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.

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!

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.

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

.

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.

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!

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.”

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."