I Rejected The Perfect Pet Adoption Family For The Wrong Reasons

I read an interesting post today on my social media page. It said:

"I continue to see rescues treat people in a way that will sadly keep irresponsible breeders and pet stores in business."

Before you judge that statement, this person is heavily into rescue. I'm involved with rescue and I have more friends than I can count in rescue. I am a fan of tons of rescues and individual animals. However, I totally get her post and there are many who agree.

Of course, this statement is not about all rescues. I do believe we must take a step back every so often and do a reset, much like a dog shaking it off. I attended an animal shelter worker seminar years ago and the speaker asked us to raise our hands while he asked several questions. These questions were yes or no questions with no room for offering explanation. As we responded, the speaker would choose specific people to put their hands down based on their response. We were asked if we had a fenced in yard, if we let our cats go outside, if we had kids, if we had other animals, if we lived in apartments, if our animals were home alone for more than four hours, if every one of our animals was up to date on vaccinations, had a recent fecal screening, were on heartworm preventives, flea control and so on. At the end of the questioning, only a few people had their hands still raised. He then revealed he was reading from a collection of adoption applications and only those with their hands still raised would qualify to adopt. Eye opening to say the very least.

He wanted us to see how we unintentionally narrow the chances for animals to find a home. He also read off some adoption fees from rescue groups that ranged from $100 to $500. The adoption fees for shelters ranged from $0 to $200. I have personally experienced interaction with rescue groups who seemed uninterested in my desire to volunteer, adopt or foster. I have also been the person reviewing adoption applications.

I turned down an adoption application because the other dog in the house, who was ten years old, was not neutered. I was adamant I was doing the right thing; downright adamant. The people had fallen in love with a dog at the shelter. They had been to the shelter several times meeting with the dog and discussing their decision. When I turned them down the wife started to cry. She told me they didn't know that neutering their dog meant they were responsible pet owners but I made sure to correct her. She expressed that considering the dog's veterinarian monitored health issues, neuter was considered risky at that point. She also advised me he'd never sired any puppies and was a stray when he joined their family as a young dog. Still, I said no. A few weeks later they came back to the shelter. I smugly thought they had their dog neutered because of me and I could now approve them. They actually came to show me their new puppy. A puppy they purchased from a pet store because they didn't have to meet any qualifications to buy him. I had just played a part in supporting a puppy mill.

To read more on this story, click here: I Rejected ThePerfect Pet Adoption Family For The Wrong Reasons

Protecting Your Pet from Foxtails and Grass Awn Disease

If you've never heard of foxtails, you may hear about them soon enough, and regardless of where you live, I urge you to be on the lookout for them. These treacherous little plant awns are ubiquitous in California, reported in almost every state west of the Mississippi, and have recently spread to the east coast as well.

Foxtails and Barbed Grasses

There are many varieties of foxtails, both native and non-native, but only some have harmful spurs. Among them is foxtail barley, which is found throughout the U.S. except in the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast states, and also grows throughout Canada and in parts of Mexico.

In an interview with The Bark, botanist William Lauenroth of the University of Wyoming warned that Midwestern states have seen a sharp increase in foxtail-related infection rates in field dogs. Sporting dogs often run through thick brush where they can inhale or swallow foxtails.

Lauenroth is working with the AKC and sporting dog groups to combat grass awn disease, also known as grass awn migration disease. They suspect that barbed grasses, in particular Canada wildrye, planted on land where field dogs train, may have caused the spike in cases of the disease.

Lauenroth discovered that not only has Canada wildrye been planted in the Midwest, it is also common along the east coast.

Why Foxtails Are So Dangerous to Pets

In late spring and early summer, foxtail plant heads turn brown and dry, and scatter across the landscape. The tiny spikes on the plant heads allow them to burrow into soil, and wildlife also helps spread them around.

The foxtails eventually and inevitably make their way into the noses, eyes, ears, mouths, and just about every other opening of dogs' bodies, including the vulva and penis. They can get deep into your dog's nostril or ear canal or under the skin in no time, and often too fast for you to notice them.

These deadly little plant heads can burrow into your dog's fur and pierce the skin, often between the toes. They can end up virtually anywhere in your pet's body, and symptoms depend on where the foxtail is located. For example, if your dog is shaking her head, there could be a foxtail in an ear canal. If she's suddenly sneezing uncontrollably, she could have one in her nose. Foxtails in the lungs can cause coughing and difficulty breathing.

