The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Salt Lake City, Utah - Furious Man Confronts Police After Learning They Killed His Dog


Residents in Salt Lake City, Utah are up in arms after a local police officer shot and killed a man’s beloved pet dog last month while responding to a missing child report.

Authorities found the displaced toddler unharmed and sleeping inside its home around 30 minutes after they entered the yard of Sean Kendall on June 18 and killed his 110-pound Weimaraner, “Geist.”

The incident has since managed to garner the attention of animal lovers in and out of Salt Lake City after Kendall published on the web a cell phone video he recorded as he accosted the police outside his home moments after learning what had happened.

"About 15 minutes ago, I got a phone call from Utah Animal Control, calling to tell me that an officer had shot and killed my dog," Kendall says in the beginning of the clip. "He was inside my backyard in a fenced-off area. What was the cause for the officer to shoot and kill my dog?"

The footage next shows Kendall arriving at his resident in the city’s Sugar House neighborhood and furiously questioning the cops.

"What was the probable cause to trespass on private property and shoot my dog?" an outraged Kendall asks on camera.

“We entered the yard looking for a lost child,” Sgt. Joseph Cyr responds, according to Fox13Now. An officer on the scene “was threatened by the dog and shot the dog,” Cyr added. “That’s as simple as it gets.”

“So I get to bury my dog because an officer couldn’t back up and close the fucking gate,” the irate owner replies.

So far, police have only said that the dog approached the officer in an “aggressive manner,” prompting the cop to open fire.

The video has since managed to go viral, and viewers who have become outraged by the Salt Lake City Police Department’s behavior have certainly spoken up. The chief of the SLCPD has since been prompted to comment publically on the matter, a large protest was held outside of police headquarters over the weekend and even the city council has asked for an investigation.

“It’s overwhelming, the support of the community,” Kendall said at the protest on Saturday attended by hundreds, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Speaking to a local Fox News affiliate, the dog owner said he believes the officer responsible for the shooting should be disciplined justly. That law enforcement official has since been identified as detective Brett Olsen

“I believe this officer made a terrible judgment call,” Kendall told the station. “In my profession, if I make a terrible judgment I’m fired. “

“He was kind of all I had,” Kendall told Fox13 of his dog. “To me, he wasn’t just some animal. He was my best friend. He was kind of like a child. I went through raising him, training him.”

At a news conference on Friday, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank said he believes the officer was in the right.

"It is our responsibility that we do all we can to bring a safe resolution to the circumstances we encounter. This is a seasoned officer who has tremendous experience and has, in fact, been under fire and performed very well," Burbank said of Olsen. "I cannot in my mind imagine an officer coming forward and saying we didn't do all we could to find a missing child."

“In this particular circumstance, evidence shows that the dog was extremely close, in fact, within feet of the officer,” Burbank said. “After 23 years in law enforcement, I haven’t seen this type of public outcry when certain human beings have lost their lives,” Burbank said.

That outcry, Burbank added, has materialized in the form of complaints that he says the police department has received without end since last week.

“I absolutely demand that every single one of my officers treat the public with the respect and dignity they deserve. My officer, and officers, deserve no less,” Chief Burbank said.

Members of SLC’s city council have since written to Chief Burbank calling for a review of departmental procedures and an independent review of the shooting.

On facebook: Justice for Geist
https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforGeist














FOLLOW US!
/

Woman Establishes Fund in Dog's Name to Pay for Health Care for Successor Companion Animals at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center


Paulette Carter, on the staff at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center, brought her dog, Lincoln, to work for years to be a companion to the residents of Levindale. Sitting with her at left, Elaine Mintzes, is establishing a fund in his name to pay for health care for successor companion animals at Levindale. (Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun / June 18, 2014)

About 100 people gathered for a ceremony at the Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore last week, but it wasn't to honor a person. Instead, they paid tribute to a dog in a way that will help pets in the future.

The story starts with Elaine Mintzes, a longtime city volunteer and philanthropist who was a patient at Levindale in 2012 after suffering injuries in a fire. She remembers having a dog when she was 7; her parents gave the dog to neighbors because she didn't have the initiative to care for it. That was 81 years ago. Since then, Mintzes had no special affinity for pets, until a white poodle leapt into her room at Levindale and sparked a friendship.

"When he wandered into my room that first day, he wasn't terribly interested in me," she remembers. By contrast, Mintzes found herself drawn to the little dog, named Lincoln.

"I thought he might come back if I got some treats for him," Mintzes says.

