new sounds that the baby will bring to the home.
• It is a good idea to put a baby gate in the doorway to the baby's room to keep dogs out of the room, rather than closing the door. That way the dog can still keep family members in sight and will not feel as isolated.
• Never force interaction between your pet and the baby which could lead to anxiety or injury - you want your pet to view the interaction positively.
• Introduce the new baby slowly to dogs or cats.
• Consider taking your dog to obedience classes
• Do not allow pets to sleep with the baby
• Cats don't usually display jealousy towards a new baby, but may be attracted to the warmth of the baby's bed or bassinette.
• Life can be hectic with a newborn, but don't forget your pet. They will still need your time and attention to.

Your childs health and pets
Children under the age of five are more likely to contract diseases from animals than most other people.

This is largely due to that fact that young children are less likely to wash hands well and are more likely to put their hands or other potentially dirty objects in their mouths.

Children under the age of five should never be unsupervised when interacting with animals, their hands should be washed after contact with animals, and they should not be allowed to kiss pets.

Due to the increased risk of disease from certain animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommend that infants and children under the age of five should avoid contact with the following animals: reptiles, amphibians, baby chicks, ducklings, and petting zoo animals.

FOLLOW US!

Washington, DC - Meet Simon, a Lovable 3-Year-Old Pit/Terrier Mix, Who is Looking to be Fostered/Adopted - Do You Have Room in Your Heart and in Your Home for Simon?

Sharing from Simon's dad:

HELP NEEDED: Alan and I adopted Simon two months ago. He is such a sweet pup but we have come to the realization that Simon would be better served in a quieter neighborhood. He is wonderful inside the home, so sweet and cuddly, yet once we go outside he is so scared in our Dupont neighborhood with all the hustle and bustle. Simon is a 3-year-old pit/terrier mix and had a real tough life before he was rescued by the Humane Society last year. He has a slight wrist deformity in his front two legs but that doesn't stop him from being completely normal.

We are working with the Humane Society to try to find a new foster home in a quieter neighborhood. If you (or know of anyone) whom might be a good fit for Simon, either as a foster or a permanent home, we would greatly appreciate it.

We are trying to move fast because Alan and I will be headed out of town in 3 weeks and need to find Simon a good place to live before then. It tears us up to have to do this but we've realized that finding a temp/perm. home for Simon outside of our busy world is the best to allow him to be a dog.

If you are interested in fostering/adopting Simon, please contact Michael Bigley at:
michaelbigley@gmail.com

Please Share Simon!

FOLLOW US!

Dog Nearly Died Because the Veterinarians at Animal Clinic Botched His Treatment: New Lawsuit Charges

Andrew Sachs, a Manhattan lawyer, says he brought his dog, Mimosa, to a Manhattan animal clinic because of allergies, and the dog nearly died because the veterinarians there botched his treatment, a new lawsuit charges.

Andrew Sachs, a Manhattan lawyer, says in the suit that in 2012 vets at BluePearl New York on West 55th Street gave his then-6-year-old half Shih Tzu, half toy poodle named Mimosa a nearly lethal mixture of prescription pills.

They then provided subpar and overpriced treatment for more than a week as the poor pup got sicker and sicker, the suit charges.

The clinic was more concerned with making money than providing quality care, charging $2,000 a day while withholding news about the dog’s worsening condition, according to the lawsuit.

“Throughout the whole experience you’re giving [BluePearl] the benefit of the doubt. I don’t know anything about veterinary medicine. They’re the experts,” Sachs told The Post, calling his now-traumatized dog a “member of the family.”

BluePearl defended their treatment of Mimosa, but told The Post they are taking Sachs’ allegations very seriously.

“We are aware of the facts of this case and the concerns expressed by Mimosa’s owner. But we feel confident in the treatment provided to Mimosa by our skilled veterinarians,” Dr. Jennifer Welser, chief medical officer for BluePearl, said.

Sachs originally brought Mimosa to BluePearl back in March 2012 in hopes that a specialist could help alleviate the dog’s chronic allergies, the suit says.

