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Friday, October 4, 2013

New World's Smallest Dog - Guinness World Records - Meet Milly


Meet Miracle Milly, a brown Chihuahua, and, she's really small.

The dog world can rest easy tonight, as a new smallest dog in the world (actual title: Smallest Dog Living) has finally been christened by Guinness World Records. This caps months of intense speculation by dog lovers everywhere, with long-winded debates breaking out in comment sections, bars, and even the senate floor (Ted Cruz, R-Texas).

Finally, a ruling came down. The 2013 Smallest Dog in the World is ... small. Victory! To be sure, the dog is small. How small? I don't know.

Okay: She's 3.8 inches, from backbone to paw. Small, to use the vernacular.

 “She knows how to pose,” owner Vanesa Semler told The Associated Press.

She also knows how to crush her competition. Licking her paws right now is a dethroned long-haired Chihuahua from Kentucky named Boo Boo, who stands outclassed at a massive four inches. Enough about Boo Boo.

“Milly really likes salmon and chicken,” Semler said.

Here's what we know about Milly thus far, thanks to The AP:

Milly weighed less than an ounce when she was born and "fit in a teaspoon." We don't know whether Semler ever put her in a teaspoon.

Early on, she slept in a doll's crib next to Semler's bed.

She doesn’t bark and likes playing with the plants in Semler’s backyard. (The make of plants is not specified, so make of that what you will.)
Semler has nine other Chihuahuas.

“We give her a new toy almost every week,” Semler said. “She likes to cuddle with them.”

                                                                         Here is Milly amongst her awards:


                                                                      Here is Milly cavorting with a candy bar:


 
                                                                         Here is Milly on the View (second from left):


                                                       Here is Milly weighing in against Floyd Mayweather (TKO):


                                                                             Here is Milly eating a bone -- weird!


                                                    Sorry for knocking Boo Boo a while back. Here's a picture of Boo Boo:

In Milly's honor (also Boo's), let's hope that awards like these are just a fun thing we do to celebrate a quirk in a litter and that people aren't actually irresponsibly breeding dogs to be as small (or as large) as possible to win stuff like this.

Congratulations, Milly!

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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Wildlife Resort Bans Animal Print Clothing


A wildlife park has banned visitors from wearing leopard print clothing, because it is confusing the animals.

Chessington World of Adventures Resort today introduced the zero-tolerance policy on animal print and even brought in bouncers to enforce it.

Zookeepers noticed the trend for animal print clothing had caused animals to try to communicate with those wearing it, or to run away in fear.

                                                                      You're a funny-looking leopard.

The ban follows the launch of a new experience "ZUFARI: Ride Into Africa!", which sees visitors journey off-road on a safari adventure.

They come face-to-face with white rhinos, giraffes, flamingos, water buck and other antelopes such as blesbok.

Since the launch of the 22-acre Serengeti-style trail, Chessington's zookeepers have noticed the wildlife "becoming puzzled" when spotting visitors that look like them.

ZUFARI spokeswoman Natalie Dilloway said: "ZUFARI lets visitors get so close to wild species that if someone wears the same pattern to the animal's coat they can become over friendly."

"If they wear the pattern of its predator, it has the opposite effect and the animals become afraid and run away."

Animal print-wearing visitors will be handed grey boiler suits and ordered to wear them everywhere in the park so as not to antagonize or excite other animals including lions and tigers.

Spots and stripes: Chessington World of Adventures Resort today introduced the zero-tolerance policy on animal print and brought in bouncers to enforce it.

The resort has hired Animal Print Bouncers to identify anyone wearing leggings, coats, tops, hats or dresses which flout the regulations.

Banned prints at Chessington World of Adventures Resort include zebra, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, tiger and even hyena and African wild dog.

Ms Dilloway added: "Since the launch of ZUFARI, guests have interacted with the animals more closely than ever before."

"We have noticed a lot of animals becoming baffled by animal-print-wearing guests.
The enclosures at ZUFARI have been designed to replicate the conditions species face in the wild."

"Therefore it's no wonder animals are getting confused when they see what looks like zebras and giraffes driving across the terrain in a 7.5 ton truck."

Animal behaviour consultant Dr Candy D'Sa, of Alton, Hampshire, said colors and patterns can provoke strong reactions in animals.


Zero tolerance: Those who break the rules will be forced to wear boiler suits. "We kindly ask guests to refrain from wearing animal print at the park."

Animal behavior consultant Dr Candy D'Sa, of Alton, Hampshire, said colors and patterns can provoke strong reactions in animals.

She said: "Certain coloration's give warning signals to other animals.
For instance the yellow and black stripe of a bee is there as a warning and leopard print or tiger print will trigger some sort of instinct as well."

"Colors and patterns are there for a reason in nature - it's about predator-prey interaction.
My dog has probably never seen a snake in her life but I would expect her to act with trepidation if she saw a stripy snake as opposed to a plain one."