Lincoln, it turned out, belonged to Levindale employee Paulette Carter, who took the pooch to work every day for more than 13 years.

Mintzes got some dog treats and gave one to Lincoln the next day.

"After that," she says, "he flew by other rooms and came directly to my room. He ultimately learned where I kept the treats, and then learned to open the closet door and get one for himself if I didn't do it quickly enough."

Mintzes and Lincoln bonded for more than a year. When Mintzes went home to her condo, Carter started taking her dog to visit. Mintzes was so insistent about it that she persuaded three doctors to write letters to the managers of her no-dogs-allowed building so Lincoln could come in.

"Lincoln was more responsible for my recovery than the medications Levindale gave me," Mintzes says. And Carter says Mintzes and Lincoln formed a special bond.

"He used to love seeing her," she remembers. "I used to call her 'grandma,' and I'd ask Lincoln if he wanted to go see Grandma. He'd wag his little tail!"

Helene King, media relations coordinator at Levindale, says Lincoln was part of the center's Eden Alternative program, under which several cats live on the property and employees can bring their pets to work to visit with patients. The resident animals are cared for by staff, and that care — including spaying or neutering and food — is paid for by the center. Until recently, that was a bit of a burden. That is, until Mintzes got wind of the situation.

Lincoln died two years ago after a long volunteer career at Levindale, and Mintzes says he was so instrumental in her recovery that she wanted to ensure other patients had the benefit of pets in the center. To do so, she established the Alvin and Elaine Mintzes Fund for the Care of Levindale Animals, with a personal donation to ensure that future Levindale pets get the care they need and can continue living at and visiting the facility.

"For some reason, Lincoln really touched her heart," King says.

Last week, Mintzes hosted a plaque-hanging ceremony at the facility to formalize her fund; the plaque reads, "In loving honor of Paulette Carter and in dear remembrance of poodle Lincoln Carter."

"It was the sweetest thing," says King. "Mrs. Mintzes catered the event and had cookies that looked like poodles. It was a lovely day."

Mintzes says she hopes others will donate to her fund to ensure pets will continue getting and giving great care at Levindale.

"Lincoln knew every nook and corner of the Levindale campus," says Mintzes. "He could have been a tour guide." She says his visits three or four times a week were what motivated her to keep moving through her recovery.

"I haven't gotten over it," she says of the dog's death in 2013. "I grieved more for him than I did for members of my family. Lincoln gave me unconditional love, and he didn't talk back. He was a perfect gentleman. When he opened his bedroom eyes, I became putty in his paws."

Levindale patients benefit from companionship of dogs and cats.


FOLLOW US!
/

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Five Years Ago Today, Julie Conway Brought Her Tremendous Fund Raising Skills, Her Smarts and Dedication, and Most of All Her Big Heart to Washington Humane Society!


From: Lisa LaFontaine, CEO & President at Washington Humane Society:

On June 29th, 2009, the landscape for animals in the District - and beyond - was transformed. What happened? Julie Conway brought her tremendous fund raising skills, her smarts and dedication, and most of all her big heart to Washington Humane Society.

There have been a lot of good times and tough rides during those years, but in the process, thousands of animals were saved and found new homes, the communities within and outside our walls became better places, and a bunch of boats, some obvious and some in hidden corners, were lifted.

Thanks from all of us for five great years - can't wait to see the greatness just around the bend!




Please Share!

FOLLOW US!
/

Saturday, June 28, 2014

The 2-Year-Old Blue Pit Bull That I Saved, Now Needs to Be Picked Up By A Rescue - If You Are a Rescue, Would You Be Willing to Take Fancy?


I want to first thank you for being loyal followers of The Pet Tree House. As you know my blog covers all areas from pet care to pet adoptions.

As my readers, I am asking for your help. On June, 13th, my husband and I saved the life of a 2-year-old Blue Pit Bull, and now she is ready to be picked up by a rescue so they she can go into fostering, or possibly get adopted.

Pit Bulls are illegal in Prince George's County. This is why she has to go to a rescue first, then put up for adoption. They can not adopt her out directly from the shelter.

I have been in constant contact with the Animal Shelter, and Fancy is progressing very well.

While they are looking for a rescue, I am trying to do my part in helping to get a rescue to pick her up. I have contact several rescues, but most are full and can not take her.

Staff at the animal shelter says, that she is a "tail-wagging sweetheart!"

If you are a rescue, or know of one that may be interested in taking Fancy, please share her story.

The shelter constantly sends me updated pictures her. You can see her pictures below.