But the clinic was disorganized from the beginning — Jill Abraham, the vet who administered the toxic mixture of prescription drugs, was “very late” to the appointment and then made excuses, saying, “I’m doing more then I am supposed to be doing,” according to the lawsuit.

Mimosa was eventually transferred the to a Pennsylvania clinic, where the dog was saved.

Since the traumatic treatment at BluePearl more than two years ago, the apricot-colored pup has needed home-cooked meals and daily meds to deal with his trauma, the suit says.
“Ever since this, she’s a little high-strung and snaps at people,” Sachs said. “She’s very defensive now.”

FOLLOW US!

Heartwarming Story: Father Waits Outside Animal Shelter All Night To Adopt The Dog His Son Wanted For His 5th Birthday

Fredericksburg, Virginia - A preschooler, Robert Lucas III, fell in love with a small, silky terrier he saw at the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.

"He let it be known that that was the dog he wanted and he didn't want any other dog," said his father, Robert Lucas Jr.

His father tried to interest his son in other furry friends at the shelter. But little Robert wasn't having it…he wanted Gibbs.

His persistence presented a problem for his parents, who were determined to get a dog for the young boy's 5th birthday. They stopped by the shelter a few days before Gibbs would be available for adoption. And shelter workers told the family that several other people had expressed interest in the butterscotch/chocolate colored dog.

The shelter allows dogs to be adopted on a first come, first served basis on the day they become available. Dogs become available about a week after they enter the shelter, to allow original owners time to reclaim them.

Robert's parents worried they wouldn't be able to get the popular pup. So his father hatched a plan: He would get to the shelter very early - a little after midnight - on February 7.

But as he put his son to bed the night before, he wondered if that would be early enough. So he left their Spotsylvania County home early, and reached the parking lot at 11 p.m. He stayed in his car until the shelter opened at 8 a.m.

Smaller dogs tend to be more popular, said Mike Null, animal control officer for Stafford County. Many local residents live in apartments or townhomes, where there is a weight limit for dogs, he said.

But he's had hopeful adoptees line up for dogs of all sizes.

"It's not uncommon for us to open the gate at 6:30 or 7 in the morning and see someone waiting," Null said.

And for Lucas, the long wait ended in triumph. He was the first one on the scene and got to bring Gibbs back home, where young Robert waited to greet his new furry friend.

Gibbs and Robert met like old friends, and immediately started playing together, Lucas said. The family kept the dog's name, which they assume is a nod to the television show "NCIS" and its main character named Gibbs.

Robert's little sister is also enamored of Gibbs, but the youngest family member- an infant sister- can't seem to figure out what the fuss is all about.

But there's no doubting her older brother's affection for the pup. Nearly a month after Gibbs joined the family, Robert is still devoted to his new sidekick.

It's a puppy love that was worth a stiff neck and a few hours in a car, Lucas said.

"I don't regret one second of it," Lucas said. "From the time my son wakes up to the time he goes to bed, he's talking about the dog. He's very excited to have him, and he's his new best friend. They are inseparable."

FOLLOW US!

How To Properly Pet Animals

Learn how to interact with animals and you’ll have more furry friends than you know what to do with.




FOLLOW US!

Tips On How To Properly Trim Your Dog's Nails

The most common reasons for avoiding nail trims are that the owner is afraid of “quicking” the dog, or that the dog fusses and creates bad feelings around the procedure. Nail cutting becomes an event surrounded by angst and drama. For very active dogs who run all day long on varied surfaces, cutting nails may not be necessary. High mileage wears them down naturally. But among city or suburban dogs who are lucky to get a mile or two walk daily, excessively long toenails are more common than not.

Consequences Of Long Toenails
So what’s the big deal? The first consequence of long toenails is painful feet. When a dog’s toenails contact hard ground, like a sidewalk or your kitchen floor, the hard surface pushes the nail back up into the nail bed. This either puts pressure on all the toe joints or forces the toe to twist to the side. Either way, those toes become very sore, even arthritic. When the slightest touch is painful to your dog, he will fuss when you pick up his paw to cut nails.