"Movement is also a key trigger. Big cats will start getting interested if someone limps past their enclosure because they look weak."

"Possibly the worst thing you could do is limp past the lion or tiger enclosure in a zebra print outfit."

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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Obamas Honor Washington Humane Society - Sunny, Canine Companion for First Dog Bo, Joins the First Family - Obamas Make Gift to Washington Humane Society


Washington, DC – It was the bark heard around the world. Yesterday, the First Family welcomed a new member into their family, Sunny, as a canine companion for First Dog Bo.

In honor of Sunny, the Obamas made a donation to the Washington Humane Society (WHS). WHS President & CEO, Lisa LaFontaine issued the following response:

“We're honored that President Obama and his family have once again recognized the Washington Humane Society as the leading voice for animals and are grateful for their generous gift. We hope others are inspired to add to their family, and see the value in having multiple pets. The companionship of another dog for Bo will certainly benefit him in ways that people can’t emulate. In honor of Sunny being added to the Presidential family, WHS will be offering a 25% discount for anyone adopting an additional pet into their family for the rest of August.”

On the same day, the White House issued a groundbreaking response to a public petition asking for a ban on Breed Specific Legislation, simply and powerfully stating, “We don’t support breed-specific legislation – research shows that bans on certain types of dogs are largely ineffective and often a waste of public resources.” (petitions.whitehouse.gov)

LaFontaine added, “We are pleased that the White House agrees with our position on the issue of Breed Specific Legislation. Science and experience has proven these laws ineffective, and there is no place for discrimination of dogs based on their appearance in an enlightened and compassionate society. Because WHS celebrates all animals, the generous contribution of the First Family will be used to help find homes for dogs who might otherwise be affected by breed discrimination.”

More about Sunny!



Bo (L) and Sunny, the Obama family's new puppy, are pictured on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington in this photo released on August 19, 2013 by the White House. The White House announced a new resident on Monday. Sunny, a one-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, moved into the Washington residence of President Barack Obama and his family, joining Bo, a male dog of the same breed, the White House announced on its website.



President Obama and the first family welcomed a new puppy to the White House. "Sunny" is a Portuguese water dog, the same breed as the Obamas' other dog, Bo.



                             Sunny, the new Obama family dog, on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday.

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Friday, July 26, 2013

Washington Humane Society's CEO Lisa LaFontaine Honored with a 2013 Brava! Award from SmartCEO



Washington, DC – The Washington Humane Society (WHS) is proud to announce that Lisa LaFontaine, WHS President and CEO, has been honored with a 2013 Brava! Award, which celebrates the distinguished achievements of Greater Washington’s women leaders.

Description: Lisa LaFontaine  President & CEO with Lila
In the July 2013 edition of SmartCEO, LaFontaine is commended for her dedication to DC animals which has helped the organization bring their adoption rates to an all-time high. Lisa is recognized for being a vocal advocate for pit bull type dogs, helping the organization achieve a 50% increase in revenue and a 300% increase in fundraising events, and going above and beyond as a foster parent for more than 200 homeless animals during her six years with WHS.

“Lisa LaFontaine is a strong leader and a visionary who has brought WHS to a level never seen before,” said Scott Giacoppo, WHS VP of External Affairs. “Under her leadership, the animals in the District of Columbia are in the best care possible within our power. Thanks to Lisa, WHS has saved the lives of more animals than ever before in our 140 year history.”

As the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the country, providing care to nearly 30,000 animals each year, WHS is proud to have a strong leader with the limitless courage and commitment to helping DC animals that Lisa LaFontaine has shown.


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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Woman Fined for Taking a Pony into McDonald's Where it Defecated on the Floor



A mother who was fined after her daughter took her pony into McDonald's claims that the pet has previously been served plenty of times - and has a fondness for a McFlurry.

Christine McGrail and daughter Olivia were told to tie up their steeds after being forbidden from using the drive-through service at the fast-food restaurant in Whitefield.

Managers at the franchise told Christine, 33, who was riding stallion Dancer, and her nine-year-old girl, on pony Minnie, they weren't allowed to queue with waiting cars.


                 Christine McGrail and daughter Olivia took the pony into the McDonalds so they could pick up a snack.



Christine McGrail and daughter Olivia were told to tie up their steeds after trying to use the drive-through service at the fast-food restaurant in Whitefield.


Ride-thru: The woman and her daughter attempted to use the drive-thru at McDonald's before taking a horse inside.

The mother says she took managers "iterally" when they suggested the pair dismount and enter the store.

So she let Olivia lead her six-year-old pony into the restaurant - to the amazement of customers.

But once inside, Minnie defecated on the floor and police were called.

The mother-of-one admits she acted 'rashly' after the pony opened its bowels in front of diners but claimed the treatment of horse riders was inconsistent.

She said: "Minnie likes McFlurrys. We've genuinely been served several times before and I didn't think using he drive-through would be a problem."