Details: 
Name: Fancy
ID #A407542
Sex: Female
Breed: Blue Pit Bull
Age: 2-years-old
Spayed: Yes

Location:
Prince George's County Animal Management
3750 Brown Station Rd
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
(301) 780-7201




                                                                      Take a look at Fancy Now!














Please share Fancy. Thank you, from The Pet Tree House.

FOLLOW US!
/

Friday, June 27, 2014

Coolridge Animal Hospital - Your Pet's Health is Our Top Priority!


At Coolridge Animal Hospital it is our commitment to provide the highest quality medicine,and exceed your client service expectations. If at anytime we don't exceed your expectations please contact our Practice Manager Stephanie to discuss your concerns.

Our Bi-annual Wellness exams are designed as an important preventative measure to ensure your pets live a healthy happy life for many years to come.

Your Pet's Health is Our Top Priority

When you bring your pet in for the twice-yearly comprehensive checkup, he or she will receive a nose-to-tail exam. This entails an examination of all your pet's major body systems to help ensure that they are working normally. Because your pet can't tell you what's wrong, your veterinarian relies on regular examinations, as well as your observations, to determine his or her overall pet health.

Skin & Coat

Your veterinarian will begin the physical part of the pet checkup by examining your pet's skin and coat. This is important because the skin and coat are indicators of your pet's overall health.

Nose & Mouth

Your veterinarian will examine your pet's nose for any abnormal appearance or discharge, before examining the inside of your pet's mouth to look at dental health and check for abnormal masses or swelling. This helps to detect any signs of periodontal disease, since dental health is an important contributor to pet health.

Heart & Lungs

Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen to your pet's heart and lungs to check for heart murmurs and abnormal lung sounds. If your pet is due for any routine vaccinations or laboratory work, your veterinarian will take care of these needs during the pet checkup. Older pets may also have blood tests to check their kidneys, liver and other internal organs.

Eyes & Ears

When examining your pet's eyes, your veterinarian will check for discharge, redness, irregular or abnormal response to light and examine the optic nerve in the back of the eye. He or she will examine the ear flap, deep ear canals and ear drums for any abnormal smells, redness, the presence of infection, parasites such as ear mites, growths or tumors.

Legs & Joints

Your veterinarian will manipulate and feel your pet's legs, joints, abdomen and anal sacs to check for any unusual reactions, such as the appearance of pain or abnormal lumps. If a stool sample is available, your veterinarian will also perform tests to check for parasites. This process is an important part of dog and cat health.

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Avenue
Camp Springs, Maryland  20784
(301) 449-1610
Email: coolridgeah@gmail.com
Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com


Please Share!


FOLLOW US!
/

Washington, DC - Washington Humane Society - Thank You to Delucchi Plus for Designing and Donating Our Bold and Colorful New Signs!



A TREMENDOUS thank you to Delucchi Plus for designing and donating fantastic new signs for our New York Avenue Adoption Center! These bold and colorful signs, which were installed today, will certainly help adopters find their new furry friend.

Come by and check them out and meet your new family member at WHS! See everyone looking for their forever home online at www.washhumane.org/adopt.





Please Share!

FOLLOW US!
/

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

I Saved a 2-Year-Old Blue Pit Bull - Can You Help Me Find Her a Forever Home?


I want to first thank you for being loyal followers of The Pet Tree House. As you know my blog covers all areas from pet care to pet adoptions.

As my readers, I am asking for your help. My husband and I saved the life of a 2-year-old Blue Pit Bull, and now she needs a forever home.

Here is our story:

On Friday, June 13, 2014, I was sitting in my home watching a movie. I don't know why but for some reason I got up and looked out of the front door. It was close to 4:00 p.m., and the sun is always hot on the front of my home that time of day. I never go out my front door unless I am going somewhere. I am usually in the backyard playing with my little rescue, Jonas, a Yorkie/Shih-Tzu mix.

As I stepped out onto my front porch, I saw something moving slowly on the grassy area of the apartment complex adjacent to my home. I didn't know it was a dog a first because she was couched so low to the ground. When I realized it was a dog, I ran in the house and called the Prince George's County Animal Shelter, and got my husband.

When we got outside, she had crawled into the street. We kept our distance but were close enough to see that she looked to have rash on her skin, and her belly was very red. We knew not to approach and injured animal.

My husband immediately started directing traffic entering the complex around her. She stared directly in my face, she had the saddest eyes. I comforted her, telling her that someone was coming. Then she laid her head down on the ground…my heart fell, I felt so helpless. I said a prayer asking God to please let this baby hang on until help got here, I just kept talking to her.