The second consequence of long toenails is more serious. All animals rely on information from nerves in their feet to move through the world and process gravity accurately. For millions of years, wild dogs have run long distances while hunting and worn their nails short. The only time their toenails would touch the ground was when climbing a hill. So a dog’s brain is evolutionarily programmed to associate toenail contact with being on a hill, and he shifts his body posture accordingly: leaning forward over his forelimbs, up the imaginary hill as reported by his toes. Since the hill is not real, a secondary compensation with his hind limbs is necessary to avoid a face plant. This abnormal compensatory posture can be called “goat on a rock,” because it brings his paws closer together under his body.

Normal neutral posture is a nice show dog “stack,” with vertical legs like a table. Recent research shows that standing with limbs “camped-in” is hard work to maintain. These goat-on-a-rock dogs get over-used muscles and eventually over-used joints, especially in their hind limbs, making it difficult to jump in cars, climb stairs and even hard to get up from lying down. Sounds like a lot of older dogs we know! Cutting toenails short can be like a miracle cure for your dog whose hind end has become painful, weak and over-used.

How To Trim The Toenail
Toe nail maintenance requires a trim every two weeks, just like maintaining human fingernails. If you can hear nails clicking on your kitchen floor, they are much too long. But don’t despair, the technique shown here will make short work of getting your dog’s nails back to their correct shape. The concept is easy: trim around, never across the quick, which is actually your dog’s finger.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

NAIL CLIPPERS

• Use only “scissor” type clippers. Guillotine style clippers crush the toe, which is painful. Never put the whole nail in a clipper.
• Use small size clippers for better control. Only giant breed dogs will need large ones.
• Keep your tools sharp: either replace or sharpen your clippers regularly.
• “Quick-guards” obscure your view of the nail. If possible, remove them, or at least tape them back so that they won’t interfere with your work.
• “Pedi-paws” type grinder: Smooth out your trim afterwards with a rotating emeryboard.
• File only the insensitive nail around the top and sides of the quick: “Sharpen the pencil” where the nail is the wood and the quick is the lead.

IF YOU CUT THE QUICK
Use corn starch to staunch the bleeding if you make a nail leak. With shallow cuts, this will be rare.
It’s easiest if you use a small container with tightly packed powder.

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Trim nails outside or in a well lit room.
• If you need “cheaters” for reading, use them for toenail clipping too.
• It’s actually easier to see the nail structures on pigmented nails than on white ones. The insensitive nail will show as a chalky ring around the sensitive quick.
• Keep clipper blades almost parallel to the nail – never cut across the finger.
• Don’t squeeze the toes – that hurts! Use your fingers to separate the toes for clipping and hold the paw gently. Use a pair of blunt edged children’s scissors to remove excess toe hair: nothing dulls clippers quicker than cutting hair!
• Remember, no dog ever died from a quicked toenail. If you “quick” your dog accidentally, give a yummy treat right away.
• Make nail trimming fun: always associate nail cutting with cookies and praise.
• For maintenance, cut every two weeks. To shorten, cut every week.

Once the insensitive nail is thinned out and isn’t supporting the quick, the quick will dry up and recede. This will allow you to cut your dog’s nails even shorter. Each dog’s nails are different, but very long toenails often become dry and cracked, with a clear separation of the living tissue and the insensitive nail. This will make it easier to trim back longer nails.

What’s inside your dog’s toenail? (image above)

On the left, the interior structures are shown, along with the suggested angle to remove the “roof” of the nail, while not harming the sensitive quick. On a black claw, the interface between sensitive and insensitive nail is usually chalky and white – very easy to discern. On the right is a close-up view of the inside of the nail. On cross section, the sensitive quick will look translucent and glossy, like living flesh. In untrimmed claws, there will often be a “notch” below the tip of the quick. It is usually safe to initiate your angled cut at the notch.

Some dogs act like cutting their nails is their worst nightmare. This may be a learned behavior from their painful, overstimulated toes, which will slowly dissipate along with the pain once the nails are short. Use all your best restraint and behavior modification tricks to get through the initial phase, whether your dog is a squirmer or a drama queen.