A dog's body isn't capable of processing foxtails, either degrading or decomposing them. To make matters worse, foxtails carry bacteria and can only move in one direction (forward). Unless they are found early, they can continue to travel throughout a dog's body, creating abscesses, damaging tissue, and causing grass awn disease.

A grass awn infection can be very difficult to diagnose, in part because the infection occurs behind the migrating foxtail. In addition, foxtails are hard to see using traditional imaging techniques, because they are small, covered with infection and scar tissue, and are invisible on x-rays.

As you can probably imagine, once a foxtail is roaming around inside your dog's body, it can be incredibly difficult to find. It's not uncommon for veterinarians to perform multiple surgeries before a foxtail is finally located and removed.

Protecting Your Pet from Foxtails and Grass Awn Disease

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to foxtails or is exhibiting suspicious symptoms, I recommend you consult your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately to find out how to proceed.

Obviously, avoiding foxtail exposure altogether should be the goal, but that's not always possible. If your dog does encounter foxtails, it's important to carefully comb through his coat – and also check his ears, mouth, and between his toes – a few times each day to remove any that you find before they have an opportunity to wreak havoc on your pet's health.

You might also want to investigate these safety devices other dog owners have created to keep their canine companions free of foxtails:

OutFox Field Guard 
Foxtailfree Hoodies 

Foxtail Dog Protector 

Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility - American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Course: June 13th, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Participants will learn proper CPR techniques for pets, how to handle urgent care situations and receive free copies of the American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid books and DVDs.

Registration and $70 course fee per person required. For more information or to register for the course call (240) 847-2121 or visit classes.redcross.org

WHAT: American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Course

WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2015

TIME: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION:

Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility

3750 Brown Station Road

Upper Marlboro, Maryland

  

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Southern Pudu Fawn, Born at the Queens Zoo: The World’s Smallest Deer Species

New York has a new, very small, very adorable deer fawn. The Wildlife Conservation Society announced that on May 12 a male southern pudu fawn was born at the Queens Zoo.

The baby pudu looks something like a cross between a deer, a puppy, and a baby goat—a serious cuteness trifecta. According to the WCS, pudu, which are the “world’s smallest deer species,” are good “jumpers and sprinters” and “bark” in the face of a threat, but are also “shy” creatures. This baby pudu, who has yet to be named, was 6 inches tall and 6 inches long at birth.

If you are eager to see more pudu, the birth of this little guy means that there are now three pudu on exhibit at the zoo. 

This is not the Pudu born at the Queens Zoo

Washington Humane Society: 28th Annual Bark Ball Online Auction is Now Live! – Ready…Set…Bid!

Washington, DC – The 28th Annual Bark Ball is only two short weeks away on June 20, but the online silent auction is LIVE RIGHT NOW! You do not want to miss this auction. Bid from the comfort of your home, on your lunch break at work, or even on your phone! EVERYONE can bid, and ANYONE, ANYWHERE can win – you do not need to attend Bark Ball to participate.  

With more than 100 items available, we have something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for autographed sports memorabilia, limited pieces of art, exciting pet options, or one-of-a-kind getaways – this auction is a MUST SEE! Best of all, 100% of winning bids support the life-saving work of the Washington Humane Society! 

Bidding is as simple as 1, 2, 3! 

1. Visit the Bark Ball Auction website at www.washhumane.org/BBAuction. 

2. Preview all of the fabulous items. 

3. Register and start bidding today!

Auction Highlights Include: 

• Collection of fine wines and champagne  

• A variety of hotel packages and getaway excursions from across the country

• Ticket packages to see the Washington Nationals, Washington Wizards, and more 

• Kennedy Center tickets 

• Luxurious salon, spa, and fitness club packages 

• Exclusive behind the scenes tours at prominent DC landmarks  

• Fine art pieces 

Don’t delay – start bidding today! The Bark Ball Online Auction is LIVE and EVERYONE can bid. The auction will close at 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2015. You do not have to be present at the Bark Ball to bid and win. 

Event Information: Date:  Saturday, June 20, 2015 Time:  6:00 – 10:00 PM Location: Washington Hilton   1919 Connecticut Ave NW   Washington, DC Tickets: www.barkball.org   

 

For more information, visit us online at www.barkball.org, call 202-735-0324, or email events@washhumane.org.  