She said that Minnie, who defecated on the floor of the store, had a taste for the ice cream treats.

An officer issued Christine with a £90 fine for causing "alarm and distress" to customers and managers have also banned her.

A statement posted by Greater Manchester Police’s Whitefield branch on its Facebook page said they received a call from McDonalds.

It added: 'The staff refused to serve the women due to company policy.

The women then took the horse into the restaurant who ended up doing his business on the floor.



Not so happy meal: Staff and customers at the branch of McDonalds were distressed after the horse defecated inside the restaurant.


                                                              Ice cream culprit: Minnie loves the ice cream treats


Fine: She was issued with a fixed penalty notice after the horse defecated on the floor of the restaurant in Whitefield, Greater Manchester

The sight and smell of this caused obvious distress and upset to customers trying to eat, as well as staff members.

Officers arrived at the location and woman was issued a Fixed Penalty notice.

A spokesman for McDonald’s said: "I can confirm that on 20th July a woman allowed her pony to enter our restaurant in Whitefield after being refused service in the drive-thru lane."

The incident caused distress to customers and disruption for the restaurant and the police issued the woman with a Fixed Penalty notice.

The health safety of our customers and staff is our top priority and for this reason we are unable to serve pedestrians, bicycle riders or customers on horseback through the drive-thru.

The policy was introduced over fears that safety of staff and customers could be put at risk if a horse is spooked by a car.

The company said they would not be releasing CCTV footage of the incident.


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The Pet Tree House - New E-Book Oodles & Noodles - Available now on Amazon.com


Please check-out my new e-book "Oodles & Noodles" on Amazon:


Oodles & Noodles is a heartwarming story about a cat, named Oodles and a dog, named Noodles, who were both lost, but quickly became friends.  Follow them as they overcome obstacles living in the street as homeless animals and finally return home to their families. Oodles & Noodles will make you laugh and cry happy tears!

This story is great for all ages from children to adults. If you love animals...you will love Oodles & Noodles!

Click on the link to be taken to Amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Oodles-Noodles-ebook/dp/B00E3LZTQM/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&qid=1374682760&sr=8-34&keywords=oodles+%26+Noodles











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Friday, July 12, 2013

Squirrel Eating Car - Terrorizing a South Florida Family


A Florida family living in fear that they were being targeted by vandals discovered that the culprit has quite an appetite for destruction. The culprit? A squirrel.

A crazy car-eating squirrel with an appetite for destruction has been terrorizing a south Florida family.

The hungry critter, dubbed Munchy, has been biting fist-sized chunks of metal out of Nora Ziegler's SUV.

It's already ripped two 6-inch panels out of her Toyota Sequoia and seems intent on eating more.

But, bizarrely, he's left the four other cars that line the Martin County family's driveway untouched.

Ziegler told WPTV that she initially thought her vehicle was being targeted by vandals.
Cops were stumped and told her to remain vigilant, speculating that "someone was coming after her."

But she soon busted the culprit red-handed as she put out the trash one night.
Ziegler said she couldn't believe her eyes as she watched the squirrel, which was hanging by its teeth and gnawing away at the metal.

Relieved that she wasn't being targeted by hoodlums, she's now deciding what to do about the rampaging rodent.

"I'm not happy to see my car like this, but at least I didn't have any enemies, at least not people," Ziegler told WPTV.

Wildlife expert Hugh Curran, of Absolute Critter Removal, was however less shocked about the squirrel's choice of food.

"If they're looking to make a nest, chewing for them to find a cavity, to make a nest, that's not unusual at all," said Curran.

Video:






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Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Washington DC - Washington Humane Society - Poisoned Pill Pockets Unfounded


Washington, DC –On Thursday, June 27, 2013 the Washington Humane Society (WHS) was alerted to the claim that someone was alleged to be leaving poisoned dog treats in the Logan Circle area of Washington, DC.

“After a thorough investigation by our Humane Law Enforcement division, we cannot substantiate the claim that there is anyone out there intentionally attempting to harm pets,” Scott Giacoppo, WHS VP of External Affairs reports, adding, “Our investigation has revealed that one dog has been reported sick from the consumption of an unknown toxin. After a thorough investigation, which included outreach to every veterinary clinic in the District, we have received no evidence to indicate that this was intentional, happened in a public space or that there may be a threat to animal safety.”

Humane Law Enforcement Officers have been in contact with the owner of the dog who has gotten sick. Based on his limited cooperation, and the lack of direct evidence to support the claim, WHS has decided to close the investigation. Humane Law Enforcement will re-open the case if and when additional evidence is discovered.

WHS maintains that pet owners should always be cautious of potentially hazardous materials when walking pets in public areas. Dr. Megan McAndrew, WHS Medical Director, advises that you bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, rapid or difficult breathing, or pale, dark or blue gums within 12 hours after your pet may have eaten an unknown substance.


(These are a malleable beef flavored treats that one uses to envelope medicine for dogs and cats)

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