Start on the hind feet, because the nails tend to be a little shorter and less sensitive than the front. But remember you can’t make an accurate cut on a moving target so get help from your dog trainer or groomer if needed. Make nail trimming “quality time” you spend with your dog. Lots of kisses, lots of treats and a positive attitude go a long way. If you dread it, your dog will too, so learn how to be a good actor until you succeed in believing it can be a loving experience for you both. If your dog loses patience quickly, try cutting one nail a day. As long as you keep the order of toes consistent, this will be a good maintenance schedule, giving every toe a trim every 16 days.

Short toenails are critical to your dog’s health and soundness. Failure is not an option!

FOLLOW US!

Ferret Adrenal Disease

Tumors of the adrenal gland in ferrets can cause excess secretion of sex hormones, thus affecting many organs in the body. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common problem in middle aged and older ferrets. Even though most of these tumors are not malignant, they can cause significant disease if left untreated.

Dogs and cats get a problem similar to this, although it acts and is treated differently. In dogs and cats it is due to an excess secretion of cortisone, not sex hormones. In these species it is called Cushing’s disease.

At the very end of this page is a QuickTime video of part of a surgery to remove cancerous adrenal glands and cancerous nodules on the pancreas. You will need QuickTime from www.apple.com to be able to view it.

Physiology
This disease involves reproductive hormones. In a normal ferret, a hormone from the hypothalmus in the brain,  called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) causes stimulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones stimulate the release of estrogen and testosterone from the gonads. A very sensitive negative feedback loop maintains just the right amount of estrogen and testosterone. This sensitive balance is upset in adrenal disease of ferrets.

Cause
The exact reason this tumor arises is not completely unknown. It is seen more often in the U.S. than in Great Britain, where different breeding and husbandry practices are utilized. It is speculated that diet, exposure to sunlight, and neutering are all factors, with neutering being the most important one.

Ferrets breed seasonally, causing variation in melatonin release with varying daylight. Less daylight means more melatonin and a thick haircoat. This higher level of melatonin eventually exerts a negative feedback on the release of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. When ferrets are spayed and neutered the negative feedback is disrupted, more of these sex hormones are secreted than is normal, and clinical signs develop.

The three main types of adrenal lesion encountered are:
Nodular hyperplasia that occurs 56% of the time
adrenocortical adenoma that occurs 16 % of the time
adrenocortical adenocarcinoma that occurs 26% of the time


To continue reading, click HERE! FOLLOW US!

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Minor League Baseball Team Will Not Be Giving Away Hermit Crabs At Their Opening Game - Auctioning Off Special Jerseys to Benefit the Herman Crab Association

 Waldorf, Maryland - A Waldorf minor league baseball team is abandoning a plan to give away 1,000 live hermit crabs on Opening Day.

After announcing the plan, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs received thousands of emails, calls and posts on social media-- both for and against the promotion.

In response, the team says it will change its name to the "Southern Maryland Hermit Crabs" for Opening Day, which is April 24.

Players will wear special jerseys that day, which will be auctioned off to benefit the Hermit Crab Association. Members from that organization will be invited to throw out the first pitch.

Hermit crab activists will also be given the chance to speak to fans attending the game.

You can read my previous post here:
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

FOLLOW US!

Amtrak Service Animals and Pet Policy

Available on the Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr May 5, 2014 - April 26, 2015; Saluki & Illini August 11, 2014 - April 26, 2015

Carry-on Pet Pilot Program
Amtrak and the state of Illinois will extend the carry-on pet pilot allowing customers to take their small dogs or cats along with them on the train that started on May 5, 2014 through to April 26, 2015 on the Carl Sandburg, and the Illinois Zephyr, Trains 380, 381, 382 and 383. In addition, the pilot will expand to include the Illini and Saluki, Trains 390, 391, 392 and 393 starting August 11, 2014 through to April 26, 2015. For more information on the types of pets allowed, pet reservations and fares, approved pet carriers and additional details, review the complete Carry-on Pet pilot program guidelines.