A limited number of Bark Ball Press Passes are available. Please contact Rachel Thaler at rthaler@washhumane.org or 202-735-0323 for information. 

About Washington Humane Society: The Washington Humane Society (WHS) is the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States and has been the leading voice for animals in the District of Columbia since 1870. WHS provides protection and care to more than 51,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including: sheltering, adoption, humane law enforcement, spay and neuter, humane education, human – animal rehabilitation programs, and lost and found services. For more information, please visit www.washhumane.org.

Below are some of the items up for auction. To see the full on-line auction, click here: 

#115 - Beautiful Cherry or Maple Tree from Wheat's Lawn & Custom Landscape, Inc.

Details: Highlight your home with a beautiful tree. Wheat's Landscape will provide and deliver a 7-8 foot Maple or Cherry Tree to your residence.

#130 - Black and White Professional Pet Drawing

Details: Black and white professional pet portrait of cat.

#182 - Cynthia Howar Fine Art

Details: 2007 piece: "Students in Class" - 30" x 40"

#116 - Two Tickets to "The Guards" at Ford's Theater

Details: Enjoy two (2) tickets to 'The Guards' at Ford's Theater in Washington DC (September 25-October 18, 2015)

#112 - Seven Days in Big Sky Montana

Details: Take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the biggest skiing in North America. Schedule a one week stay in the Big Sky Flakes condo in beautiful Big Sky Montana. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium has a full kitchen, gas grill, Sauna/hot tub, an additional sleeper sofa, dining table for 8, free Wi-Fi, multiple cable TV's and a fireplace with wood included. There are free shuttles to and from the ski-lift (10 minute ride). This is also a great Summer Getaway to explore the Northwest location a short drive to Old Faithful and the northern entrance to Yellowstone.

#199 - Harvey Bone-a-Part Cat Basket

Details: This is the gift basket for the ultimate cat lover and includes a pet brush for cats, treats, collar, laser pointer to play with, scratch mat and pad, framed cat picture, 15% of any purchase coupon and a plush Petlinks System cat bed.

#101 - VIP Redskins Package

Details: This package is for the ultimate Redskins fan and includes 2 Club Redskin tickets with access to the StubHub Club Level, premium concessions and leather padded seats; 2 pre-game tickets, and a VIP parking pass.

#146 - Washington Nationals vs LA Dodgers Tickets for Four

Details: Four (4) tickets to the Nats vs Dodgers game on Friday July 17, 2015 at 7:05 PM. Seats are in section 117 Row U between third and home plate.

#209 - Crab Dinner for Two from Harbour House Crabs

Details: This gift basket is perfect for a summer dinner on the porch and includes glasses, mallets, and a $150 gift card to Ilovecrabs.com

#169 - Ronald S. Perlman, MD - $1,000 off Surgeon Fee

Details: This certificate entitles you to $1,000 off any surgical procedure regularly valued at $2,500 or more with Ronald S. Perlman, MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.

To visit the online auction, click here:   

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A Swedish Man Who Kept a Herring Gull in his Apartment as a Pet Was Forced to Let the Bird be Euthanized by Animal Welfare officials

Nora, Sweden, - A Swedish man who kept a herring gull in his apartment as a pet since it was a chick was forced to let the bird be euthanized by animal welfare officials, news media reported.

The man had been keeping the bird in his home for two years, Sweden's The Local reported, but officials in the city of Nora said he could not keep the gull in captivity without a permit.

The Nerikes Allehandra newspaper recently reported that an animal welfare inspector found the bird in the man's dark, tiny bathroom after a neighbor made a complaint. The tenant reportedly told officials he'd kept it as a pet since it was very young and let it fly around in his home.

The bird had never flown outside, officials said, and would have had no chance to fend for itself in its natural habitat. The man fed it fish and vitamins, meaning it would not know how to find its own food in the wild.

Since local law prohibits citizens from catching and caring for wild birds without a permit, the city decided the bird must be euthanized immediately, on the spot.

The man reportedly asked animal officials to release the bird into the wild, but they refused because they said the gull was never trained by its mother to survive on its own.

A Georgia Man Who Put a Cat Inside a Ferocious Dog's Cage Just to Watch it Die Will Spend Eight Years Behind Bars for the Cruel Act

An Athens man was recently sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to charges that he placed a cat in a dog’s cage to watch it be killed.