It was a very hot day, and we had a hard rain the day before. I told my husband that she probably was out in the rain, the day before.

Within a half an hour, I saw a white van approaching that I recognized as being the Prince George's County Animal Rescue Van. I began waving, as she pulled up. I retreated to my front porch to allow her to do her job, which she did very well. As she opened the door to the van, I heard her say, "oh, you're going to stand for me, good dog?" She had no problem getting her into the van. I thanked her for coming. As she drove away, I looked up and said thank you God.

The next day, I called the animal shelter to check on her and found out that she was doing okay, but hadn't seen the vet yet. I asked what would happen to her now, and was told that she would need to be placed with a rescue before adoption.

Hi, my name is Fancy, and I am looking for a forever home. If you have room in your in heart and in your home for me, please contact the Prince George's County Animal Shelter.

We can not adopt her because we live in Prince George's County Maryland, and it is illegal to own pit bulls here. I suspect someone was hiding her.

I called back today to check on her and found out that the staff has named her "Fancy", she possibly has mange, and is responding very well to treatment. She will be evaluated in 7 days, and then will need to be picked up by a rescue before she can be adopted.

I was able go to the shelter's website to get this picture of her. I could not believe how good she looked. She was looking really bad when I saw her lying in the street.

I have a special connection to Fancy, and I am asking you to please share her to help get her a loving forever home.

If you are interested in adopting her, you will need to check with the shelter to get the information for the rescue.

Location:
Prince George's County Animal Management
3750 Brown Station Rd
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 780-7201 (The adoption center does not open until 12:00 p.m.)

Name: Fancy
ID #A407542
Age: 2
Breed: Female Pit Bull Mix
Color: Blue

I will keep you updated on Fancy, and of course, let you know when she is adopted!

Thank you for sharing!

Please Share Fancy!

FOLLOW US!
/

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Dog Owners Please Read! Jerky Treats Lead to 4,800 Complaints, Including Over 1,000 Dead Dogs and 3 People Who Fell Ill


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are teaming up to investigate over 1,000 dog deaths and three people who fell ill after consuming  chicken, duck and sweet potato pet jerky imported from China. Following the FDA’s last update back on October 22, 2013, 4,800 complaints of illness, some including multiple pets in one household, have been reported to the agency involving 5,600 dogs, 24 cats and three people.

According to the FDA’s latest report, around 60 percent of the cases were tied to gastrointestinal and liver disease, 30 percent kidney or urinary disease, and 10 percent that included neurologic, dermatologic, and immunologic symptoms. Approximately, 15 percent of kidney and urinary cases also tested positive for Fanconi syndrome, a rare kidney disease tied to reported cases of pet and human illnesses. The FDA has still been unable to identify an exact cause for the sudden outbreak.

The FDA and CDC are collaborating on a study tracking food consumed by sick dogs reported to the agency compared to what healthy dogs ate. Researchers hope the analysis will be able to tell what type of food (human or pet food) is making pets and people sick. The FDA has already performed 26 post mortem examinations on 26 dogs reported to the agency since October 2013. It was discovered that 13 of these dogs had consumed pet jerky and 11 showed signs of kidney disease while two were identified with gastrointestinal disease.

“The agency continues to review case records, test treat samples from reported cases, screen tissue, blood, urinary and fecal samples, and communicate with the attending veterinarians and pet owners to thoroughly investigate select cases,” the FDA said in a statement. “Because of the volume of information received in response to the Dear Veterinarian letter, the agency has not completed an update to our online case spreadsheets. FDA plans to complete and post these updates in the coming months.”

Of the three humans who fell ill as a result of consuming pet jerky, two were toddlers who ingested it accidently and one adult who was snacking on the pet treat for unknown reasons, NBC News reported. One of the toddlers was diagnosed with a salmonella infection and the other suffered from a gastrointestinal illness and fever, similar to the symptoms experienced by dogs in the same household. The adult reportedly suffered from symptoms including nausea and headache.

“Testing of jerky pet treats from China has also revealed the presence of the drug amantadine in some samples containing chicken,” the FDA added. “These samples were from jerky pet treats that were sold a year or more ago. Amantadine is an antiviral that is FDA-approved for use in people. It has also been used in an extra-label manner (using an approved drug in a way that isn’t listed on the label) in dogs for pain control, but FDA prohibited its use in poultry in 2006.”





Please Share!

FOLLOW US!
/