With the exception of the Carry-on Pet pilot program, Amtrak does not permit pets on trains or Thruway services, in passenger areas of train stations or in checked baggage.

Only Service Animals Permitted
Generally, animals are not allowed on Amtrak. However, service animals are permitted in all areas where passengers are allowed. Service animals are animals that are trained to perform a specific task for the benefit of a person with a disability. Amtrak personnel may ask what task(s) the service animal performs.

Animals Not Allowed
The following types of animals are not permitted:

Comfort Animals: Animals not trained to perform a specific task, but which are said to provide emotional support or to relieve anxiety simply by their presence (for example, by the passenger holding or stroking the animal).

Pets: Animals for which no claim of any service is made.

Search and Rescue Dogs:* Animals that are trained generally, but not to assist a particular passenger.

Police Dogs:* Other than dogs brought on trains by the Amtrak Police Department.
* If the passenger or agency feels an exception needs to be made for search and rescue dogs or police dogs, contact the Amtrak Police Department for assistance.

Control of Your Service Animal
You must keep your service animal under control at all times. The animal should always be on a leash, harness or other tether, unless either the handler is unable because of his/her disability to use a harness, leash or other tether, or the use of a harness, leash or other tether would interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of work or tasks, in which case the service animal must be otherwise under the handler's control.

Amtrak personnel may require you to remove your service animal en route or from the station premises if:

the animal is out of control and you do not take effective action to control it (for example, a dog causes a significant disturbance by barking repeatedly and uncontrollably or is not housebroken) or
the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

If you are asked to remove your service animal, but you would like to remain on the premises and/or continue travel without the animal, you must make arrangements for another person or local animal control to accept custody of your animal, and you may be required to continue or begin your Amtrak travel at a later time or on a later date.

Service Animal Must Remain on Floor
A service animal must sit under the passenger's seat or at his or her feet. Service animals are not allowed to sit in the aisle or on seats.

Walking Your Service Animal
If the train schedule permits, you may walk your service animal at station stops provided that you stay within reasonable proximity to the train and re-board promptly when the conductor notifies you that the train is about to depart. If you plan to walk your animal during the trip, please notify the conductor when you first board the train. Some routes may have limited or no stops for the duration of your trip, so we encourage you to check schedules before you make your travel plans.

Amtrak employees are not responsible for the care or supervision of any passenger's service animal.

Making Reservations with Service Animals
It is not possible to make reservations that include service animals on Amtrak.com. Amtrak encourages passengers using service animals to make reservations by phone so that we can reserve an accessible seat or space (if desired) and provide you with information regarding intermediate station stops. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TTY (1-800-523-6590). Agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

FOLLOW US!

Andrews Air Force Base Personnel - Dog Found on Base on March 12, and Brought to the Prince George's County Animal Shelter - Do You Know This Dog's Owner?

"Fiona" (Shelter name) A420124 was found on AAFB yesterday and brought in by two awesome military men in hopes she'd find her family. Please, if you live on Base, contact us to get her back.

Prince George's County Animal Shelter
3750 Brown Station Rd
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 780-7200

Website: Prince George's County Animal Shelter

Please Share!

FOLLOW US!

A Couple Took Their Dog to PetSmart to Get His Nails Clipped and He Died Shortly Afterwards

Niles, Michigan  - A couple took their dog to PetSmart to get his nails clipped and he died shortly afterwards.

Terry Archer and Sheri Mills took their four year old English Bulldog Bubba to the PetSmart in Mishawaka for the nail clipping.

"We were looking forward to a good day together. We were going to go buy him some new toys, take him to get his nails clipped, and go for a walk on the beach later," said Archer.

When Archer and Bubba got to the store, they walked around the store while Archer picked out new toys for his dog.

Then he decided he would go by the salon before he and Bubba left.

"It all happened within a matter of about five minutes, at least that's the way it seemed in my mind," Archer said.

He recalls there being about five to seven dogs in the grooming salon when Bubba was taken in by the groomer.

Archer stood and watched through the window.