In addition to aggravated animal cruelty, 21-year-old Jahmal Anthony Swaby pleaded guilty to threatening a witness who had called police to report the cat was being killed at Swaby’s home on Conrad Drive. He also pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and theft by receiving stolen property.

Western Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge David Sweat on May 28 sentenced Swaby to eight years in prison and 12 years on probation. The sentencing order signed by the judge indicates that Swaby’s penalty did not result from a negotiated plea agreement.

Codefendant Trevaughn Miquan Thomas, 21, previously pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges. His case is still pending in Clarke County Superior Court. According to Athens-Clarke County police, Conrad Drive residents reported Sept. 30 that they were in their home and heard a cat in distress. Going outside to investigate, they told police, they saw the cat in a cage outside Swaby’s and Thomas’ home being chased around by a dog.

One of the witnesses described the cat as “running around inside the dog cage screaming for its life,” according to police, and said Swaby and Thomas were urging the dog to “get it.” The suspects reportedly laughed each time a witness yelled for them to stop.

One of the witnesses said that after calling 911, she saw the cat was “running for its life while injured,” according to police. Police said when officers arrived the cat was dead and the dog was still biting the carcass. One officer noted in an incident report that the caged dog appeared to be “angry” and “was biting and jumping towards me.”

The officer further noted that there were several other young cats in the yard that appeared to have come from the same litter of kittens.

According to police, one of the witnesses reported that when Swaby later walked past her home, he pointed two fingers “similar in shape of a gun.” The woman told police she believed Swaby meant to “threaten or intimidate her.”

During the subsequent investigation, police said Swaby was found to be in possession of a stolen revolver. He was not supposed to have firearms under the terms of his first-offender probation from a 2013 burglary conviction.

An Effort to Use a Fake, Life-Sized Orca to Scare Off Hundreds of Sea Lions Crowding Docks Off the Oregon Coast, Ended with the Fiberglass Creature Going Belly-Up

Portland, Oregon - An effort to use a fake, life-sized orca to scare off hundreds of sea lions crowding docks off the Oregon coast ended, at least temporarily, with the fiberglass creature belly-up after it was swamped by a passing ship.

Still, Port of Astoria Executive Director Jim Knight said the sea lions briefly "got deathly silent" when the orca sailed into view. That was just before it started listing and tipped over Thursday night.

Once the 32-foot killer whale replica is dried out and repaired, "There's a chance we'll do it again" Friday, Knight said.

Earlier Thursday, officials had to find a replacement motor for the fake orca — actually a boat with a driver inside — that belongs to a whale watching business. It was brought overland from Bellingham, Washington.

Sea lions have become a nuisance to Astoria and commercial fishermen because they damage docks, prevent boaters from using the docks and eat lots of salmon.

Knight took the day's adventure in stride, calling it "a learning experience."

Once equipped with the replacement motor, the fake orca "was going fairly well and then a cargo ship came by and its wake swamped the whale," he said. "Our crew from the port had to go rescue the operator so he didn't drown.

"You can't make this stuff up," he added.

He estimates 1,000 people showed up to watch, applauding as the bogus whale took to the water.

As for the sea lions, there may have been an effect beyond their brief silence. Knight said there were 400 to 500 sea lions Thursday morning and perhaps 200 by Thursday night, when the fake orca was tied up to the docks where they rest.

"They probably think it's dead now that it's belly up."

Knight wishes the orca had gotten a chance to play its recordings of real killer whale calls, especially the "call to dinner" — usually emitted in the wild after they kill a sea lion or seal.

The original plan called for the orca to be driven around in the waters near Astoria, free of charge to the port. It can also tow a smaller, 7-foot-long orca behind it.

In recent weeks, the Port of Astoria has tried creative ways to keep the animals away, including installing beach balls, colorful tape, chicken wire and electrified mats. Of those, Knight said the beach balls have been the least expensive solution with initially the best results.

"There's something about flashing, moving bright colors that (sea lions) don't like," he said. "They jumped off the docks."

He said the beach ball idea could be revived.

The sea lion population has increased dramatically in recent decades. The animals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but the law includes provisions allowing for deterrence of the sea lions to protect private property.

The Astoria sea lion population is dwindling at the moment as many of them follow the salmon migration north. However by mid-August, they'll be back in force, Knight said.