"I'm watching the girl in the back and she says, 'Hey I need some help, can somebody please hold the dog?' So another girl walks back there and I see her lay over the top of Bubba, Bubba's laying on the table, arm around my neck and lays around the top of him,” Archer added.

The next thing he knew he was carrying Bubba's lifeless body out of the store and riding in the car with the groomers on the way to the emergency vet clinic where he was pronounced dead.

“I had his lifeless body in my arms and he was just limp and hanging over," he said.

Archer and Mills said they have never had a dog like Bubba before and see him as just another member of the family.

"We've never fallen in love with an animal like we did with him. I've never hurt so bad about losing an animal than we do with him. We loved our dog, he was a family member," said Mills.

The couple said that PetSmart expressed condolences to them for their loss a few days after it happened.

PetSmart also released a statement, that said: "At PetSmart, the health and safety of the pets in our care is our top priority, and we are truly saddened by the loss of Bubba. An investigation is underway, but our initial review indicates that our associates acted appropriately by helping the pet parent find the nearest open pet emergency center. We require all of our pet groomers to complete an extensive training program and an annual safety certification. We believe that a continued focus on high standards is an effective way to hold groomers accountable and promote safety in our salons."

FOLLOW US!

Two More People Have Now Been Arrested in Connection with the Dog Who Was Shot and Left Tied to Railroad Tracks

Tampa, Florida - Two more people have now been arrested in connection with the dog who was shot and left tied to railroad tracks because she wouldn't fight.

Tampa police announced this morning that the dog's owners have been jailed after detectives found two more dogs allegedly used for fighting. Two juveniles had already been arrested yesterday after a weeklong investigation.

Kenny Bell and Darnell Devlin, who are brothers, are facing two counts each of possessing a dog fighting dog. Police said they also admitted they owned Cabela, the dog that was found shot twice and tied to train tracks.

"The two that were arrested today purchased [Cabela] for the purpose of dog fighting," Tampa Police Department Assistant Chief Eric Ward said. "One of the two teens arrested earlier in our investigation indicated that she wouldn't fight so that's why they needed to get rid of her."

The story of 'Cabela,' as she has since been named, has made headlines around the world. The female mixed breed was found last Wednesday night, tied to a railroad track and suffering from gunshot wounds. Police say the dog had been bought for fighting, but when she wouldn't fight, her new owners decided to get rid of her.

Two teenagers, both 17, were arrested Wednesday night. Ward said surveillance video shows them, Bell and Devlin leading Cabela toward the tracks.

Police said the suspects told them they tried to shoot the dog, but she ran away. They tracked her down at the home of Bell and Devlin and, according to detectives, the teenagers took her back to the tracks where they tied her down and shot her multiple times.

Officers found the dog after they responded to calls about shots fired in the area of Eskimo Avenue. They named her Cabela and she has since had surgery to repair one of her legs.

Ward said during the investigation, detectives found two more dogs in the home of Bell and Devlin; both animals had injuries consistent with dog fighting. The dogs are now with Hillsborough County Animal Services.

"There were several injuries, not only along the neck but all over their bodies," he said, adding police also found evidence of dog fighting in the backyard.

FOX 13 spoke with Alicia Young, the mother of both Bell and Devlin, who said her sons are innocent.

"I'm not going to say I have the perfect boys but they are not what they're trying to charge them with and put across the media is not true," Young said. "I'm their mom and I'm going to stand behind them 100 percent."

Young said her sons never owned Cabela and described their interaction with her as "middle-men," delivering the dog from her former owners to the two teenagers who are accused of shooting her.

Young also denied Bell, 18, and Devlin, 21, are involved in dog fighting.

"I'm trying to clear their name because this is not right," she said.

Police, however, said they've received confessions from everyone involved.

"Often times we don't tell our mothers the truth. Through the course of the investigation this is what was told to the detectives," Ward said.

In juvenile court Thursday, one of the 17-year-olds got home detention, with a stern warning from the judge:

“I better not catch you violating home detention young man,” he said.

The other teen, who is facing a gun charge, will stay in juvenile detention until his next court date. He has been arrested 16 times since age 13.

FOLLOW US!